A Humble Bumble

7 Questions #10

2012-09-06T04:00:00.000-07:00

At Mall of America with my sisters several years back... No idea what my expression was all about.

1. I say "Jump" You say ______.
I can't jump more than 2 feet. ;)

2. What is your favorite flower?
Wildflowers. There are so many types, and it is so pretty to see them blooming everywhere. I like how there are various types throughout the year, and always something blooming. I've really been enjoying them. Other than that, I like roses, zinnias, sweet peas, pansies and pretty much every flower.

3. If you had to choose between having plumbing or electricity, which would you choose?
I'd have to choose to keep plumbing. Just because... I'm scared of pit toilets.

4. What is your go-to funny youtube video? (keep 'em clean)
My siblings get more into them than I do. Here's one they introduced me to:

5. Do you think dreams mean something?
Honestly, sometimes I think they do. God did use them in the Bible days, so maybe He still uses them? Sometimes though, I think it's just too warm, and that makes us dream more and dream weird dreams... least that's what I heard.

6. Do you collect anything?
I collect children's books and state quarters. I used to collect alot of things. Like stickers. Remember all the Lisa Frank stickers? And I collected pencils. And little erasers. Remember those? They were sooo fun, even though I never used them, just looked at them. And I collected dimes, though I remember spending my collection of them on a Ken doll at one point. Ah, those were the carefree days.

7. You're in a situation that is everything it should be. You're with the right people, in the right place, doing the right things, but it doesn't "feel" right... What do you do?
Hmm. As long as it's not anything wrong, get through the awkwardness and enjoy it the best I can I reckon.

Come join in the fun!

Crispy Potato Bites

2012-09-05T04:00:00.000-07:00

I combined a few things I learned from my sister and created these crunchy, baked potato bites. They're delicious dipped in ketchup. But of course, that's coming from a girl who thinks ketchup goes with... well, almost everything.

But to the recipe.

You will need:

2 small potatoes
1 Tbsp cooking oil
1/4 tsp red pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
Sprinkle of salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder

Slice the potatoes.

Add oil.

Mix together.

Add red pepper, paprika, salt, and garlic powder.

Mix.

Spread in a single layer onto a non-stick baking pan.

Bake at 400 for 25 minutes, or until they look crispy.

Eat with dipping sauce of choice, or plain.

Enjoy!

Guest Posting at Fontenot Four

2012-09-04T12:17:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone-

Just wanted to share with you that I am guest posting today over at The Fontenot Four!

I'd love to have you go check it out!

Healthy Tuesday Hop: 3 Benefits of Exercise

2012-09-03T18:48:00.000-07:00

We all know exercise is good for us. Sometimes we exercise half-heartedly, or we don't exercise at all.

But what's really at stake if we fail to exercise?

I found some interesting facts here and would like to share a few of them with you.

Here's 3 benefits you receive from exercising:

It helps you relieve stress. For me, walking helps relieve stress. If I start to feel irritable, sometimes all I need is a walk. By the time I get back, it's like, what was even bothering me?
It creates new brain cells. Bet you didn't know that! At least, I didn't. ;) I know exercise helps the brain, but didn't realize it helped create brain cells. So see, smart people exercise.
It reduces heart disease, cancer, and stroke risks. That alone should be motivation for us to get out and exercise.

Walking has become my main source of exercise each day. I've gotten in the habit where I very rarely miss a day of walking. It has definitely helped keep my stress down, especially when I'm praying as I walk. That's the best de-stresser you could ask for.

So get in a routine, stick with it, and you will reap the benefits. (If you want inspiration or motivation, feel free to contact me!)

What forms of exercise do you prefer?

What I Learned in Church Yesterday: Life in Christ

2012-09-03T04:00:00.000-07:00

"In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead."

Colossians 2:11-12

The message in church yesterday focused on the fact that Christ did everything. He accomplished everything we need.

It is by Christ that we can put off the body of the flesh.

How do we do this? Verse 12 listed above tells us: by being "buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead."

These verses were also referenced:

"For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it."

Matthew 16:25

"And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent."

John 17:3

Being saved means we die to self, our old ways, our selfishness, our sinfulness.

