by Kimberly | Jan 12, 2016 | Bible, Uncategorized
Everyone has gone through phases in their spiritual journey where focus and energy and excitement about the Word has been less than enthusiastic. I remember hearing a great word from the woman in my life who loves and knows the Word the best and it went something like this :
even when you don’t feel like it – keep doing it – be faithful – God will bring fruit and excitement
That is so true.
One of the ways that I stay focused in my time in the Word (both during studies, classes, services, and personal devotions) is doodling. Most people might read that and say that I’m not focusing or I’m tuning out – but on the contrary. Doing something with my hands engages my mind and actually helps me listen and engage more (internally, as I’ve gotten less apt to speak aloud in a class). Doodling helps me focus on certain words in the Word or in the book or from a sermon or class that is being taught – or maybe its a lyric from a hymn. Doodling helps me remember what I’m learning. And isn’t that the point of Psalm 119: to get the Word in you so the Spirit can help you remember it when you need it – which is always?!
So, I thought I would share some tips – if you want to start doodling, or drawing, or lettering, or anything:
- The focus of doodling is not you – but it is engaging the Word into your mind. An example: as I was lettering Jeremiah 29:11 this morning, and as I prayed it for a pray names art I did for a sweet little boy in Virginia for a Christmas present – I was thinking of the words wholeness and know that are in that verse. I was thinking of the verses after it. I was thinking that these verses are especially popular for kids and teenagers, but how true are they still today when I’m a wife and a momma of two little boys and we don’t feel settled in life and don’t know what is next. Even then – even this morning – I need to know the truth of that verse. How sweet the Word is to my soul!
- Grab a pencil or any writing instrument you want. I use micron pens a lot, I love pencils, I love Staedtler pens and Le Pens too. Whatever you want to write or doodle with. Just grab it. It doesn’t have to be name brand or cost much of anything. You can grab dollar store pens and have them on hand for all that doodling.
- Start doodling. The good thing with doodling is it doesn’t have to be perfect. And its your doodles. I doodle words mostly because I’m not a good artist. I love lettering – always have. I’ve always loved writing, journaling, writing out prayers, etc. And experiment. If you really like some lettering you’ve seen – try it out. You’ll never know unless you try. Pinterest and Instagram are great places to start if you want to find some new fonts to try out and practice.
That’s all there is to it. Happy doodling. And I pray that your doodling is fruitful in helping you understand and meditate on the Word! And this is a great summary of Don Whitney’s thoughts on meditating on Scripture. You can do a lot of this by doodling – not just thinking.
by Kimberly | Jan 11, 2016 | Books
The most popular devotion in the last 5 years is by far Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.
And here are some posts that explain why I don’t use this for my devotions. One two and here is one for the kids version.
But, I know everyone doesn’t believe the same about this. I know many who use it and are encouraged by it.
Tommy Nelson gave me the chance to give away both the devotional and the kids version.
Why it would be helpful? You and your kids can be on the same page each day of the year with what you are reading. You can learn the same Bible verses. Hear the same truth.
Here is my caution: if you are reading it – and having your kids read it as well – at least be aware of the cautions that people give it. Think through these thoughts. Then, decide for yourself. My main problem is not what she says, but the fact that Sarah Young says the words are from God (and writes them as such) and then if they are words from God they should be binding on our lives. That is why we have the Bible. The Bible is the only authoritative word of God!
If you would like to win this set of books – leave a comment about something God has been teaching you lately!
That’s all!
by Kimberly | Dec 21, 2015 | Christmas, food, Uncategorized
christmas
Food is definitely a love language of mine – so I love to share it with others – especially my little men. I’ve felt so bad that in this busy toddler and preschooler season I’ve not cooked near as much as I normally do – and I think my men suffer for it. But, hopefully I will get these done this week:
Grinch Popcorn
Royal Icing (both of these are for a little Christmas cartoon party we are having at the house tomorrow)
Nutella Cinnamon Rolls (CEve breakfast)
Croissant Breakfast Bake (CDay breakfast)
PW Rigatoni and Meatballs
Garlic knots
Caesar Salad
Lemon Cake with Sugared Cranberries (Happy Jesus Day cake) = this is our first year doing this. I’d like to make a main cake each Christmas and have it be Jesus’ birthday cake. Sing happy birthday to Jesus and maybe start giving a gift to Jesus (our Lottie Moon offering, or gift to another Gospel-centered something)
Lemon Curd
Orange Curd
Chocolate covered pretzels and Chocolate Ritz PB Sandwiches (both of these are my my mister bc he loves them)
I think that will be it. We’ll eat normal stuff or leftovers the rest of the week!
