Weekend Resource: God Made ALL Of Me (Plus Free Gifts), Help for the Addict, 7 Reasons to STOP and More

This weekend's resources are dedicated to matters that should weigh heavy on the hearts of many. 
I hope what is provided can be of good for you, a friend, a family, a spouse or your children.

xo,
M.Y.


God Made all of Me by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb

• Simple, relatable story for two- to eight-year-old children, designed to help them protect their bodies.
• Includes colorful, age-appropriate illustrations.
• Conveys a clear message that God made every part of the human body and that every part is, therefore, good (the doctrine of creation.)
• Gently opens the conversation about sexual abuse that every family needs to have.
• Facilitates open conversations about appropriate and inappropriate touch.
• Overcomes confusion, secrecy, and embarrassment about bodies with truth.

Pre-order between now and September 7

 to receive free gifts, worth over $100

-see more at:
 http://www.godmadeallofme.com/pre-order-offer.html

9 Ways to Protect Your Children from Sexual Abuse 

 

Covenant Eyes: Internet Accountability and Filtering
"Internet Accountability monitors the websites visited, the search terms used, and the YouTube videos watched, and lists them in an easy-to-read Report that is designed to start a conversation about healthy online habits.
Parents, see where your kids go online. Adults, reduce Internet temptations and protect the relationships you value most."
-see more at:
http://www.covenanteyes.com/

7 Good Reasons To Stop Looking at Porn Right Now by Tim Challies

 Some hope and help in 3 minutes

"We recently surveyed 8,000 Desiring God readers. Our study found that ongoing pornography use is not only dreadfully common, but increasingly higher among younger adults. More than 15% of Christian men over age sixty admitted to ongoing use. It was more than 20% for men in their fifties, 25% for men in their forties, and 30% for men in their thirties. But nearly 50% of self-professing Christian men, ages 18–29, acknowledged ongoing use of porn. (The survey found a similar trend among women, but in lesser proportions: 10% of females, ages 18–29; 5% in their thirties; increasingly less for forties, fifties, and sixty-plus.)." 

-see more at:

 http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/hope-and-help-for-the-porn-addict

15 good ways to fight

"Sex is on the television, in the movies and in our music, on the side of buses, during halftime shows, in our books and in glossy close-ups at supermarket check-out. Sex is all around us in the mall, dripping off every beer commercial, and two stories high on our billboards. Sexual sin is walking around our high schools, flaunted across our universities, and hiding in our churches." 

-see more at:

http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevindeyoung/2015/08/26/15-ways-to-fight-lust-with-the-sword-of-the-spirit/

This week's prayer for your kids:

Pray that your children will be kept from "the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life." 
(1 John 2:16)

Tiny Stitches Shop Giveway

This week's winner is Yunnie Ahn, Mother of 2 and 1 on the way! 

Giveaway came from TinyStitchesShop! 

Check out her site at https://www.etsy.com/shop/TinyStitchesShop and grab some dapper onesies for your little fella! 

Thank you TinyStitchesShop for hosting this week's giveaway! And for blessing an expectant Mama!

Yunnie will receive:

 Bow Tie Onesie, a Bow Tie and Suspender Onesie, and a Suspender onesie (the size of your choosing) and Bow Tie Clips. 

 $65 Value   

That Other Woman..The Good One

You know which woman I'm talking about. The one found in Proverbs 31, who almost has it all together. She's a rare treasure, her worth is pretty valuable, she speaks life, she seeks life, she's loyal...she's everything we aspire to be. But I think if I could challenge anyone of you ladies, it would be with this, "a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised."  This lady we find in Proverbs 31 has a spirit of reverence. Reverent to who? To the Lord. She has a love for the Lord which influences all that she does. The Lord is her source for giving, loving, being selfless, for showing mercy and simply caring for what God has entrusted to her. 

Want to be a fountain of joy for your family or friends? Fear the Lord

Want to be a lady who speaks wisdom and provides insight to those she cares for? Fear the Lord.

Want your children to someday rise and call you blessed? Fear the Lord.

Your faith in the Lord is key to the way your life is ran. 

 The fear of the Lord has great blessings.

 Psalm 25:14, "The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him; he makes known to them his covenant." 

Psalm 103:11, "As the heavens are high above the earth so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him."

Don't know the Lord? Want to know Him better? His Word (the Bible), is a good place to start. Be encouraged; God has made a way for us! Befriend people who are walking the walk. Ask questions. Find solid Biblical resources. Most of all Pray!

Praying for you now,

M.Y. 

Although I wish this were titled differently, I enjoyed this "modern" Proverbs 31 woman on Melissa Edgington's blog  :)

Lastly, don't forget this week's giveaway. 

