Not One Post This Year??!!

Time has a crazy way of downright leaving you in the dust! Especially for me anyway. I noticed the last post I did was on December 30, 2014!! What's the deal with that??

Well, let me be honest....

I lost control of myself...I always had an excuse for why I couldn't get X done..much less Y and Z. I truly felt like I was a dog chasing my tail or running here and there putting out fires but not taking the time to clean up the mess left behind after the fires. I fell into a place that I haven't been in a very long time and I stayed there much longer than I should have.

Let me be honest again...

There is still a lot going on. Still a lot of fires that need put out. And life will always be that way...but we control how we handle everything that happens in our day...maybe not the situation itself, but our attitude toward it.

Instead of catching you up on the last 3 months, I'm just going to tell you where I'm at:

It's finally broken off into spring weather and I'm so grateful!!

The gardens are tilled and almost ready to plant.

We have two hens sitting on eggs which means in a little under three weeks, we will have babies!!

My beautiful old Lab friend and buddy, Toby--who will be 13 this October, has a very large, inoperable because of his age, tumor in his jaw and that sweet boy is on daily meds to keep him comfortable. While the tumor is a sad thing to see, Toby is in a great mood, eating well and I cherish each day I have with this faithful companion!

We are facing a battle with the precious little granddaughter that is due in August. We need and are believing for a God miracle!! She is completely in His hands and this has completely removed the scales from my eyes in that all people are precious and every moment is special because we really are just flesh and bone and have no idea what's around the corner.....STOP majoring on the minors!!

Ready to begin a new Bible study in just three weeks with some of the most wonderful ladies I know!!

So, this is what is going on now and hopefully, since God has had to correct me, drag me away from the mountain I've been running around, whipped my behind and then wrapped me up in His big ole' arms and loved on me, I'm ready to stay a little better in touch with y'all, share what's going on in my life and on the homestead.

Hopefully as you walk along with me, you will find encouragement, some knowledge, some tips and tricks to help you along the way and a desire to live a more simple and slow life and be more fulfilled and content than ever!!

"All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah!! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, He brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of His healing comfort--we get a full measure of that, too." 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 MSG

Update! Update!! Yes..I'm Still Around!!

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly time can get by me!! It's been over a month since I've posted and that really wasn't my intentions at all. I can be honest in saying though, that I'm trying terribly hard to let God manage my time and time spent on the computer verses time spent with my family???.....family every time!!!

One thing that has always been precious to me but that has become more precious to me since I went back to work has been time with my family. Sit down dinners that used to happen at least three or four times a week has now came down to every Wednesday and every other Sunday but they are non-negotiable. No other plans. No friends. Just family. EOD!!

It's hard to believe I've been working for almost six months!! Again...how time has flown!! All is good on the job front and as I've posted before, my patients are wonderful!! They truly do make my job a blessing!

Wedding plans are in full swing! With the big day only seven weeks away, those tiny details are becoming hugely important!! We are now at the stage of mailing invitations and planning bridal showers, the first of which is next Friday night!! Such fun and excitement!

I shared that in going back to work, I was struggling within myself about being a Titus 2 wife. I truly struggled with not having the time to make food from scratch or making our own laundry detergent. I confess I've crossed over into the land of convenience. Quick and easy has become my friend and you know what?? It's truly okay.

With most of our meals being DH and myself, it doesn't take that much to feed us supper anyway and boil-in-bag rice and Chunky soup has become my friend!!

Three evenings a week, I get home rather late and it's so simple to boil some rice, heat up a can of soup and pour over it and bake some Pilsbury frozen biscuits in the oven. Within thirty minutes we are eating a hot meal that is filling and cheaper than take out.

I've come to the realization that being a true Titus 2 wife has nothing to do with staying at home and being the best at that. It has everything to do with living the life and being the model that Christ has set before us.

Do I miss my days at home? Yes! I've realized though that this is the course I'm on and it's okay. God CAN and WILL use me and THAT is what I truly want more than anything.

Catching Up!

As I sit at this computer, all is quiet within my house. I can hear the gentle trickle of the waterfall DS gave me for Christmas and the ticking of the clock.

I can hear the plow as DH is busy tilling up the garden and preparing it for winter planting. Cabbage and turnips will taste delicious this winter!

