Trista Laborn's Blog, page 5
July 3, 2018
2 ingredient grilled pizza dough recipe
June 4, 2018
5 ways to get closer to God
I LOVE the bible. Ready different bible studies, different versions of the bible and especially study bibles, I have one on marriage and this one I’m going to review and show you guys is about womanhood.
This bible is very inspirational, informative with biblical womanhood in each book of the bible. Each chapter with insightful information that will help you with your everyday walk, getting started with your own bible study and growing in your walk with the Lord.
The CSB Study Bible For Women is wonderful. It has different character profiles, In-text maps, Charts & timelines, Concordance, Full-color maps, and more. For more information check out the website here
Interested in your own CSB Women’s Study bible?! All you have to do is fill out the form in this website and you are entered to win.
This was inspired by a sermon message my pastor preached on Mothers Day! I was inspired by the message and wanted to share with you guys. Below is a video on the message I’m sharing with you guys in this blog post check it out.
The book of proverbs is filled with relevant, practical, guidelines for everyday decision making as well as to living a lifestyle that’s pleasing to God. This book can help with living a life that’s wise.
Specifically I’m going to point out 3 lessons from a mom in Chapter 31 of Proverbs. In this chapter, the advice is by the mother of King Lemuel. King Lemuel, some scholars believe is King Solomon and his Mother Bathsheba is giving him advice. The name Lemuel is a nickname she gives him.
The chapter starts out by saying: A pronouncement that his mother taught him: The scripture is letting us know that this is serious what his mother is about to share with him. She spends the next 9 verses talking about things that will help him in life, characteristics to develop.
3 Lessons we can learn from a mom:
1- Make Wise Decisions. From v.2-7, she states to make wise decisions. She says how in verse 3, “Don’t spend your energy on things that will destroy you as a king.”
2- Look out for the poor or needy. From v.8-9 Look out for those that are poor. In V.8 she says how: “Speak for those that has no voice.”
3- What to look for in a wife of Noble Character. Then from v.10-31 she shares with her son characteristics of a Wife of noble character.
She talks about her:
-Character (v.31:10-12,17,25,30-31)
-Her Family Commitments (v.31:11, 23,28)
-Her Household management (v.31:13-15,21,27)
-Her interest in the community (v.31:20,26)
-Her Beauty and Her gifts (v.31:22)
She is a woman that “Fears the Lord.” (v.30). Being a woman that fears the Lord is one that is set apart from the rest.
April 23, 2018
How to Navigate Motherhood When Your Spouse is Deployed
Disclaimer: “This is a sponsored post, written by me, on behalf of 1 Natural Way, a TRICARE breast pump provider. All opinions are entirely my own.”
When my husband deployed for the first time, I was a new mom to 6 month old twins, Navigating Motherhood when you spouse deployed can be hard. Here are 3 ways you can thrive in Motherhood during deployment.
When I As a new Mom to young children, learning how to navigate motherhood took a lot of trial and error that I learned and now apply Years of experiencing deployments. I became Isolated, I didn’t go out at all, I barely ate, Didn’t even know how to drive, I lost myself in Motherhood. I felt lost but didn’t want my children to feel that way, so I did everything I could do to make sure they we’re happy and able to handle their father leaving for long periods of time.
I did this for so long that, I had family members worried about me, I didn’t have any friends to talk to. One day, I had a young lady at my church, ask me how I was doing and how I was getting around on base. I told her I didn’t go on base without my husband, and I just went to the park that was right up the road from me. She told me to start by going to the commissary. From there I found out about LINKS (Lifestyle, Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills) and slowly started connecting myself to friends and going on trips around the area. It renewed my strength as a person.
I began to try different things that helped me to thrive in Motherhood while my husband was deployed. When your spouse is gone, it’s a different ball game. You are now responsible for everything in the house, the children, the bills and still try to juggle and find who you are in the mist of it all.
Self care
“Self care is not selfish, you cannot serve from an empty vessel.” this quote is by Eleanor Brownn. When I came across this, it reminded me that as women, do we know how to really take care of ourselves? We tend to serve so much of ourselves for our family, children, husband, work, church, etc. on “E” (Empty) and just like a vehicle, when the car is on “E” the light comes on telling us that its time to fuel. Our bodies and spirit does the same thing, but as the times go, we ignore it, we say,” I can go a little further”, but is it really doing us any good to drive, or serve on “E”?
