Many, many months ago DH and I were talking about our lives...how we grew up, what we did and the circumstances that brought us together and where we are now. He's always tried to get me to write about our 'life-story' and I've fought him on it. I mean....who wants to read our story, right???
Anyway, I got to thinking, DH supports me in everything I do, if he wants me to write this, it's the least I can do.
So......here we go.........
Walk with me….let’s go back in time. More than 40 years ago. Before they were even born, before they were even thought about.
How did it begin? Where has their journey taken them and where are they going?
This is a true story about 2 people…very much in love and doing their very best to serve their Savior, raise their family, and make this journey called life the absolute best it can be.
Welcome to their life. They hope you enjoy....
In The Beginning
She was 15. Much too young to get married, but believed that she had met her Prince Charming and that life would be over if she could not be his bride.
He was 21. Tall, thin, dark, black hair and wore a crooked smile. Oh, the trouble he could get into….but he thought she was beautiful. Sure, she was only 15, but she seemed so much older than those 15 years. He wanted her to be his wife, and she wanted to say yes.
Her mom couldn’t believe what was being asked of her. Saying yes to letting her 15 year old daughter marry someone who was 21?? Someone who could be quite hot tempered and could find himself in a lot of trouble at any given time? She wouldn’t do it! NO. She would not allow her only daughter to marry this man. If anyone granted permission for this, it would be her father.
And he did.
That was March 16, 1963.
Let’s move forward. Chicago, Illinois, August 7, 1964. She woke up that morning feeling every ounce of her 9 month pregnancy weight on her small frame. So far from the hills of West Virginia and the place that had been home all of her young life.
Her husband of little more than a year was leaving for work. She kissed him goodbye and thought she might just lie down for a little while. In just a few minutes she was sound asleep. A couple of hours later she awoke to incredible pain flowing through her body. She was pretty sure this was labor, but even if it wasn’t, something had to be done. She called her husband at work then called for a taxi. He was going to meet her at the hospital. Only four and a half hours later, she cradled her first child. A girl. 8 pounds 4 ounces. They named her Deborah Lynn. Her mother liked that name and she missed her mother.
Only a state away….In Indiana lived a young, single 22 year old woman. She had met a man and things had gotten out of control. She became pregnant. Like the 15 year old, she too was feeling every ounce of her pregnancy weight. She still had 2 months to go before she gave birth, but she had so much on her mind. Determined to keep this child and raise it, she knew it would be hard. Already she loved this baby and she knew they would make it..somehow.
October 8 found her giving birth to a boy. She named him Philip Ray, after his dad…only he didn’t know that and wasn’t interested in anything about him. With a powerful determination she moved forward. She would raise this child and he would be loved. She would make sure of that. For her, there were no other options.
Time marched on. She worked and began life raising a little boy. Then..she met a man. A man, who, this time, truly loved her and loved this little boy. He asked her to marry him. She said yes. He asked to adopt her little boy. Again she said yes. They became a family.
This is how we began. Philip and Deb. This is where our story begins. Please continue to walk with us as we share our love for each other with you….
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Try It Tuesday!!
Here in my neck of the woods, we are inching closer and closer to that 90º mark. In our house that means finding new and creative ways to fix a meal without using the stovetop or oven.
Usually that means using the crockpot much more than I already do and eating lots of salads!
It means not baking as many cookies and making more refrigerator pies and homemade ice cream!!:o)
This Try It Tuesday!! has you going through those recipes again. This time though, you're searching for recipes that won't heat up that already hot kitchen.
This really hit me yesterday evening while I was cooking supper. I was boiling potatoes to mash, boiling green beans, boiling macaroni (when you have a pasta fanatic living with you, macaroni is a staple!!) and had the oven going for rolls. DH and DS were outside putting (more) speakers in DS's car. DS came in for a moment, looked at me and said, "Man! It's hot in here!!" (Let's remember they were out in the driveway, in the middle of the sun...in the deep south!..and it was hotter in my kitchen. Okay. Time to rethink things here.
A little planning would have had those potatoes and green beans in a crock pot earlier in the day. (I actually own 3 different size crock pots) It would have had me boiling the macaroni on the grill. The rolls only take about 15 minutes, so that wouldn't have heated up the kitchen too bad.
As important as those cooler recipes are, more importantly is to think ahead and plan a bit better!
Here is one of our new favorites in the refrigerated pie category:
Peanut Butter Pie
1 graham cracker crust
1, 8oz package of cream cheese, softened
1½ cups powdered sugar
3/4 cup peanut butter
1 8oz tub whipped topping
Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar and peanut butter together. Fold in the whipped topping. Spread it on the crust and refrigerate for at least 6 hours. (I usually try to make this the day before) Before serving, drizzle with chocolate syrup.
Yum!!
This usually goes really fast in my household!!
How about sharing your favorite summer-time recipe!!
Usually that means using the crockpot much more than I already do and eating lots of salads!
It means not baking as many cookies and making more refrigerator pies and homemade ice cream!!:o)
This Try It Tuesday!! has you going through those recipes again. This time though, you're searching for recipes that won't heat up that already hot kitchen.
This really hit me yesterday evening while I was cooking supper. I was boiling potatoes to mash, boiling green beans, boiling macaroni (when you have a pasta fanatic living with you, macaroni is a staple!!) and had the oven going for rolls. DH and DS were outside putting (more) speakers in DS's car. DS came in for a moment, looked at me and said, "Man! It's hot in here!!" (Let's remember they were out in the driveway, in the middle of the sun...in the deep south!..and it was hotter in my kitchen. Okay. Time to rethink things here.
A little planning would have had those potatoes and green beans in a crock pot earlier in the day. (I actually own 3 different size crock pots) It would have had me boiling the macaroni on the grill. The rolls only take about 15 minutes, so that wouldn't have heated up the kitchen too bad.
As important as those cooler recipes are, more importantly is to think ahead and plan a bit better!
Here is one of our new favorites in the refrigerated pie category:
Peanut Butter Pie
1 graham cracker crust
1, 8oz package of cream cheese, softened
1½ cups powdered sugar
3/4 cup peanut butter
1 8oz tub whipped topping
Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar and peanut butter together. Fold in the whipped topping. Spread it on the crust and refrigerate for at least 6 hours. (I usually try to make this the day before) Before serving, drizzle with chocolate syrup.
Yum!!
This usually goes really fast in my household!!
How about sharing your favorite summer-time recipe!!
Monday, April 27, 2009
A Beautiful Day, KFC and a Request!
Happy Monday friends!!!....well...Happy Monday afternoon!!
It has been a beautiful day here in the deep south!
I've got laundry on the lines, the windows are wide open and the birds are singing!!...loudly!
I've just been busy today catching up on all of those things that tend to get pushed to the side during the weekend. Got some much needed mopping done as well. I hate mopping...I think it'd be great if we just had black floors throughout the house. As long as I didn't drop anything white, we'd be in good shape, right?? Maybe not.....
Just a little side note here...Don't forget to go by KFC and get your free piece of grilled chicken. They are giving away one free piece today only. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around grilled Kentucky Fried Chicken. I'm pretty sold on the fried stuff. I'm not convinced that they can beat that, but we'll see.
I'm not going out today so I was a little disappointed that I wouldn't get to try it for free. Then yesterday I'm looking through the Sunday paper and God blesses with a coupon for a free piece of grilled chicken good through May 7th. Woo Hoo!! I'll be out during that time frame so I get to try it for free as well! Isn't it great to know that God even blesses in grilled chicken??!!
I have a request:
DD is searching for blogs whose ideas center on purity and whose writers goals are to become (eventually) a wife and homeschooling SAHM. She is looking for like-minded young women...age range approximate 16-25....whose goal is to be a godly wife and mom. (I think her exact words were..."You're great Mom, but I want to read blogs that aren't from old women." ?????!!!!!!!!!!!??????? (Where did she get the idea I was old??????) :o()
Anyway...I still love her despite the bruises.....no....seriously, she's fine...really...she's great....honestly....:o)
So, if you sweet friends of mine could send her some great blogs to check out so she won't feel all alone as a young woman wanting to do the Biblical thing I would greatly appreciate it!!!
Now, it's time to sit on the porch and curl up with a good book!!
It has been a beautiful day here in the deep south!
I've got laundry on the lines, the windows are wide open and the birds are singing!!...loudly!
I've just been busy today catching up on all of those things that tend to get pushed to the side during the weekend. Got some much needed mopping done as well. I hate mopping...I think it'd be great if we just had black floors throughout the house. As long as I didn't drop anything white, we'd be in good shape, right?? Maybe not.....
Just a little side note here...Don't forget to go by KFC and get your free piece of grilled chicken. They are giving away one free piece today only. I'm still trying to wrap my mind around grilled Kentucky Fried Chicken. I'm pretty sold on the fried stuff. I'm not convinced that they can beat that, but we'll see.
I'm not going out today so I was a little disappointed that I wouldn't get to try it for free. Then yesterday I'm looking through the Sunday paper and God blesses with a coupon for a free piece of grilled chicken good through May 7th. Woo Hoo!! I'll be out during that time frame so I get to try it for free as well! Isn't it great to know that God even blesses in grilled chicken??!!
I have a request:
DD is searching for blogs whose ideas center on purity and whose writers goals are to become (eventually) a wife and homeschooling SAHM. She is looking for like-minded young women...age range approximate 16-25....whose goal is to be a godly wife and mom. (I think her exact words were..."You're great Mom, but I want to read blogs that aren't from old women." ?????!!!!!!!!!!!??????? (Where did she get the idea I was old??????) :o()
Anyway...I still love her despite the bruises.....no....seriously, she's fine...really...she's great....honestly....:o)
So, if you sweet friends of mine could send her some great blogs to check out so she won't feel all alone as a young woman wanting to do the Biblical thing I would greatly appreciate it!!!
Now, it's time to sit on the porch and curl up with a good book!!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Check Out the Cafe`!
While visiting at the Cafe` this morning, I realize today's questions are connected to last weeks....and while I was feeling.....oh... pretty good about myself last week, things have taken a drastic change.
To read last week's post first, click here.
Today Kim has brought me into complete reality with the following questions:
1) On a scale of 1-10, with a 10 representing the strongest, rate how you do with reading and studying the Bible.
Ouch. Honestly, maybe a 5...with many days not making it that high.....
2) why did you rate yourself as you did?
Because...I embarrassingly admit, I "fit in" my Bible time
3) If you are struggling with reading God's Word, make a list of possible stumbling blocks.
