New Blog Spinoff

In light of how I have struggled to adjust to my new role as an at home wife and mother, I have "birthed" a new blog. You see, I am a teacher to the core. I am a terrible student. I was a bossy child. I was (and am) always right - just ask me! Anyway, I learn best through teaching. Weird, I know.

With all that in mind, I just couldn't NOT write this other blog. I still love my deals and coupons, but growing in my role as a godly wife and mother is of greater importance. God laid this blog on my heart. I will be posting deals here still - most likely daily. I will still post most link-ups here. I have too much to say that is making the Penny Pinching Penguin blog jumbled and not as effective as it could be.

Come join me on my new blog. If you desire to rediscover domesticity, come on over and take baby steps with me!

Have you ever felt alone as a mom? Lost in your chosen field of mothering?

There is an organization that was created to encourage, educate and equip women in the profession of motherhood. Hearts at Home helps thousands of moms love their lives through their many resources including conferences, website, and books.

Recently I partnered up with this organization as a blogger. Over time I hope to share with you the many resources this ministry has to offer (old ones and new). To learn more about the Hearts at Home Blogging team go here.

In the meantime I would like to encourage you to explore their website and blog for an immediate dose of mothering encouragement.

Gratituesday: God Uses the Young

Yes, I have already done a Gratituesday blog for the day. I want to do another one! Why? Because I can! Actually, because I MUST!

Yesterday I was thinking through all the hundreds, no, thousands, no, millions of things I am thankful for. The most pressing WAS how I have learned to stretch our dollars and to be a better steward of our resources. Well, one small moment from yesterday keeps replaying itself in my head and I can't keep from sharing.

Luke 10:21
At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.

I remember years ago hearing a message on how God can use anyone regardless of age or size or even belief in Him. I have seen it happen, but not very recently - until yesterday.

Baby and I were shopping at Kohl's. I had foregone a cart and just carried him thinking we wouldn't be in the store too long. Who knew they would hide the umbrellas?

I set baby on the floor so I could enjoy the feeling of blood back in my arm as I contemplated purchasing a $25 umbrella that Hubby would probably lose within weeks. It was a short contemplation. Near me was a woman shopping for a deal on a purse. I hardly noticed her. Baby, however, crawled right over to her (just a mere 2 feet), raised his hand up to her, and shouted, "HI!" or something that sounded like a happy greeting.

This woman turned around and looked down with great surprise. Her eyes brightened as she engaged Baby in a "conversation." She turned to me and told me how thankful she was Baby said hello to her, you see, her son was going off to college this week and she was very sad. She told me how Baby helped her instantly remember the big picture, remember her son as a baby and how much he has grown.

There is no way I could have known the pain this woman was feeling. She was just another bargain shopper. Baby knew what she needed. I imagine God speaking to his tiny heart and Baby simply obeying. That picture makes my heart lift! Some might say Baby is just an outgoing little guy. True, he is. However, that fact does not diminish the fact that he got to "be God with skin on" to someone yesterday.

Link List

I want to share a bunch of links with everyone. Some are good deals, others are just good reads! Also, a heads up - K-Mart is reported to have a lot of toys on unmarked clearance at up to an extra 50% off! The sale price rings up when scanned. Check your local K-Mart and try the self scanners before going to the registers!

• Blazing Center post on battling self pity
• Easy Meals for Moms blog - great easy and healthy recipes!
• Details on the K-Mart toy sale are HERE, however, the coupon posted has been reported to be declined at many stores although others will take them.
• Details on a 48 hour sale for Southwest Airlines HERE - ends 7/9/09
• Great blog dealing with biblical femininity - check out Girltalk!

THAT Moment

I don't know if I should actually post this. It is quite a bit heavier than the usual. It's been a pretty heavy day, though. The celebrity deaths have brought a lot back.

A couple months ago, I lost a dear high school friend to liver cancer. He left behind a wife and three small children between the ages of 6 years and 8 months. He was diagnosed just weeks before he lost his battle.

Nearly a year ago, just days after my baby shower, I lost a long-time family friend to lung cancer. Another very close family friend - practically a second father to me growing up - was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He is fighting with all he has.

Over the years, I have lost 5 of my students to various diseases and accidents including one 4-year-old. I have walked with friends who have buried spouses. I have rejoiced with those who have beaten their cancers. I was blessed to know all my grandparents and 2 great-grandmothers. All have since passed.

All of this makes me long for Heaven. No more pain. No more suffering. No more sickness. No more death. The last verse of Rock of Ages keeps running through my mind:

As I draw this fleeting breath
When my eyes shall close in death
When I soar to worlds unknown
See Thee on Thy judgment throne
Rock of Ages cleft for me
Let me hide myself in Thee

What is THAT moment like? The moment where you know you are about to leave this world? The moment when you face the certainty of death? The moment that bridges two worlds? I think of my high school friend. He was a very strong Christian who loved Jesus dearly. I know he is dancing with Jesus on streets of gold. I know he would have one thing to say to his children as they walk through life, "Be there." Out of everything he could say, I believe he would say to them, "Be there. Be in Heaven when your journey in this life is over. I'll be waiting."

It's not about rules. It's not about religion. It is about a relationship with the One who lived a sinless life. The One who took all our sins on Himself. The One who was tortured and who died on the cross. The One who conquered death itself. The One who went ahead to prepare a place for us. The One who knows how many hairs we each have on our heads. The One who longs for us to draw near and call on Him as Savior and Lord.

What is THAT moment like? Will you be there?