Thursday, December 12, 2013

More random musings, selfishness, J.O.Y. and more

I was thinking and praying the other day about my relationships with my children, when a thought occurred to me. Our relationships with our children really teach us how to interact with people and truly care for others. I always think of that expression, Jesus First, Others Second, Yourself Last. It is so hard to do that. I want what I want and I want it now!

I think this is one of our current social issues. Most people I've encountered are very concerned about themselves and how things affect them, most of the time myself included. We don't usually mean it though. I think a great majority of people don't walk around all day thinking everything is about them. For me, I'm in my head a lot, always thinking, always contemplating and trying to figure things out. In some ways, its a good thing because I learn why I do things and what makes me do them. In other ways, I over analyze just about everything.

I have five children and I see selfishness every day in their interactions with each other and with my husband and I. They don't even know that they are selfish. We are born with a selfish nature. In some ways, it protects us from harm, but in other ways it can cause harm. If we are always more concerned about what we want or how we feel, we can ruin relationships with others, we can miss out on opportunities to help others, to support others and most importantly to witness to others.

Jesus stated in Matthew 22:35b, "You Shall Love Your Neighbor As Yourself." It isn't easy to love others when you don't think about others. Some might even say that it is nigh impossible. Jesus was responding to a question about which commandment is greatest commandment, "You Shall Love the LORD Your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." followed by loving your neighbor as yourself. Hence, J.O.Y, Jesus First, Others Second, Yourself Last.

This is just something I've been pondering the last few days and weeks. It is so easy, at least for me, to get all caught up in my own "troubles".  Does anyone else ever think about this? I'd love your comments.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Pampers Swaddlers Giveaway

It's time for a giveaway!!! Pampers Swaddlers has invited me to host a giveaway for Pampers Swaddlers diapers and an assortment of baby items to help celebrate your baby's firsts!!



I love Pampers Swaddlers and you can read my review post here.

To enter use the Rafflecopter giveaway below.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget about the Pampers Twitter Party on December 5th.   http://twtvite.com/SwaddlersFirsts

 Pampers Twitter: http://bit.ly/1brDKYn
 Pampers Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1eWzMVD
 Pampers: http://bit.ly/18psPH0

Pampers #SwaddlersFirsts



I don't have to worry about leaks while decorating the Christmas tree for the first time with my youngest son. Both he and his big brother wear Pampers Swaddlers now that they come in bigger sizes.

Pampers are by far my favorite brand of diaper. I used other diapers until the birth of my third child. Her diapers were always droopy and leaking, not after I switched to Pampers. I have continued to use them with my next two children as well. So I was very excited when I learned that Pampers Swaddlers are now available in sizes 4 & 5.

I like Swaddlers because they have the wetness indicator making it easier to know if your child has used the diaper or not, they are by far the softest diaper I've used for my babies and they come with the wonderful baby powder scent. I highly recommend using these for your children!!



http://bit.ly/18psPH0

Pampers is doing 30 days of giveaways to celebrate the launch of Pampers Swaddlers in sizes 4 & 5. There are daily giveaways as well as the grand prize of free Swaddlers diapers & wipes for one year!! To enter and learn more about Swaddlers visit their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Pampers/app_1426402564246361

Those of you on Twitter can join in the Pampers #SwaddlersFirsts Twitter Party. IT will take place on December 5th at 9pm EST. RSVP now at http://twtvite.com/SwaddlersFirsts They will be giving away three Celebrating Firsts Gift Packs ($250 value).

Gift Packs include:

  • · Baby’s First Friend Doudou Bear Plush Doll
  • · Baby’s First Tooth and First Curl Treasure Box
  • · Baby’s First Words Book
  • · Baby’s First Steps Plush Toy
  • · $50 Shutterfly Gift Card to celebrate all “firsts” moments
  • · Baby’s First Bath Robe
  • · Pampers Swaddlers

Grand Prize: Canon EOS Rebel T3 DSLR camera worth $450!

I will also be hosting my own giveaway to celebrate Firsts. Prizes include:

· Baby’s First Friend Doudou Bear Plush Doll
· Baby’s First Tooth and First Curl Treasure Box
· Baby’s First Words Book
· Baby’s First Steps Plush Toy
· Pampers Swaddlers

That giveaway will start on Wednesday December 4th.

This review was made possible by Double Duty Divas and Pampers. I was provided the featured product free of charge to facilitate my review, but all opinions are 100% mine."


Saturday, November 30, 2013

Unglued Review.


Unglued Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions

By Lysa TerKeurst


From Booksneeze.com "Why is it that those we love the most often receive the brunt of our worst moods? In Unglued, New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst offers words of hope and healing for women struggling to make wise choices in the midst of their raw emotions. She shows how to positively process reactive emotions that come from situations all women face daily.
Raw emotions are those feelings we hide from others but take out on those we love most. We may exhibit patience and kindness when talking with the grocery clerk, a co-worker, even the difficult person at the returns counter; but, at home, sometimes the smallest, most trivial things set women off, sparking an angry word, cruel comment behind someone’s back, or a flood of tears. All women experience these ‘unglued feelings’ at times, often when they least expect it. These emotions are not wrong, in fact they are God-given. However, our emotions should be indicators not dictators. Each experience is an opportunity to either fall back into patterns that make us wallow in guilt or chose more wisely and make progress. TerKeurst equips women with spiritual strategies to help them manage their reactions. It’s one thing to tell a woman to control her feelings but a whole new kind of help to show her step by step how to let this situation work for her rather than against her."

Unglued has been a very convicting read for me. I struggle with losing my temper a lot. She does a great job of really sharing her struggles and how she worked and continued to work to overcome them. She helps with practical tips and advice. I recommend this read for any Mom, especially those who struggle with anger issues.
 


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Sunday, November 3, 2013

More randomness

A lot has been going on in our home lately. I'm finally getting out of the physical limitations and slowly getting stronger. Several of us have been sick, praying we are on the other side of that as well. Homeschooling is going fairly well. We are doing well in our regular subjects, spelling, language, math, reading and writing. History and Science are still a little random but I know will we get them figured out soon. Bible has been great and I may even just do a review of the program on here at a later date. I've learned a lot from it as well.

I've felt very overwhelmed but also extremely thankful too. I have an amazing husband and five amazing kids. I have friends and family whom I adore and who love me back. I enjoy this month of remembering our thankfulness. I participate in posting something I'm thankful for every day on facebook along with several of my friends. It is good to be reminded of what we have instead of what we don't have or what we think we should have or need.

A lot of randomness, but that's the name of this blog. I pray this finds all of you well and I hope you can find something to be thankful for every day this month. In fact, I challenge you to and if you get a chance, share it with someone, maybe me, or just someone you know. Tell the people that you are thankful for that you are thankful for them. It might be just what they need to hear. :)

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

2013 Christmas Planner Review and Giveaway

I have the privilege of reviewing and giving away 3 copies of Christmas ebook planner by Jill from The Sassy Slower Cooker blog. She has used this planner for over 10 years and has finally made it available to purchase.




I liked this planner. I haven't used a Christmas planner before so I was very interested in trying it out. It has calendars and different sections to help you keep all of your expenses, homemade gifts, store bought gifts and much more in control. She has even added pages for 2014 as well. So its like getting 2 planners in 1!! There are instructions to help you in setting up the planner and getting the most use out of it. I will be ending the giveaway on Friday and there will be 3 winners!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway