What are your motives?

Today At the Well, we are discussing what are you motives behind the things you do. It's a good question. I'm in the stage of life where I really don't do anything outside of the home as far as cooking for church things or singing in the choir. I mainly do things at home. So most of the questions below don't apply to me. I can ask myself why I do the things at home I do. Why do I keep the house clean? Why do I take care of Daniel? Is it because I want praise from my husand and family members? Or is it because I want myself to look "good" in their eyes? I do those things because I love to do them. I love taking care of our home and our son. It's a blessing. I not only love it,but I know it pleases God. I know this is short and sweet,but Daniel is waking up. So ask yourself these questions and examine your motives.

Do you go to church to fulfill an obligation?
Do you get involved to get a reaction from someone; possibly pity, recognition or even money?
Do you volunteer in your child’s classroom to analyze the new teacher or is it to help?
Do you share prayer requests for a chance to gossip or because you truly care and are praying?

God Bless!

At the Well-The Submissive Heart of the Titus 2 Wife; Living the Life; Teaching the Life

Our host this week is Laurie Ann @ A Magnolia's Heart Beats. She is such a wonderful,loving,and smart woman of God. Be blessed by her post and check her out.


As Titus 2 Women, we are called to teach live our lives reverently and teach what is good. The result of that teaching is that the younger ladies will be subject to their husbands. Life in the this day and age doesn't make all God's commands easy to follow. Let's dispel some myths and see if we are living a life that honors God and teaches other women to subject to their husbands At the Well this week.



These are the questions she poses to us this Monday:

1. Would others view you as being subject to your husband?


2. Does the phrase "being subject to your husband" bring to mind positive or negative thoughts?


3. Do you find being subject to your husband an easy command to obey or a hard one to follow?


4. How can you teach other women to be subject to their husbands?

Would others view you as being subject to your husband? I hope they would. I often make comments to family and friends on how Mike is my head and he gets the final say so in our decisions. I also always tell people that I trust Mike to hear from our Father about decisions,life,and things in general,that's one of the reasons I married him. But actually going through with my words is more effective than saying them. I would pray they see my actions and would be able to say I submit and obey my husband. Some ladies have complimented me on submitting to Mike,even when I don't really agree with him.

Does the phrase "being subject to your husband" bring to mind positive or negative thoughts? Truly, positive thoughts. I've never thought negatively of that,even before I was even engaged to Mike. I saw my Mother be subject to my Father and it seemed second nature in many ways. I also obeyed my father and your relationship with your father will affect the one with your husband. I believe it will also affect your relationship with the Lord. If you trust your earthly Father it may be easier to trust your husband and the Lord.

Do you find being subject to your husband an easy command to obey or a hard one to follow? I think we all can answer easy if we aren't in disagreement with our husband or don't mind doing what he asks. But for me it seems hard when I really don't think we should do this or that; or when I see nothing wrong with my view of something. For example: I was watching this new reality show on the Gospel Music Channel. It was based around the Revolve music tour and it's members. Mike watched it a couple of times with me,but after that he asked me not to watch it anymore. He said it was nothing more than a Christian soap opera. I was not happy about it at first. I thought it's not a soap opera. It hasn't got the worldly things in it. It's just taping of their life on the road as speakers at the concerts. I watched one more episode anyways and then I stopped even though I wasn't happy about it. Some would say it was silly of me to even stop because I have a free will. Yes, I do have one. Everyone does. I felt the need to not do it if he asked me not too. I too at first thought, I'm crazy for not still watching it and he's crazy for asking me not too. I guess I take it very serious,even about little things. For the most part,it's easy though. I'm just learning not to have the last word about somethings,it's hard,but I must not have the last word.

How can you teach other woman to be subject to their husbands? I think I can show them by example mostly. It's easy to say you will do this or that,but actually doing it makes the difference. This I am learning too. When they talk about not agreeing with something said or a decision made by their husband, I can encourage them to trust him. I can share with them the Word of God,that no one can dispute against. I'm learning too and it's so nice to know women who have the same desire. So thank you to all who do!

Don't forget to check out Laurie Ann's blog @ A Magnolia's Heart Beats.

At the Well- Having a "Mary" Christmas!

Today our host is Tracy @ Thirsty for Him. She asked some questions about Christmas. Check our her blog post on it.

• Do you find yourself stressed each Christmas, trying to "DO" all of the activities of the holiday, only finding yourself depleted and wondering if your family celebrated the true meaning of Christmas?


• What are practical tips and ideas you can share that celebrate Christ and simplifies Christmas?

Actually, I've never tried to do much,but I've only been married for 2 years almost and been a mother for 10 months. So that may have something to do with it. We used to go out looking at lights as a family,but other than that we didn't do many activities. We had our family get togethers and went to church. I do pray that my family now will remember Christmas isn't about receiving,but giving. It is okay to receive,but not something we should expect. I want to teach Daniel that concept.

