Big Changes

Well, the Mobley's have some good changes coming in the very near future! First, let me just say how AWESOME God is! Is there anything better than His blessings? The answer is NO WAY!

So, we were presented with an opportunity to make our life a lot more stable. My husband has been offered an awesome job! And of course he said yes. So that means...... the Mobley's are headed back to NY!

We have now lived in Florida for almost two years. I can't say they've been the easiest two years and to be honest, I think we have given it a great run. Things are just not working out here. So when this opportunity for better pay, health insurance, a more stable situation, and no change in expenses really, we had to jump on it. God always makes a way to put you where you need to be. Where He wants you to be. This is so exciting for us!

We will miss our family and friends here in Florida, but I know eventually they will understand that we need to do this for our family. This is something that we both feel is important for us to do and I really feel that God needs us to be there to share His truths.

There may be a bit of a hiatus on here while we are moving and settling in. I for one am so excited to be going back home!

So, the Mobley's will be back in NY for good in August!!!!! YAY!!!!!

God Bless and Keep Smilin!

Stephanie ><>

*i do not claim rights to the photo in the post*

REVELATION!!!!

The last 24 hours have been so completely life changing that I cannot keep this to myself! Yesterday started out a little rough...... ok a lot of rough. I was so lost; so confused; hurt. It took the kindness of one friend to make my day gradually get better. An offer, out of kindness, to help. 
Fast forward a little bit. I love going to bible study every Thursday. This is something that keeps me level, keeps me connected, fellowship, friendship, worship..... just everything I need. My day had started looking up, and though I had tossed around the idea of not going yesterday, I went. THANK YOU GOD FOR CHANGING MY MIND! 
Something inside me changed at bible study. At first, I just felt such peace (remember our Fruit of the Spirit activity???), then my entire body felt like I had electricity running through me! I came home and I bombarded my husband with this so amazing, awesome feeling and spoke of God straight from my spirit! I have made the connection I have been so longing for!!! 

When things look rough, remember, your spirit is connected to God's spirit. Just make yourself available to receive His peace and His blessings. Change those strongholds in your life that are sabotaging your ability to receive God's promises. Truly believe. Truly have faith. He is there!

I needed to share this with the world. I am the Child of the One True King! This is the most amazing feeling I have ever had and there is nothing like it in the world. Thank you Jesus for saving me!

I am here for anyone who needs prayer, counsel, or just someone to listen. Praise God for every one of you!

God Bless and Keep Smilin'
Stephanie ><>

Bible study ideas :)

Hello everyone! I am sorry that I haven't been posting as often. The last week has been crazy!!!! Lots of things going on in the Mobley Residence!

Well, there is one thing that I ALWAYS find time for. My time studying the Word of God is so important in my life. It may not be the same time everyday, but it does indeed happen every day! Make sure that you have a Bible you are comfortable with. I love my NIV version, but everyone is different. My husband uses KJV. So make sure you can understand what you are reading and are comfortable with it.

I know a lot of people just don't know where to start when it comes to Bible study. So I figured I would share some of what I do and maybe it will help you out some :)

First, I am part of a Women's Bible Study group through church. We are currently reading, "Living from the Unseen" by Wendy Backlund. You can purchase that book here:
http://www.amazon.com/Living-Unseen-Reflections-Transformed-Life/dp/0985477369/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1371667754&sr=1-1&keywords=living+from+the+unseen+by+wendy+backlund
I recommend this to everyone! I love this Bible study. It has shown me so much within myself that has not only held me back from enjoying and receiving all of God's promises, but all the joy I have in everyday because of my relationship with Him!

Secondly, in my own quiet time, I use two different methods. One is called the SOAP method. Let's use my favorite scripture to demonstrate this method.

