My Decade 2010

As we approach 2010 I’ve thought in depth about the fact that this will not only be a new year, but an entirely new decade. The last decade has been the worst in my life. However, when I really thought about specific moments and times in the last decade I also came to realize that it’s also been my best. I began to reminisce on those intense moments in the last decade both good and bad. So I look back for a moment on the decade of 2000. In 2001 I married the man that I had loved half my life. In 2003 I looked in to the eyes of my first born child Aiden Derae and never knew that I could possibly love anyone at that moment the way I loved him. In late 2005 I lost my grandmother; one of the most amazing women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and even more being her granddaughter (Ruth V Dodson) you remain in my heart forever. In December 2005 I admitted that the man I loved had been unfaithful our entire relationship and was separated and later divorced, something I never thought would happen to me. In February 2006 I was given my second miracle from God Anica Destiny and who knew I could love another person just as much as I loved my son. That same year I lost my grandfather Charles Gallihugh I love you more than pigs love slop he use to say (smiling) you are remembered always! In early 2009 my daughter had pneumonia and at one point they said there is nothing else we can do, but I knew I could pray. Becoming a single mother was one of my most devastating challenges. I lost great friends who betrayed me and I felt very alone for a very long time. I felt as if no one understood and I still think most people don’t unless they walk where I have walked. In losing friends I also gained friends ones who were true, who encouraged me, who cried with me and laughed with me and helped me to heal. In November of 2007 I rededicated my life to God and I’ve had hardships since then, but he’s taught me so much about me and others who I have the pleasure of them sharing their lives with me. He forced me to find out who I really was. And in looking back it’s been my greatest decision in this decade!!

God gave me direction when I was lost, he gave me encouragement when I was down, he gave me confidence when I wanted to give up, he showed me how to forgive when I thought that wasn’t an option. He gave me protection when I was in danger. He gave me strength when I was downright tired of fighting this life. He gave me vision when I couldn’t really see. He gave me peace in the midst of a lot of anger. He’s given me more than I could ever list in some post on this blog. Most importantly he gave me something that no one else could; he gave me life when I was dead. He truly made me a brand new person and I never want to go back to that old life. He gave his life so that I could be free and I am forever grateful.

So all that being said; this is “My decade 2010”. Every New Year brings great possibilities; chances for dreams to come true, for old friendships to be rekindled and new ones to take form, for parents to teach their children how to make the most of everyday. It’s time to forgive others, to let go of anger we’ve stored in our hearts. It’s a time to remember the legacy those who have gone before us have left behind. It’s a new year to find love, to love and be loved for all we hold inside. It’s finally that moment where you can be everything you were always meant to be. It’s a great chance to heal the wounds that time has pressed on us. Most of all it’s a time to surrender all to Jesus, to love him more than you ever have before, to let him take complete control of your life. It’s time to let him lead, guide, and direct us on the path laid before us and so much more. You will never regret living for Jesus. It’s a brand new year, a brand new decade, and a brand new start.

My wish for you in 2010 is that you all reach your full potential and that God truly blesses you beyond measure the way I know he truly can and does. May God go with you and yours into a new decade and may it be our best yet and thank you for all those angels I call friends that you sent me Lord, without them I’m not sure I’d be where I am today. I love each of you!

I Will Follow You

Don't know where to begin
Its like my world's caving in
And I try but I can't control my fear
Where do I go from here?

Sometimes its so hard to pray
When you feel so far away
But I am willing to go
Where you want me to
God, I trust you

There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees
So let the waters rise
If you want them to
I will follow you

I will swim in the deep
Cuz you'll be next to me
You're in the eye of the storm
And the calm of the sea
You'll never be out of reach

God, you know where I've been
You were there with me then
You were faithful before
You'll be faithful again
I'm holding your hand

There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees
So let the waters rise
If you want them to
I will follow you

God your love is enough
You will pull me through
I'm holding onto you
God your love is enough

Parts of a song by Mikeschair



This song has played a million times in the last few weeks over and over again in my mind. I sing it through out the day. I've met those times when it feels like your entire world may collapse. My backs been against a wall and I've faltered and even fallen flat on my face. During some of those intense times of trial I wondered, "God do you hear me, are you listening; are you even there?" But each time I was in the eye of the storm he reminded me that he knew where I'd been, that he loved me even then, that he had been faithful to show up each time I needed him and always "on time". We forget sometimes that we have an "enemy" and he wants to pick us apart, it says Satan came to kill, steal, and destroy. He wants us to fail, to surrender, to give up; he wants to pull us to our knees. He wants to drive us so deep that we believe we will drown in that raging sea, but hear me child of a King, he's been faithful before and he WILL be faithful again. God will always be enough, he will always make a way; he will always go before you, he will always see you through this time of trial. And above all I pray whatever God's will for my life be "then let it be". We will be tested and tried, no doubt about that, but it's been said "if God be for us who can be against us". If we'd only get it deep down in our souls, if we'd only remember what God's always been, if we'd only remember where he brought us from, if we'd only give him all of us, and then fully trust and rely on God to handle every aspect of our lives. If we'd really believe that God ALWAYS comes through we will ENDURE.

And Remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY

God Bless You!!

I NEED YOU MORE

I need You more
More than yesterday
I need You Lord
More than words can say
I need You more
Than ever before
I need You Lord
I need You Lord

More than the air I breathe
More than the song I sing
More than the next heartbeat
More than anything
And Lord as time goes by
I'll be by Your side
Cause I never want to go back To my old life

By Lindell Cooley
(not sure who else sings this, but the website I found the lyrics on had this name)

It seems like such a simple song doesn't it, yet everytime I hear this song or everytime my children are singing it my heart moves. I think of all that's behind me and I'm thankful its back there because I never want to go back to my old life. That life taught me a lot yes, it taught me about pain and heartache and sadness and tears. It taught me about all the mistakes I never want to make again. It taught me all about the person I never want to be again. It taught me about all the words I never want to say again and all the thoughts I never want to think again. It taught me all about who I am nothing like today. I'm not perfect and I do make mistakes still, but I've got a new life that replaced a very sad life. I still cry sometimes and there are still heartaches, but nothing compares to the love of Jesus. Nothing compares to knowing how much I needed him today and how much more I need him tomorrow. Nothing compares to knowing that I just can't make it without him and nothing compares to knowing that he rescued me from my old life. And since it says in his word that there is no respect of persons then he will rescue you too.

