Galaxy Lite Review

I've had the Android 1.1 for three years.  It was the best phone I've ever had.  I've never owned an iPhone. I really don't care too.  I'm not the kind of gal that has to have the latest or the best of the best of anything.  Actually I prefer to buy used stuff (except undies,  ooh, that's gross).

About a few weeks ago I dropped my phone and several black lines appeared on the screen but I could still use it.  After dropping it a few more times the screen finally went black except about an inch of the top. I didn't have insurance so I couldn't get a new one.  I tried using the phone  but could only answer calls. No calling out or texting.  After about a week or more I finally got a new one. My husband and I weren't really sure which one we were gonna get.  We contemplated leaving At&t and ending our 10 year contract.  We looked into the Wal-Mart family plan.  We ended up switching to T Mobile.  We were able to buy 3 New phones and get a less expensive monthly plan.  Over all we will be saving approximately $90.00 a month on 3 phones.  Heck yea!  That's $90.00 more a month we will put towards paying down our debt.  But I'm not talking about our T Mobile plan or our Financial Freedom journey here.  This post is really to brag about how awesome my new Galaxy Lite is!

It's the Galaxy Lite. 4.2.2 Jelly Bean Android system.  It does everything my computer will do and more.  The touch screen is super sensitive and very easy to use and measures 5.5".  Android has come a long way with their apps.  There are so many apps available.  Just think of it and they have it.  Browse around and you will find apps you didn't know you needed.  The phone with apps and widgets already. As a matter of fact, I'm writing this blog post right from my phone.  And I'm using the keyboard swipe system which is super easy. (No texting thumbs here)

Here are a few apps I've added. ..
Kindle
Bank
Voice search (my favorite)
Netflix
Flashlight
Blogger
Everything Google. .. maps, gmail,       Google +, translator etc. 
Pinterest
The Old School Magazine (homeschool)
And many more I can't think of.  Of course there is Twitter and Facebook which I do not do.

I'm certainly not a professional reviewer and don't know much about phones and all of their working systems. I will say this, I've used my sister's and mother's iPhones and to me they are more difficult to use than my Android. Some might say because I've been using and Android for a few years now.  This could be true. Who knows!  That's my story and experience and I'm sticking to it. So if you are hung up on whether or not to get an Android or an iPhone for the money and ease of use, hands down, I say a Galaxy Lite. 

♡dee dee♡

DISCLAIMER: I am in no way receiving any kicks backs, advertising, monies or the like for my review. 

Closing My Facebook Account

This time every year for the past maybe seven years, Lynn and I spend extra time in prayer and fasting asking God to guide our family and our own personal lives in the direction He has for us this year. Last year this time, I heard Him speak to me that I should close my Facebook account. I didn't ask why but soon after, I became involved in some groups that used FB to post updates, questions, news etc. Not wanting to miss important information, I chose not to close my account. I continued to hear God through out the year about obeying Him and closing my account.

Well here I am a year later and praying for God's guidance for the year and He brings me back to last year and how He has already asked me to close my account. I know this may not seem like a big deal to you or even make any since. It's not really a big deal to me since I'm only on there maybe one to two times a week. And that's just to check our clubs' news and maybe nose around a little. (I really enjoy looking at my friends pictures) 

My sweet heavenly Father warned me about 3 weeks ago at our home church we attend that I was going to have to go backward before I could go forward. If you've ever been in this place, you know exactly what I'm talking about. And if you haven't, I will be glad to explain it to you. Going backwards means  visiting a time/times of hurt, disappointments, disobedience (As in my case of not closing my FB account) words or promises spoken in vain, anything sinful and the like. I've done this way too many times to count. This is how God heals me. This is how He gives me another chance to obey. This is God giving me grace and much more. (Don't you just love that)

As far as the making since part? Well, It doesn't make since to me yet. But then, I've learned over the years that it really doesn't have to make since. I've once heard a preacher say "Your brain in the dumbest thing you have". I must say, that is partly true. God don't make junk and I refuse to think my brain in dumb. I knew what this preacher meant when he said it. A lot of times, you really have to check your brain out at the door when it comes to hearing what God is telling you to do. Remember, scripture says that "His (God's) thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways are higher than our ways". Man, thank God for that.  Plus, if we always knew "Why" we are to do something, wouldn't that take all the fun out of it? But seriously, that would not be living by faith now would it. Plus, what's normal to us is not normal to God. I think we need to change that. God stuff should be more normal to His children.

