YUMMommy

Blog

  • Thankful Thursday

    “Oh, give thanks to the Lord!  Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the people!’

    ~1 Chronicles 16:8 
    I’ve said time and time again on this blog that one of my reasons for starting this blog was to inspire others to share their story.  Whatever it may be, I think that if we all shared experiences, learned lessons, etc we would change the lives of billions.  I truly believe that our world has the potential to be a better place and it starts with us.  So, imagine my joy when a college friend and YUMMommy supporter posted on my Facebook page that he had started his very own blog because I had inspired him to do so!
    Talk about an honor.  And a humbling experience as well.  To have inspired and moved him enough to the point that he felt motivated and took the steps to start up his own blog and put himself out there on such a public platform is truly the ultimate the gift for me as a blogger and a friend.  This just proves that the seeds we plant in others, whether by words or action, makes a difference!
    And what more could we possibly hope for out of our lives besides making a difference and leaving a lasting mark on this world we live in?  I am beyond thankful for the opportunities to push others, to inspire them or touch them in way. 
    I know without a doubt that his blog is going to touch so many.  It’s just what’s missing in today’s society where our younger generation of young men and women are lost and look to media platforms to guide them on how to live their lives.  It’s time that those of us, who are putting out positive messages and challenging some of this negative ignorance that has been put out there, to come out of the shadows and speak up.
    So, I hope that you all will stop by and check out DeAndre’s new blog, My 3 Cents and show him some love on his first post.  It’s way better than what my first was.  Trust me, you won’t be disappointed if you subscribe to his blog!
    Just remember as you go throughout your day to be mindful of the seeds you plant in others and to be appreciative of the seeds that others have planted in you.  

    http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=259556

  • Bible 365: Week 13

    I’m sure that by now many of you are wondering if you are experiencing deja vu.  1 Chronicles and 2 Chronicles “present the same story line as First and Second Kings but from a different perspective and by a different storyteller.”  So, we’re pretty getting a different point of view about the reign of Kind David and King Solomon.  Remember, there’s always more than one side to every story!  Here are a few of the verses that stuck out to me in Week 13.
    “Do not touch My anointed ones and do My prophets no harm, ” reads 1 Chronicles 16:22.   I’ve heard this verse a million times.  I like it for the simple fact that it helps me to be mindful of how I treat people.  (Kinda like the ‘Golden Rule.”)  In today’s society not every minister, anointed one or prophet wears a special collar, robe or name tag identifying themselves as such.  And while we should treat all with love and respect, we often times don’t.  But when you do wrong or evil to God’s ‘chosen’ people, He is especially not pleased.
    You never know if that person you flipped the bird for accidentally cutting you off on the highway a minister or what.  Therefore, strive to treat all people with respect and kindness as you go throughout your day.  Also, in 1 Chronicles 16, David points out what God has been trying to get through to the Israelites since He freed them from the Egyptians.  Verse 25 says, “For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is also to be feared above all gods.”
    The Israelites just couldn’t grasp this concept for some reason.  No matter how many signs and miracles God showed them, they always doubted His greatness.  Despite showing them the consequences of their serving idols and disobeying His commands, they didn’t fully fear Him.  Instead, they chose to fear each other and their gods made of gold or silver that they could see with their eyes.  And I get why.
    I know people argue that Christians are crazy for believing in a God we can’t see and for really thinking He performed acts like parting the Red Sea or making food appear out of thin air.  But what’s the difference from putting your faith in a man made god of gold or silver if you really think about it?  If I drop it or hit hard enough, I can break it.  Thus, I could never see myself as an idol worshiper because in my eyes I’d always be more powerful.  However, with God because I can’t see Him there’s always an added pressure to follow His commands because He could be watching (and is watching).
    We see on the news everyday what happens when people don’t fear God.  They disobey His commandments-killing, stealing and committing fraud.  Others are cheating on their spouses, engaging in acts of lust at the strip clubs and giving in to greed.  I am by no means perfect or sinless but my fear of God and appreciation of His greatness keeps me striving to cleanse myself of the bad habits that I do have.
    And I know many of us believe that Jesus was the only son of God, but 1 Chronicles 28:6 claims, “It is your son Solomon who shall build My house and My courts; for I have chosen him to be My son, and I will be his Father.”  I don’t recall having read too many scriptures in the Bible where God specifically says that somebody is His son.  Yes, we are all His children, but Solomon was called by name to be God’s son and that was a great honor to have.
    Honestly, I think that as a son, Solomon would have been pretty close being perfect if he hadn’t let his wives lead him astray as we read about in Kings.  God gave him the wisdom and knowledge to judge and rule over the Israelites (2 Chronicles 1:1-12).  However, it seems that Solomon’s shortfall was being unable to apply that wisdom and knowledge to himself.
    I’m sure we all know people like King Solomon.  They’re great at giving other’s advice that helps others improve, but can’t seem to live by their own advice better their own lives.
    What keeps you anchored in your walk with God?