I really like to read the accounts of Jesus' birth from the Gospels on Christmas Eve night and Christmas Day. We have done it the past 2 years and it's been wonderful. I would also like to do Advent next year. I read of one family having a present under the tree for Jesus and I love that idea. My nieces(Mike's biological ones) have a birthday party for Jesus and sing to him Christmas Day. I think that is a good idea too. I'm not real creative though. We purchased The Nativity Story last year and watched it. I'd like to do that each Christmas Eve too,along with go to Christmas Eve service.

I love to carol,but Mike doesn't. We used to go with our youth group to the nursing homes. I wouldn't mind taking Daniel to do that when he's older. I want to reach out to those who are shut in,don't have family,or are alone this time of the year. I want to show them a glimpse of God's love. Yes, I want to do it all year long,but this time of the year is really special to me. I just love the feeling in the air. It's almost magical really. I feel like a little child during December.

Our traditions vary depending on Mike's schedule. The first year we stayed home,since he worked both Christmas Eve and Day. Last year, we made it over to both families homes. We also have a fellowship with a ministry we used to be a part of. Friendship Youth Ministry. They usually have a time of worship,then play Secret Santa,and just reflect on old times. It's really special now since most of us have families and some have moved away. This year it will be so wonderful to have Daniel with us. Most of the couples are married and have babies/children now and we just love going there the week of Christmas. We also exchange one gift on Christmas Even night,which I love! Some argue about the gifts giving during Christmas and how you should do it all year long. And yes, I agree,but for us it's easier to save up for holidays or birthdays and budget for it. I am thinking about mentioning a new gift idea to Mike. I read about it in the Focus on the Family magazine and another friend had mentioned it (Cynthia). Giving 3 gifts to each family member to imitate the Magi's gifts for Christ. I think that would be very neat.

So there are some of our traditions,my ideas,and go visit Tracy @ Thirsty for Him.

At the Well- Standing For Your Marriage

I did not get to post early like I usually do for At the Well. It's been a busy day and I'm just getting around to bloggy land. Chelsey is our hostess today. She is talking about standing for your marriage,which is an awesome topic. She shared some great insight on marriages that may struggle in certain areas. She talks about what it means to stand for our marriage. Standing for my marriage means showing my husband the love of Christ and submitting to him as I do the Lord. It means dressing modestly so I do not entice other men and to show interest in my husband romantically. It means to defend the home front when he is not home through what I let come on our radio,t.v.,my mouth,and my mind. It means showering him with love,adoration,and respect. It means to support him in what he does and not to down his dreams and expectations. We are coming up on our 2 year wedding anniversary and I am just so blessed. I will never forget that cold day on December 4th.

I'm learning to listen more and when I think I know more to just be silent. I married Mike because I trust him to hear God's voice. If I think he isn't, I should talk to my Father about it. I am also learning that I can't react according to Mike's actions. Mike just isn't a sensitive guy. He is very blunt and honest. Sometimes it can hurt people's feelings,including me. He tries not too,but sometimes he does. He has a hard time expressing his feelings and usually when he does he says it hurts someone,so he just doesn't express them. So I am learning that I have to keep that in mind and instead of just running to the bathroom crying,I should let him know that hurt my feelings. 90 % of the time he doesn't even know he hurt my feelings. He says he can't read my mind and I usually try to hide my feelings,I know very bad. I just watched my Mother do it for so long that I do it. We haven't been married long,but we have had bumps in the road,thankfully they weren't too big. I've never thought of leaving my husband nor him doing that to me. So I thank God everyday that we haven't been in those shoes. God is showing me to just be silent and not have to get the last word in on conversations or disagreements. I want to honor God in my marriage and that means honoring my husband. I have to be filled up by the Holy Spirit each day, so I can pour out to my husband. If I am dry,then it is not good for my husband. I cannot do it alone in the sense of not having Christ's strength.

Here are some questions Chelsey asked:

What does commitment in marriage mean? Commitment meant just what the vows say. For better or worse,for richer or poorer. The days when he drives me up the wall, I still won't leave him. The days when he has hurt my feelings, I still will love him. I chose to commit my life to Mike as his wife, it wasn't forced on me.

What kind of wife are we called to be to our husbands? The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Titus 2:3-5. I am to be a submissive,chaste,sober,loving wife for my husband. This verse is the best one I can find to describe my role,duty,obligation,whatever you like to call it. That pretty much sums it up. I can't base how I should act on how he acts.

