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{Hope for the Home} Linky Party: The Heart of the Matter

2013-05-20T05:00:00.000-04:00

A few days before Mother’s Day, my husband asked me what I’d like for a gift. I knew he wanted to show his genuine appreciation and that my daughters would want to demonstrate their feelings in a concrete way, too. As is our tradition, they would each give me a sweet card sharing elements of their love for me and they’d take me out to lunch or dinner. But they wanted to present me with something tangible to mark the occasion as well.

And I felt truly blessed by his desire to bless me. But I didn’t know what to say.

A few things I could use or enjoy quickly came to mind: a new printer, a gift card to a local bookstore, a weekend retreat to catch up on my scrapbooking. But when I began to think about what I truly need as a mom, I realized it’s not something my family can wrap up and top with a bow. In fact, it’s not something they can provide at all.

Simply put, what I need most is an ability to focus each day on the heart of the matter in terms of my calling.

Motherhood is not about finishing the laundry or designing the most well balanced meals. It’s not about the 3,796 diapers a mom changes for each child. It’s not about the carpool or organizing memorable birthday parties. It’s not about volunteering in the classroom or finding the ideal homeschool curriculum. It’s not about enrolling the kids in extracurriculars and supplemental activities. It’s not about planning “perfect” family vacations.

Of course, all those tasks (and many more) fill our time. And each small job has value and purpose, demonstrating our love for our families in concrete ways. But if we focus on the utilitarian doing of motherhood without remembering to be in the moments, we’ll miss the point. We’ll spend our kids’ childhoods exhausted and bitter about all the time “they’re taking from us” and then wallow in regret once they’re grown. I know women like that; I never want to become one.

Instead, what I most need as a mom is a growing desire to be fully present with my kids – mentally and emotionally – moment by moment. I need my heart to be with them while my mind and body work through the necessary to-do lists. I need to notice the details as their faces change from those of girls into young women…to really hear their ideas and questions…to grasp the intricacies of how each is wired…to put down the work in order to hold and comfort them.

That’s not something my family can give me. It is God’s gift to me, ready and waiting. But accepting the gift is a matter of my will – each day and in each moment. That’s hard because life is so full and busy. But I know that’s the heart of the matter.

Go here for more ways to make God apart of your everyday life and home, and be sure to link up your own ideas below!

About the Author: Tina Hollenbeck and her husband Jeff are raising two daughters and have another waiting for them in the arms of Jesus. Before becoming a mom, Tina taught English to immigrant kids in public secondary schools for nine years, but now she cherishes her role as an at-home wife and mother and also advocates passionately for homeschooling. Tina writes regularly for her blog, Being Made New, and is also the staff writer for Celebrate Kids, Inc, a Texas-based ministry to parents and educators. In addition, she’s developing a public speaking ministry of her own, and is available to address homeschoolers, women’s groups, and young people on a variety of topics. In her spare time, Tina enjoys singing on her church’s worship team, exercising, and scrapbooking.

{Faith and Fitness}: Day In and Day Out

2013-05-15T09:00:00.000-04:00

So the thing is, the key to a healthy lifestyle is consistency and discipline. It's day in and day out. My sister is having bridal portraits in a few weeks and I will be in a few of them with her. And in about 6 weeks my family will be taking a trip to the beach. Now let the panic set in. Because I've been in a rut.

I'm not even sure when it happened. But over the last two months I've been eating poorly and not exercising at all. Sure I've been active but I haven't been doing anything that will tone me up. And now that I'm about to be apart of 2 events that make you completely and totally aware of your body composition, I'm freaking out. Because I know better than to let myself go like that and because I'm so mad at myself for doing that. It's like I kept putting it off because I thought I had time, but now here we are and it's the middle of May! I swear I blinked and 6 months went by.

But here's the other thing, it's not too late to start NOW. And that's what I keep telling myself. So many times I find myself throwing in the towel before even getting started because I already feel overwhelmingly behind. And that's exactly where I am now... feeling overwhelmed at the thought of getting into a swimsuit and feeling a sense of regret for ruining all the hard work I put in previously. On the one hand it seems easier to not start because in my mind I won't be where I could have been by the time we head to the beach. But that is so so so silly, because if I start eating right and exercising now, I'll be better off in 6 weeks than where I am now. I've got to let that mindset go. I can't be drowning in regret and expect to get anywhere.

So that's what I'm doing. I'm starting now. I call it dieting, but what it is, is making healthy food choices day in and day out. It's exercising consistently. It's making a lifestyle change. Because I want to be healthy forever, not just a couple months out of the year. It's discipline. And sometimes the results take awhile, but that's okay.

And it's never too late to get started. Or in my case, re-started.

"For the moment, all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11

To see the previous posts in the {Faith and Fitness series}, go here.

About the Author: Jessica Vick Lewis is a Worthy of the Prize volleyball coach. She was the assistant volleyball coach at Martin High School for 5 years and the assistant volleyball coach at Seguin High School for 1 year, before she began "staying home" with her boys full-time. Check out her Advocare site for all of your health and wellness needs and follow her family blog to see what her and her boys are up to! Jessica is married to S, a Construction Manager, and they have 3 little boys...c, e and n.

{Hope for the Home} Linky Party: The Wide Spectrum of Mothering

2013-05-13T09:42:00.003-04:00

Happy Monday! My husband, Scott, spoke about the legacy we leave as parents (and grandparents, aunts and uncles, teachers, etc.) yesterday and included a special prayer for Mother's Day. One of the things that he pointed out was that Mother's Day doesn't always bring happy memories for everyone. For some people it is the most painful day of the year. For some, it's the first Mother's Day without their mom. For others, it's the first Mother's Day without their child. For others still, it's a reminder of the longing they have every day for a child of their own. This really spoke to me, as I was in the middle of celebrating my first Mother's Day as a mother of two, with a sweet daughter added to our family this year.