Here's how it usually goes with me:
We have 2 teenagers who are both working part time jobs. Many nights these teens don't get home before 10:30. At that time, DH is already dosing on the couch, but he doesn't go to bed because he wants to hear about their day. By the time they come home, share about their day, we pray with them, bed time for us is close to 11:30.
I rise and shine at 6:10, get DH's lunch and morning coffee together...usually with eyes have open.
DH gets up, gets ready for work, grabs his coffee and other things and heads out the door. On these particular mornings I tell myself I'm going to lie back down and rest for just another hour. If I tried to read my Bible, I'd be doing just that.....reading my Bible. Since I can't focus, I'll do it when I get back up. When I get up, I wake the kids, get on this computer, check my e-mail, do a post, check a few other things.
Depending on schedules, we may begin school or the kids may have to head out to work.
Now it's nearly noon and I haven't even really gotten started on the day as far as my household duties go.
The whole time I can feel God's prompting, "Stop. Spend some time with Me. I have so many things to share with you."
"In just a bit God. I just need to get _________ and ___________done first."
Before I know it, it's time to start supper because DH is on his way home. Once DH is home, it's all about him...and I'm glad to do that! I don't mind at all.
The kids start coming home and the whole cycle repeats itself.
These aren't possible stumbling blocks. It's the total truth....how it is.
It's not that I'm ignorant to what I'm doing. I know full well the choices I'm making.
4) Make a list of how we can grow closer to Jesus through the reading and studying of God's Word.
For this ole' gal it's as simple as not listening to the list of lies that satan repeatedly throws at me.
Instead of lying back down, I can wash my face, comb my hair, make my bed, get my blood pumping and within a half hour, I'll be wide awake and able to spend time with my Father.
It's listening to my Father when I hear Him pleading with me to just stop and visit with Him.
It's sacrificing whatever to make Him first and making the time I spend with Him of utmost importance---and remembering that no matter what I sacrifice, it pales in comparison to the sacrifice He made for me.
In complete and total honesty, it's putting Him first instead of Deb---and I am so thankful for this meeting at the Cafe`. It's just another avenue that God has chosen to say, "Hey Deb!! I love you and I miss you!! How about hangin' out with me for a while?? I really love spending time with you and we've got a lot of catching up to do."
To visit the Cafe`, click here.
Friday, April 24, 2009
My Husband Rocks
DH and I are working on our 26th year of marriage. Over that time, it would be very hard to put a number as to how much money he has saved us.
Even though being a great steward of our finances is enough reason for my husband to rock, that's not what this post is about.
My dear hubby is so blessed with the ability of being mechanically inclined.
It just seems to come naturally to this man of mine, that when something breaks or isn't running quite as efficiently as it should, that he can just fix it or make it run better.
It never ceases to amaze me how this stuff just comes to him!!!
The only formal training he's had is in the Heating & Air field. Everything else is God-given!!
I remember one time in particular...
I had put in my millionth load of laundry. We lived in Colorado and were expecting out of town family at the end of the week.
After putting my laundry in, I went about my business doing some other house cleaning and when I went back into the laundry room, I was met with a floor full of water!!!!!
OH NO!!!! This couldn't be happening!!!! It wasn't the right time to be adding an indoor swimming pool!!!
Bear in mind this washing machine was 18 years old and DH had performed surgery on it at least 3 times in those 18 years.
I turned off the machine and the water, cleaned up the mess and waited anxiously for DH to get home from work.
I usually try to have a calm house when he gets home, but this particular day, he was met with a very frantic wife!
"You've GOT to fix the washer!!! You know your sister and her family are coming the end of the week!!! I have to have a working washer!!!"
Calmly he assures me everything will be fine...(why do men try to get frantic wives to believe EVERYTHING is ALWAYS going to be fine????...)
He begins by moving the machine in a position that he can look under it. While he's looking under it I hear, "Ummm, this doesn't look good..."
"What do you mean this doesn't look good?? It has to look good!! We have company coming in a few days!! MAKE IT LOOK GOOD!!" Of course I said all of this to myself....there are times when I'm smarter than the average bear..
"Sweetie.....I can't fix it this time. Looks like we've got to get a new machine."
"You're kidding!! You really can't fix it???? You've got to be able to fix it!!!" (this actually came out of my mouth..)
Now I know, all of you sweet bloggy buddies are going, "Are you NUTS!!?? Your hubby just told you you could buy a new washer and you're complaining. Honey....you need a doctor!!"
But you've got to understand....DH can fix everything, including an 18 year old washing machine!!!
But, alas...it wasn't to be.
We ended up saying goodbye to a dear family member and bringing home this....new one....(that, by the way, only lasted 3 years!!!)
DH does all of the work on our vehicles...I'm talking the deep engine repair, break jobs, replacing axles...you name it.
He's rewired our house, does all the drywall and remodeling.
He's laid carpet and tile..new counters and refinished our wood floors.
Last summer he and DS along with a little (very little, help from me and DD) put a new metal roof on our house.
That I can recall, we've only had someone come to our home 2 times in almost 26 years to repair something.
He's fixed BB guns and Barbie dolls and glued back together more what-nots that I can begin to count. (I'm talking practically shattered what-nots because I just couldn't bear to part with them!..)
This man of mine is totally awesome and he truly rocks!!!
For more My Husband Rocks, click here to join Katy Lin over at The Great Adventure!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Britney's Headed for Peru!!!!
Calling all bloggy buddies!!!!
I would love it if you would drop my friend Britney's blog!
This blog is from an amazing 20 year old who is on her way to Peru in a few short weeks to do a 10 week mission trip.
Britney is in my Sunday school class and this young woman is right on track in her walk with God.
To say that I'm incredibly proud of her would be an understatement!!
While I'm so excited for this called mission into Peru, I have to confess that I'm incredibly sad at being without her for 10 WEEKS!!!!! How will I survive?????
Anyway...enough of my pouting......please stop by and visit Britney, leave her some comments of encouragement and become one of her followers so you can keep up with her day to day's while in Peru.
The biggest thing Britney (and I) asks for is your prayers. Please remember to lift her up in prayer every time you think about her or visit my blog.
Click here to visit Britney's blog.
I would love it if you would drop my friend Britney's blog!
This blog is from an amazing 20 year old who is on her way to Peru in a few short weeks to do a 10 week mission trip.
Britney is in my Sunday school class and this young woman is right on track in her walk with God.
To say that I'm incredibly proud of her would be an understatement!!
While I'm so excited for this called mission into Peru, I have to confess that I'm incredibly sad at being without her for 10 WEEKS!!!!! How will I survive?????
Anyway...enough of my pouting......please stop by and visit Britney, leave her some comments of encouragement and become one of her followers so you can keep up with her day to day's while in Peru.
The biggest thing Britney (and I) asks for is your prayers. Please remember to lift her up in prayer every time you think about her or visit my blog.
Click here to visit Britney's blog.
Thankful Thursday
Happy to let you know that I'm back on track to catch up with Sonya over at Truth 4 the Journey for Thankful Thursday.
It's not unusual for life to get so busy that we just don't take the time to see how blessed and thankful we truly are. I like these moments set aside that allows us the time to sit down and reflect and to purposefully share what we have to be thankful for.
Here's my 5 for this week:
1) I am truly thankful for this warm weather. I'm not one of those that love the 100's (or the high 90's for that matter) but this 70º and 80º warmth...oohhhh yesss.....
2) I am thankful for the ability to hear and see. This time of year is full of so much life, the trees budding out, the flowers beginning to bloom. The birds singing and the bees buzzing. It reminds me that God loves beauty and is the Giver of Life.
3) I am thankful for the excitement in DS's voice after visiting a church last night with a friend. He was very much in need of the meal he was fed there and it filled me with joy to hear my son's happy voice.
4) I am thankful for good friends. God has blessed me with many friends, but for the 3 very close ones...I'm eternally thankful.
5) I am thankful for my clothesline..follow me here....this clothesline is a blessing in many ways.
First of all, it is a huge energy saver. The dryer uses SO much electricity! By hanging out my clothes, we are saving on the power bill and that makes DH very happy.
Second, there is a creek that flows by my house just beyond my clothesline. I can't see it from there, but I can hear it. It is very relaxing to hear that water flowing.
Third, when I'm hanging out my clothes, I get to hear the birds singing, smell the fresh cut grass, watch the bees busy at work and wave to my neighbor as they're out in their yard.
Yes, my clothesline is a great blessing.
For more Thankful Thursday, click here.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Just Me Ramblin'......(again)
Ever had one of those days when you know you should post, have the time to post, and have absolutely nothing to post about???
I'm there.
So..amid my ramblings and trying to process some thoughts in my head, I thought, "Hey, just share with your bloggy buddies! They already know you're off your rocker and love you anyway!"
So..here goes....
Got a great phone call from my MIL this morning. She was so excited because God had moved in some awesome ways this week.
Way #1: My youngest SIL was shopping for shoes for her youngest DD. Out of the blue, an unknown lady gave her $50 to cover the shoes and to use the remainder on herself.
Way #2: Another SIL had just received her scholarship for school when she was approached by an unknown lady. This lady handed her a check for $500 to help with school expenses. My sweet MIL also used this opportunity to share that God had blessed and she needed to remember that.
Way #3: MIL had $30 just "show up" in a wad in her purse. It was wadded up!! Now, anyone that knows my MIL, knows that she is very careful with her money....she doesn't wad it up. God gave it to her! When she called me she was on her way to Wal Mart to share part of that found money with a worker there whom she's had on her mind all week.
He never ceases to amaze me!
Had a good conversation with my little sister Monday. She and I live about an hour apart and we're both guilty of not staying in touch like we should. Isn't it funny how we let so much "stuff' get in our way of lovin' on those we love most??
So...great conviction there about hangin' out with Sis just a bit more.
Let me tell you a bit about Little Sis....she's a single mom of 2 great kids. She's had it really rough at times..sometimes by her own hand, sometimes by things out of her control. She got layed off a few months back and is in the process of getting things together to go back to school. She's also making payments on her own home--unemployed, remember??--She's got a heart bigger than most anyone I know and a true and loyal friend--even when others would give up. She's 13 years younger than me, but I think she's amazing!! She is a strong woman...no doubt.
So...Sis...when you read this, let me know what works for you. I really miss you!!.....and I'm really proud of you!