Enough of me rambling on. As of January 19, 2014 I will permanently delete my Facebook account. If you would like to reach me you may email me at demehuey@gmail.com. As of today, I continue to hear Him encourage me to blog. (Now that Blogger is running normal on my computer, I will be doing more of that) Also, I will keep my Pinterest account unless instructed other wise.

So, go with this my friends. Be encouraged, strengthened and know that you are loved very much by your heavenly Father and that He has great plans for you.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, may he make his face shine down on you and be gracious to you.

             ~dee dee~

Walking {Through} Trials with Peace (Pt.2)

My last "Walking Through Trials with Peace" post, I mentioned that I was going through some health issues. Well, I have good news. I will share my short story first...

I went for my annual GYN exam in August. Since turning 40 in April, my doctor informed me it  was time for my annual mammograms. I agreed. No big deal, right? When the scheduler informed me that my appointment was going to be Sept. 25 I gladly accepted as it's my BFF's 40th Birthday. I wanted to do this for her because she has been fussing at me for a few years about getting one. She too has had a scare last year with a questionable mammogram that ended with a benign report. Praise God 10 MINUTES! Plus, let me add, her mother has been breast cancer free for 5 years now! Woo Hoo, Thank you, Jesus!

My appointment was not bad at all. Nothing like all the crazy signs and sayings I've seen on Pinterest or Facebook. The technician informed me that they may want to call me back for a second test as this was my baseline. She made it sound like this was the norm. I think she was trying to prepare me for what lay ahead as she has "been there, done that" with other patients whose mammograms were positive.

So when they called me back the next day, I knew something was wrong. She told me that they would give me a call in about a week. With my heart beating out of my chest, I arrived for my second mamo the following Monday. The technician was kind enough to show me on the screen which area was of their concern. She informed me there was a cluster of microcalcifications. That didn't sound good to me. Still believing that God is for me and that He was not going to allow anything to happen to me that wouldn't sooner or later bring him glory. I was however, discombobbulated with the idea that I could possibly have "breast cancer". There is no history of breast cancer in my family. Not to mention, I breast fed 3 kids for 4 yrs. If the statistic "Breast cancer is reduced 33% every time you breast feed" is true, I have a 99% chance that I will not have breast cancer. No matter what, I was going to move forward and praise God no matter what!

The next day, which happened to be my 19th wedding anniversary, my GYN nurse informed me that my doctor wanted to send me to a general surgeon. (That was the worst visit I've ever experienced. I will spare you the details.) The general surgeon informed me that he wanted to do a stereotactic biopsy. Ok, that sounds easy enough, right? A week later, I finally make it to the hospital for my biospy. That was not a walk in the park, but not too bad either. A lot easier than having a baby for sure!

Do you know what the hardest thing was? It was not the biopsy,  possibly facing chemo, mastectomy or even death. It was facing my kids. Seeing them struggle with that disease and what it could possibly to do me.  I just couldn't bare it. I do not in any way want them to suffer. We, Lynn and I, decided not to tell them until we knew exactly what we are facing. We knew that our son would be able to handle the news a lot better than our daughters.

Just to get right down to it. The biopsy results came back and it's BEGIGN! Talk about getting our praise on?! I can't thank Him enough. My next step is to have another mammogram in 6 months to watch for any changes.

God is definitely good and knows what He is doing. I love Him much more today that I did yesterday. I will forever praise HIM!

Celebrate with me by having your mammogram if you have not done so and encourage those in your life to do so as well! Don't just do it for me, do it for those who love you so much.

Thank you, Jesus for giving me your peace during the "waiting time" that passes all understanding!

~dee dee~

Walking {Through} Trials with Peace

As many of you know, I've started blogging in order to be obedient to my heavenly Father. He has been speaking to me for quite sometime about blogging for healing, mostly emotional. I believe this is my walking out the... "They shall overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the WORD of their TESTIMONY"! (Rev. 12:11)

Unfortunately because homeschooling requires so much of my time, I have not been able to blog as much as I would like to. I ran into a friend last night who talked about my blog and how much she enjoyed reading it. She doesn't know just how encouraging that was.