    Week 14 Readings
    4/1:   2 Chronicles 15-17
    4/2:  2 Chronicles 18-21
    4/3:  2 Chronicles 22-24
    4/4:  2 Chronicles 25-28
    4/5:  2 Chronicles 29-32
    4/6:  2 Chronicles 33-34
    4/7:  2 Chronicles 35-36

  • Thankful Thursday

    “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”

    ~2 Corinthians 9:15 

    Earlier this week, I came in touch with a young girl who had recently had a baby.  Her baby may have been a few weeks to a month old.  Anyways, she was crying and very distressed because she was down to her last diaper and had ran out of formula.  She didn’t have any enough money to buy both and her family either couldn’t or was refusing to help her.  My heart ached for this young girl.
    I was once a young and single mom with a baby.  It’s scary not knowing how you’re going to provide for your child.  Every month I would get anxious when the diapers or wipes would get low because I would wonder if I’d have enough money to buy the amount I would need to get me to my next payday.   Hearing this young girl’s situation took me back to a place that motivated me to start this blog and share my journey.
    It also made me realize how blessed I am and how thankful I am to be able to provide for my children.  I never realized how much I take being able to walk into the store and buy diapers and wipes for JJ for granted now.  And because I breastfeed, I never worry about milk or formula.  Oh how different my life is from when Moo was a baby.
    But I’m thankful for this reminder of just how far I’ve come.  I’m also thankful that I was where I was when this young lady came to seek help.  It’s inspired me to finally step out on faith and start the charity initiative that I’ve been wanting to start for some time now.  I can’t even begin to count how many times I’ve mentioned how I want to give back and how important it is to me.  And I’ve been tossing around an idea in my head for some time now but have been afraid to get it off the ground for the simple fact that I fear other people won’t be as passionate or provide support.
    But I can’t just ignore a need that I see often times everyday.  I had people who saw my need when I was a single mom and stepped up to the plate to help me through that rough time in my life.  I want to become an advocate and give a voice to the trials that we as parents go through, especially during these hard times.  Not every parent has been lucky enough to not be affected by the economy.  
    So, in the coming days I’ll be releasing more information about The YUMMommy Project.  I have a few people who already offered their support and will help out.  And for that I’m thankful too.  I hope that you all will help out in anyway that you can as well.
    What have you been taking for granted?



    http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=256884

  • Thankful Thursday

    “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”

    ~2 Corinthians 9:15 

    Earlier this week, I came in touch with a young girl who had recently had a baby.  Her baby may have been a few weeks to a month old.  Anyways, she was crying and very distressed because she was down to her last diaper and had ran out of formula.  She didn’t have any enough money to buy both and her family either couldn’t or was refusing to help her.  My heart ached for this young girl.
    I was once a young and single mom with a baby.  It’s scary not knowing how you’re going to provide for your child.  Every month I would get anxious when the diapers or wipes would get low because I would wonder if I’d have enough money to buy the amount I would need to get me to my next payday.   Hearing this young girl’s situation took me back to a place that motivated me to start this blog and share my journey.
    It also made me realize how blessed I am and how thankful I am to be able to provide for my children.  I never realized how much I take being able to walk into the store and buy diapers and wipes for JJ for granted now.  And because I breastfeed, I never worry about milk or formula.  Oh how different my life is from when Moo was a baby.
    But I’m thankful for this reminder of just how far I’ve come.  I’m also thankful that I was where I was when this young lady came to seek help.  It’s inspired me to finally step out on faith and start the charity initiative that I’ve been wanting to start for some time now.  I can’t even begin to count how many times I’ve mentioned how I want to give back and how important it is to me.  And I’ve been tossing around an idea in my head for some time now but have been afraid to get it off the ground for the simple fact that I fear other people won’t be as passionate or provide support.
    But I can’t just ignore a need that I see often times everyday.  I had people who saw my need when I was a single mom and stepped up to the plate to help me through that rough time in my life.  I want to become an advocate and give a voice to the trials that we as parents go through, especially during these hard times.  Not every parent has been lucky enough to not be affected by the economy.  
    So, in the coming days I’ll be releasing more information about The YUMMommy Project.  I have a few people who already offered their support and will help out.  And for that I’m thankful too.  I hope that you all will help out in anyway that you can as well.
    What have you been taking for granted?