After we got home from lunch, I saw this picture below. "The Wide Spectrum of Mothering" by Amy Young was read at a local church during their services yesterday and I thought it was so fitting...it was exactly what Scott had spoken about. I thought that it was worth sharing today, as a reminder that everyone is going through something and needs prayer for their certain situation! Will you join with me in praying for each of "those"listed below?

Have a wonderful week as you bring hope into your home though the One who brings us all hope!

About the Author: MJ Smith has her little corner of the internet to document her family, their home and their adventures - and any crafting that occurs along the way - over at 517 Creations. She has the greatest job in the world: being a stay-at-home momma of a wild and wonderful little boy and a sweet baby girl, and is married to Scott, a pastor, which often makes for such a fun (and crazy) life!

{Faith and Fitness}: Stay Fit Doing An Activity You Love

2013-05-08T12:46:00.000-04:00

If you have read my bio, you know that I am engaged! Brendan and I will be getting married in July and we are very excited! Right now we are working on our pre-marital counseling and our counselor suggested that we find something that we both like to do and use it as an anchor in our relationship! Our anchor…cycling! This weekend we did the MS150, a 150 mile bike ride over the span of two days to raise money and awareness for Multiple Sclerosis. We had so much fun spending time together and being active! As hard as the ride was, having someone that you love to be around, right there with you encouraging you along the way, made it seem so easy!

When thinking of ways to stay active it is important to think of things that you enjoy doing! The more you like the activity and look forward to doing it, the more you will get out of it. I love playing volleyball, and do it at least once a week. That is a great way for me to burn calories without realizing that I am even working out! Whatever you decide to do, have fun! Just a tip, from personal experience, if you are going to do a big event…make sure you train for it!!! Showing up and trying to go all out is not a good idea for your body and recovery! Thank goodness for AdvoCare products and Epsom salt baths!!

Go here to see the previous posts in the {Faith and Fitness} series.

About the Author: Sarah Vick is the director of Worthy of the Prize Volleyball. She is the assistant volleyball coach at Birdville High Shool, where she also coaches track and teaches special education, life skills. Check out her Advocare site for all of your health and wellness needs and be sure to follow her Fit 4 Life Facebook page for healthy recipes, fitness tips and encouragement as you journey to a healthier lifestyle. Sarah is engaged to B, a Youth Pastor.

{Hope for the Home} Linky Party: Parent/Child Dates

2013-05-06T22:31:00.000-04:00

This past Friday when I picked Little A up from school, I took him on a "date" to get ice cream...just the two of us!

I was frustrated because I feel like I don't get enough quality time with my oldest baby anymore...it is never just me and him. I get Little E to myself alot because he is still at home and then Little A joins us after school. Anytime the kids are split up, it is usually Little E with me and Little A with Big A, that's just how it works out most of the time.

As a result, we have decided that every Friday morning Big A will take Little E to get donuts, just the two of them and every Friday after school, I will take Little A to get ice cream...or really whatever they want, but so far it has been donuts and ice cream!

It is such a blessing to be able to spend some quality time with each one of my babies, doing things they enjoy, bonding and talking without the distraction of the other one. It is precious time together and I highly suggest you try it with your children as well!

Fridays work best for us because it is Big A's day off, but you find whatever time works for you and find out what your child would like to do. Once a week works for us at this point, but that may not work for you...maybe start with once a month. Children grow up way too fast and I know I will always cherish these memories together and will never regret the time spent with each of them!

Do you have any ideas for parent/child dates? What has worked for you?

Go here for more ways to make God apart of your everyday life and home, and be sure to link up your own ideas below!

About the Author: Erin Vick Franklin is the founder and director of Worthy of the Prize. Erin has a BBA in Marketing and Management from TCU and a Masters of Christian Education in Church Recreation from Southwestern Seminary. She is a published, award-winning author and poet. Purchase her book Worthy of the Prize Sports Camps: A Church's Guide to Implementing an Effective, Community-Reaching Christian Sports Camp to be used as an outreach tool for your church or mission organization. Erin is the wife of A, a Worship Pastor, and a work-at-home-momma to 2 crazy little boys, a and e.

Free May Scripture Printable: The One My Soul Loves

2013-05-03T10:33:00.000-04:00

As you know, I have decided that as part of my goal to reach the nations for Christ this year (reach being my 2013 word), I will provide a free scripture printable for you every month this year...because it all starts in the home, reaching our families for Christ.

May is my absolute favorite month of the year, for many reasons! One reason being that it includes my anniversary. At the end of this month, Big A and I will have been married for 10 years!!! Crazy how time flies!

To celebrate, we are headed to Savannah to spend time together (just the two of us!) in one of the most beautiful cities, where we spent our honeymoon together!

I simply cannot imagine a better husband to spend my life with. God has truly blessed me with him. Every year gets better and I look forward to many, many more!

Go here to download my January print, which is entitled "Hope for a New Year." Here to download my February print, "Love Never Fails." Here to download my March print, "A New Creation." And here to download my April print, "Rest for the Weary."

Happy May, friends!

{Faith and Fitness}: Ready, Set, GOAL!

2013-05-01T10:00:00.000-04:00

We all have goals and ideas of what we would like to accomplish. Some of us want a faster 5k time. Some of us want to cut back on the calories. Some of us just want to become more disciplined in the area of fitness. Lets cut to the chase, we all have goals but how many of us are consistently working towards achieving them? So often we get off track or make excuses as to why we were not intentional in moving forward. Below are a couple reasons we get off track (Roadblocks) and ways we can combat that (Action).