Today's blog is about something (Which I can not disclose at this time but will at a later date) that I am having to walk THROUGH!   Thank God I'm only walking through.  This is something that I thought I would never, ever, ever happen to me.  I will say, it's concerning my health. I've felt in the past that I have done "good" things for my body. Like, eating organic when I could, watching what I eat and trying to avoid antibiotics and hormones,staying away from fried foods, using coconut and olive oil, not using pesticides or fertilizers when growing my own food, drinking plenty of filtered water, taking my vitamins, praying continually, always forgiving and not holding grudges or bitterness. The only thing I could do better at is exercising. I've not been able to find the time.

When I started this medical process, I was doing it for just a basic health routine. Never in a million years had I thought that it would have to go further. This could turn into a pretty serious deal. Without God's immediate healing, I will have to walk through for a while. But I have to say, God's peace has NEVER, NEVER left me. I am experiencing the "Peace that passes all understanding".  Actually I really like how the Easy-To-Read Version states it... Php 4:7  And because you belong to Christ Jesus, God's peace will stand guard over all your thoughts and feelings. His peace can do this far better than our human minds.  Whoa, holy cow. Is that not just amazing. I just love how God creates circumstances that allows you to test His word.  Testing means walking it out, living it!

Let me explain a little about His peace!  I started this journey on Sept. 25, 2013 (Which just happens to be my best friend's 40th birthday) Just like Phil. 4:7 states. "His peace will stand guard over ALL my thoughts and feelings. I haven't really gotten upset, anxious, nervous or fearful over what "could be". My mind has stayed on him. (Is. 26:3 You [God] will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You; because he trusts in You.)  Actually, I haven't thought about it much, except when someone who knows what I'm going through calls me and ask me how I'm doing.

I just want to testify that God's word is true. It never fails. God never quits fulfilling his promises. He will do what His word says. He is not a liar. He is a caring, loving, gracious, healing, peace giving/sustaining, mind keeping God. I am His child and He will NEVER EVER give up on me. If there's good news of my health test, I will certainly praise Him. If bad news comes, I will still praise Him. There is a reason why I'm going through this. I can't help but feel honored, chosen. My greatest desire is to carry this mantel that He has allowed me to carry will be done so with glory to Him and with great gratitude and thanksgiving. May I somehow show His light to someone who needs encouragement and hope.

Although, let me inlcude, I am believing the best of news. I'm believing that God still heals and can heal me.  But, if that is not what He chooses for me, I will gladly walk THROUGH it. His thoughts are higher than mine, His ways are higher than mine. (Isa 55:9  Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my[God] ways are higher than your ways, and my[God] thoughts are higher than your thoughts.")

Please, keep me in your thoughts and prayers and very very soon, I will be able to share with you wholly what it is I am facing and possibly will be facing. 

I don't have much but what I do have I give to you...Hope and Peace.

With greatest of love to you, my friend
~dee dee~

Our New (to us) Used SUV

We got a new but used car. Or actually an SUV. After praying, researching and looking for a used car for about a year we finally found the car that God had for us. Yes, we believe that God has great plans for us (Jer. 29:11) He knows our future and we kept praying that He would lead us to the car He had for us.

After our only car died (read more in my previous post...Total Money Makeover Update #2) We were forced to get one immediately. So to Consumer Reports I went. You can get a monthly membership for $6.95 and can cancel at anytime. They suggested several used SUVs so I online shopping. One of the SUVs they suggested was a Toyota Highlander. I did a Google search and found a 2005 with only 42K miles and for only $13,852. I emailed the dealership to inquire whether or not the mileage was a typo. (I've had this happen to me before) A car salesman returned my call and informed me that it was no mistake. I told him we would be there by 5:30 p.m. for a test drive.

Would you believe me if I told you that it had been sitting for so long that the battery was dead. They had to jump the thing off. "Red flag"! I thought, there is no way I'm buying this SUV. Someone had traded it in in April and so it had been sitting. I couldn't believe that no one was interested in this car and that it had been sitting here for that long. Then the Holy Spirit assured me that everything was o.k. and reminded me that I had asked Him to lead us to the right car for us.

We drove it and boy did we like it...A LOT! I couldn't believe how well it drove. We had test driven other new and used cars in the past 6 months and none compared to this one.