    http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=256884

  • Bible 365: Week 12

    Happy Week 12!  I hope that those of you who are following me along with this Bible 365 Challenge are still hanging in there.  Remember the purpose of this challenge is to read the Bible in its entirety within a year. So, if you miss a day of reading just double up the next day.  I understand that life happens and many of us are busy with soccer practice, PTO meetings or band concerts.
    Week 12’s reading was a little depressing.  If someone wasn’t dying, they getting killed off.  Probably the second most violent death and killing in the Bible was Jezebel’s.  Jesus’ crucifixion of course holds the number one spot.  Jezebel was actually a queen.  She had married King Ahab and made more than her share of enemies during that time. 
    If you recall in 1 Kings 19, she tried to have the prophet Elijah killed after he killed the prophets of Baal.  Anyways, Jezebel’s sons became kings after her husband died although Jehu had been anointed king by God (2 Kings 9:6).  However, God knew that Jezebel and her sons wouldn’t just turn over the throne to Jehu.  So, it was prophesied by Elisha that Jehu would kill Jezebel.  And that’s just what happened.
    Jehu decided to go to Jezreel and when Jezebel called to him from the window, he told her court servants to throw her down into the street.  “So they threw her down, and some of her blood spattered on the wall and on the horses; and he trampled her underfoot (2 Kings 9:33).  As if her death wasn’t horrific enough, when he sent guards to go and bury her body all they could find were “the skull and the feet and the palms of her hands” (2 Kings 9:35) because the dogs had eaten the rest of her body as foretold by Elisha.
    When you mess with God’s plans for greatness be careful because there is always a consequence!
    Week 13 Readings
    3/25 1 Chronicles 13-17
    3/26 1 Chronicles 18-21
    3/27 1 Chronicles 22-25
    3/28 1 Chronicles 26-29
    3/29 2 Chronicles 1-5
    3/30 2 Chronicles 6-9
    3/31 2 Chronicles 10-14

  • Bible 365: Week 12

    Happy Week 12!  I hope that those of you who are following me along with this Bible 365 Challenge are still hanging in there.  Remember the purpose of this challenge is to read the Bible in its entirety within a year. So, if you miss a day of reading just double up the next day.  I understand that life happens and many of us are busy with soccer practice, PTO meetings or band concerts.
    Week 12’s reading was a little depressing.  If someone wasn’t dying, they getting killed off.  Probably the second most violent death and killing in the Bible was Jezebel’s.  Jesus’ crucifixion of course holds the number one spot.  Jezebel was actually a queen.  She had married King Ahab and made more than her share of enemies during that time. 
    If you recall in 1 Kings 19, she tried to have the prophet Elijah killed after he killed the prophets of Baal.  Anyways, Jezebel’s sons became kings after her husband died although Jehu had been anointed king by God (2 Kings 9:6).  However, God knew that Jezebel and her sons wouldn’t just turn over the throne to Jehu.  So, it was prophesied by Elisha that Jehu would kill Jezebel.  And that’s just what happened.
    Jehu decided to go to Jezreel and when Jezebel called to him from the window, he told her court servants to throw her down into the street.  “So they threw her down, and some of her blood spattered on the wall and on the horses; and he trampled her underfoot (2 Kings 9:33).  As if her death wasn’t horrific enough, when he sent guards to go and bury her body all they could find were “the skull and the feet and the palms of her hands” (2 Kings 9:35) because the dogs had eaten the rest of her body as foretold by Elisha.
    When you mess with God’s plans for greatness be careful because there is always a consequence!
    Week 13 Readings
    3/25 1 Chronicles 13-17
    3/26 1 Chronicles 18-21
    3/27 1 Chronicles 22-25
    3/28 1 Chronicles 26-29
    3/29 2 Chronicles 1-5
    3/30 2 Chronicles 6-9
    3/31 2 Chronicles 10-14

  • Christmas In March

    You all know that I can’t pass up a good sale.  I’m the queen of not paying full price for anything.  So, when I went to Walmart a few hours ago with my family, I spotted a sale on toys that I couldn’t pass up.  I’ve mentioned that Moo already made her Christmas list out.  Therefore, I was beyond stoked when I saw that some of the items she wanted were marked down by 50% or more!
    Here’s a peak at what I got. 

