Check These Out...

Here are a few amazing stories or items you should really check out:

Wow! From my "backyard"

Amazing! From across the world

An image of love gone viral.

Women, take the challenge with me!

Itsy, Bitsy

The Lord  is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord  is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1 NIV
***************************

Yesterday I encountered a very unwelcome guest in my home.

She taunted me with her bulbous brown body.
Staring from underneath my sons high chair tray.
Her darkly banded legs.
The orange hourglass on her abdomen.
So similar to her darker, well-known relative.
One bite from her can cause pain, sickness, tremors, and in very rare cases, death.
She's doesn't belong here.

She is a Brown Widow Spider!

She had made a little home in my son's highchair tray as we hadn't used it for a few months. These spiders are not commonly found in homes and would rather spend their time outside under patio furniture or wood piles.

Oh, and in children's outdoor toys if left undisturbed for too long, as I also found out yesterday! So I was surprised to say the least when I found her in MY home!
Eek!

They aren't as aggressive as Black Widow spiders. So bites are rare.

But that doesn't matter to me.
I have a phobia.
An extreme fear.

So this was not fun for me. I went into crazy mode where I immediately had to search and destroy any threat to me and my family. For the rest of the day I was obviously subconsciously still in "crazy spider mode" because as I was picking up around the house I came across my older sons nursery rhyme book and jumped back. I thought the spider on the cover was real for a split second.

Best part is this happened not once but twice when my eyes glanced at the same book on a table later on!

The entire rest of the day I was on edge. To the point where my husband said I should pray about it.

So wise.

He then asked my son "Is God bigger than a spider?" To which my son replied "Yes!"

That got me thinking and thankful. God IS bigger than a spider and boy am I glad!

So whatever you might be afraid of, have peace knowing God is bigger than it.
Always.

Give it to Him.
He can handle it.

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31 NIV

Sources:
http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/444/444-422/444-422.html

http://www.clemson.edu/cafls/departments/esps/factsheets/medvet/mv14_brown_widow_spiders.html

Did You Know...

I was a punk.

I listened to bands like Bad Religion, Swingin' Utters, Propaghandi, Black Flag, Dropkick Murphys, Guttermouth, Operation Ivy, Rancid, Social Distortion, & the Vandals...to name (quite) a few.

I wore dog collars as necklaces.
Spiked my hair.
Walked around in Creepers.
Crowd surfed.
Ran around in mosh pits.
Got into trouble.

You get the picture.

If you saw me today, you probably wouldn't believe me.
Short little, five foot nothing, plainly dressed, housewife, mother of two young children.

Back then I came to realize that being a punk wasn't in what you wore. It was a state of mind. I didn't just follow the crowd and do what everyone else was doing. I did what I wanted. I realized I didn't need the dog collars or Creepers. I just needed to be me. That was punk enough.

I still do my own thing even if it isn't popular. I don't wear the latest in fashion just because it is what everyone else is doing. I don't own skinny jeans.
I don't have to have the latest phone, TV, video game console, whatever.  I have never owned an iPhone.
I don't try to keep up with the Jones's.
And I am a Christian because I want to be. Not because it is what society is doing.

I once heard someone say that Jesus was the original punk.

I think that is so true. He did so because he knew it was the right thing to do. He picked grain on the Sabbath in order to feed those who were hungry, healed on the Sabbath, chased merchants from the temple with a whip, turned over tables in the temple, ruffled Roman feathers. Jesus definitely went against the grain, challenged societal norms, and broke some of the laws of his time.

Now that is true Punk!

And Jesus added, “The Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath.”
Luke 6:5 NLT

Desperate, Broken, and Beautiful

Guess what I received in the mail?

Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe!

The book I have been telling everyone about.

Big thanks to my amazing father-in-law who purchased it for me as a gift!  I got it Saturday, already started reading this book and am really enjoying it. I highly recommend this book to all the mothers out there.

I really like the foreward by Ann Voskamp, one of the authors of a blog I enjoy reading. It is always refreshing to hear that someone who I view as a great mother has had her own difficulties with motherhood. I feel by showing others we are broken as well, we can come together and start picking up the pieces.

