Baby be Blessed

Yay...Free Friday!

2012-02-24T08:27:00.003-08:00

Would you like another chance to win a $56 Gift Voucher from Baby be Blessed?!

Well today's your chance!

To enter: Simply leave a comment in the linky below!

The winner will be announced on Monday!
Thanks so much!!

Easter Sale!

2012-02-22T17:25:00.000-08:00

For a limited time *EASTER SPECIAL* All personalized animals are 20% off!!
---order soon to take advantage of this great deal!!---

CLICK HERE to check it out!

Enjoy one of our old slide shows from 2010!

Too Cute...Tuesday!

2012-02-21T05:43:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to contact you for a year. In September 2010, we went to China to adopt our daughter Hope. Right before we left, we ordered her the "Maria Sue" doll, then renamed the Hope doll. What an amazing thing...the doll we ordered for her was given her name. Such beautiful twists and turns God allows. I had in mind two things to hand her (she was 2 1/2 at the time we adopted her) the moment they handed her to me. One was a ladybug blanket sent by her grandparents. The other was her Baby Be Blessed doll. I thought it may comfort her to have something to hold onto during the transition and that in the future it would be the one thing she has had since the moment she became ours. I knew "Lucy", (as she was named), would become dear to Hope and she has. She never left her side in China and she sleeps with her every night, every nap and accompanies her during every doctor visit (Hope had a congenital heart defect; it has been repaired.)

I love how God uses this ministry. Really it is a ministry, because it has ministered not only to us in giving her the gift of Lucy, but it has ministered comfort to Hope in a huge year of transition.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart and Hope's...

Amy Brady

------------------------

~I know that this was my response to your email Amy...but I shout it out again!

My eyes are full of tears!

All praise and glory to God! I know that He uses these dolls...no doubts ever in that! But what a blessing when He allows an email such as yours to encourage this broken child of His to keep going!!!

Thank you so much for sharing!

Yay...Free Friday!

2012-02-17T04:15:00.000-08:00

We're back with another Giveaway!

You will be entering to win a $56 voucher for a Baby be Blessed personalized doll!!

To Enter: Simply leave a comment in the linky tool under this post.

Additional entries: (please 1 linky for each)

*Follow our blog

*Write a blog post about the giveaway (please leave link)

*Like Baby be Blessed on facebook

*Share on facebook (hit *share* from our fb post so I can see your entry!)

*Follow us on twitter (leave your twitter name so I can find you!)

*Tweet or Retweet about the giveaway (must tag @babybeblessed in tweet)

~~All links are on the top left sidebar--I'll be double checking your extra entries so be sure to tag BbB so I can find you! =) ~~

Thank you for sharing Baby be Blessed with others!

Winner will be chosen on Monday!
Have a FANTASTIC WEEKEND!

*WINNER IS #22...CONGRATULATIONS!! =)

{Hope for the Home}: Be Intentional!

2012-02-13T10:02:00.000-08:00

I'm over at {Hope for the Home} today!

Will you come over and visit me there??

Oh, and another $56 Gift Voucher is up for grabs! ;) CHECK IT OUT!!

Yay...Free Friday!

2012-02-10T05:28:00.001-08:00

Are you ready to enter our Giveaway this week?!

You will be entering to win a $56 voucher for a Baby be Blessed personalized doll!!

To Enter: Simply leave a comment in the linky tool under this post.

Additional entries: (please 1 linky for each)

*Follow our blog

*Write a blog post about the giveaway (please leave link)

*Like Baby be Blessed on facebook

*Share on facebook (hit *share* from our fb post so I can see your entry!)

*Follow us on twitter (leave your twitter name so I can find you!)

*Tweet or Retweet about the giveaway (must tag @babybeblessed in tweet)

~~All links are on the top left sidebar--I'll be double checking your extra entries so be sure to tag BbB so I can find you! =) ~~

Thank you for sharing Baby be Blessed with others!

Winner will be chosen on Monday!
Have a FANTASTIC WEEKEND!

Praising in Hope!

2012-02-09T06:44:00.000-08:00

There are times when I feel my prayers are foolish.

Sickness, barren wombs, starving children, broken hearts...death. This world is broken. So many hurts and so many needs. There are so many -life altering- important requests flooding the throne, that I often feel unworthy to ask.

Photo's of suffering children etched in my mind.

I ask the Lord to forgive me and He is so busy and there are MUCH more important business that He needs to attend to. I feel unworthy to ask for such petty things...and they are petty in the grand scheme of life.

Last week I was plucked up out of the pit once again. His love and grace overflowing which is something I don't deserve and certainly could never earn...He knows every dark corner of my heart. The minor issue that I wanted to "fix" was concerning my daughter Natalie. She loves horses! She was our first little girl and I threw everything frilly I could at her! We bought her the baby dolls and doll stroller. I showed her how fun it was to put your baby in the stroller and take it for a walk...I couldn't wait for her to play mommy! She took one look at me, tossed that baby right onto the floor and shoved her stuffed horse in that stroller and smiled! Spirit was almost on auto replay and she just loved horses from an early age!

That being said, she is now in 4H. We have had a hard time finding her a horse, to lease or buy and I was determined to solve this problem. Many obstacles were in the way and the financial worry of owning a horse loomed over me.

I felt the Spirit telling me to slow down...wait...but I ignored it.

Many many prayers have been prayed over this horse. Months - of - prayer! Now you know why I say that I felt foolish. It's just a horse for crying out loud! Yes it is something she wants and loves more than almost everything...but it's definitely NOT a need in life!

But once I stopped trying to force something to happen...once I yielded to the Spirit and aligned my heart with His. When I remembered His word and His faithfulness in EVERY SITUATION, I then relaxed and trusted that His perfect will for Natalie concerning this --would come, horse or not.

What a mess I would have made if I would have continued forward!

He loves His children...He desires to bless and bless abundantly!! It is I who usually hinders the full blessing which would be offered.

Natalie and I prayed together often. We crossed every discouragement and closed door. We continued walking forward and (once I fully surrendered) felt His peace. Whatever God held for her in this situation will greatly outweigh anything that we could force together! We will patiently wait...

Not even a week later...we met with a sweet-sweet man named Jerry. He is 70yrs old and *LOVES* his 7yr old paint named, Cocoa. (...and let me just add that Cocoa really loves her Daddy...) She hasn't had a job for most of her life...just time in the pasture.

Sunday we go pick her up.

God is so very good! Words simply can't describe my heart! I shared with Jerry how trying it has been to find the right horse and all the other worries that wrapped me all up. He shared that he too struggled with this decision. "Maybe it is just Divine Intervention." he said. I smiled -I know it is...

Small prayers and big prayers...they're all important! ALL a fragrant aroma flooding the throne of our Lord! We simply need to abide in Him! He just wants our all -every bit of ourselves to yield to His will. Sometimes He answers prayers right away and sometimes we need to wait. Sometimes He doesn't answer prayer the way we would like Him to but He is faithful, trustworthy and righteous! That's who He is, otherwise He would not be God!

He is faithful in the small and the big and by remembering the small things, gives me faith and HOPE to face bigger things that will come.

May we spend time tucked up into His lap today -pour out your whole heart, He is waiting...it's all important to Him because YOU are important to Him!

Too Cute...Wednesday!

2012-02-08T06:42:00.000-08:00

Wanted to Thank you for the wonderful dolls we got. They're cuter then we could have ever imagined. Thank You for spreading the Word of God and the minister you're involved in! You're impacting so many young lives! May the Lord Bless you this Christmas season and all through the year!

Thank You,

Megan Cone

~Your welcome, Megan! It's all Him!

Bits of Weekend Grace and Our WINNER!!

2012-02-07T06:19:00.000-08:00

This weekend was full of family, taking pictures outside on a frosty foggy Sunday morning -when I should have been inside getting 4 children ready for church! (we STILL made it on time =) A horse named Cocoa and LOTS AND LOTS of pink and red tulle!!

The Be My Valentine Doll has taken over our house! *smile* and I LOVE praying, sewing, stitching and tulling each and every one!

The winner of our Giveaway this week is -Valerie from The Almy Family Journal! --Your boys are so cute!-- Congratulations! I will be in touch with your voucher soon!

I wish each of you the {very best} week!

Yay...Free Friday!

2012-02-03T05:40:00.000-08:00

It's Friday, and time again to give away another $56.00 Gift Voucher!

To Enter: Simply leave a comment in the linky tool under this post.

For additional entries:
(please 1 linky for each)

*Follow our blog

*Write a blog post about the giveaway (please leave link)

*Like Baby be Blessed on facebook

*Share on facebook (hit *share* from our post so I can see your entry!)

*Follow us on twitter

*Tweet or Retweet about the giveaway (must tag @babybeblessed in tweet)
(all links are on the top left sidebar)

Thank you for sharing Baby be Blessed with others!

Winner will be chosen on Monday!
Have a FANTASTIC WEEKEND!

Hope

2012-02-02T05:51:00.006-08:00

As we journey into the second month of the year, allow me to share honestly about what's been going on with this one little -but loaded- word...HOPE.

I FINALLY decided to bite the bullet and choose a new cell phone. Change is hard for me. I know this seems silly because it's just a phone but I knew how to use my old one. It still worked. Well I knew how to make it work (since water spilled in my purse and a few buttons no longer functioned). The thought of getting a new phone was simply not appealing to me... especially since they are getting more and more high tech...but after much debate and a stomach ache, I finally chose one. I had to fight through the first week of learning, needed a replacement (because the camera didn't work properly) but this new phone is growing on me...

The one thing that I really *LOVE* is the Bible app!
{If you don't have it and are able to get it...get it!!}

I signed up for a Bible reading plan and it has been really easy to keep up (actually I'm four days ahead) because whenever I'm waiting for preschool to end or a train to pass...I use the extra minute wisely and read another section.

*I must openly admit and apologize for all the times I thought it is terrible how you see a lot of people has their nose down in their phone all the time --and you MUST keep this balanced because we need to interact with people not phones--but maybe...prayerfully...they just might be reading their Bible app?? =) Maybe?*

So what does all this have to do with HOPE?

Well in addition to the Bible reading plan I was also reading a 3 day topical reading on HOPE

During this time-
{you know when I seemed to be so spiritual...reading my Bible app -4 days ahead *wink*}
I had this huge sin, blockage in my heart, looming over me and I didn't even realize it!

I am a fixer and I will push and pull my own way until I can fix it. I will finagle and work different options in my mind. I will google and look for answers. I'm strong minded and determined...and it's hard for anyone to change my mind once it's set. I've even been willing to go against my husband and fight to win the argument because (you know) I'm right and he is simply just wrong! I have justified this behavior because it really typically is for a good cause or to help a loved one. The big problem is...the big fat - I - that's in the center of all of it!

I exhaust myself just typing all that out...and it's ugly...but unfortunately it has been true.

The Lord has forgiven and the Spirit teaches...but how quickly we can fall back into that same old pit and last week...well, that's where I was rolling about.

There has been a (minor) issue that I wanted to fix with one of our children. It is something that will work itself out but I, in my Mama Bear self, decided to step ahead of the Lord and fix it myself. I didn't want to wait. Let's just take care of it.

I knew I was in the wrong....Spirit saying, wait...I wasn't lining up with the Lord. But I kept trying to fix and resolve. I still didn't see it for the sin that it was.

All week I felt sick. This Ohio weather goes from 60 degrees one day to 30 degrees and snow the next, so I have had a lot of drainage and my throat and ears were sore. Thursday things took a turn for the worst and Saturday I was sitting in on the white crinkled paper at Urgent Care.

I felt sick inside and out.