Yesterday DD surprised DH at work by bringing lunch to him and spending his lunch hour with him. He called me when she left and a literal million dollars wouldn't have made him any happier!! Such a simple thing...an hour of her time, made her Dad the happiest man around.
Why do we think that we have to do something big and elaborate to make someone's day a little brighter?
The birds that have nested on my porch each spring ever since we moved here are back. I was a little concerned that they might not be back this year because their nest is made of mud and was quite literally falling apart. But over a few days I watched them not only repair the nest, but make it bigger!! It was quite something to see and quite a testimony to how much God loves me. He took care of those birds by giving them the ability to fix that nest--and not only fix it, but make it better than it was. If He does that for the birds, He will most certainly take care of me.
I was sitting on the carport this morning talking to a friend on the phone and a beautiful blue bird landed on my clothesline. (Can you tell I'm into birds??? Seriously....I really love them!!) He was so beautiful and was singing the most beautiful song!! So clear and so loud...it was great!!
Maybe it's just me, but when a beautiful sunny day is born or a beautiful bird is sitting outside my window...when a child laughs or a stranger gives me an encouraging word...I know it's straight from God's heart to mine. And that makes my day full of warm fuzzies......
I'm there.
So..amid my ramblings and trying to process some thoughts in my head, I thought, "Hey, just share with your bloggy buddies! They already know you're off your rocker and love you anyway!"
So..here goes....
Got a great phone call from my MIL this morning. She was so excited because God had moved in some awesome ways this week.
Way #1: My youngest SIL was shopping for shoes for her youngest DD. Out of the blue, an unknown lady gave her $50 to cover the shoes and to use the remainder on herself.
Way #2: Another SIL had just received her scholarship for school when she was approached by an unknown lady. This lady handed her a check for $500 to help with school expenses. My sweet MIL also used this opportunity to share that God had blessed and she needed to remember that.
Way #3: MIL had $30 just "show up" in a wad in her purse. It was wadded up!! Now, anyone that knows my MIL, knows that she is very careful with her money....she doesn't wad it up. God gave it to her! When she called me she was on her way to Wal Mart to share part of that found money with a worker there whom she's had on her mind all week.
He never ceases to amaze me!
Had a good conversation with my little sister Monday. She and I live about an hour apart and we're both guilty of not staying in touch like we should. Isn't it funny how we let so much "stuff' get in our way of lovin' on those we love most??
So...great conviction there about hangin' out with Sis just a bit more.
Let me tell you a bit about Little Sis....she's a single mom of 2 great kids. She's had it really rough at times..sometimes by her own hand, sometimes by things out of her control. She got layed off a few months back and is in the process of getting things together to go back to school. She's also making payments on her own home--unemployed, remember??--She's got a heart bigger than most anyone I know and a true and loyal friend--even when others would give up. She's 13 years younger than me, but I think she's amazing!! She is a strong woman...no doubt.
So...Sis...when you read this, let me know what works for you. I really miss you!!.....and I'm really proud of you!
Yesterday DD surprised DH at work by bringing lunch to him and spending his lunch hour with him. He called me when she left and a literal million dollars wouldn't have made him any happier!! Such a simple thing...an hour of her time, made her Dad the happiest man around.
Why do we think that we have to do something big and elaborate to make someone's day a little brighter?
The birds that have nested on my porch each spring ever since we moved here are back. I was a little concerned that they might not be back this year because their nest is made of mud and was quite literally falling apart. But over a few days I watched them not only repair the nest, but make it bigger!! It was quite something to see and quite a testimony to how much God loves me. He took care of those birds by giving them the ability to fix that nest--and not only fix it, but make it better than it was. If He does that for the birds, He will most certainly take care of me.
“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows." Luke 12:6-7, NLT
I was sitting on the carport this morning talking to a friend on the phone and a beautiful blue bird landed on my clothesline. (Can you tell I'm into birds??? Seriously....I really love them!!) He was so beautiful and was singing the most beautiful song!! So clear and so loud...it was great!!
Maybe it's just me, but when a beautiful sunny day is born or a beautiful bird is sitting outside my window...when a child laughs or a stranger gives me an encouraging word...I know it's straight from God's heart to mine. And that makes my day full of warm fuzzies......
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Try It Tuesday!!
Growing up, I remember my grandmother saying, "If you can't say something good about someone, don't say anything at all."
When she would say that, I would get so frustrated at her!! Of course, when she would say that, I was usually angry with someone or I'd just heard a juicy bit of gossip that I felt I needed to share with others.
Over the years, my mom also said those same words to me and I've passed them on down to my children as well.
In moments of frustration or anger, it is so easy to let our mouths get in gear before our brain has had a chance to process anything.
My grandmother only lived a very short time. She was 54 when she moved to Heaven, but I can honestly never remember her saying an ill word about anybody.
Someone would hurt her feelings to the point of tears and she still wouldn't retaliate.
I remember even telling her, "Mommaw, you shouldn't let them get away with that!!" I was all fired up ready to rip apart the person who had offended my Mommaw but she would just look at me with those tear filled eyes and say, "Baby, they must just be having a bad day."
I couldn't understand how anybody could just let something like that roll off their back.
As a teenager it left my in a perpetual state of wonder.
As an adult, it's a trait I wish I had.
This brings me to today's Try It Tuesday!! challenge. For the next week, if it's not something good or edifying, if it doesn't encourage or lift someone up, then let's keep our mouth shut. Let's make a special effort to focus on the positive that people do, most especially with our children and DH's, and praise and encourage that action.
For me, I do encourage, but I'm so quick to point out that even though you swept the whole floor without being asked, you missed that "little bit right there". How frustrating that must be to hear!!!
These are only a couple of verses that speak to me about my speech and encouraging each other. The Bible program I have on my computer quickly pulled up many verses on edifying and encouraging each other with our speech. Take a few moments to look through your Bible and find the verses that will encourage you.
Begin today to only speak words of encouragement to others. Let's put into practice my grandmother's words.
When she would say that, I would get so frustrated at her!! Of course, when she would say that, I was usually angry with someone or I'd just heard a juicy bit of gossip that I felt I needed to share with others.
Over the years, my mom also said those same words to me and I've passed them on down to my children as well.
In moments of frustration or anger, it is so easy to let our mouths get in gear before our brain has had a chance to process anything.
My grandmother only lived a very short time. She was 54 when she moved to Heaven, but I can honestly never remember her saying an ill word about anybody.
Someone would hurt her feelings to the point of tears and she still wouldn't retaliate.
I remember even telling her, "Mommaw, you shouldn't let them get away with that!!" I was all fired up ready to rip apart the person who had offended my Mommaw but she would just look at me with those tear filled eyes and say, "Baby, they must just be having a bad day."
I couldn't understand how anybody could just let something like that roll off their back.
As a teenager it left my in a perpetual state of wonder.
As an adult, it's a trait I wish I had.
This brings me to today's Try It Tuesday!! challenge. For the next week, if it's not something good or edifying, if it doesn't encourage or lift someone up, then let's keep our mouth shut. Let's make a special effort to focus on the positive that people do, most especially with our children and DH's, and praise and encourage that action.
For me, I do encourage, but I'm so quick to point out that even though you swept the whole floor without being asked, you missed that "little bit right there". How frustrating that must be to hear!!!
" Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." Ephesians 4:29, NLT
" Yes, my brother, please do me this favor for the Lord’s sake. Give me this encouragement in Christ." Philemon 1:20, NLT
These are only a couple of verses that speak to me about my speech and encouraging each other. The Bible program I have on my computer quickly pulled up many verses on edifying and encouraging each other with our speech. Take a few moments to look through your Bible and find the verses that will encourage you.
Begin today to only speak words of encouragement to others. Let's put into practice my grandmother's words.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Hangin' Out at the Cafe`
It has been several weeks since I've hung out at the Cafe`. I've missed you guys!!!
As I've shared before though, when DH is home, I really try to focus on him. He works so hard and our lives can get really busy at a moment's notice so I really try to cherish our time together.
Today finds DH outside using the chainsaw and cutting some brush and small trees and just doing that outdoor spring cleaning. So..I thought I'd pull up a chair and visit you folks at the Cafe`.
Click, click....SLAM!!!!!!!!!!!
WOW!!! Didn't even see this coming!!! The Holy Spirit, through Kim, plowed straight through and confronts me with something I've been fighting most of my Christian life....spiritual discipline. It's been a very good morning, why'd we have to go there????
I tease, though. I am so thankful that Jesus refuses to leave me where I am and that He will get my attention through whatever avenue He needs to. It is so comforting to know that my Savior loves me enough that He refuses to sugar coat those areas that I'm failing incredibly in.
Kim asks these questions:
1) On a scale of 1-10, with a 10 representing the strongest, rate your current prayer life. Why did you rate yourself as you did?
I rate myself an 8.
In the last 5 months, my prayer life has been almost continual. I can honestly say that most days find me in an attitude of prayer...praying without ceasing.
I've shared with you in past posts that DD fought her way home out of the wilderness about 3 months ago. DS, as well, has been home from the wilderness only a month.
It's amazing how God will allow situations to bring you closer to Him. I confess, that I am stressed and afraid and complaining while I'm going through these trials, but God uses those trials to bring me Home to Him.
I have friends who are going through serious health issues, marriage troubles and family problems..all of which need continual prayer. I'm finding that satan is on a rampage and the children of God cannot afford to sit around and do nothing. Sadly, it's that complacency that's brought us to the point we're at now.
2) If you are struggling with your prayer life, make a list of possible stumbling blocks to a more intimate prayer life with Jesus.
Am I struggling in my prayer life right now?? Not really. But prior to 5 months ago, you bet. I'm convinced that my lack of time with Jesus brought about the wilderness travelings of my children.
I got lazy. Thought things were going great. The scales on my eyes were so very thick and I'm sure they got that way because of laziness on my part.
For myself, I can get easily distracted. Prior to 5 months ago, I spent waayyy too much time on this computer. I couldn't bear the thought of "missing out" on something.
With our kids crazy work schedules, I found myself putting off my time with Jesus to hang out with them....not realizing that the time with Jesus would prevent the battles we've gone through.....or at least made those battle shorter lived.
Television, cutting coupons to save money, cleaning my house, not being able to say no....all of these things have caused and still can cause me to fall away from talking to my Father.
3) Make a list of how we can grow closer to Jesus in our prayer life as well.
First of all, I wouldn't recommend waiting until things get bad. How much of the stresses of life could be completely prevented if we made our time with God #1??
Turn off the tv, the computer. Put down that magazine and those coupons. Anything that is a distraction either needs to be brought under control. If it can't be controlled, then removed.
