Thursday, June 30, 2011

How Many Times Do I Have To Tell You?

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How many times do I have to tell you?  Your mattress is not a slide!  Your mattress is not a fort!  Your mattress is for sleeping!  
I tell them over and over.  But a little time passes (as in 5 minutes) and I start to hear Josiah (age 4) whispering in Matthew’s (age 2) ear.  They both giggle excitedly.  run into their room and if I don’t get there in time to stop them I find the mattress on the floor and see them climbing up and jumping off of the changing table.  BOYS!
It’s to much fun, and although they know they’ll get in trouble they just can’t seem to resist the temptation.  You see in the moment, they’re not thinking about the punishment they’ll receive.  They’re thinking about what they want.
And that’s how we fall.  We focus on ourselves.  We think only about what we want.  We don’t pay attention to what God is speaking.  We avoid prayer.  And before we know it we’ve got the mattress flipped and are hiding under it.
But I know they can resist the temptation and so can we.
Stay alert, be in prayer, so you don't enter the danger zone without even knowing it. Don't be naive. Part of you is eager, ready for anything in God; but another part is as lazy as an old dog sleeping by the fire.
Mark 14:38
No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
BTW the picture was taken by one of the boys.  Not sure which one was snapping pictures of the evidence.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Remembering The Days

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Yesterday was picture day for two out of three of my boys.  Caleb got his 11 month pictures taken in the morning, and Josiah had his 4 year pictures in the afternoon.  I love having pictures of my children as they grow.


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As I look over the pictures and see how my boys have grown and changed I remember the faithfulness of God and how his protection and provision has been ever present in their lives from the moment of conception.  So I capture the images.  I store them on paper, on the computer, and in my heart.  So when difficult days come I can remember.  And I can meditate on all He has done.
So my spirit grows faint within me;
my heart within me is dismayed.  
I remember the days of long ago;
I meditate on all your works
and consider what your hands have done.
Psalm 143:4-5

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

He Hears My Cry

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My baby’s cry has great power.  The power to make me spring into action.  The power to make me run to his rescue.  The power to wake me at any hour of the day or night.  I go to him.  I comfort him.  I meet his needs.
Sometimes he’s hurt.  Sometimes he needs to be fed.  Sometimes he needs to be clean.  Sometimes he just needs to know I’m there.
We often cry out to God for the same reasons.  We are hurt.  We need to be fed.  We are dirty and need to be cleansed.  And often times we just need to know that He is there.  That He hears us.  
And our cries carry the same power.  They cause Him to spring into action.  He heals.  He nourishes.  He forgives.  He makes His presence known.
So let us cry out to Him.  We were created to grow and mature, but not to outgrow our need for Him.  He is and always will be our Father.  Our strength and our shield.  The fortress of our salvation.  Our shepherd.
Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy.  The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.  The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.  Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever. 
Psalm 28:6-9

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Scripture Sunday

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This is a new link-up.  Link up a verse every Sunday for your family to focus on that week.  Let's start the week in His Word!  

The only rule for this link-up is that it be to a post of a scripture you will focus on this week.  I would love to have you follow my blog and leave comments, but it's not required.



If your scripture has a picture with it you can also link up here:

Friday, June 24, 2011

It's A Matter Of Perspective

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Look at my BIG baby!  He’s HUGE!  Or at least he appears to be when the picture is taken from the lowest possible spot.  If I stand and take the picture from my height he looks small.  
Makes me wonder what perspective I use to see problems that come my way.  I don’t for one minute believe that I’ll live my life free from problems.  What I do is learn to see them from God’s powerful perspective instead of from my small one.
When viewed from below even the smallest things appear to be insurmountable, but when viewed from above they fail to compare to the greatness of our God.

I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world.
John 16:33

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

RAWR!!! He's Four.

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Josiah, my firstborn turns four today and we’re celebrating the only way we know how in the Sanchez house.  With dinosaurs.  I know, big shocker!  I can’t believe how much he’s grown.  As I reflect on the past four years this is what comes to mind.
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Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from him.  Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.  Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate

Psalms 127:3-5
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I prayed for this child, and God gave me what I asked for.  And now I have dedicated him to God.  He’s dedicated to God for life . . .
1 Samuel 1:27-28


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I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out-plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
Jeremiah 29:11




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Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?
the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?

Psalm 127:3




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. . . because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
1 John 4:4


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"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”


Jeremiah 1:5

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Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God.  Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart.
Philippians 1:3-4
May I always see him as God does.  