It is vital for our health and even our mental state, some cars breakdown as soon as it hit “E” and its the same for some women when you start to feel yourself on “E” you begin to break down. We have to stop before we break down because then we are not only hurting ourselves we are hurting our community that need us.
It’s vital we MAKE the time to care for ourselves and mind-set. You can create a spa regimen, to get back to being relaxed and stress free.
(Tip: Therapy- Seeking out counseling is the best thing you can do. Especially if you are new to your area and you haven’t made any friends or even met anyone, going to a counselor is the best thing you can do. I personally have done this and It has helped me in a lot of ways. A professional counselor can point out patterns or depression, that a friend maybe not. I went through Military One Source to get more information about it for military dependents and its free for a certain amount of sessions).
Join a Mom’s Group
This advice was given to me a long time ago when, my children we’re young. At the time, I wasn’t ready to be around other people. I was very shy, insecure and barely knew anything about motherhood. I wished someone let me know the importance of reaching out and being around other moms in the same “season” as you is refreshing and that’s how you learn about yourself and even about the area around you. MOPS (Mother’s of Preschoolers) is a great group of women you can start. It is an International group that is everywhere you can check out their website and Join a group.
(Tip: Mops usually has Childcare and most groups have Scholarships to help pay fees, ask about it, every group is different).
Explore new activities in your area
No matter where you get orders to, you will have travel office, with discounted tickets to places in your area or near by, You can always check that out, and see what is affordable for you and your family. Exploring activities and events in your area can help pass the time. Not only that you can send fun pictures to your spouse, showing how much you and the kids are having fun.
(Tip: Free National Parks Pass for military- You can get a Free pass for Active duty military to get into National parks in your area for free. All you would need is to go to your local Parks & Recreation office and ask for a National Park pass for military). Below is the National Parks pass I received in my area and for the summer the kids and I will be hitting up national parks close by and maybe some camping in one of them. You can go here for more information in your area.
*Bonus Tip:
Resources such as 1 Natural Way offers the popular Medela, Spectra and Kiinde brands.
* In addition to breast pumps, 1 Natural Way also offers breast pump accessories, compression socks and postpartum care supplies. Some much needed supplies for nursing moms. Making it easier to handle the ups and downs of Motherhood.
* All breast pump models are covered under your Tricare insurance plan at no out of pocket expense to you. This includes the Medela Freestyle and the Spectra S1 Breast Pump, and the Medela Pump in Style Tote/Backpack.
* Simply fill out the insurance form here, select your breast pump model (Tricare covers all models we offer), Enroll in our Monthly breastfeeding accessories program (called Resupply: Ie: Parts that may look damage), Provide us with a prescription or your doctor’s information, and we will obtain one for you and Your pump and supplies will ship right to your front door via UPS or USPS, making it easy for you to spend time with your little one and more time for you to relax and not have to worry about anything else but having fun with your little one.
April 20, 2018
10 ways to love your child through acts of service
Reading 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman was life changing for my Husband and I. Finding out that his Love Language was Acts of service and acting it out changed our marriage. Here are 10 ways to love your child through acts of service.
Children as well as adults express & receive love in different ways. Each child/teenagers have a need. By understanding each of the five love languages, we can best discern the needs of the child. My Children age ranges from twins 13, soon to be 14yrs old and a 4 year old, soon to be five. So having a range of personalties can be difficult because your instinct is to treat them all the same because its easier, especially twins. Once I got a hold of the five love languages for kids/teenagers it changed how I parent each of them. If you are curious as to what your Childs love language is take the test here. For teens, its a little bit different, they can take the test here.
There’s even a military edition of the 5 Love languages that I LOVE as well, and it spoke volumes to me as a Marine Wife. Even having to express love to someone that deploys a lot can cause division in a marriage and learning how to navigate marriage in the midst of difficulty can be hard. I highly recommend this book.
Physical touch
Physical touch for infants does wonders, as the child gets older, they still long for physical affection. Such as a hug, a pat on the back, a hand shake. These simple gestures speaks wonders for a child with a primary love language as Physical Touch.
