Fun Fridays – Holiday Memories

OK, to kick off our first FUN FRIDAY, I am going to start out by giving a prize!!!!!

“Holiday Memories”

Share a holiday memory that you had in years past. Post it on your blog with a link back to this post. Increase your odds of winning by adding a link to our home page too! Feel free to use the above image in your post as well.

Prize: 16 oz jar candle.
Scent: “Holiday Memories” (ginger and cinnamon with a touch of vanilla)
Value: $20

Winner will be judged on how the story moves me…can be funny, sentimental…whatever. AND if they added links and kudos to MOF!

This Fun Friday event will end tomorrow (11/1/08) at Noon. Winner will be announced by Wednesday (11/5/08).

Hint: Fill out Mr. Linky to INCREASE your chances of winning!!!!

For more on Fun Fridays, Click Here!






A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.



Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.



Fun Fridays! (Intro)

OK, well, we have a new Friday Carnival/Meme. THANK YOU, Dianna! It was her idea that won! I like the idea of having it open each week. We do not have to do the “same” ole stuff!

Each week we will do something different to keep it fresh and alive! I may use some of the other ideas for one of our Fun Friday events.

How does it work?

Each Friday I will post what we are doing that day.There will be games, fun events, silliness, prize drawings and just plain old FUN!!!

YOU COULD WIN!

You can participate and you could WIN! Every person who places a “FUN FRIDAY” image on their blog or site will be on the running for a free gourmet votive. Plus some link love. One winner EVERY week!!!!

Also, every month we will have a drawing for all the people who POSTED about Moms of Faith’s “Fun Fridays” on their blog with a link back to our blog
(http://momsoffaith.com/blog) AND to at least ONE Fun Friday that month! The person who wins THIS drawing will get a free gourmet JAR candle! Plus some link love! One winner EVERY month!!!

Hint: Fill out Mr. Linky to INCREASE your chances of winning!!!!






A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.



Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.



New Look!

Well, I decided to remodel Moms of Faith. I wanted something more feminine and easy on the eyes. I hope you all like it! I will be posting my friday theme decision soon as well…I am torn between a couple…LOL






A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.



Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.



Discipleship

The original Greek meaning for discipleship comes from discipline and means; education, training and correction. Discipleship is sorely lacking in today’s church. In Paul’s day it was the way you did church…in today’s world many Christian’s usually hide under rocks. Those Christians who DO spread the word are in many cases not disciplining those they have converted. We ALL need accountability and to be taught.

Please understand that, yes, when you get “saved,” your spirit man awakens and you are convicted when you sin. However, a baby Christian needs guidance just like a child does. If they are not given proper instruction they may fall into error…or fall away all together.

For physical training is of some value (useful for a little), but godliness (spiritual training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come. - 1 Timothy 4:8

We NEED to not only disciple others, we need to BE discipled. The younger in Christ should seek and listen to counsel from those who are older in the Lord. This is how we can really grow and learn. We cannot…we must NOT remain milk eaters for our entire lives. We must learn and grow and begin to wean ourselves from childish ways.

For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was aware and loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning to be molded into the image of His Son and share inwardly His likeness, that He might become the firstborn among many brethren. - Romans 8:29

We ALL have a calling. God does not want us to remain in a baby state or in a state of no growing. He wants to continually mold us into His image and teach us His ways. We cannot do and be all that God created us to be without instruction from others and being in various relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ.

You must submit to and endure correction for discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons. For what son is there whom his father does not [thus] train and correct and discipline?

Now if you are exempt from correction and left without discipline in which all of God’s children share, then you are illegitimate offspring and not true sons at all. - Hebrews 12:7-8

It is right of passage to be corrected and taught. We need not fret or allow our feathers to get ruffled. We should receive the correction. Pray about it. Seek council about it from those who are more spiritually fit than we are. We must not simply toss it aside. The correction may very well be from God and needed in our lives to promote spiritual growth and healthy fruit development in our lives.