-ROADBLOCK: Satan does not want you to move forward when it comes to growth, especially when you are honoring and growing in the Lord through your goal setting/achieving. He wants us to believe lies and become stagnant. If you aren't growing or moving forward then you are of no worry to him.

-ACTION: The bible tells us to meditate on the Lord's word day and night. Fill your mind, renew your mind so that you can have a clear focus and vision and listen to the Truth that the Lord has told you and not the lies the enemy uses to disarm and hurt you. The Lord has come to give you life but the enemy has come to kill, steal and destroy. (Ps. 119, Romans 12:1-3, John 10:10)

- ROADBLOCK: We do not have written goals that are visible to be seen daily. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR FUTURE or GOALS to your memory.

-ACTION: Write them everywhere! Let it be a daily reminder of what you want and where you are going. Life gets hectic but if you have the reminder around you all the time its easier to stay focused.

-ROADBLOCK: You have not created a discipline/habit to achieve your goal. So its hit or miss.

-ACTION: It takes 21 days to form a habit. That means in the pursuit of your goal you must do the same action 21 days in a row for it to begin to be habitual. Try this, pick an action that will help you (daily) get closer to your goal. Start it within the next 48 hours, stay with it for 21 days and see what happens. :)

- ROADBLOCK: Comparison!!! Too often we are zapped of motivation or joy in the journey because we begin to compare our progress or journey with that of others.

-ACTION: STOP comparing! If you are moving forward and honoring the Lord as you do, then it should not matter what others are doing. Comparison can rob us of so much joy. It creates blinders that inhibit us from seeing the true progress we have made.

I would love for you to post your goals at the bottom of this and check back in next month to let me know how you have done! You can also email me at lollie.barksdale22@gmail.com. I would love to encourage you and pray for you as you start, continue and accomplish your goals!

About the Author: Lauren Barksdale is the founder of Soul Fitness. She has a BA and Masters in Kinesiology from Dallas Baptist University . She coached volleyball at Birdville High School in North Richland Hills for the last 5 years. In college she played volleyball for Baylor's club team and at Dallas Baptist University. She has been married to Ben Barksdale for 5 years and has two children; Evie Grace who is 3 and Hudson who is 10 months old. Lauren has a passion for health and fitness and incorporating that into everyday life as a Christ follower

May Chosen Child Family!

2013-05-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

I just love the month of MAY!!! This month we are celebrating the Besancon's as our Chosen Child adoption family!

Here is a little about them:

We are John, Kelli, Quinn, and Caroline Besancon. John and I have been married for 8 years and have two sweet children: Quinn, an energetic and train-loving little boy who is 3 years old and Caroline, a joyful and sassy little girl who is 1 year old. God has been developing in us a heart for adoption since before we were married and we are now in the process of that journey! After much prayer and research, we feel God is calling us to domestic adoption. We love that we may have the opportunity to be an option for a birth mother to choose life over abortion and that we may have the opportunity to share the gospel with our child's birth family. Just as we are adopted by God through Christ, we are excited to share that love with our future son or daughter. We have been in awe of how God has provided exactly what we need each step of the way through this process already. As we continue to fill out the (never-ending!) paperwork and pray for our future son or daughter and his/her birth mother, we are so thankful for this opportunity to share our story and take part in this fundraiser.

How can you help and support them? There are two ways:

1. Buy a Chosen Child Adoption Band {wristlet keychain} from the Worthy of the Prize STORE.

2. Buy a Chosen Child Adoption Necklace from Cap Creations.

We love how each of our families get supported each month by our followers! If you have any questions or would like to be a family in August or September, E-mail Julie at worthyoftheprize.julie@yahoo.com!!!!

About the Author: Julie Steed is the director of Worthy of the Prize Orphan Ministries. She runs both the Chosen Child Adoption Ministry and the Orphan Ball Ministry. Julie has a BA in Psychology and is working towards her Masters in Counseling, hoping to become an adoption counselor someday soon. Julie is married to C, a College Dorm Director.

{Hope for the Home} Linky Party: 7 Creative Ways to Display Scripture in Your Home

2013-04-29T16:08:00.002-04:00

As you know, I think it is so important for families to display scripture in their homes. I believe these displays help us to keep our focus on the truth and are a shining light in this dark world. They also serve as a reminder for us to hide God's word in our hearts, a protection against the devil's schemes and the lies of this world.

With that in mind, I thought today would be as good a day as any to show you some creative ways to display scripture in your homes!

A wooden sign...

Source: mydesignhearth.com via Worthy of the Prize on Pinterest

A stack of books...

Source: lessthanperfectlifeofbliss.blogspot.com via Worthy of the Prize on Pinterest

A canvas...

Source: charlotte-march.tumblr.com via Worthy of the Prize on Pinterest

A pillow...

Source: etsy.com via Mariela on Pinterest

A wall decal...

Source: etsy.com via Kathy on Pinteres t

A banner...

Source: sparksinthekiln.blogspot.com via Tracy: The Crafty PolkaDot on Pinterest

A printable...

Source: shanty-2-chic.com via April on Pinterest

What about you? How do you display scripture in your own home?

Go here for more ways to make God apart of your everyday life and home, and be sure to link up your own ideas below!

{Deny Yourself} Devotional Film Giveaway Winner

2013-04-28T11:06:00.000-04:00

Again, I am a day late posting our giveaway winner, but again I was out of town watching my boy play some awesome baseball!