Romans 2:11 - For there is no respect of persons with God

And Remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY

God Bless You!!

IM FORGIVEN

Well the past is playing with my head
And failure knocks me down again
I’m reminded of the wrong
That I have said and done
And that devil just wont let me forget

In this life I know what I’ve been
But here in your arms I know what I am
I’m forgiven I’m forgiven
And I don’t have to carry
The weight of who I’ve been
Cause I’m forgiven

My mistakes are running through my mind
And I’ll relive my days, in the middle of the night
When I wrestle with my pain, struggle with my pride
Sometimes I feel alone, and I cry

When I don’t fit in and I don’t feel like I belong anywhere
When I don’t measure up to much in this life
Oh, I’m a treasure in the arms of Christ

By Sanctus Real

When I got down on my knees at a little altar to tell God I was sorry for all the wrong I'd done, that I was sorry for the woman I'd become, that I was sorry for all the times I let him down, I know there wasn't a waiting period, I know he forgot and forgave me at that moment. He never threw those mistakes in my face again. But, the devil has a way of making us remember every bad word we've spoken, every wrong decision we've made, every person we let down, every person we hurt, every toe we stepped on along the way, every bad choice, and every single mistake that ever crossed our path. He does remind me in the middle of the night; when I lay awake looking at my children I am reminded of all the pain I could have saved them from if I had followed God's plan for my life and not made the mistakes I did. That and all of those failures I've made in my life come to haunt me often and they tell me I'm not good enough, that I should just give up, that I'm never going to amount to anything and that I'm still not worth it and that may be all true except and I love this part "When I don’t fit in and I don’t feel like I belong anywhere - When I don’t measure up to much in this life - Oh, I’m a treasure in the arms of Christ." And I do feel alone and I do cry often when no one hears me, when my children have laid down to rest and its just me alone wondering if I'm doing right by my children. Except now as opposed to then I cry to Jesus and I tell him I'm lost and I need you to lead my way, I'm broken and I need you to fix me, I'm a mess and I need you to clean me up, and I can't do this on my own. And then every so often even though I have a long way to go and I'm not perfect he reminds me of who I am now. I may not be much, but I am the child of a King and I am a single, hardworking, independant mother who loves her children and more than that loves God. And I don't have to be reminded of my past everyday - it's where it needs to be and its where it is what it is MY PAST becasue IM FORGIVEN. For all of you out there who allows Satan to remind you of your past tell him to get behind you - tell him you don't have time for him, tell him he has no power over you now, tell him if he's got a problem take it up with your Father (Jesus).

And remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY

God Bless You!

THE VALLEY

This will be a short post, but I was on my way to church this morning and a song began to play and I heard the words "even the valleys higher ground, that's why Im up when I oughta be down, that's why I smile when I should be wearin a frown, even the valleys higher ground". I thought on that for a moment and I'm really going through a storm right now which at times blurs your vision. I heard so softly where were you? Me: Where was I? What? When? Again a soft voice: Before!! Me: Oh I said.

Where was I before let me tell you: I was a miserable person. I was a person whom I had grown to hate, a person with no backbone, a person who rarely smiled, a person who cried practically all the time, a person who was very depressed, a person who's marriage was completely falling apart, a person who's friends were having an affair with her husband, a person who didn't run and play with her children. A person who was searching without even realizing it for something, anything that would make me feel something. Searching for some real happiness, searching for a place where I belonged, searching for people who loved me, searching for someone and one day when I couldn't sink any further he found me and now I am a happier and better person because of Jesus. I know I will have battles even when I am a Christian, they don't end the day you become a Christian, but when I look back on the years before I really decided to follow Jesus completely and fully the battles I face now are nothng compared to what I would be without Jesus and where I was. So you see even these valleys are higher ground compared to Where I Was. Thank you God for reminding me where you brought me from, I know I'll face trials, but at least I will have you to carry me when I can't walk alone.

And remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY

God Bless You

THIS IS WHY

It’s been another all alone,
another do it on my own.

The bills are way past due,
and it all rests on you.

The weight is getting heavy,
and it’s about to break this levy.

If I could only stop time for a break,
it’s just a little more than I can take.

I haven’t slept in days,
and who really cares anyway.

And I worry in the middle of the night,
if I’m doing this thing just right.

And most of the time I just cry,
because I wonder if we’ll get by.

Oh and I have some battles to face,
but I know I’m in the right place.

Because I’ve got a name,
no it’s not full of fame.

But I hear them calling Mommy I Love you,
and that’s why I do what I do.

So to all those single moms out there,
you’re a special kind of rare.

And here’s a big “Way To Go”,
because I’ve been there and I know.

Isaiah 40:29 - He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

Phillipians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

This is a poem I wrote this evening, it hasn't been the greatest day and there are times when being a single mom makes you feel as though you can't take one more step. I need Jesus to help me through these trying times and I need the prayers of people who love me. To other single moms hold on, I know its hard and I know you feel like you might be crushed beneath the pressure of all you have to bear. Just remember you're never really alone, call on Jesus, he will give you peace. If you ever need a friend who can relate just call I can listen. Much love and blessings to each and everyone of you!!

And remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!!

God Bless You!!