Whatever it was we pursued without Christ, we die to that when we are converted. We not only do we die to the old ways, but we are raised with Christ by God through faith.

I don't know about you, but that's alot to take in!

Living for Christ is a growing process. Life is found in living for Christ.

Are we living for Him and growing in Him?

Quotes of Inspiration: Motivation

2012-09-01T04:00:00.000-07:00

First off, HAPPY SEPTEMBER! I can't believe it's September already. But anyway...

I think everyone could use a little motivation every now and then. Here are some cool quotes I want to share with you. Maybe they will help give you the boost you need.

Source: bing.com via Becca on Pinterest

Source: fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net via Becca on Pinterest

Source: icanread.tumblr.com via Becca on Pinterest

Do you have any motivational quotes you care to share? As you can tell, I like quotes. ;)

When I Get Angry...

2012-08-31T04:00:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel anger taking over?

I admit, I do.

Sometimes I feel so upset…

And I get stuck in that ugly hole.

In fact, I was stuck in it recently.

I was choosing anger. Anger is a choice. In fact, it’s an action God warns against. And even though He is my God, I have blatantly disobeyed Him and chosen anger.

Thankfully, our God is loving, forgiving, and unwilling to allow us to remain in our sinful habits.

Amidst the anger that I was allowing to have rule in my life, I really feel God woke me up. He helped me see that anger is a choice, and a choice that I don’t have to make.

I have the Holy Spirit in me to help me refuse sin. Including anger.

I became convicted.

It really dawned on me that in those moments when something goes differently than the way I would like, I don’t have to choose anger.

When those moments arise, I can refuse anger.

I feel God really opened my eyes and in those moments that arose, helped me think about my actions. He helped me realize I don’t actually want to be angry.

Anger is ugly.

Anger is sin.

I want to be beautiful.

I want to shine for Him.

Anger doesn’t leave room for beauty or anything that shines.

It’s dark, just as all sin is.

"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."

James 1:19-20

I believe we all need to seek God and ask Him to direct our actions. To convict us before we become angry. To prod us to choose actions that don't involve anger. When His power is in us, there is nothing we can't do.

And that includes defeating anger in our lives.

Do you wrestle with anger? How do you learn to overcome it?

7 Questions #9

2012-08-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

Silly pic: "I'm not sure if this is a smile or not."

1. Hamburger or Hotdog? (veggie versions count)
Hotdog. Though they can be really unhealthy... my favorite is the Oscar Mayer hotdogs with no artificial preservatives, etc...

2. If you had to live on any other planet in our solar system, besides Earth, which would you choose?
Mmm Mars? Cuz I'd have a better chance of survival. ;)

3. Share a photo of an outfit that represents your personal style, please. (doesn't have to be of you)
These are the types of clothing that I could live in all summer. I'm leaning toward the style of comfortable, athletic, yet cute:

Source: beccaack.polyvore.com via Becca on Pinterest

4. Would you rather get ready for the day or get ready for bed?
Get ready for the day. Getting ready for bed is boring. Getting ready for the day can be exciting.

5. You have to choose between never having eyelashes or never having eyebrows, which would you choose?
Even though I like my eyebrows... I'd say eyebrows. Could paint them in much easier than getting fake lashes imo.

6. What do you want to be when you grow up?
A writer. A screenwriter, a children's author, maybe more types of writer. Just, a writer.

7. Do you set your clocks right on time, or a few minutes ahead or behind?
For some reason, my alarm clock always gets a few minutes ahead. Like, when I set my alarm, sometimes my clock jumps ahead. Not sure why. Maybe it's the fact that my alarm clock is old. But I'm too lazy to change the time back I guess, so it stays several minutes ahead. It's 10 minutes ahead right now, lol. But in general, I don't try to put them ahead. Just on time.

Come link-up!

Pity Party... Screenplay Style

2012-08-29T04:00:00.000-07:00

Since I was covering the topic of pity parties in recent posts (see them here and here), I decided to share the one-page script I had written on this topic awhile back. Here goes:

INT. DIMLY-LIT ROOM - DAY

HANNAH (young girl, pigtails) crosses her arms and frowns at her friends.

HANNAH

(stomping foot)

We have to play my way! Otherwise I don't wanna play!

Hannah's friends put down their toys and walk away.