    My Little Pony & Friends 2 sets in 1 Was $12 Paid $6
    Xia Xia Confetti Cottage Was $10.98 Paid $1
    Littlest Pet Shop Dolphin $3.96
    Play Dough Roller Was $4.97 Paid $2
    La Dee Da Doll Was $19.97 Paid $10

    For $23.96, I’ve pretty much already finished Christmas shopping for one child.  They didn’t have a lot stuff for toddlers JJ’s age.  The stuff they did have, he wasn’t interested in.  Therefore, I didn’t my money getting him any toys.  However, they did have some cute little rockers by Disney and Pixer’s Cars that I’m hoping will get a second markdown!  I really want to get him one but I don’t want to pay the $35 price tag.
    They also had pretty good clearance on youth and toddler shoes but I just purchased two new pairs of shoes for Moo and a pair of sneakers for JJ.  As my mom pointed out tonight, if you’re on a budget or a single parent household then a sale like this a great opportunity that you don’t want to pass up on.  This my friends is why I don’t do Black Friday.  Prices are way cheaper and the great thing is that many of these toys will back in stores for regular price again this upcoming fall.
    When do you start your Christmas shopping?

  • Thankful Thursday

    “Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; but I thankful that thorns have roses.”

    ~Alphonse Karr 

     

    I think Karr has a point.  Just like with the roses, many of us grumble about the real life thorns we battle and remove to get to our goals and dreams.  I found myself grumbling about how trying to set up the new domain for the blog was proving to be a thorn in my side.  The Internet is constantly changing.  Companies are always updating their websites and changing layouts.
    So, when I purchased my domain I thought it would be a piece of cake installing it on the blog.  I’m not going to say I’m a html or website building wiz but I definitely have a lot computer skills.  I know how to Google things that I don’t how to do and follow along with a tutorial.  And that’s just what I thought I’d do with the domain.
    I soon found out that it wasn’t going to be some quick five minute task.  Most of the tutorials I found were either outdated or missing critical information.  Frustration was definitely about to set in and I was about to feel defeated and break down and just pay someone to install the domain for me.
    I decided to take a breather and step back from the computer.  Sometimes, when you relax, you can look at things with fresh eyes again.  Maybe there was something I was reading wrong or just plain missing.  Well, I came back and googled again.  And wouldn’t you know it I hit the jackpot!
    I found a step by step written tutorial and video tutorial to help me set up my domain.  And it was up to date.  Now I’m officially www.YUMMommy.com!  This rose was so worth the thorns.  My own slice of the online gold.  I’m thankful that I didn’t throw in the towel.  I would have missed out on a great learning opportunity.  
    One of my goals from last year was to get better and improve my skills with html and the whole technical aspect of the blog.  This experience helped me to do just that.  I’m also thankful that this past weekend I got to enjoy the lovely warm weather with my family and go out of town with them.  I’m thankful for the new addition to our family.  
    My younger cousin gave birth to first child, a son, this past Friday.  And he’s so handsome!  Let me tell y’all  my cousin was handling those contractions like a pro!  I’m talking we were in that hospital room laughing and having a good time.  I loved how she was very firm on what she wanted in terms her birthing experience and wasn’t shy about being vocal with the staff.
    I’m also thankful that Moo is falling back in love with the idea of starting school this fall.  Recently, she started being anti-school saying that she didn’t want to go.  She’s really worried about not fitting in and what the other kids will be like.  Being down here visiting with family and her cousins around her age that are already in school has kind of given her peace of mind.
    I guess it helps when you have reassurance from someone your age and that you know goes to school.  Moo is under the impression that schools weren’t around when I was born. Yes, to her adults are ancient like dinos. LOL. What until she’s in her twenties.  I wonder if she’ll feel the same?
    What are you giving thanks for today?