YESTERDAY IS GONE

There is no guilt here
There is no shame
No pointing fingers
There is no blame
What happened yesterday…has disappeared
The dirt has washed away
And now it's clear

There's only grace
There's only love
There's only mercy and believe me it's enough
Your sins are gone
Without a trace
And there's nothing left now
There's only grace

You're starting over now
Under the sun
You're stepping forward now
A new life has begun
Your new life has begun

And if you should fall again
Get back up, get back up
Reach out and take my hand
Get back up, get back up
Get back up again
Ohh…get…back…up…again…

There's nothing left now
There’s only grace

Part of a song by: Matthew West

A new song that I absolutely love - people always say don't look back or faith doesn't look back it looks up or you can't live in the past. Now all of this is true, but I say take a minute to look back - I do, I look back and I see the pain, the heartache, the tears, the sadness, I see all the things I was and had before Jesus took control of my life. If you've done things you regret or things you're ashamed of then you are human, but once yesterday is gone the memory of your sins are gone too. God loves you and he forgives you and he never remembers them again. You don't have to beat yourself up over and over again for your mistakes. That's just what they are - mistakes that you can't erase, but you can learn from. His grace will always be enough. I remember where God brought me from, I remember who and what I was before he came into my life. I may not know where I am going, but I sure know where I've been and if it hadn't been for God's good grace, I wouldn't have survived many of the battles I've faced in this life. So today take your place, dust it off, say I'm sorry, accept his forgiveness and his love, and take a step. No more guilt from the pain of the past, we are FORGIVEN and GRACE is left. Prayers are with you yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Psalms 103:12 - As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

Isaiah 43:25 - I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for mine own sake; and will not remember thy sins.

Hebrews 8:12 - For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

And remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!!

God Bless You!!

I WILL WAIT WITH YOU

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait


Part of a song by: John Waller

When I heard this song for the first time I thought of all the prayers I prayed that weren't answered. I thought of all the times I asked God for something that never came or never happened. I thought of the prayers I am still waiting on him to answer and then I just thought. As humans we are impatient and ungrateful and after this post please don't think I mean we will always get everything we want or ask for because we won't. We never think that some of the things we pray for aren't in our best interest. That some of the things we prayed would never happen did because they made us better people, better parents, better friends, better spouses, or better Christians. So in a short post today remember this, God never forsakes us, he never lets us down, he never fails us, and he never lies. If God has promised you something it will come to pass. If you are waiting then do just that. God said pray in expectance and pray fervently which in one place is defined as showing great emotion - so pray with all your heart. Also that the fervent prayer will avail which means to be of advantage - so don't give up. If you want something more than anything in this world and it is aligned with God's word and you have his favor I believe God will deliver. Also remember we don't always get what we want the minute we ask for it, God's time is not our time and I believe sometimes he wants to see if our faith will stand, if we will pray until he answers. He wants to see if we will wait and truly hold on to him while we wait. So while we are waiting I will pray he answers your prayers too, that he sends healing to the sick, comfort to the mourning, peace to the depressed, love to the brokenhearted and so on. Let's wait together.

James 5:16 - The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Galations 6:9 - And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

And remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!!

God Bless You!!

I AM A CHRISTIAN

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'."
I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven.

"When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
And need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.

When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow.

Written by: Maya Angelou

I've always loved this poem because it is so true. Many times even as Christians we don't remember where we came from or what we were before the blood of Jesus cleansed us and set us free from the sting of death and the pain of sin. We weren't saved by anything we did, we were saved because God loved us even in our sins. We all did and still do fall short of the glory of God, none of us have arrived or even come close to his perfection. We strive to be more like him, but let's face it we all have those places in our hearts that we wish weren't there or didn't exist. So I just want to remind myself and all of you that I don't claim to be perfect I make my share of mistakes and I wish I didn't, but when I do I call on his name and ask for his forgiveness to cover my thoughts, my actions, and my words everyday. I want to be a loving Christian who shows others a very small glimpse of God's love. We are here to lift up and encourage one another, that's what God's love did for us. He pulled us from a life that had no real meaning and set our feet on stable land. Thank you God for your hand of correction when I need it. In closing I'll pray for you and you pray for me. God knows we all need his forgiveness.

Ephesians 1:7 - In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace

Ephesians 2:8 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God 2:9 - Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Ephesians 2:4 - But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us 2:5 - Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, by grace ye are saved

And Remember

YOU'RE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!!

God Bless You!!

Guidance

A friend from work sent this to me in an email and I just loved it.

When I meditated on the word guidance, I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing. When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person relaxes and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music. One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other. My eyes drew back to the word guidance. When I saw "G," I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i." God, "u" and "I" dance. God, you, and I dance. This statement is what guidance means to me. As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead.-- Author Unknown

Lord please allow this old man to die and for you to be in complete and total control of all my decisions and choices and to lead me in this life.

God Bless!!

If I Could

Someone had this quote on the bottom of an email the other day and it really hit home for me. I thought a lot about my life in general; not just the last few years , but of all my life's struggles and battles and tests and trials. I hated those times of storm, but I've said many times before I wouldn't trade them for the world. All of them taught me something when a love one passed on it taught me to appreciate comfort. When a friend hurt me it taught me to forgive. When someone wronged me it taught me to turn the other cheek. Many lessons in my life taught me about strength and courage and fear and determination and failure and mercy and happiness and joy. We could all think of times when we wished something hadn't happened the way it did or something to that effect, but if you think about it a little more I am certain you could think of a lesson that you learned from it that you wouldn't want to trade.

"If I could wish for my life to be perfect, it would be tempting but I would have to decline, for life would no longer teach me anything." - Allyson Jones

Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

When God is in control of our life every trial we go through will work together for our good and we will be better because of them.

God Bless!!