Here is a snapshot of my little man...

And now, without further delay, the winner of our Deny Yourself Devotional Film giveaway IS...

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:2Powered by RANDOM.ORG
Congratulations, Allyson! Contact me at worthyoftheprize.erin@yahoo.com TODAY to claim your prize!
Thank you to all who entered and to Lisa Chan and David C. Cook for their generous donation!
If you did not win, you can purchase your copy of this fabulous devotional film, the second in Lisa Chan's series "True Beaty: Finding Your Identity in Jesus" here.
Go here for my review of this film and here for my review of her first film.
Happy Sunday, friends! :)

{Faith and Fitness}: The "Why" of Working Out

2013-04-24T09:09:00.003-04:00

Almost every Tuesday night, like clockwork, I can predict that I will mentally try to talk myself out of getting up the next day to teach my 5:30am cycle class. It doesn't matter that I have taught this class for over 2 years now, or that I love the people that join me every week! No matter how good I feel when I am done teaching each week I still mentally want to call in for a sub every week!!! People ask me "why do you teach that early?" or "how can you possibly workout at that time of the morning?" I would love to say a simple 'because it's easy' or 'I love early mornings', or even 'what... doesn't everyone love waking up before the sun rises to exercise??"

But I would totally be lying!

The truth is... it isn't easy! And to quote myself and other instructors... "if it were easy, everyone would do it!!!" But that's not the point! The point is, what keeps me going week after week, month after month? WHY do I workout???

The answer comes from within and is different for everyone. It's finding your own personal answer to that 'why workout' question that is vital in longevity in health, wellness and exercise. Your answer may be one thing one day and a total different answer the next! As long as you answer honestly and it motivates you to get yourself moving... that's all that matters!!!

Here are some of my why's...

Because I am a huge cranky monster if I don't exercise regularly.

When I teach my classes and see other people motivated or encouraged I know I have made a difference.

Exercise feeds my soul and enhances my overall stability.

I get mental clarity and a mental time out while I am working out.

I workout so that along the way I can feel comfortable and less gulity ordering that cheeseburger or a yummy sonic drink.

Exercise builds my confidence but also challenges my weaknesses.

I have met some of the best girl friends at the gym.

When I workout regularly I don't see food as an obstacle or an evil, I see it as my fuel, a positive force in my life and I chose it wisely.

My list of 'why's' is and should be different than yours. Why I workout, eat healthy or exercise regularly can't and shouldn't be why you or anyone else chooses to do these things. If you struggle with motivation or finding your 'why' to working out try some self reflection before you hit the gym again. Write down what motivates you and refer back to it often. Share your successes and struggles with those close to you... although they shouldn't be your crutch or your total 'why' you exercise, a support system of like-minded friends in fitness is a must!!!

Exercise is a choice you make daily. Sometimes it's an easy one. Sometimes it's the hardest step you will take all day.

Do it for yourself and you will never regret it!!!

Galatians 6:9

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

To see the previous posts in the {Faith and Fitness series}, go here.

About the Author: Abbey Lewis started her blog A Moments Peace just one year ago as an outlet to be creative, and to have a place for her boys to look back and see the real her! It has been that, times 100!! Abbey lives in Texas with her husband and two sons. She loves her family, her faith, her friends and she tries to put a positive spin on any thing that God has in store for her! Feel free to stroll through her blog, Sonic drink in hand, because she believes every thing is better when you have a Sonic drink!

{A Review and Giveaway}: New Devotional Film Helps Women Selflessly Navigate An "All About Me" Society

2013-04-22T22:53:00.000-04:00

I was once again contacted by Lisa and Francis Chan's ministry, asking if I would like to be apart of their "Deny Yourself Blog Tour," to review the second film in Lisa's new devotional film series for women, True Beauty: Finding Your Identity in Jesus.

Obviously, I jumped at the opportunity. I mean, hello...when a best-selling author (Crazy Love, Forgotten God, Erasing Hell) asks you to be apart of something they are doing, you don't say no! Plus, I absolutely LOVED the first dvd in the series, Be Still. You can read my review of it here.

I don't know about you, but I have recently been struggling with my purpose in life. Maybe I am having a mid-life crisis of sorts! ;) Basically, I feel like I am constantly running from one thing to the next, always busy getting stuff done, but never doing any of it well. I wear myself out doing things that I think God wants me to be doing with my time, my family and my ministry, only to look back and realize that I never even consulted Him first about these plans of MINE. I continue to jump in head first without a life vest, not realizing it until I start drowning!

No wonder I live overwhelmed, beat down and flat worn out most of the time. My best is simply not good enough. It never will be. I need to quit trying to do everything in my own time, by my own strength, according to my own plans. Can you relate?

Deny Yourself was exactly what I needed to hear...a reminder to give it all up in exchange for a better life, the abundant life that Christ offers us if we will simply lay down our own lives, our own plans, our own dreams and follow Him.

I know you will be incredibly inspired, as I was, by the story of Irene and her husband, who (by the grace of God) overcame a struggling marriage due to his alcoholism and ended up with a marriage better than they could have ever imagined. She obeyed Jesus' command to forgive, even though she didn't want to, and was tremendously blessed by this changed man and the large number of orphans they welcomed into their home!

After hearing her story, I am beyond excited to see what God will do in my own life when I truly begin to deny myself on a daily basis, choosing Him and His will instead of me and mine.

Will it always be easy? Absolutely not. Jesus had to endure the cross in order to claim the victory. But His glorious resurrection was definitly worth the sacrifice! I know that what God has in store for me (and us) is better than I (we) could have ever imagined! I have already seen Him answer my prayers in amazing, unexpected ways when I forgo asking for specific things, but instead simply ask for His will to be done in a particular situation.