"The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you with his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." Zephaniah 3:17


So the SOAP method is as follows:
S - Scripture
Zephaniah 3:17, "The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you with his love; he will exult over you with loud singing."
O-Observation
What I observe in this scripture is that God is always with me. He will always rejoice over me.
A-Application
Remind myself daily the God wants to rejoice over me, quiet me with his love, and sing loudly his praises over me!
P-Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for rejoicing with me and over. You are so good. Thank you for always being with me and filling me with your love. In your son Jesus' precious name, Amen!

I have seen this method on many different sites. I love this because each passage you are learning, you can always use this to fully understand God's word.

The second one I use is a very simple worksheet that can be found at http://yourway.net

 

Don't mind my face peeking through there :) LOL

 

So this sheet is almost the same as SOAP but goes into a little more detail There are three questions on it to make you dig a little deeper into yourself.

1. How does this passage speak to me?

2. How can I apply this passage to my life?

3. What questions do I have about this passage?

 

This sheet would be awesome for group studies as well, I feel it brings up conversation that may not otherwise happen.

 

Some people don't like to write directly in their Bibles. I write in mine, leave sticky notes in it, and use colored pencils to highlight passages since highlighters generally bleed through. Well, I hope this helps you guys and if you need anything at all, or just another perspective, contact me in the comments :)

 

God Bless and Keep Smilin'

Stephanie ><>



Hello everyone!

Sorry it has been so long since my last post. I am working on something great for everyone! It's been a hectic week and this week is going to be the same. But, rest assured, I have great things planned :)

God Bless and Keep Smilin!

Stephanie

***i do not own any photos in this post***

Simple Summer Fun

I don't know about you, but during the summer, I love curling up in a chair outside with a good book. A lot of times though, my child doesn't find the same enjoyment in that. There's nothing better than..... SIDEWALK CHALK! 

He will sit for hours drawing on our patio! He's so creative. Today he got to draw outside with daddy for a while. Don't take the simple activities for granted. Any time spent together, well, it's just awesome!

God Bless and Keep Smilin'

Stephanie 

Mystery Hostess!!!!

Hey everyone! Some of you may know that I am an Independent Consultant for Thirty-One! I have an awesome event going on right now you don't want to miss out on! 

1. Go to www.mythirtyone.com/smobley

2. Click on the My Parties tab and click "shop now" under Mystery Hostess Event

3. For every $31 you spend, I will add your name to a basket and pick a winner who can take advantage of ALL the hostess rewards for that party!!!!

You've got nothing to lose! Come on over!

God Bless and Keep Smilin'

Stephanie

Don't Call Me Crabby!

I saw this on www.icanteachmychild.com and thought it was the cutest activity! What you need is simple:

1. Paper

2. Red Paint -washable

3. Nakey hands and feets :)

The picture is pretty self explanatory on how to make your crab or lobster. I thought this was too cute not to share! 

God Bless and Keep Smilin'

Stephanie ><>

**I do not claim rights to the above photo**

The Wake Up Call Activity

We had such an incredible message today at church! It has put a lot into perspective for me. So, tonight's activity that I want to share with you is for the ENTIRE family. 

How many of the 10 Commandments do you know? Can you honestly say, without grabbing your Bible, that you know them all? Just in case, here they are :)

1. You shall have no other gods before me (not meaning one right after the other, but having only one god, no other god in God's presence).

2. You shall not worship idols. 

3. You shall not use the Lords name in vain. 

4. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. 

5. Honor your mother and your father. 

6. You shall not commit murder. 

7. You shall not commit adultery. 

8. You shall not steal. 

9. You shall not lie/give false testimony. 

10. You shall not covet your neighbors house, wife, or possessions. 

Ok so now that that is out of the way, look real close at #2. Idols..... What does that make you think of? 

An idol is anything you put as the main focus of your life ahead of God. It doesn't have to be a statue that you bow to. It can be anything. During the sermon this morning, I got to thinking, am I worshipping an idol and putting God 2nd? That sent fear through my entire being. I sat down and really thought about it and you know what, I have to say, I don't put enough focus on God sometimes. I'm going to be honest with everyone. I am not perfect, no one is. But I now have a greater perspective into what I am doing to myself. 

