Monday, September 16, 2013

Dreaming together... Developing Your Family Vision.

Ignite the Fire Christian Marriage blog Series...It’s time with Sheila and her three bloggy friends! They are all writing on the same topic today, so you can read this post and then follow the links to see their unique take on how we can ignite the fire in our marriages.

If we don’t take time to take stock, plan, and develop a vision for our family, it’s very unlikely that we actually live out our values. Other things will creep in and steal our time.  So what is a vision?

A vision for our family, I believe, is simply a plan of how you will live out your values.

God gives us specific visions about specific things we are to do, certainly. But sometimes I think we wait too much for God, and we don’t bother to work with what He’s already given us. And so today I’d like to give you some tools to turn the values that you and your husband already share into a vision for your marriage and for your family.

Here’s how it works:

I’ve got some printables to download that you can pray through and create an “action plan” to live out your vision.It’s divided into three sections: Character things (like what God wants to refine in you); The “Feel” of your home (like what vibe you want your home and family to give off); and Calling things (like what role God specifically has for you as a family).

I’d suggest working through this on three different “date nights”, or nights when you set aside time to talk. Stress to your husband that this isn’t about telling him what he is doing wrong; it’s about you both thinking and praying about where your family is heading. He gets input, too!  It helps you figure out what you value–because each family will value slightly different things–and then it encourages you to break these things down into small, manageable steps that you can do to work toward this goal.

I’d encourage you to work through this sheet with your husband. I’ve tried to keep it simple and relatively short, but with enough “meat” that you can talk about the issues.  I truly hope and pray this helps you.

Download the Printable Worksheets Here

http://tolovehonorandvacuum.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Values-and-Vision.pdf

Most of us do value good things; we just have little vision of how to put that into practice. I pray that these worksheets help you do just that as you develop a true vision for what God wants to do in your family!

Ignite the Fire Challenge: Make a list with your husband about your future marriage dreams and talk about how you can work towards these dreams together. Then spend time praying over this list together.

My three blogging friends have also written on this today, and you can see what they have to say, too!
Courtney from WomenLivingWell, Darlene fromTimeWarpWife.com, and Jennifer fromUnveiledWife.com have all written awesome posts.

I Ignite the Fire Christian Marriage SeriesIt’s time for our Ignite the Fire Marriage blog series, with three bloggy friends! We’re all writing on the same topic today, so you can read this post and then follow the links to see their unique take on how we can ignite the fire in our marriages

I love these bloggers and their ignite the fire marriage series.  Now that we are empty-nesters we need a new plan for our lives together. Hope you take time to dream too!!  Renae

Lunch at Spiros and ferry ride to Seattle

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Are you living your heart's desire?

**what are the hopes that feel silly, the dreams that seem like dares, the quiet longings of your heart that get especially loud sometimes? 
**the capacity to use our imaginations, to have visions, to nurture desires is inherent in who God has created us to be.
**every dream or desire you have that comes from God is an invitation for more intimacy with Him.
**you really are made for more, more of Jesus, more of what he's created you to be, more of what he's called you to do. 
**less of you and more of all he is and all he has for you. 
**you have what it takes to see those dreams come true because you have a limitless God living in you.
**He has given you all you need and made you all you need to be. 
**you are made for more.
FROM www.holleygerth.com
You're made for a God-Sized dream
         Matt. 19:26

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Girlfriends are great!

These are some of my most favorites! You accept me just as I am, you encourage me, you keep me in line,and we have fun celebrating life and our families. not to mention sharing delicious food. I need you and I love you all!!

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Motherhood

In her book titled “The Shaping of a Christian Family” – which is a biography of her  childhood,  Elizabeth Elliott writes:

“There is no nobler career than that of motherhood at its best.  There are no possibilities greater, and in no other sphere does failure bring more serious penalties.  With what diligence then should she prepare herself for such a task?  If the mechanic who is to work with “things” must study at technical school, if the doctor into whose skilled hands will be entrusted human lives, must go through medical school…how much more should the mother who is fashioning the souls of the men and women of tomorrow, learn at the the highest of all schools and from the Master-Sculptor Himself, God.  To attempt this task, unprepared and untrained is tragic and its results affect generations to come.  On the other hand there is no higher height to which humanity can attain than that occupied by a converted, heaven-inspired, praying mother.”