What's the point of saving 55¢ if you are losing your soul or watching the souls of others be lost??? I love that Toby Mac song that says, " I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul.."
And...there is one major thing that I think can and will make a total difference in our prayer lives....fasting.
Fasting is something that isn't talked about or practiced (at least not in my neck of the woods) very much anymore. It seems as if fasting happens when we get desperate, yet the Bible tells us to fast and pray.
"So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting...."
Daniel 9:3, NLT
"....She never left the temple, but stayed there day and night worshipping God with fasting and prayer."
Luke 2:37, NLT
I believe when we fast, we are being serious. Fasting isn't just the giving up of food, but of anything that is a major deal to us. It shows God that whatever we're praying about is so big to us that we're willing to sacrifice something important to us to see this prayer answered in accordance with God's will.
Have I got all the answers? Do I have this whole thing figured out? Not a chance!!
But God has shown me over the last few months that He is mighty and desires to answer our prayers and please us..BUT...we also have to do our part as well.
To join the Cafe`, click here.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Beginnning The Day
Today is going to be a busy day.
It's my bi-monthly shopping day.
Got my list ready. Stores to visit with the best deals.
Got my coupons ready. 50¢ here, $1.00 there. Save money, save money, save money.
Mmmmm. Just me and DD today, maybe we'll go out to eat....check coupons. Yep. Got several. Now to choose.
Grab my reusable bags. Can't stand the thought of bringing home more of those plastic bags than I need to. (Of course, I need a few for trash bags in the bathrooms).
Make the bed, straighten the bathroom. Fill the cat food bowl.
Comfy jeans, favorite t-shirt...stick my head out the door to check the temp....oh yeah....flip flops today!!
Yikes!!! Look at those toe nails!!! Quick swipe of some polish...not great, but no one's going to be close enough to my feet to notice..
Gather everything up...got my phone??? Yep. (Whatever did we do before cell phones????) Ooops, about forgot my Skillet cd..
Out the door. Let's go shopping!! Woo Hoo!!
I love a bargain, the thrill of the hunt, the trophy of a dollar saved.
Headin' down the highway...."Watch out!! Are you blind!!??" People really need to pay more attention.
Stopped at the red light that turned green at least three minutes ago. "Hellloooo...waitin' on a different shade of green up there??"
Tummy's rumbling..how about that lunch that we've planned for???
"Are you kidding me??? Out of white meat unless I want to wait 10 minutes??? No, never mind, just give me a thigh." People really ought to be able to do their job correctly if they're going to work with the public.
Hours later....oh my feet hurt and if one more 8 year old rams into me.......Stand in line, hurry up and wait, I'm so ready to go home.
"I'll have to check if I can take internet coupons."
"For real?? Seeing as I have a letter from your corporate office in my wallet stating what's acceptable, is that really necessary?"
Wait, wait, wait.....can't people see I have a lot to do????
Finally, back in the car, look at the gas gauge. Probably should fill up since gas appears to be a little cheaper today. Save money, save money, save money.
"Look at those lines at the pump!!!! Is this the only station in town???"
Wait, wait wait. Put on that plastic smile, make everybody think I've got it all together.
But there's Someone I'm not foolin'.
There is Someone Who I've yet to even say good morning to.
He's tried plenty of times to get my attention today, but I've been about my duties to be a good steward of the monies we've been blessed with.
After all, isn't gathering my coupons and mapping my route so I can save money a wise thing to do??
Isn't gathering those reusable bags to help save the earth a wise thing to do??
Splurging to go out to eat??? Not godly perhaps, but I did use a coupon..so wiser.
Clean house = happy hubby.......Full bowl = happy cat.
Nice toenails?? Well, okay..maybe not so important in the Heavenly realm...
Skillet? Hey!! They're singing about my Jesus!! Can't fuss there!
Folks cutting me off in traffic---shouldn't I have prayed and asked God to keep them safe and to help them through whatever is weighing them down and causing them to be distracted?
Waiting on white meat--shouldn't I have lifted the new employee up in prayer?? What I didn't know is that she had to come to work today and leave a very sick baby at home because hubby got laid off.....they need the money, she's carrying a heavy load.
Why get angry at that cashier about those internet coupons...she was told in a meeting this morning that no matter who let one more counterfeit coupon go through they would be fired.
Griping at the lines at the pump?? Aren't I in line at those same pumps???...for the same reason as everyone else???
Oh my.....why have I been so out of sorts today? "God, where have you been??"
"......waiting on you. All day I've tried to get your attention and you've ran about doing your own thing. Oh.. the blessings you've missed out on today, because you didn't begin your day with Me and see what I had planned. The lives you weren't able to change because you had your own agenda. You've been so blind, so deaf to those around you..thinking you were doing My work, even though you hadn't even given Me any time to share with you what this day held in store for you."
"I'm so sorry...what can I do??"
".....Don't worry about those you missed today. I had other vessels that were ready to be used. What can you do??? Don't rush into your day without checking in with Me. I know the plans I have for you and you will be filled with joy unspeakable as long as your treasures are stored in Heaven. I love you and the greatest thing you can do for me, is love me in return."
Let me ask, is Jesus waiting on you??
It's my bi-monthly shopping day.
Got my list ready. Stores to visit with the best deals.
Got my coupons ready. 50¢ here, $1.00 there. Save money, save money, save money.
Mmmmm. Just me and DD today, maybe we'll go out to eat....check coupons. Yep. Got several. Now to choose.
Grab my reusable bags. Can't stand the thought of bringing home more of those plastic bags than I need to. (Of course, I need a few for trash bags in the bathrooms).
Make the bed, straighten the bathroom. Fill the cat food bowl.
Comfy jeans, favorite t-shirt...stick my head out the door to check the temp....oh yeah....flip flops today!!
Yikes!!! Look at those toe nails!!! Quick swipe of some polish...not great, but no one's going to be close enough to my feet to notice..
Gather everything up...got my phone??? Yep. (Whatever did we do before cell phones????) Ooops, about forgot my Skillet cd..
Out the door. Let's go shopping!! Woo Hoo!!
I love a bargain, the thrill of the hunt, the trophy of a dollar saved.
Headin' down the highway...."Watch out!! Are you blind!!??" People really need to pay more attention.
Stopped at the red light that turned green at least three minutes ago. "Hellloooo...waitin' on a different shade of green up there??"
Tummy's rumbling..how about that lunch that we've planned for???
"Are you kidding me??? Out of white meat unless I want to wait 10 minutes??? No, never mind, just give me a thigh." People really ought to be able to do their job correctly if they're going to work with the public.
Hours later....oh my feet hurt and if one more 8 year old rams into me.......Stand in line, hurry up and wait, I'm so ready to go home.
"I'll have to check if I can take internet coupons."
"For real?? Seeing as I have a letter from your corporate office in my wallet stating what's acceptable, is that really necessary?"
Wait, wait, wait.....can't people see I have a lot to do????
Finally, back in the car, look at the gas gauge. Probably should fill up since gas appears to be a little cheaper today. Save money, save money, save money.
"Look at those lines at the pump!!!! Is this the only station in town???"
Wait, wait wait. Put on that plastic smile, make everybody think I've got it all together.
But there's Someone I'm not foolin'.
There is Someone Who I've yet to even say good morning to.
He's tried plenty of times to get my attention today, but I've been about my duties to be a good steward of the monies we've been blessed with.
After all, isn't gathering my coupons and mapping my route so I can save money a wise thing to do??
Isn't gathering those reusable bags to help save the earth a wise thing to do??
Splurging to go out to eat??? Not godly perhaps, but I did use a coupon..so wiser.
Clean house = happy hubby.......Full bowl = happy cat.
Nice toenails?? Well, okay..maybe not so important in the Heavenly realm...
Skillet? Hey!! They're singing about my Jesus!! Can't fuss there!
Folks cutting me off in traffic---shouldn't I have prayed and asked God to keep them safe and to help them through whatever is weighing them down and causing them to be distracted?
Waiting on white meat--shouldn't I have lifted the new employee up in prayer?? What I didn't know is that she had to come to work today and leave a very sick baby at home because hubby got laid off.....they need the money, she's carrying a heavy load.
Why get angry at that cashier about those internet coupons...she was told in a meeting this morning that no matter who let one more counterfeit coupon go through they would be fired.
Griping at the lines at the pump?? Aren't I in line at those same pumps???...for the same reason as everyone else???
Oh my.....why have I been so out of sorts today? "God, where have you been??"
"......waiting on you. All day I've tried to get your attention and you've ran about doing your own thing. Oh.. the blessings you've missed out on today, because you didn't begin your day with Me and see what I had planned. The lives you weren't able to change because you had your own agenda. You've been so blind, so deaf to those around you..thinking you were doing My work, even though you hadn't even given Me any time to share with you what this day held in store for you."
"I'm so sorry...what can I do??"
".....Don't worry about those you missed today. I had other vessels that were ready to be used. What can you do??? Don't rush into your day without checking in with Me. I know the plans I have for you and you will be filled with joy unspeakable as long as your treasures are stored in Heaven. I love you and the greatest thing you can do for me, is love me in return."
Let me ask, is Jesus waiting on you??
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Thankful Thursday
It's time to link up with Sonya over at Truth 4 the Journey to share five things that I'm thankful for this week.
Sorry I didn't participate last week. I really missed hearing from all of you!!
So, without further delay, here is my list of Thankfuls!
1) I am thankful for a Heavenly Father that is always on time with encouragement and hope when I am feeling so alone.
2) I am thankful for friends who are not only friends, but prayer warriors with me and for me.
3) I am thankful for praise and worship music. Seems this week, God's always sent the right song at the right time over the radio waves.
4) I am SO thankful that God watched over things for us during the awful winds of this past weekend.
5) I am thankful for the wildflowers that DH randomly picks and brings in for me to enjoy.
What are you thankful for this week??
For more Thankful Thursday, click here.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Power Outages
This past Sunday night, we had some of the worst winds that I can ever remember since living in Alabama.
Trees were falling, people were losing shingles off of their roofs. My neighbor was in the process of building a shed, it is now laying on the ground along with some destroyed fencing.
Many have been without power since that night.
We were blessed. Our power blinked off for about 20 seconds. Except for having to chase down our trash cans, we had no problems.
I was in the Thrift Store yesterday and while I was in line, I was listening to a couple of ladies talking about how long they had been without power. You could tell that these were the sweetest ladies, but their frustration of having to be in the dark was mounting.