As I was waiting...I was reading through the HOPE verses on my phone. This is what I read

James 4 (MSG)
Get Serious
1-2Where do you think all these appalling wars and
quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about
because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust
for what you don't have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn't
yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.
2-3You wouldn't think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you'd be asking for what you have no right to. You're spoiled children, each wanting your own way.
4-6You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn't care? The proverb has it that "he's a fiercely jealous lover." And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find. It's common knowledge that "God goes against the willful
proud; God gives grace to the willing humble."
7-10So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.

Oh how I love the LORD and He knows when I need a firm hand against my own sinful flesh! It was at this moment that I realized how defiant I can be against the Lord! How I can rebel and turn my own way...
My Hope is strengthened and grown through encountering God in situations like these! How faithful He is not to leave me in the ditch!

Romans 12-14 (MSG) So don't you see that we don't owe this old do-it-yourself life one red cent. There's nothing in it for us, nothing at all. The best thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life. God's Spirit
beckons. There are things to do and places to go!

I love the Lord and His refreshing Word...
He is our HOPE! =)

Too Cute Tuesday...on TUESDAY!!

2012-01-31T06:47:00.000-08:00

After buying dolls for all my nephews, we finally have a girl in the family and I finally have my own to buy for! Here is our Charlotte with her Baby Be Blessed doll. We love each doll so much and are so very blessed to have found y'all! Keep up the great work and know you are prayed for as well!

Thanks, Megan

Thank you Megan, for the picture and the prayers! She is pure sweetness!! ~Tina

Bits of Weekend Grace...

2012-01-30T11:58:00.000-08:00

I find it true...and have lived it over and over
~God is able to draw us closest in the moments we are weakest.
Feeling a bit under the weather this weekend but continuing to praise for the bits of His wonderful grace all around me. God is good! =)

Marvelous Monday

2012-01-30T09:59:00.000-08:00

The winner of our Giveaway this week is: April from The view from 5'5"
Congratulations April!! I will email your gift voucher shortly!

Thanks again to all those who entered!
Make sure to keep on trying every Yay...Free Friday!

Yay...Free Friday!

2012-01-27T05:18:00.000-08:00

It's Friday, and time again to give away another $56.00 Gift Voucher!

To Enter: Simply leave a comment in the linky tool under this post.

For additional entries:
(please 1 linky for each)

*Follow our blog

*Write a blog post about the giveaway (please leave link)

*Like Baby be Blessed on facebook

*Share on facebook (hit *share* from our post so I can see your entry!)

*Follow us on twitter

*Tweet or Retweet about the giveaway (must tag @babybeblessed in tweet)

(all links are on the top left sidebar)

Thank you for sharing Baby be Blessed with others!
Winner will be chosen on Monday! Have a FANTASTIC WEEKEND!

Too Cute...Tuesday!

2012-01-25T08:57:00.001-08:00

...yes, knowing that it is Wednesday yet again!

This is from our friend, Danae! She shares that this little boy's name is Angel and he is a complete ham!

So sweet! I love it!

Bits of Weekend Grace!

2012-01-24T05:39:00.000-08:00

* Pink Beautiful Sunrise!*

* Mud *60 degrees in January *Sloppy Puppies*

*...the BroStache...*

* Ohio Weather * Snow * Pink Cheeks * Hot Chocolate * Cookie Crumbs * Lightning McQueen Snow Boots! *

* SNOWBALL FIGHT! * Ambushing Daddy when he gets home from work! * Watching them all run and play * Laughter! * The way his eyes wrinkle when he smiles! *

* 25 degrees * Sunshine! * How the snow sparkled * Footprints * Full bird feeders! *

* Cold Barn's * Trying out 4H Horses * Riding Cash...aka -TANK! * Green Buckets * Hay Bales * Still Looking for a good fit... *

* LOVE IN CHOCOLATE! *

Yay...Free Friday Winner!

2012-01-23T16:05:00.000-08:00

The winner of our Giveaway this week is: My Life as Marcie
(Please email me and I will send over your voucher!)

*CONGRATULATIONS!*

Thanks to all of you who entered last week!

Be sure to check back for this weeks giveaway!!

Yay...Free Friday!

2012-01-20T03:55:00.000-08:00

It's FREEBIE FRIDAY!!
Every Friday we give something away to one of you wonderful you's!! (sorry, it's early!)

This week we will be giving away $56 to spend on our website however you wish!

Perfect amount for a personalized doll of choice! ;)

To Here's what to do...

To Enter: Simply leave a comment under this post.

For additional entries:
(please 1 comment for each)

*Follow our blog

*Write a blog post about the giveaway (please leave link)

*Like Baby be Blessed on facebook

*Share on facebook

*Follow us on twitter (all links are on the top left sidebar)

*Tweet or Retweet about the giveaway

Winner will be chosen on Monday!
Have a FANTASTIC WEEKEND!

Hope...

2012-01-19T10:39:00.000-08:00

When days don't flow the way they should and guilt creeps in because you've spent too much time on the computer and much less on the demanding domestics . When the mind fills with regrets of spirits being broken and flashbacks of the mortifying moment you were told last night, that your pants split in the back during Bible Study. (yep, true story)... *sigh* ...On days like these don't you wish you could just climb back in bed and ask for a do-over?

While cleaning up our morning dishes at noon...right there above my sink, it stares out at me...

Hold onto your Hope

I've asked for the eyes to see and the heart to be molded this year in the lessons of Hope that He desires to teach and show. Even in these moments of throwing my arms up and feeling like tossing covers over my face, I praise Him for the reminder of the wonderful HOPE we have in Him!

Never in ourselves but always in Him.

"Let us continue to hold firmly to the hope that we confess without wavering, for the one who made the promise is faithful." Hebrews 10:23

Can I just shout out each word of this verse?

May we hold firmly today without wavering! Move forward joyfully!

Our HOPE isn't defined in how we are feeling, our regrets or failures!

Our HOPE is in He who has promised and is faithful!

(Now off to tackle that laundry!)

Too Cute...Tuesday!

2012-01-18T13:44:00.000-08:00

*I know it's Wednesday, but....ENJOY this sweetness! ~Tina

I just want to thank you so much for your ministry and share with you how blessed our daughter was to receive one of your dolls!! Just look at the joy on her face:O) She loves her baby!!!

We had Psalm 126:2-3 put on her tummy:

"Our mouths were filled with laughter,our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." "The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."

It was the scripture that the Lord gave to us as we walked through the process of adopting her from Kazakhstan. God is so very good and we are so thankful for our precious treasure, Alealani. Thank you for not only making a doll, but a precious keepsake for years to come!! I can't wait to place our next order. Our baby Mia is in Taiwan, waiting for us. I have the scripture already picked out!!

Many blessings,
Jennifer Heckert

Winner of Yay...Free Friday!

2012-01-17T05:37:00.000-08:00

The Winner of Yay...Free Friday is

Lexi from Tea and Crumpets

I clicked the wrong button, Lexi and lost the email address you listed -would you please email me and include your address?? *blush* Thanks so much -sorry about that!

Thanks to all of you who entered last week!
Be sure to check back for this weeks giveaway!!

Bits of Weekend Grace!

2012-01-17T05:20:00.000-08:00

We are so very happy to have Daddy back home!
I loved looking through his pictures! This is a bit of what his week looked like in Alabama!

50 degrees and sunny (and SPOILED) pretty much sums it up!

He works so hard for us and I am so happy that he was able to spend a week hunting with his Step-Dad and Brother. They were spoiled by some wonderful hosts...and I thank them for taking such good care of our boys!

On the home-front...this is what the weekend looked like for us!

Though it wasn't 50 degrees and sunny... I think we are pretty spoiled too! Such a blessing to spend time painting, playing outside in the snow, drinking hot chocolate, and snuggling up by the warm fire with our four!

Yep...pretty darn spoiled!

Hope your weekend was wonderful too!

YAY!! Free Friday!

2012-01-13T16:43:00.001-08:00

Free Friday is back!

This week we are giving away a pink chenille lamb!

The scripture patch on it's belly reads:
"Love never fails" 1 Corinthians 13:8

Here's what to do...

To Enter: Simply leave a comment under this post.

For additional entries:
(please 1 comment for each)

*Follow our blog

*Write a blog post about the giveaway (please leave link)

*Like Baby be Blessed on facebook

*Share on facebook

*Follow us on twitter (all links are on the top left sidebar)

*Tweet or Retweet about the giveaway

Winner will be chosen on Monday!
Have a FANTASTIC WEEKEND!

My One Word for 2012

2012-01-12T05:58:00.000-08:00

As we push into a new year...I once again pray and ask God for my one word for 2012. Last year...my word -FAITHFULNESS! You can link here to read all about it. The funny (well not really) thing is reflecting back on that word with the year in past view.

Faithfulness

Quoting myself, "To be Faithful in time spent in Prayer. Faithful to stay in His Word. Faithful to be obedient with all He calls me to do. Faithful with my time. Faithful to move in the Spirit."

If I were to be really honest...I wasn't able to be completely faithful in any of those things.

*sigh*

It's my natural response to start beating myself up, but the Spirit tells me to stop. Stop and look again at that word that was given.

Isn't it just like me to try and work my way to the top. To try and earn instead of arms open wide receive? To try and gain some sort of leverage? Favor?

He knew where my faithfulness would fall. Short!

It turns out to be that throughout the year of 2011, it was HIS FAITHFULNESS that I needed to learn. HE IS FAITHFUL!

2010 -Learning to fully Trust
2011 -To learn His Faithfulness

and in 2012- to joyfully live in Hope!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

God is our hope!

The living Christ is my HOPE in and for all things!

I joyfully look forward to the Lord working out this word HOPE in my life throughout the year

Do you have a One Word for 2012?

I would love to visit your blog and read all about it. Maybe we can journey this year together? Every Thursday let's meet here and share how the Lords working it all out in the daily life. I expectantly wait to TASTE AND SEE all that He is going to do!

"Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see— how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him." Psalm 34:8, NIV

*A BIG THANK YOU to Melanie at Only a Breath for the free 2012 One Word Button!
Do you have yours? Go give Melanie a visit today!

Share your One Word below.

Photo Contest Winners!

2012-01-10T09:00:00.001-08:00

The overall winner and winner of the ANIMAL category!

Prize-$56 Baby be Blessed Gift Certificate and a child's scripture crown with matching doll dress!

The winner of the CHILDREN category!

Prize- Child's scripture crown with matching doll dress.

The winner of the HOLIDAY category!

Prize- Child's Scripture Crown with matching doll dress!

Thanks to all who entered AND VOTED! It was so much fun!
I will contact the winners through email later today!

Sugar Spice and Everything Nice!

2012-01-08T17:15:00.000-08:00

Isn't she super sweet!

She is our very first new doll for the year. CLICK HERE for more details!

Reflections

2012-01-05T05:38:00.000-08:00

I sit this morning in my husbands favorite chair and sip that first bit of steaming warmth. I woke up late. Again. A couple weeks of lounging holiday's makes it a hard feat to get these feet up going.

Devoting this week to set times of prayer, I ignore the clock and try to focus on the One who holds all time in His hand. Ten quiet minutes in prayer won't break my day, it will build it.

I tuck my feet in the crocheted afghan still laying on the floor from last night.

You make time and do the things that are important to you. Didn't those words flow from my lips just last night?

The wreath above our fireplace sprinkled with shining little lights, reflects in the mirror and shines out over the ceiling. Lighting up the dark room like a city on a hill.

"Let me tell you why you are here.

You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness?

You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

Here is another way to put it:

You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept.

We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill.
If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you?

I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand ---shine!