What are ways that we can Biblically stand for our marriage? We can pray our our husband and our marriage. That is the best thing to do. Sometimes saying something to our husbands about an issue or attitude won't change things,but pray always does! I find that is the best thing for me to do. We can also encourage our husbands with kind words. When they through an idea out there that maybe far fetched(like my husband does), we can listen and not just bash it. We can encourage them in the Lord when they are down in their walk or down due to their job. Find something that makes your husband happy and do it.

I am sorry I haven't gotten around to reading any one's blogs lately. I'll try to get to it this week,it's just been busy. Don't forget to check out Chelsey @ Joyfully Living For His Glory.

At the Well- Getting To Know Me

This morning Chelsey is hosting us at the well. She decided for the subject to be getting to know each other better. I am so glad because I am looking forward to learning more about some of you ladies.

So about Heather. Hmm... Don't run,promise! Let's see. I received Christ when I was 10 years old in my bed with my Mama right beside me. I was baptized Easter Sunday of '97. We attended a small Missionary Baptist church. I really didn't know all I know now. I have grew a lot in my faith and relationship with Jesus. He is precious to me. My parents are still living and married to one another. I have a brother,Anthoney, and a sister,Haley. Both are married with children of their own. My brother has 2 girls and one on the way; my sister has 1 little boy. My family goes to Riverside Full Gospel in Mississippi,where I'm originally from. My brother is Sunday School Superintendent and the Private School Superintendent there. They're all very involved. My Daddy just started going to church and got saved! He started for the first time since 1973 last year. My Mother was patient,loving,and kind towards him. She never nagged him or downed him for not going to church. She simply lived her life for Christ and was submissive to my Daddy. That coupled with lots of prayer and seeing his children and grandchildren serve the Lord brought him to the Lord. It's an awesome testimony! We are ALL so thrilled! He is an amazing man,much like my husband. I only have 2 living Grandparents. My Daddy's Father passed away in 2000,then my Mother's Father passed away in 2002,and my Mother's Mother passed away in 2006. My Daddy's biological Mother and Step-Mom are alive. I have a huge extended family. We are a close family. My Daddy has 5 sisters and 2 brothers,they all have like 3 or more children and most of them have babies now. My Mother has 1 brother with 3 children and they have lots. Her extended family is huge. We're of German descent on both sides. My maiden name is Fryfogle Hahaha try to say it correctly! My Mother's maiden name is Mergenschreor. I am very thankful that I don't have to spell out my last name now haha I love my family!

I've been married for almost 2 years ( December 4th) to my best friend and soul mate,Mike. We met when I was 22 and he was 24,but were not dating or pursuing a relationship at the time. I actually started dating his best friend and he was dating another girl. I was always looking for my prince and knew what I wanted,so I tried fitting every guy I dated into the armour. Wrong idea. I ended up with a lot of heartache and giving a lot of heartache. Oh how I wish I could change that part of my life. I longed for a love that never went away. I dated casually and had some very serious relationships. I was even engaged in 2004. Yep, I knew Trent for 4 months and he proposed,why I said yes, I do not know. It was only by the grace of God that we broke up 2 months later. I just couldn't understand to be patient and God would bring who HE wanted for me. I thought I was. I am a romantic at heart,so that really messed me up while waiting. When I graduated high school I did not go straight to college. I just wanted to be a wife,but had no husband. So I babysat some and stayed at home with my parents. I then went on a mission trip to Honduras in 2003 that changed my life. A heart for missions was birthed in me. While on the trip I got offered a job by a Pastor who had a construction business. I took him up on it and then was led to Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel,MS. I enrolled there for the fall of 2003. Wow, my journey of life really begin there. God had so much in store for me. I was still searching for my husband. On the way of searching for him I made many wonderful friends at college. I got to minister to a group of girls that I will forever hold in my heart. God stretched me there and begin molding me. I was also on the drama team at Riverside Full Gospel called the Joshua Generation. Oh wow, what an experience. That was a special time in my life. We went all over South MS and AL doing drama's and ministering through music. God really grew me and I grew so much in Him. I was still in college and dating a guy that I knew I did not need too. He wasn't a bad guy,but he was not the man God had for me. I was in disobedience for almost a year until I broke it off.