Merry Christmas yall. Thanks for reading this little blog!
by Kimberly | Dec 20, 2015 | Sundays in the South
Processed with VSCO
Here we are the week before Christmas. Less than 7 days and I have to admit, as my kids get older, it is more fun – to think of the surprise that will fill their eyes on Christmas morning.
Here are some things that I’m liking this week – and some fun things I’m baking:
Grinch popcorn as I have some little friends over this week.
I know two littles (and their momma) who would enjoy these. If you need a hostess gift for a family with kids these would be perfect.
Spot On post by Kristin
I will be adding these to our Happy Jesus Day cake this week
I’m dreaming of two days here with my mister over New Years – if no one gets sick.
Can’t wait to read this book to my boys this week. It is by far my fave Christmas book.
by Kimberly | Dec 20, 2015 | Books, mothering, parenting, Shepherding Children
Oh, sweet mommas – this post is especially for the mommas out there – and you don’t have to have toddlers to understand this post. Maybe all of your kids are teenagers, or are married and raising babies of their own – or maybe you have a few younger than mine and are still living in sleepless nights because of newborns or sleep regression.
Just as the very word of God spoke all of creation into being, and the word of God is written down for us so we may be changed into His image, the word of God also breathes life into the every day of my mothering – right now which is a highly emotional 3 year old we are seeking to potty train and a speedy 2 year old who loves to jump off everything he can climb.
Two examples for you from the last 24 hours. It was a long afternoon as I fought for my 2 year old to take a nap. I knew he was tired and just didn’t want to miss out on anything. Finally 90 minutes after scheduled nap time, he finally went down for 90 minutes. Then, by the time my husband walked in the door at 635 from his job, I was so done. He immediately took over, gave them a bath, put them to bed (which was a 2.5 hour struggle with one of them), and told me to go do something, anything, other than being with the kids. I went in and took a long hot shower which is one of my favorite things to do in the winter (I know I’m not helping the water conservation society). As I was standing there praying, confessing my anger and entitlement, I was reminded of a verse in James that my husband spent a whole year on our first year of marriage: James 4:1-4 which basically says the reason you are arguing and upset is because you are fighting to get what you want because you are idolizing something and not keeping God God in your life and heart. Yup. I was struggling all day because I didn’t get what I wanted from my sons. I wanted quiet – I didn’t get much of that all day. I wanted obedience – but my sons are sinners and not prone to obey so I shouldn’t expect them to do it. I was crying in the shower, even as the hot water ran down my cheeks and increased my need for an aging-skin moisturizer – God was restoring my soul with the work of the Word.
The second example is from this morning: it was a long morning. I sat in the sanctuary during the sunday school hour, listening to my husband prep for CEve service, scanning through social media, getting encouraged from friends, and the tears were there all morning. Before the service, my husband sat down beside me, and just whispered in my ear the gospel: the God has a plan, Jesus is enough even when its hard, that His grace is sufficient. My tears were dripping on his new gray pants. I didn’t care. I hope they didn’t stain. The gospel is found in the Word. We must know the Word. We must have the Word spoken to us – to our souls – to our hurt and weary souls.
I got a book set in the mail this week from Tommy Nelson that helps adults and kids know key Scriptures in the Bible. How to know them, memorize them, live them out – so that the Word may be life-changing in whatever situation we find ourselves in. The Joshua Code and I Can Learn the Bible would be a great set for you to work through with your children in the new year. If you would like please just leave a post about anything – anything at all.
Happy Mothering.
