The Best New Years Resolution

  First of all, I'd like to say that I sincerely hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas with their friends and families! We had a wonderful Christmas and a very busy one!
  I'm also happy and beyond blessed that my family and I are going into a new year with health. I'm thankful that God has allowed us yet another year to live for Him!
  I'm not one for any new year's resolutions or anything else, because let's be truthful- we never fully reach our goal (for the most part). I resolved at the beginning of this year to loose all this pesky post-baby fat that had accumulated from two pregnancies, but I can tell you that the bulge didn't budge! What happens with all these promises we make ourselves? We simply get discouraged and give up any hope that we will see our goals to fruition.
  But do you know what is the most important resolution you can make in the year 2015? It's not paying off debts and credit cards (although that is important), it's not loosing weight, it's not saving more money, it's not making more money; the most important resolution is to make sure that you are born again (see Acts 2:38) and that you and your family are in a church that preaches 100% truth! The single-most important decision you will ever make is the decision to be saved and serve God! There are three ultra important steps to be born again, and if you haven't done these things, you will be lost! In John 3:5, Jesus tells Nicodemus that a person MUST be born of water (baptism) and of the Spirit (Holy Ghost).
John 3:5  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 
  The church began on the day of Pentecost in the book of Acts. In Acts 2:38, when 120 people were gathered in the Upper Room (as they had been instructed by Jesus), Peter, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, stood up and told the people what they must do to be saved. "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Peter was fulfilling the command Jesus had given before He left; "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.." (Matthew 28:19)  The NAME of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost was the wonderful name JESUS! "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12). All throughout the book of Acts, every convert was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and God filled them with the Holy Ghost!
  You must 1.) Repent- Genuinely ask for forgiveness for the sins that you have committed and turn COMPLETELY away from your present sinful lifestyle. All of us, no matter how "good" we are born with a sinful nature!!!
  You must 2.) Be baptized in the wonderful name of Jesus. This is required to apply the shed blood of Jesus for the remission of the sins that you have committed, and to lay to rest the "old man" or your old, sinful nature.
  Finally, 3.) you MUST receive the Holy Ghost to complete the new birth! Once you have followed God's word, it is God's promise that He will fill you with the gift of the Holy Ghost with the confirmation of speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gives utterance. These are heavenly tongues that only God can understand.  Acts 2:4  And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 
  Have any more questions? Do a subject study in the Bible on baptism, the Holy Ghost, the name of Jesus, etc. The Bible never contradicts itself and as Isaiah 28:10 says, put every scripture line upon line, precept upon precept. The Bible is like a beautiful puzzle, but unless we put every piece, and every verse together, we will not see the whole picture, and that will be to our own detriment!
 

Hannah Caudle
Acts 2:38, Obey it!

Ibotta: Better than Coupons

   I want to introduce you to yet another money-saving app I have been using and have found to be very useful in addition to my coupons, etc.
   A lot of people don't know what's available or they think that money saving apps, coupons, and other methods is a waste of time. But I'm glad a friend told me about the app a few moths ago! The name of the app for Android and Apple smartphone devices is called Ibotta. Their motto is "Better than coupons"; in most cases that is true.
   Ibotta is an easy-to-use rebate app that allows you to shop for your favorite brands, unlock rebates for those items you purchase and redeem the rebates. The rebates cycle through. Example: you can have a 25 cent rebate on any brand of milk one week and then the next week it might be replaced with $1.50 off of two 32-bottle packs of  Nestle bottled water. For this reason, it helps to redeem the rebate as soon as you can because they have an expiration date just like a coupon. Ibotta saves every rebate you unlock to your "Shopping list" so you can view all the items that you have rebates for, so it is more convenient than combing through your stack of  coupons. The app also allows you to save your loyalty card id numbers to the app for different stores such as Rite Aid, CVS, Foodlion, Lowes Foods, and any other stores relative to your area. There are rebates for Health and Wellness, Beauty, Grocery, Home Improvement, Baby, Pet, Online, etc.
   To redeem a rebate, first the rebate must be unlocked, and then after the rebate is unlocked, you must scan the bar code of the item that you purchased. The app will let you know if the rebate matches the item you purchased. (For best measure, I scan the bar code of the item I would like to purchase before I leave the store so I can make sure they match!) After you scan all the bar codes of the items you purchased, the app will prompt you to take a picture of your store receipt, and then it will add the money to your Ibotta account once the receipt has been verified (usually takes 2-24 hours to fully process and verify your receipt). You can choose to transfer the money you have earned to your PayPal account once it reaches a minimum of $5, or you can choose to allow the money to build up and load egift cards such as Starbucks, iTunes, Amazon, etc.
   Personally, I love the app! Ibotta pays you to shop! I have earned  $36.25 so far in rebates, and it was easy! It's a no-brainer; why would you not want to use the app?