DD is sleeping in bed. She has a tough headache, probably brought on from being very tired as she and a friend were up into the wee hours of the morning working on wedding have-to's.

DS is at work. This kid has been working almost 40 hours a week at his job and has taken on a second job that gives him 10 or so more hours a week!! He is helping put up political signs around the area for a wonderful man that is running for Senate. The "real deal" as a Christian, we are praying so hard that he will be our next Senator. Anyway, DS is proving to really be stepping into the shoes of "mandom". We're proud of him and DD.

Things on the job front are going well. I do enjoy my job and I love my patients. They can truly bring many smiles to my day!

We are back off of vacation. If you've been on my Facebook, then hopefully you've gotten to enjoy the pictures that I posted. We had such a wonderful time of refreshing and renewal. Something we needed badly individually and as a family. With all of us on crazy different schedules, a one night a week family dinner can prove very challenging! It was great to enjoy a whole week and spend some time reconnecting!

Folks, I'm still praying and wondering what direction to take my blogging. It's no secret to those of you who have been faithful to keep checking back in, that my posting is sporadic at best. This is not something I'm willing to give up right now and I truly may, for a time, just post what's going on in our world. Maybe through that, someone can glean what it's like to transition from full time stay at home, home schooling mom, to a working mom of adult children, one of which is on the edge of flying out of the nest!

My, my how quickly life brings changes.....

Have a blessed Sunday. Go to your place of worship and do just that...worship. Praise our Creator and enjoy the blessings that He has given us.

Hangin' at the Beach

Almost a month since I've checked in with blog world. There never seems to be enough moments in my day. God has been faithful, though to teach me many things in this last month. He has been pruning this daughter of His, sometimes painfully so

He has spent many weeks teaching me about what kind of power is in my tongue. Very hard lessons and painful pruning have shown me that I have spoken death more often than life with my tongue. I have had God bound..He hasn't been ALLOWED to work in this daughter's life!!

Then He has spent time showing me two doors. One door that is leading to His perfect will for my life, and the other door which leads to the world and the plans satan has for me. He has shown me that I've often not chosen the door of Life, but the easy way of the world.

Now He is in the process of teaching me that my mind is often my worst enemy and my biggest problem. This is, so far, proving to be the toughest lesson yet!

But for today, He has blessed with a period of rest. In His faithfulness, He has provided me, DH, DD and DS with an entire week away at the beach. Never have we been able to be away for an entire week and this could not have come at a more perfect time!!

Even in my time of correction, even in my time of pruning, God is loving me and in His wisdom, has given His daughter a time of refreshing.

So, I pray all is going well for my bloggy friends, who, even though I'm not in touch with as often, I do think about, pray for and read your posts...for now though, I'm going to join my family on the beach and enjoy the blessings God is providing!

Waiting Patiently

Last week was such a busy week and this week is proving to be a repeat.

This Friday I leave for Atlanta with my boss and a co-worker for a conference. Haven't done one of those in a VERY long time, so I'm excited about it. There is one downside though, and it's a biggy......I won't be home until late Saturday night and Saturday is my birthday!!!! :o( ..... oh well... such is life.

We went to a youth rally this past Saturday night. You might consider me a little old to be going to a youth rally (I'll be 46 Saturday.....), but I love them so much!! Why? Because teenagers are so uninhibited in their worship. They just cut loose and let God have His way!! It's awesome. What was more awesome about Saturday night was the fact that when the evangelist had everyone bow their heads and close their eyes, he posed the question, "Are you where you should be in your relationship with God? If not, raise your hand." Well, with the situation with DS, of course I peeked. He had a bit of a struggle, but slowly his hand went up. Well, apparently DH was peeking as well because he grabbed my hand and started weeping. Then DS took off towards the altar and I lost it. I fell into my pew, sobbing and praying and it was awesome!!!

This, for me, is reassurance that God is still very able to deal with my son. That He hasn't turned his back on him!! God is still working and doing a mighty work in a young man that He saved physically and spiritually so many years ago.

Then today during lunch, I'm doing my devotions and God brings me to this verse, "Then Abraham waited patiently and received what God had promised." Hebrews 6:15, NLT

So that's what I'm choosing to do. Waiting patiently on God to keep His promise.

Let Me Encourage You, Stay At Home Mom...