Keep open house; be generous with your lives. Be opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16, MSG

This I reflect as I swallow down the warm. These words painting such a brilliant picture in my mind. We are to be a light, bringing out the God-colors in the world! Like the sun shining through the rain creating a beautiful rainbow that spreads across the sky.

Thoughts and scenarios run through my mind.

I stop and pray.
It's the prayer that places direction into the thoughts anyway...I need to pray more

I desire to bring out the God-flavors of this earth and I can only do that through prayer. Asking the Lord to fill full with His Spirit! It's only He that can do the work.

As we move into a new year I've asked God to bear more fruit in my life (John 15), that I may bring salt to the earth and light into the world.

So much of my life has just been works....many branches have not beared any fruit. He's taking those branches away and pruning what needs pruned.

I rejoice through the growing and the stretching and the pain of sin and brokenness revealed -and praise Him.

I do not type these words today to shine light to myself. Lord knows the mess I will get myself into as soon as I raise from the knees... I only blog this because -

1. I pray to encourage all of you with my own journey of faith. Being open to you so that prayerfully it will "prompt people to open up with God" as well.

-AND-

2. It will affect every aspect of my life including Baby be Blessed.

As I learn to abide in Him, He will abide in me and much fruit will come!

Through this HE will be glorified!
This is my Hope as I prayerfully move forward in Him.

Photo Contest!

2012-01-03T07:59:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much for your photo entries!!
In looking at what came in I placed them into the following categories: Animals, Children & Holiday. Holiday wasn't originally listed on my first post, but is a good fit for a few of the pictures sent in.

Photo's are categorized below and the votes will be taken on the left sidebar by choosing the number associated with each picture in each category.

Each category winner will receive a Scripture Crown with matching Doll Dress and the OVERALL WINNER will receive a $56 Baby be Blessed Gift Certificate!

You can only vote once in each category so have fun, share and go rally up your votes!!

ANIMALS

This picture is my daughter Leslie (5) sound asleep with her new puppy Penelope and her BbB doll.
I would like to enter it into the Animal category. Blessings, Kara

Photo taken by 8yr old Paige with her new camera!

CHILDREN

One pic for each. Kylie is in the front and Kelsea in the back. First birthday :) Thanks, Tina Burkhead

Hope Brady and Lucy

Our 8 year old daughter Paige received a Baby be blessed doll for Christmas and a camera so what better way to have a little fun with her Christmas gifts than to use them together! All these pics were taken by her (expect for the one of her reading) with lots of giggles and imagination!! Warmly, Tara & Paige Craig

HOLIDAY

In Celebration and Praise

2011-12-31T11:20:00.000-08:00

When We Fall

2011-12-30T06:35:00.000-08:00

Lola has recently learned how to ride her bike.

She is eight years old and simply had no desire to do it before. She didn't even really ride her bike with training wheels...it wasn't important, she didn't enjoy it and she complained every time we encouraged her to do it.

It wasn't until I kicked her out of the bike trailer that her "want too" changed.

I know that eight sounds a little old to still be riding in a bike trailer -it IS, but she is just a tiny little thing and just slipped right in there with Kolton...so until this year we just went with it.

She actually learned VERY quickly and took off like a champ!! She rode every day, her balance getting stronger and stronger! I love watching her...hair and skirts, blowing in the wind! But after a couple of weeks she started backing off her practice time. First it was a couple of days between rides. Then...an entire week went by.

Maybe it lost the fresh excitement or maybe it was too hot or too much work. Maybe she just didn't want too. I asked her about it and she simply responded, "I know (sigh)" and trucked into the garage and fetched her bike out.Off she went with a wobble, knuckles white and elbows out straight! Around the turn of the driveway she slowly went and CRASH! Legs and elbows scratched up and bleeding. She is upset. Upset that she fell, upset that she is hurting and upset that she "forgot" how to ride.

I cleaned her up. I loved her up and encouraged her to get right back on and try again. She was sorry and discouraged it had been so long she forgot. But she went out and picked up her bike...scared determination in her eyes. She put that leg over, worked it around so she had a good starting petal...and with a big push, off she went again! Made it past the first big turn and then around the second. The more rounds the bigger the smile!

That afternoon she crashed a total of 3 times which is more than any other time she had ridden but she got back on and took off once more. I was so very proud of her!

This morning as I went for my run I was running through scripture verses in my mind.

Remember this post?

Well I quickly discovered that I couldn't completely remember most of them. Then I felt guilt ridden that I haven't stuck to my 2 verses a month! It had been since April that I had added a verse to my notebook...let alone continue memorizing what I had already THOUGHT I had learned. It had been so long that I had forgotten!I struggled through the last of my run (the time that I have devoted to Him).

Will I fail at this too?

Will I mess up this commitment like I messed up and failed at my scripture memory?

When God brings things like this to the forefront of my mind, I have a tendency to beat myself up. Big Time! I know that we need to hear what God is speaking to us, repent with a pure heart and move forward...but I tend to linger -getting mad at myself.I messed up again. Yep...failed again.

But God so lovingly brought Lola's bike riding to my mind.

I looked through these pictures of her and my heart was full!

Where is my want to? What is my NEED to!! When we fall we need to get right back up. God's arms are big and will lovingly pick us back up! His word will encourage us and we need to dust off and keep going.

I don't have to spend time with Him or memorize His word as a HAVE TO, I desire to want to!

It is more than simply being obedient. It is love! His love first for us and then our loving Him.

I want to be obedient to what He calls me to do because I love Him. So often in my life I tried to be obedient for God to "love me more". To please God like I've tried to please people all these years and then of course fail and beat myself up for weeks.

I'm praying for my "want too" to change! PRAISE God that He cares enough, loves enough to keep moulding me -each of us! We will all fall. But it is getting back up and starting again. I thank you Lord for the opportunity! =)

"Let your roots grow deep into Him and draw up nourishment from Him so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all He has done." Colossians 2:7

(A re post from the archives)

----------------------------------
As we end one year and start another,
may we not be discouraged and give up on the things the Lord is leading us to do.

Just this week I read, "A habit is what we wear. A habit is the way we wear our days."

I loved that!

Personally I know I have many new habits that I desire to wear in 2012!

Here is to looking with expectant hearts into the new year! {Cheers!}

There's Love in the Air!

2011-12-29T08:49:00.000-08:00

Love is in the air and I am just *SMITTEN* over this new fabric collection by Barb Tourtillotte!

Some sweet Valentine dresses will be available within the next couple of weeks for all your little lovies!

A new style of dress will also be making it's debut!{I'm so excited! It is so easy to put on/off -AND- it's reversible!! YAY!!}

Don't forget to send in your photo's for our photo contest! Email HERE & details can be found HERE!

The Gift

2011-12-27T06:23:00.000-08:00

Children's smiles, giggles and goofy moments flood back and fill, as I edit each photo.

Memories are now captured in time, I smile at their faces. Excitement in the gift!

Wonder and anticipation filled each mad tear of the paper!

And now days later the presents unwrapped (and somewhat) put away, we move forward into a new year. I look at all these photo's and can't help but think, have I lost this excitement I see?

Right before Christmas I stood in front of the children and held up a gift. I asked them what if we received a gift, but chose not to open it. We held it. Admired it. Maybe messed with the bow a bit...but sat it back down and walked away.

Of course they said how crazy that was! Why wouldn't you want it? Why wouldn't you tear the paper off and throw open the lid? Why wouldn't you want the excitement, wonder and anticipation of the gift especially if it was the best Gift ever given...

Kind of silly isn't it? To have the gift available but to never open it?

Well what if we have opened it? What if we have taken hold and opened the Gift of Christ given...eternal life...our name forever written in the book of life. Then what?

Isn't it when the Gift has been opened that we should be really experiencing the excitement and wonder?!

We can so easily get lost in the current in life. Our mind can grow numb and eyes can lose sight of all the wondrous things around us....God here with us, God in us! The opened Gift of life in Christ!

I look at Kolton's face and I smile. May that be me today and everyday!

May I SEE the gifts of daily grace!

May I be filled with wonder and excited anticipation with each mad tear of the day and year to come!

Give me your heart and eyes to see you all around me Lord!
Enable me to joyfully serve you daily in all things.
You have lavished me with this beautiful gift...may I never loose sight of that. Thank you Jesus...

2011 Christmas Photo Contest!

2011-12-16T03:25:00.000-08:00

Were right smack dab in the season with the BIG DAY drawing near...and as you wrap, prepare and organize I thought maybe we could have some fun!!

Personally I love photo's and with all the Christmas Dolls shipped out, I thought it would be fun to have a little Baby be Blessed photo contest!

Here are the categories:

~Children
~Nature
~Animals
~Around the World
~Inspirational

The only rule is that your picture must have a Baby be Blessed doll in it.

Be creative and have fun!!

We will vote for the winners right here on the blog the first week of January!
Each category winner will receive a Scripture Crown with matching Doll Dress and the OVERALL WINNER will receive a $56 Baby be Blessed Gift Certificate!

*Please email your photo's to babybeblessed@gmail.com by JAN. 1st, 2012

Can't WAIT to see them!

To: Mommy - From: Dade

2011-12-07T04:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Mommy,

I'm writing you this letter today to tattle on Aunt Tina. I was exhausted! Playing, eating, crawling, zooming around in my walker and getting into the Christmas tree ten times over takes A LOT of energy!

I told her I was tired with my monkey calls but she just didn't listen!

My eye lids were so heavy that I couldn't keep them open anymore. My head felt wobbly and I could no longer sit up straight! You would think that she, who loves me so, would feel compassion and put me to bed -but nope! Instead she grabbed her camera and giggled as she took pictures of my head bopping around!

Can you believe that?! *sigh*

I think I will get her back by pulling the garbage can over when she isn't looking.

Love you Mommy,
Dade

He makes all things new!

2011-12-06T17:12:00.000-08:00

Last week today the rain poured down in buckets. Puddles, mud and mess was everywhere...inside and out! The clouds were gray, sun hidden for days and gloom seemed to lurk everywhere, especially in my heart.

It just started out as one of those days that you wish you could crawl back into bed. This household of six was running away from me. I was feeling the pressure of falling behind and quick approaching deadlines, a fussy baby who didn't feel well and two big dogs that have been couped up in the laundry room for days since their eviction from the mud room the week before.

{Which left one big puppy in deep trouble for digging a whole into the wall while we were away.}

Needless to say, the training cage was brought once again from the attic and sad puppy eyes cried out while I tried to fold laundry around them both. The muddy foot prints, dog hair and constantly being underfoot while I try to wade through the many days piles of laundry about put me over the edge! There was much more than my laundry was piling up...it seemed everything was piled high and about to topple over, so the dogs had to go out into the garage for a while.

An hour went by and I thought I better go check on those pups of ours as the bucket of drywall compound still sitting on the counter caught my eye from our current patch work still in progress. As I ran outside it started to pour. I opened the garage door and literally gasped! Two piles of poop and Natalie's bike down on the ground with the seat torn off into shreds. I didn't even know what to do. I just stood there with my hand over my mouth.

One dog cowered while the other jumped around with joy.

When I came somewhat to my senses , I grabbed the shovel and tried my best to clean up fresh piles of poop, smearing it all over and dropping half of it as I try to walk outside with a jumping dog next to me, the rain pours...

So after scooping, sweeping scrubbing and lots of scolding -I am done! Not just done cleaning up but mentally done. Kolton keeps yelling out the door to me that the baby is awake and screaming when the puppy runs up to him. He slams the door and the dog jumps mud all over the door and window.

My bottom lip quivers as I walk into the house. I grab the dog cage and as I am bringing it outside into the garage it caught the door frame and pulled the trim off. Yep...done.

My eyes well up full and the baby is crying upstairs and piles of laundry and stuff is everywhere and I bang my way out the back door and just stand in the rain.