   So, I hope I covered all the bases for you so you can start saving more on each shopping trip!  Do you have more questions about the app? Feel free to comment and ask me!

The Reason for the Season

   Why is everyone so bah-humbug whenever Christmas is mentioned? I run into a lot of people (and they are not older people either) that have such negative thoughts on Christmas, Christmas music, Christmas dinners, spending time with family, and all those special Christmas traditions we hold so dear to our hearts. Could it be that we are guilty of commercializing Christmas so much ourselves that we loose the real meaning of it?
   Christmas is about Jesus first and foremost. If we didn't have Jesus, our only way of redemption, and only way to have eternal life, then I could very well see why we would dread the season. But the fact is, we do have a hope and a reason to rejoice! Christmas is also about giving of ourselves to others, being willing to serve others, and helping people to learn the real joy of Christmas. But you must first yourself have an understanding of what Christmas is about for yourself.
   Christmas is NOT about trying to find the best, most expensive gift for someone you care about every time Christmas rolls around. There's lots of things in this world that children/adults need more than a new iPad, iPod, iPhone, etc. Sure all those things are nice, but when the newness wears off, they will be looking for the next newest gadget. My point is that things are temporal and they will fade with the change of fads and time. Making memories and teaching your children to love and serve others will be a better present than any expensive gift that you could offer. Children and adults alike need to know the true meaning of Christmas. The best present you could give your children is teaching them about Jesus and instilling the truth of God's word in them.
   Don't get me wrong! I am not saying that you should not give your children or those you love anything for Christmas. But, what I am saying is this: the emphasis should not be on the gifts. My mom used to teach my sisters and I to make care/ goody baskets for people who were elderly and for people who didn't have much in our community. Then we would bring them the baskets and sing Christmas carols to them on Christmas Eve.
   Make memories with your children this Christmas! Make a gingerbread house with them. Set aside a day to pick out a tree with your family. Go walk or drive through the lights this year. Trim a tree with handmade ornaments. Try ice skating with you family! Drink hot chocolate, and make cookies with them. Read the Bible to them so they will remember what Christmas is all about (Matthew 1:18 though Matthew 2:23)! Get your family involved in filling out Christmas cards for loved ones and friends! Make care baskets for the needy and widowed! Go Christmas caroling around your neighborhood with your church family. If your children have never heard the classic story of the Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol", then read them the story of Ebenezer Scrooge. Enjoy Christmas parades.  If you have snow, have a snowball fight and make a Frosty the Snowman with your children! Teach your children to help others by doing simple gestures like clearing snow from a neighbor's driveway or sidewalk. Enjoy the Christmas music! Don't wear yourself out buying gifts that will likely end up in a long return line; buy gifts that people need and can use! Don't go beyond your means; the Bible calls us to be wise stewards of the financial blessings he has given us.  Price does not matter, it's the thought that counts!
   Life is too short to be stressed. You can't afford not to enjoy the Christmas season! Enjoy this year because you will never have another opportunity to enjoy Christmas 2014 once it's gone!
 
Hannah Caudle
Acts 2:38, Obey it!

Slim your closet, Fatten your wallet!

  Have you ever overheard a conversation about Poshmark? So what is it exactly?