Words of Affrimation
Compliments can go a long way. I can speak on this because this is my primary love language. “Your hair looks beautiful.” or “Cute outfit”, “Awesome Job today, cleaning your room.” Saying compliments that appeal to their personality is the key as well.
Quality Time
This is another language I can speak, This is my secondary and children with this love language seek undivided attention. As children get older they are seek out attention in different ways such as, Going to a basketball game, playing a board game with them, taking them to get ice cream or movie speaks wonders to their heart.
“THE NUMBER OF WAYS TO EXPRESS LOVE WITHIN A #LOVELANGUAGE IS LIMITED ONLY BY YOUR IMAGINATION.” ~…
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Gifts
Children with gifts as a love language treasure something tangible as love. Gifts that speak to their personality speaks wonders to them. Something simple as their favorite snack, treat, not just on their birthday but “Just because”
Acts of Service
Lastly, Acts of Service is something that is done with them. It’s knowing which activity or acts of service is important to them. It’s finding out what speaks to them personally. For example, This is my Son’s primary Love Language… He knows I love him when I make him his favorite dinner, Children Alfredo. He loves it when I help with his room, when I help with his homework, etc. I have six children (Three Step Children and Three I birth on my own) and he is the only boy. So it’s pretty easy to single him out. The picture below is my son helping my husband Stain the back deck. My son love to help his dad do work around the house.
My son has such a sweet, serving heart and I love to find unique ways that speak to his heart and acts of service is his primary language. Below is a printable, you can freely download to help you with some ideas, if you have a child whose love language is “Acts of Service.”
Interested in learning more about the five Love Languages? Below is more information and Ideas on
Physical touch, Words of Affirmation, Quality time & Gifts. A group of parenting bloggers have joined together to bring you this Mother’s Day 5 Day Challenge!
How to Join!
Go to our Facebook page post and write–Count me in the #MothersDay5DayChallenge
Go to your local library and get The 5 Love Languages of Children book or buy it HERE !
Download the FREE Love Languages Assessment and go over it with your child together if they are young or have them do it on their own if they are old enough.
Then just follow along for the next 5 Days! Each day I will share a video on our Facebook page and discuss one love language. Also, for each day one of our bloggers will share some fabulous practical ideas so you can start using your child’s primary love language.
I will update this schedule each day as the posts go live.
April 14th –Inspired by Family – The 5 Love Languages Free Assessment
16th – Surviving Toddlerhood – physical touch
17th – Alynda Long – Words of Affirmation
18th – Lila Diller – Quality Time
19th- Sip Mom – Gifts
20th – A Purpose Driven Wife – Acts of Service
April 17, 2018
How to trust God in Motherhood
Trusting God is something I’ve learned that takes a day by day walk, even minute by minute and its the same with Motherhood.
I didn’t grow up in a Christian household, nor was I model what a christian women, wife or mother looked like. Later on in life, I learned the hard way and I want to share with you scriptures that help me Trust God in the midst of Motherhood and what God says about it, to help you along the way.
What does it look like
When I first became a mom, I had to learn VERY quickly. I became a mom to TWINS, the very first time EVER getting pregnant. To say I was shock was an understatement, When the doctor told me I was having twins, I began to cry. Not an “Oh-No Twins! but SHOCKED that I could even have twins. I Learned VERY quick and early in life that I know NOTHING about being a mother. Growing up I never baby sat for anyone, so changing diapers, breastfeeding, and even playing with my babies, I had to be taught.
Once I gave my life to God, It became a whole new ball game for me. Learning that God knew everything and loves me and my children/Family so much that He gave his SON to die for me, changed my perspective. I learned that he has a plan for my life as well for my children… So I asked God… What does that look like?
God changed my perspective in life…but I asked… What does that look like?
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There we’re times in my life, where the Holy Spirit would nudge my heart to do something for my kids. The Bible says in Psalm 121:3 (NIV)– “He will not let your foot slip (your guardian) who watches over you will not slumber.” He watches over me, not in a Judgement way of right or wrong but the scripture says, He’s a Guardian, when I think of a guardian, I think of a protector, making sure I’m ok. I don’t know, what’s ahead of me, but God does and he watches over me, as i’m taking care of my children. This helps me understand that I’m not going to have all the answers or even know what to do, but I can go to God, who knows all things and can ask for help.
