The Impossible Is Possible
Someone once asked me how in the world I had time to make things from scratch, cloth diaper, homeschool, keep chickens and a garden, ect. While I was a tad flattered, I was also a bit surprised. Maybe I come off as though I have it "all together", but I don't! The Lord is the one who sustains me and keeps me grounded. He is the one who makes ALL THINGS possible, not my own strength. I give all glory to Him to has given me hands to work with, a brain to think with, a family who supports me and a loving, patient husband who shares my passions.

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

My responce to this sweet girl was simply this...if you can make something into a habit, into a routine, and you can stay passionate about it, you're set. You can accomplish MANY things and it won't seem like the impossible. When you first start out with something you're inspired to do (maybe even feel God is leading you to do it), it can seem like an undaunting task. Like the impossible. Start small and work yourself up the ladder slowly. Some things take an upfront cost, but God can and will provide the funds should this be something in His will.

First step ALWAYS...Pray. Is this something you feel God is leading you to do (as small as it may seem)? Is this something that will lead you towards the final goal God may have for you in life? Twice in one week, I have been given the advice to evaluate my life and try to invision what God has for the END result in my life and the life of my family. Where do I see myself using my God-given talents?

We all have them you know. :)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6

"Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4

Second step...Research. If you're really feeling God's calling to start saving money through gardening, do your research! Don't expect to throw some seeds into your front yard and have a beautiful fall garden. Not gonna happen. I've been gardening since I was small (alongside Dad) and I'm learning left and right still. I have SO much more to learn too. It's been neat to watch the Lord lead me to specific books and/or people in my life to help in this specific area. He will guide you too, if you ask Him.

If you're feeling the Lord calling your family to home educate, Research! This is a big step. There are really good days and then there are days when I ask God for the strength to get to lunchtime. There are many blogs/websites out there that make homeschooling look like a breeze. Don't buy into it. Homeschooling is hard work, but it is the most amazing BLESSING and you'll want to share that blessing with others, I promise. ;)

"All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."
Proverbs 14:23

Third step...Be consistent. If you've felt lead to start saving money (and helping lower the numbers of disposable diapers in landfills) by cloth diapering, once you've bought your cloth diapers, stick with it! Get into a routine that works for you. Don't go out and spend tons of money on cloth diapers and then not use them! That's such a waste of money and your husband probably won't be thrilled. Okay. He WON'T be thrilled, period.

If you've committed to baking things from scratch and you've gone out and bought special cook/bakeware for this specifically (don't forget to check Goodwill first!), stick with it. Just because one recipe doesn't work for you, try another and another until you find one that works. I remember my mother-in-law taught me how to make homemade bisquits over the summer and it took me a few times to comprehend the recipe and its measurements, but I stuck with it and now the recipe is memorized in my head and I can whip out a batch of bisquits for dinner in no time. It took staying consistent.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Galations 6:9

Step 4...Enjoy! When you have done steps 1-3, step 4 is the best! Enjoy the fruit of your labor.:) Now, I LOVE cooking things from scratch. I don't always, but when I do, I find it relaxing and it's such a nice feeling to sit down to a dinner that I know I created and put lots of love into it. I know what ingridients were used in the making of the food. I know it's healthy and good for our bodies. I used coupons and bought in bulk on a day when I got 10% off my whole purchase, so I saved money while doing it! Now, I LOVE hanging out my cloth diapers on the line. I have a routine and every Monday, I have close to 40 cloth diapers hanging out on our back line, and it's enjoyable. The kids like to help too!

"Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who walk in his ways. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours." Psalm 128:1,2

Wrapin' Up...

I have so many areas that I still need to work on in my life, but I just wanted to write this post as a "from the heart" sort of thing. We are all just moms or dads trying to do the best for our families, trying to follow God's calling for our lives. If there's an area that you feel God is growing you, follow these steps and He will open or close doors as He sees fit.

PS-I LOVE hearing personal testimonies about these sorts of things. What things have you tried? Do a post on it and I'll link you from my blog. I'd love to hear them!!! Blessings to you sweet bloggin' friends and know that YOU are a blessing to me.

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Hebrews 10:24,25