  Basically, Poshmark is a social media, selling website that is designed specifically for women's fashion items, such as shoes, handbags, clothes, accessories, new makeup, and jewelry. It's a great way to get rid of those clothes that are like new but you can't fit into them anymore, maybe a cute designer bag you used to rave over, or maybe those heels that you have been meaning to wear but they just don't match anything! The reason I say it's like a social media website as well, is because like Instagram, your goal is to gain followers and friends. (More followers = more sales!) You can openly converse Facebook-style, share listings and like items that you want to come back to later! It's a great way to meet some really nice people as well!

  Poshmark however prohibits the selling of designer replicas (no fakes!), anything liquid or containing alcohol, real furs or endangered animals, used lingerie, used swimming suits, used undergarments, children's clothing, men's clothing, electrical items, used makeup, lotions, well-ness products, and household items. They also prohibit the use of other payment methods such as Paypal, because it does not protect the buyer or seller. Other selling platforms such as eBay, Etsy, etc is also prohibited. Trading is allowed but is not protected under Poshmark. 

  Poshmark takes a commission of $2.95 for any item you sell under $15 and a 20% commission on any item sold over $15. Poshmark provides shipping labels for the seller to print out and attach to a package once an item is sold.

  My personal experiences with Poshmark have been great! So far I have sold 20 items since I joined Poshmark in September and it's helped me a lot! I have made almost $700 since joining.

  The Poshmark app is available for dowload for both Android and Apple devices. I hope this brief blog has been informative and I hope to see you on there! (My username is @247mommieto2! Use the referral code BCISP when you sign up to receive a free $5 credit!)

Medals for Mothers

  Times are very different. The 21st is cruel and unforgiving for women. Economic times are at their toughest. I've been in both shoes, ladies. I've worked a full-time job whilst juggling being a full-time mom. I've also stayed at home with my children and by no means is it a piece of cake.
   I get frustrated sometimes when I hear people bash stay-at-home moms or working moms. The point of bashing is just to make oneself look better, when in reality, they wish that they could trade places with the one they are bashing. Either types of moms have a tremendous load to carry, and no amount of money can compensate us for what we do. BUT, we relentlessly do it every day because we love our families!
   Some families (I fit into this category) need the extra money but cannot afford to return to the work force because babysitters are expensive, or jobs are just not in abundance. They enjoy being a stay-at-home mom but they also feel helpless when it comes to helping with finances. However, I'm a happy stay-at-home-mom. I've just learned to adjust our budget to fit our financial shrinkage!
   Some moms have no choice because of financial issues and have to reluctantly return to the workforce. Sure, they'd rather be spending time nurturing their precious babies, but food has to get on that table somehow.
   Some moms love their career and they effortlessly juggle being a full-time mom and work a full-time job. They are not MIA moms, they are just trying to support their children and do the best they can the same as anyone else.
   Lastly, there are those so-called "lucky moms" . There are some wonderful moms out there that are determined to be 130% involved in their children's lives plus juggle all the demands of being a 24/7 mother, housewife, etc. They are no different than all the other moms; they have just as tough of a job.
   It's no contest; all moms need medals!! None of these jobs are any less important. Each requires skill, temperance, love, commitment, endurance, etc. Instead of bashing other moms, lets just realize that we all have something in common! WE ARE ALL MOMS!!! Be that supportive friend and encourage other moms to vent and talk. Be the shoulder to cry on when life gets tough. When you're in a rough patch, they will be there for you. We are all in this together and we need each other.

~Acts 2:38, Obey it!~

Chicken and Gnocchi, Olive Garden style!

Recently, I was asked how I made my Chicken and Gnocchi Olive Garden style, and so I thought I would write a blog on how to! Since fall is in full swing, in my opinion, soups are the best way to warm you up! Soups also provides the necessary nutrition in order to keep you from getting sick during the cool months! This particular soup is very wholesome and healthy! I hope y'all enjoy this yummy soup as much as my family and I did!