While we were sitting inside waiting for the salesman to bring us the final price, I kept praying that God would give me the peace I needed to know that this is what He wanted for us. I tried to make up the most perfect scenario of purchasing a used car from a dealership. I couldn't come up with a better one. An 8 almost 9 y.o. vehicle with only 42K miles and $4000 under suggested resale price. Plus it was a vehicle that had excellent ratings all across the board from Consumer Reports, a company we've used and have trusted for many years.

I was feeling so anxious and nervous that I was jittery and nauseated. I even asked my sister before we got to the dealership to please pray for me cause I thought I was going to throw up. She just reassured me that God was in control and that He would give me peace when we found the right car and to just enjoy the journey, which is what God has been speaking to me for several months. 

As I sit waiting for that peace, our salesman said "If this is the right car, you will have peace". Really?! I wasn't expecting that. In a few minutes it did just that...came like a warm blanket. My thinking, nerves and emotions just come to a complete halt. I knew then that God was with us and this was what He wanted. I even spoke to Lynn about what he was feeling. He was at complete peace from the beginning. He doesn't get in knots like a do.

By Friday midday, our financing came through and we were proud owners of a 2005 Toyota Highlander for $13,100 with GAP insurance and a 3 yr/36K bumper to bumper warranty. It already had new tires and rims. It was the most smoothest transaction ever. If this was God plan, which I know it was, then it's up to Him to help us make the payments. Which I know He will. This was not something I wanted, but it's something that He wanted.

To top it all off, we made such a huge Kingdom connection with our salesman, that it made the enemy mad. I had the weirdest of dreams Thursday night (Which was the night we test drove the SUV). He is the one of the first persons we've met that has the same thoughts, ideas and convictions about Christianity, the church and our heavenly Father. God is so sneaky. He's been so sneaky so many times in our lives that we have given Him a nickname of "Jehovah Sneaky"

This transaction was multifaceted. Which is how our Father works. It was a "WIN-WIN" situation for all.

Our New 2005 Toyota Highlander

Stay safe and live debt free!

~dee dee~

Blogging for {Confidence} #1

A couple of years ago I had something horrible happen to me that has totally crushed my confidence, my self esteem and left me with severe emotional damage and very depressed. I've been struggling with re-discovering myself and trying to regain ground on who I am, who God says I am, and what I am created to do. Due to disobeying my heavenly Father, the enemy really found a chance to attack me. In short, it has left me a completely different person. (I will not share details now) For now, I am well on my way to receiving my healing that Christ Jesus has for me.

In a mode of trying to find healing and regain my confidence I am beginning a new post series called "Blogging for Confidence". I'm following a blog "One Sheepish Girl". She has been doing this for a couple of years now and it seems as though from reading her blog, that this is working. I've been thinking of doing something like this for some time. I was thrilled to see her actually doing it and it working. I hope I get the results I'm looking for.

I'll have to say is, at first, I was scared to death. I mean really SCAAARED. The last thing I wanted to do was put myself out there for people to be mean, cruel and critical. Which is something that I didn't need as my emotions and well being have been in critical condition. As I've surrounded myself with those who truly love me and know my situation, they have been part of getting me to where I am now. Of course, with the help of the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ, my healer.

In the past, I've wanted to be transparent and honest. A person with high moral integrity. Someone who could be used by God. Now, finding myself in a place where I would rather just shut the doors and windows on the whole world. I could choose to stay in a world of anger and hate. But that will not benefit me, my family, my health, marriage or friends. Plus, it will not glorify God, which is what we were created to do.

So this post series has many objectives. I'm seeking healing, self-confidence and reassurance that there are good and kind people out there. Please help me with my endeavor and take my hand and lead me forward and farther away from my past. Please show me that there are kind caring people who are thoughtful, considerate and treat others like they want to be treated.

Michebelle Inn {Bed and Breakfast}

 Michebelle Inn is a historic home just minutes from I-12 in the heart of Hammond, LA. Managed by David and Sandra Bradley, a 3rd generation hotelier, Michebelle Inn is home to a romantic bed and breakfast, restaurant and events such as weddings, family reunions, bridal showers, teas, dinners and much more.

The Michebelle was purchased in 1905 for $2,750.00 by the McGehee family. The home was purchased in 1998 by Chef Michel and Isabel Marcais and became the Michebelle Inn.

To read more about this historic home, click here

The home consist of 4 bedrooms each with their own bath. Each room has it's own name and different amenities. You can choose from a room with or without a balcony, a room with a jacuzzi tub or a shower. They also offer suites. To learn more about their rooms and suites, click here.