It poured down steady along with my tears.

What else can you do in these moments but pray? As I cried out to the One who knew already my weakness and struggle I just stood there in that rain...like grace falling down.

Tyring, learning and choosing to praise Him for each very moment (especially through the hard) I cry out into and through the drops falling down!

I can handle this! If this is what the enemy wants to throw at me -THIS I can handle. All the sickness, death and horrible things in this fallen world...I can handle these things with a little smeared dog poop on top. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". Thank you Lord for these small things. Thank you for the puppy who never stops and for the baby who is able to fuss and for all the things that still need done...for a house that is living full! THANK YOU!

The Lord washing me clean right there in the rain.

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. " 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I can move forward joyfully because I know and trust in Him.

As I picked the kids up from school my heart feeling refreshed, it started to snow. Working with homework and after school chores I didn't even notice until Natalie shouted for me to look outside. The heavy rain turned to a heavy snow.

Everything white, beautiful and new!

I smiled. I think the Lord allowed it to snow just for me!

The kids started to giggle and laugh and dig out last years boots. The first snow of the year! Oh, the laughter!! It was a healing salve on a hurting wound. Snow balls, snowmen and fingers cold to the bone! Smiles and mittens and scarves!

All I could think of is that He makes all things new!

Isn't He the master of turning the biggest muddy messes into the most beautiful piles of beauty you ever saw!

We should expect it shouldn't we? Always keeping our eyes open and watching for it!

Oh Lord...how I praise you!

Cinderella Winner's!

2011-11-29T05:49:00.000-08:00

Thanks for being sweetly patient!
Yesterday I realized that it had been a whole month since I've blogged! Can you believe that? I couldn't believe that much time had went by so quickly! I really want blogging to be something that the Lord leads me to do, not just something too do -ya know? PLUS -we are finishing up this years Christmas Cart and that comes first! =)

One thing is for sure. I've missed it!

The winner's of the Cinderella Dolls are.....

Lauren Seagroves & Stephanie Foster!

I will ship them to the address from your Show Hope donation.
Thanks to everyone who was able to give! You are a blessing!

I'm Here!

2011-11-28T17:07:00.000-08:00

Everything has been so busy that the days have slipped away from me! I will draw the winner of the Cinderella Dolls tomorrow, so be sure to check back in to see if you've won!

May we Show Hope...

2011-10-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

Please join us and support Show Hope!

You can make the difference in a child's life today! Isn't that exciting?!

Last year in my gratitude journal, I wrote something that Steven Curtis Chapman said:

"a single drop creates a ripple that reaches out."

That really spoke to me. I often feel like the problem or situation is too big for me to help with or where would I even start to help...or does it even matter (because it's one single drop). But it does matter! Everything you choose to do matters and YOU can change the world by being a part of this wonderful ministry! Please visit their website (CLICK HERE) and seek God's direction concerning a sponsorship with SHOW HOPE. TRUST that if He guides...He will provide!

Over the next month we will be supporting Show Hope here through our blog by raffling off TWO
{Oh yes, I said two!} Asian Cinderella dolls!

100% OF ALL DONATIONS WILL GO DIRECTLY TO SHOW HOPE!

The Cinderella doll measures 16" tall and has black minky hair with a yarn bun. She is wearing a sparkling tiara and a beautiful Dupioni silk dress!

Her scripture patch has a copy of Maria's original flower and butterfly drawing and reads "Taste and SEE that the Lord is good." Psalm 34:8 ----- In Memory of Maria, our precious Cinderella. "I will dance with Cinderella, while she is here in my arms, 'cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight, and she'll soon be gone." Always take time to dance, Steven and Mary Beth Chapman

This exclusive doll is no longer available for purchase.

Please enter to win by making a donation in the chipIn below. $1 = 1 chance!

Winner will be randomly chosen on November 27th! Perfect timing for Christmas!

In a recent mailing from Show Hope they asked the following... "Consider what role God might have for you in His Kingdom work of showing hope to orphans..." Would you consider and pray over that today?

Thank you SO MUCH!

Too Cute Tuesday!

2011-10-26T07:12:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of my youngest Logan and his BbB doll!
Thanks for all the cuteness,

Erika Teigland

Sooo sweet! And I think his "buddy" looks so much like him!
Thanks for sharing!!

Busy Little Bees....

2011-10-25T09:06:00.000-07:00

How are you?

I know I have been awfully quiet here on the blog and I thank you for understanding....

We have been like busy little bees...or maybe I should say like busy little elves, cutting -sewing & starting to finish up all of your Christmas babies!

I was able to work on some finished dresses over the weekend and just listed them this morning HERE.

Thanks so much for supporting us and please please keep us in your prayers if we would happen to come to mind! My hearts desire is to glorify God in all we do here. Have a fantastic day!

Pumpkin Patch!

2011-10-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

Look who took a trip to the Pumpkin Patch with his preschool class!
He loved the pumpkins, the two dogs and the big fat pig!

This is the only pumpkin we have right now.
Hopefully the weather will be nice this weekend to gather up a few more!

It's a Marvelous Monday!

2011-10-17T07:29:00.000-07:00

Have a good weekend?!
The winner of Yay...Free Friday is:

Tom Elenbaas said...
Super cute dress! Thank you for Free Friday's!

Please email me with your address Tom and we will get your dress shipped out to you!

Thanks to all who entered!

Weekends are for sitting still...

2011-10-15T15:10:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's good to just sit still.

We watched the sunrise...and held hands.

We smiled over squirrel's gathering nuts...

...and giggled over my boot booties, three pairs of long underwear/two pair of pants, three shirts a jacket two coats and a safety harness! Boy I was warm but could hardly walk!!

Spending some time this weekend sitting still in a tree stand with my man!! {Oh, yes I did!} It was the first time ever and it was great!

Happy Sweetest Day Honey!!

Yay...Free Friday!

2011-10-14T06:27:00.001-07:00

TGIF!!

Wow! It's been a fast/long week! Does that make sense to anyone but me?! =)

So thank goodness it's Friday which also means Yay Free Friday for all of you!!

This week we are giving away this Amy Butler print peasant dress.

To Enter: Please leave a comment below

Winner will randomly be chosen on Monday!

Have a wonderfully relaxing weekend!

Living Proverbs 22:6

2011-10-13T06:36:00.000-07:00

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6

Last night at Jr. Church Bible Study, I asked the children to choose one child and "Mummify" them in newspaper. All month we are learning how to share the "Good News" by explaining our faith to others.

Natalie was nominated and after lots of giggles {and tape} she was all wrapped up. We did this right before class started and I asked her to stand mummified during our opening. She sighed a little bit. It was hard to move. The paper kept dropping down over her eyes so she couldn't see. It was a fun game to play and pretend at first but once that was over it was a bother to be wrapped up.

Since we are talking about sharing the "Good News" with others...I asked them to look at the newspaper articles, what was it full of?? Mostly BAD news right?!

The point: The newspaper is filled with bad news, and people in our world can feel overwhelmed by bad news in their lives, even mummified by it! But we have the Good News of Jesus and need to share it so people can be freed from the bad news of this world and made alive in Jesus! {Discipleland Cirriculum}

I asked Natalie to then break free of the "bad news" and live alive in Christ! She ripped that newspaper right off of her. Freedom!

Even as Christians we can feel "mummified" by bad news, worries, what if's...you can plug anything in here! It can consume us. We can feel like we can't move or see past the situation and there is no hope.

But truth is...there is ALWAYS HOPE in Christ! We need to litterally throw off those feelings. They are just that -feelings. Emotions that are like a battlefield within you!

When I get all wrapped up and messy {even before this activity with the kids} I've imagined a piece of paper in my mind...crumbling it into a tight ball {all the junk inside} and throwing it far away from me then I drop to my knees. I need His strength! I can't do it.

Just like when Natalie broke through all that paper and it dropped it the ground, we picked it all up and threw it away. It's THEN we need to replace those lies, worry, and fears with God's truth.

Who is He? What does HE say about you or the situation? What does His word speak to you?!

Such FREEDOM in Christ!

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

You are loved and there is peace to be found in Christ even during the darkest times! If you need us to lift you up today in prayer, please leave a comment below or send a private email.

Amigo

2011-10-12T07:53:00.000-07:00

The Portuguese and Spanish word for "friend" is Amigo.

And this Horse named Amigo is becoming such a good friend to Natalie!

The girl who has dreamed of horses since she was two years old!

The Sunday before last, we were asked if Natalie wanted to ride in a local parade with Catalpa Point Stables which is where she takes riding lessons. Her face lit up with bright eyes and a HUGE smile as she looked at me for a response! What good Mama would say no.... =)

They all did a FANTASTIC JOB! I was able to walk along with them and pass out information flyer's.

My sister Michelle and three of her kiddo's were cheering us on from the sidelines!

Natalie and I with Amigo

It was a beautiful fall day and Natalie was on cloud nine!! I am so thankful that though she does not have a horse of her own...she can still build a beautiful bond of friendship with this beautiful horse named Amigo!

...New Life!

2011-10-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

"one Lord, one faith, one baptism"

Ephesians 4:5

Last year as I was standing in the bathroom on a Saturday morning, Lola walked in and told me that God was telling her that she should be baptized. My heart swells as well as the tears in my eyes. She had already told me about the evening earlier that year, after a fight with her sister, how she closed her eyes in prayer. Angry at herself. Needing forgiveness for much more than just harsh words spoken.

It was then that she professed her faith to the One who heals and restores.

Last week when we talked about it she said that she has prayed and asked Him to be her Savior before...but this time...she just knew. Her name was written. She didn't need to explain anymore. Experience speaks for itself.

So as I stood by the sink, my heart bursting right open, I squished her tight! I told her that we would talk to the Pastor about getting Baptized. She smiled and shook her head yes as she turned to head downstairs.

The next morning she handed me a card that she made to give Pastor Jim. On the front a picture of her getting baptized. On the inside it reads: "Last Sunday I prayed to God about baptism and God said it's time"

For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all given to drink into one Spirit. I Corinthians 12:13

I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. Mark 1:8

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

-------------------------------
Oh, this sweet girl whom I love with everything in me! A year had passed since that moment at the sink but her mind and heart stood strong. October 1, 2011, Lola was baptized!

I can only praise and give Him ALL GLORY for the wonderful privilege of coming alive in Christ!

NATALIE'S BAPTISM

Marvelous Monday!

2011-10-10T06:34:00.000-07:00

The winner of Yay...Free Friday is!

True Random Number Generator
Result: #4 lisa said...
adorable products! Would love to be able to get one.
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congratulations Lisa! Please email me to receive your voucher number.

Thanks to every single one who entered...we will see what pops up this week!
Any requests??

YAY...FREE FRIDAY!

2011-10-07T05:35:00.001-07:00

Every Friday is Freebie Friday
and we give something FREE to one of YOU!

This week we are giving away a $56.00 Gift Certificate!

PLEASE NOTE: That since the carts are closed for the year, you will not be able to use this gift until the carts have reopened January 1st!

TO ENTER: Simply leave a comment below!

I will choose the winner on Monday!

Too Cute...Tuesday!

2011-10-04T07:28:00.001-07:00

I took this photo for a friend of mine
and loved her Baby Be Blessed doll!!!!

Sarah Bernauer
Sarah B Photography

~SO PRECIOUS! I {LOVE} it!!

Marvelous Monday!

2011-10-03T06:51:00.001-07:00

We have some winners to announce this morning!

The winner of Yay...Free Friday is:

Stefanie from Emerson's Story!