"Then he said to them all: Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it." [Luke 9:23-24]

What about you? Do you want to experience the abundant life that only Jesus can give? A life better than you could ever imagine?

Everywhere they turn, women are fed the message that self-indulgence and having-it-all is the end goal. Each season brings a new style, a must-have bag and a better-than-ever face cream that will turn other women green with envy. Sacrifice isn't applauded, but rising up in the ranks is but, as they climb, they realize that this way of life isn’t shiny and happy—it’s empty.

In the second film of her new series, True Beauty: Finding Your Identity in Jesus (David C Cook/Flannel, March 2013), Lisa Chan–co-founder of the mega-church Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley—presents another option for women: Deny Yourself. In this impactful teaching, she demonstrates a way of life that is full of contentedness and joy.

I am so excited to giveaway one copy of Deny Yourself to one lucky winner...to be able to bless another with the same blessing that was given to me.

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post!

For extra entries (leave the designated amount of extra comments for each one that you do)...

1. Tweet this giveaway (leave 1 extra comment)

2. Post this giveaway on your FB wall (leave 2 extra comments)

3. Pin this giveaway onto Pinterest (leave 3 extra comments)

4. Blog about this giveaway (leave 4 extra comments)

Winner will be announced Saturday, April 27th.

If you would rather just purchase a copy, pre-order yours here.

Have a great week, friends! May God bless you as you give up everything to follow Him!

Our regularly scheduled {Hope for the Home} linky party will return next week, as planned.

Happy Birthday Big A!

2013-04-19T10:49:00.001-04:00

Today is the birthday of my husband (of almost ten years) and I am SO very thankful that I get to spend my life with such a loving man of God, a supportive husband and wonderful father to our 2 beautiful boys! What a blessing!!

It has been a fantastic week, full of celebrations...

The boys and I gave him a trip to see the Royals play @ the Braves earlier this week as a gift! He is a huge Royals fan and baseball fanatic, plus we are trying to see a game at every MLB stadium and we had never been to Turner Field before.

We enjoyed eating hot dogs, peanuts, cotton candy and snow cones! And watching our money quickly disappear while doing it! ;)

We always take home a mini bat from the ball parks that we visit, which we display in the boys' rooms!

We had a blast and have now seen a game at 11 different MLB parks...19 to go! The boys have been to 4 stadiums with us so far and they are loving this little family tradition!

Upon returning, his choir surprised him with cake, gifts and a birthday song at our weekly practice! For those of you who do not know, he is the Worship Pastor at our church and we are so blessed to be apart of such a loving church family!

The celebrations will continue this weekend, including dinner and a movie tonight, just the 2 of us! Oh how I love date nights and the fact that my hubby thinks his birthday should be (at least) a week long celebration!

Happy Friday, friends! :)

{Faith & Fitness}: Run the Race

2013-04-17T08:30:00.000-04:00

Over the last couple weeks I've been brainstorming ideas of what my next Faith & Fitness post would be. Should I give some tips on exercise? Or food intake? Or both? I've been mulling it over in my mind making mental notes here and there when I would think of something that I thought would work. And then Monday happened. The 117th Boston Marathon.

A day where thousands of people set out to accomplish one of their greatest goals in one of the world's best known marathons. An event held every year on Patriots' Day which commemorates the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. An event inspired by the first successful modern-day marathon held in the 1896 Summer Olympics. An event where people fly in from all over the country to race. An event that I can only imagine leaves you feeling accomplished and with the greatest sense of joy and pride because you finished it! You did it! You ran the most well known marathon.

But this year, instead of feeling joy and pride, people were literally brought to their knees, knocked off their feet, trampled on, stripped of their joy, and most couldn't even finish the race.... Instead, they were left with fear, chaos, uncertainty.... and some lost their limbs, lost their lives, or lost a friend or family member. All in a senseless act. It's heartbreaking.

I mean, can you imagine? You are in the zone, listening to your iPod, thinking, "I'm almost there. I'm almost finished! I'm about to make a huge check mark on my bucket list." And then, as you near the finish line, you see total, complete chaos. Or you're on the sidelines, cheering on your friends and family members and then suddenly there is a loud explosion, people shrieking, crying, blood everywhere. It makes me sick.

All I can think is, "what is this world coming to?!" So, so many senseless acts over the last year (and more). We are heartbroken and disgusted and can't believe it, but we mustn't be surprised. In John 10:10 it tells us that "the thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy." Y'all, the enemy is real.

But what are we going to do about it? What can we do about it? We support. We trust in God. And we exercise our spiritual fitness.

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, BECAUSE THE ONE WHO IS IN YOU IS GREATER THAN THE ONE WHO IS IN THE WORLD." 1 John 4:4

We don't retreat. We don't withdraw. We don't stand around and watch. We HOPE in the Lord and give hope to our friends and family, particularly in the running community. We get out and exercise and PRAY while we do it. We don't just say we will pray.... we actually pray. We wake up and put on the full armor of God. We let the Word be living and active in our lives. We trust in the Lord with all our hearts. AND WE RUN THE RACE. We don't stop.

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:24

So get out there and run the race, because there's still a race to be run. We help where we can and be a light in this dark, dark world. And while you're at it, do some good. And be intentional.

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Romans 12:21

To see the previous posts in the {Faith and Fitness series}, go here.

{Discount Code}: DaySpring Jewelry Sale!