He Encourages me
In 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NKJV) “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us all in our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” There’s a lot in this scripture but to sum it all up, it simply means that God encourages us IN our tribulation (Suffering). That word comfort means ‘to encourage’ in greek. This scriptures again, helps me understand that God is not only watching over me, He is encouraging me IN my tribulation, not after it happens but during, in the midst of, no matter what i’m going through. Sleepless nights, teenagers attitude, health problems, etc. I know God is with me and will encourage me.
He is with me
So far the scriptures shows that God is for me, He’s my guardian, He encourages me IN my tribulation and finally, He is with me wherever I go. Joshua 1:9 (NLT)– “This is my command- Be Strong and Courages! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Again this Scripture has a lot to un pack but just to sum it up, He is COMMANDING us to not be afraid. This is different language God is using, He is COMMANDING us to not be afraid or discourage, why? because He is with me/us wherever we may go. I have no reason to be afraid when God is with me, the Message version of this scripture says: “He is with you every step of step you take!” That alone is comforting to me because those twins I talked about in the beginning of this post, are now Teenagers and its a whole new ball game, an area that I am not familiar but I know that I don’t need to be because God is with me, Watching over me and encouraging me/us.
Join me in our next series, May 1st on Biblical Womanhood. What it looks like in our lives today by studying the different women in the bible and learning the different lessons from them, that applies to our lives now. Sign up below, by clicking the image and let’s Journey together!
Each week, I will be highlighting women in the bible: who she is, what she did and what we can learn from her today. I will be talking about topics that apply to us as women, (ie: Marital intimacy, being single/dating, the power of God, career, etc.) woman from both the old and new testament, which will build a foundation on how it can apply to our lives today.
Let’s Journey together!
April 2, 2018
Movie Review: I can only Imagine
This is Spring break week and My husband and I both enjoyed some time together and went to go see the movie I can only imagine.
After seeing this movie, I have to say… It messed me up… in a good way. It is definitely a movie that will move you to tears. It is about the lead singer of MercyMe and how he came to write the song: I can only Imagine. Here’s an explanation from the website: “Although he found faith at a young age, life wasn’t easy for Bart. He leaned into an active imagination and his love of music as escapes from a troubled home life. As he grew older, Bart turned to football in hopes of somehow connecting with his abusive father. But a career-ending injury—combined with the vision of a teacher who saw unlimited potential—set Bart on a musical pathway.
Chasing a dream while running from broken relationships with his father and Shannon, his childhood sweetheart, Bart hits the road in an old, decrepit tour bus with his new band MercyMe—named for his grandmother’s favorite expression. With the guidance of a grizzled music-industry insider, the band begins a journey none of them could ever have imagined. A gripping reminder of the power of forgiveness, I CAN ONLY IMAGINE beautifully illustrates that no one is ever too far from God’s love—or from an eternal home in Heaven.”
When we decided to watch the movie it was after sending our two oldest kids to our Church’s Beach Fest spring break week. After that we spent a lot of time with our youngest daughter, went to her favorite restaurant Chick-Fil-a and later walked the dogs, then we decided to go to the movies and see the movie. We took our four-year old because we had to but knew that she wouldn’t be too interested in the movie because it wasn’t cartoons, but she loved the popcorn and paid more attention to that then the movie.
Here are a few reasons why I loved the movie:
#1- Obviously the father and son aspect of the movie was awesome. I love to hear stories/testimonies of how people overcome during really hard times. It was a really great reminder to see, that no matter the messiness of your past God’s love is never too far away. It was really hard to see because while the father was angry, the son was trying to connect to his father even through the hurt and pain. I guess I can relate to that in some way…
Recently, I had the opportunity to talk with my dad. I haven’t seen him in over 30+ years. I thought I was never going to see him because I heard he was in prison. Recently I found him on Facebook and contacted family members to see if I can talk with him. I was able to talk with him for about 10 to 15 mins but in that conversation we had, I can hear a lot of myself in his personality. All these years I thought he was “gone”, God fulfilled that part that was missing in my heart, Which I believe I was able to forgive him for not being there and missing out on his AMAZING daughter’s life.