After reading a few books by Eric and Leslie Ludy, I decided I would let God take control of my love life. Fine time too huh? I was 23 by now. I completely fell in love with Jesus and did not focus on finding my husband. I continued in college and on the drama team. The fall of 2005 is when Mike and I begin to date. We had been friends since we meet in 2002 and always kept up with one another. He had married someone he knew he shouldn't have and had a nasty divorce. His wife at the time had committed adultery for the 3 months they were married and seeing the same guy while they were engaged. It was a huge wake up call for him. Reconciling was not an option for her,she just wanted out once he found out about it. He tried to reconcile with her because he said that it was the Biblical thing to do,but she wouldn't. So he just moved on. He believes now that he should had married me to begin with,but God doesn't force His will on us,we choose to follow it or not. Wow, there's so much in our story,oh I wish I had time to explain it all. Maybe one day I can,it may make more sense ha! Mike was a Sheriff's Deputy in the county we both lived in,but had applied for a job with the Alabama Highway Patrol. He got accepted 2 months after we begin dating. So in January of 2006 he went to Selma,AL for 6 months,while only coming home on the weekends and few holidays during the week. We couldn't talk on the phone at all. It was so hard,but drew us so much closer to God and one another. God knew what He was doing,like He always does. I was in my last semester at SBC pursuing my Associates in Business (was there 3 years total) at the same time he was in training. Wow, it was a growing time for us. I graduated May 12,2006 from SBC and on June 2,2006 Mike proposed. I knew he was going to do it and had even went with him to get the ring. I was still so nervous and so was he! He proposed to me in front of the Macaroni Grill before going in to meet with our friends. Oh it was one of the happiest days of my life!! I love that man! He finally graduated from academy on June 22,2006. Wow, that time was over finally and we could start our lives together. We decided to not have a "wedding". I just didn't want to go through all the stress one brings,even a small one. I'm a very odd girl haha We searched for our home and God led us to the perfect apartment for us. I,of course, didn't move in until we got married. On that cold,cold day of December 4th Bro. Lance married us in our apartment with his wife to witness it. It was another happy day of our life!! Oh it was wonderful! I'll never forget that day. He is the love of my life,my best friend,my lover! He is so funny,sweet,caring,discerning,and Godly. I love Mike so much! I am so glad that I did not just marry on my own will. Mike did,but it's never got in my way of loving him. He was man enough to say I messed up and I'm sorry.

We attend First Baptist of Wilmer. God is moving there and it's really great to see people receive Jesus. We love our Pastor and the people there,though we don't know a lot of them. It's a huge church with over a thousand on roll,but only about 700 on Sunday's and Wednesday's. We have a passion for missions and proclaiming the gospel. I have a passion to tell young women to wait on the man God has for you and not just "date" to date. I also have a passion to help women see their God given,Biblical role as a woman and wife. Right now, my passion is my husband and my son. I long for Daniel to love God and Jesus more than life! I long to teach him scriptures and tell him all about God and have him ask us questions about Jesus.

The next season of our life begin. Pregnancy. We weren't married very long and we found out we were expecting. In May I found out I was pregnant. I was terrified,horrified,and scared to death. Oh how I did not think I could handle the labor and delivery part. I just wasn't good with babies,kids,or any sort. I wasn't patient enough and all the kids I saw were just so horrible. I thought God,what are you doing? Again second guessing the One who put the heavens into place. God finally took the fears away and we enjoyed the pregnancy. To read the labor and delivery of Daniel go here. On January 26,2008 Daniel Paul Strickland was born. God really taught us to trust Him not matter what and He would supply our every need. Wow, I'm telling you,when you truly let go and let God it is amazing what He will do. He gave us free rent,paid for Daniel's way here without insurance,and wrote off all the bills after the c-section. We have such a testimony in only the 2 years we've been married. Our life verse is Philippians 4:19 "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." We have decided to let God decide how many little ones we have. We did a lot of things different with Daniel and don't regret it. We don't do things just because it's what you do,we research and seek God's guidance and counsel. It's caused some rifts in the water,but we will do what God says and not man. Our commands come from God. We are happy to be trail blazers,as my Doula called us. So we're just seeking God's direction in our life. Wherever He leads we will go.

God is just so awesome! He is my Provider,my Healer,my Refuge,my All in all. He is everything I need and want! I'm so thankful for the life He has blessed me with.

Don't forget to check out Chelsey @ Joyfully Living For His Glory

At the Well- God Honoring Schedule

Today At the Well, Sunny @ A Damsel No Longer In Distress is our host. She always blesses me with her post. She is a very wise woman I think and always uses the Word instead of her opinion. She is talking about God honoring schedules today. Which is something I love to do,schedule or have a routine.

I've always been an organizer,planner,scheduler, and so on. Well, when I married Mike that changed,not his fault,but it was due to his job. He is a State Trooper and well they have shifts like many people in the medical field. It took some adjusting to get used to it. I adjusted as best as I could and I got pregnant. Wow, that threw me for a whammy. Hurting,sickness,and other sorts put a kink in my plan. I figured after I had the baby that things would go right back to normal. That was my small minded thinking. Now, I had to try to get Daniel on a schedule of some sort. Like Laurie said you have to have them on a sleeping schedule and eating schedule(to an extent). Oh, for months there was no such thing as a schedule. Slowly one started to form,but babies are babies and they constantly changed. It was beginning to drive me nutty! Now, we're on a better schedule,but things still don't always go as planned. I'm really having to still just be patient. I take time with the Lord each day,take care of my husband,and then Daniel. I've gotten better at not thinking the house has to be spotless. If Daniel wants me to play with him, I stop what I'm doing and play with him. He is more important than dishes,laundry,or the bed. Thanks to you ladies and my other dear friends,reminding me that Daniel will only be this age once. Not saying that I don't get those things done,but it may wait to be done later in the day.