Giveaway from TinyStitchesShop! 

Check out her site at https://www.etsy.com/shop/TinyStitchesShop. To enter for a chance to win, go  'like' the Tiny Stitches Shop on Facebook and subscribe to Talking Over Toys Blog. Winner will be announced Friday!

Winner will receive:

 Bow Tie Onesie, a Bow Tie and Suspender Onesie, and a Suspender onesie (the size of your choosing) and Bow Tie Clips. 

 $65 Value   

18 Inches and this week's Giveaway!

Happy Monday ya'll! Hope the weekend was good and blessed. The Medstud had two whole days off, and it was glorious and much needed. Because I am married to the Medstud, I am often asked medical questions from concerned Mamas, family members or friends. Nine times out of ten I refer them to WebMd or Google...OR if it sounds life threatening 911. I don't know much about medicine accept what's common to this Mommy gig I have. Of the few things I know, particularly the anatomy, I know that the distance between the brain and the heart is a whole whopping 18 inches! Short right?!? But at times can be the longest distance ever trekked. Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?" 

How often do we "follow" our heart, only to be disappointed by the result? How many times do we let our heart dictate our feelings? 

An older Mommy friend at church was sharing a story with me where she had to instruct and encourage her daughter to let her "mind inform her heart." The situation was that her dear Mama forgot to kiss her before bed one night. She all of sudden "felt" unloved, even questioning her Mother's love. I don't have much of a punch line but here are some helpful tips:

1. Let God's truth renew the spirit of your mind (Ephesians 4:22).
2. Let your mind inform your heart. 
3. KNOW that feelings change...regularly and often. Sometimes we may simply be hungry (or what we call in this house hangry= hungry and angry). Or we may be tired. Do yourself a favor, eat something. Rest on it. Take a nap and see how you "feel" then. 
4. Lead your children in this way. Teach them to make wise choices. One of the many ways is helping them travel the distance from their head to their heart. 

This week's giveaway comes from TinyStitchesShop! 

This sweet Mama has created some adorable suspender onesies and bow ties for your little guy! 

Check out her site at https://www.etsy.com/shop/TinyStitchesShop. To enter for a chance to win, go  'like' the Tiny Stitches Shop on Facebook and subscribe to Talking Over Toys Blog. Winner will be announced Friday!

Winner will receive:

 Bow Tie Onesie, a Bow Tie and Suspender Onesie, and a Suspender onesie (the size of your choosing) and Bow Tie Clips. 

 $65 Value   

Winner, Winner! And Kid's Activity

It's Friday! I don't know about you, but I'm doing a happy dance. The Medstud should be home in a few hours after another busy 30+hour shift and his last (for now) in trauma surgery. He begins general surgery next week at a different hospital. Although we have enjoyed these years of medical school and have made the most of our time, it'll be refreshing to enter at a more consistent pace of life come 2016's graduation.  Grateful to our God who has seen us through and has been gracious to this family of 5! :)

Winners!

Today's winner of The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden By Kevin DeYoung, are Eliana Mawer and Leemay Lin Regaliza. I know both of these ladies personally, and they are a joy to be around. It doesn't hurt that they also have super cute daughters! Hope this book blesses your family! 

Kid's Activity: Dark vs. Light

"This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." 1 John 1:5-7 

Using this verse as your lesson, blindfold your kid(s). Have him attempt to go about his usual afternoon walking in "darkness." Maybe instruct him to go to a certain area of the house or to grab a toy. Of course, he should be stumbling about and tripping himself up (if this isn't your child he may be able to see, start over lol).

Before removing the blindfold place a treat of some sort on the kitchen table. Remove the blindfold. Ask your child, "was it hard to walk in the dark?" "What did it feel like not to have the light?" " Would you rather walk in darkness or the light." Probe their heart a bit and talk about what life without Jesus is like. Point them to the Light. Maybe read a few other verses on dark vs. light. Then point them to their need for God, who is light. Lastly, say something like, "now that you have light, can you find something you enjoy" (give a hint if needed). This is the kids' favorite part. I remember when my oldest arrow exclaimed, "because we have light we can see good things." Was grateful for that small teachable moment. 

If you think this lesson is simple. It should be. Something I now ask the kids when they are acting in a way contrary to the Word of God is, "are you walking in light or darkness right now." Because we have done this lesson and have read these verses at different times, they know what I'm talking about. 

*Note: These kinds of activities should help our children form a Christian worldview. This and any other activity that points them to Christ will not save them. Salvation is of the Lord. Pray, be faithful and trust. 

xo and happy weekend
M.Y. 

  

Ever Need a Reminder...