The winner's of our Give a Blessing drawing last month is:

1st place (Baby be Blessed Doll): Danae Hudson
2nd place (FREE shirt from Wild Olive Tees): Kelly Stamps

Congratulations and Thanks so much!
Have a very BLESSED & MARVELOUS MONDAY!!

Yay...Free Friday!

2011-09-30T05:43:00.000-07:00

Today is our very last day for Personalized Doll Orders! Our carts will not open again until Jan. 1st, 2012!

We will continue to have some finished items and OF COURSE will continue to have Yay FREE Friday, the only difference will be that we will give away finished items instead of a gift voucher.

So on that note...this week we are giving away our 2011 Christmas Doll! She is finished and ready to go! Her scripture patch reads:

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you he is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

Are you excited? I am!!

To Enter: Simply leave a comment under this post.

For additional entries: (please 1 comment for each -Each comment is one more chance to win!)

*Become (or if you already are) a follower of our blog

*Write a blog post about the giveaway (please leave link)

*Like (or you already Like) Baby be Blessed on facebook

*Share on facebook

*Follow us on twitter (all links are on the top left sidebar)

*Tweet or Retweet about the giveaway AND TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO ORDER A PERSONALIZED DOLL!! =)

*Join us on our Facebook Community of Prayer and Praise!
May we fellowship and pray together!

*Give a Blessing to the people of Uganda, Africa by giving a donation! (Today is the last day!)

Winner will be chosen on Monday!

This week...on "Pimp My Bike"!

2011-09-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

Kolton has the BIGGEST imagination!

Slow but sure over the summer (and with Daddy's help)

he got his bike exactly to his liking! Cracks me up!!

Bits of Grace...

2011-09-28T07:56:00.000-07:00

~ flowers in mason jars

~cats catching bugs

~church bells

~a puppy in his terrible two's

~crickets singing

~leaves starting to turn

~warm sun on a cool day

~wild mushrooms dripping rain

Sharing a few bits of His Amazing Grace with you today....sweet eucharisteo!

Praising Him for the gifts of grace that are ever flowing and never ending!

Too Cute...Tuesday!

2011-09-27T05:39:00.000-07:00

Connor absolutely LOVES his BbB lion.
We take it everywhere we go!

Oh, he is so darn CUTE!! Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful boy!
{Your photo's are awesome!}

*If you have a picture you would like to share on Too Cute Tuesday, please email them to babybeblessed@gmail.com . By emailing your photo's you are giving permission to post them on the Baby be Blessed blog and website. Can't WAIT to see them!! =)

Show Hope, Van Wert OH

2011-09-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

Lori, Tina and Michelle

We had the honor, privilege and blessing to volunteer for Show Hope at Steven Curtis Chapman's concert last night!

Natalie (Tina's), Haylie (Michelle's) and Naomi (Lori's)

We were even able to bring our helpers!

We met wonderful new friends!
One of the most wonderful things about volunteering is meeting those who have been touched by God through Show Hope! Most of who volunteered have received a grant!

One couple shared that they just received their grant last week!!
The JOY in their faces!!

I also met little Lucy! She is the sweetest {and so is her Mama}!

It's hard to process all of the wonderful stories, people and the experience of volunteering.

My heart is so full...but one word keeps coming back to my mind and that is FAITHFUL!

God is so very Faithful!

Marvelous Monday!

2011-09-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

The winner of our Yay Free Friday giveaway this week is....

Kristi from Bless the Broken Road! CONGRATULATIONS!!
*Please contact me Kristi so I can forward your voucher information to you! YAY!

Also...just a reminder that THIS FRIDAY (9/30/11) will be the LAST day to order personalized dolls for the year! We are almost out of fabric choices...but due to cart's closing down we will not be restocking. We do have the Christmas Dress still available...so make sure you order soon!! =)

We had a wonderful time volunteering for Show Hope last night! I will be posting some pictures soon!

Have a MARVELOUS MONDAY! =)

Weekends Are For Truth...

2011-09-24T16:06:00.000-07:00

Spent a wonderful day in fellowship with our Church family at the Creation Museum...searching, discovering, learning more, about the most powerful weapon in the world -TRUTH!

An amazing day!

Yay...Free Friday!

2011-09-23T08:55:00.001-07:00

Yep...that's right!

We are giving away another FREE PERSONALIZED DOLL!

To Enter: Simply leave a comment under this post.

For additional entries: (please 1 comment for each)

*Become (or if you already are) a follower of our blog

*Write a blog post about the giveaway (please leave link)

*Like (or you already Like) Baby be Blessed on facebook

*Share on facebook

*Follow us on twitter (all links are on the top left sidebar)

*Tweet or Retweet about the giveaway

*Join us on our Facebook Community of Prayer and Praise!
May we fellowship and pray together!

*Give a Blessing to the people of Uganda, Africa by giving a donation!

Winner will be chosen on Monday!

Too Cute...

2011-09-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

...~~Tuesday~~, ~~Wednesday~~, um....THURSDAY!!

"...I got a few pictures of some girls from Colon, a very poor area of El Salvador.
The little girl in the yellow walker is Tanya and she received her doll a few days before her first birthday :)
Blessings to you for all you do!
Danae"

Thanks for all YOU DO Danae!!

Marvelous Monday!

2011-09-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

This weeks winner of YFF is-

lisaplus6 said...
so hopeful this may be our week.... thank you for giving this chance to win....

Guess what Lisa?! It is!! YAY! I've emailed your voucher information to you!

Congratulations and thanks to all who entered!

Weekends Are For the Unexpected...

2011-09-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

RARELY do we do ANYTHING unexpected. So when I told the kids we were going to go on a -Big Adventure- Natalie looked at me in amazement and said, "Really? I mean we didn't have anything planned and we're just going to go?!" Yep! Miracles still happen and God is the miracle worker! HA!

Keith was working and we had no set plans...just a set direction so after lunch we headed East toward beautiful Amish country!

Natalie suggested we stop in and visit Marmon Valley Farm which is a family favorite! We spent hours loving on all the animals and playing on the huge "barn" playground. No plans, no agenda...just time spent together doing whatever God gave us in the moment. Each day is a gift just waiting to be opened!

We headed south and Kolton spotted a corner ice cream parlor. Ice cream before supper? Sure! What else are you supposed to do on an adventure? So we all piled out and chose from about fifty different flavors {Kids scoops $1.50 -Yay!} We sat down on the bench outside. It was warm and the town was full of people coming and going.

I noticed a little antique shop right across the street and thought we would pop in quick to see if we could find any treasures. As we walked over...I noticed an older woman sitting on an old bath mat in the middle of the sidewalk, her cane was laying next to her. She wore a big brimmed red hat with a flower on the side and was using a flat headed screw driver to dig the weeds from the cracks in the side walk.

I assumed she was from the antique store...keeping the sidewalks looking nice for the customers. We walked past with a smile and walked into the store.

Our visit was short {you know with four kids and dripping ice cream cones} so back out we went as the woman in the red hat struggled to get up from the ground...trying to gain her balance off her cane which I now notice was decorated with signs. I asked her if she needed help. She said "No thank you. The Dr. says I should stop doing things like this, but I just can't stand seeing it look like this." I asked if she worked at the antique store and she told me no, she lived a couple of blocks away. She had been working hard pulling the weeds starting at the pet groomer which was a block away. Sure enough I saw the trail of pulled weeds and the marks from her worn green handled corn broom which she used to sweep and gather as she moved along.

I thanked her and told her that she was a blessing. She bashfully replied "The good Lord has allowed me to do it" I smiled as the kids and I walked back across the street.

Something about her just captivated me. I buckled Kolton in and I kept looking over at her. People just walking past her...no words spoken. I wondered what on earth I could do for her? Could we buy her some water? An ice cream cone?? What can we do for her Lord?

I kept looking at my camera. I wish I had asked if I could have taken her picture. Crazy I know, but that is how much she affected me. I wanted to remember. Everyone has a story...and I wanted to remember her. Pray for her! I stewed back and forth thinking I was crazy and then simply grabbed it. I walked back across the street and asked her if I could take her picture! If she could have jumped in a hole she would have!

"I look a mess! You don't want a picture of me! Let me go home and put on my purple dress!" Ha ha! She was cracking me up! I told her that she was a blessing and I wanted a picture to remember her by. Blushing she tucked strands of flying hair behind her ear and under her red hat, saying over and over how awful she looked. I told her that she looked beautiful -and she was!

So there she stood next to the brick antique shop, smiling and holding her cane which read: I know my caboose is moving slow. Thank God I'm still moving. Love Smile Laugh, Have a happy day!

She was so blessed that we stopped to talk to her. "Everyone in town knows me" she said. In the short five minutes we spoke she shared part of her life with me. Health concerns...love for her community and how she was in the parade every year except last year -she had her bee costume all ready to go...including a flash light in the tail...but due to the extreme heat, she just couldn't do it.

Looking back...I think what we were supposed to give her (what she needed the most) was a little bit of our time. The kind word spoken. Encouragement off the tongue. Even a silly photo request, to possibly refresh a soul.

God turned this day into so much more than expected! This sweet woman is now written on my heart. I will continue to pray for her and praise God that she was part of our adventure!

So Love - Smile - Laugh - and Have a Happy Day!

Yay...Free Friday!

2011-09-16T06:28:00.000-07:00

Back to business...

It's Free Friday!

And we are giving away a FREE doll!

If you would like to enter to win a free personalized doll, please leave a comment below.

For extra entries -simply share Baby be Blessed with your friends!

...and don't forget about our Christmas Cart!
Use coupon code: CHRISTMAS to receive a 10% discount on your order!

Have a fantastic weekend!
Winner will be chosen on Monday!

How to cook Critter's

2011-09-16T06:16:00.000-07:00

My life must be pretty dull (or maybe too exciting...depending on how you look at it) if my blog posts and tweets have become me talking about the dead hairy squirrel in my fridge that I'm fixin' to cook for supper! I gross MYSELF out...I am so sorry!

But alas, I must finish the story....this post is not for the squeamish!

I slapped on the ol' rubber gloves (held my breath) and carefully took that pink watered bowl out of the refrigerator. In taking a closer look...the (ahem) cleaned squirrel was still covered in hair. I about lost it! I scrubbed it under hot hot water...but I couldn't get it all off. (I about didn't make it though...if you know what I mean)

So my thoughts are to make the squirrel just like I would make BBQ Ribs! Everything is better with BBQ right?! So I placed it in a deep casserole dish that would fit it's squirrelly shape and baked it for two hours. Then I drained off the water (and more squirrel hair) and slathered it in some Sweet Baby Rays! Things were a little better from that point! =)

Grandma gave us some pumpkin blossoms so along those lines, I thought I would cook the mushrooms the same way! Pumkin blossoms are the flowers that grow on pumpkin vines. I have never even thought to eat blossoms off of pumpkins until after I was married. I thought they had *lost their mind* but they are very good! And everything is good dipped in egg then cracker and fried in oil right?!

Problem was...I only had a half pack of crackers left so I stopped up at our Village Market/Gas Station. (I put that in there for you Laura! It cracks her up that we can buy groceries and deli meat at our gas station -and it's good!) Unfortunately they were out of crackers. =( I flew into panic mode because I really didn't have a plan B so I simply used the whole wheat Ritz crackers I had on hand instead.

So with that problem solved...and my oldest girl dropped off at riding lessions...my man walked in the door! I didn't tell him what we where having and he assumed ribs because Sweet Baby was filling the house with an awesome BBQ aroma! But SURPRISE!! (You know...this is where I was hoping to be crowned Wife of the Year) He looked at it and said "You should have quarted it" Really?! YUCK! I could hardly wash it and get it in the pot let alone cut it up! Ha ha!

He smiled big and couldn't wait for all of us to try it! (um -I don't think so!)