1/2 stick butter
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup  diced onion
1/2 cup diced celery
2 Tbsp of minced garlic
1/4 cup flour
1 quart half-and-half cream
2 (14-ounce) cans chicken broth
Salt
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1 cup finely shredded carrots
1 cup chopped fresh spinach leaves
1 cup diced cooked chicken breast
1 (16-ounce/500g) package ready-to-use gnocchi (I found mine at Wal-Mart in the pasta section.)

Melt the butter into the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Whisk in the half-and-half. Simmer until thickened. Whisk in the chicken broth. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt, the thyme, parsley, carrots (best if ran over a cheese grater to shred), spinach, chicken, and gnocchi. Simmer on medium heat until the soup is heated through. Before serving, season with additional salt, if necessary.

~Enjoy!~

Get In It for the Long Haul!

   My blog today is not an easy subject, but that doesn't make it any less important. 

   A startling statistic for marriage and divorce rates: 8.8 years was  the average length for heterosexual (man and woman) marriage in the US! That's not only among worldly unbelievers either! That is also among people that claim to be Christians. This is  a stench in God's nostrils. 

   Divorce has become too easy for people, instead of just working things out and keeping the love kindled in the marriage. People are no longer ashamed of divorce as they once were 50 years ago.  There are still long beautiful marriages out there but they are growing far and few between.  No one cares to look at the real facts of what divorce does to their children either. It scars their life forever, and in turn they will most likely have the same turmoil. 

   Living together is popular trend among our young and even middle aged folks today. It makes me sick when somebody will go on about "being together' with their  "soul-mate", and then you find out that they are just shacking up. When did "shacking up" become an acceptable alternative to marriage?  Why? BECAUSE PEOPLE HAS PUT SUCH A NEGATIVE MINDSET IN THEIR CHILDREN TO THINK THAT EVERY  MARRIAGE IS  A CURSE AND A FAILURE. The Bible created marriage to be beautiful, holy, honorable, and enjoyable. Marriage is now being referred to as the "ball and chain". People discourage young folks from even getting married because they wasn't able to make their marriage work. I understand that some situations happen and past is past, but we should not even let divorce be in our vocabulary, especially in the church. 

   We say that we want our marriages to be forever and we say the vows "til' death do us part" but are those just pretty words? NO. Those vows are a solemn promise before God, and should not be taken lightly. Two very imperfect people are joining forces as one to work together and serve God for the rest of their lives. If you are marrying for any other purpose, then you have the wrong intentions. 

    I'll go as far to say that marriage is a Godly institution, and if neither of you are serving God to start with, your marriage vows are nothing but pretty words. You are recognized by the state as "married" but unless God is the glue, your marriage is headed for the rocks, my friend. Unbelievers can't understand the value of the vows they made, therefore they deem it easy to go through marriage partners like candy. Divorce sickens God, and so does an unholy union.

   I encourage our youth to get grounded in the Word , make sure they have repented, been baptized in the wonderful  name of Jesus, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38) before they even think about finding a mate! Then, God will send you a wonderful mate that will not hinder you from serving God, but help serve along with you! 

   For you that are married, put some tar on your heels, and get in it for the long haul. You need each other.

Acts 2:38, Obey it!

Why I am Modest

   For all those who don't know, I'm Apostolic Pentecostal. You may also be wondering what Apostolic Pentecostal is. I'm Apostolic because I believe in the apostles' doctrine set forth by Jesus' apostles who walked with him and carried his gospel. I'm Pentecostal by experience; I'm referring to the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2. Peter preached to the people gathered there and told them to "repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the REMISSION of sins and ye SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF the HOLy GHOST." (See Acts 2:38). They were all in the upper room when a sound like rushing wind filled the house, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and spoke with tongues (heavenly language that only God can understand) as the spirit of God gave the utterance.
   I don't cut my hair. I don't trim my hair. I believe according to 1 Corinthians  that a women's hair is a sacred covenant between her and God and that her "glory" should never be cut. The hair is a sign of submission to God and to her husband (if she is married). Not only that, but it is HER glory, not something to boast about, but something that sets her apart. There is nothing lovelier than a sweet modest dressed lady with long flowing hair, and a meek, quit spirit.
   I believe that as a woman, we should dress like one. Modesty is not old-fashioned. A lady can still be fashionable, classy, and beautiful in today's clothing and still be modest. A woman's clothes say a lot for her. A woman that dresses immodestly is desiring to draw attention to herself. Its normal human nature. But a godly lady will draw attention, not because she is trying to, but because she radiates godliness and purity. A lovely spirit paired with a modestly clothed body shows that a woman has self control, respect for herself, respect for God, and a desire to be a light to a dark perverse world.
   That's why I dress modest and live the way I do. Its a privilege to live for God. I owe my being to him, so it's the least I can do as a Christian to dress in a way that would glorify him, and not glorify myself!