It's 1 pm and I've already had 3 cups of coffee! All three arrows are napping, and I'm having a hard time peeling myself off the couch. The exhaustion I'm experiencing runs deep today. Nothing out of the ordinary. It's been a regular day, filled with love, discipline, play, and training. Perhaps I need a good dose of the Gospel. I find I need to be most dazzled with the love Jesus when I'm living in the most mundane parts of life. Today does feel mundane. Nothing exciting. Just being faithful. Or at least trying to be. Praying that I get to see the fruit. Or there will at least be fruit in all my efforts.

But then I see the problem, "my efforts." This is where I need the Gospel most; I can't depend on my efforts. They are almost worthless without the hope and grace of Jesus Christ. Psalm 37:39 says, "But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in time of trouble." My trouble today is my tendency to be self-reliant. So independent, I forget about my great Rescuer! We need a constant Gospel reminder. This is our deepest need...this is MY deepest need today! 

Here are some Gospel verses for today and every day. Keep them warm in your heart! 

Isaiah 53:4–6 

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Romans 3:23–24 

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus . . .

Romans 4:4–5 

Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness . . .

1 Corinthians 15:3–4

I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures . . .

Galatians 3:13–14 

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us — for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree” — so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

Ephesians 2:4–5

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ — by grace you have been saved . . .

Philippians 2:6–8

Though he was in the form of God, [Jesus] did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Colossians 1:19–20

In [Jesus] all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

Colossians 2:13–14

You, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

Titus 3:4–7

When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Hebrews 2:14–17

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

1 Peter 2:22–25 

[Jesus] committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

xo,

M.Y.

Encouragement Monday: It Starts with YOU!

Cultivating a love for the Word of God in your children begins with you. Being in and of the Word is a discipline that is mostly caught and not taught for wee ones. Yes, we are responsible for our children. And since most of the time they won’t choose to sit and read their Bible, we must be purposeful in helping them do so. But YOUR love for the Word is what is going to equip you to teach better your children of the living and one true God. Knowing God intimately is a vital attribute of being a godly woman. We don’t want to be marked by being “nice” women, who do nice things for God and attend church every Sunday. We ought to desire hearts that reflect His heart. We ought to be women who are resolved to seek the Lord in every situation. As a good friend puts it, what’s the problem? And what does God’s Word say about it. Abide, remain, and stay in Jesus. How do we abide in Christ (John 15:4)? By being diligent about spending time in God’s Word (spending time in prayer is also vital, more on that later). Do we read, study and meditate on a regular basis? There is no other way to know God’s thoughts, His ways or His heart. As Elizabeth George puts it, “pray to God that He will give you an insatiable appetite for rich fellowship with Him through His Word, an appetite that nothing else can satisfy.” Pray that the Lord would make your heart steadfast (Psalm 57:7). Your kids WILL know and see the difference in you and in the way you parent by just spending this time with the Lord. This also goes for my single ladies and ones without little blessings running around. BE Word- filled women! So, today sweet lady friend, spend some time in God’s truth, abide in Him that you may bear much fruit!

                                                              Rooting you on!

                                                                                xo

                                                                                M.Y.

Books to consider: 

• Living By the Book: The Art and Science of Reading the Bible by Howard G. G. Hendricks
• A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George 
• Word-Filled Women's Ministry: Loving and Serving the Church by Gloria Furman 

p.s. Don't forget to share and subscribe to the blog for a chance to win  The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden By Kevin DeYoung. Winner will be announced Friday!

Answer it Tuesday

First of all, check out these lovely flowers the Medstud (aka medical student, aka my stud, aka my hubby) brought home! Mind you he came home ten this morning from a 28+ hour shift! He's currently a 4th-year medical school student at UCLA. And he just so happens to be on one of the most craziest rotations, trauma surgery (blood and guts make me squeamish, so we don't go into much detail). Considering the no sleep he's had, this was very sweet of him. I on the other hand...probably would have face-planted into a large arrangement of flowers and called it a day ;)

Alright, let's get back on track here! One of questions that I would like to answer today is:

What do you use to catechize your kids?

And

Why do you catechize? I think this article has an excellent reason:

In Peace or Crisis, Instruct Your Children in the Lord by William Ross

There are a lot of good books on children's catechism but here are the ones we are currently using. We started the 1st two when our oldest arrow was 2 (she is now 4 1/2) and so far that has been a good age for us. 

1. Big Truths for Little Kids: Teaching Your Children to Live for God by Susan Hunt. 

Susan does an excellent job taking catechism questions and applying them to a short story. And has a Let's Pray section after each story. The book contains 36 short stories. I've done it once through, reading a story a day, but we did not memorize the Q&A. I had the kids repeat the question and answer just to engage them. Now we read it here and there to help drive home our regular Q & A of catechism.