Monday, June 20, 2011

Sleeping On The Floor

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 Two and a half years ago I was pregnant with Matthew (my second son) and somewhat desperately looking for bunk beds.  Josiah was still sleeping in the crib and I had no idea where he would sleep once the baby came.  We quickly decided that bunk beds were the best solution.  So after some shopping we brought home and set up some beautiful bunk beds.  I was sure my boys would love them!
Matthew was born and for the first few months didn’t use the crib anyway.  When it was time to make the transition, Josiah opted to sleep on a blanket on the living room floor.  I had thought that it would be short lived.  
Fast forward a little over two years and Josiah and Matthew are both sleeping on the same blanket on the living room floor every night and for naps.  And the bunk beds?  Well, Matthew has learned to climb up to the top without the ladder, but hasn’t quite mastered getting down yet.  Even with the ladder.  So after about three falls I asked my husband if we could separate the beds.  
So we rearranged all their furniture and they were very excited.  They were running around the house screaming about their new beds and new room.  So they picked which bed was who’s and actually slept in them the whole night!  
Isn’t a bed so much better than the floor?  Sleep is sleep and you can rest either way, but isn’t it nicer to sleep comfortably?  The beds were there the whole time, but my boys chose the floor.
God has lush meadows to bed us down in.  He comforts us.  He restores and renews our souls.  How long will we be content to sleep on the floor when the bed is there waiting.  He has given us a promised land.  His Word is full of promises and descriptions of the life he offers if only we’d take possession of it!
Why are we so quick to trade the abundant life Christ offers for the cheap imitation of life the world provides?  When will we quit sleeping on the floor and claim the bed that has always been ours?
God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing.  You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from.
Psalm 23:1-2
Joshua addressed the People of Israel: "How long are you going to sit around on your hands, putting off taking possession of the land that God, the God of your ancestors, has given you?
Joshua 18:3

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Scripture Sunday

Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God's hand for that person.  

Proverbs 3:27



This is a new link-up.  Link up a verse every Sunday for your family to focus on that week.  Let's start the week in His Word!  

The only rule for this link-up is that it be to a post of a scripture you will focus on this week.  I would love to have you follow my blog and leave comments, but it's not required.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Come Home Papi!


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Samuel left early this morning for work and won’t be back until late tonight.  These days without him are difficult for me, but it’s even harder for the boys.  They really miss their Papi.  They can feel his absence and are affected by it.
When he’s home my husband brings a sense of safety to our home.  He comes with a type of Godly authority they can trust in.  If during the day they ask for a new toy or to go somewhere special I often tell them to ask Papi when he gets home.  When he arrives they run to him for the answers they’ve been seeking.  He calms them.  Takes away their fears.  Protects them and is good to them.  He rescues them when they get stuck or are “falling” off the sofa.  He is strong, but gentle as he picks them up and carries them around the house.  They trust him.  They rest in his presence.  And when he is absent they miss him desperately.
He gives them so much.
Just as our Heavenly Father does for us?  In Him we find the answers to our questions.  We find safety in his authority.  He calms us.  His perfect love casts out all our fears.  He protects us.  He is good.  He rescues us even from sin and death.  We can trust Him and rest in his presence.
And if He was ever absent we would miss Him desperately.
God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears.  Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him.  When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot.  God's angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray.  Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see-how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him.
Psalm 34:4-8


This is a special repost for Father's Day.


Thursday, June 16, 2011

My Glamorous Life

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I’m washing diapers.  Glamorous, I know.  I just washed dishes to!  In a few minutes I’ll make dinner.  And then I will eat it, cold.  Does it sound like I’m complaining?  Well I am!
Could my purpose really be wiping little tushies? I mean, wasn’t I made for more than this?  Wasn’t I made in God’s image?  
Yes, I was.  But what is it to be made in His image?  What does He even look like?  And who was the perfect example of the image of God?  Jesus, who came as a servant and washed feet.
That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served-and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage.
Mark 10:45
So he got up from the supper table, set aside his robe, and put on an apron.  Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of the disciples, drying them with his apron.
John 13:4-5