I used to be involved very much at the previous church I attended. I was on the drama team and we traveld around doing drama's and worship. Wow, I loved every minute of it! I did that for almost 2 years while I was in college. It was a very special time in my life. I grew a lot in the Lord. Some days I crave to be a part of the women's Bible study at church or other various things. There's nothing wrong with being involved,but at this time in my life my ministry is Daniel. I want to train him in the admonition of the Lord and Daniel needs me. I have friends who run here and there doing ministry and dragging their babies to grandparents,day cares,or even the church daycare. I feel bad for those babies. I am glad God showed me,with the help of friends, that Daniel is my ministry. Mike and Daniel are my main ministry. I can pray for the various other ministries daily and that is being involved too. I want to do mission work so badly too! But right now it's not the time. I'm glad God doesn't let me get ahead of myself all the time. He is gracious.

With me I know God was trying to get me to let go of my scheduling to the point that it would cause arguements between Mike and I. And yes it did,especially when Daniel was smaller. I believe I was too much of a planner and when things didn't go as planned I literally lost it. There has to be a medium and balance. Sunny shared an outline of what a Godly woman shared with her. It was perfect and the balance we need.


1. GOD FIRST: Matthew 6:33 & 10:37-39; Luke 14:33; Mark 12:30-31; Proverbs 31:30; Psalm 88:13; Psalm 1:1-3;

2. SPOUSE SECOND: Genesis 2:18-20, 3:16; Ephesians 5:22-24; 1 Corinthians 11:3, 8-9; 1 Timothy 2:13, 3:4-5; Titus 2:3-5

3. CHILDREN THIRD: Psalm 78:3-5; Titus 2:4; Deuteronomy 6:7; Proverbs 10:1; Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 19:18; Proverbs 29:17; Malachi 2:15; Hebrews 12:8

4. HOMEMAKING FOURTH: Proverbs 31:10-31; Titus 2:3-5

5. "MINISTRY" FIFTH: Volunteering (at church & childrens' school), work, others (extended family, church family, friends) & Hobbies: 1 Timothy 2:10, 5:9-10; 1 Corinthians 12:7: Acts 9:36; 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12; Romans 12:10 & 13: 1 Peter 4:9-11)

That is what Sunny shared and I really like it. I'm going to print it out and the verses too. So as of now we just go with the flow. My husband is very much that way and I'm thankful God uses him to not let me stress if things get altered. He keeps me sane and to realize that I need to stop to smell the roses.


Have you ever planned your day, week or month, then regretted making the commitments you’ve made, wondering if your plan was the right one? Yes,now I don't make any commitments unless I know I can follow through.

Have you ever wondered if you should’ve said “yes” to one person and “no” to another and just weren’t sure what the best thing to do was? Yes I have.

Who or what does your schedule represent? Does it represent you, your affinities, or your love for Christ? Right now it represents taking care of Daniel. He is my ministry and in my care. Some days it represents me and I remember that I am to be a servant to my family and others.

Thank you Sunny and the others who contributed! I love Monday's! Don't forget to check out Sunny @ A Damsel No Longer In Distress.

At the Well- Arise and Shine: Being an Exceptional Mother in the Midst of the Ordinary

Today our host at the well is Lisa @ A Second Generation of Homeschooling. She has a wonderful topic! Arise and Shine: Being an Exceptional Mother in the Midst of the Ordinary is her topic. Wow, that's a thought provoking topic.