We stayed in the "Evangeline" Room which was adorned with matching custom drapes, window treatments, pillows and upholstered chairs all done by Miss Isabel Marcais. It featured an elegantly canopied king size bed and gave a light Caribbean feel. Other features include a TV, wireless internet, writing desk and a private full bath with whirlpool tub.

To the right, take notice that there are french doors that lead out onto the front balcony. The balcony gave way to the street view, front gardens and the water fountain. We enjoyed a late visit on the balcony and was surprised that we were not bombarded with the sounds of the city life or mosquitoes. One of the biggest things that has stuck out in my mind is the smell of the sheets. I'm not sure what they washed them with but it had to be something with lavender. Every time I turned over during the night, I was awoke with this very relaxing aromatic smell. It immediately brought a smile to me face.

Evangeline's whirlpool tub

Statue in the garden

 To top it all off, Michebelle has it's own spa house. You can take a swim in their indoor pool, work out or relax in their hot tub. The greatest part of this spa house is it's many windows and the glass dome ceiling. It definitely lets you "be" outside without actually being outside. Oh and don't let me forget, it has it's own bathroom, a sauna and a courtyard with tables and chairs.

Let me not forget about breakfast. After all, it is a "bed and breakfast" right? The night before Sandra asked what time we wanted breakfast served. We got to choose. How awesome was that! We were served by David, the chef, fresh crispy croissants, hot coffee, orange juice, fruit salad topped with whipped cream and a vegetable "Louisiana style" egg omelet that was just to die for. Wow! That alone was worth at least $60.00

The owners have done a really good job in taking care of the gardens, preserving the history of the home as well as making this inn a place where you can escape from all the hustle an bustle of life and just surround yourself with history, beauty and nature

I will never forget our experience at the Michebelle Inn and with Sandra and David. They went out of our way to make sure we were welcomed and that our every need was met.

If you are ever in the Hammond, LA area, you must take my word for it and make sure you stop and stay at the Michebelle Inn. Be sure to tell them we sent you.

Names of the Sandy Hook Elem. School Tragedy

Below is a list of names of the Sandy Hook Elem. School shooting that occurred on Friday, Dec. 14, 2012.

I will be praying for each family every day but I will choose just one to intercede deeply for. Pray as the Holy Spirit leads. Each family has suffered a loss. Each family has different needs and handles tragedy differently. They are going to need our prayers for a long time.


Here is a prayer I will be praying every day as long as the Lord leads...

Heavenly Father, please help these families in this time of loss. Comfort them with your everlasting love. Keep them from becoming frozen in this overwhelming grief. Grant them peace as they don't understand why their life is being filled with pain and heartache. Help them to turn their eyes to You to find the strength to trust in your faithfulness. Be their Savior. You, Lord are a God of comfort and love and I ask You to help them to patiently wait on you and not despair. Come quickly, Father and bring your salvation (healing, deliverance and salvation) to them. Please show them your compassion. Help them through the pain so that they will hope in you again. Thank you for your promise to bring them fresh grace and mercy every day. May they truly know that your love will never fail them. 

Jesus, you came to heal the broken hearted. Heal their sorrow today. I ask You, Lord to comfort them because You love them and have promised them everlasting consolation and hope through Your grace. Protect them from any trouble and hurt as they walk with you, Lord. I thank you, Jesus for interceding for them. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Charlotte Bacon, 6
Daniel Barden, 7
Rachel Davino, 29
Olivia Engel, 6
Josephine Gay, 7
Ana Marquez-Greene, 6
Dylan Hockley, 6
Dawn Hochsprung, 47
Madeline Hsu, 6
Catherine Hubbard, 6
Chase Kowalski, 7
Jesse Lewis, 6
James Mattioli, 6
Grace McDonnell, 7
Anne Marie Murphy, 52
Emilie Parker, 6
Jack Pinto, 6
Noah Pozner, 6
Caroline Previdi, 6
Jessica Rekos, 6
Avielle Richman, 6
Lauren Rousseau, 30
Mary Sherlach, 56
Victoria Soto, 27
Benjamin Wheeler, 6
Allison Wyatt, 6

It has been natural for me to think of the children first, then the teachers/adults. I didn't think of the shooter's family until the Holy Spirit brought it to my attention.  So now my heart is sincerely drawn to the Lanza family. I can not imagine the grief, embarrassment, disappointment, responsibility and despair they carry. This is just a shock to them as it was to every one else. They are victims too and need our prayers probably more than any one else.

