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Car Conversations

Car Conversations

by | Aug 20, 2023 | Julia, One Blessed Momma

I love driving in the car with my littles. You never know what you are going to hear in the back seats. Recently, while we were driving my one daughter spotted a “rainbow cloud” as she called it. It was a beautiful cloud with a bit of rainbow shining through.

We started talking about the types of clouds they were, how rainbows are created, and who created them. Then we thanked God for his beautiful and intricate creations. The details he puts in to the creation and how thankful we are he put special details in to us personally.

These conversations help remind us to look up and see the bigger picture. To remind us how little we are and how purposeful we are in his creation. May your next car ride encourage you to look up and see a bigger picture.

Below, I have listed the names of clouds and how rainbows are created to help you keep the car conversations going and give a way you can consistently turn the conversation back to God and his creation.

Clouds

Four Main Clouds to know are:

Cumulus– puffy, flat bottoms, low in the sky

Cumulonimbus– thunderstorm clouds, look like mountains of very tall cumulus clouds

Stratus– wide blankets of gray, low lying clouds

Cirrus – white feathery, whispy, highest

 

Rainbows

How a rainbow forms:

Rainbows are an arc of colors that you see in the sky when it is raining or just rained.

You see the rainbow when the sun shines through the millions of water droplets.

Colors of the rainbow are Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo & Violet.

ROY G. BIV 

Conversations

After sharing knowledge of the world around them, continue sharing with them how much detail God placed in to his creations.

Not only the world but specifically in them.  Take this moment to remind them who they are in Christ.

The words we choose to use for them matter and we can affirm God’s truths for our kids.

Take this time to remind them what rainbows truly mean.  God always keeps his promises.  He tells the truth. We can count on God.

Enjoy the car conversations, whether you are waiting in line for drop off or pick up, driving them to the next sport activity or heading to the park.   Make the most of every opportunity.

Meet Julia!

Julia is a wife to her high-school sweetheart, a mother to two beautiful girls and a follower of Christ.   She loves crafting, teaching and is forever grateful for a God who is in control of all unknowns and thankful we can have a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Renovating

Renovating

by | May 14, 2023 | Julia, One Blessed Momma

As I scroll through social media I see a lot of house renovations. There are even some great TV shows that are about renovating your home. It can be a quick fix or a BIG demolition. As mom’s, a lot of how we view ourselves is by how our homes look or feel. For most of us, we may not have the money to do the renovating or even the skill set so we get stuck in a mind set that we are not good enough to have a home that feels great. What if I told you, you could have a FREE HOME RENOVATION?

That’s right! It’s free and it TOTALLY will transform your home. Don’t worry, you have all the skill set you need!

Are you ready for it?

It’s the renovating of ourselves.

Like all renovations, things will get tougher, they are not always pretty and DEFINITELY won’t happen overnight and…we will need help.

But, let me tell you, the transformation is worth it.

The ladies at our church have been going through a study by Cassandra Martin called, Women Opening the Word, Immeasurably More.

Cassandra writes, “Becoming like Jesus, involves both tearing out what doesn’t look like Him, as well as investing ourselves in taking on His nature and character. There will be days when we wonder if we will ever see the possibilities God sees in us, but in the end, something beautiful will emerge and take shape as we walk with Him.”

She talks about Ephesians 3:14-20 where we are called to live an immeasurably more life. We all have moments in our lives that have changed our lives whether for the good or bad.

Transformation Time

Maybe it was a time you had a situation with a church member, or family member, or a tragic scary life event. Or a baptism, birth or marriage. Those moments either molded us for the good or for the bad by how we were guided through those events or how open we were to allowing God to use us, mold us, and transform us for his glory.

Today, I really want to encourage every single one of us to examine our lives in ways we can start making those small changes. Those steps forward to living the immeasurably more life. The beginning is going to be exciting and motivating. We may think we are ready for what’s ahead but we also need to recognize, it’s going to take work. We will need help to make those everlasting changes that stick and make real progress. That’s only going to happen when we fully allow God to work in and through us. Fully submitting to his will.

Romans 12:2:

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

How can we transform our minds? By being in the word. How do be build a relationship? By being surrounded by them, being in constant communication. We speak to God through prayer and praises and God speaks to us through his word. How will we be able to transform and renovate our hearts if we are not living in the word?

Psalms: 51:10-12

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 
Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Changing of our hearts is allowing God to use us and mold us. Allowing the many years of life experiences and hardships to be soften by his presence.

“The result of a heart and mind that are out of sync with God is behavior that embraces sensuality.” – Cassandra Martin, WOW Immeasurably More: page 130

How true, right?

 

When we let the world lead our hearts and minds we allow those ideals to become our truth on how to live.

We live in a society where it is all about what you deserve it, do what feels right, follow your heart, instant gratification with the internet, phones, or tv. Anything we want to do with or add to our body: hair, nails, make up, tattoo’s, clothes, etc. Not saying any of those things are bad, but they are a part of pleasing of our body and are things we need to assess when choosing to use them.