“The process of shaping the child, shapes also the mother herself.  Reverence for her sacred burden calls her to all that is pure and good, that she may teach primarily by her own humble, daily example.”

“All mothers are a quiet servant of necessity, doing the work no one would notice or thank her for – no one, that is, except Him to whom it could be offered as a daily sacrifice of love. “

Sweet mamas – the work you do is SO valuable in God’s eyes.  Continue in your unseen duties and know that God sees you and is pleased with your daily sacrifice of love.  Keep.on.going!

Friday, July 5, 2013

Happy independence day

Westminster woods camping for the 4th of July.....well we have been so blessed to be able to park at such beautiful camp sites so far and this is a wonderful piece of Gods handiwork. The pond is so clear and paddle boating was such fun with our brother and sister-in-law, not much of a race since we had a handicapped boat, a broken paddle...sitting on the sandy beach reminiscing about past camping trips on past 4th of Julys with both my sister-in-laws and my niece.  So peaceful and relaxing.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Saturdays are the best!

Campfire with friends and family last night, and getting to sleep in this morning.  This is the life. This is my view while doing yoga this morning at Kansas point. So very thankful for the way God blesses me.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Firsts

okay so we finish packing up last night we took our last load to Goodwill we cleaned we're ready for closing cooked dinner for the first time took a shower and wash my hair for the first time we're getting settled in and what a beautiful morning to take the dogs for a walk irving and I feel blessed to be on this journey together and I'm also pleased to report that there is an opening at Linden Court for my dad they should be coming home real soon

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Simply

Day one...

Our new adventure has begun...tonight is the first night in our new home; our RV. We spent this last weekend packing, moving, and downsizing our stuff. Thanks to the help of our kids, we are almost completely done; done enough to move "the roamer" to a campground for our first week.  I started out the year with a word...simplify...working towards simplifying our lives giving us the freedom to enjoy our lives and celebrate the moments.  So we put a for sale sign in our front yard and prayed God would send a buyer, at the right time, in his time and he did!!! A cash buyer with no worries about getting financing for leased land.

So now we are on the path towards simplicity but God has expanded my word and given me a new form of the word;
Simply – to simply love, simply live and simply give

To simply love is learning to love without expectations,and learning to be loved, knowing there are no strings attached.

To simply live is to enjoy life to the fullest, breathing in the freshness of each new day, and opening my eyes to see the beauty in every moment.

To simply give is to allow God to use me, just as I am, right where I am, realizing that I have much to give.

By simply trusting my Creator, leaning on Him, I am up for the Journey!!

What about you?  Do you have a word for 2013? What is your focus? What are you working toward? Is God calling you in a certain direction?

Simply,
Renae

Monday, June 17, 2013

News flash...

news flash.....


so, exiting things happenin' around the Hiatt house, we got an offer!!  thats right!!!! we sold our lakehouse! has been a prayer of ours since we built it to sell and it didnt over two years ago...we've been living in it, continuing to enhace the landscape, praying the market comes back up. we told God what we needed was a cash buyer because of the leased land. and so we waited...finally he sent one!!!