I read just the Foreword, Introduction, and first chapter so far as that was all I had time for, but I truly enjoyed it. This book is a very easy and enjoyable read. It is like a heartfelt conversation mother-to-mother.

At the end of each section is a QR code that you can scan with your smart phone that leads to a video by the author(s).  A very cool feature!  I can't wait to tell you more as I continue to read this book.

A big thank you to the authors Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson for writing this for us mothers!

Let me also tell you that I am in no way affiliated or getting paid to promote this book. I honestly just love it and cannot wait to tell you all about it.
------------

I truly believe that we are all imperfect, all broken. It is in coming together as these broken pieces that we create a beautiful picture of what we are supposed to be.

Just like a stained-glass window or a mosaic.

Mosaic meaning of Moses. The broken, stuttering man God chose to lead his people out of slavery.
It is the broken God chooses to do his greatest work.

And one of the greatest and most important jobs there is in this world is mothering, bringing up future generations.

TGIF

Philippians 4:4 NLT
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!

Praise God today by doing something that will bring a smile to your face.

I am sure nothing brings God greater joy than to see us happy.

So this is my challenge for you today on this Friday.
Play with your child, read a book, light a candle, take a walk, pet your dog. Whatever it is that brings a smile to your face and makes you happy. Do it.
Go!

Growing pains

My poor baby is in pain. Growing teeth hurts. Little I can do to help. I wish I could take it all away but I can't. The medicine I have can only bring relief for a little while. I feel helpless. All he wants is for me to hold him. To cuddle the pain away. THAT I can do and love doing.

So I hold him. Rock him until he falls asleep and keep holding him. I analyze his face and its perfect features. How amazing God is to create so wonderfully. I have love pouring out of my every essence for this tiny little helpless babe. I hold him so close and am comforted as I comfort him.

This must be what heaven is like.

In Case of an Emergency...

On airplane flights, before take-off the flight attendants go over what to do in case of an emergency. One of the things they go over is putting on the oxygen mask. They give specific instructions to apply your own first and then your child's. If you don't do it in this order you risk passing out and then are unable to put on your child's mask. Thus endangering both your own and your child's life. So it is in EVERYONE'S best interest to apply your own mask first.

When you become a parent it is so easy to just focus on the baby and forget about yourself.  People say "it's not about you anymore."  This is true in that you now have another life to care for in addition to your own. But you should not entirely sacrifice yourself to care for your child. It is the same concept as the oxygen mask. If you don't take care of yourself, you and your child will suffer.

This was a very difficult concept for me to grasp after the birth of my first child. I was constantly suffering from hypoglycemia as a result of not eating enough. This would leave me lying on the ground, shaking, sweating, and too weak to move. No good to myself or my baby. It took me a while to get in the rhythm of feeding myself then caring for the baby.  Now with my second child, I am aware of the dangers of not caring for myself.

In addition to making sure a new parent gets enough nutrition, it is also important that he or she gets some time alone to slow down and enjoy small moments of the day. This is important as new parents are sleep-deprived and under a lot of stress. There are many ways one can take small breaks.

After the birth of our first child, my husband and I would find one day a week to each go for one hour and spend time alone. Going to the beach, a cafe, or a walk. Whatever you want. If you can't leave the house, even a bath or reading a book can give you a much needed break.

Taking small breaks, daily or weekly is very important as a new parent. Do so for the welfare of yourself and your baby. It will make you feel better and will make you feel refreshed and ready to take better care of your family.  So make sure you place the oxygen mask on yourself first and don't forget to breathe!

Needs vs. Wants

Late last night as I was walking into the store I was approached by a young man. He gave me a story about how his friend and his friends daughter were stranded because their car broke down. He asked if I could spare any money to help them out. I gave him the three dollars I had out of my purse. He thanked me and walked away.

I had a strong feeling that the story he fed me was a lie from the beginning. It was confirmed as I walked out and saw him and his two male friends (no child as he had stated) trying to get money from other people.

Now when situations like this occur I feel bad for the person that they would have to be so deceitful to get money. I also pray for them,that God helps give them what they need, not necessarily what they want.

It got me wondering how many times I ask God for something I want but don't need. What are the priorities in my life? What was important to me? What did I value?