He also thought it was funny that I was taking pictures while I was cooking so he grabbed the camera and took a few himself. He was teasing me...see how he turns the angle of the camera and took pictures of funny things? Here are a few in his collection:

Didn't he do a great job capturing the *REALNESS* of things!

When taking pictures I always arrange things just so to try and capture a new view making things look it's prettiest...but this was the truth behind the camera! I loved it!

So here is the (carfully posed) finished product!

Actually the picture of the blossoms and mushrooms was one of Keith's!

-Great Job Honey!

Two out of four of the kids tried the squirrel...I couldn't bring myself to. Honestly, I couldn't even watch the kids take a bite out of it. (gives me the heebie jeebies) But I don't want to discourage them trying things like that -they knew what they were eating. It's not like when my sister and I grew up and ate "little chickens" for supper -aka RABBIT!! (I think I was scarred for life. I KNOW Michelle was when Grandpa finally fessed up -with a giggle- that we were eating Blackie!)

On the upside!

The puff ball mushroom was SO GOOD!! They were awesome! (I WAS SHOCKED) I kept asking Keith "Your SURE they are safe to eat?" because you just can't eat any ol' mushroom growing out of the ground.

*a little disclosure * {smile}

But they are completely safe and ended up being oh, so good! We will for sure have them again!

With two hunters now in the house, I'm sure it won't be our last wild-life adventure in the kitchen.

Maybe I should ask for a "How to cook Critter's" cookbook for Christmas. =)

I must REALLY love him! =)

2011-09-15T12:03:00.000-07:00

Last night at 4:46 pm, I received a text from my dear husband.

It read: "Be home in ten minutes...ive got something for supper"

My response? "okay...I'm scared since you left w/the shotgun"

Yep! I love that sweet man! And I must add that technically (my 12 yr old informed me) he didn't bring a shotgun it was a rifle. A 22 to be exact....well for any of you who would care about details like that.

To my surprise, he not only brought home the main course (a squirrel) but also the vegetable (a big wild mushroom called a Puff Ball)!

I've never seen anything like it!

I thought it was HUGE but Keith informed me that it was a small one.

Thankfully I already had supper going (whew) so I thought I had dodged the bullet...but guess what is sitting a bowl of water in my fridge...right now as I type this...yes...the gutted and skinned squirrel. LORD GIVE ME STRENGTH!

The mushroom sits in there as well, but my stomach can handle that!

Since I'm not really into eating wild game (does squirrel classify in that category) I have no idea how either of them should be cooked so I'm going to guess because they both are coming out! In case any of you want to come over for supper, tonight we will have BBQ Squirrel, fried puff balls and a big side of something the kids and I will eat!

Now where are the safety glasses and my rubber gloves?

I'm going in...wish me luck!

Happy Birthday My Sweet Lola!

2011-09-13T07:08:00.001-07:00

Yesterday Lola turned nine years old.

I swallow hard because time has passed by SO QUICKLY!

My sweet flower -full of life and color!

A precious gift that is growing and blooming...right in front of my eyes!

Thank you Lord for this beautiful girl!

Marvelous Monday!

2011-09-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to...

LisaD said -Winning this give away would be so exciting since we are in the process of adopting a little girl. However, what's more exciting is the cause! May God bless your efforts and provide for the well in Uganda! I'm excited to have made a donation for such a great cause!

...for winning our Yay Free Friday Giveaway this week!!

Thanks to each of you who entered and for those who gave donations to help dig a well for Uganda!

2011 Christmas Cart!

2011-09-10T05:02:00.001-07:00

Our 2011 Christmas Cart is Underway!!

Shopping carts for Personalized Dolls are now open for our 2011 Christmas Cart! This is our very first year to offer a Christmas Doll! This special doll will only be available this year and only through this Christmas Cart! What a special keepsake she is!

Christmas Cart guarantee's Christmas Delivery!

All orders will ship by December 5th.
Dolls slots are limited -so please order today !

Please email if you have any questions!

...and don't forget our Yay Free Friday in the post below!

Yay...Free Friday!

2011-09-09T05:56:00.000-07:00

I love Fridays! We love to bless someone each week with a free doll and know in my heart that God chooses the winner!

It makes my heart full. Typically for extra entries, we ask for you to share with others about Baby be Blessed...and my heart behind that is so we can continue to reach out to more and more people. Yes it is a business but more than that it is a ministry. Each doll that goes out is proclaiming the word of God and as his Word says, it never returns void.

It's easy for me to give. I love giving! What I am NOT good at is asking others to give. I'm not good at coming up with fun ideas to raise money and I cringe when I ask people to make donations. (I'm cringing now just typing it out)

But this week (gulp) I am boldly asking you to help us give....

I LOVE Give a Blessing! From the very start I asked God to use us as a vessel to bless others and that moved forward to giving a financial blessing to a child, family or organization in need. For the past several years we did just that. (Thank you Lord!) Again, my heart was never on the amount of money raised because I tried to keep myself in check knowing that He controls all things and would provide for their every need.

But then the giving pretty much stopped.

Prayers were poured over continuing Give a Blessing because I just didn't want to roll through the motions and get discouraged because the support wasn't there. I wanted to move forward because we were supposed to and we would push through the hard...knowing He held it in His hand.

Over the past few months, I've taken a step back asking the Lord if it was His will. I trusted that He would show us who and when.

Then I heard of Joseph....

Laura spoke of Joseph and requested prayer for his family while he was in the states. He even stayed at their house during part of his stay. She asked me about making a doll for his 5 yr old, Sofie and I was so happy that we could show her the love of Christ through a simple doll. They basically have nothing. It was the very LEAST that we could do.

That was the first time that the thought of helping them through Give a Blessing crossed my mind. Since then Chris (Laura's husband) visited Uganda and saw first hand the needs of the area. Again (I'm a fixer) my heart wondered what we could do to help these people. One thing that rings out in my mind was when Laura told me about an area they visited and the women there BEGGED the Americans to take their children! They would rather give their children away than to see them suffer and more than likely -die. My heart was so heavy...what if I was that Mother? So when it was placed on hearts to raise money and dig a new well for the community that Joseph lives in...for their animals (which is their livelihood) and of course for themselves and the surrounding communities...THIS was something that we could help with! So after prayer (and God not closing the door to help) we move forward with helping raise money to dig a new well.

Eight people have given to this cause ~Thank you!

Maybe you were the only eight that God has called to give this month...maybe all you can give is your prayers...that in itself holds much power.

This post has become a little deeper than I expected this fine -Yay...Free Friday but it is where my heart lies this morning. It hurts for these people (God's people).

To enter our giveaway this week: Please Leave a comment below

For extra entries:
-Share about Give a Blessing via blog/twitter/facebook (include link)

-If you are able...please consider giving a donation (1 entry for each $1)

Winner will be chosen on Monday!

For more information about this months Give a Blessing CLICK HERE.
Thank you so much for your support!

Sweet Faces!

2011-09-08T18:05:00.000-07:00

We were BLESSED to be able to make Joseph's 5yr old daughter Sofie a doll. She lives in Uganda, Africa. Doesn't it look just like her?! And oh...my heart can hardly stand the sweet girl in red standing beside her just holding the dolls hand....if I would have known we would have sent a doll for her too!

I wanted you to see the faces of these children. THIS is who we are supporting through Give a Blessing this month! Would you help give these beautiful children clean drinking water? We would never allow our children to drink out of a dirty dried up well or water hole that animals bath and eliminate waste in. We are blessed to have CLEAN water at our disposal and I praise God for it!

God has blessed us so we can bless others!

Please help us raise money to dig a new well in Uganda, Africa.

CLICK HERE to learn more.

Thank you SO MUCH!

So What's New?

2011-09-07T06:05:00.000-07:00

It's been a week since school has started and we are finding the rhythm of our new routine.

Here are a few pictures I found in my camera. Mice in cowgirl hats sitting on dusty microwaves by the sugar. A VERY happy 10 year old getting her flute on the second day of band...practicing the three notes they taught her all weekend! (I hope she holds the enthusiasm!)

...and a proud papa moment

A Thompson Family Milestone: Tristin's 1st Hunting license!

And not only that! But his FIRST squirrel!

Yep...he walked that thing right into the house by the tail and held it right up with a smile ear to ear! A bigger smile walked in right behind him! Talk about a wave of testosterone walking through the door! =) I'm not quite sure who was more proud...the father or the son! And since Uncle Greg is a taxidermist, this prize was washed off in my sink, wrapped in a Kroger sack and placed right in the freezer next to the Popsicles.

Yep. That's right.

Needless to say, Mama got out the bleach. =)

Seriously though, I was very proud of him too and though hunting isn't my thing personally it came in the package at the alter and I'm glad that Keith and Tristin can enjoy it together.

On the doll front...Lori and I have been sewing away! Last week Lori rocked out some dolls so I will be able to finish and ship THREE groupings this week! YAY!! It feels great to get a little caught up from vacation and busy summer schedules.

Our Christmas cart will be coming soon so be planning ahead if you would like to order.

Have a wonderful day!

Too Cute...Tuesday!

2011-09-06T06:43:00.000-07:00

Madelyn received a BbB doll from her G-Daddy and Gigi at her 5th birthday party and absolutely loves it! She was so excited that she and her baby matched for church!

Murphy's grandparents didn't want him to feel left out at his big sister's 5th birthday party so they gave him a BbB doll also! Murphy gives his doll lots of love and even asked to sleep with it!

...bits of Grace, thank you so much for sharing!

*If you have a photo you would like to share with us on Too Cute Tuesday, please email them to babybeblessed@gmail.com . Please note that by emailing, you are giving Baby be Blessed permission to post them on our website and/or blog. Thank you!

Marvelous Monday!

2011-09-05T15:56:00.000-07:00

Congratulations

Raising Mighty Arrows

for winning our Yay...Free Friday Giveaway this week! =)

Yay...Free Friday!

2011-09-02T04:50:00.001-07:00

Another Friday...
means another giveaway! Yay!

Each week we give away a $56 voucher for a personalized doll!

To Enter: Simply leave a comment under this post.

For additional entries: (please 1 comment for each -Each comment is one more chance to win!)

*Become (or if you already are) a follower of our blog

*Write a blog post about the giveaway (please leave link)

*Like (or you already Like) Baby be Blessed on facebook

*Share on facebook

*Follow us on twitter (all links are on the top left sidebar)

*Tweet or Retweet about the giveaway

*Join us on our Facebook Community of Prayer and Praise!
May we fellowship and pray together!

*Give a Blessing to the people of Uganda, Africa by giving a donation!

Winner will be chosen on Monday!

Bits of Grace...Fall is Near!

2011-09-01T05:17:00.000-07:00

(#1250-1263)

Shorter days, cool morning breeze, buckets of tomatoes -cucumbers-peppers, sunflowers, jackets & jeans, open night windows, curtains blowing, crickets and locust singing, zinnia's in vases, shirts full of garden finds, butterflies blooming, tractors harvesting, and first sight of fallen leaves.

Fall is near!

Still counting the gifts (bits of GRACE) given but undeserved!

I've been addicted to listening to Third World Symphony by Shaun Groves this week!

A must hear (free song download on his site) and a must buy! ~Enjoy!

1st Day of Preschool!

2011-08-30T05:34:00.000-07:00

Out of all four...
Kolton has been the one asking about starting school (darn near daily).

Well yesterday was the day!

I love when I wake him in the mornings...he always smiles when he hears my voice...before he even opens his eyes.

"You have school today!" I whisper...

Eyes shoot open!

"But first four minutes of cartoons!" he says. Everything is either four or fourteen minutes...and four minutes of cartoons worked for me!