  • Almost Wordless Wednesday

    After some trial and error, I’m hoping that in a few hours yummommy.blogspot.com will be yummommy.com.  Yes, I finally took the big step and purchased my own domain for the blog!!  It’s a beyond exciting feeling to officially have a piece of Internet real estate.
    I told you all earlier this year that I really wanted to take YUMMommy to higher heights this year.  This just one of the many steps to do so.  Thank you to everyone who continues to show support, post comments and  share my posts with their followers.  It’s all greatly appreciated!

  • Bible 365: Week 11

    /

    Today has been such a busy day for me that I almost forgot to post the recap for Week 11.  But at last I have found a moment to finally sit down and blog.  I’m looking forward to being more present here on the blog this week and getting up some posts that I’ve been tossing around in my mind for a few days now.  I’ve also been working updating the URL.  This whole domain name changing business can be tricky, but I think that by the end of the week we’ll be YUMMommy.com!  Super excited!!
    If you recall last week, we read a little bit about David’s son, Solomon.  Well, in this week’s reading we get to really meet Solomon and see what he is all about after he is appointed king by David. Before he dies his father instructs him to “…be strong, therefore, and prove yourself a man.  And keep the charge of the Lord your God: to walk in  His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandment, His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do..” (1 Kings 2:2-3).   I loved how David was really trying to stress the importance of walking right in the sight of God.  I truly believe that David’s indiscretion with Bathsheba was probably his biggest disappointment in himself because he knew that he was called  by God and he was supposed to be a righteous leader and role model for the Israelites.
    So, I definitely don’t think he wanted to Solomon to stray from God like he had.  But of course, before Solomon was appointed and crowned king, his half brother, Adonijah had already tried to claim the thrown for himself.  Therefore, it shouldn’t have come as a shocker that after David died, he tried once again to reclaim what he thought was his right to rule over the Israelites by trying to get Bathsheba to convince Solomon to give him Abishag.  Solomon was wise enough to look see that this was his half brother’s way of starting to lay claim to what had been King David’s and the throne was sure to be the next thing he came after.
    Therefore, Solomon had him executed.  I’m pretty sure that this was hard task for Solomon because Adonijah was his brother, but he knew without a shadow of a doubt that if he didn’t strike first Adonijah’s greed and jealously over the throne would have caused him to kill Solomon eventually.  I couldn’t imagine battling with one of my siblings over ruling a nation and having to kill them before they killed me.  However, we know that power sometimes brings out the worst in people.  
    One of the things I admire most about Solomon is that when God told him to ask for anything, Solomon didn’t ask all the money in the world, the finest woman or the best clothing riches could buy.  Instead, he said, “..give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between god and evil.  For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” (1 Kings 3:9).   According to Solomon’s own admission in 1 Kings 3:7, he was a child and had no clue about any of the ruling over a nation business.  I don’t know too many teenagers in these times that if put in a high position of power and then given the opportunity to have been able to pick anything this is world to have would have picked wisdom to make them a better ruler.
    Reading this makes me wonder if I’m doing a good job at raising my children to not be materialistic.  I would like to hope that my children would be like Solomon and ask for a trait or skill that would help them to better serve the purpose that God has intended for their lives.  Don’t get me wrong there’s nothing wrong with having or wanting material things but when you’re able to choose something such as wisdom over riches, that’s when you really know that you’ve grown and that you’re serious about your purpose in life.
    But I wish I could say that Solomon’s wisdom kept him on the straight and narrow all the time, but it didn’t.  You see Solomon had the same weakness as his father and Sampson- beautiful women.  “…he had seven hundred wives, princesses and three hundred concubines; and his wives turned his heart.  For it was so, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned his heart after other gods; and his heart was  not loyal to the Lord his God, as was the heart of his father David” (1 Kings 11:3-4).  Talk about sister wives! I can’t imagine sharing my husband 699 other women!
    Secondly, this is just proof of we let the people closest to us like our spouses lead us down the wrong paths. It’s sad that your spouse would do such things but for some the desire for control overrules our judgment of right and wrong.
    How do handle pressure from your spouse to do things that you’re not comfortable with? 
    Week 12 Readings
    3/18- 2 Kings 7-10
    3/19- 2 Kings 11-13
    3/20- 2 Kings 14-17
    3/21- 2 Kings 18-21
    3/22- 2 Kings 22-25
    3/23- 1 Chronicles 1-6
    3/24- 1 Chronicles 7-12