#2- I LOVED they showed how the son felt after all those years of abuse and that even through your messiness, you can find God and you are now a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). There is still passed hurts that you have to deal with. The son, in the movie, talked about the a particular painful memory that hurt him but you can see that the dad was trying to change but didn’t know how to fix it. It was also a great reminder of God’s grace in our lives.
This is definitely something I recommend to any and everyone to watch. The realness of the goodness of God and how much He truly love us. I would love a relationship with my dad but knowing that there’s still things He’s dealing with I appreciate what is there now. Here’s a trailer of the movie: I can only imagine
The post Movie Review: I can only Imagine appeared first on A Purpose Driven Wife.
March 26, 2018
When you feel discouraged
Lately, My walk with God has been minimal. Prayers have been less and less, but still serving, still helping my family and going to church.
While scrolling through Instagram I came across someone posting a story from the bible that encouraged them and because they shared their mess, I was encouraged to share mine. They began to explain that they also haven’t been as excited in their walk and Journey with God and sometimes that happens. It happens in different seasons of our walk with the Lord. Honestly, I had high expectations for this new year and to be honest, its not happening, at least what I see around me.
I recently taught about the story, from the book of Mark. Mark 5:21-43, This story is about a girl that was restored and a women with the issue of blood healed. The story begins with a synagogue leader going to Jesus and begged him to heal his daughter. Then the story, stops there and talks about a woman with an issue of blood and we read about her and her Journey of endless faithfulness. I love it because of the need she had to be healed, was out weighted by the discouragement that was around her. The scripture says she spent everything she had and seen many doctors and instead of getting better she grew worse (v.26) but when she heard about Jesus, she had to go see Him and you know the story… she touched his cloak and was healed (v.28-29).
Now after reading about her story, we go back to the synagogue leader and see that his daughter died, but Jesus said to him: “Don’t be afraid. Only believe” (v.36). I’m encouraged by both situations because at the time, everything around them felt and seem hopeless, Everything around us can seem like its not going right, its actually getting worst and going against you. What both of these stories have in command is the endurance to keep your faith, the endurance to trust God no matter what it looks like and knowing that in the end God will come through.
I’m encouraged once again to seek God’s face in this season like never before. To not give up and have a pity party, complain or not just say a word but to seek God and His presence, to pressed through regardless of how I feel at the moment, because I know that God’s word is true. How do I know God’s word is true? because His very word gives me strength and sustains me. Just like it says in Psalm 3:5 (NIV) – “I lie down and sleep, I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.”
God has sustain me, kept me this far and quitting is not an option. A friend posted this quote and it spoke to me, “The value of emotions comes from sharing them, not just having them.” Quote by: Simon Sinek. I want to encourage you to keep pressing through, keep praying, keep working, keep talking to God (even if it is minimal), God will meet you where you are and I also want to add, talk with a friend that’s understanding, that can also encourage you.
The post When you feel discouraged appeared first on A Purpose Driven Wife.
March 12, 2018
Marine Corps Ball Survival Guide
At Marine Corps functions, remember that loved ones’ behavior, manners and attire represent their marine and the USMC. November 10, 1775, is the Marine Corps Birthday. All over the world, this date is celebrated with a formal birthday ball. This is attended by marines and their spouses/date only, NO CHILDREN are allowed. This is an important evening filled with tradition and camaraderie.
Before I get started, here are some Survival Kit items to bring with you to the ball:
-Official Form of ID (Just in case)
-Band-Aids (For blisters)
-Pain relievers (For headaches, etc.)
-Safety Pins
-Feminine Products (Emergency)
-Breath Mints
This is our last year in 2014…Marine Corps 239th birthday ball!
#1- Usually the evening is begun with a cocktail hour.
-Use this time to check the seating chart
-Find your table
-Meet the people whom you will be seated with.
This is not a mandatory portion of the evening, so you can go ahead and take an extra 15 to 20 minutes to put those final touches, in hair and makeup. Once you arrive, this is your opportunity to mingle, meet co-workers, and locate where you will be seated. One advantage if you decide to show up early in the picture line may be shorter during this time. The cocktail reception is when pictures are generally being taken and the line can belong.