{BECOMING} Like Jesus Christ

I woke this morning thinking about what I am becoming in Christ. I had a desire to turn on the TV at 5:00am and watch TBN. This is strange because I do not like TBN and really don't care much for the majority of the people on this channel. Mostly because they are always asking for money. (That's another story) 

So I flipped through the channels to find Chris Hodges speaking at Liberty University. My husband and I really like Chris Hodges and what he is doing at Church of the Highlands in Birmingham, AL. God has used his messages before to speak to us and even answer some questions and prayers. So, I stopped to listen to what he had to say. Whoa and behold, guess what he was speaking on? Yep, you guessed it. "What are we becoming" Isn't that just cool. I think God is so cool. He is always doing stuff like that. You know, dropping things in my spirit and then teaching me about what it is He is speaking to me about. The scripture that Chris was talking about is from Eze 1:10

 And the likeness of their faces: the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side to the four of them; and the face of an ox on the left side to the four of them; and the face of an eagle to the four of them. 

He explained this verse as a vision that Ezekiel had about the faces of God. He has four faces:
       1. Ox
       2. Man
       3. Lion
       4. Eagle

I will explain them briefly:

1. Ox-servant. The ox serves man by helping him plow his fields. We are to be servants in the Kingdom. This is how the kingdom of God is advanced. You would be surprised that if you serve God in the way he leads you to (not just doing GOOD things, but doing GOD things) the affect it has on people, the love and presence of God they feel. We are to become "like Him"...a servant.

2. Man-we are huMAN beings. Man translated in the Hebrew in this verse means "low degree". We are to stay humble. We are to keep the relationships and connections that God sends our way. Sometimes when we think we reach a certain level of spirituality, sanctification, maturity or status that we forget who we really are. We are just a man. A huMAN, MAN or woMAN that has fallen and come short of the glory of God. We are to never put ourselves on a pedestal.  We are to remain low, humble and dependent on Him. We are to become "like Him"...low!

3. Lion-strength, to be strong. When you think of a lion and how fierce he can be, you think of strength, confident, agility, honor, respect or even authority. People often call him the "king of the jungle". Lion in the Hebrew (in this particular verse) comes from the root word "to pluck" in the sense of violence. God has given us the power to pluck the enemy from our lives. He has given us strength to wage war. We are to carry the authority that He has given us with honor and respect. We are to become "like Him"...strong.

4. Eagle-lacerate. The eagle is a large bird of prey. The Hebrew meaning of eagle in this verse, surprisingly means to "lacerate". It comes from an unused root meaning. So thinking of an eagle being a large bird of prey and the Hebrew meaning lacerate, that's exactly what eagles do. They tear to pieces, lacerate, wound and kill their prey. "Who is my prey?" you ask. "I don't have any prey". That's what the enemy would have you to believe. Well, Eph 6:12 says, "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world's rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places."  We do have prey. Our prey is the powers of darkness and any spiritual wickedness. We are to take the word of God (our sword) and cut to pieces the enemy. We are to wage war, against the enemy, for ourselves, our family, our marriage, our finances or anything that exalts itself against Jesus Christ. I  believe too we are to "lacerate" or "discern" the spirits. We are to ask God to help us and give us understanding into different situations. Don't just take what someone else has said, including me. Take everything you hear, read or see to God and ask Him for His understanding. We are to become "like Him"...destructive to our prey.
 
 I am by no means a Bible scholar, have a doctors degree or been to Bible school. I only like to share what the Holy Spirit has given me. If I'm wrong, please pray for me. 

What I desire the most is for you to ask yourself "What am I becoming?"  Are you becoming like Him. Find out for yourself what Jesus looks like and ask Him to make you more like Him. I want to love him out of what I'm becoming, not just what I'm doing. I charge you to read the word of God, the organic word of God for yourself to become all that He wants you to be. 