When I really think about it God has given me all I need. A wonderful husband, two amazing little boys, health, a roof over my head, and food on the table. What more does a girl need? That is plenty for me!

Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?
Matthew 6:26 NASB

A Case of the Mondays

I had a rough night last night which included 1 wide-awake baby and 1 irritated mama with a pinched nerve in her neck.

So here is a post from a blog that I really love to read:

Having a bad day doesn't make you a bad mother - Lisa-Jo Baker

Being a mom is...

*Realizing it is only 9am and you are absolutely exhausted.

*Having a newfound excitement and appreciation for holidays, theme parks, festivals etc.

*Counting the hours, minutes, seconds until dad comes home, so you can get a break.

*Knowing the trash truck schedule and being there to greet its arrival.

*Eating chicken nuggets because you haven't had a chance to go to the market.

*Kissing boo-boo's and ouches on an almost daily basis.

*Wearing the same dirty thing twice in the same week because you haven't had time to do laundry.

*Referencing lines from kids movies and shows in everyday life (i.e. just keep swimming).

*Depending on coffee more than you did during finals in college.

*Realizing your house doesn't have to look perfect because it is lived in.

*Relishing nap time like your life depends on it (sometimes it does).

*Realizing not all the housework has to get done in one day because playing with trucks/dolls is more important.

*Finding a new appreciation for puddles. Realizing it is fun to get dirty, muddy, messy and sticky

*Not sacrificing yourself. Because your children need you. Putting the oxygen mask on yourself first, then your children.

*Caring for a little soul that God has entrusted to you

*Screaming, crying, laughing, loving, wonderful, amazing, beautiful, messy, joy, love

What We Need Wedenesday

Today I would like to share one of my favorite posts from one of my favorite blog authors. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

A Holy Experience – 3 Marriage Habits Every Marriage Needs– because it’s worth falling in love again

Why You Should Become A Stalker

When I was young, my mom used to stare at me while driving. While SHE was driving...I would catch her staring at me. Now I don't mean while the car was stopped at lights. I mean while the car was in motion! Dangerous, right!?

Looking back on that time in my life though, I realize she did it because she loved me.

One valuable thing I have learned through my journey of motherhood (its only been about 2.5 years) is to enjoy the little things. Take time to enjoy your children and everything they do.  Life and all the distractions it brings between work, material possessions, technology, etc. All of that does not matter!

Well, that is exactly what my mom was doing. Taking a moment of her time to take in the wonder of her little daughter.

So, take time to watch, actually WATCH (like creepy-stalker "watch") your kids grow up. Watch them play, dance to music, color...whatever! Just not while you are driving! And LISTEN to them even if its gibberish because it will never be the same again. They grow up and change so quickly.

It is really neat to think that God does this exact thing with us. He lovingly watches us every second of every day and listens intently as we pray.

The Lord  is in his holy temple;
the Lord  is on his heavenly throne.
He observes everyone on earth;
his eyes examine them.
Psalm 11:4 NIV

So, go ahead! Stalk your child! They might think your weird now but they will appreciate it someday.

A Still Small Voice

BUT FARMER HOGGETT KNEW THAT LITTLE IDEAS... THAT TICKLED AND NAGGED AND REFUSED TO GO AWAY... SHOULD NEVER BE IGNORED... FOR IN THEM LIE THE SEEDS OF DESTINY.
-An excerpt from the movie Babe

Have you ever been overcome by a thought that pushed you to do something. Always positive things, never bad. We Christians call this the Holy Spirit.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
John 10:27 NIV

Long ago, I was at home one night and heard my roommate crying, sobbing loudly. It did not sound good. Now I was not super close friends with this girl and we never really talked much. Nevertheless, something told me to go and  talk to her, ask her what was wrong. This was out of my norm as I am normally quite shy and keep to myself. But this feeling kept bugging me to the point where I couldn't even sit still. I finally knocked on her door and asked if she was okay. She responded "no." What I interrupted was an attempt at her own life.

I hate to think what could have happened if I didn't respond to her cries. I am so grateful that the Spirit spoke to me that night as I bandaged her up. I told her nothing in the world was worth this and that she was a beautiful and wonderful person. We grew much closer as friends after that night.