2013-04-16T16:35:00.000-04:00

The family and I are on the road to Atlanta at the moment, headed to see the Royals play the Braves for Big A's birthday! We are on a mission to visit every MLB ballpark and this will be #11 for us! I will post pictures soon; we are super excited!

Just wanted to pop in real quick to let you know about the fabulous Jewelry Sale going on over at Dayspring!

Everything is 25% off with code GRATEFUL25 through April 21st. Don't miss it!

I am in love with their Redeemed line....

Thankful for new life in Christ!

Simply gorgeous!

And their Lisa Leonard line...

Would be perfect for the graduate in your life!

And what a beautiful Mother's Day gift!

Shop here and our ministry will receive a percentage of sales.

Happy Tuesday, friends! :)

{Hope for the Home} Linky Party: The Picture-Smart Bible

2013-04-15T08:00:00.000-04:00

I had heard about The Picture-Smart Bible when it was first developed several years ago. Then, in May 2010, I had the opportunity to see the program at a convention, and I was instantly hooked. In fact, I took advantage of special convention pricing and purchased the complete set for our family.

So, what is The Picture-Smart Bible? According to the program website, it "is an innovative approach to 'seeing' Scripture as a total entity. This Genesis-to-Revelation course is designed to help participants learn, remember and teach the themes and concepts in each book of the Bible...and have fun in the process!" In other words, it's a complete Bible curriculum presented in a unique format that will engage young children, youth, and adults alike in such a way that they'll actually remember key scriptural ideas.

The Picture-Smart Bible is unique because, unlike any other Bible curriculum of which I'm aware, it's been designed to appeal directly to the powerful picture-smart element in every person's brain.

Specifically, Dan and Juanene Peters, the creators of the program, have developed a one-page blackline drawing to represent each and every book of the Bible. Each drawing incorporates images for all the key events and concepts presented in the book, and detailed notes help a teacher walk her students through a systematic, engaging study of the text. As the teacher explains a particular idea, students activate their brains by tracing and/or coloring the appropriate parts of the drawing until the entire page is colorized as directed. If desired, a student can then use the completed illustration to explain his understanding of the book in his own words, and, thus, activate another powerful memory tool. And, when pictures for every book have been finished, each student will have an illustrated, personalized summary of all of Scripture.

I found with my daughters that taking several days to go through each book was most conducive to absorbing and remembering. So we've chosen to incorporate it as an occasional supplemental homeschool activity - one, I might add, to which they always look forward. As a result, we finish a handful of book pages a year and will be able to enjoy our study for years to come. Others I know have chosen to use The Picture-Smart Bible as a daily component of their homeschool curriculum and, thus, produce completed keepsakes after just a couple of years. In either case, students can look back to a book's summary sheet at any time when they're engaged in other Bible study, so it's a tool they really can use for a lifetime.

But it's not just for homeschoolers. Families whose kids attend school outside the home use The Picture-Smart Bible for family devotions, utilizing it to build both Bible knowledge and family unity. And it's also an excellent resource for Christian schools, Sunday school classes (for children as young as four or five all the way through to adults!), and youth groups; in fact, if a school or church adopted The Picture-Smart Bible for use among all its members, I daresay it would be the most Bible-literate organization for miles around!

Of course, whether in a family or within a school or church, the goal is not mere knowledge. But the fact of the matter is that we must know Scripture in order to really know the Lord, and I can't think of a better tool than The Picture-Smart Bible for parents and teachers who really want to engage kids in that process. Go here for more ways to make God apart of your everyday life and home, and be sure to link up your own ideas below!

Better Late Than Never...Noonday Giveaway Winner!

2013-04-14T14:03:00.001-04:00

I was supposed to annouce the winner yesterday, but I was out of town all day, watching my son tear it up at his baseball tournament! ;)

So, without further adieu, the winner of the Noonday Collection Giveaway IS...

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:61Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congratulations, Kathy!! Contact me at worthyoftheprize.erin@yahoo to claim your prize.
A huge THANK YOU to all who entered and to Noonday Collection for their generous donation to our winner and for sending me the beautiful Dewdrop Necklace!

Be sure to shop Noonday here for all of your fashion needs, to help release more families from poverty! Their products and mission are fabulous!
And if you would like to see your company, ministry, business or products featured here, contact me at worthyoftheprize.erin@yahoo.com. We love to host features, giveaways and reviews to help fund or ministry and further the kingdom.
Happy Sunday, friends! :)

{Compassion International}: I'm Changing the Story for One Child! Will You Do the Same?

2013-04-11T20:52:00.002-04:00

During the month of April, I have committed to helping Compassion International find sponsors for two children and I desperately need your help!!!

This is our Compassion Child, Edwin. I call him our third son! ;) So much about him reminds me of my own boys; he has been such a blessing in our lives for the past three years! I love telling Little A and Little E about him and having them pray for him with me. It really puts into perspective how blessed we are here in America.

You can read more about Edwin and my sponsorship story here. While you are there, find out how you can become a sponsor yourself.

I am currently working day and night to find a sponsor for Hillary, a sweet little 5 year old boy from Kenya!

Find out more about him here and if you cannot sponsor him yourself, please spread the word to your family and friends, or simply share this link on all of your social media sites.

Once his sponsorship is secured, I will begin working to find a sponsor for one more child in need. Together, I know we can make this happen!!!

Let's help Compassion release more children and families from poverty in Jesus' name!! I cannot say enough good things about this fabulous organization and their awesome ministry!!!!

Thanks, friends! :)

The Willis Family!

2013-04-10T22:43:00.001-04:00

We have an awesome opportunity every month that we support a family during their adoption! We have chosen the Willis family for APRIL! Here is a little about them:

We are adopting!!!