Let us not be found spiritually sleeping when our Savior returns. My dear sisters, that day is very soon. We Must awaken from our slumber and begin to be effective in our walk and TRUE followers of Christ.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself [disregard, lose sight of, and forget himself and his own interests] and take up his cross and follow Me – cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying, also.

For whoever is bent on saving his temporal life [his comfort and security here] shall lose it [eternal life]; and whoever loses his life [his comfort and security here] for My sake shall find it [life everlasting]. - Matthew 16:24-25

Copyright © Lara Velez, All Rights Reserved

Let’s Pray;

Daddy God, I love You. I want to live for You and allow You to mold me into Your Image. I want to become ALL that You created me to be. I want to DO ALL that You created me to do in my lifetime. I do not want to be spiritually dead or sleeping. Wake me up! Teach me. Help me. Thank You for Your Word, Your love and for saving me. I love You, Daddy, In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen!

Your Homework:

Memorize: Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. – Matthew 16:24-25 (NLT)

Dig Deeper:

Study the following Scriptures to dig deeper into this study and what God’s Word has to say.

  • Matthew 16: 24-25; 7:24-25
  • 1 Timothy 4:8-9
  • Romans 8:27-31
  • Ephesians 4:11-17
  • Hebrews 12:7-12
  • Philippians 2:3-11
  • James 1:2-4; 3:13-18

Have a blessed and victorious week!

Copyright © Lara Velez, All Rights Reserved

In Him,






A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.



Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.



Tuesday’s Mommy Tip – Thankfulness is Taught

Do you have a great tip for Moms? They can be about anything (family friendly, of course) that pertains to a Mom’s life, including; beauty, kitchen, health, parenting, and so much more! Click Here to find out how YOU can join Moms of Faith’s Tuesday’s Mommy Tips!

NOTE: PLEASE read the rules. We have a few who are not posting to the ACTUAL TIP post on their blog. I need you to post your link to the actual TIP POST…NOT the main page of your site. THANK YOU!!

OK, on to this week’s Mommy tip

Thankfulness is Taught

This is the time of year where gifts are given. Soon, your children will be receiving gifts from friends and family. When a gift is received it is a great opportunity to teach your children to be thankful and to show thankfulness and courtesy to others. Every time they receive a gift, have them create a thank you card. Teach them that this is good manners and is kind to the gift giver. Since Christmas is right around the corner, you can wait until after Christmas and then have a “thankful day” where you create all your thank you Christmas cards. This is an AWESOME way to get their minds set on this and they will continue with this “thankful” tradition through out their lives.






A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.



Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.



Fall Recipes – October

Below are some healthy and delicious fall recipes for the month of October

October Chili

1 1/2 pounds ground chicken or turkey
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 small onion, diced
1 – 15oz can of pumpkin
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons raw sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

Place the meat in a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook until no longer pink. Drain grease.  Return to the stove on low heat.  Stir in the drained kidney beans, the diced tomatoes and the diced onion. Fold in the pumpkin and mix to combine all the ingredients.  Sprinkle in the chili powder, sugar and salt.  Blend the seasonings in well.  Cook 1 1/2 hours on low.  Stir occasionally.

Fall Fruit Beverage

1 1/2 cups apple juice
1 cup pineapple juice
1 cup fresh pumpkin, peel and cut into small chunks
2 teaspoons honey
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Place the apple juice and pineapple juice into the blender.  Add the pumpkin chunks to the juice.  Blend until beginning to smooth.  Pour the honey into the blended mixture.  Sprinkle in the cinnamon and nutmeg on top.  Blend until all the ingredients are mixed together.  Pour into a pitcher and refrigerate until ready to serve.  Best when served chilled.

Got an original fall recipe to share? Email it to submissions@momsoffaith.com






A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.



Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.



Iron Man – Movie Review for Christian Moms

Movie Title: Iron Man
Rating: PG-13
Director: Jon Favreau
Staring: Robert Downey Jr.; Jeff Bridges; Terrence Howard; and Gwyneth Paltrow
Category: Action

Moms of Faith Rating: Two thumbs Up!

Intro: Iron Man is a humorous action packed film based on the Marvel Comic, Iron Man.