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Those Little Feet Will Run

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My boys are growing.  My oldest is in Vacation Bible School for the first time this year.  Today was his first day and I almost cried as I dropped him off. It’s the first time I’ve left him anywhere other than with family and actually left.  He goes to Sunday school at church, but I’m just in the next room, not all the way down the street!  
But he had SO much fun!  He’s been telling us and his brothers about everything he did and learned.  There were cupcakes.  (very exciting)  
As I see him grow, and develop I know that my other two boys will soon follow suit.  I see so much more for them then where they are now.  My hope and prayers for them reach farther.  Because I know God has more planned.  
I watch Josiah as he memorizes scripture and absorbs what I read to him.  And I know that the day is coming when he will read on his own and even seek out his own memory verses.
I watch Matthew running after balls, wanting them all to himself.  And I know that the day is coming when he will understand that sharing the ball is much more fun as he kicks, passes, and plays on a team.
I watch Caleb’s tiny feet hanging from the stroller swinging back and forth.  And I know that the day is coming when those little feet will run the race set before them and stand firm on the truth of God.
The days are coming.
And He knows what they will bring.
 I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out-plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
Jeremiah 29:11

Monday, June 13, 2011

Afternoon Naps & A Good Night's Sleep

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I’ve been getting up multiple times every night for nearly four years now.  My oldest son is almost four.  He was followed by my two year old, who was followed by my 11 month old.  Three boys born in the span of a three years.  
When we were expecting our first son our friends who had children told us how we would get up and lean close to our baby just to make sure he was still breathing.  I was sure I wouldn’t be that mom.  I would entrust my children completely to God.  I would never check to see if they were breathing.  Of course they were breathing!  Why wouldn’t they be?
But they were right.  The first cold he caught turned me into the kind of mom who looks close and lets out a sigh of relief at the sight of that tiny chest rising and falling in rhythmic breathing.  
And in subtle ways I’ve become that mom.  Slowly but steadily attempting to take back the control.  To carefully loosen God’s grip on my children to hold tight to them myself.  Little by little I’ve been exchanging the peace Christ offers for desperate attempts to keep my home and family in order and within my reach.
But it comes slyly.  I realized that last night as I left the baby in the crib after his 3 a.m. feeding.  On my way back to bed I usually peek in on my older two boys.  Last night I thought about why and decided not to.  
What do I gain?  A lifestyle of worry.  But when I decide to entrust them to God’s keeping.  I gain peace.  And can claim the promise of Proverbs 3:24 with confidence.  Don’t you love it?  A Biblical promise of a good night’s sleep, and the afternoon nap part is just icing on the cake! 
 You'll take afternoon naps without a worry, you'll enjoy a good night's sleep.
Proverbs 3:24

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Sunday, June 12, 2011

Scripture Sunday


I prayed for this child, and God gave me what I asked for.

1 Samuel 1:27





Saturday, June 11, 2011

Charlie and Trike in the Grand Canyon Adventure Review

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I had the privilege to review a book for Master Books this week.  Charlie and Trike in the Grand Canyon Adventure.  I couldn’t wait to share this interactive book with my boys and they were so excited to have a new book.
Matthew claimed it right away as his book and since Josiah’s very faithful to his favorite book it worked out well.  I loved the story and how it reinforces Biblical truths.  The fold-outs, and extra features really captured my boys attention.  I read it to them at bedtime and the next morning the first thing my 2 year old Matthew did was go grab it and sit at the table to “read.”
It’s a great book and the green notebook is a wonderful tool that helps little ones process the information the same way Charlie does.  What else can I say?  I’m a fan and so are my boys.

Want a chance to win a copy of the book and other great prizes for your kids?
 Join us for a Twitter party on Tuesday, June 21 at 8pm Central.  Use the Hashtag -  #TeachtheTruth





Moms of Masterbooks

Thursday, June 9, 2011

The Cut, The Squeeze, The Sugar

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Still making limeade at the Sanchez house.  As I made a big jar with the last of the limes tonight I started thinking about all the limes go through to become limeade.  And again I see the parallels between what I do with those limes and what God does with our lives.  In the end both end up sweeter.
First comes the cut.  I slice the limes right through the middle.  I open them up and expose what’s inside.  Seeds, juice, pulp, all of it.  When we open ourselves up to God and confess our sins to Him it’s as if we were cut open and exposed.  But we have his promise that he’ll forgive and cleanse us when we do.  
Next is the squeeze.  I squeeze out the juice.  I pour out what is good and useful from the limes and dispose of the rest.  When we serve in God’s kingdom we are squeezed.  We are tested.  We pour out the good and utile.
And then comes the sugar.  Adding sugar changes the entire concept of what lime juice is and what it tastes like.  It causes a radical change from sour to sweet.  From harsh to pleasing.  As we receive the sweet healing and grace that comes from God our very DNA is transformed from our old sinful selves to people who look day by day more and more like Jesus.  And we go through a radical change from sour to sweet.  From harsh to pleasing.