Have you ever had an experience where the Spirit spoke to you with a "little idea that tickled and nagged" you in a profound way?

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.
Romans 8:26-27 NIV

Invite Him In

What are the parts of the parenthood partnership?

Most people would answer:
Mother & Father

This is missing one integral piece.
Jesus

We need to invite Jesus into our lives not only as parents, but as spouses & individuals as well.

This means that even if we are going through something on an individual level, we are never in it alone. Just pray and He is there with you. No matter what you are going through.

All you have to do is invite Him in.

Proverbs 16:3 NIV
Commit to the Lord  whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.

*special thanks to my wonderful friend in faith, Kim.

Laughin' with God

Have you ever heard the phrase "men make plans and God laughs?"  Well, this was my inspiration for the name of this blog.

This saying has been very much a part of my life. I have always tried to do things my way, only to realize that God had his own ideas about my life. Don't get me wrong, it is not a bad thing to have one's plans re-written by God. I believe everything in my life has been altered by God from my birth & adoption, re-directing my wayward ways, attending four different colleges, meeting my husband, finding places to live, the births of my two sons & oh so much more! I had plans for most of these and God? Well, he laughed!

I discovered God's sense of humor while attending college (the fourth & last college I ever attended). I (okay God) had just changed my wayward ways and decided to finally get my life on track: get my degree, get a good-paying science-based job, eventually buy a condo,travel, and possibly meet a guy worth dating. In.this.order.
This was my plan.

Then God laughed.

I was in biology class and we were using our microscopes for the first time. I hear a voice ask to borrow some slides. To my surprise, I look up and see this very attractive young man. Okay, I will be blunt, he was totally hot! It was completely lust at first sight. I had to get to know this guy. A few days later we ended up partnering up for a lab project. A few pizza's later, I was falling in love.

But this was NOT part of my plan. Not yet anyway. If (and it was a big if) I were to meet someone he had to have very specific qualities. Qualities that made me deem this ideal man "Mr. Damn-near Perfect." As no one but God was absolutely perfect.  Well, wouldn't you know it, he fit!

There went my plans... right out the window! 

There was God, laughing away.

Next thing I knew, we were engaged, next comes marriage, and then comes baby in a baby carriage. Followed by a second baby...and here we are today!

So, it turns out that there was a reason for me to get off-track and end up having to attend four colleges..finding my husband. Well worth it all I would say!

What we sometimes view as roadblocks are actually blessings in disguise. God's plans are far better than anything we could have imagined.

So I have learned (and at times am still learning) that my plans may not be the best thing for me after all. And this is why you will find me (on most occasions) Laughin' With God!

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord , "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

I can now be found on Google+

I updated my account to be linked with my Google+ account. Please be patient as I try to figure this all out. Thank you!

Desperate: Hope for the Mom who Needs to Breathe. GIVEAWAY!

I have been posting these giveaways on my previous blog  (http://hbbebeblog.blogspot.com) but as I am now converting to this new blog, I will only be posting here from now on.

Thanks to the authors of Desperate: Hope for the Mom that Needs to Breathe, Sarah Mae & Sally Clarkson for not only writing this book for us moms, but also giving us the wonderful opportunity to win fabulous prizes.

Who doesn't like to win stuff!?

So, today's giveaway is for:

*A KitchenAid Artisan Series Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, 9-Cup

*A ticket to a Mom Heart conference of your choice (I’ll be speaking at the CA and TX ones!)

*A copy of the revised version of Clay Clarkson’s book, Heartfelt Discipline (available in February!)

Enter by using the rafflecopter gadget on Sarah Mae's webpage:

http://sarahmae.com/

Good luck!

Welcome...

My name is Sasha. I am a wife and mother of two amazing boys. Isaac is almost three years old and Caleb is on his way to three months old. My husband's name is Matthew and he is a personal trainer. You can check him out at www.purposefitness.biz.

I had a previous blog which can be found at http://hbbebeblog.blogspot.com . I started this blog because the HB in my other blog was no longer accurate and I wanted to expand my blogging topics to include more than just babies & momma stuff.

I hope you enjoy it!