I've only been married for almost 2 years (will be December 4th) and only been a mother for 9 months and 1 day,so I don't have as much experince as most of you ladies do. I was raised in a home where Mother did the housework,cookin,and tending to the children. Although I never really started helping with housework or cooking until I was in college, that was a joy to me and still is. I love to keep my house neat and clean! The hard part is being a mother. I did not like babies because they didn't seem to like me. I wasn't patient enough for children either. All kids above age 2 just really were horrible to be around. They did not listen at all,were terrors,and just mean. I never thought I wanted kids to be honest. Thankfully, God let me see that kids are the way they are because of parents and when it's your child you can raise them in a Godly manner. It's hard to not get whiney and be selfish with an infant. Wow, some days I'm ashamed of myself. He's only a baby and he does need me. I mean cleaning the house to me is like therapy,so it's not a big deal, and my husband isn't very demanding. Wow, but Daniel is. He needs us more than I've seen other babies do their parents and he doesn't like to play alone much. So I've been really working on not thinking of it as an interruptions if I'm doing something and Daniel needs or wants me. I don't do well with lots of stress and I get overwhelmed to easy. I let myself get overwhelmed too easy. God wants me not to be selfish at all. I am to be a servant to my God,my family,my friends,and to others. What better way to help me acheive that, than give me something that has to have me. He can't go to the bathroom by himself,but needs changing. He can't feed himself,but needs me to feed it. He can't do most things without me doing it for him or helping him. I'm not complainig by no means, I asked God to help me be moldable about 3 or 4 years ago and well, He's doing that. Not only with Daniel,but with other circumstances in my life. I'm not sure how that went along with these questions,but it's what I felt I needed to write. So I'll answer the questions now.

1. What daily tasks seem mundane or monotonous to you? Oh that would have to be washing and drying clothes. eek! We don't have a washer or dryer in our apartment,but there is one on site. It just gets old to be honest! Ha! I know we have to keep our clothes clean,but sometimes I'm tempted to re-wear shirts over and over again.

2. How can we change our outlook when completing these tasks? Definately by seeing that all we do is for the glory of God and it's what He has given us to do. We'll answer for what we have done with our gifts and talents. That does concern our home,husband,and children too!

3. What impact do these tasks have on our husband and children? How does it make a difference in their lives? Well, if my house is messy and stinky to the point that's it just nasty,then my husband will certainly not be happy. He's not a neat freak by a long stretch,but he does like the house to be at least picked up for company and to smell good for him. For Daniel he needs to see me as his mother keeping the home and teaching him so he will know what his wife is supposed to be like. Not everything about my personality so to say,but just being a Titus 2 woman,wife,and mother.

4. Is it okay to focus on earthly recognition when completing these tasks for our loved ones, or is receiving an eternal reward sufficient? Which does Jesus think is more important? Shouldn’t that be our focus, as well? I don't think it's wrong to want your husband to tell you thank you for what you do,but to do it just for that reason is selfish and self gain. That's not what Jesus taught in scripture.

I really enjoyed this topic! Thanks Lisa! Don't forget to check our her post @ A Second Generation of Homeschooling.

Here are some scriptures that I start my morning off with.

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 51:10

I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.
Psalm 101:3

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
Proverbs 18:21

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24

As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.
Psalm 18:30

I really enjoyed this topic. Thank Lisa! Don't forget to check her out @ A Second Generation of Homeschooling. Be blessed!

At the Well- Our Homes

I'm not sure how to write then place the pictures where I want them,so here are a few pics first. I couldn't get my camera to do all the ones I took though.

It's time to gather at the well with these wonderful women of God! I'm so thankful that I came to blogger and found you wonderful ladies! Natalie @ I AM(not) is our host today, so head over to her blog for her thoughts on our homes being an extension of who we are.

Her question to us was : How does your home reflect who you are?

Good question. I have always lived in a Mobile Home (trailer) and to me that was a home. My parents always told us home is not about what you live in,but what lives there with you. Love makes a house a home. I took that with me through my early years till now. Mama had it decorated with all her old antique things and of course pictures of the children. Holidays were the best time because you smelt the yummy fixings! Candles were always lit and there was always laughter in the home. All of our friends and extended family love coming over because we were always laughing and loving on each other. I cherished my trailer and really hated to leave it.

Now, that I am married I want my home to be like my parents. I want it to be full of laughter(which it is, my husband is the funniest man in the world) and full of love! We live in a 2 bedroom apartment in the city. How does my home reflect me? Well, I like organization,so things are put in specific places so we know where to find them. (ha, except my husbands keys he is determined to always misplace them!) God is a God of order. He expects our homes to be in order also. It may not always be neat (ha how can it with crawling infant?),but things should be in order and have a set place they are stored and put away. I also love scents! So our home always has candles lit. I do the seasonal thing with candles! I have a candle in the kitchen,bathroom,and our bedroom! My husband loves to smell the aroma of my home. I also love to cook and my husband loves to eat! ha! So our home is filled with good smelling foods,whether it is desserts or the main course. I also love pictures!! So you guessed it! Pictures are up,as many I can put up without it looking cluttered. We both loves books,so we have 2 full book shelves! We have a t.v. in 2 rooms,but we watch what we let come on the screen. We want a peaceful,loving spirit in our home. I always have my Christian radio station playing or a Christian cd in. I want God to be welcomed here 24/7!