For memorization purposes we use:

2. Catechism for Young Children: An Introduction to the Shorter Catechism by G. I Williamson.  This is the short version of catechism. We do about 5 Q & A day and at the end of the week re-cap. 

Lastly,

3.   Everything a Child Should Know About God by Kenneth N. Taylor 

This isn't a catechism book. But it has a lot of essential Bible truths. Stories are very short, about 30 seconds long and has 1 question at the end. The illustrations match the theme of the short story and reinforce whatever is being learned. 

We don't quite have a structured method, we kind of just do it and try to be consistent. We use hand motions, A LOT of hand motions! We reward and praise. And most of all we pray that the Lord will continue to put a desire in our children's heart to learn His truth. 

May Deuteronomy 6:4-9 be your motivation in how you catechize your kid(s).

“Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as [b]frontals [c]on your forehead. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. 

xo,

M.Y. 

Weekend Resource: Giving Hands, Thriving Families and More

     It's the weekend, and if you live in Los Angeles you may want to be near or at the beach or indoors, however, you like to stay cool! :)

Here are this weekend's resources:

• Planned giving! Set your alarms to sign-up for this year's Christmas Wrap hosted by Children's Hunger Fund.  This could be a wonderful way to start your holiday season and teaching your kids the joy of giving! 

Toy Wrap – West

Sign-ups open October 1, 2015
Thursday 11/19; 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday 11/21; 9:00 AM – NOON
Thursday 12/3; 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday 12/5; 9:00 AM – NOON and 3:00 – 6:00 PM

CHF West Warehouse

13931 Balboa Blvd, Sylmar, CA 91342

- See more at: http://childrenshungerfund.org/events/

• Get Thriving Family sent once a month (a total of 12 issues). Give any donation amount and you'll have a fantastic resource with relevant topics for your family's life. 

In the publication, you'll find:

age-specific parenting advice

inspiring profiles

marriage tips

faith-based family activities

insights on cultural and media trends

support for blended families, adoptive families, and much more!

-See more at:

http://www.thrivingfamily.com/

• Share it to win it!Next week I will be giving away two copies of The Biggest Story: How the Snake Crusher Brings Us Back to the Garden By Kevin DeYoung.

Just share Talking Over Toys using Facebook and subscribe. Comment here that those 2 were done, and you should receive a message if you're the lucky winner! Winner will also be announced!
And if you're not so lucky
you may also pre-order a copy from Amazon :)

"The burning bush. David and Goliath. Joseph and the coat of many colors. The Bible is full of classic stories that fill children with awe and wonder. But kids need to know how all those beloved stories connect to Scripture's overarching message about God's love for the world. In The Biggest Story, best-selling author and father of six, Kevin DeYoung, leads readers on an exciting journey through the Bible, connecting the dots from the garden of Eden to the return of Christ. Short and extremely readable, this imaginative retelling of the biblical narrative can be read in one sitting and features action-packed illustrations that will bring the message of the Bible to life for the whole family."- Good Reads

This week's prayer for your kids:

Ask God to help your children to be clear minded and self-controlled so that they can pray 

(1 Peter 4:7).

xo

M.Y. 

Let Them Ask

The kids have a "game," if you will, called "can Jesus." They each ask a dozen questions on things Jesus can do; "can Jesus hold a car with one finger," "can Jesus juggle 100,000 apples," "can Jesus throw me high in the sky." And they can go on and on, every time becoming more excited that Jesus could do those things. Are the questions silly? Yes. Do I get slightly agitated, like the kid who repeatedly asks "are we there yet"? Sometimes. But these silly and childish questions mean a whole lot to them. One day the questions will change, and I want to be the same person they come to when they do. So I tell myself to let them ask. Don't quiet them down. Be enthusiastic about their inquisitiveness. Answer the question(s) with a yes, yes he can. Because just like he placed the stars in the sky and made the greatness of the sea, he can do all those things they ask and more.  

Life is LOUD!

Life can be LOUD! Often we need to purposefully make it silent. This blog is written mostly for the ladies; single or in sweet union with their hubby. And since life is loud and fast...and short, I want to give you the cliff notes version of what I read and do. Hopefully, it will be an encouragement to YOU and a reminder to ME! If you read and feel as I though I have "it" down, please know I don't. On this side of heaven, there is no arriving point, just a journey that is meant to be joyous (if you choose to make it so). Please subscribe and I'll be sure to write as we "talk over toys" (which are are loud and sometimes fast, depending whose tossing it across the room)!  

xo

M.Y.