I'm finding that time has become a very precious commodity in my life. I mean, it always has been, but I took it for granted everyday of my life.

I've found that, as a SAHM, what I considered to be me running out of time, was in all actuality, me being lazy.

So many days, so many things didn't get done just because I chose not to do them.

Now that I'm back in the work-world, so many things doesn't get done because I literally run out of time.

The greatest lesson I'm learning though is that things aren't falling apart because they're not getting done. No dust police have come into my home with their white gloves on and arrested me because their white gloved finger is now black.

We haven't went without a meal because of dirty dishes and we haven't pulled out the 'fine china' (aka, paper plates) to compensate.

It's made me look back and wonder just how much time as a SAHM did I waste? Not in laziness, because I've already established the fact that I was indeed lazy at times, but how much time did I waste enjoying my children and being a better wife for my husband because of the dust police?

Yes, I do find myself in quite the battle at times because when folks show up at my house they are probably going to walk across sand-gritty floors. Most likely there is going to be dishes in the sink and on the counter with bread or cookie crumbs scattered about. Guess what I'm learning? It's OK.

With my daughter getting married in four months, I'm learning that dust bunnies pale in comparison to laying across the bed and catching up with my teenager.

With my son struggling in his walk with God, I'm learning that reading the Word with him and allowing him to see me in the Word more and in prayer more, is far more important than shiny sinks and immaculate floors.

I don't label myself as a failure as a mom and wife....although satan would have me believe that, but I do see where my priorities aren't always what they should have been.

So my sweet SAHM friend, listen to a lady who has been there and is still in the process of learning mighty lessons......a clean house and a well taken care of family is much desired and worthy of praise, but nothing is more important the relationships you build with your family and with your Father.

Making a Return!!

I so miss my blogging. But I have to confess that I have had some time to blog, I've chosen not to. I've been struggling within myself, trying to decide if I've turned my back on everything I believe in. A revelation...I haven't.

I still firmly believe that the best place for a mom is at home with her children. I still believe that any financial sacrifice is worth the blessings of teaching and training your children. As I've said before on here, that doesn't mean if a mom has to work outside the home that she's a bad mom...life has a way of throwing us curve balls when we least expect it.

However, I've also come to realize that now that this season of my life is past, it's time to begin anew...fresh. My children still live at home. My daughter will soon be getting married and moving out, but our son, who is fresh out of highschool, will be here a while longer. We are learning to work family time around very different schedules and bask in the reality that dinner together one night a week is truly a God-send!!

Even though when I accepted the position that I'm on, I was very angry...at my husband and yes, even at God.....I realize now that my obedience to my husband's wishes has brought me the blessing of a wonderful job with a wonderful boss and some awesome co-workers. You see, by being submissive to my husband--even when I didn't want to be--brought God's blessings!! How wonderful!!!!

This position is enabling us to give more liberally to our church. It is enabling us to pay off debt. It is paying for our daughter's wedding without putting a crunch on our budget. How fantastic God in His wisdom is!!!

With that, I am going to try to begin posting about once a week--at least in the beginning. One Single Minute is going to be taking a bit of a different course than in days gone by. I'll still be focusing on being a Proverbs 31 woman...a submissive wife..but I will also be sharing what God brings my way in this new season of my life.

Let me encourage you...even when you don't agree with Him...even when you're angry with Him...He is faithful. Don't we serve a wonderful God??!!

Oh my, how time does get by me now!!! If I thought my days went quickly before, getting this job has just magnified that!!!

Things are going good on the job. I'm quickly learning many things, and can even call many of our patients by name when they walk through the door now!! Thankfully, I'm blessed that I enjoy my co-workers and (most) of my patients....as in anything else, there are just times when personalities clash no matter how hard you try.

One thing I've learned for certain is to make sure that whenever I go to a doctor's office now, I'm incredibly patient and always talk with the person at the front desk in a pleasant manner. While I always tried to live by that rule anyway, it's become even more important now that I'm the one working the front desk.

Yes, things do "happen" that will suddenly put the doctor twenty minutes behind. Yes, people do just walk in expecting to be seen right away and even when they get worked in when there is a lull...it inevitably puts things behind. Yes, people are late and that puts everything behind...including the time I get to walk out the door for the night!! No, I can't devote 100% of my attention to the patient signing in, the patient checking out, the patient needing to go back to an exam room and the patient on the phone at the same time!! Someone will get the short end of the stick... I'm not complaining by no means, just sharing the things I've learned and realized in a very short amount of time!!

