"Same Kind of Different as Me"

Have you read it? Truly, it is one of the most amazing books I've EVER read!!! It was co-written by Ron Hall and Denver Moore, telling the stories of their lives and how God brought them together and has used them so powerfully in countless peoples lives. I am not a fast reader but this book was so good I could not put it down...taking me only a few hours to read it in it's entirety. It brought me to tears multiple times as I just almost felt like I was getting to know and love these people the book is about. It is packed full of spiritual lessons we all can benefit from, and I truly feel that I encountered God in this book in more than one way, never to view life the same again! I would list things that I learned but I'm on vacation with my family and should spend time with them so for now...PLEASE read this book if you have not already!

Great Home Guidelines!

So a friend of mine tagged me in a note on facebook and this is what it contained. These are Home Guidelines 'written' (I put that in quotes because some of these are just basically straight out of scripture!) by Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar. I knew they had a million (well, I guess only 18 or so) kids but we don't have cable so I really didn't realize that they are a strong Christian family. All of the things below are things we each 'know' we should do but whether we put them into practice or not is a different story. I just wanted to put them out there as a challenge to other moms who may read this. It was deffinately a reminder and challenge to me of a heart goal that I should be striving for each day as I love on, pour into, teach and take care of our 4 precious boys! Enjoy!

Always use soft words, even when you don’t feel well.
Always display kind actions and joyful attitudes, even if you have been mistreated. Have the right response by quickly forgiving others in your heart even before they ask.
Always be enthusiastic and look for opportunities to praise others' character.
Always deflect praise and be grateful to God and others for the ways they have benefited your life.
Always use manners and be respectful of others and their belongings.
Always do what is right, even when others may not, or when no one is looking.
Thank God for how He made you, for what He has given you and everything He allows you to go through. (Romans 8:28)
Don’t mock or put others down. Develop compassion and pray for others.
Never argue, complain, or blame. Quickly admit when you have done wrong and ask for forgiveness (even if you were only 10% at fault). Don't wait till you’re caught. Be sure your sins will find you out. He who covers his sin will not prosper, but he that confesses and forsakes it shall find mercy.
Have a tough accountability/prayer partner to daily share your heart with and to keep you in line (your parents, spouse). The power of sin is in secrecy.
Be attentive and look for ways to serve others with sincere motives and no thought of self-gain.
Think pure thoughts (Philippians 4:8, Romans 13:14).
Always give a good report of others. Don't gossip! Never tale-bear unless physical harm will come to someone. (Use Matthew 18.)
Never raise a hand to hit.
Never raise a foot to kick.
Never raise an object to throw.
Never raise a voice to yell.
Never raise an eye to scowl.
Use one toy/activity at a time. Share!
Do your best to keep your surroundings neat, clean and organized.
Never let the sun go down on your wrath. (Don’t go to bed angry or guilty)
Amendment J.O.Y. -
Put Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last.