Sisters

This post is for the wonderful women in my life and for one of my very special friends, thank you BFA for always being there for me, a shoulder to lean on, a heart to love, a voice to soothe, a word to encourage, and so much more.

John 15:13
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

As we think about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, let's remember to not forget our sisters. They'll be more important as we get older. No matter how much we love our husbands, no matter how much we love our children, we are still going to need sisters. Go places with them now and then; do things with them. Remember that 'sisters' mean ALL the women...our girlfriends, our daughters, and all the other women relatives too. "We'll need other women. Women always do. We think "I'm a married woman, for goodness sake! A grownup! Surely my husband and the family we may have will be all I need to make my life worthwhile! If we keep contact with our sisters and make women friends each year. As the years tumble by, one after another, we will gradually come to understand. As time and nature work their changes and their mysteries upon a woman, sisters are the mainstays of our lives. Time passes. Life happens. Distance separates. Children grow up. Jobs come and go. Love waxes and wanes. Some men don't do what they're supposed to do. Hearts break. Parents die. Colleagues forget favors. Careers end. BUT.........Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between us. A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach. When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end. Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you...Or come in and carry you out.

Girlfriends, daughters, granddaughters,daughters-in-law, sisters, sisters-in-law, Mothers, Grandmothers, aunties, nieces, cousins, and extended family: all bless our life! The world wouldn't be the same without women, and neither would I. When we began this adventure called womanhood, we had no idea of the incredible joys or sorrows that lay ahead. Nor did we know how much we would need each other.

God Bless!!

Single Parent Appreciation Day

I know that this date has passed, but on March 21st next year let a friend or family member know how proud you are of them for being a single parent - way to go to those parents who decided being a parent wasn't a burden, but a blessing.

Single Parent Appreciation Day : March 21st

A Follow Up

Someone posted this comment in regards to my "No Not One" post and I really liked these a lot so wanted to make sure you all saw them. Thank you so much for your comments, they help to teach and inspire me too.

Colossians 3:13 "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

"Matthew 6:14-16 "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

God Bless!!

How? With Him!

Someone asked me last week out of the blue "How do you do it?" How do you make it? I didn't have to think for even a second, if you are a single parent and for that matter anyone in this world, the only way any of us survive in this crazy world is by Jesus Christ alone. Yesterday I was sent this in an email and I pondered on it. In the mornings I drive to work and its my time to talk to God, to let him know that I love him so much, that he really is all that I need. That I need and want him to make me better today than I was yeterday. Throughout the day I find myself lost in thought talking to him asking him to help me. And he's the last one I talk to when my head hits the pillow. I realized when I read this that if we could all only see, he's the only one that's NEVER too busy, you can walk with him, talk with him, let him lead your life, guide your steps, he will NEVER leave you. Its a great thing to know you're never really alone. Just call on his name and he will give you PEACE.

"Walk with me," I heard him say,
“Walk with me awhile today."
"Talk with me," I heard him speak,
"Talk with me of the things you think.
"Share with me the things you feel,
Share with me so you can heal.
Cry with me through your heartbreaks,
Cry with me when your soul aches.
Look with me a new sunrise!
Look with me through opened eyes.
See with me the world anew,
See with me my point of view.
Laugh with me in pure delight,
Laugh with me it's all alright!
Sing with me as we stroll along,
Sing with me I love your song.
Learn with me my wondrous story,
Learn with me my glory.
Know with me just who you are,
Know with me we've traveled far.
Create with me and dreams come true,
Create with me I create through you!
Walk with me on Heaven's shore,
Walk with me forever more!

And Remember

YOU'RE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!!

God Bless!!

No Not One

In the last almost 4 years God has caused me to search my heart and soul deep quite a few times for forgiveness. Its a hard thing especially when we feel it isn't deserved. In this life we are all human and as humans things happen, the people we love and/or respect the most fail us, lie to us, they cheat us, dissapoint us, hurt us, say things they don't mean, do things they shouldn't, and break our hearts to the center of our core. At some of those times we tuck bitterness and anger and pain away to a place where only we can recover it when we feel its needed. I heard this song a few weeks ago and it really started me thinking about this forgiveness thing and how God wants us to handle it. As single parents pain and heartbreak and dissapointment just come with the territory, but we all have those moments in our life as people. So ask this question, haven't you? I thought about this a lot, I've hurt friends before not meaning to, but I did. I've caused heartbreak to God many times yet he forgives me over and over and for that I am so thankful, for his mercy I am forever grateful. I'm not saying forgiving those who have wronged you is easy or that it will happen in a moment's time, but I am saying we all deserve a second chance and none of us are perfect; NO NOT ONE.

In prayer with God search your heart and your soul and ask him to help you forgive and even forget the times you've been hurt. When the ones we love hurt us it doesn't always mean they don't love us, it means we all make mistakes. Say you're sorry, forgive those who say they are sorry, pick yourself up, dust it off and smile because you deserve to.

God's still working on some things with me, but he has brought me a long way with forgiving people I never thought I would.

Matthew 18:21-22
21Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

And Remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!!

God Bless!!

What Problem?

Every morning the first thing I say is, "Thank You Lord for waking me up today". Yesterday as I said that I began to think about all the battles and struggles I/we constantly endure as single parents or even just as people. We constantly allow our minds to zoom in on how big our problem/situation is. Then I realized how Satan only allows us to focus our mind on the storms in our life. As I began to wrap my mind around that I realized that I have in the last few months especially, allowed my joy to be taken. I have so much to be thankful and grateful for in spite of any struggle I have. I have two of the most beautiful and healthy children in the world, I have food on my table, clothes on our backs, shoes on our feet, two jobs, God made a way for me to go back to school, I have some of the most AWESOME friends, God always makes a way financially and honestly there have been times when I'm not real sure how he did that. My daughter had severe pneumonia in January and God brought her through. I have a GREAT family. I mean I could indeed go on forever about all the blessings God is placing and has placed in my life. I just wanted to share this with you all because most of the time we have blinders that only allow us to view our circumstance or situation when if we really sat quiet for a moment and counted our blessings we'd truly see we are so rich and our struggles seem so small compared to all we've been given. So I encourage you to look at those problems and don't see how big they are; tell them how big your God is!!

And remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!!

God Bless!!

Moms See

I am so sorry it's been so long since I made a post, as you know life gets busy and some things take the back burner. This was on a friend's blog and I enjoyed it so much that I decided to post it as well. Thanks Tuh, lol!!

Moms see the beauty in dandelion bouquets and know the importance of declaring each and every drawing a work of art.
Moms find the magic in blankets that become tents, in backyard adventures, and stories that fall upon sleepy little ears.
Moms know the fun of jumping on beds and hanging upside-down, and giggles that just won't quit.
Moms are the greatest-especially ones who have the gift of seeing life through the eyes of a child.

Author unknown

And Remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!!

God Bless!!

Prayer

This was sent to me in an email and it says its for a single parent, but I think it can be for any parent.

My God, I have such wonderful children, most precious gifts I do not deserve. My heart melts into joy each time they look at me, each time they call me “Mommy“. When they embrace me or kiss me; all my troubles disappear in a moment. Nothing else matters except their laughter and the brightness of their eyes. You know I would give them everything. I would give them the world if I could. Gladly would I sacrifice everything for them, even my own life if need be. They brought me hope, they gave my life direction and meaning I’ve never known before. Surely Lord, you have saved me through my children. Through them you have made known to me one more reason of how much you love me.

But I am not worthy O God. I feel so incapable of taking care of your most beautiful gifts to me. For what can I possibly give these children? My failures? My brokenness? My shameful past? What can I teach these children? How can I mould them into the people they are meant to be?

What shall a single mom like me pray?
Yet you gave them to me, you’ve brought these children unto my cold and shaking hands. Surely you must know my weaknesses, yet you must have also known I would call upon you to help me and to provide for the things I cannot do.

Help me O God. Heal me of my wounds so I may not pass on to them my bitterness. Heal me of my insecurities that I may teach them how to have confidence. Blot out my sins that they may not be cursed for mistakes they weren’t even aware of, and so that they can have a wonderful future ahead of them. Fill my heart with love even if I’m all alone. For how can I possibly give away that which I do not have? It is not easy indeed to be a single mom. Grant me wisdom. Grant me strength to face a harsh world so I can provide for them and give them everything they need. Say unto me Lord that I am not alone for you will be my husband, and you yourself will be their Father. These children are blessed, this I know, and I thank you for all that you have ever done and all that you have in store for us from your boundless mercy and unceasing love.

AMEN

Bring The Rain

Whew, there have been so many storms lately and I don't mean the weather, but thanks to something bigger than you and I, I've come to realize every storm we struggle through brings us into a bigger and better plan, a better person, and a better life.

There comes great joy at the calm of the storm because from those storms come great lessons, great victories, great overcomers, great strength, and above all its when we truly find out who we really are and all we are made of!!

I've said it before and I say it again, we will ENDURE!! And as I endure I pray God Bring The Rain!! If it takes storms to mold me, to teach me, to build character, to tame me, or to convict me, BRING THE RAIN!! I want to thank you Lord for the rain because without the rain there would never be a rainbow!!

I leave you with this:

Romans 5:3-4 - And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

James 1:12 - Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Romans 8:17 - And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

And remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!!

God Bless!!

Dear God

The single parent reading this is beautiful, classy, strong, and I love them.

Help them live their life to the fullest.

Please promote them and cause them to excel above their expectations.

Help them shine in the darkest places where it is impossible to love.

Protect them at all times, lift them up when they need you the most.

Let them know when they walk with you, they will always be safe.

I Love you single parent!!

Prayer for our Children

My sister-in-law invited me to her church on Wednesday nights for a new program for children called Pirates Patch. The parents have their own sermon there and the title of the pastor's sermon was "How to Pray for our Children". I thought he had some great ideas and there were some that I never really thought about praying for my children. So I thought I would share them with you too.

• Pray that they will know Christ early in their life
• Pray that they will have a hatred for sin
• Pray that they would get caught when they are guilty
• Pray that they will be protected from the evil in each area of their life
• Pray that they will have a responsible attitude
• Pray that they will respect people in authority
• Pray that they will desire the right kind of friends and will be protected from the wrong ones
• Pray that as they get older they will be kept pure
• Pray that they are protected from the wrong mate and saved for the right one
• Pray that they will learn to submit totally to God and resist Satan "that they will be sold out, on fire to God"
• Pray that they will be hedged in away from the wrong people, places, and things
• Pray that they are single hearted

Some of these may be hard for us to do, but the one that I thought about the most was that they would be sold out to God because I believe if they do that the rest will be taken care of by our Father. Here are some of the scriptures he used and the first one is one that I have prayed every night since I became a single mother. I don't know about you, but in the world we live in I want my children to grow up as great men and women of God, I want them to serve him with all their heart and never believe that the world has more to offer them than the man who died for us all.

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

Psalms 63:1 - O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; - Bullet #1

Romans 13:1 - Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. - Bullet #6

Proverbs 1:10 - My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. - Bullet #7

Proverbs 1:15 - My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path: - Bullet #7

Job 1:10 - Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. - Bullet #11

James 1:8 - A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. - Bullet #12

And remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!!

God Bless!!

Before I Was A Mom

Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on. Pooped on. Chewed on. Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know I was capable of loving so much, before I was a Mom

SMST

My friend Tonya sent me this little acronym today and I thought it was great so I wanted to share!!

S M S T

Single Moms Stick Together

Will You Finish Strong?