                                           ~Dee Dee~







 

"No {Makeup}, Beauty Comes From Within"

About a month ago I started thinking about how much time we Americans spend on getting ready for the day. I can spend anywhere from 1 to 1 /1/2 hours primping, ironing, plucking, brushing, drying, smearing, well you get it. I began to notice how the media and different stars really REALLY go way out to make themselves look better. (Personally, I don't think it does)  What I'm talking about is the real heavy, black eye liners and shadows. I don't hold it against them, I just don't like it for myself. 


At the same time I'm thinking through the {makeup} world and why we wear it, my 2 daughters began asking me when they could start wearing {makeup}. I told them that I didn't start wearing {Makeup} until I was 13 so that had to wait at least until then. However, I do allow them to wear lip gloss. (They are only 10 and 11). What I've discovered is that their friends are wearing it so it has perked their interest.


This really began to weigh heavy on my heart. I want my girls to value their character more than their looks. Don't get me wrong here, I do teach them to dress "commanding respect". About 5 weeks ago, we started reading "Beautiful Girlhood" by Karen Andeola. It covers topics that lead girls from being girls to ladies like, Character Building, Watching your Tongue, The Power of Purpose, Waking of the Love Nature, A Pure life and many many more topics. 

Whoa and behold yesterday's chapter 6 was about "Making Herself Beautiful - 'Charm is decietful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised'." It talks about making yourself beautiful on the inside and letting it shine through. Man, that was it. That's all I needed to give me the push to move forward with my idea. No more thinking about, now's the time to just do it. I have just loved this time that we have together reading and discussing this book. I highly recommend it.  Karen is an amazing homeschooling mom that stands out from the crowd. She has so much to offer homeschooling mothers and students. You can find her blog here... "Moments with Mother Culture"

You can get it at Amazon.com

You can find her book here...http://www.homeschoolhighlights.com/

When I started thinking about the possibility of maybe going 30 days without {makeup} I kinda freaked. I said to myself "What?" "What, no way, I'm not doing that". "Do you mean go out in public with NO {makeup}? Go to church with NO {makeup}? And the answer was always "Yes" Then I really had to have a discussion with myself. I said "Self, what would be the real reason you would do this?" The answer was easy..."For my girls."  Well, of course, it would be to put away what I wanted and to send a message through action to my girls that true beauty comes from within. So, with a month of struggling and thinking way TOO much about this, I decided it's just time to "JUST DO IT".


Ever since my children we very small, my husband would always ask them, "When are you the most beautiful/handsome?" Their answer was to be..."When I tell the truth".  Honesty is a character that shines from within making the most plain person absolutely beautiful because they are displaying the qualities of Jesus Christ.(This is not the only character we teach)


So from May 15 to June 14, I will go every where with "No {makeup}" Yep, even to church!  I don't have the most clear skin and would certainly like to hide my flaws. But I read in my leadership Bible recently that leaders lead by doing. Leaders lead by creating memories. I am creating a memory with my children. They will remember what I do more than what I say. I want my actions to speak louder than my words. 


During this time of {makeup} fasting, I'm going to be doing a self inspection. I'm anticipating that God will show me somethings about myself that need to change. I'm really looking forward to this. 

Also during this time, me and my girls will be focusing on skin care and hair care by eating/drinking right and taking vitamins. 


So, I'm asking who ever will to either participate with me or support me. If you already don't wear {makeup} then, join in with me. If you wear {makeup} then I want to ask you to consider participating with me to some degree. Even if it's just for a day, a week or the whole time. It doesn't matter how old you are. If you don't want to participate then please support me by commenting on my post as well as leaving words of encouragement here and on my Facebook page.  

The more that stands me to tell this generation of young ladies that "Beauty comes from within" the louder we will be. 

     Let's just don't talk about it, let's do it!

                              ~Dee Dee~

For Dylen

This week's post is a little different. I've been so busy with our real estate business that I've not had time to many DIY's. I have a few tucked away that I will share with you all next week. 

I am dedicating this post to my 14y.o. son, Dylen. He doesn't know about this yet.  But, last week, he was on the phone with his best friend that lives in Alaska. I have admired their relationship. They have not seen each other in over a year, but yet they talk to each other several times a day. It's funny to listen to their teenage boy/young man conversation sometimes. At the same time, they can be very annoying. I've enjoyed listening as they bounce back and forth from adult type conversations to a "boy like" conversation. One minute that can be talking about how to start a knife business and in the next, they can be having phone wars. That's what I call it. It's where they make up weapons and try to up each other. It's a game of "my horse is bigger than your horse."