So who are we? Kenney and Janice Willis - we have been married for 16 (almost 17) years and we have 2 wonderfully silly awesome boys, a precious amazing lil 19 month old girl waiting for us in China & one crazy cat :)

We are excited to see what the Lord has in store for our family through this adoption journey. We have already met amazing people during this journey and our faith in the Lord has grown through our dependence on Christ for our every daily need. We are still fundraising for our funds to finish our adoption of our "lil bit" waiting for us and we would be so appreciative of your support and prayers.
Claiming
~ Proverbs 3:5-6 & James 1:27

Want to know how you can help! You can buy a Chosen Child Band from our website! They come in all several colors and two different sizes for men and women!

Or you can buy a Chosen Adoption Necklace from Cap Creations!!

If you have any questions about our Chosen Child Adoption Family or would like to become one of our families! Be sure to e-mail: worthyoftheprize.julie@yahoo.com

{Faith and Fitness}: A Few Things I Have Learned About Healthy Eating

2013-04-10T09:56:00.000-04:00

Do you ever feel like you are caught in a battle between food and fitness? I fight that battle every day! I love food, but I also love the feeling of being healthy and in shape. I have learned a few good lessons this year about healthy eating…

1. You can eat what you want, just not as much as you want! My biggest problem has always been portion control. I think the hardest part about what I eat, is that I am getting older. Not being a collegiate athlete that can eat whatever they want, has taken its toll on my body! So, this year when I don’t have the options of eating healthy, I need to practice portion control.

2. Exercise is good in overall health, but it’s more about how you eat! I love to exercise, and I love the feeling I have after, but that’s not the biggest piece of overall health. Keep in mind that your body can only handle what it is trained to, you have to build your workouts up to a high level; you can’t start there.

3. My body is a temple! God loves us exactly the way we are. He is not concerned with our weight or clothes size; He is concerned about our heart. Health and fitness are good, but not to the point of it becoming an idol that is affecting our relationship with the Lord. We should be more concerned about feeding our spirit hunger…

“He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord.” Deuteronomy 8:3

I’m sure you already know most of these things to be true, but this is what has been on my mind this week. I have been doing an HerbalCleanse through AdvoCare and have seen great results. This is just a reminder that I give myself to stay on track with what really matters!

Go here to see the previous posts in the {Faith and Fitness} series.

Shop Thirty-One Gifts to Help Me Reach the Nations for Christ!

2013-04-09T19:24:00.000-04:00

In case you didn't know....REACH is my 2013 word! :)

I have committed to doing a few intentional things this year, which will help me REACH the nations for Christ through sports evangelism . You can read more here.

And I am absolutely thrilled that my friend Maureen has graciously offered to donate 20% of the proceeds of my online 31 fundraiser party directly to this ministry!!!

That said...I am inviting YOU to the party! Your purchases will help us run more evangelistic sports camps and send more evangelistic soccer balls and basketballs to orphans and children in poor villages around the world! We are sharing the gospel message one ball and one camp at a time!

Will you join us on our mission? Simply place your order online here by April 26th.

If you are not familiar, Thirty-One offers fashionable handbags, totes, coolers, organizational systems and accessories for you, your home and your office...everything comes in a variety of styles, colors and patterns and can be monogrammed if you choose!

I am pretty much a 31 addict myself! ;)

One of my very favorite items is their Large Utility Tote! I own two already and continually find reasons to justify buying another!

It is very spacious and sturdy, stands up on its own...perfect for hauling sports equipment to little league games as well as beach toys and towels to the beach! I also load mine up and take it with me to school on the days that I teach and keep one in the back of my car as a "catch all."

I cannot get enough of their thermal coolers, pretty sure I own one in every size!

These are great for taking a lunch to work, snacks to the tball team, drinks to a birthday party, for keeping your groceries cold or for going on a family picnic!

I am in love with their brand new Rec & Roll duffle collection, which is available during the month of April ONLY!!!

I am definitely gonna buy Little A one in each size, in his team colors, with a baseball and his number on it as well...IconIt is only $7 this month!! He will be so excited to get this gear for his birthday in a few weeks!

Their Spirit Collection is awesome too, you can get a variety of bags, totes and thermals in your favorite team's colors! Certain school logos are available as well!

Or maybe you just need something for Mom for Mother's Day? Thirty-One offers all kinds of purses, makeup bags, wallets and accessories which are perfect for spring and summer!

Come on by here and take a look, I know you will find something you cannot live without...and you will be helping a worthy cause at the same time! Spread the word to your family and friends, all are welcome to the party!

Click here to shop my online 31 fundraiser party!

Happy Tuesday, friends! Thanks so much for your continued support...it means the world to me! :)

{Hope for the Home} Linky Party: Relish the Charms...

2013-04-08T11:49:00.000-04:00

Do y'all read Kelly's Korner blog? I was catching up on some blog-reading and came across this picture on her blog. The quote is from Jen Hatmaker, a church planter's wife who lives in Austin, from her devotional book Out of the Spin Cycle. Jen Hatmaker also has a fabulous blog!

As the momma of 2 sweet little kiddos (Grayson is 5 and Mollie Kate is 4 months), this TOTALLY spoke to me. There are a lot of days that we make it to the very end of the day, when the house is totally quiet, and I think "Another day of their little lives has passed." The days with preschoolers sometimes seem SO LONG, but the years go by so quickly. My husband even reminded me at breakfast this morning that Grayson is 1/4 of the way to 20 years old. Goodness gracious.

I love the photo above, but I wanted one that I could put in our house - maybe on the fridge? Or above the kitchen sink? So I created this little printable below.