Review: Tony Stark is the star player in this movie. He is a man with no real substance in his character. he is a womanizer, gambler and an ego maniac…until he encounters some reality in the form of a terrorist kidnapping. This is where he learns what is really going on and becomes iron man.

Iron Man is a very well made movie. There is a lot of comedy and lessons learned. Tony comes back from his horrifying experience with a change of heart and a new and better mission.

I was very impressed with this film and how there was minimal language and sexuality. However, not all of it was left out…

Cons: Tony Stark is a playboy. With that brings the usual not so modestly dressed women, some kissing, and a short bed scene. Nothing way out there or worth not seeing the film.

There is a lot of violence and death. However, that is what all action films have. The language was surprisingly low key. There were scatterings of he**, bi***, and da**. Nothing too bad. They kept it kid friendly.

I would steer clear of the deleted scenes. There are some VERY bad scenes in there and a LOT more sexual content. I am VERY happy they were left out of the film!

Conclusion: While there are some questionable scenes and the film is not perfect, I think  Iron Man is a good film that shows a moral compass and willingness to change your heart and do the right thing. Robert Downey Jr. was perfect for the role of Tony Stark and I am looking forward to Iron Man 2.

If you let the credits roll, at the very end there is an opening for Iron Man 2.

Copyright © Lara Velez, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved






A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.



Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.



Called to Love

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? - Matthew 5:43-46

Who is our enemy?

I think this goes way deeper than the obvious. I believe that our “enemy” can be the person in bed next to us each night. It can be a sister in Christ sitting in the pew next to us every Sunday.

Who is our enemy?

Well, today, I am going to focus on our marriages. So, today’s “enemy” will be our mate.

Do not misunderstand. Our husband’s are not really our enemies. However, if you look at the meaning of enemy it means; antagonistic, hostile, belligerent. A LOT of marriages experience these emotions at one point or another.

It can be very hard to love someone who treats you badly or says hurtful things to you. Especially if that person is your spouse. You expect more. You have made vows. This is the one person in the world who you expect to love you and treat you right.

Unfortunately, we are in a sinful world and we marry with baggage. We take the junk of our pasts into our marriages and soon the “honeymoon” state is a distant memory. It is in many cases easier to love an enemy we do not know personally then the person we go to bed with each night.

It’s not always easy to love our husbands. It can be downright difficult. I struggle with this on a daily basis. We are just so different.

I believe the main reason it is difficult to “love” our husbands is because we allow our “feelings” to get in the way. Our “feelings” (aka our flesh) will always steer us in the wrong direction. We must choose to love. We must submit our feelings to the foot of the cross….and leave them there! We must choose to love our enemies husbands. We must choose to love those who wrong us.

Love is a choice that we must MAKE each day.

Our husbands will never deserve our love or do enough to earn it. They will ALWAYS let us down. We must put our hearts, hope and trust in the Lord. He is the ONLY One Who will NEVER leave us. NEVER forsake us. NEVER hurt us and ALWAYS love us. We must let go of our unrealistic expectations about our husbands and love them the way they are. After all…

We are CALLED to love…

and God loves US the way we are!

Once we understand that “feelings” have nothing to do with love, then we will be better equipped to walk in Love.

Will it be easy?

No WAY!

It wasn’t easy dying on a cross either!

Copyright © Lara Velez, All Rights Reserved

Let’s Pray,

Daddy God, I love You. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for the man You gave me. Help me to love and see him like You do. Help me to choose to love him. Show me when I am letting my fleshly feelings decide. Help me to understand love and put it into daily practice in my life. I love You and want to please You and learn this walk of Love. Thank You for Loving me. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

Homework

OK, this isn’t too hard. Study in depth 1 Corinthians 13.

In His Love and Service,

Lara ;)

Copyright © Lara Velez, All Rights Reserved






A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.



Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.



Tuesday’s Mommy Tip – Removing Kitchen Stains

Do you have a great tip for Moms? They can be about anything (family friendly, of course) that pertains to a Mom’s life, including; beauty, kitchen, health, parenting, and so much more! Click Here to find out how YOU can join Moms of Faith’s Tuesday’s Mommy Tips!