#2- The ceremony will begin once all are situated properly.
-Marines will stand at attention, so follow the lead of your marine (The narrator will also guide attendees to sit or stand).
-Guests must stand without slouching or leaning to demonstrate proper respect
-It is common courtesy not to have conversations during the ceremony or be on your phone, checking Facebook and conversations before or after, not during. Just turning your ringer to vibrate is not enough when all attention is on the colors and everyone is silent. The ceremony commemorates the history of the Corps and is by far the most formal part of the evening. Every effort should be made to give it the respect and attention it deserves.
This is the 15-minute warning call before the ceremony begins. It serves as a great time to get one last trip to the bathroom and possibly one last drink before you take your seat. ONCE THE BALLROOM DOORS CLOSE, NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED IN!
The main event. While some ceremonies may vary, they generally follow the same scripted events. There will be a narrator who outlines the events as they take place and will give a general description as they happen. During this time you will witness what the Marines pride themselves on, upholding traditions with events such as a call to colors and the cake cutting. You can follow along with the ceremony by following the program provided at your table.
Please note that the ceremony is the center point of the ball and it is imperative that you be attentive and respectful through its entirety.
#3- Commandant of the Marine Corps message and Final remarks:
Following the ceremony, there will be a guest speaker. These individuals are typically a higher ranking serviceman who has a great history and a very respectable reputation. Generally, this will be a speech, followed by a gift being presented to the speaker.
Immediately following the ceremony, a video message is played from the current commandant of the Marine Corps. Please Observe the same common courtesies during this portion of the evening as for the ceremony. The official portion of the evening can take a while, a good idea would be to have a snack prior to the ball. If you are expecting, asking for some crackers at the table is a good idea.
#4- Dinner:
Relax and enjoy your multi-course meal while socializing and chatting it up with your other table members. Do not be intimidated by the number of forks or glasses you may have set in front of you. Relax!
If you have food allergies or will be bringing a guest who does you may contact the respective units ball coordinator to inquire if they have alternatives.
It is also recommended you wait until everyone at the table has been served their meal before partaking. Be advised most units have a chaplain who says a prayer before the meal is served. Finally, it is polite to wait until the highest-ranking person at the table starts eating before you do.
#5- Dancing and celebration:
Formal attire is worn to fancier events such as weddings, private dinners, or balls. Women must wear floor-length gowns as shorter dresses are not acceptable. Formal attire is extremely strict with distinct guidelines and any guest who deviates from them is considered to have poor etiquette.
-When in doubt match your attire to your Marine’s uniform
-Many women opt for the classic little black dress, a simple and appropriate for a party.
-Remember! Your attire will reflect upon your Marine, Dressing in attire too revealing is considered poor taste.
*BONUS*
Conversation:
Be yourself and don’t feel too stressed about the conversation.
Here are a few key things to remember:
-Avoid controversial issues such as politics, religion, and personal issues.
-Show an interest in others
-Listen to others
-Ask questions and make others feel important
-Please… No swearing!
-Avoid gossip AT ALL COSTS!
Have Fun!
March 1, 2018
Success as a Money-Making Mom
A few years ago, I was watching a TV show, where a woman was a fashion writer for a magazine and she was sharing the story of what it was like getting started in her business, she began to explain that she was living in a small, one-bedroom apartment in New York City and was beginning her career as a writer. She said that times were so hard that when she was hungry, she would literally buy a fashion magazine than food because she felt it feed her better.
WOW! To have so much passion to the point where that “career choice” feeds you, more than food, to continue to press through during hard times?! That’s AMAZING for me! Mainly because I can resonate with that…
About 5 to 6 years ago I was able to start a Bath & Body company called: Silk Spa Creations, where I hand-made natural hair and body products. About 3 years ago, my husband, being a Marine in the Military, got orders to CA, we were in SC. When we arrived in CA, I began to work the business and was VERY “successful”, to where I was able to get my products in spas, stores, and other locations but the success I was feeling with this business wasn’t making my family happy, my husband began to tell me, He felt like I didn’t love him, my children weren’t doing good in school and my whole household was in chaos.