We love the Lord and want our home to honor Him. Not only honor Him,but be full of Him. So I picked out verses from the Word,typed them up,printed them out,and put them up in different spots in the home. I want others to see Christ in my home. I want them to feel warm and welcomed here,even if they are first timers! I love to have people over and just have fun! Our home is also full of baby noises,which I absolutely adore! We hear a thud on the floor and know lil' man is crawling to find us wherever we are. I want Daniel to have the atomsphere I did growing up. A loving mother and father who welcome his friends over and can be a blast to be around. Like I've said and the other ladies, we are to do everything to the glory of God! My home is not mine in reality. It's God. He gave it to us. He really did! After living here for almost a year, our landlord offered us free rent! So it's God home and we want to glorify Him in it.

I'm not that good at decorating. I like to put up pictures,candles out,and some trinkets here and there. I wish I had the creativity that our host Natalie does,wow her home is so pretty! So I may live in an "apartment" to many,but to me it's my home.

How does your home reflect who you are? Don't orget to check out Natalie @ I AM(not). God Bless!!

At the Well-Keepers at Home

It's time At the Well! I love Monday mornings! I pray you'll join us and head over to Chesley's blog at Joyfully Living for His Glory after you're done reading my post. Chelsey is talking about being keepers of our home. She had some great insight and great tips for us! Here are the questoins she posed to us.


Let' s get a little vulnerable here ladies - do you keep a neat and tidy home?
I'm having to learn how to with a 8 month old crawling baby and a not so neat freak husband. I try my best,but I want to do better.

If so, what do you do to keep on top of this? Schedules? Routines?If you have children at home, do they get involved? I really don't have a schedule or routine. I just start with the dishes first,then the remainder of the kitchen,and go from there. Daniel usually is taking things out instead of putting them up!

If you are lacking in this area, why do you think that is? Some days I lack because I just want to rest or relax while Daniel naps. Other times I lack because I just sit down to play with Daniel or spend time with my husband.


That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.
Titus 2:4-5

I love taking care of our home,it is a delight! When I lived with my parents,I helped around the house a lot! I loved it,but now that this is my house it's even better! I always like my dishes washed and my bed made. When those 2 things are done I feel much better about my home. Chelsey gave a good tip. She said stand at your front door and look through the eye's of company and I am going to start doing this! Living in a 840 sq. ft. apartment, it can get cluttered easy and things just laid here or there. I do a run through before my husband comes home and pick up toys off the floor,another tip from Chelsey.

It is hard to do with children,especially small infants,but if you can find one or two things that you think makes the house look better when cleaned and get it tidy it will make a world of difference. For instance, I like the dishes done,the bed made,the table cleaned off,and the bar area clean. So I get those done so if I get caught up in taking care of Daniel,then the house does like decent. We don't have much company at all and my husband actually likes a some-what messy house ha! I am the one who cannot stand it though! We are to do everything,as we are doing it unto the Lord. So keeping our homes tidy,not perfect (because like Chelsey said we live there) is service to the Lord.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
I Corinthians 10:31

Check out Chelsey's blog @ Joyfully Living for His Glory . God bless!

At the Well- The Words We Speak

I said I was taking a break,I have been,but I will continue to input on At the Well on Monday's.

I am grateful for the ladies I've met through blogging and through At the Well. Laurie Ann @ A Magnolia's Heart Beat's had a powerful post on the words we speak. Wow, God really convicted me about somethings. He is so great and it's wonderful to have the Holy Spirit living inside of me to convict me of my sinful nature.

Here are some questions Laurie Ann posted. I'm going to answer them honestly,then give another spin on the words we speak.

1. Do the words you speak reflect your reverence for Christ?
2. Would you consider your speech to be self-controlled and pure?
3. Do you find gossip and slander hard or easy to avoid?

1. Wow, what Laurie Ann said was a home run hit to me. I have said so many time I'll pray for you and get so busy,then forget to do so. I have caught myself saying My Lord a lot too. I have been trying to get better about praying on the spot for those I tell I will do so. I'm trying to think of other words I can say that are funny,yet not anywhere near taking the Lord's name in vain.

2. As far as profanity goes, I don't cuss at all. I have recently stopped myself saying crap and I'm trying to stop saying dang. It's such a common word here in the deep south and it's hard to break saying it.

3. Now, that I live away from family and friends I don't know if it's harder or easier. I only talk to my Mother on the phone and sometimes she'll start telling me about so and so,I'll have to change the subject,though I don't all the time. I used to find it easy to avoid.


Laurie Ann @ A Magnolia's Heart Beat's said some great things! I wasn't expecting that spin on the subject. I am so glad that's such diversity among the ladies there! Go check out her blog post on it!