NOTE: PLEASE read the rules. We have a few who are not posting to the ACTUAL TIP post on their blog. I need you to post your link to the actual TIP POST…NOT the main page of your site. THANK YOU!!

OK, on to this week’s Mommy tip

Removing Kitchen Stains

  • Got burn or brown “stains” on your glass cookware? Scrub off with a fresh lemon. It should come right off. For those stubborn “stains” soak in lemon water. Five parts fresh lemon juice to one part water. Then try again.
  • To remove burned bits from baking pans, place pan on the cooktop, fill with water, and add 1 teaspoon of baking soda per cup of water; cook until the water boils and the crust begins to loosen.
  • To remove those pesky yellow stains from kitchen cabinets and other surfaces; clean the surface normally, dry the surface, place some bicarb of soda in a bowl and add a little lemon juice, dab the mixture on to the surface and start rubbing, keep rubbing until the stain lessens or disappears, wipe clean. Another option is to rub whitening toothpaste on to the stain and leave for 5 minutes before rubbing well. Wipe off with a damp cloth.
  • Removing Popcorn Stains From a Microwave. Use cream of tartar as your cleaning base. Add lemon juice to the cream of tartar to create a thick paste. Apply the paste to the stains found in the microwave. A thick covering should be placed over the popcorn stain. Let the paste sit for 5 minutes. This gives it time to lift up the popcorn stain. Rinse away the paste thoroughly. You may need to repeat the process if the stain has yet to be removed from the microwave. Another option is nail polish remover.





A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.



Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.



Cold Season: High Fevers

No Mother enjoys having one of her little ones sick. However, a high fever is something that we must watch and be aware of.

What is a Fever?

A fever is any elevation in the body’s core temperature that goes above 100.5 degrees F.

When your child gets a high fever, the most important thing is to find out WHAT is causing the high fever

On a positive note; a fever can be a good sign because it shows that your child’s body is actually fighting the infection.  However, there are times when you want to take action against a fever. Also, when you are dealing with an infant you must not wait. Call the doctor immediately!

Tips to Bring Down a Fever:

  • administer age appropriate medicine and dosage of fever medicine. make sure you always check with your doctor.
  • cool but not cold bath. luke warm is good.
  • use a cool cloth to wipe down your child.
  • do not put a bunch of covers on the child.
  • have your child drink plenty of water and liquids.

Tips to help you determine when a fever is something to be concerned:

  • fever is 102.5 degrees or more and will not go down or is steadily rising.
  • child has difficulty breathing, a stiff neck, or is confused during a high fever.
  • high fever is accompanied by the inability to move or if a seizure is involved.
  • any of the following symptoms occur with fever;  persistent stomach pain, labored breathing, and/or headache with an adverse reaction to bright light.

Keep in mind that a fever, in general, isn’t anything to worry about because your body is doing what it was created to do; fight infection.  However, if the temperature gets too high OR persists you should contact your child’s pediatrician.

Please note that we are not doctors. These tips are meant to help NOT replace a doctors advice or recommendations. ALWAYS check with your doctor when you are concerned!

Copyright © Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved






A CALL TO HOLINESS--> I would like to let you all know about a NEW Bible Study here at Moms of Faith. It will be available at the beginning of October 2010. WORK AT YOUR OWN PACE! In this seven week study we will cover topics like; What is holiness?, Who is called to it?, 4 Characteristics of Holy Living, Hindrances to Holiness and more! Click Here for more info and pricing.



Weightloss ebook <-- Note: I wrote an ebook filled with a TON of great info and advice on weightloss. It is actually how I was able to lose the weight I did and keep it off! I plan to use the SAME concepts again to get off the final pounds. If you would like a copy, I am offering it for ONLY $10, let me know (I will email you back in invoice). OR you can Click Here for the table of contents and more info about it.

If you would like to join the "Get Fit Challenge" we currently have going on here, it is free and as simple as reading a post each week and commenting on your status! Click Here to see all posts on this topic.