I also had to take DS to the Dr. Same discussion between different people. Same frustration.
I began to notice as I made my errands around town, that anger and frustration was the theme.
I starting thinking.
What is making folks so antsy..so frustrated..some~~ down right angry??
One word.
Darkness.
As an unsaved person, the only thing about the dark I didn't like was the fact in all the scary movies I watched, the bad stuff always happened in the dark.
Avoid the dark..avoid the unknown.
I've learned since meeting Jesus, that darkness takes on a whole new meaning.
Once you've enjoyed the Light, the darkness becomes worse.
With the case of the power outages, we've become accustomed to our electricity. We like the fact that we can flip a switch and instant light. No more darkness.
With the help of even the smallest flashlight, the darkness outside isn't so scary.
Our stress level goes down, our fear goes away.
All because of the light.
Isn't that just like Jesus?
We connect with Him, and He flips a switch. Instant Light.
Even when we enter those dark, scary places, we have our Light.
No more fear of the unknown because the One Who knows everything is lighting our way.
Then maybe, for whatever reason, we start moving away from the Light. We get "busy".
We get so preoccupied with the here and now that we take our eyes off of the Light.
As we do this and go there, we may notice that the Light is getting dimmer, but since we can still see It, we aren't afraid. We do find ourselves wondering why this powerful Light is getting dimmer and our mind~ the enemy~ convinces us that the Light Itself is going out. It has nothing to do with us. When in all reality, we've moved so far away from the Source of the Light, we can't see it as clearly anymore, if at all.
Then all of a sudden, we realize we don't see any Light at all. It's dark and we're afraid.
How did this happen? How did we get here? What caused the Light to go out?
Well, the Light didn't go out, but the connection between us and the Light has been broken.
Just like those trees snapped those power lines all around our city.
The power source was still there and available to be used, but because that connection had been broken, it wasn't able to be used.
The connection had to be restored.
Same with Jesus.
When we find ourselves in the dark after enjoying the Light, the connection has been broken and some outside source has broken it.
We have to repair the connection in order to enjoy the Light again and the sooner the better.
How do we repair it?
Fall on our knees. Confess our sins and dig into the Word. Re-establish that connection with the Power Source. Pray. Fill our ears with praise and worship music.
Quicker than we can realize that connection will be restored and we'll be enjoying the Light once again.
Trees were falling, people were losing shingles off of their roofs. My neighbor was in the process of building a shed, it is now laying on the ground along with some destroyed fencing.
Many have been without power since that night.
We were blessed. Our power blinked off for about 20 seconds. Except for having to chase down our trash cans, we had no problems.
I was in the Thrift Store yesterday and while I was in line, I was listening to a couple of ladies talking about how long they had been without power. You could tell that these were the sweetest ladies, but their frustration of having to be in the dark was mounting.
I also had to take DS to the Dr. Same discussion between different people. Same frustration.
I began to notice as I made my errands around town, that anger and frustration was the theme.
I starting thinking.
What is making folks so antsy..so frustrated..some~~ down right angry??
One word.
Darkness.
As an unsaved person, the only thing about the dark I didn't like was the fact in all the scary movies I watched, the bad stuff always happened in the dark.
Avoid the dark..avoid the unknown.
I've learned since meeting Jesus, that darkness takes on a whole new meaning.
Once you've enjoyed the Light, the darkness becomes worse.
With the case of the power outages, we've become accustomed to our electricity. We like the fact that we can flip a switch and instant light. No more darkness.
With the help of even the smallest flashlight, the darkness outside isn't so scary.
Our stress level goes down, our fear goes away.
All because of the light.
Isn't that just like Jesus?
We connect with Him, and He flips a switch. Instant Light.
Even when we enter those dark, scary places, we have our Light.
No more fear of the unknown because the One Who knows everything is lighting our way.
Then maybe, for whatever reason, we start moving away from the Light. We get "busy".
We get so preoccupied with the here and now that we take our eyes off of the Light.
As we do this and go there, we may notice that the Light is getting dimmer, but since we can still see It, we aren't afraid. We do find ourselves wondering why this powerful Light is getting dimmer and our mind~ the enemy~ convinces us that the Light Itself is going out. It has nothing to do with us. When in all reality, we've moved so far away from the Source of the Light, we can't see it as clearly anymore, if at all.
Then all of a sudden, we realize we don't see any Light at all. It's dark and we're afraid.
How did this happen? How did we get here? What caused the Light to go out?
Well, the Light didn't go out, but the connection between us and the Light has been broken.
Just like those trees snapped those power lines all around our city.
The power source was still there and available to be used, but because that connection had been broken, it wasn't able to be used.
The connection had to be restored.
Same with Jesus.
When we find ourselves in the dark after enjoying the Light, the connection has been broken and some outside source has broken it.
We have to repair the connection in order to enjoy the Light again and the sooner the better.
How do we repair it?
Fall on our knees. Confess our sins and dig into the Word. Re-establish that connection with the Power Source. Pray. Fill our ears with praise and worship music.
Quicker than we can realize that connection will be restored and we'll be enjoying the Light once again.
"For God Who said, "Let there be Light in the darkness," has made this Light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ."
2 Corinthians 4:6 NLT
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Try It Tuesday!!
This Try It Tuesday!! is a place that I know I'm actually going to be regrouping and starting over in...and I'm willing to bet that most of you are the same way.
This Try It Tuesday!! is going to find us revisiting our shopping habits.
How well to we bargain shop?
Are we clipping coupons and using them to their full potential on things we actually use?
Are we making menus and planning in advance for the unexpected so that we aren't grabbing take out?
As with many things in my life, I usually get off to a good start, then find myself..for whatever reason...just...not. I'm not sure if I lose interest~although I wonder why someone would lose interest when it comes to saving money and being a better steward of what God has blessed you with~
You know those lists of good starts:
Keeping my house clean and welcoming at all times.
Saving money.
Staying calm.
Being committed to a healthy diet and plenty of exercise.
Keeping an unwavering quiet time with my Father.
We could go on and on, but the point is...I have to train myself to be committed to these things.
In the months past, I've been able to save several dollars ($25-$45) with coupons. I also do a lot of price matching. Wal Mart Supercenters price match local competitors ads. I do this because it keeps me from running all over town to get the best deal. (Wal Mart does have a certain criteria they follow in order to do a price match. Check with your local Wal Mart to see what it is in your area)
Anyway, in the last couple of months, I've allowed so much "stuff" to get in my way that I haven't done any coupon clipping and very little price matching.
Now, this makes no sense seeing how DH's hours have been reduced and we need those savings more than ever.
So..with today's Try It!! challenge, here I go again. Friday is my day to buy groceries and I'm going to start today reorganizing my coupons and as those ads in the paper comes out, writing down those deals on my grocery list and get busy price matching.
Let me encourage you to take the time this week to do some financial searching and see where you can improve your family's financial situation. Once you see where the improvements need to be, make a plan and stick to it!!
I'm very anxious to hear from you about the changes that you are going to be making in your budgets and spending!
This Try It Tuesday!! is going to find us revisiting our shopping habits.
How well to we bargain shop?
Are we clipping coupons and using them to their full potential on things we actually use?
Are we making menus and planning in advance for the unexpected so that we aren't grabbing take out?
As with many things in my life, I usually get off to a good start, then find myself..for whatever reason...just...not. I'm not sure if I lose interest~although I wonder why someone would lose interest when it comes to saving money and being a better steward of what God has blessed you with~
You know those lists of good starts:
Keeping my house clean and welcoming at all times.
Saving money.
Staying calm.
Being committed to a healthy diet and plenty of exercise.
Keeping an unwavering quiet time with my Father.
We could go on and on, but the point is...I have to train myself to be committed to these things.
In the months past, I've been able to save several dollars ($25-$45) with coupons. I also do a lot of price matching. Wal Mart Supercenters price match local competitors ads. I do this because it keeps me from running all over town to get the best deal. (Wal Mart does have a certain criteria they follow in order to do a price match. Check with your local Wal Mart to see what it is in your area)
Anyway, in the last couple of months, I've allowed so much "stuff" to get in my way that I haven't done any coupon clipping and very little price matching.
Now, this makes no sense seeing how DH's hours have been reduced and we need those savings more than ever.
So..with today's Try It!! challenge, here I go again. Friday is my day to buy groceries and I'm going to start today reorganizing my coupons and as those ads in the paper comes out, writing down those deals on my grocery list and get busy price matching.
Let me encourage you to take the time this week to do some financial searching and see where you can improve your family's financial situation. Once you see where the improvements need to be, make a plan and stick to it!!
I'm very anxious to hear from you about the changes that you are going to be making in your budgets and spending!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Here's Why I've Been Gone
Maybe you've noticed I've been out of pocket the last few days. Yes, it was intentional.The reason....
As noted in earlier posts, DS has fought his way back out of the wilderness. He is trying so hard to stay focused on God and lining up his (DS's) will with God's. An admirable thing to do, no doubt.
However, as most of us who've struggled with wilderness happenings know, our past does haunt us. Satan will try every avenue he possibly can to remind us of past failings and how awful we truly are. Even though we know that Jesus has bought us, washed us and cleansed us, satan refuses to let us believe that.
We also know that satan will bring past influences to us so that we can "get them saved".
Thus DS.
He wants so desperately to see the people from his wilderness saved...and I truly do myself! Nothing is more important than your relationship with Jesus Christ. NOTHING.
He isn't intentionally putting himself in their arena, but he's putting himself out there..and it makes me afraid. He only broke through the clouds and vines and thorns 3 short weeks ago.
I've reminded him of the story of Lot's wife and how she kept looking back. I've reminded him that we're told to put our hand to the plow and not look back.
I don't believe for a second that he's wishing to go back to that kind of life (as I know the two previous examples imply). He truly wants to see these people saved. But he's trying to do this one on one. He believes he's strong enough to do this. Me. I'm not so sure.
I've been around a good while and made many mistakes.
I've not witnessed when I should and out right ignored God's pleadings with me at times.
I also tried to get my old party crowd "saved".
Shortly after DH and I met Jesus, our old party crowd invited us to a party.
"You don't have to drink!! There will be plenty of diet Coke there! Just come hang out!"
And we did.
And we were miserable.
We tried to show them that you could have fun without all of this alcohol and drugs.
We were ignored.
We watched these people with new eyes and saw the destruction that was exploding all around us.
We left.
We removed ourselves from the evil that surrounded us and never looked back.