I will tell you in short the story that happened the other day that has lead me to write this blog about Dylen. I have been so proud of him. Every time I think of what he did, it puts a big smile on my face.  So here's the story...

Well, the other day, Dylen called his friend and asked him the usual daily question "What's going on?" His friend must have replied with "It's bad" or "I'm not having a good day". (Here's the exciting part....Wait for it, Wait for it!  I just love saying that)  Dylen replied, "Man, what's going on? Can I pray for you?"

"What?" I thought. "Pray for him?" Did I hear him right? So, I listened closer. They had continued their conversation while I was having  a discussion with myself about whether or not I heard correctly. And yes, to my surprise, Dylen had once again asked him if he could pray for him. Unfortunately, his friend declined his offer and the conversation switched to another topic.  I was excited and disappointed all at the same time. I've never recalled Dylen asking a non-family member if he could pray for them. To me as a mom, this was a big step that he took as a christian and I got to witness this first hand. (This is why we homeschool) At the end of the night when it was time for me and Dylen to debrief his day, I encouraged him to pray for his friend in Alaska anyway. 

As I left Dylen's side, after he asked his friend if they could pray, I was very encouraged. I had been dealing with discouragement in the parenting and homeschooling factor. I myself had been praying and asking God to please help me, to encourage me and show me that what I've been doing for the past 7 yrs has and will pay off. (Every parent and homeschool mom goes through this, I've heard) God knew exactly what I needed and when I needed it. So am I gonna continue to homeschool? You betcha! Am I gonna continue to be myself in front of my kids? You betcha. Because you see, what Dylen did that day was not just taught from watching his dad and I pray all through out the day, but this is a principle that has been caught.

I sincerely hope that you hear my heart. I'm not out to try to make myself or my son look any better than anyone else because we are not. We are people just like you with problems, struggles and mistakes. I'm hear to shine the Glory of Jesus Christ. It is he that makes this post possible. It is He that has changed our hearts. It is He that has answered many prayers that leads us to trust in HIM every second of our day and continue to pray to HIM. I want to encourage you toward a deeper walk with Jesus. I want to encourage you to continue praying, believing and trusting in Him. I want to encourage other parents who don't know what to do, when all seems lost with your child, who is discouraged as a parent or a homeschool parent.

Paul says in Php 3:14  I keep pursuing the goal to win the prize of God's heavenly call in the Messiah Jesus. "To keep pressing toward the mark". My mark is to have children that believe in Jesus and have a relationship with him greater than I do. My mark is to have children that push others to Christ no matter what the world does or says. God gives us exactly what we need every day to do His will. All we have to do is ask and stay tunned into Him through out the day. He does talk to us.

Want to know what we do only a daily basis that has lead to Dylen asking his friend at the age of 14 if he could pray for him? (God knows, even being raised in church, I didn't ask my friends if I could pray for them)

This is what we call being raised in Christ, not just being raised in church.

Here's what we do...

1. We pray first thing in the morning. 
2. We pray after Bible study for each other every day. (There are 5 people in our family. Each family member gets a day of the week and we gather around them, lay hands on them and pray for them)
3. When problems arise through out the day (Not always) but most of the time, I stop and say, "Let's pray about it".
4. At I tuck them into bed at night, I pray for them again and for any problems that have snuck in our day and for their friends and family members.


In my leadership Bible under Prov. 22:6 "Leading Our Children" is a devotion about how God calls us to lead our children. They give 3 tips:


1. Modeling: Abraham Lincoln said, "There is but one way to train up a child in the way he should go, and that is to travel it yourself." What you do has more impact on your child than all the lectures you could ever give.
2. Management: Good management is the ability to discern the uniqueness of a child and teach him/her accordingly.
3. Memories: Parents should create memories. Why? because memories are more important than things. I know my children will remember me standing in the kitchen praying for their lost friend more than me preaching/lecturing to them about how their friends need to get saved. People remember actions more than words.


I don't know about you but reading that devotion has helped me and encouraged me to keep moving forward even after having a bad day/week. 


I sincerely pray that this encourages you to keep moving forward and leading your children in prayer by example. Don't worry about how goofy you sound when you pray. Your kids don't care. Your prayers will get better over time the more you do it. Just like anything else. 

                           ~Dee Dee~

Dylen and Dee Dee