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 4:12-13


On the other hand, if we admit our sins-make a clean breast of them-he won't let us down; he'll be true to himself. He'll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing.
 1 John 1:9
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Limonada

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This morning Samuel noticed several bags of limes that I had bought last week on sale.  He suggested that I make limonada (limeade) before they go bad.  He just happens to really loves my fresh homemade limeade.
You see, he saw the limes and didn’t just see limes.  He saw what they would become.  He saw their potential.  He saw the end result.
Could that be how God sees us?  Have you ever looked at yourself.  Who you are.  All your imperfections.  And thought.  How could God possibly see something good in me?  But He does.  He sees the end result.  He sees what you will become.  And it is good.
Can we see our children that way?   
God named the land Earth. He named the pooled water Ocean. God saw that it was good.
Genesis 1:10
There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.
Philippians 1:6
What do we see?  Limes or limeade?

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

I Just Want A Shower!


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I have a confession to make.  I don’t shower every day.  Seriously I sometimes think of showering as a luxury.  I remember back to the days when I showered daily.  Back when I fixed my hair.  Back when I went regularly to the nail salon.  When I accessorized.  When I slept late.
And I want to whine.  And I want to complain.  Why oh why can’t I at least shower?!?!?!  Isn’t a daily shower a human right?  Can’t I have that time for me?
Why?  Why? Why?  Me!  Me!  Me!  Whine.  Whine.  Whine.
So I went to scripture.  I searched for something to tell me how to overcome the obstacles.  To achieve my goal.  And here’s what I found.
Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way.
1 Peter 4:1
Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back-given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.
Luke 6:38
This was NOT what I was looking for!  
But the inner whiner shut up.  And understanding poured in.  My suffering is nothing compared to what Christ went through.  I am here.  On this earth.  In my country.  In my state.  In my city.  In my neighborhood.  In my home.  To give not to get.
And I have a change of perspective.  Yes, I was born to be a conquerer.  Yes, I was made to overcome obstacles.  But the goal has shifted from mine to His.  Instead of identifying and overcoming what gets in the way of my getting I’ll identify and overcome the obstacles in the way of my giving.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Scripture Sunday

Listen carefully to what I am saying-and be 

wary of the shrewd advice that tells you how to 

get ahead in the world on your own. Giving, not 

getting, is the way.


Mark 4:24

Friday, June 3, 2011

The "Dinosaur" Shirt



I’ve been considering.  I’ve been thinking.  I’ve been reasoning.  I’ve been praying.
About sponsoring a child.
And as I pondered.  As I mentally listed pros and cons.
There he was over 8,000 miles away.  Waiting.  
So how do you choose a child to help?  How do you avoid getting overwhelmed by the sheer number of children in need?  How do you pick a boy or girl?  A country?  An age?  A face?
I couldn’t.  But not choosing and helping none wasn’t an option either.  
So I let Josiah pick.  I called him over to the computer and explained how those children didn’t have as much money, or food, or toys as he did.  When I told him we could help one his face lit up!  
He picked out Preecha right away.  He thought he had a dinosaur on his shirt.  When I told him it was a giraffe he said it was ok and he wanted to help him.  As I read him the bio all he wanted to know was if Preecha likes dinosaurs.  That’ll be our first question for him when we get a chance to write a letter.
Visit compassion.com to sponsor a child.  It doesn’t matter how you choose.  It matters that you do.
"Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers.  Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!"
Proverbs 31:8-9

Thursday, June 2, 2011

We Happened

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I was sweeping.  When Josiah saw me he asked, “what happened?”  I was a little confused by his question.  It’s not like he’s not used to seeing me sweep.  Cause with three little boys in our house sweeping is something that happens multiple times a day.  So I answered him, “what do you mean what happened?  I’m just sweeping.”  “But why?  What happened?” his response came.  (Yes in case you’re wondering he turns 4 this month and we have officially entered the why stage!)
My answer this time was “we happened.”  And that really is why we sweep right?  We are messy.  Life in general is messy.  If we want any kind of order or direction it has to come from an outside source.  We need God to put or lives in order.  To clean up our messes.  To rescue us from ourselves!
And me? I'm a mess. I'm nothing and have nothing: make something of me. You can do it; you've got what it takes-but God, don't put it off.
Psalm 40:17
Yet I did spot one ray of light in this murk: God made men and women true and upright; we're the ones who've made a mess of things.
Ecclesiastes 7:29
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