On the home front, we have settled into our routine..and it's a routine that is always adjusting!! It puts a new meaning to 'never a dull moment'!!

The biggest and newest news though came last Friday night. Last Friday night DD went on a date with her boyfriend and came home engaged!! Yes, we already knew about it because he came to us and asked our permission and our blessing a week earlier. It made for a long week for this mom since I could hardly look at my baby girl without tearing up!!

She is SO excited...actually that might be a bit of an understatement...the big day?? December 4 of this year!! Doesn't leave a lot of time for me to absorb my beautiful daughter to the uttermost before she moves into her own home. I have to admit mixed emotions. I'm thrilled for her and the fiance` is a wonderful, young, Christian man, but at the same time I will truly be writing "The End" to a chapter of our lives that has been going on for almost 20 years.

However, a wedding puts me much closer to being a grandma now doesn't it??!! :o)

So there we are.. another quick post catching you up on this beautiful, wonderful, ever changing life of mine. Thanks to all of you still trying to keep up with me. I do the best I can to visit all of you still from time to time.

Here is a of pic of the newly engaged!!..


And the engagement ring...


The wonderful thing about the ring is that is was my Mother-in-law's (over 42 years ago). They were passed to my husband and me when we married over 26 years ago and now my daughter is proudly wearing them. What a wonderful legacy!!

Blogging on the Run!!

I'm one month into the new job and I must say that I'm making progress...GOOD progress. I'm getting past the frustrations of my world being turned upside down. I'm coping with a house that isn't spotless, or cleaned the way "mom would do it", but it is clean and we're managing just fine.

About my God time. I spent the good portion of this past month explaining to God that I didn't have time to spend time with Him. I've whined and complained and decided in my mind that it just couldn't be done when God took things in His own hands. Last Sunday, my SS teacher asked me to teach the ladies class for the next two weeks. Well of course I began to give her all of the reasons why I couldn't do it. She just smiled and quietly said, " Deb, I'm sure you'll do fine." What could I do??

I've realized over this week that teaching this class was God's way of disciplining His daughter. Of course I have time to hang out with Him....I just have to make it a priority to do it, and by dropping this class in my lap, even for just a couple of weeks, He made His point...it's time to quit whining and complaining and get back to life. It's just a new chapter, not the end of the world.

I took my spanking, repented and find myself now thankful for this job that He blessed me with.

The facts are: I DO enjoy my job. I have some of the kindest patients and they do a better job of blessing me than I do of blessing them. I have a wonderful boss. I don't always agree with him, but he has been patient and kind to me and I'm grateful for that. I get to work with my best girlfriend every day and that is a blessing for both of us!! My family has stepped up to the plate to help around the house. Again...it's not always done like I'd do it, but it's done and I've learned many lessons in humbleness and thankfulness.

On another note: DS graduated from high school last Saturday. Since I don't have to work tomorrow, I'll get busy on here and share some pictures and some moments from that very emotional night.

Got to run for now and change clothes. It's time for church (almost) and tonight is our outreach night. I always love I Care night because I get to go to the homes of our shut ins and hopefully brighten their day!!

Love you my bloggy family!! Thanks for checking in with me as I seem to now be 'Blogging on the Run!!'

Update

Wow. I really miss you guys!! Not getting to blog regularly is a real bummer and I feel like I'm missing out on so much of what's going on in your lives!!! Please keep checking back with me!..there won't be as many posts, but I will try to do my best. I'm not ready to quit just yet!

The new job is going much better. This week I've been mostly on my own and have only needed to chase down the lady that is training me (she's busy learning another position as well!) only occasionally. I'm remembering more than I'm forgetting and the knot that has been living in the pit of my stomach for the last week and a half, is actually loosening up on occasion.

Personally, I still find myself in a bit of a struggle to be at home, but with each passing day things seem to be getting a smidge better (within myself).

DH and the kids have really stepped up to the plate to fill in the gaps that my going back to work has opened. It's been a great lesson for me in humbleness as I go around saying "Thank You" much more than usual.