Today I would like you to view this video, from now on I never want to say "I CAN'T". I will do my best will be the least I can say!!



"Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true." Leon J Suenes



We as single parents have already decided that we were ready to pay any price to be with our children. Dare to continue to dream your dreams and make them come true, don't hope or wish they do, make them happen.

Encouragement in this Journey

I am not really sure where to start on this post. Lately lots of thoughts have been rolling over in my spirit. The one thing that I have thought most about was how we beat each other down so often instead of stepping to the edge of a steep cliff and reaching down a hand or even cheering from the depths of our soul to the one who climbs where we have climbed. I know some of us and by that I use myself as an example are angry about the hand we have been dealt, I pray daily about it, I ask God to help me understand and to help me deal with this life with a new zeal, with a new outlook, with a fresh start to all the excitement and chance he has for me in this journey I have yet to comprehend. I know we feel sorry for ourselves sometimes and it seems like our pain has to be much greater than everyone else's.

Why are we doing that? Why aren't we helping each other, even the ones who have it better than we do yet are so far away from the grasp of happiness that we can't see it past our own burdens? We should be there with a phone call, a card in the mail, a prayer, and any and all things to let each of us know we aren't alone; we aren't the only ones struggling along in this crazy journey called life.

It is my prayer and I am speaking from my own guilt that from now on I look past my own pain, past my own struggles, past my own storms and battles to reach for the ones who feel like they have been forgotten, the ones who have no one else to turn to, the ones who feel like they are all alone in this journey. We can and should help each other. We can and should lift each other up, lend our shoulders to cry on, lend our ears to listen without speaking, lend our hearts to love these broken and hurt FRIENDS who believe life is just making it through the next day.

So in this short post I leave you with this:

Joshua 1:9 = Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Be encouraged today for you are never alone in this journey. Read my next post, you are going to be better than fine, we can do anything we put our mind to.

And remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!

God Bless!

Tough Times Don't Last

But Tough People Do.

Encouraging you today, God goes before you on this journey, seek him for peace, hope, and faith, there you shall find what you are in search of.

Hope In Our Journey

I want you to know there is hope in this journey, if we trust and believe in our Master, the only one who can bring peace, joy, and love and shine it brightly in the midst of this dark storm than we can come to grip with the fact that we will endure this journey and we will be stronger and better, and wiser because of every lesson learned.

Please listen to the words of this song, I know it feels like your pain will never end and the darkness looms closer than you wish to envision. The rain does not last forever and there is a rainbow after every storm. Hold on friend and we'll ride this storm out together under our Master's shelter.

A friend told me recently, "God's time isn't our time and what the devil causes us to believe is a great hurricane is only the wind, it will be over soon, hold on to your hope."

And remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!!

God Bless!!

Strength in this Journey

I have said this many times before and I am sure I will say it again; it amazes me how mostly women don't know what strength they hold deep inside until at some moment of great weakness we are forced to find it. I know there are days when you feel like you aren't strong and there are more days when you feel like crawling in a hole and giving up. But I just want to encourage you today; you are much stronger than you even know.

Every storm, every struggle, and every battle even though we don't want to endure them they bring forth more great strength that you don't even know is buried deep inside. I have said many times that there was a time that I am not really sure I knew who I was. At some point when I started this journey I can't even count the number of times I said or thought "I can NOT do this." Why do we do that?

You have great strength. You get up in the morning to get ready for work, to get your children ready for school or daycare, breakfast must be made, notes are there to be written and signed, its off to work, and some of us leave that job and head to another one, you get home and there is homework to help with, clothes to wash, bills to be paid, a home to clean, dishes to wash, dinner to be made, baths to be given, stories to be told, prayers to be said, and your head hits the pillow just in time to hear the alarm going off it seems. And you do all that just to start the same routine over again the next day. How do you do it and still remain sane and still focus with energy and zest to face the world out there? I believe it's because God knew you had a strength held inside that carried far beyond your own imagination. You aren't weak, you aren't going to give up, and let's face it you're tough. You've got what it takes to fight this giant and come out a winner.

I know there will be days when you feel completely exhausted and you want to just hide behind anyone or anything that will allow you to ignore that struggle you have been dealt.

I heard this great little line a while back;
When life knocks you down to your knees just remember you are in the perfect position to PRAY!! This alone will give you great strength.

You are strong, you have great strength, sometimes we forget how to be strong until being strong is the only choice we have. Not to mention let us not forget that through our strength we will gain some great rewards: the love of our children.

And remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!!

God Bless

Our Failing Journey

Right now the loves of my life are peacefully sleeping in beds within eye distance probably off somewhere in dreams of blue skies with colorful kites; a world away from reality where happiness fills their souls; a place where sometimes I am caused to believe only their dreams can take them. What am I talking about you might ask?

I remember when I found out that I was going to be a mommy; it was the most wonderful news that had ever touched my ears; shortly after the fear of failure and just the general fear of becoming a parent set in. When they placed that special gift upon my chest that fear rang louder than any emotion I have ever felt. I wanted to do everything right and give him the very best life possible with lots of love and promises of hugs and kisses. At that time I never imagined that a few, what seemed like short years later I would be facing that fear in the eye with a small toddler and an infant to raise; and I would be facing that fear alone.

(Laughs) You might as well just throw in the towel now. Yep, might as well run away as far as your few bucks can get you right? All of my failures as a mommy already echoed daily in my heart. You promised them a home with love and now their father is gone; what kind of home only has one parent? You promised them security and how can they have that when you can't even keep your family together? You can't do anything right. You're too tired all the time for your children. Your daughter has colic and that must be your fault too because of all the stress the nine months you held her in your womb. You weren't a good wife because if you were you would still have a husband. You're about to lose this apartment, you have two jobs and still can't make enough money. You can't give them what they need; you can hardly take care of yourself. Exactly what was I doing being a mommy when I was a big failure? Does any of this sound familiar?