FRIEND 1

(whispering)

It's best to leave her alone until she's done with her pity party.

FRIEND 2

Yeah, no one is invited to a pity party but the party- giver.

A SHORT TIME LATER...

Hannah sits where her friends left her. Her arms are crossed, and her frown still in place.

HANNAH

(to self)

It's not fair. They should listen and do things my way.

Hannah walks to the window and looks out. Her friends are giggling and pushing each other on the tire swing in the yard.

HANNAH

But it looks like I'm missing out on fun...

EXT. TIRE SWING- DAY

Hannah runs out to her friends.

HANNAH

(looking down)

Can I play too? It's not fun being all alone. And it's

not always fun playing my way.

Hannah's friends wave for her to the tire swing. Hannah grins and joins them.

Also check out the guest post on pity parties that I'm doing at Singledou[b]t!

Healthy Tuesday Hop: 3 Steps to Sticking with Your Excercise

2012-08-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

When it comes to exercise:

1. Do something you enjoy doing. It will make exercising easier, because you'll enjoy it and not have to dread it.

2. Don't over-commit. Over-commitment often leads to us being unable to fulfill those commitments. Us being unable to fulfill our commitments often leads us to getting down on ourselves about not meeting them.

3. Do something that you will stick with. Instead of planning to give yourself an hour of exercise, start small if needed. Find someone to exercise with if you need extra motivation. Make it as convenient as possible. Instead of having to travel somewhere to exercise, do it from home if possible, or some other convenient location.

Do you have any tips of your own you would like to share?

What I Learned in Church Yesterday: Our Obedience to God

2012-08-27T04:00:00.000-07:00

¹¹In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, ¹²buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. ¹³And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, ¹⁴having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. ¹⁵Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

Colossians 2:11-15

In additon to the above passage, we also looked at the passage about circumcision in Genesis 17:1-14. Rejecting the sign of circumcision to the Jewish people meant turning their back on what it stood for. The act itself was only meaningful as it was a sign of the people's obedience to God. Our pastor compared it to him wearing his wedding ring. The wedding ring in itself does not mean he is married. If he takes it off, it doesn't make him not married. But of course his wife wants him to wear it. It's a symbol of their marriage. It represents the fact that they are married, just as the Jewish circumcision represented the fact that the people were following God and were His.

As Christians today we don't observe the act of cirucumcision. But as the above verses from Colossians say, our "circumcision" is us giving God our everything, being converted, putting off our old ways and seeking His ways. Our "circumcision" is seen in our obedience to God.

Here are a couple of reminders that were mentioned:

We can be confident in Him, not confident in ourselves
Mercy and grace are given to us, though we are undeserving
God doesn't make us earn His gifts of mercy and grace

Thanks be to God we are given His grace and mercy freely. Thanks be to Him for allowing us to follow His plan for our lives, which is far beyond any plan we could have on our own!

Group Giveaway at Big Apple Mami!

2012-08-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in another Group Giveaway!! This is the sponsor group giveaway going on at Big Apple Mami (formerly From City Corporate to Suburb Mama). So, without further ado....

Winner takes all! Enter the rafflecopter below for your chance to win! You also have a chance to get bonus entries! :)

Happy Entering!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Quotes of Inspiration: Husband and Wife

2012-08-25T04:00:00.000-07:00

Before I get to the actual post, 2 quick things:

I'm at 200 GFC followers!!! Thank you all for following and reading! You make me excited for the future of this blog. :)

Secondly, don't forget to enter the giveaways that I am participating in! The group giveaway and The American Bible challenge giveaway... go enter!

My cousin is getting married today, so I have weddings... love... being married... on my mind. So guess what the quote I want to share with you revolve around? ;)

Source: Uploaded by user via Becca on Pinterest

Can you think of any good quotes about love that you would like to share?

Facts Babies Want You to Understand About Abortion

2012-08-24T04:00:00.000-07:00

I was raised in a very pro-life family. I was involved in the pro-life movement since I was very young (or should I say, before I was even born?) I've just recently started volunteering at a crisis pregnancy center. The training opened my eyes all the more to the harsh realities of abortion.

Though not for the first time, I’ve heard stories of the heartache causes by abortion.

