Here it is February. We are well into the second month of the new year and just around the corner from spring.

New beginnings. Don't we all enjoy clean, fresh, new beginnings??

I think back to my school days. The best part of starting a new school year was those brand new, never been written in notebooks. Clean paper eagerly waiting for my newly sharpened pencils to bring them to life.

A new year brings the hope of better things to come and each Monday is a chance to start fresh.
When the new year rang in, I found myself, as many people, thinking about the year ahead and what I'd like to see accomplished. I had the usuals, but I began thinking about the things I'd like to change in my home.

There are areas that need organized. There are places that the paint needs touched up. There are a few thread bare rugs that I'd love to replace. And oh....how I'd love to remove the wall paper and paint my kitchen!!

But.....we....I...need to be wise with the finances that my sweet hubby brings in, that God so graciously provides for us.

In all honesty, to do everything listed above, the way I have it pictured in my mind, would most likely cost less than $100--if I bought everything brand new!! Finding bargains would be even better.

Here's the deal though. Do we have $100 to make my wanted changes? For now, yes.

Do I want to lay down $100 at one plop for the changes?

No.

See, by getting in a hurry, I don't take time to pray about it and allow God time to bless as He chooses.

He knows that my hubby has claustrophobia and clutter will send him over the edge. By having clutter in piles everywhere, I'm not practicing the Biblical wife duties that God has bestowed upon me.

Now, I'm not one for holding on to things that are not needed, so a lot of this 'clutter' is needed things, but they truly need organized.

I've already taken my measurements for some plastic bins that I can put in place. I've priced them and written the prices down. I've chosen the color rugs I'd like, the color paint I'd like in the kitchen...and I've even talked to God about a new toothbrush holder and towel rack for the bathroom.

Now begins the search.

The organization is the most important, I believe, because it would bring a smile to my hubby's face and a calmness in his spirit. This is where I will start.

The bins I need cost $12 new. I need 2.

There are 3 other areas in my cabinets that need organizing and these bins/shelving will probably cost a total of $50 or so new.

I intend to keep a watch at our local thrift store and as the temperatures warm here in the south, yard sales will come to life once again.

The world will tell us to put those wants on credit or to dip into the budget 'just this once' but that's just it...it's the way of the world, not trusting God to supply in His time.

Yes, it may be a slow crawl to accomplish these things, but even if I can only get one bin a pay period (we get 2 pay periods a month), before I realize it I will have everything organized with God's leading and without putting a strain on our budget!!

It's a win/win situation for our house, our family, and our marriage.

God knows our hearts, ladies. He knows that we desire to have warm, welcoming homes. He wants us to be happy, but He wants us to depend on Him....for all things, big and small...even bins, rugs, and toothbrush holders!!

"The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous"
Proverbs12:5, NLT

Trusting Him with EVERYthing!!!
Deb

I'd love to have you drop by my blog and say Hi!!!

1. Above you will notice a link, written in green, that says, "God...who are You & what can You do for me? Session 1 study guide download." You will need to go to this link and download the study so that you are able to complete your homework for week 1. You will also need the session 1 fill-in-the-blank guide while you view today's video.

***Please DO NOT let the word "homework" scare you. If you are unable to complete the homework each week, that is ok! But, please do come by every Monday and take part in our discussions. We don't want you to miss out on anything.

4. In regard to our buddy Mr. MckLinky...at the end of each video I will pose a discussion question for you to answer on your blogs if you choose to and then come back here to the Well and link up with other ladies who are joining in the study. Again, if you do not have a blog, you can leave your answers in the comments section or email them to me.

Welcome to one of the new and exciting features At the Well - Woman to Woman. This is a wonderful opportunity for women to share with one another and seek out encouragement and guidance in specific areas.

Today's topic is relevant to many families and the question for today is about teenagers. If you have teenagers in your home, you can relate to how these years bring a unique parenting experience filled with joy, testing, and challenges. I have often jokingly said that God must be smiling in amusement when our children turn into teenagers. As we travel down the parenting road, we walk through the newness of babies and the challenges of toddlers, but then things seem to level out with the compliant school age child. It is tempting to feel that things are going great and you have a handle on parenting As you may be patting yourself on the back,the teenage years sneak up on you and this compliant child begins to change and act very differently! All of a sudden all the parenting patterns and guidelines totally change and you begin again with a whole new set of challenges...and joys.

The teenage years are a time of transition from childhood to adulthood. Teens are trying to discover who they are, what their purpose is, and where they fit in. On top of that, they are dealing with raging hormones, changing bodies, and swinging moods. There is a lot going on with them during these years.

Today's question deals with Independence: "My teenager has hit that stage where he is wanting more and more independence. How strict is too strict? Is there a happy balance?"

Teenagers are not the only ones going through big adjustments. As they grow and desire greater independence, parents may deal with the shift of control. Teens may not want to do everything with the family like they used to, but may begin wanting to do things independently or with their friends. It is a natural reaction to love, shelter, and protect our children, and letting go is not easy. Parents clearly see the dangers out in the world, and it sometimes seems that the teens only have eyes for fun and freedom.

A formula that we go over - often- at my home is "responsibility = independence". Their part is to act responsible in their attitudes and actions and follow the directions, and the reward is independence - in small increments at first. Too much independence with no supervision is surely not wise. By introducing independence in small increments - a few hours at a friends house - going to a movie - with guidelines etc., responsibility is earned. Making guidelines clear at the beginning and making sure they are understood is vital. As guidelines are followed, more independence is given, but it must be earned.

Our family is very strict. But there is a danger to automatically saying "NO" to everything. (Which if often the first thought). If the answer is no, working together for another acceptable activity or solution helps keeps the communication door open. Independence is a fierce, driving force in a teenagers life. Many emotions are tied up in their desire for independence.

There are a few non-negotiable topics that should be settled. Where are they going, who are they going with and a set time to be home are basic issues that a parent needs to know. On occasion ,a teenager will balk "You don't trust me", or "You treat me like a baby", etc. Instead of arguing the point, a consistent statement that shows your desire to be a wise parent often deflates the tension. Using "I" statements instead of "you" statements, which automatically raises defenses, works best. "If I let you go ---- I would not be a responsible parent." or "Because I love you and want your best, this activity is not in line with that". "It is my God given responsibility to look after and care for you". They may not cheerfully agree, but this puts in their heart a broader view of the situation.

Prayer power is especially needed during the teenage years. By this age, they know right from wrong, and the shift is from a parent looking over their shoulder making sure they do right to them being ruled by their own heart convictions and conscious. They will face temptations, they will be faced with challenging situations where the answer must come from their heart. The fervent, effectual prayers of a mom can make a difference in these situations. The book of Proverbs is filled with creative and biblical ways to pray for all children, especially teens. It is especially powerful praying God's Word over your teen.

The old saying "this too shall pass" can help this journey through the teenage years. There will be challenging days, they may make poor choices and they may act totally strange! This is all part of the learning process of life. They will not stay teenagers forever and before our eyes will develop into mature adults who are molded in God's image. May there be "no greater joy, than to see them walk in truth".

God never said it was going to be easy, but he tells us to be strong! How do we become strong? By being in his word and following his commands!