Here is my challenge to you;

1. What is the most important thing in your life? Honestly.

2. Do you care more about this item or concept than you do about God?

3. Put your life back into perspective and PUT GOD BACK ON THE THRONE OF YOUR LIFE!

I'm not trying to stir anything up, but we all need the wake up call now and then. I know I did. D this activity with your whole family. Let's get our lives back in balance! Please contact me if you need counsel, prayers, or just an ear to talk to. 

God Bless and Keep Smilin'

Stephanie ><>

**i do not claim rights to any photos in this post**

A personal connection

I think we all get lost in the world of technology. Our children don't know what it was like to have to call someone when you needed to talk, that's been replaced by texting. Or to spend the afternoon outside building forts and playing in the mud, video games have sadly replaced that. I look around and see all the personal connections our society is losing. 

I remember being so excited when I got something in the mail, not email, snail mail :). I remember that feeling of love, excitement, wonder, just waiting to open that package or envelop. So today, I think we should all take a minute and think about what personal connections we have and our children have. 

What you'll need:

1. Pen or pencil

2. Paper

3. Envelope 

4. STAMPS

Yes'm you read that right! We are going to write LETTERS!!!! I am so excited to do this! I miss having pen pals and waiting for the response or other goodies to come in the mail. Lets show our children the importance of technology free connections. 

Make a list of friends and relatives that you and your child can write too. I bet the letters will be a well received surprise!

God Bless and Keep Smilin'

Stephanie ><>

Alert!!!!!!

http://t.today.com/health/boys-death-highlights-hidden-danger-dry-drowning-1C9414070

This is something that every parent needs to be aware of. The signs of dry drowning can be easily dismissed especially on a hot day. Parents please be aware of this and keep a close eye on your children!!!!

God Bless and Keep Smilin'

Stephanie ><>

Prayer Box

One of the most important things I am teaching my son about God is the power of prayer. I think too many people turn to Him only in their time of need and not in the joyous moments. God loves to hear the good in your life directly from you!   1 Thessalonians 5:17 says "pray without ceasing". Is this something you practice in your life and in your home?   Think about this for a moment. Our children first learn from us and then from the world. Do you want your child's foundation to be on faith, love, patience, and trust in the Lord, or do you want the world to show them the ways of the flesh? I know my son will have the foundation of amazing things in the Lord!   This is a good craft to use with lessons on faith and trust. After making the boxes, students can write their prayers, thanks, and worries on paper and put them in the box. This will help them understand that we should let go of our worldly concerns and let God take care of what we have trusted to Him.   Craft Supplies: Oatmeal Box 18 oz. paper cut to 6 3/4" x 12 1/2" paper cut to 3 1/4" diameter circle for top markers, stickers or stamps Craft Instructions: Let the children color their piece of paper with the verse or design. Glue or tape the picture around the box. You can cut a slit in the top of the box if you like.   Suggested verse: 1 Peter 5:6-8   Craft retrieved from: http://christiancrafts.net/projects/prayerbox.htm     **I do not claim rights to any photos in this post.**   God Bless and Keep Smilin' Stephanie ><>

Fruit of the Spirit activity

I feel it is very important for us to teach our children about the Fruit of the Spirit.  The world can be a very awful and scary place. I think this activity is something that will show our children how to live and act and treat others. 

First things first! Part of this activity is making an amazing fruit salad!!!!! I'm pretty sure we all now how to do that so I won't spend much time there. While you and the little ones are making this, ask your children what they think each quality means. What is love? What is kindness? How can you be patient with others? Etc. etc.  

Next, let's get our materials together. You will need:

-white, green, red, purple, yellow, brown, orange, and what ever other colors you can think of :) 

-cut out a tree from the brown paper

-cut out some different fruit from each of the other colors and write the name of one Fruit of the Spirit on each one. 

-make it challenging for the older children and have them write scripture on each fruit as well that coincides with that Fruit. 

Have fun with this! I can't wait to see all the awesome work you guys have done! 