Acts 2:38, Obey it!

  

More Savings: My Review of the Walmart Savings-Catcher

   Most of us would love to say that we are avid thrifters, frugal-minded, and  coupon divas, but let's face it, sometimes there is not enough time in our schedule to be superwoman! Well, there are different things that you can do without exhausting yourself in order to save your family some hard-earned greenbacks.
  
   I am not too keen on Wal-Mart (I don't have to explain why either) but on most things, it's pretty hard to match their prices. Well, a week ago, I was just finishing up buying my groceries, and then I noticed at the register, they were advertising a new app for smartphones called the savings catcher. I just thought that the app was just another hoax, with a gimmick to it. But I am always out for a bargain when it's available, so I went home and downloaded the Wal-Mart Savings Catcher app for androids off of the Google Play Store. I scanned the tiny barcode of the receipt and it scanned my items to see if there were any better deals elsewhere.       
   Here's how it works: You scan your Wal-Mart  receipt after downloading the app, and the app scans the area for other competitors' prices. It only compares prices that are advertised in the store papers. It takes 72 hours for the results to show. If any prices are found to be cheaper elsewhere, you get the difference of what you paid. Sounds great right?!
  
   Needless to say, I was overjoyed that after 72 hours I received my results. Wal-Mart savings catcher estimated that I was owed $2.34 back from my recent shopping trip. Now, you may think that it is not much, but it adds up! To get the money back, simply click in the "Get it Back" tab and it creates your very own egift card. It sends the egift card to your email, and then you print it off, and use it as if it was a coupon.
   The cons to the savings catcher is that it does not let you earn more than $599 per a calendar year. You also can't scan receipts that are older than 7 days. The other con to the app is that, like any other app, it sometimes can crash or erase your receipts and rewards. I recommend printing off the egift card every time I get some earnings.  The app also doesn't work for weighted items like meats, fruits, vegetables, cereal- anything that's weighted. So, if you can get a better deal on certain meat products, and produce, I would consider getting those items there.
   Other than, a few cons, it's a great way to save some money, and it works just like coupons! It never hurts to try either! I don't know about you, but I'm going to save my egift card money to save on buying Christmas presents this year! Happy saving!

My Funnel Cake Recipe

I was asked to write a blog concerning how to make my funnel cakes after I posted a tantalizing picture of my accomplishments on Instagram on Sunday afternoon. (I meant to publish it yesterday ladies! Sorry!) So, here is my step by step recipe:

3 2/3 cups of self rising flour
1/2 cup of sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 tablespoon of melted butter
1/4 cup of water
2 cups of milk
1 quart of vegetable oil for frying

1 large funnel
1 deep fryer
1 wide large spatula
Confection sugar (powdered sugar)
(Makes about 5-6 funnel cakes. Dough does not keep past 2-3 hours, so you will want to make them quickly.)

Set the flour aside in another bowl and in a separate large bowl, whisk the sugar, milk, water, vanilla, butter and eggs together and then slowly add it to the flour. You will want to get the mixture as smooth as possible. It should be the consistency of pancake batter (thin enough to run through a funnel.