Then one night I was sitting on my couch crying which I did a lot at that time and my 3 year old son wiped a tear from my cheek and said "it will be alright mommy don't cry."

At that moment I realized I was not a failure and I wasn't a bad mommy. I made a promise and I was NOT giving up without a heck of a fight. I want you all to know you are NOT a failure. A failure gives up when the going gets tough, a failure does not take responsibility, and most importantly a failure walks out on great miracles that are bestowed to them.

Every decision we make in regards to our children will shape who they will become when they are older. Every time we forgive when someone doesn't deserve to be forgiven we teach them what strength we hold deep inside. Every time we fall down and we get back up we teach them determination. Every time we look fear in the eye and keep going we teach them courage. Every time we help someone less fortunate than us we teach them compassion. Every time we listen, we pray, we talk, we hug, we love, we laugh, we teach them the kind of people we expect them to become. They are listening to everything you say and they are watching everything you do. They will be better because you are their mommy. They will be better because you didn't give up on this journey that causes you to only see your weaknesses when you have more strength than you will ever know.

It's funny though that even after years have passed the fear of failure sometimes comes to laugh at me and tell me I'm not good enough and I can't do this, it still taunts me and tells me lies that grip my heart with sadness and fear. I don't know if this happens to any of you or not. I believe it even happens to homes with two parents so I am pretty sure as a single parent we are afraid of failure because we want them to have all the best things that life can possibly offer them. Unfortunately we have to do that as ONE parent.

So I leave you with this. . . . .
Galatians 6:9 = And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

You are VICTORIOUS and you can and will endure this journey. One day when your children are grown you will look back on this journey and the seeds that you did sow in their hearts will have brought forth great men and women who will be thankful for ONE big heart that decided it wasn't a failure, it was a MOMMY!!

And remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!!

God Bless!!

A Blessed Journey

Today I am happy that you and I both have the pleasure of hearing my second Single Mom Journey Story - so here it is. . . . .

My little ray of sunshine definitely was not planned. I found out I was pregnant and immediately wondered what in the world I was going to do. I could hardly take care of myself. I called the “father” and his first words to me were “are you going to have an abortion I will pay for half of it”, when I heard those words I instantly got angry and then started to cry. I could never have an abortion for more than one reason it is wrong.

So after my little one got here we decided to work things out. After about 8 months we decided to move in together and I thought everything was ok until one Sunday afternoon he decided he wasn’t happy and was moving out. All I thought about was how I would provide for my little one without the extra income. I made up my mind that I would make it work and my little one would be healthy and happy. It has been quite the battle in and out of court, lots of tears, and hurt. This experience has made me a stronger person than I could have ever been. My little girl is now 6 and is the happiest little girl ever. Even though times have been tough, I have done a lot of praying and had great friends and awesome family that have been there through the good times and the tears.

Being a single mom has been trying, but all in all I would not have it any other way. I love my life. I have my little girl who is healthy and happy and a great support system and that is all I need.

So anyone who says that it can not be done has never tried!!!!!!

I giggle at this story because if you have ever met this little girl and some of you have; you would know how true this statement is. She is a little girl that is full of life, laughter, giggles, fun, and free. She makes you laugh. She is better because of you and you are doing a great job. I know as single parents we struggle with so many thoughts. She is beautiful and sweet and tender hearted. We love her. May God go with you on this journey and I'll be praying for you and your little ray of sunshine always.

And remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!!

God Bless!!

Our Joy Comes In The Morning

This is a story of a woman's journey to becoming a single mom. I know there are days when we think this journey is unfair or difficult and there may even be days when you just wish you could disappear - it isn't because your children aren't the love of your life - its just that sometimes the weight of all you have to bear seems like it is much more than you can handle.

1 Corinthians 10:13 = "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

This tells us that God will never give us more than we can handle and in our storms he will provide an escape for us.

My friend Angie sent me a comment one day that said "You were only given this life because you are strong enough to live it" and I believe God knows our strength long after we have forgotten. So here is my first Single Mom Journey Story.....


I am a single mother of a very energetic; sometimes mouthy 4 year old little girl. My becoming a single mom was a blessing and a curse all in the same. When my daughter was almost 8 months old her father beat me up and I was admitted to the hospital. I was unrecognizable! Without my daughter I do believe that I would not be here today. She truly is my guardian angel and she saved my life. It was only through her screaming that her father stopped and finally realized what he was doing. Needless to say he is no longer a part of my life and so far hasn't been a part of my daughter's life either. My daughter is very smart and so beautiful and I wouldn't trade my life for anything. I struggle to do right by her and to provide her with the things that she may need to carry her through life. I want to make sure that she is well rounded and that she knows that no matter what I may have had to deal with to get her to adult hood I would do it all over again without a second thought. I am truly blessed that I have a wonderful mother who helps me and a loving family that is always willing to lend a hand. This road is not easy, but I know that the Lord will only give me what he knows I can handle.

As a dear friend of mine I cried when I received this in an email today. Sometimes I don't realize how truly blessed I am - just when we think we have it bad someone reminds us of how blessed we are and they remind me of how strong they really are even when they think they aren't. I love you girl and may God go with you on this journey - I will be praying for you and your little princess always.

All that being said "Our Joy Comes In The Morning", I ponder often at the curse yet blessing in disguise because when we really start to count our blessings - we have more than a King could wish to obtain - we may have a journey to struggle along, but we obtain what money can't buy - laughs, cuddles, hugs, kisses, good nights, good mornings, bedtime prayers, songs they sing like the Itsy Bitsy Spider that my children and I sing every night before bedtime; I remind them that this song is about never giving up and always to try try again. We get the I love yous, the stories about their day, their hopes and dreams, we know what they want to be when they grow up, we know what their favorite food is or their favorite bedtime story and I could go on and on about all the wealth we hold in our hearts. At the end of the day all I know is life doesn't get much better than knowing I get to have all of them all of the time.