After eighteen years as a SAHM I'd gotten quite used to taking care of everyone and everything so to let go and let someone else clean the kitchen or wash a load of towels is quite an adjustment.

I've been blessed so much on my job to meet so many wonderful people!! I have laughed and smiled, shared and listened to stories....it's been quite a refreshing experience in many ways.

Another struggle is finding balance....or at the very least, a new kind of balance. The biggest challenge: my God time..DH leaves for work right before me and at night the kids get home anywhere between 8 and 10 p.m. Trying to divide my time has been a tough process of learning and one that I'm still getting lessons on. I could try getting up a little earlier but staying up to check in with the kids at night makes that difficult for me...at least right now...

So there you have it...another rushed post, but hopefully you're caught up and know what's going on in my corner of the world.

What's going on with all of you??

What a Week!!!!!!!!!

No...I haven't disappeared, but what a week this has been!!

As everyone knows, I began a new job this past Monday. I'm a front desk receptionist at a busy chiropractic clinic where I live. No big to most people maybe, but to this lady....BIG deal!!

You see, this is my first job in a little over 18 years!! It's way different than being a stay at home mom for sure!!!

To say I've been a bit overwhelmed this week would be an understatement. I've had all of my bloggy friends on my mind and in my heart, but I've just been way too tired to try to post anything. Hopefully with a little time, I can at least do a few posts a week and stay in touch with everyone!!!

I have to admit, by Tuesday evening I had a pretty big deal break down, complete with sobs and the inability to catch my breath. I confessed to DH that I missed him, my kids, my home, my cat, my dog, my laundry, my dirty dishes.....you get the picture. I truly felt that I'd abandoned everything that meant anything at all to me. DD still isn't too thrilled and even DS admitted yesterday that he was missin' his mom.

I'm quite certain this is an adjustment period and that, given a little time, things will fall into a new rut...at this moment though, I find myself second guessing if this is what I should be doing....

About my job...it's very overwhelming right now. So much to learn and so much has changed in the office world since 1982 (the last time I worked in an office setting!!). However, by week's end I found myself remembering more than I was forgetting..so I'm certain that's a good thing. My boss is all business, but a sweetie at heart and his wife and kids are adorable. I get to work with my best girlfriend and another lady that has a tough exterior, but is a sweetie at heart.

And the patients....oh yes...I'm in love. I have met some of the kindest, sweetest people. Definitely a perk to the job!!

So...I'm hoping next week is easier and smoother. Doc said that I came in on a tough week...we were short handed, I'm trying to learn a new job and so was another lady and Doc was trying to run between both of us!!!

It ended on a good note though and at quitting time Friday, Doc leaned over my desk and with smile said, "You made it through the first week....are you coming back Monday???....."

I assured him I was.....

God Made a Decision

Wanted to pass along that God made His decision....Monday morning I start my new job!!

For the first time in 18 years, 3 months..I will get ready and go to work. I am completely at peace with this and it's simply because I handed to God and let Him have His way. Yes, His timing was different than mine, but I'm confident in Him and I know that He gave me this at this time for a purpose and I'm excited to see what that purpose is.

So last night, DD and I went shopping for me some clothes to wear in an office setting. Being a SAHM, there isn't much need for nice pants and shirts and cute little shoes!

I'm excited and a little nervous but as with most things in life, the end to one chapter is the beginning to a new one.

I'll still be blogging, of course, and I'm sure with a new job, there will be plenty of opportunities to see God. I may not post quite as often, but still, as God leads.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement as I waited on God!!

So, My Week Went Something Like This..

Well, guess what?? I was called back for a second interview on the job I previously posted on!! I was really excited and not too nervous actually....all because of God, seeing as it was my first interview in almost 25 years!!!! I've decided I hope I do get this job, but I'm trusting that God knows best in ALL things!

My guys left yesterday morning on their father/son camping trip. This trip, in particular, was really needed. DH has a stressful job, as I've mentioned before and so the break in and of itself is very good for him. DS needs some peace and quiet. Time to clear his head, think and hear God. There is no doubt that God is trying to get his attention and give him direction. But, as most 17 year olds, he keeps himself so busy and everything must be tended to "Right now!" that he's staying in a state of confusion most of the time. He knows he needs to make some tough and maybe painful decisions, but he keeps hoping, "everything will just work itself out". Oh the pain of wanting to make everything okay for our children, and yet having to stand back and watch them step out on their own......