Set the dough aside while you get the oil ready. I use a fryer called the Fry Daddy that my husband got me for Christmas. It is amazing and pretty cheap to purchase. Then I just plugged it in the wall and poured the oil up to the max line (1-1 1/2 quarts of vegetable oil). The setting is on about 325°. Let that heat up for about 10 minutes. You can tell when the oil is ready for frying by doing a simple trick: dip your finger in water and let one tiny drop hit the oil. If it bubbles and boils vigorously, it is ready. Put your finger over the hole of the funnel, and spoon the batter into the funnel until the funnel is halfway full. Carefully let the the dough run through the funnel and move your funnel to create the desired design. When you're done, simply cover the hole of the funnel and transfer the funnel back to your bowl so it won't drip everywhere! Watch your funnel cake (it only takes a minute!) and make sure that it is golden brown and a little crunchy before you carefully turn the funnel cake over with a spatula to fry the other side. When it is completely done, transfer the funnel cake with your spatula to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. Then sprinkle your confection sugar on the funnel cake. Now enjoy and share what you have created! I hope this blog helped! (Enjoy, Ivy!)

Eating On a Budget

   So my husband and I sat down and figured out our expenses and we noticed that although we had a strict budget, we hadn't done well at sticking to it. We gasped at disbelief when we realized that we had spent more on a certain expense than we had on our car payment!!! It is no joke! The culprit was restaurants and fast food. With two kids and a busy lifestyle, it's easy to grab lunch, dinner, and occasionally breakfast here and there. But as you know well, it adds up!
   We formulated a plan to limit our restaurant expenditures to twice a month only. We sat down and wrote down a day of the week (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday...) and then we wrote a different group of foods that we could pick from to have. My husband picked Spanish foods for Monday such as tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, etc, since he loves spicy foods. Tuesday is our deli day of the week with fresh subs and things like that (mimicking Subway's menu). Wednesday is homestyle country cooking such as meatloaf, fried chicken, chicken livers, etc. Thursday was chose as our Italian cuisine day. Friday is our day to grill out and have steaks, kabobs, etc. Saturday is the fun day of the week because my husband can have all American classics such as hotdogs, hamburgers, homemade potato chips, bbq, pizza, anything like that. Then lastly Sunday is our leftover Sunday so I, the cook, can rest!
   The tough part is sticking to it and making it a resolution in our minds that we will not eat out. I can make anything that the restaurants can, cutting half the fat, cholesterol, and calories. It makes me feel good that I am actively making sure my family gets the necessary foods and balanced meals that they need!  It will also make my wallet feel even better!
   We have decided that twice a month we can have a date night splurge and eat somewhere nice and have a night out together. That way eating out will be more of a luxury, and not just an ordinary thing!
   You can do it too! All you need is a pen and a notebook or journal and your families input. It will draw everyone closer together! A nice cute kitchen chalkboard to write the weekly menus where everyone can see it is also a great idea.
   Well, I hope I inspired you to save money, feel better about yourself, and eat better! God bless!

Acts 2:38, Obey it!

Babies Don't Keep!

   Today, I sat down and tried to figure out all the things I had to do today. Nothing gets done unless I write it down on my list and commit to it! The house was of course my first priority since it looked so dreadful. That load of towels that has sat in the washing machine for 2 or 3 days HAS to be washed once again and then maybe I'll remember to get them out (don't judge me, you don't have it all together either!). The list could go on for forever and the question is, when does it stop? The answer is simply this, it doesn't.
   I looked down at my feet and my one and two year old was tugging at my skirt, longing for me to hold them. My son grabbed my finger and pulled me to their playroom because they wanted to play with the toys with their mommy. I felt so selfish for not spending more time with them, even though I am home with them. Feeding them, clothing them, bathing them, and buying them all they want isn't all they need. They need someone to teach them how to have fun too. I've miserably failed on that part I'm afraid.
   I find that when you enter a child's play room, watch them play, and join them in their fun, you enter their realm. You really find out how much they know and understand. You really get to know them! Needless to say, I'm not slaving in the kitchen right now or taking on any other tasks for the moment. My babies are not going to be little forever. I'm playing with them in their world of hotwheels, books, and dollies. I'm trying to see the world through their little eyes.
   It's okay sometimes to lay aside the chores until later and invest some time into your children's lives. As bad as I need to take care of my disaster of a house, it can wait for a little while!