I’ve seen the numbers of innocent lives ended through abortion.

I can’t believe abortion has been allowed by law for nearly 40 years in the United States. It’s also hard to process the fact that over 53 million innocent lives have been taken in those 40 years.

Besides the ultimate wrong of taking an unborn child’s life, abortion leaves scars on those involved.

Why should something that causes such cruelty and heartacheexist? I realize it’s because humankind is sinful. But I just can’t comprehend how people can openly support it.

Here’s a few of facts I had not realized until recently:

Babies feel terrible pain during all abortion procedures.

Over 2 million couples are waiting for children to adopt each year.

Less than 1% of abortions are performed in the case of rape or incest (which, it still cannot justify killing an innocent child... but that subject for another time) or to save the life of the mother.

Twenty-three babies die from abortion each day in my state; thirty-three hundred each day in the U.S.

As you can tell, this is an issue I feel strongly about. If you have questions, feel free to contact me (trulywaiting at gmail dot com) or visit the links above.

I’m praying for the day our country wakes up and realizes it cannot continue to allow the destruction of such innocent life.

Until then, I will continue to stand up for the babies who cannot speak for themselves. How about you?

If you would like more quick facts on abortion, here is the link I found the above information.

If you would like to hear some personal stories of those affected by abortion, here is a link for you.

If you would like information on where the presidential candidates stand on abortion, check this link out.

The Amerian Bible Challenge Review and Giveaway!

2012-08-23T04:00:00.001-07:00

The American Bible Challenge is a new tv gameshow on GSN, premiering tonight. The show is hosted by Jeff Foxworthy (I remember him from Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader).

After watching the preview, I am very excited to see the show! The American Bible Challenge tests people's Bible knowledge. The host is said to have an enormous understanding of the Bible, which is cool- he really cares about the Bible and isn't just pretending for the show. He actually said that he likes how the show is about not only head knowledge, but also heart knowledge.

How so?

On the show, you will get to hear the stories of people who are playing for various charities. Through the show, they are both testing their Biblical knowledge, but also living out what the Bible teaches by helping those in need.

I think this is cool... there is a choir on the show, "The American Bible Challenge choir." They sing hymns in a very up-beat fashion. You will have to watch the show to see!

The show also seeks to be funny and entertaining, yet always staying true to the Bible. A goal of the show is to bless others. To inspire people to help each other. It encourages people to delve into the Bible. It shows the Bible isn't boring. It shows respect for the Bible, and celebrates the Bible. Does that not sound awesome?

Here's a link that will tell you even more about the show. Check it out, but be sure to come back because...

it's giveaway time!

That's right! Be sure to enter to win a copy of the Quest Study Bible and your very own American Bible Challenge t-shirt!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services
mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I
only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

7 Questions #8

2012-08-23T04:00:00.000-07:00

Linking up with Gentri Leemeans posting a silly pic of yourself. Basically, embarrassing yourself with how crazy you look at times. ;) Here's this week's:

1. Bold or Understated?
Just gonna say, not bold. ;)

2. You have to survive alone in the wild and you only get to take one thing with you. Your choices are: A Pocket Knife, a Water Bottle, or a Book. Which do you choose and why?
I'd have to go with a pocket knife. I would say book, but I don't think I could relax enough to read.

3. Thirty Two Cows, Seven Eight Chickens, How Many Didn't?
My usual response to things that are supposed to be funny: I don't get it...

4. Would you rather die doing one legendary act of service or do small acts of kindness that may go unnoticed every day?
Definitely small acts of kindness.

5. Happiness is ________. (one word; fill in the blank)

Love. There's no happiness without it. God's gift of salvation, the ultimate display of love, brought us lasting happiness (well, joy...). My love for Him, my love for the people in my life, makes me happy. The love I receive, makes me happy.

6. Can you laugh with out smiling?

I do believe so. Or maybe that's called chuckling?

7. Do you pop your knuckles?

Only if I'm really annoyed or really nervous or feeling really awkward.

How about you? Did you link-up? If not, care to answer any of the above questions in the comment section?

Don't forget to enter the giveaway I'm participating in! And stay tuned for another giveaway coming up... TODAY!