That should leave me and DD with time to hang out, but as it would be, she has to work everyday they are gone!! She couldn't take any time off of work because of the time she had to take off with her surgery so....We rented a movie and watched it last night and tonight we're going to grab a bite to eat at our favorite Italian restaurant and do a (small) amount of shopping.

I did manage to get my oven cleaned yesterday. On Wednesday I had made a meatloaf and for some reason the thing splattered and made a mess all over my oven!! Thank God for self cleaning ability!!! A few presses on the pad and voila`!!...3 hours later I had a beautifully clean oven!!

I know this hasn't been an awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping leave you breathless kind of post...but hey!! Sometimes, life is just life...and that's not so bad!! :o)

By the way...If you haven't yet, head on over and check out my new blog, One Single Minute's new sister, 'I Saw God Today...'!!

Last Day of Give-a-Way & Just Sayin'

Just a reminder...today is the last day of my Fruit 2 O Essentials give-a-way.....I would love to be able to give everyone a chance to try this delicious water, but I can only choose one and that will happen in the morning. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment. You can leave as many comments as you want, but only one per day per post can I count!!

Okay....I was just scrolling around on my Facebook and saw a 'conversation'...if you can call it that between two women. One of the ladies is a woman I've went to church with and known most of my adult life. The other woman I don't know. I won't go into the conversation because that becomes gossip, but it did spark something in me that I've just got to speak up on....

So many people live such stressed out lives brought about by their own hand. Who fills up that day calendar? Who says, "Of course I'll be happy to _______" knowing that one more thing on your list will put you over the edge. We do!!

We put so much on our plate.....we try to be a part of everything that is going on....we allow our children to participate in every sport, play, etc that comes around for fear that they might get 'left out' (seriously??!!)..we meet ourselves coming and going, yellin' and stressin'..for what???? This just doesn't make sense in my mind. Why would anyone want that kind of lifestyle??

No one is more of a people pleaser than myself. No one has a harder time saying no than I do...but even I have limits. My children have limits and many times when they were younger they would get frustrated because I would say, "No you can't (do, go, play, watch..) because I could tell they were running on reserve and that was emptying out fast!!

Even now, with them being 17 and 19 I still tell them off the phone by 11:30 and every other weekend they have a midnight curfew..the rest of the time it's 10 pm. That's not popular, believe me...but they will (and have) pushed themselves to dangerous levels (like DS almost running his car over a bluff because he was so tired and sleepy!!)..

Come on parents!!...grow up, set boundaries. Little Johnny or Suzie won't die if they can't play year round sports. They won't miss out if they don't go to every sleep over, every concert every party that comes along.

But they are missing out if it's rush here to get there. They are missing out if supper is always in the back seat while they are rushing to the next thing they "have to do". They are missing out if mom and dad are so stressed about the schedule that all they can do is yell or stay in an uptight frame all of the time...

Is it really worth it????

"Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted.
Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.
It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.
Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.
Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.
How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!
He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates."
Psalm 127, NLT

Just Catchin' Up!

Wanted to share another couple of updates within our family with you...actually, I wanted to post something and give you a chance to leave a comment since tomorrow is the last day of my give-a-way and a daily comment increases your chance of winning!!!

It's official..it's one month until my baby graduates high school!!! Where has the time gone?? I was so blessed to be a SAHM and to homeschool my children and yet it still went by so quickly!!! How is that possible? What do I do with all of the extra time that I'll have?? Well, I'm not sure but.....

This past Tuesday night, I went for a group interview at the chiropractic office that I gave my resume to and yesterday they called me in for a second interview. They will call me back today for a specific date, and at that time I"ll get to talk to the Doctor and his wife one on one. So...we'll see what God has in store.....

DD went back to see the surgeon yesterday and she is healing up quite nicely from her surgery (of a month and a half ago!!) She still has one little spot that isn't quite healed but we have moved up to "see you in a month" status which is a good thing! She got to go back to work about 3 weeks ago, but still hasn't been released from the doctor...that day may be an occasion to celebrate!!!

It has been a week full of blessings for us so far this week. Nothing over the top, but just those daily blessings that God gives that we sometimes just overlook because life gets in the way. Let me encourage you to sit down and take a few minutes and just reflect on your week so far and thank God for His blessings...big and small!!