DS has a slightly harder problem.
One of his wilderness "buddies" goes to church with us.
I confess being in the flesh. How do I handle things when he goes to this person (female) takes her hand and prays with her?
I should be cheering him on, right??
No..I'm livid. Angry doesn't begin to scratch the surface.
Take us to this past Wednesday night when I watched him laughing with this female and having conversation.
Please know I do not want him being rude to her, but I just want him to keep his distance...at least for now.
My flesh tells me I'm justified in my feelings.
Jesus tells me that no matter what, He died for her just as he died for me.
My heart is confused.
I....we..lived along with DS the struggles and incredible horrors of the last 6 months. I DO NOT want to go back there.....EVER. None of us do...but yet when I watch him interact with her, all I see is a repeat performance.
I attacked DS upon his entrance into our car and was mean and not at all Christ like the entire ride home.
When we got home he went to his room, I went to mine.
A little later I went to him and in a calmer more Christ-like attitude apologized and again tried to explain my fears. He tells me I have nothing to fear. He just wants to see her have a true relationship with Jesus.
Again, something I truly desire as well....I know I have to trust my son.
I know that Jesus is not the Author of confusion or fear.
And if that's not coming from Jesus, then we know who it's coming from.
The thought of satan having any control over me makes me as livid as I was Wednesday night.
On Thursday one of my best girlfriends and I just escaped for the day. I really needed that and I really needed the conversation. DH has been home since Friday and will be through Monday because of the hours reduction at his job. I've needed his company as well.
There is still a little tension between DS and myself. I'm trying to back off....just a little...and truly trust that he won't allow himself to be.......sucked back in.
So...I'm asking for prayer and I'm asking for advice...yet again, and I'm thankful that I know in my heart you..my bloggy buddies..will do just that.
As noted in earlier posts, DS has fought his way back out of the wilderness. He is trying so hard to stay focused on God and lining up his (DS's) will with God's. An admirable thing to do, no doubt.
However, as most of us who've struggled with wilderness happenings know, our past does haunt us. Satan will try every avenue he possibly can to remind us of past failings and how awful we truly are. Even though we know that Jesus has bought us, washed us and cleansed us, satan refuses to let us believe that.
We also know that satan will bring past influences to us so that we can "get them saved".
Thus DS.
He wants so desperately to see the people from his wilderness saved...and I truly do myself! Nothing is more important than your relationship with Jesus Christ. NOTHING.
He isn't intentionally putting himself in their arena, but he's putting himself out there..and it makes me afraid. He only broke through the clouds and vines and thorns 3 short weeks ago.
I've reminded him of the story of Lot's wife and how she kept looking back. I've reminded him that we're told to put our hand to the plow and not look back.
I don't believe for a second that he's wishing to go back to that kind of life (as I know the two previous examples imply). He truly wants to see these people saved. But he's trying to do this one on one. He believes he's strong enough to do this. Me. I'm not so sure.
I've been around a good while and made many mistakes.
I've not witnessed when I should and out right ignored God's pleadings with me at times.
I also tried to get my old party crowd "saved".
Shortly after DH and I met Jesus, our old party crowd invited us to a party.
"You don't have to drink!! There will be plenty of diet Coke there! Just come hang out!"
And we did.
And we were miserable.
We tried to show them that you could have fun without all of this alcohol and drugs.
We were ignored.
We watched these people with new eyes and saw the destruction that was exploding all around us.
We left.
We removed ourselves from the evil that surrounded us and never looked back.
DS has a slightly harder problem.
One of his wilderness "buddies" goes to church with us.
I confess being in the flesh. How do I handle things when he goes to this person (female) takes her hand and prays with her?
I should be cheering him on, right??
No..I'm livid. Angry doesn't begin to scratch the surface.
Take us to this past Wednesday night when I watched him laughing with this female and having conversation.
Please know I do not want him being rude to her, but I just want him to keep his distance...at least for now.
My flesh tells me I'm justified in my feelings.
Jesus tells me that no matter what, He died for her just as he died for me.
My heart is confused.
I....we..lived along with DS the struggles and incredible horrors of the last 6 months. I DO NOT want to go back there.....EVER. None of us do...but yet when I watch him interact with her, all I see is a repeat performance.
I attacked DS upon his entrance into our car and was mean and not at all Christ like the entire ride home.
When we got home he went to his room, I went to mine.
A little later I went to him and in a calmer more Christ-like attitude apologized and again tried to explain my fears. He tells me I have nothing to fear. He just wants to see her have a true relationship with Jesus.
Again, something I truly desire as well....I know I have to trust my son.
I know that Jesus is not the Author of confusion or fear.
And if that's not coming from Jesus, then we know who it's coming from.
The thought of satan having any control over me makes me as livid as I was Wednesday night.
On Thursday one of my best girlfriends and I just escaped for the day. I really needed that and I really needed the conversation. DH has been home since Friday and will be through Monday because of the hours reduction at his job. I've needed his company as well.
There is still a little tension between DS and myself. I'm trying to back off....just a little...and truly trust that he won't allow himself to be.......sucked back in.
So...I'm asking for prayer and I'm asking for advice...yet again, and I'm thankful that I know in my heart you..my bloggy buddies..will do just that.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
More About Me--Infertility
A couple of things before I begin today's actual post:
I initially intended to do More About Me on strictly Monday's, but God has revealed to me that I can't limit when I should post something. What I intended to post Monday, God kept preventing and I'm now able to post it today. Don't know why, not going to ask. Just going to trust that what He intended will come to pass.
I also want to thank those who have sent me questions and posed situations. I am being honest when I say I really want more questions. Do I have all the answers? Of course not!! But I have found a lot of things that I can address through God's Word.
Some of the questions that have come my way..I've lived. Some, I have not. But it's at those times I'm going straight to God's Word to seek Him and answers. Please keep those questions coming!! As always, I won't reveal who has asked what. Many questions I've gotten are of a personal nature and some I've answered in direct e-mails. As you read my posts, I'm sure you'll recognize if this was one of your questions....
We struggled with infertility for years. As I posted here, it took us 5½ years to get pregnant with DD. We actually had her one month after our 7th anniversary.
Those 5½ years were so hard and so discouraging. We even came to a point that we accepted our inability to have biological children and began the process of adoption.
While we fully accepted adoption and were eager to get that process going, there was a tugging in my heart that I may never actually give birth.
Looking back, I would have given anything had we been Christians at that time. I'm confident that God would have been every strength and emotion I needed to move forward. Hindsight being what it is, I do recognize now, that He was there all along.
I remember we came to the decision to end our fertility treatments in March of 1990 and begin the process of adoption. The constant Dr visits and medications and temp checks and on and on and on over 5½ years had taken it's toll. We finally accepted the fact..even though we weren't Christians...that if God wanted us to have a baby, He'd provide one...somehow.
Within a week, we had begun the adoption process and both of us were so excited!!!
In a very short time--literally days--I went from sadness that I couldn't conceive to sheer excitement over the fact that we--at some point--were actually going to welcome a child into our home!!!
As I said, this was in March. We were so busy with our jobs and the home checks and the paperwork and all of that stuff that begins the adoption process, that I hadn't even realized I'd missed a period. Some time around the end of May though, I noticed that my body was feeling...different. Certain body parts were giving me a considerable amount of pain and tenderness. I was talking to a close friend about it and she encouraged me to take--yet another--pregnancy test.
After a couple of weeks I finally gave in and found out I was indeed pregnant!!
There are no words to convey the sheer joy and shock that DH and I felt at that news!! We met with our social worker and came to the decision that since we were actually pregnant, we were going to halt the adoption process..for a time at least.
God blessed and as my bloggy friends know...we have two amazingly wonderful biological children.
But what about those who have struggled with infertility and are still not pregnant?
How would I be right now had God not blessed me with those 2 great kids?? Would I have adopted? Would I have accepted the fact I might not ever get pregnant? What would I have done?
Our decision to begin the adoption process came from the fact that DH's parents were foster parents. We met so many kids of all ages that so desperately just wanted to be loved and have a stable home. We knew that if we couldn't conceive, adoption would be our next step.
We also gave much thought into being foster parents ourselves, but I have a very honest confession about that......I don't know that I could love them and then watch them move on. I got very attached to the children that my in laws had and when they left, it was devastating to me. I just don't think fostering is something I could do.
I spent this week looking at some Scripture....
Psalm 113:9 says,
Isaiah 54:1 says,
Now, I'm not thinking that the Father is saying here that you should just be happy and move on since you're not able to give birth. He created our feelings and emotions and He fully understands our pain and anguish.
I have some friends, 2 in particular, whom God has not allowed them to conceive.
Both of these women have walked different emotional paths with their infertility.
One woman became a school teacher. She is working with special needs kids and they fill her life with much joy!! She loves these kids so much and makes such a difference in each sweet little life. She is patient and calm and so tender with each child...God has blessed her with many kids and her love pot just keeps overflowing!!
She works with the teen girls at her church and she is able to have them over to her house and work with them and focus strictly on them. These teenagers keep her busy and they trust and love her so much!
She didn't give birth, nor has she adopted, but she has loved and help raise so many children over the years...children many of us would never be able to love or help grow.
The next lady married a man who had children from a previous relationship. During their early years of marriage, both hoped to have biological children together.
Oh..she loved her husband's children, but she really wanted "one of her own".
For a time, she really struggled with the fact that she wasn't getting pregnant and finally accepted that, unless God intervened, she would never have a biological child.
After much prayer and time spent with God, God showed her that He'd already provided her children. These kids that she'd "married" needed a mom so much...and she was that woman.
She was called to this place. To be a Godly example to these kids and show them how to be Biblical wives.
She was to show the boys what a Biblical wife looked like so they would know what to look for when the time for them to choose wives arrived.
She soon learned that the time and effort she was putting into "wanting a family" was wasted....she had children. God had provided.
I don't know your situation or where you may be in your battle with infertility, but I do ask you to pray honestly and ask God to reveal to you His plan.
Maybe He's asking you to adopt or be a foster parent..or maybe He's provided you children in another way.
Maybe He wants you to teach those kids at church and be available to them.
Maybe you've "married" children who so hunger for your love and attention and just need a mom.
If we are faithful and trust God because He is perfect and will never fail, we know He will give us the desires of our hearts..maybe not in the way we would choose, but in His way because He is perfect.