I thank God for our sweet little kiddos every day and am going to be making the choice to relish the charms of the present! Have a wonderful week!

Go here for more ways to make God apart of your everyday life and home, and be sure to link up your own ideas below!

About the Author: MJ Smith has her little corner of the internet to document her family, their home and their adventures - and any crafting that occurs along the way - over at 517 Creations. She has the greatest job in the world: being a stay-at-home momma of a wild and wonderful little boy and a sweet little girl, and is married to Scott, a pastor, which often makes for such a fun (and crazy) life!

{Noonday Collection Review}: Dewdrop Necklace + $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway CLOSED!!

2013-04-07T16:51:00.003-04:00

I am thrilled to be blogging today, on behalf of Noonday Collection. This is a seriously fantastic company and I truly hope that you will take the time to check out their fabulous products, which directly rescue children and families from poverty!

Their name is derived from Isaiah 58:10, which says "when you satisfy the needs of the oppressed, your night becomes like the noonday."

What a beautiful image of bringing the hope and light of Christ to a darkened world by giving talented artisans from a variety of countries the chance to make an honest living, allowing them to provide for their families.

A few weeks ago, Noonday sent me their brand new Dewdrop Necklace to review, and I am so thankful that they did!

The Dewdrop Necklace was made with love {in India} by an artisan group that creates avenues of employment for the economically disadvantaged.

Isn't it absolutely stunning? I am in love and have been wearing it with everything...it is so versatile!

In fact, I love all of the Noonday products it is paired with in their online catalog. I am dying to have their Bethe Rope Necklace, their Gold Deco Earrings, their Cubist Cuff and their Filipino Clutch, which you can see here make the perfect compliments to it!

Here are a few pictures of me wearing this little beauty...

Date night with Big A...looks fantastic with my Jimmy Choo bag!

Headed to Little A's baseball game...wearing the only orange thing I own (his team color), I jazzed it up a bit!

This (Sunday) morning...gonna look great worn with my Nest of Posies bag (which I just received in the mail a few days ago) while I am out and about this summer!

Ok, so I'm no Noonday model, but now you can see how great it looks on an everyday mom like me! :) Do you love it as much as I do?

If so, you are in luck!!! Noonday Collection is graciously donating one $50 gift certificate to one lucky winner!!!

To enter, simply visit Noonday Collection here and then come back and leave a comment on this post telling me which one of their fabulous products is your favorite! Be sure to leave your email address in your comment, so that I can contact you should you win.

For extra entries {leave the designated amount of extra comments for each one of the following that you do}:

1. Follow Noonday Collection on FB {leave 1 extra comment}

2. Tweet this giveaway {leave 2 extra comments}

3. Post this giveway to your FB page {leave 3 extra comments}

4. Pin this giveaway {leave 4 extra comments}

5. Blog about this giveaway {leave 5 extra comments}

GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED!!

You can enter through Friday, April 12th. Winner announced Saturday, April 13th. Goodluck!

Whether or not you choose to enter this giveaway, please take the time to spread the word about this incredible company. The products are gorgeous, but even more beautiful are the stories behind them. Here is just one of the many amazing testimonies:

"My parents died when I was young, and I was left to care for my siblings. Soon after finding work with this fair trade group, I was able to afford to send both me and my younger siblings to school, as well as start a college economics course," says Harshali.

And if you would like to see your company or products featured here at Worthy of the Prize, simply contact me at worthyoftheprize.erin@yahoo.com. We love to host reviews, giveaways and features in order to fund our ministry and further the kingdom!

Happy Sunday, friends! May your life shine like the Noonday sun!

Free April Scripture Printable: Rest for the Weary

2013-04-05T10:17:00.000-04:00

This is my April print. I have been so overwhelmed this year, with all of the tasks and responsibilities that go hand in hand with running this ministry and have told you before that I have even wanted to quit at times.

As a result, I have been looking for a scripture to encourage me during those times and I just may have found it. Psalm 55:22 refreshes my soul and reminds me that when I am weak, then He is strong. He will protect and uphold this ministry. He will carry the burden, not me. It is His ministry, not mine.

The flower background brings home the essence of peace, tranquility, calm, rest. My prayer is that it will serve as a reminder that He is in control, we have nothing to fear.

Go here to download my January print, which is entitled "Hope for a New Year." Here to download my February print, "Love Never Fails." And here to download my March print, "A New Creation."

Happy April, friends!

A Glimpse Into Our Easter Celebration

2013-04-04T19:06:00.003-04:00

I just wanted to pop in and show you a few pictures from our Easter weekend!

This is the Easter Lily that I sent to my parents down in Texas. So gorgeous!

It all started with a baseball game in our front yard on Good Friday. Little A vs. Little E. So funny and such a beautiful morning!

That afternoon we went out to lunch with some friends and took the boys to one of those warehouses filled with bounce houses. They had a blast!

That night we came home and made some Easter treats, including my first attempt at making cake pops. I thought they turned out pretty good for my first try!

I already showed you the Resurrection Rolls that we made here.

Saturday morning we had an egg hunt at the park with our church. It was cold!

Don't worry, Little E is not mad. Everytime he says "cheese" he gets this intense look on his face. It is hilarious!

That evening The Band Perry held a free concert downtown (their hometown) right in front of our church (big building on left). It was awesome!

And of course on Easter morning, we got all dressed up and went to church to celebrate a RISEN SAVIOR!!!

That night we celebrated with friends. Dinner and another egg hunt!

Here are a few of my favorite pictures of our little family from the weekend...

Hope y'all had a wonderful Easter surrounded by loved ones! HE LIVES!!!