Talk to Me Tuesday

The other week when I asked you for your opinion about returning to work (which by the way, I turned in my resume but as of yet haven't heard anything) I was very intrigued by your answers and thoughts on a wife and mom at my stage of life returning to work. It sparked a thought in me for my blog about doing a weekly run on subjects that can be debated (in good taste). I've always been of the opinion that everyone's opinion is valid and worth listening to. It doesn't mean that we agree with each other but that we respect each other enough to listen and take into consideration someone else's thoughts.

So on Tuesdays for the next few weeks we are going to try Talk to Me Tuesday to see how turn out is. If it seems to be going in a good direction, we'll run with it. If not we'll back up and try something else.

This Tuesday I'm curious about something that was brought up in church last night....

In our world of ever changing technology, some people are using their cell phones in place of their Bibles. With all the new apps and the availability of the web wherever you go, you can just pull out your cell and read the Word off of there. You can take notes on your cell as well.

For me, this is a big no-no. Yes, I know what you're reading off of your phone, is the same thing I'm reading out of the Book in my hand. But, for me, where do we draw the line and say, "Enough is enough!". I know people of all ages who have no idea how to look up a verse in the Bible. Be it from the fact they've not studied the Word and so they just don't know to this techno thing where they can just type it in and boop! it pops up. For me, the respect factor for the Word of God is lost when we stand up in church for the reading of the Word and some are holding Bibles, some are looking at the screen up front and some are holding their phones.

I'm going to stay with the physical, hold it in my hand, hard copy of the Word of God.

How about you?

Talk to me!!!

(Hey!! Don't forget about leaving that comment!!..it gives you another chance to enter my give-a-way!!!)

Just a Couple of Things

My guys really enjoyed night one of the men's conference last night. They got to hear Rick Burgess speak and today, after enjoying breakfast at Ryan's with the men from our church, they are going to get to enjoy hearing Jason Crabb....yes, I'm jealous....I'd like to hear Jason Crabb too!!..but how God spoke to my 17 year old son through Rick Burgess last night was nothing short of awesome and I can't wait to see what He does today and how He works through DS in the coming weeks and months!!


















Next..

Did you know that starting Monday through the end of the week (19-25) Dairy Queen is offering Blizzards for BOGO for 25¢!!! Now me and DH love us some DQ Blizzards and this would be a very affordable date night!!!....we might even go twice!! :o)



And..finally, to bring a smile to your face.....

Art Supplies

(I used to work in an art supply store. We sold artists' canvas by the yard, and you could get it in either of two widths: 36 inches or 48 inches.)

Customer: "Can you please cut some canvas for me?"

Me: "Certainly, what width?"

Customer: (confused and slightly annoyed) "Scissors?"


HA!HA!HA!HA!HA! Have a wonderfully blessed weekend!!!!

I've Got a Sumthin' Goin' On!!......

Yep, that's right. Sumthin's goin' on and it's gonna include you.

Yep. You.

Starting Monday, sumthin' I'm doing will involve you and I'm not gonna tell......until Monday.

SO...When you get here Monday, you'll know what to do....and why...and when....

Yep...Sumthin's goin' on!!.....

Catching Up with a Blank Brain..

I'm not sure what's going on in my lil' ole' world, but God's just not leading me with too many posts this week. Seems as if the old mind has drawn a blank and I'm just kind of bumping along.
I guess that could be a good thing, no major problems, no major excitement, nothing earth shattering or life changing so, hey!!..think I'll just enjoy this!!!

To catch up on the three things I wanted to change in my lifestyle this year...

1) Doing better with our budget....I'm doing--okay. I was doing real good going all cash, but old habit crept back in and I started using the debit card more and more. Before I know what's going on.....where'd it go??? So tomorrow will find my first stop at Ye Old Bank so I can hit the ATM and say, "Gimme the cash!!". That certainly seems to be the best route for me to go.

2) Losing these 65 pounds. Yes, I have not done so great here. Hadn't really done more than whine about it. But then a few weeks ago spring showed up and I realized that all the cute capri's that I own that fit two years ago...still doesn't fit! So I decided it is way past time to get real and in the last week and a half I'm down 8 pounds!! WOO HOO!!!!!!!! Now, for me this isn't uncommon to drop 10-15 pounds really quick. After that I'll go into "Yea! I lost a ½ pound this week!!" mode and then I'll need big time encouragement!!