I initially intended to do More About Me on strictly Monday's, but God has revealed to me that I can't limit when I should post something. What I intended to post Monday, God kept preventing and I'm now able to post it today. Don't know why, not going to ask. Just going to trust that what He intended will come to pass.
I also want to thank those who have sent me questions and posed situations. I am being honest when I say I really want more questions. Do I have all the answers? Of course not!! But I have found a lot of things that I can address through God's Word.
Some of the questions that have come my way..I've lived. Some, I have not. But it's at those times I'm going straight to God's Word to seek Him and answers. Please keep those questions coming!! As always, I won't reveal who has asked what. Many questions I've gotten are of a personal nature and some I've answered in direct e-mails. As you read my posts, I'm sure you'll recognize if this was one of your questions....
We struggled with infertility for years. As I posted here, it took us 5½ years to get pregnant with DD. We actually had her one month after our 7th anniversary.
Those 5½ years were so hard and so discouraging. We even came to a point that we accepted our inability to have biological children and began the process of adoption.
While we fully accepted adoption and were eager to get that process going, there was a tugging in my heart that I may never actually give birth.
Looking back, I would have given anything had we been Christians at that time. I'm confident that God would have been every strength and emotion I needed to move forward. Hindsight being what it is, I do recognize now, that He was there all along.
I remember we came to the decision to end our fertility treatments in March of 1990 and begin the process of adoption. The constant Dr visits and medications and temp checks and on and on and on over 5½ years had taken it's toll. We finally accepted the fact..even though we weren't Christians...that if God wanted us to have a baby, He'd provide one...somehow.
Within a week, we had begun the adoption process and both of us were so excited!!!
In a very short time--literally days--I went from sadness that I couldn't conceive to sheer excitement over the fact that we--at some point--were actually going to welcome a child into our home!!!
As I said, this was in March. We were so busy with our jobs and the home checks and the paperwork and all of that stuff that begins the adoption process, that I hadn't even realized I'd missed a period. Some time around the end of May though, I noticed that my body was feeling...different. Certain body parts were giving me a considerable amount of pain and tenderness. I was talking to a close friend about it and she encouraged me to take--yet another--pregnancy test.
After a couple of weeks I finally gave in and found out I was indeed pregnant!!
There are no words to convey the sheer joy and shock that DH and I felt at that news!! We met with our social worker and came to the decision that since we were actually pregnant, we were going to halt the adoption process..for a time at least.
God blessed and as my bloggy friends know...we have two amazingly wonderful biological children.
But what about those who have struggled with infertility and are still not pregnant?
How would I be right now had God not blessed me with those 2 great kids?? Would I have adopted? Would I have accepted the fact I might not ever get pregnant? What would I have done?
Our decision to begin the adoption process came from the fact that DH's parents were foster parents. We met so many kids of all ages that so desperately just wanted to be loved and have a stable home. We knew that if we couldn't conceive, adoption would be our next step.
We also gave much thought into being foster parents ourselves, but I have a very honest confession about that......I don't know that I could love them and then watch them move on. I got very attached to the children that my in laws had and when they left, it was devastating to me. I just don't think fostering is something I could do.
I spent this week looking at some Scripture....
Psalm 113:9 says,
"He gives the childless woman a family, making her a happy mother."
Isaiah 54:1 says,
"Sing, O childless woman, you who have never given birth! Break into loud and joyful song, O Jerusalem, you who have never been in labor. for the desolate woman now has more children than the woman who lives with her husband." says the Lord."(Both verses are NLT)
Now, I'm not thinking that the Father is saying here that you should just be happy and move on since you're not able to give birth. He created our feelings and emotions and He fully understands our pain and anguish.
I have some friends, 2 in particular, whom God has not allowed them to conceive.
Both of these women have walked different emotional paths with their infertility.
One woman became a school teacher. She is working with special needs kids and they fill her life with much joy!! She loves these kids so much and makes such a difference in each sweet little life. She is patient and calm and so tender with each child...God has blessed her with many kids and her love pot just keeps overflowing!!
She works with the teen girls at her church and she is able to have them over to her house and work with them and focus strictly on them. These teenagers keep her busy and they trust and love her so much!
She didn't give birth, nor has she adopted, but she has loved and help raise so many children over the years...children many of us would never be able to love or help grow.
The next lady married a man who had children from a previous relationship. During their early years of marriage, both hoped to have biological children together.
Oh..she loved her husband's children, but she really wanted "one of her own".
For a time, she really struggled with the fact that she wasn't getting pregnant and finally accepted that, unless God intervened, she would never have a biological child.
After much prayer and time spent with God, God showed her that He'd already provided her children. These kids that she'd "married" needed a mom so much...and she was that woman.
She was called to this place. To be a Godly example to these kids and show them how to be Biblical wives.
She was to show the boys what a Biblical wife looked like so they would know what to look for when the time for them to choose wives arrived.
She soon learned that the time and effort she was putting into "wanting a family" was wasted....she had children. God had provided.
I don't know your situation or where you may be in your battle with infertility, but I do ask you to pray honestly and ask God to reveal to you His plan.
Maybe He's asking you to adopt or be a foster parent..or maybe He's provided you children in another way.
Maybe He wants you to teach those kids at church and be available to them.
Maybe you've "married" children who so hunger for your love and attention and just need a mom.
If we are faithful and trust God because He is perfect and will never fail, we know He will give us the desires of our hearts..maybe not in the way we would choose, but in His way because He is perfect.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Check Out This Online Magazine
For a couple of months now, I've been reading a magazine online called Serious.Life Magazine.
Their new issue just came out and I (along with A LOT of other bloggers) are featured in their blog directory.
It's owned and published by the Riggs family. They have seven children, three of which are adopted and one who is battling leukemia.
It's a very real life magazine that I think you all would incredibly enjoy.
Check it out and remember that it's free...and that's a bargain at any price!!
Try It Tuesday!!
It's Tuesday again and that means another Try It Tuesday!!
Spring is in the air!! It's all around us! The grass is turning green, flowers are blooming, birds are singing, the weather is warmer..(of course, you wouldn't know that at my house this morning! It is in the low 30's and we had sleet last night!!)
But..never-the-less, it is spring.
I think it's just in my wiring that when the weather starts warming up and the sun is just brighter and more beautiful, that I feel refreshed and renewed. I feel like I have a new start and I can do anything!
Then I look around the inside of my house.
A little pile here. A little stack here.
I imagine my fear of the cold in the winter has me just shoving things in a corner to avoid going outside to my laundry room and putting them away or loading them up in my car and taking them to the thrift store.
Deciding to spring clean in my house begins with clearing the clutter. And I have A LOT of clutter!!
Clutter can be very overwhelming when you open a dresser drawer to get a pair of socks and have to stuff the stuff back in, in order to shut the drawer back.
Clutter can be very overwhelming when you open a kitchen cabinet and 40 thousand plastic butter bowls fall out on your head.
Clutter can be very overwhelming when you throw yet another magazine on top of a stack that is already leaning and about to come crashing down.
When you look at the whole picture, it's easy to get overwhelmed and say, "Not tackling that today! Maybe tomorrow." Problem is, tomorrow brings yet another butter bowl or magazine.
Let's get started today!! Come on ladies! We can do this!!
Don't let yourself wander through every room in your house telling yourself it can't be done! The main thing is to just begin!!
For me, my living room is the first room I concentrate on. It's where we gather as a family and entertain friends. It's the room we spend the most time in and so I have more than enough time to focus on that clutter.
Begin with that magazine stack or all of those what-nots that are sitting on every table in the room. Honestly ask yourself if you need another glass duck sitting on the table. ( A loooonnggng story for another post...maybe I'll ask DH to write that one)
Do you have to keep the whole magazine just because it has an awesome chili recipe in it??
Remember less is more. Less stuff to clean and maintain means more time you can be spending with DH and the kids or..dare I say it....more time you can spend on yourself!! You could paint those toenails that are soon to be peaking out of some really cool summer sandals!!
The main idea here is to eliminate all of those things you don't need.
Several years ago, I began putting things in a box if I just couldn't part with them. I knew I didn't need or want all of this stuff sitting around. It made my house look messy and small....but I thought I just couldn't live without it! So I decided instead of getting rid of it, I'd put it in a box, that way "when" I remembered why I was keeping it in the first place, could dig it back out.
I can honestly say, to date, I've yet to get something back out of that box.
After several months, I load that box up and take it to the thrift store. We can live without all of this stuff..we really can.
Go through those magazines while your watching tv with your family. Tear out the recipes or articles that are going to change your life and file them in a binder. Then donate those magazines to your local hospital or several doctor offices.
Just begin and don't tell yourself that you have to tackle everything at once.
I encourage you to Try it!! today. Begin by choosing the room that is most important to you to declutter. Set a timer for 30 minutes, put on some Christian rock (or whatever gets you going) and get busy! You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish in those 30 minutes and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if you found yourself continuing to work past the time that timer goes off.
Tomorrow, do the same thing in another room of your house. I'm sure if you do this each day that by the time we gather for the next Try It Tuesday!! you'll be enjoying a clutter-free house and quite possibly choosing a new polish to paint those toenails!!
Spring is in the air!! It's all around us! The grass is turning green, flowers are blooming, birds are singing, the weather is warmer..(of course, you wouldn't know that at my house this morning! It is in the low 30's and we had sleet last night!!)
But..never-the-less, it is spring.
I think it's just in my wiring that when the weather starts warming up and the sun is just brighter and more beautiful, that I feel refreshed and renewed. I feel like I have a new start and I can do anything!
Then I look around the inside of my house.
A little pile here. A little stack here.
I imagine my fear of the cold in the winter has me just shoving things in a corner to avoid going outside to my laundry room and putting them away or loading them up in my car and taking them to the thrift store.
Deciding to spring clean in my house begins with clearing the clutter. And I have A LOT of clutter!!
Clutter can be very overwhelming when you open a dresser drawer to get a pair of socks and have to stuff the stuff back in, in order to shut the drawer back.
Clutter can be very overwhelming when you open a kitchen cabinet and 40 thousand plastic butter bowls fall out on your head.
Clutter can be very overwhelming when you throw yet another magazine on top of a stack that is already leaning and about to come crashing down.
When you look at the whole picture, it's easy to get overwhelmed and say, "Not tackling that today! Maybe tomorrow." Problem is, tomorrow brings yet another butter bowl or magazine.
Let's get started today!! Come on ladies! We can do this!!
Don't let yourself wander through every room in your house telling yourself it can't be done! The main thing is to just begin!!