Take our phones for example. They can be used for good, but they can also be used for gratifying the senses. Getting away to numb our minds, to help us fall asleep, porn for men or women, any Time on my phone takes away from something else.

We think I need to buy that shirt or those pants because if I looked like them, I’d be a happier mom. If we did this to our kitchen I would make dinners every night and we’d be the happiest family. If we bought this for our house or kids would be the happiest kids.

Armor of God

But what we really need is to buy the belt of truth, the shoes of peace, the helmet of salvation, shield of faith, sword of the spirit, breastplate of righteousness. (Eph 6:10-18)

Focusing on:
Gal 5: 22-26 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.  Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.  Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

Using Phil 4:8 to measure what we allow us and our families to watch or do.

Phil 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice.

With God, we are able to live this immeasurably more life and renovate our homes so we can have a home we’ve always wanted for our families.

Download your free printable

Phil. 4:8 Bookmark

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Meet Julia!

Julia is a wife to her high-school sweetheart, a mother to two beautiful girls and a follower of Christ.   She loves crafting, teaching and is forever grateful for a God who is in control of all unknowns and thankful we can have a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas

Teacher Appreciation Gift Ideas

by | Apr 17, 2023 | Julia, One Blessed Momma

In the next couple of weeks, it will be Teacher Appreciation Week, starting May 8th. Today I will be sharing some thoughts to remind us why teachers are so important and how hard they truly work. Then, a few ideas on how one can show them appreciation with gifts they really want.

Teacher Duties

Teachers work so hard on the daily to educate children. Whether you are your own child’s teacher or you had to help them while learning online; you got to experience a little of what all a teacher does.

They take care of a lot more than 1 child. They have to be up to date on education, clearances and trainings to keep our children safe and learning the best way possible. They will tie shoes, wipe noses, and remind students to wash their hands. They encourage kindness to others and foster an environment of cooperation and including those who are left out.

They’re constantly doing assessments making sure our children are on par and retaining the information they are being taught.

Appreciation

Now, let’s list some gifts that teachers will enjoy and use.

1. Pens and/or markers.
2. Heartfelt note (see the free printable)
3. Food (gift card or actual food delivered. You could give them a menu and pick something they want)
4. Gift card (examples: starbucks, target, walmart, dunkin donuts, panera, local spot)
5. Potted flower
6. Personalized note pad
7. Something for the classroom (book, crayons, pencils, erasers, dry erase markers…)
8. A fun idea is an Emergency Kit: that could include bandaids, gum, granola, chocolate, gift card, chapstick, pen/marker, sanitizer,

Variety

There are so many teachers that play a role in our child’s life that we can think of and appreciate. There are bible class teachers, music teachers, sports educators, tutors, one on one instructors.

Download Free Printables

 

Fill in the Blank paper for the teachers in your life.

 

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Meet Julia!

Julia is a wife to her high-school sweetheart, a mother to two beautiful girls and a follower of Christ.   She loves crafting, teaching and is forever grateful for a God who is in control of all unknowns and thankful we can have a peace that surpasses all understanding.

How to Throw a Baby Shower on a Budget

How to Throw a Baby Shower on a Budget

by | Mar 20, 2023 | Julia, One Blessed Momma

Ps. 127:3 Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.

What a wonderful event; A new baby to come! It is so fun to celebrate a new mom and their precious cargo. You want to celebrate them but also want to do it on a budget. Here, we will gather ideas on how to make that happen! Hope you find inspiration for throwing a friend a baby shower. Don’t forget to add your own ideas to the comment section to help someone else out.

Where

Try to think of a free venue. Are you apart of a church family? Check to see if your church building allows you to host for free. If not, your house or maybe a grandparent or friends house who wants to help out with the shower.

Basics

One way to keep costs down is think of 2 to 3 colors you want to use. Then stick with it. White is always a good one to have in your color scheme because you can always buy sturdy white plates a lot cheaper than decorated ones. Usually you can buy white table cloths and plastic silverware in bulk.

Decorations

Another idea that can add a lot of punch and is one everyone can do, is a balloon arch. You can find some good kits like this ONE on amazon. Also, the Dollar Tree now sells the plastic strip you need to make one. It is reusable too, so you can use it for Birthday’s, Anniversary’s, Holiday’s, you get the picture. Think of the color scheme you are using for the shower and then buy those balloons.

Clearance

Look for decor on sale. You may have to go to a couple stores and check the clearance. The other week I found napkins, tassels, balloons and banner all on sale. Also, check out the dollar tree. Their options have really been improving. They also have helium balloons that last weeks.

Sign

Either you, have a friend or find something cheap off of Etsy to download. You can write it on a chalkboard or poster-board and welcome everyone to the shower. It lets them know where the shower is taking place, the name of the baby or Momma.