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

sun salutations

To get started or to deepen your personal practice, begin to explore sun salutations. This series is sure to bring pep to your step and awaken your spirit. I recommend at least five of these to start and end your day.
  * Ground yourself in mountain pose at the top of the mat. Bring your hands to prayer position in front of your heart. Set an intention.
  * Inhale, extend your arms up over your head.
  * Exhale, reach your arms out to the side as you fold forward.
  * Inhale, step back with your right leg to a lunge.
  * Exhale, step back with your left leg to down dog.
  * Inhale, float your body forward to plank pose.
  * Exhale, drop your knees, bend your arms, and lower into half-chaturanga.
  * Inhale, drop your belly, slide up to cobra.
  * Exhale, curl your toes under, lift your hips up to down dog.
  * Inhale, step forward with your right foot into alunge.
  * Exhale, step your left foot in between both hands to aforward fold.
  * Inhale, extend your arms out to the sides and up. Exhale your hands to prayer in mountain pose.

Artist Date-Creative Fitness w/scriptures


STRETCHING W/THE WORD

Comfortable seated position/Breathe
“Be still and know that He is God” Ps 46:10

Neck Rolls
Shoulder Rolls

Seated Twist/Right hand on left knee
“The Lord God Almighty is with us always.” Ps 46:11

Other side/Left hand on right knee
“The Lord God Almighty is with us always.” Ps 46:11

Shoulder Stretches/Repeat verses

Onto knees
“Let us kneel before the Lord our maker.” Ps 95:6b
Side stretch/Right leg extended right/Left arm up and over bending sideways at the waist.
Repeat on Left
Back to center on knees
“Let us kneel before the Lord our maker.” Ps 95:6b

Hands to lower back/Bend backwards slightly

Prayer Stretch
“Let us bow down in worship before God our creator.” Ps 95:6a

Three breaths.

Alter
“We offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to the Lord.”  Romans 12:1

Tent
“We know that when this earthly tent is destroyed,
We have an eternal home in heaven.”  2 Corin 5:1

Pigeon/Right
“Consider the birds of the sky…yet the Father cares for them…”  Matt 6:26

Alter
“We offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to the Lord.”  Romans 12:1

Tent            
“We know that when this earthly tent is destroyed,
We have an eternal home in heaven.”  2 Corin 5:1

Pigeon/Left
“Consider the birds of the sky…yet the Father cares for them…”  Matt 6:26

Alter
“We offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to the Lord.”  Romans 12:1

Tent
“We know that when this earthly tent is destroyed,
We have an eternal home in heaven.”  2 Corin 5:1

Low Lunge/Right foot forward
“Let us run with perseverance the race set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

Step left foot up between hands/Inhale
Up to mountain
“Exalt the Lord our God & worship at His holy mountain; for the Lord our God is holy.” Ps 99:9

Exhale forward fold
Low Lunge/Right foot back
“Let us run with perseverance the race set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

Step right foot up between hands/Inhale
Up to mountain
“Exalt the Lord our God & worship at His holy mountain; for the Lord our God is holy.” Ps 99:9

Step right foot back
Warrior 2
“I love you, Lord.  You are my strength.”  Ps 18:1

Elbow to knee-Side Angle
Reverse Warrior
“I love you, Lord. Fill me with your strength.”

Bow/Head to knee
“God set the rainbow in the clouds as a sign of His covenant with us.”  Genesis 9:13


Step right foot up between hands/Inhale
Up to mountain
“Exalt the Lord our God & worship at His holy mountain; for the Lord our God is holy.” Ps 99:9

Step left foot back
Warrior 2
“I love you, Lord.  You are my strength.”  Ps 18:1

Elbow to knee-Side Angle
Reverse Warrior
“I love you, Lord. Fill me with your strength.”

Bow/Head to knee
“God set the rainbow in the clouds as a sign of His covenant with us.”  Genesis 9:13

Step left foot up between hands/Inhale
Up to mountain
“Exalt the Lord our God & worship at His holy mountain; for the Lord our God is holy.” Ps 99:9

Forward fold/Flat back
Alter
“We offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to our God.”  Rm 12:1

Down to tummy
Airplane twice

Roll on left/Right quad stretch
Roll on right/Left quad stretch
Roll onto back

Leg stretches

Meditation

Closing prayer
I pray that God blesses each of you and that He empowers us with strength through His spirit as we honor Him each day. Amen.