For me, my living room is the first room I concentrate on. It's where we gather as a family and entertain friends. It's the room we spend the most time in and so I have more than enough time to focus on that clutter.
Begin with that magazine stack or all of those what-nots that are sitting on every table in the room. Honestly ask yourself if you need another glass duck sitting on the table. ( A loooonnggng story for another post...maybe I'll ask DH to write that one)
Do you have to keep the whole magazine just because it has an awesome chili recipe in it??
Remember less is more. Less stuff to clean and maintain means more time you can be spending with DH and the kids or..dare I say it....more time you can spend on yourself!! You could paint those toenails that are soon to be peaking out of some really cool summer sandals!!
The main idea here is to eliminate all of those things you don't need.
Several years ago, I began putting things in a box if I just couldn't part with them. I knew I didn't need or want all of this stuff sitting around. It made my house look messy and small....but I thought I just couldn't live without it! So I decided instead of getting rid of it, I'd put it in a box, that way "when" I remembered why I was keeping it in the first place, could dig it back out.
I can honestly say, to date, I've yet to get something back out of that box.
After several months, I load that box up and take it to the thrift store. We can live without all of this stuff..we really can.
Go through those magazines while your watching tv with your family. Tear out the recipes or articles that are going to change your life and file them in a binder. Then donate those magazines to your local hospital or several doctor offices.
Just begin and don't tell yourself that you have to tackle everything at once.
I encourage you to Try it!! today. Begin by choosing the room that is most important to you to declutter. Set a timer for 30 minutes, put on some Christian rock (or whatever gets you going) and get busy! You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish in those 30 minutes and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if you found yourself continuing to work past the time that timer goes off.
Tomorrow, do the same thing in another room of your house. I'm sure if you do this each day that by the time we gather for the next Try It Tuesday!! you'll be enjoying a clutter-free house and quite possibly choosing a new polish to paint those toenails!!
Monday, April 6, 2009
At The Well
At some point today, I'm going to get out my More About Me post for Monday.
Thanks for your questions and I'm looking forward to many more!!
For some reading right now though, head on over to The Well, where I've done a guest post for today.
Friday, April 3, 2009
My Husband Rocks
DD has Syncape. It's a condition of the blood vessels leading to her heart. We've known about this invader for about 7 years now.
What is Syncape? Basically, if DD over exerts herself, gets incredibly upset or excited (does anyone have a clue as to how hard it is to keep a teenage girl calm 24/7???!!) or takes any medication other than Tylenol or Benedryl ...anything that increases her heart rate, she can pass out. She passes out because the blood pumping into her heart can't keep up with the blood pumping out of her heart. So, for moments there is no blood and she passes out.
7 years later, we've learned how to manage this invader and DD has gotten much better at reading the signals her body sends her. She will most likely live with this intruder the rest of her life (along with a murmur that we found at 2 and is still hanging around keeping the Syncape company I guess).
What has this got to do with my rockin' husband??
Everything.
As I've posted before, we had quite the time getting pregnant in the first place (read my post here). So welcoming this tiny bundle of joy in the world was huge for us.
I remember watching this almost 6 foot tall, 240 pound man holding this tiny 6 pound 3 ounce girl in his big hands. He was so proud and so scared.
Watching the 2 of them over the years have tea parties (I actually have video of this big guy sitting (?) in a 1½' tall chair drinking "tea"), playing in the mud, watching the Smurfs and riding motorcycles.
I've helped him cry as she went on her first date, as she entered the living room all dressed up for her first prom, and unless something drastic happens--we're pretty sure in the next few months, we will be planning a wedding......(sigh...)
But most of all, I witnessed this big man be strong for his little girl when she didn't understand what was happening with her heart. She's grown up with the murmur, but it's never caused any real problems. But this Syncape? Well, this intruder is mean and scary.
I've watched him hold her while she cried. I've watched him encourage her when she would get frustrated because she couldn't run and play hard like the other kids. I've watched him search the store shelves and talk with countless pharmacists trying to find meds that wouldn't increase her heart rate. A head cold for us is a nuisance. A head cold for DD is a 3 week long ordeal of total misery.
Not only is my guy an awesome husband, he is a rockin' Daddy, and this, my friends, is just another reason why My Husband Rocks!!!
For more My Husband Rocks, join Katy Lin over at The Great Adventure here.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Laced With Grace Giveaway
I want to share with you a wonderful give-a-way that is going on over at Laced With Grace.
They are giving away so many wonderful resources in celebration of our Lord's Resurrection.
I encourage you to head on over and check out this great opportunity!!
Entering ends today so hurry over!!!
Thankful Thursday
Today I link up with Sonya over at Truth 4 the Journey to list some things that I'm thankful for this week.
It's been a peaceful week in our household which is just a true, huge blessing considering the last several months.
Peace is such a wonderful thing and we take it for granted so often. My prayer is that I would strive to have my home be a place of peace.
Here go my thankfuls for this week!!
1) I am thankful for my mother-in-law. I am so blessed to have her in my life.
2) I am thankful for the chest of drawers that my sweet mother-in-law bought for me. She did a great job picking it out!
3) I am thankful to see DD & DS's relationship on a higher, closer plane. It is a true blessing to watch them draw even closer to each other.
4) I am so thankful for my ever patient hubby. He is an awesome, amazing man and I am so blessed to be his wife.
5) I am thankful for a youth pastor who is not afraid to teach the teenagers the true Word of God. He doesn't sugar coat or skip anything. He preaches what God gives him and doesn't sway. Though the teens love him, he's not always popular, but he is faithful.
For more Thankful Thursday, click here.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
My Sweet Mother-in-Law
I have a wonderful mother-in-law!
This lady is one of the most selfless people I know.
In my house, our master bedroom is small. I mean, we don't spend that much time in there anyway, so who needs a lot of space? But, even then,it's a small room.
We have our bed, a couple of small bookshelves on either side of the bed that we also use as nightstands, a small entertainment center that holds some more books and a tv, a file cabinet and a way too large dresser.
The dresser was great at the beginning when we first got it. The old one we had was falling apart...literally. We'd had it much of our married life and it wasn't new when we got it.
So, I'd been in the market for a new-to-us dresser. (Don't pay full price folks....way too many people getting rid of perfectly good stuff at little or no cost!! Shop around!)
Actually, I was more in the market for an upright chest of drawers than a dresser. I could still have 5 drawers, but instead of taking up so much floor space, I'd be going up!
I've been looking for a couple of months now and what I found didn't fit what I needed (5 drawers), or the price was too high or it was in incredibly bad shape. So, I just didn't worry about it. I knew God would provide when the time was right.
Yesterday, I noticed that DH was a bit late getting home from work. He wasn't late enough for me to worry..just enough for me to start paying attention to the clock.
Soon, though, he pulled into the driveway and I noticed there was a really big something in the back of his Sidekick.
Upon closer observation out of my kitchen window, I realized what it was....a chest of drawers...and I knew where it had came from.
Ever since learning that I wanted a chest of drawers, my sweet mother-in-law has been on the hunt. She's found several, but not quite what I was wanting. Was I being picky??? A little maybe, but my reasoning was, why trade something I don't like for something I don't like??
She never gave up though and by reason of deduction, found what I was looking for at our local thrift store yesterday.
DH came in the house and said, "Someone loves you..."
I just smiled and said, "Your Mom found me a chest of drawers, didn't she?"
DH: "It's in really good shape. I think you'll be pleased."
One look in the back of his Sidekick and I knew she'd hit the jackpot! This thing was perfect. I may paint it in time, but for now it's great!! 5 big, deep drawers..just perfect.
We brought it in the house and I got on the phone to thank this sweet lady.
She just laughed and laughed and said, "I'm so glad you like it! Just let me know when you want something, I'll do my best to find it."
And she will. She's a very frugal lady....more so than I am even, and I've learned a lot from her in 25 plus years of being in her family.
So, I don't know if this precious lady will ever read this post. The internet gives her headaches...but I just want you all to know that I am totally blessed with a mother-in-law that loves me and treats me like I'm one of her own daughters!!
Love ya Mom!!!
This lady is one of the most selfless people I know.
In my house, our master bedroom is small. I mean, we don't spend that much time in there anyway, so who needs a lot of space? But, even then,it's a small room.
We have our bed, a couple of small bookshelves on either side of the bed that we also use as nightstands, a small entertainment center that holds some more books and a tv, a file cabinet and a way too large dresser.
The dresser was great at the beginning when we first got it. The old one we had was falling apart...literally. We'd had it much of our married life and it wasn't new when we got it.
So, I'd been in the market for a new-to-us dresser. (Don't pay full price folks....way too many people getting rid of perfectly good stuff at little or no cost!! Shop around!)
Actually, I was more in the market for an upright chest of drawers than a dresser. I could still have 5 drawers, but instead of taking up so much floor space, I'd be going up!
I've been looking for a couple of months now and what I found didn't fit what I needed (5 drawers), or the price was too high or it was in incredibly bad shape. So, I just didn't worry about it. I knew God would provide when the time was right.
Yesterday, I noticed that DH was a bit late getting home from work. He wasn't late enough for me to worry..just enough for me to start paying attention to the clock.
Soon, though, he pulled into the driveway and I noticed there was a really big something in the back of his Sidekick.
Upon closer observation out of my kitchen window, I realized what it was....a chest of drawers...and I knew where it had came from.
Ever since learning that I wanted a chest of drawers, my sweet mother-in-law has been on the hunt. She's found several, but not quite what I was wanting. Was I being picky??? A little maybe, but my reasoning was, why trade something I don't like for something I don't like??
She never gave up though and by reason of deduction, found what I was looking for at our local thrift store yesterday.
DH came in the house and said, "Someone loves you..."
I just smiled and said, "Your Mom found me a chest of drawers, didn't she?"
DH: "It's in really good shape. I think you'll be pleased."
One look in the back of his Sidekick and I knew she'd hit the jackpot! This thing was perfect. I may paint it in time, but for now it's great!! 5 big, deep drawers..just perfect.
We brought it in the house and I got on the phone to thank this sweet lady.
She just laughed and laughed and said, "I'm so glad you like it! Just let me know when you want something, I'll do my best to find it."
And she will. She's a very frugal lady....more so than I am even, and I've learned a lot from her in 25 plus years of being in her family.
So, I don't know if this precious lady will ever read this post. The internet gives her headaches...but I just want you all to know that I am totally blessed with a mother-in-law that loves me and treats me like I'm one of her own daughters!!
Love ya Mom!!!
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