He was so excited to leave and I think it was so cute how he told me which direction I needed to turn. (I guess just in case I had forgotten!)

Just like last year, he walked right in, hung up his backpack and didn't look back!

His teacher is Miss Julie!

He waved "Bye Mommy!" as I walked out. I was so proud of how brave I WAS this year! He is always fine...I'm the one a mess!

Don't even get me thinking about Kindergarten next year....oh my!

He had a FANTASTIC DAY!

They made black birds (which went straight on the fridge!)

He talked a lot about his bird having "only one eye -not two" and snack!

When the big kids came home from school and Daddy from work...school was the first thing he rambled about. Then he had to go run and get his bird...it has "only one eye -not two"

HA! I'm about to put a circle on the other side just to ease his little mind!

Marvelous Monday!

2011-08-29T07:01:00.000-07:00

The winner of our Yay...Free Friday Giveaway this week is!

Amanda said...
I would love to get one of these for my friend who just had to bury his 19 month old daughter this week who lost her battle with leukemia. I think it would be nice to have it personalized for him as a remembrance of his beautiful daughter!

Congratulations!

What a blessing...to make this family a doll to remember their daughter!
Praying for them right now.

Weekends are for Steady Hands...

2011-08-27T05:16:00.000-07:00

Moving ever so slowly and choosing just the right one...

in the classic game of Pick-up-Sticks with two of my faves..
Enjoy your weekend!!

*Don't forget Yay...Free Friday in the post below!

Yay...Free Friday!

2011-08-26T06:35:00.001-07:00

Every Friday is...FREE FRIDAY, and we give YOU the chance to win a personalized Doll of Choice from Baby be Blessed!

To Enter: Simply leave a comment below!
Extra Entries:
(please 1 comment for each -Each comment is one more chance to win!)

*Become (or if you already are) a follower of our blog

*Write a blog post about the giveaway (please leave link)

*Like (or you already Like) Baby be Blessed on facebook

*Share on facebook

*Follow us on twitter (all links are on our website)

*Tweet or Retweet about the giveaway

*Join us on our Facebook Community of Prayer and Praise!
May we fellowship and pray together!

Winner will be chosen on Monday!

Whew! What a Week!

2011-08-26T05:25:00.000-07:00

This week has flown by and everyday I intended to stop for a minute and blog about what was going on...but then the minute quickly moved into something else and now it is Friday already! We've had so much that I want to remember, so I took time this morning to just sit and catch up here on the blog with what has been going on!

This past weekend was spent mostly at home and it was nice just to relax, spend time together and eat ice cream (including sprinkles) with the kids before they started school!

Sunday afternoon Kolton had his Preschool Open House, which he LOVED! He is so ready to start his second year! We discovered that Miss Julie was his teacher and squealed when he found his coat hook! He was excited to see all the new toys and was not ready to leave when it was time to go back home. His first day is on Monday and he can't wait!

The rest of the afternoon was spent weeding and mulching! My poor flowerbeds have gotten WAY out of control! In years past I devoted at least one afternoon a week to weed and work with my flowers. This is one of the things I enjoy! I love working in the dirt and don't even mind pulling weeds...but a summers worth in one afternoon was a little much.

Let me tell you...my legs would hardly work for the next two days!

But it feels so good to have it done and I can actually see the flowers now!!

The first day of school for the big kids was on Wednesday!

If you asked them if they were ready...you would have gotten a shrug and an "I don't know" but boy they were up and ready to get going bright and early! It is really bittersweet for me...but one thing I missed more than anything else was our morning Bible study together!

They thought I was crazy taking a picture but oh how I cherish that time!

They were excited that we used the "fancy" plates and I made them eggs and toast.

They had a great first day and have had a wonderful week! I think we are all still adjusting to the new school schedule but things are more routine -which is SO NICE!

We also started a new Bible Study at Church -Discovering your Gifts and Talents! It is going to be a great unit to teach/study and I am looking forward to it! We also are memorizing Psalm 1...

"Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands int he way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish."

The kids were pretty excited -but don't think they will be able to memorize a whole psalm!

I'm excited! Because I know they will!

I hope your week was a good one!

Maybe it was busy like ours...the start of a new season!

I'm excited and looking forward to all the joys and blessings that it will hold!

Marvelous Monday!

2011-08-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

Did you have a great weekend?

Here is the winner of our Yay...Free Friday Giveaway this week!

Brandy said...
I shared on facebook!

Congratulations Brandy! You didn't leave a way to contact you so please send me an email and I will get your voucher information to ya!

Have a great day everyone!
Thanks so much!!

Yay...Free Friday!

2011-08-19T06:17:00.001-07:00

We're rolling from one giveaway right into another this week!

Whoo Hoo!!

We just listed the $35 DaySpring winner in the last post...and here we go right into Yay...FREE FRIDAY!!

can I just sneak in another....WHOO HOO!! =)

Every Friday is...FREE FRIDAY, where we give one of YOU a personalized Doll of Choice from Baby be Blessed!

To Enter: Simply leave a comment below!
Extra Entries: (please 1 comment for each -Each comment is one more chance to win!)

*Become a follower of our blog

*Write a blog post about the giveaway (please leave link)

*Like Baby be Blessed on facebook

*Share on facebook

*Follow us on twitter (all links are on our website)

*Tweet or Retweet about the giveaway

*Do a Random Act of Kindness....and let us know what it was!

Winner will be chosen on Monday!

DaySpring Winner

2011-08-19T06:03:00.001-07:00

The WINNER of the $35.00 Gift Voucher from DaySpring is,

Sara from Happy Brown House!

ooooohhh she makes some pretty cute items so be sure to check her blog and etsy site out! Congratulations Sara!

When your Heart Just Hurts...

2011-08-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

Today my heart just hurts.
Sometimes life is just like that.

Harsh words and life situations can rip shards in the deepest parts within. They can try and define you....they WILL hurt you.

But what is our response?

Some words of wisdom were spoken to me today...

Love wins everytime!

Like a healing salve covering the soul...may THIS define us!

"Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance." 1 Corinthians 13:7, NLT

Back to School -DaySpring Giveaway!

2011-08-17T03:56:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it is time for school already! This summer (as they all do) has flown by!

The stores are full of supplies, sales and discounts to make the dollar stretch...and boy with four children, I always have my eyes peeled for the best quality items offered at the best prices!

My heart always hurts when they load up on that big orange bus in the mornings and my mind remembered this Living Proverbs 22:6 post.

I want to protect and shelter them! I want to spare them hard decisions (bad decisions) poor influences and hurts!

But Jesus said:

"I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world." John 17:15-18

Sanctify is to be set apart for a sacred purpose.

It shot right through me that day. That I am NOT to shelter them...but TEACH them! Equip them with the Godly tools to live our their faith!

How? Through His word....

"You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:7-9

"You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates" Deuteronomy 11:19-20

I LOVE these verses (there are many more).

Dayspring has some wonderful back-to-school supplies that are tools to help remind and encourage our children when they are sitting in the classroom. They are also great tools for sharing their faith.

I was sent this collection for review...but honestly we had purchased their collection last year so I already was aware of the quality and message behind this wonderful product!

In my opinion...these notebooks are a great way to "bind them as a sign on your hand" and be "as frontlets between your eyes."

Message on front of I Know Where Love Comes From binder, notebook, and folder:
Scripture:
I know where love comes from--John 3:16

Message on front of He Has My Heart binder, notebook, and folder:
He has my heart.

Scripture:
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: Psalm 139:23

Right now DaySpring is running a Back-to-School sale and this collection is only $13.09. Also please save an additional 25% with the code THANKS11

My girls SQUEALED when I took these binders, folders and notebooks out of the box...and what a wonderful message for them both! Also take a look at their other Scripture themed supplies that are for both girls and boys!

Dayspring has offered to giveaway a $35.00 Gift Certificate to one of YOU!!

To enter: Leave a comment below. What is your favorite DaySpring Product?

For additional entries: Like DaySpring on Facebook and Twitter! (leave one comment for each)

This is a wonderful product and though this post is mainly about back-to-school, I think that this is a great product for everyone!

Why not use them in the office?

Personally I think I'm going to use the binders to organize my lessons for teaching Bible Study! But regardless of what you use them for...I know you will enjoy having them!

I'll choose the $35 DaySpring winner on Friday!

Have a fantastic day!

Disclosure: {in}courage provided me the I Know Where Love Comes From and He Has My Heart - Set of 6 Coordinating Supplies free for review. The thoughts and opinions shared are honest and entirely my own.

Too Cute...Tuesday!

2011-08-16T04:37:00.001-07:00

Hadley loves the BbB doll.
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Oh,she's so sweet!!
Melts my heart....

~Do YOU have a Too Cute Picture to share?!

Please email them to babybeblessed@gmail.com. Please note that by emailing your pictures, you are giving Baby be Blessed permission to post them on our website and blog.

Can't wait to see them!! =)

Summer's End....

2011-08-15T12:18:00.000-07:00

Friday morning the kids and I packed up the ol' suburban and headed west! The sun was shining and the warmer temperatures were just calling us back to the beach!

Summer's end is bittersweet for me. A change in season always makes me squirm but I am looking forward to a bit more routine! The kids were great and I just want to soak in all of our wonderful moments together!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend too!!

Marvelous Monday!

2011-08-15T04:13:00.000-07:00

The winner of our YFF Giveaway this week is....

Angie Alford

Congratulations!
And thanks to all who entered!

Weekends are for -ROAD TRIP!

2011-08-13T07:08:00.000-07:00

As the days of Summer are winding down...what better way to spend them than on a weekend road trip!

What are you doing this weekend?

*Don't forget to enter our Yay...Free Friday Giveaway in the post below!

Yay...Free Friday!

2011-08-12T04:32:00.000-07:00

Every Friday is...FREE FRIDAY!!

What could you win? A Personalized Doll of Choice from Baby be Blessed!

To Enter: Simply leave a comment below!
Extra Entries: (please 1 comment for each -Each comment is one more chance to win!)

*Become a follower of our blog

*Write a blog post about the giveaway (please leave link)

*Like Baby be Blessed on facebook

*Share on facebook

*Follow us on twitter (all links are on our website)

*Tweet or Retweet about the giveaway

*Go give your kids a big squeeze (and smooch if they will still let you! =)

Winner will be chosen on Monday!

When Life Gives you Burnt Toast and Root Canals!

2011-08-11T05:29:00.000-07:00

As we returned from Bible Study last Wednesday, I grabbed one of my favorite quick snacks from the fridge (a slice of turkey wrapped in swiss) as I was busy picking up the day and thinking forward to tomorrow. I wondered if I bruised something because from that moment my tooth hurt. Pushing through the night and the next day with Advil, I was just waiting for things to calm back down and heal but after a night of throbbing, I called the dentist first thing Friday morning.

They were able to get me in right at 11:40. My mind swirled with different scenarios. To schedule an appointment in the same day with a husband leaving for work, four children PLUS daycare children is no easy feat! I ask my husband if it is possible to go in late?? Not looking good. I made my appointment for 3 o'clock on Monday...the next available option.

I walked upstairs, hoping for the best. Praying for the best! "Lord you know! You know what is needed and You will give me the strength needed to make it to Monday." Tears filled my eyes as I fumbled through rooms, mouth and ear throbbing with each bend for laundry. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me", I smile. I trust.

My mind sweeps back over the past few weeks. The broken water heater. The broken switch and air conditioning in our suburban right before vacation. Our oldest getting something in his eye again (first time he scratched is eye on a tree branch) resulting in a couple days of pain and discomfort. Natalie almost burned the house down with a almost flaming toaster (seriously -I have never seen so much smoke) and now this silly tooth.