Now, here's what comes to my mind when I think about the words we speak. Life or death. Blessing or cursing. We can do not only damage to people we do not like with our tongue,but to people we love a lot. I know everyone has heard the saying, 'You are what you eat.' Well, I believe in the saying, 'You are what you say.' This verse was talked about much at the church I attended before I got married. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Proverbs 18:21 I have it hid in my heart and I believe what it says. If you constantly speak death(negative) over things,people, and situations they will be what you say they are. If you speak life(positive) over things,people,and situations they will do the same. Let's say for example, you are having a hard time with a relationship in your life and you constantly are saying, "It's never going to change. It will always be so hard or dry or bad." Well, it will continue to be so. Remember the saying, 'Can't never could"? Well, it's true. If you keep speaking how bad your kids are and how horrible they are. Bank on it, they'll keep being that way. You have to speak life and blessing over your family and your situations! You cannot keep speaking death and cursing! If you do, it definately will not get better. You know someone who has cancer,don't speak death over them. Pray Your will be done,Father. Our tongue is powerful! If we don't bridle it with God's Word and the Holy Spirit, it can do major damage! I know some that don't take this verse as literal as my husband and I do,but we take it literal. Our tongue should bring praise and honor to God! It should encourage and comfort others! There is a time for rebuke and correction,but that is still done in love.


"For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."
Matthew 12:37

This is another verse that was talked about a lot at the church I attended before I married. You cannot take back something you have said. No matter what you do,the words are still there in the mind(s) of the one(s) you said them too. You can re-do much in life,but what comes out of your mouth is forever etched into eternity. You will either be found just or be found condemned for the words you speak. We are called to be kind to one another. Words can uplift or trample someone. "A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!" Proverbs 15:23



But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
I Peter 1:15-16

Lastly, we are called to be holy in all manner of conversation. Like Laurie Ann pointed out,it's not just about cussing. You can use substitutes that are just as bad. Crap,dang,heck,and others are just substitutes. Oh my gosh,oh my goodness,those are substitutes also. I was in a bad habit of saying OMGosh all the time years ago,thankfully with God's help I have stopped. Not only is it about the words we say and what those words are,but what we are talking about. I believe this verse is also talking about what we talk about. Gossip,slander,lying,filth,etc. It's so easy to get caught up in the first two: gossip and slander. Wow. It is so easy,but we have to keep the scripture hid in our heart,as David said, so that we may not sin against God. So if you have some problems with the words you speak,ask God for help. He is gracious and forgiving! He is all powerful! Don't forget to go over to A Magnolia's Heart Beat's and be blessed by her post!


Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.
Proverbs 4:24

The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Proverbs 8:13

The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble.
Proverbs 12:13

The words of a man's mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
Proverbs 18:4

The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
Proverbs 18:8

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.
A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled.
Proverbs 18:20-21

At the Well- Purity

I enjoyed everything that Tracy wrote on purity. She had some great wisdom that she shared. Go check it out,if you haven't already @ Thirsty For Him.

I know this is a touchy subject and I am not trying to condemn. This is just how I view it and how I believe God wants us to live. I didn't have much time to look up the meanings of purity,but being pure isn't hard to figure out. It's being the example Jesus was here on earth. It not only has to do with what we watch,read,or listen too. It has to do with our attitude,dress,conversation,and actions.

I am very big on what I watch,read,and listen too. I believe Jesus made enough references about what goes in will come out in the Bible,that it is something we should take seriously. Years ago when I was a young teen I really didn't think about what I put into my mind through music or t.v. I listened to country music and watched fearful movies. As I got to be an older teen I started listening to alternative,pop,rock,and rap music. I tried to stop listening to it once,but it wasn't out of a true heart so it didn't last. When I was about 20 or 21 God really put it heavy on my heart to let all of my life glorify Him and to let go of the junk in my life. Thankfully, that time I was true about it. I stopped listening to anything but Christian music and even that is filtered. I also stopped watching any shows that have cursing,sex (of any type),witchcraft,to be honest anything filthy. Filthy isn't defined by my standards,but by the Word of God. So, needless to say, we don't watch much t.v. at all. It's really not that bad though. We even filter some of the "Christian" stuff out there. I filled my mind with enough junk that I had to filter out in years before. I only want my mind filled with God's Word now. I think it's very important to teach this to our kids. Like Sunny said if you teach them to love God's Word.

Our Spirit is weak by nature beacause of our sinful flesh. You feed your Spirit the Word of God in order to grow stronger in that area. Whichever you feed the most,will grow more. By abstaining from things of the world, we can put in God's Word and be pure before Him. If your love for God grows everyday and your intimacy with Him becomes deeper, you'll not do it out of legalism,but rather out of pure love and want too for and from God. Be blessed! Check out the Tracy's thoughts on this at Thirsty for Him.

Here are some verses to dwell on.

3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. Psalm 101:3

18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: Matthew 15:18-19

15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. I Peter 1:15-16

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33