God Bless and Keep Smilin'

Stephanie ><>

**i do not claim rights to any of the above pictures**

Rock Candy!!!!!

I am a sucker for candy! Any candy :) 

 

I don't know about you, but my sweet tooth tends to get the best of me! What better way to satisfy it than home made ROCK CANDY! I am sure the little ones in our families will absolutely love this treat!

WARNING WILL INDUCE HYPERACTIVITY AND ALL ABOUT CRAZY FUN! PROCEED WITH CAUTION ;)

 

 

You'll need:
 
- a piece of string
- tablespoon of granulated sugar
- a glass bead or other small object
- small jar
- 1/2 cup of very hot water
- a pencil 

What to do: 

1.  Fill the jar with hot water and stir in a spoonful of sugar at a time until the sugar no longer dissolves. 
  2.  Thread the string through the bead and tie a knot at its end. The bead will act as a weight.  
 

3.  Wrap the other end of the string around a pencil. Rest the pencil on the mouth of the jar and allow the bead to dangle in the sugar water. The bead should not touch the bottom of the jar. 
 

 4.  Place the jar in a warm place and let the sugar water stand undisturbed for a week or more. After a few days, you might have to carefully break and remove the crust of sugar crystals at the top so that the water can continue evaporating.

What happens:

Cube-shaped sugar crystals form on the string -- you've made rock candy! 

Why this happens:

Water molecules move slowly up into the air as water vapor during the process of evaporation. As more and more water evaporates, sugar atoms draw close together, forming cube-shaped sugar crystals. And that's just what you'll see left behind on the string after the water is all gone!

http://kids.discovery.com/activities/science-experiments/rock-candy

Summer Journals/Smashbook!

How awesome would it be to make a smash book or journal for the entire summer break?!?!? I am so excited to do this! My son's last day at school is tomorrow (EEEEKKK!)! 

What better way to enjoy each and every day of this summer break than making a SmashBook or Journal? Each day write down what you did with the date, of course, and doodle or take pictures to put in it and favorite things you did that day! I plan on adding some scripture to each page as well. There's scripture for anything and everything, never forget that!

As soon as we have ours together, I will post a picture of it. Remember: be fun, be creative, explore God's amazing creation! Add score cards from mini golf, ticket stubs from movies, tickets from arcades; possibilities are endless! 

This amazing keepsake is something I plan on doing year round! I want to remember everything we did together. My little man won't be little for much longer :( so I need to capture these memories!

God Bless and Keep Smilin'

Stephanie ><>

Straw Painting with the Wee Ones :)

Who's doesn't love some awesome art?!?! I love doing this with my son! We sometimes add google eyes to make little blob men just for giggles :). Please share your art with me or comment below with all the fun you had! 

1 Drip a little watercolor paint, any color, on the paper. Use a teaspoon if it's easier. A bright primary color such as red, yellow or blue works well.

2 Drip your second color on another spot on the paper. Then dab your third on yet another spot.

3 Take the straw and show your child how to blow a color so the paint spreads out, usually forming one or more thin lines across the paper. Do the same with the other colors.

4 Notice where the colors meet and point out how the colors mix to make new colors at certain points (blue + yellow = green, etc.) The child may wish to keep blowing at the colors to see how the design changes.

5 Let the paper dry when the child is done. Before drying, if you wish, lay a tissue gently over any part of the painting, then lift it up. Notice the beautiful way the tissue (coffee filters work too) absorbs the colors.

God Bless and Keep Smilin'

Stephanie><>

Read more: How to Make a Straw Painting With Kids | eHow http://www.ehow.com/how_4422292_make-straw-painting-kids.html#ixzz2V5dAzKZr

Summer Time fun!!!!!

Hey everyone! I am so excited to start this series! Tomorrow I will be posting an activity a day for about a week of fun, wholesome, amazing fun to have with your kiddos! I will post links as often as I can :) I hope everyone is has fun doing these activities with their children. Stay tuned for summer fun!