Again I smile. Didn't I just have a conversation with two beautiful women at church? Sharing together stories of broken glasses, thrown out backs, vertigo and still choosing Joy? I remember....

Arms piled high with the daily loads, I carefully work my way back downstairs to get started. My sweet sweet husband has worked out a way for me to go to the appointment this morning...my heart swells, oh how I love that man! Thank you Lord!

Long story short, with a quick dental check and x-ray I had an infection brewing. I was sent home with a root canal pamphlet, antibiotics and instructions for pain relief. "These things pyramid quick," he says. "Things will get worse before they get better. Good thing you were able to come in today."

Boy did they.

By Saturday the pain was barely tolerable even on heavy pain killers (which looped me out). The left side of my face swollen tight moving into my eye. Our kids were so good. They were kind, understanding, concerned and very helpful with Kolton. We vegged out in the living room watching "Hunchback of Notre Dame" part 1 and 2. I was moved...poor Quasimoto...I just NEW how he felt. Tristin said, "Well at least you don't have a hunchback Mom!" He was so right! At least I didn't have that and it didn't seem I was going to pick up the black hairy tongue side effect from my medication (no joke).

Everyday things got better. I'm scheduled next week for my root canal and looking forward to it because there is NO WAY I want to go through another infection! We are so blessed to live here in America. Can you imagine what we would go through if we didn't have the resources we do?

Today God brought me to 2 Corinthians 4:17,

"Our light affliction, which is but for a moment,
is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory"

You know...it is easy to get discouraged through trials and sometimes they just seem to pile up! But we need to hold tight to God's promises. He loves us so much! Now I'm not just talking personally about tooth aches and broken water heaters...I'm talking about all trials! The big and the small. They ALL matter to God! Sometimes its hard to understand what His reasoning is. Why He allowed this to run through His fingers. He loves us more than anything else created yet still He has allowed these hard things? I've come to accept that we will just never understand. We are human. He is God.

We simply must trust in this mighty God that loves us so...

He takes the things that seem to be against us and causes them to work for us!

Let us not loose heart!

Our afflictions are but for a moment...eternal glory awaits!

I would love to invite each of you to join our Community of Prayer and Praise Facebook page! Would you leave your requests and praises today? Would you join this page and stay updated on how to pray for our other friends? CLICK HERE to join us!

How to Disciple your Children

2011-08-09T06:30:00.000-07:00

This was too good NOT to share!
I read the following article today from DiscipleBlog.com

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Walter A. Henrichsen writes, “Discipling must begin with our children if it is ever to affect the rest of our culture. Before we go looking for people to disciple, we should start with our own families. For a few short years, God has entrusted our children to our care. Whether for good or bad, we will mark them for eternity.”

The Bible directs us to: “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Our primary goal is for our kids to love God – for them to learn to know Him, walk with Him and serve Him.

So, how do we begin discipling our children? Here are a few key principles that work!

Know God Intimately
God has given parents primary responsibility for the spiritual training of their children. But many parents don’t know where to begin. Proverbs 1:7 offers an insight: without knowledge and fear of the Lord, children cannot learn anything worthwhile. Education begins with the pursuit of God—who He is and what He is like.

Many children have only a vague understanding of God’s true nature. They have been exposed to ideas about God that may not match what the Bible says. Your kids can know God intimately. Introduce them to the Lord’s character and qualities. Explore each facet of His magnificent perfection!

Love God Passionately
Jesus summed up all 613 Old Testament laws into two: love God and love people (Mark 12:30-31). But beware of the simplicity of Jesus’ words. To love God with ALL the heart, soul, mind, and strength does not mean “business as usual.” Loving God demands effort, action, and passion.
Most children today love peer approval more than they love God. They are more concerned about “fitting in” than they care about being set apart for God’s special purpose. Your kids can love God passionately. Encourage them to enjoy His presence moment-by-moment throughout the day. Determine not to lose touch with God’s Spirit. Express adoration and delight in unbroken communion with Him!

Serve God Selflessly
Most kids serve themselves before they consider the needs of others. Selfishness is natural—part of being human. But God extends a higher calling to His followers. The Lord challenges Christians to demonstrate faithful conduct that honors God and helps people. This requires supernatural strength from the indwelling Christ (Galatians 2:20).

Lift your child’s eyes from his or her own interests to see the world from God’s point-of-view. Christ has promised to meet all our needs (Philippians 4:19). That is His job. Our job is to walk by faith, serving Him in all we do. Your kids can serve God selflessly. They will usually follow the example of their parents and influential teachers. When you model selflessness, your children will respond in kind!

Celebrate God’s Greatness Together
God is the focus of the entire universe. He enjoys being Lord of the heavens and the earth! God also deserves to occupy the central focus in the minds, hearts, and souls of every human being. Life begins and ends with Him. Determine to know God on a more intimate basis each year. The better you know Him, the better you and your children will be prepared to face life’s challenges. Celebrate God’s greatness together!

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Let's disciple! Our kids are SO WORTH IT!

We wouldn't send our soldiers out to battle without proper training or weapons! They would be destroyed or fall in the hands of the enemy in the blink of an eye...so why would we send our children out in the battle field of this world? Let's give them the proper training and the proper weapon (Sword of the Spirit -God's word) to fight in this world! This all starts and ends at home. The church can only do so much and is designed to walk along side the parent.

One day we will stand before God and give an account of what He has entrusted to us. Our children are our biggest blessing, privilege and gift from the Lord.

Let's pray together and seek God's direction. He is FAITHFUL and will show us how to disciple our children. Yes there will be many mistakes along the way...He knows we are but dust, but oh how He loves us and simply desires every single thing mentioned above....

I've mentioned this before...but may we as parents LIVE OUT OUR FAITH in front of our children!! The good, bad, the ugly.... and the Grace that only comes from Christ!

Too Cute Tuesday!

2011-08-09T04:53:00.001-07:00

We had our first traumatic event on June 28th when we had to take Connor to the ER. To make a long story short he rolled off my bed and fractured his skull. He had no clue anything was wrong with him after about 30 seconds. He had his first CT scan, xrays, and hospital stay before he was 8 months old. :( He was such a trooper though. The whole time he snuggled with his BbB lion that "Santa" brought him after he was born. Luckily everything seems to be just fine with Baby Connor. The swelling/hematoma is almost completely gone. ~A. Bourg

Praising God for his healing hand on Connor!

He is the cutest!!

*Do you have a photo to share on Too Cute Tuesday?!
Please email it to babybeblessed@gmail.com .
By sending your photo, you are giving Baby be Blessed permission to post your photo on the blog and website.

~Thanks! Can't wait to see them!!

Marvelous Monday!

2011-08-08T13:57:00.000-07:00

Our Yay Free Friday winner this week is....

Savannahs Smiles from Beautiful JOY!

Congratulations!
Please email me for your voucher information!

Weekends are for the County Fair!

2011-08-06T06:08:00.001-07:00

Started our weekend early with a trip to the Auglaize County Fair on Thursday! YAY!

Today resting with lots of pain relievers, antibiotics and frozen orange popsicles against my cheek as I fight an infection in my tooth. Root canal coming soon...

This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.~ Psalm 118:24
=) Choosing this today!

*Don't forget about our Yay...Free Friday giveaway in the post below!

Whoo Hoo! Yay...Free Friday!

2011-08-05T04:42:00.001-07:00

Every Friday is...FREE FRIDAY!!

For a chance to win
a personalized doll of your choice, simply leave a comment below!

For additional entries
(please 1 comment for each -Each comment is one more chance to win!)

*Become a follower of our blog

*Write a blog post about the giveaway (please leave link)

*Like Baby be Blessed on facebook

*Share on facebook

*Follow us on twitter (all links are on our website)

*Tweet or Retweet about the giveaway

*Share a scripture verse with someone!
(Your family, on your blog, FB, Twitter or maybe a complete stranger! =) Let us know what verse you shared!)

Winner will be chosen on Monday!

True Character ~Living Proverbs 22:6

2011-08-04T05:32:00.001-07:00

It has been said, "Character is the person you are when no one is looking." Character is who you really are....

One of the greatest blessings I'm able to be a part of, is teaching a part of the Wednesday Night Youth Bible Study at our church!

We are currently learning about character and I thought the Living Proverbs 22:6 posts on Thursday would be the perfect opportunity to share some key points that the Holy Spirit places on my heart!

Lesson One: True Character
Who you are when no one is looking....

I remember once when my first three children were small, we made a trip to walmart. It was a cold, snowy day and it was always a challenge to wrestle two toddlers and one baby in an infant car seat into the store. Lola was fussy so I rushed like a mad woman around the store gathering everything on my list as quickly as I could. At the check out we unloaded and headed out. As we hit the door a big gust of wind blew the cover off Lola's car seat and I remember how I struggled to push the cart through the slushy parking lot full of three kids and groceries...all while trying to keep the blanket tucked tight around the baby. When I finally reached the car I unloaded all the kids and one by one the bags from the cart. Everything was loaded and I grabbed the diaper bag which was the last thing in the bottom and I saw it. Now today, I really don't even remember what the item was...but it was something not paid for. It had gotten tucked behind things and was missed at the checkout.

My heart sank! I could have just sat down and cried! I absolutely did NOT want to unload all the kids, walk back in the store and pay for this one little item.

I literally stood and looked at it in my hand...

Who would know?

I was so tempted to just throw it in a bag and go home....but God grabbed my heart and I reloaded three children and trucked right back through the wind, snow and slush into the store (waited in line FOREVER) and paid for the item left behind.

Even though no one else was watching...God was.

In sharing this story with the kids I explained that we all have a choice. This was one time that I did make the right choice...but there have been many times in my life that I have not. Oh, the guilt I felt afterwards -even before I was a believer. We know what is right and wrong.

Our Study Time was spent in the book of Genesis 37. Everyone has heard the story of Joseph right? I couldn't tell you how many times I've read/studied these pages but every time you read God's word the Holy Spirit breaths fresh on it! His Word always moves and speaks....and Joseph's character speaks loudly!

Imagine how the story would have ended if his character would have been different? If he felt justified to seek revenge or allow bitterness and hate to eat at his heart...

As I study and prepare to teach, God continues to teach me as well. I'm learning the best way to teach my children is to live my faith out fully in front of them. The good, bad and the ugly! =) They see it anyway, so might was well teach them how to work through my/our issues in faith according to God's word.

If I'm going to teach my children about true character, I better live out true character...otherwise what's the point?

Here are some questions I've asked myself and God.
What is my character all about?
Am I living to please God no matter what?
Do I have the same character at church as I do at home?

Oh, Father! I praise you for always working on our character so we may become more like Jesus!

{May we be}...confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 {parenthesis mine}

*Curriculum referenced in this post is from Discipletown.

Seeing Beauty in the Everyday!

2011-08-03T05:57:00.000-07:00

Clothes pins (and baby praying mantis) on the pool
Handmade creations shining in the sunshine

Orchids in full bloom

A spinning top made from an empty ribbon spool and crayon!

SPOILED Puppy!

My Sweet Flower...always making me smile with what she chooses to wear during the day!

What beauty are you seeing today?

Too Cute Tuesday!

2011-08-02T06:16:00.001-07:00

Are we due for a Too Cute Tuesday photo or what?!

Many of you have emailed us more pictures and I can't wait to share!

Keep them coming!

This week Crystal shares a picture of

"Ethan playing super Heros with his new boy!"

SUPERMAN!! Pure Sweetness!
Isn't he so darn cute?

*To share a photo with us, please email it to babybeblessed@gmail.com
By emailing your picuture you are giving Baby be Blessed to publish it on our website and/or blog. -thanks!!