I stepped back and really began to ask God (Praying), what is going on? Lord, you called me to be an entrepreneur, why is all of this happening? He showed me that, as I was running my business, He wasn’t in the picture. Slowly He began to teach me the true meaning of success (Which is what I’m experiencing now) and how to do business His way. I came across the scripture John 17:4– “I have glorified you on earth by completing down to the last detail, what you assigned me to do.” This scripture has been my mission statement for my life and business. My goal and my definition of success is truly following after God and the purpose and plans He has for me.
The success I’m experiencing now is not just with money, but with intentional time with my husband…
The success I’m experiencing now is not just with money, but with intentional time with my husband and children, which is TRUE fulfillment. I cultivate that more than my business, because of that:
I was able to make and save money to go on regular date nights with my husband.
Make some changes on my blog.
My family and I were able to go to Los Angeles and San Francisco Debt FREE!
Ultimately, I experience peace in building a new business God has put in my heart right now, I’m no longer so driven to the point my family is hurting, in this new season, I’m writing books and speaking about my testimony and giving God the glory and still very capable of being a Money Saving Mom, truly helping and blessing my family.
Right now, even though I was able to build my Bath & Body business, currently, God has that on hold and in the meantime, He has me speaking and sharing in my area of CA, about my New book: S.M.A.R.T. Goals for the Christian Entrepreneur.
In Crystal Paine’s Brand New Book: Money-Making Mom, (How every woman can earn more and make a difference). She gives real-life examples to encourage and challenge you to:
Expand your thinking to consider multiple money-making ideas
Dream Big and set long-term financial goals
Forge an intentional path with clear priorities
Nurture your unique skills, talents, passions, and knowledge
Conquer the saboteurs of insecurity, fear, lack of time, and naysayers
Shift your perspective to live more generously for others
…and so much more!
Success is not all about money, but success is family and putting money in its right perspective….
In this book, Crystal shares that success is not all about money, but success is family and putting money in its right perspective. I LOVE that she gives her testimony about the struggles she has gone through in building her business and the strength it took to get to where she is now. This book encourages me, letting me know that I’m not alone in this Journey, that others are in the trenches as well when it comes to their business. This book is for you mom, Whether your goal is to help support your family, pay down debt, or build a bigger cushion to help those who may be without, Money-Making Mom is filled with inspiration and “Out-of-the-box” ideas to guide the next steps along your entrepreneurial journey.
Money-Making Mom is filled with inspiration and “Out-of-the-box” ideas to guide the next steps…
Where are you in your journey?
February 28, 2018
The presence of God
It’s so important to have quiet time, before you start your day, and just download to God and get into a space to hear from God.
The Scripture says in 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)- “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
When the scripture says “You are Chosen” God is VERY AWARE of us and wants to be near us. Another scripture says: James 4:8( NIV)- “Draw near to God and God will draw near to you…” When it says DRAW near by definition it means to come close… How do you “come close to God?” There are different ways for different people.
I know for me Praise & Worship music does that for me… Taking the time in the morning, singing praises to God puts me right in HIS presence. The Morning might not be your time but its gets your day started the right way.
I enjoy doing the work of God but lately I’ve been worried about getting things done and God not coming to my rescue. When that is a very lie from the pit of hell! God has always come through, He is ALWAYS faithful.
My snappiness and not trusting God has come from my lack of putting in time in God’s presence. Demonstrating my trust in God is by sitting quietly in His presence. Putting aside all that is waiting to be done for the day and refusing to worry about anything. Sitting in God’s presence strengths me and prepares me to face whatever the day will bring.
This act of faith, drawing near to God and waiting before working the day is the most effective way to resist evil. This world is complex and over stimulating that you can easily lose your sense of direction. Doing countless unnecessary activities will dissipate your energy, but when you spend time with God, He restores your sense of direction. As we look to God for guidance, he will enable us to do less an accomplish more.
So when you make that decision to make time to get into God’s presence, trying to find good worship music, can be overwhelming, I suggest trying out Higher Vision, praise & worship CD called: For your Kingdom. My favorite Song is: We Cry Holy:
You can check out more about their CD and the Band on their website: https://www.highervisionworship.com/
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