If you would like to share your story I will not post your name, but would love to hear all about your journey.

And remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!!

God Bless!!

Our Financial Journey

Money, Money, Money, being a single parent comes with a lot of money worries; heck being two parents comes with a lot of money worries. I don't really have the answers to fix your money problems, but I know who can give you some peace about it. I know your long nights of wondering how you will pay the rent next month or if your lights will be cut off or trying to figure out how to explain to your children that cartoons won't be on their TV anymore. I know in the grand scheme of things that really isn't important, but in the life of a 5 and 3 year old living with out Imagination Movers, the Sprites, or Dora can be very devastating, ha ha and I hate feeling like they are being punished for their parent's failures.

We juggle the debt that comes in every month and if you asked and I really thought about how I have made it in the last three years living alone and paying the bills alone the only thing I can really think is God. I remember times that I got the cut off notice for my lights and I remember thinking I don't have the money, it just isn't there, I would pray late into the night. Out of the blue someone would drop by to see me and leave money on the top of my fridge when I wasn't looking, I would get a deposit back that I had paid in the mail, or someone would bring a bag of food by and believe me they always came just when I needed them. I know some people think it just happened, NO, I believe that was God reaching down a mighty hand and saying I'm still here and I am still taking care of you ye of little faith. I know what its like to decide which bill you will pay and which one just has to wait, I know what its like to eat the same thing twice in the same week, and I know what its like to have your cell phone cut off because the water bill must be paid first. I know your financial struggle.

As I said I don't have the answers, but I wanted to write this post to let you know you are not alone in that bill juggler struggle. And I wrote this post so you could read this:

Matthew 6:25-33 = "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet YOUR heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more VALUABLE than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the pagans run after these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be given to you as well.

Now I am not saying you won't worry because its our human nature, but if we have faith that God will do as he has promised and we seek him first and pray and are faithful unto him and he feeds the birds and clothes the lilies then won't he too take care of his children?

So let's try to help each other, to some of you these ideas may sound crazy, but when you are a single parent you can have some pretty off the wall ideas to save money. First I want to say don't let your pride get in the way of dealing with your financial journey. Accept gifts such as food and except them with thanks. I believe God places those burdens on someone else's heart to help us when we need it most.

• I found out about this website from my friend Renee, http://www.angelfoodministries.com/ . This site is actually for anyone, but for a single mom it's a great program. You pay 31.00 for a box of food, when I say box, it's probably the amount of food you would pay 60 or more for at Foodlion. You place your order online and pick it up the third Saturday of every month at the Baptist Church in Orange. They have several different boxes and there are lists online.
• Clip coupons and use your MVP to your advantage whenever you can
• Car pool
• Work out a plan to have dinner with another single parent and their children (you cook one time and they cook the next time).
• Throw all your spare change in a jar and at the end of the month cash it in, may seem crazy, but sometimes that can be 20.00 or more
• If you have clothes that are in good shape you can take them to Terri's Place in Orange, she will set up an account with you and you get part of the money from your sales - great way to get rid of the clothes your children have outgrown.
• When spring and summer get here take a walk with your kids and pick up cans, newspaper, copper, lead, or metal - there is a place in Culpeper called "Wise Recycling" that gives you money for them - sometimes its only 3 cents a pound, but once again if you only get 20.00 its more than you had : )

I know they are all little things and in the long run don't save what you feel is needed, but for a single parent a dollar is a dollar. If you have any money saving ideas, please post a comment.

In closing of this post, don't worry; my friend Angie sings a song: I lean on you Lord, I lean on you Lord, for the things that I need I lean on you, when I don't know what to do I have the faith you're gonna see me through to supply my every need I lean on you.

God provides and he will take care of us all.

And remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!!

God Bless!!

You Are Doing A Great Job

And remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!!

God Bless!!

Our Single Parent Prayer

Lord Grant Me

Time Enough

To do all the chores, join in the games, help with the lessons, say the night prayers, and still have a few minutes left over for me.

Energy Enough

To be bread baker and bread winner, knee patcher and peacemaker, ball player, and bill juggler.

Hands Enough

To wipe away the tears, to reach out when I'm needed, to hug and to hold, and to tickle and to touch.

Heart Enough

To share and to care, to listen and to understand, and to make a loving home for my little family.

Found this on Photobucket.com

And remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!!

God Bless

Joining Your Journey

Hello my name is Candy and I am a Christian single mother of two. I was given a Christmas present by a dear friend Jessica; a book called My Single Mom Life by Angela Thomas. This book has truly changed my life and my way of thinking about being a single mom. I became a single mom a little over three years ago and it has been the biggest battle; yet at the same time the biggest blessing I have or will probably ever know. I decided that I would like to start a blog so that we can join together to encourage one another on this daily walk and journey as single parents.

So today we decide, today we choose, there are many paths on our journey and which one we take will determine the success of our journey. I say we take the high road; it's not fair that we have to do this alone, but as they say it is what it is. So let's hold our heads high and pray to God that he leads us and guides us and directs us. Let's pray that he helps us to raise our children in the way they should go. We can do this, we will do this and our children will be better people because we made a difference in their lives. We will have struggles, but everyday with our children is the greatest blessing and gift God has placed in our responsibility.

I have two children; a boy 5 and a girl; almost three. Becoming a single mom was never something I planned on, but here I am and I have miracles that God blessed me with that need me and need guidance and protection. And I darned well plan on being the best single mom I can be. With God's grace and mercy and with every prayer he hears (and he does hear them all) I know my little family will be just fine!!

I look forward to hearing each of your stories and sharing mine.

And remember

YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB ON THIS SINGLE PARENT JOURNEY!!

God Bless!!