3) Spending daily time with my Father....again, hit and miss. What is it with this ole' flesh?? Why do we find it so easy to just roll along and then realize we've let our whole day go by and some days haven't even given time with our Father a second thought. If my kids didn't talk to me all day, I'd be heartbroken. I'll bet He is too.

So there you have it. The reality of me. How I tend to bobble up and down, veer to and fro and just "run around like a chicken with my head cut off" as my Mawmaw would say.

How are you doing with your lifestyle changes this year???

God...Even in the Small Things

I don't know why, but it always seems to amaze me when God works in the small stuff. You know, the stuff that doesn't matter to anyone in the world but you. For me, He did it again yesterday.

I was in the bathroom and I dropped a pair of tweezers in the sink. At first when they slipped from my hands, I didn't panic too much. After all, I'd dropped those tweezers plenty of times. But this time however, they fell straight into and down the drain!!!

I know I had a look of shock on my face followed by the "OH NO!!!!!!!! THAT DIDN'T JUST HAPPEN!!" look.

But....it did just happen and now I am faced with the fact that instead of DH getting to rest when he got home from work, he would be found under our tiny vanity taking apart the drain pipe and pulling my tweezers out of it. He wouldn't be mad, but DH is claustrophobic and I just hate the thought of asking this big guy to spend time in that tiny space.

So I sent up a quick, desperate prayer. "God, You know that I don't want to have to confront DH about this when he gets home. Please help me to figure out some way to get those tweezers out of the pipe!"

So then the thought (God) came to me, "If I had a small enough magnet, I could tie a string to it and lower it into the drain and possibly latch onto the tweezers and pull them out." I knew it was a long shot, but with God impressing on me to give it a try, it just might work. After all, if I do what I can, then God will do what I can't!...right??

Now, to find a magnet. I went to the fridge, where like every good mom, I have tons of pictures, coupons, schedules and anything else you can imagine stuck to the front of it, but no magnet that would fit down that tiny drain hole.

Then God drew my attention to a carrot that one of my kiddos had made so many years ago. Attached to the back of that carrot was a flat magnet that would fit down my drain. "If I pull the carrot off the magnet, I could punch a hole in the end of it, tie a string to it and possibly get my tweezers out. BUT..is it strong enough? That's a very thin, tiny magnet....." But it was literally all I had that would fit. E.O.D.

So with flashlight and strung up magnet in hand, I began the quest of lowering the magnet down the drain in order to rescue my tweezers and DH from what could be a frustrating evening.

The first two or three tries produce nothing but a whiny, "PHUUUULLLEEEAAASEEE!!!!!" to God, Who at that moment was silent. (Come on' Moms....we've all been there when the whining starts........)

The next two or three tries allowed me to realize that I was indeed catching hold of the tweezers, but the clinking let me know they weren't getting to far up the pipe. "Okay...at least that's progress, huh God??" Then the encouraging, "Just keep trying" "Okay!!"

As I heard the now familiar clink of the tweezers meeting the magnet, I gave a gentle tug and guess what......I was stuck!!! Not only would the tweezers not move, but my magnet wasn't going anywhere either!!! "Seriously??? Are You serious??? Here I stand in front of the sink with a pair of tweezers in the drain and if that wasn't bad enough, they've joined forces with the magnet and neon, lime-green yarn. Oh hubby's gonna love this!!!...."

Well, guess what? God wasn't too impressed with my attitude either so I resorted to whining again...."I'mmm sorrry.....I just really need this to come out and it's not working for me....." "Try again."

The next gentle tug released the magnet and dropped the tweezers.

One more try and I noticed the magnet felt heavier coming up the drain and when I looked, to my amazement, I saw the points of the tweezers coming out of the drain hole!!!! I got excited but maintained my calm because the last thing I wanted was for these things to come loose and head back down the drain. A little higher and I put a death grip on those tweezers. A little more tugging and....BING!!!..VICTORY!!!!!!!!!! Tweezers and magnet in hand!!! "Thank You Lord!!!!!"





Then I heard a soft voice say....."I love you so much, even tweezers in a drain is important to Me...remember that."

....It's important for you to remember that too.....