"Babies Don’t Keep"

By Ruth Hulburt Hamilton

"Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,

Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,

Hang out the washing, make up the bed,

Sew on a button and butter the bread.

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?

She’s up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I’ve grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,

Lullabye, rockabye, lullabye loo.

Dishes are waiting and bills are past due

Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo

The shopping’s not done and there’s nothing for stew

And out in the yard there’s a hullabaloo

But I’m playing Kanga and this is my Roo

Look! Aren’t his eyes the most wonderful hue?

Lullabye, rockaby lullabye loo.

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow

But children grow up as I’ve learned to my sorrow.

So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!

I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep."

 

Is Social Media Sabotaging Our Life?

     Do we have as much control over our lives  as we think we do?  Are we accidentally putting our families and God on the back burner?
     I asked myself yesterday, "What am I prioritizing in my life?" I felt guilty instantly. A lot of times our problems in life can come because we can't seem to find a time to put God first. We, myself included, get tangled up in the affairs of the home, trying to juggle all the demanding needs of our families. But if we look at each day as a pie chart, we will find that there is indeed time for God. We will also find that social media unfortunately is a huge culprit in sabotaging our schedule.
     What do we spend most of our time doing? Is is housework, running errands, caring for our children/ spending time with them, social media browsing, texting/ talking on the telephone, etc? I'm going to be the first to say that social media has become a leech in the lives of today's adults and children. I know too often I am guilty of being sidetracked when I'm doing something important because a notification will pop up on my phone, whether it may be a text or something else. That one second you look at something can turn into 30 minutes of being engrossed in looking at something interesting on the internet or having a text conversation. There goes 30 minutes of precious time that could have gone into housework or reading the Bible. Guilty! Now, don't get me wrong! Social media isn't per say the problem. WE are the ones who chose to turn the computer on or turn the notifications on our phone. It is how we use it, how much time it takes up in our day to day lives, and how we choose to bring it into our lives. It is very easy to find oneself combing through all the ideas on Pintrest, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. I am not that internet savvy but I'm sure y'all could come up with more sites. They don't call it the "web" for nothing for it has indeed entangled the lives of so many. So many families have been broken because of the internet; social media sites, pornography, and dating sites lead to so much unfaithfulness in both men and women.
    Our children need to see us on our knees more than they see us with our face glued to a smartphone, tablet, or computer screen. Can I get an amen?
    Let's take our lives back! Pray, fast, read your Bible, spend time with your family, make memories, and fast that social media! If God is leading you to get rid of it completely, obey Him! You will be the happier for it!

Acts 2:38, Obey it!
     
   

About my little family

Finding time to write a miracle in and of itself! I just wanted to share what is dear and close to my heart, and that is my family. I love to blog and write,  I love to make people laugh and I love to inspire people. So I hope you enjoy my little musings.

My husband, Rev. Justin Caudle and I were married on August 13, 2011, thus beginning our blind, yet exciting adventure into adulthood, married life, responsibilities, and parenthood. 

We found out we were carrying our firstborn son, Tucker Lee Caudle on in January of 2012. We had only been married a mere 4 months but we were overjoyed when we found out. He was born later that year on September 7th, 2012. 

Our proud little family of three soon made room for another addition. I found out I was pregnant once again only three months after giving birth to my son. It was unexpected, but we were tickled to death nonetheless! My husband was excited at the potential to get a little girl this time, and sure enough, at 28 weeks we found out we had a little girl. Annalei Rae Caudle was born September 11th, 2013. Daddy got his little princess.

Now, we've became a bit wiser, and our two healthy toddlers are on the verge of celebrating their 2nd and 1st birthdays. 

We have a lot on our plates with my husband being a pastor of a local assembly, New Life Pentecostal Church in Mount Airy, NC, and juggling a full-time job. I was terminated from my job a couple of months ago, so now I'm a full-time mommy and proud of it! I thank the Lord everyday because it allows me to spend time with my precious munchkins! I wouldn't trade anything for this life I have. I am blessed beyond measure.