Print

If you are making an invitation, you can simply create one on Google, Canva, or find one on Etsy. Or include an artsy friend of hers. One of the best things about the internet is you can create online invitations and send either through email or text. If you are creating games Google, Canva and Etsy are great ways you can print from home. Or do games that aren’t in need of printing.

Food

Make as much as you can. Keep it simple. Fruit, veggies, something salty, and sweet. Ask friends to make cupcakes. If it’s too many for one person divide it up for two people. For drinks, again think simple: gallon tea, lemonade and water. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. People are willing to pitch in and be involved.

Hopefully, you gained some inspirations from these ideas to help you throw a baby shower on a budget. Don’t forget to spend time enjoying the moment and day with everyone who joins. It’s supposed to be a fun and happy day, not stressed. So, enjoy! What a blessing that day will be.

Meet Julia!

Julia is a wife to her high-school sweetheart, a mother to two beautiful girls and a follower of Christ.   She loves crafting, teaching and is forever grateful for a God who is in control of all unknowns and thankful we can have a peace that surpasses all understanding.

5 Ideas to Find a Mom Community

5 Ideas to Find a Mom Community

by | Feb 20, 2023 | Julia, One Blessed Momma

Where’s my Mom Community?

As a new mom, that was all I wanted. A mom group that got together, encouraged one another and our kids just played while we drank warm drinks.

 

But, where was my group? Where do I find them? Where do I make these friends who understand the life changes I am going through? Who understand the long nights and sleepy days? Who understand that somedays, I just need company?

When my daughters were young, I didn’t feel like I had a big community. So, I prayed about it and year after year I was blessed with more mom’s to connect to. But it took work. I didn’t just sit at home. It took effort and here I will share some ideas I have found to work.

  1. Get involved in church activities.
  2. Find a MOPS
  3. Go to parks
  4. Video Chat
  5. Sports

Church

Make it priority. I knew when we moved to our house it would be further away from where our church family meets. I knew it would take more gas and more initiative to go weekly and to make it to events; But I continued to get involved and make those connections with the other moms that went. When there were ladies devotionals I could take my babies with me, I went. The ladies were not my age or had children the same age as me, but they had children. They were great encouragers, they carried wisdom and loved on my baby.

MOPS

Unfortunately when I was about to join MOPS covid happened, but I know a lot of mom’s who benefited from attending. They met women there who they created and maintained life-long friendships with. If you are not familiar with MOPS, it stands for “Mother’s of Preschoolers”.  To read their mission statement, click here.

Parks

I have to thank Melinda for starting this! She was the first one to invite me to go walking with her and her kids. Walking with other mom’s for friends, doesn’t even have to be at a park. It can simply be the road by your house.

1 Thes 5:11- Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

I love when I would meet up with a friend and go for a walk.  They got me out of the house, adult conversation, and gets me moving in ways I otherwise wouldn’t at home by myself.  There may have been days when it was a challenge to walk.  When at times your hands are so full and the baby gets heavy from wearing, but those are the memories that last. There also, may be times you aren’t even be able to get a good conversation in due to the children running away or jumping in to creeks, but just remember you at least got some good endorphins, vitamin D, and a better connection with a friend.

Video Chat

Face-Time, Marco Polo, Google Chat, Zoom. These have been amazing avenues to use, especially when my family was cooped up during our preemie baby’s birth, home arrival and then covid. It allowed me to connected with my sister in laws, cousins and friends that live far and near. One conversation that I will never forget is when I was talking with my cousin about all the ways I still blamed myself for my child’s early birth and she gave me wisdom that I still carry with me. She reminded me to remember God’s truth. So when you’re struggling to find those friends and connections you desperately want remember to keep God’s truths in your mind. Don’t let Satan’s lies become your truth.   There may be times we hear ourselves say, “no one wants to be my friend”, “I’m too awkward”, “my house is too messy”, etc.  Yet, God tells us, he is always there for us, he provides for our needs, he made us in his image.  We allow our minds to think a clean house and perfect conversation is what people are looking for, but I know for me it was to feel connected and not alone.  All the other stuff disappeared and didn’t matter when together with a friend.

Sports/Play Dates

We have been so blessed to meet other mom’s with children the same age from gymnastics or their preschool programs.   It’s helpful to get involved in your community.  Make those connections and invite people over in to your home.  Take the leap!

After using these ideas to make the initial connection, it didn’t just stop there. It took work of reaching out and texting them, checking in, asking how they are doing, listening, encouraging, sending cards, food, etc.

I hope this encourages you to keep fighting to find/make your Mom Group, you can place around you and support you when you need it.

Below are some bible verses I have found to be good reminders and motivators. Enjoy.

Hebrews 10:24-25 — And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,  not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Ephesians 4:29 — Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Hebrews 3:13 — But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

Philippians 2:3-4 — Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Meet Julia!

Julia is a wife to her high-school sweetheart, a mother to two beautiful girls and a follower of Christ.   She loves crafting, teaching and is forever grateful for a God who is in control of all unknowns and thankful we can have a peace that surpasses all understanding.