DIY T-Shirt Bracelet

2012-08-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

I've said before and I'll say it again: I like working with t-shirt material. (See my DIY page). And as you'll see in this tutorial, I like to create easy crafts. This bracelet should take no longer than 20 minutes to make.

First, cut 3 strips of t-shirt material (I did 1x18in).

Stretch them slightly so that they curl a bit.

Braid them together. Tip: I use my heel to hold the ends as I braid.
Braid just enough so that it will fit onto your wrist (and over your hand).

Trim the ends about an inch from where the braid stops.

Sew the ends together and trim.

Sew a large button over the spot the ends were sewn together.

Optional: Decorate with more buttons.

And there you have it. Easy, I know! Btw, you can be honest and say it reminds you of a watch, because that's what I've been told twice now. ;)

What crafts have you been making lately?

P.S. Do NOT forget! I am participating in the cool group giveaway at A Night Owl. Be sure to enter! Plus stay tuned for another giveaway coming up this week!

Healthy Tuesday Hop: Veggies

2012-08-20T22:36:00.000-07:00

What are your favorite ways to eat veggies?

I like them as a snack. Especially cucumbers and carrots.

Veggies are good cooked. My favorites are cooked green beans and corn on the cob (with butter and salt...).

I like tacos with a bunch of veggies, including cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, and peppers.

I like salads with carrot shavings and tomatoes.

Did you ever try carrots or celery dipped in peanut butter? Mmm... good.

What are your favorite ways to eat veggies?

P.S. Do NOT forget! I am participating in the cool group giveaway at A Night Owl. Be sure to enter! Plus stay tuned for another giveaway coming up this week!

What I Learned in Church Today: The Word of God

2012-08-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

I listened to the Pastor James MacDonald message, "What Brings the Glory Down, Part 1: Unapologetic Preaching" online today. Since I wasn't feeling well, this worked out perfect.

If you have never heard Pastor James MacDonald, I recommend checking out his site.

The message I listened to today talked about how important it is to preach the Word of God. Though it focused alot on those who preach, there were also applicable pieces for everyone in the Church.

This passage was read:

"And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God."

1 Cor. 2:1

Here are 3 points I gleaned from the message:

The Church is to be people hearing God speak. When God speaks to us, that's His power coming down.

The Church is to be a place to connect with Him. When we connect with Him, when He shows up, it’s pretty awesome.

We are to not be hearers of the Word only, but doers. ("But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." James 1:22)

Overall, we are to live for Him. We are to seek Him. We are to follow His Word. We are to attend the Word of God and apply the Word of God. We will be blessed when we do so.

What did you learn at church this Sunday? Care to share?

P.S. Do NOT forget! I am participating in the cool group giveaway at A Night Owl. Be sure to enter! Plus stay tuned for another giveaway coming up this week!

Group Giveaway at A Night Owl!

2012-08-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Awesome August Group Giveaway I'm participating in at A Night Owl! So many fabulous prizes! Check it out:

blog :: facebook :: twitter

Erika from Life Unfluffed (formerly known as T.E. and Baby) is plain awesome! She's uber talented and runs multiple blogs and a design business, but she wants you to get to know her here! Join Erika and her weekly "goal for the week" link ups to try to get things done!

blog :: facebook :: twitter

Chelsea of Yours Truly is truly a gem! She runs a design shop and has also started a fun "Return the Favor Hop" on Wednesdays! You can link up there each week and the theme changes from GFC, to Twitter and others!

blog :: facebook :: twitter

April from Wildflowers & Whimsy is such a great blog buddy of mine! You'll just love her and her blog, so make sure you stop by to say hi! She's also so very talented and runs a virtual "Sewing School" on her blog. Free sewing classes? Who doesn't love that?

blog :: facebook :: twitter

Kelley from The Grant Life is another blog buddy! You likely already know and love her, but if you don't, be sure to stop by! She runs a "Financial Friday" linky party where anything goes! So go link up starting Thursday evening to be at the top of the list!

blog :: facebook :: twitter

Kendall of Songbirds & Buttons have been buds from the start! She an amazingly sweet and giving person, and a wonderful mother...oh and a fellow Pyrex collector! I just love that! Kendall hosts a Baby Bird Letters Link Party every Tuesday where you can link up sweet posts to or about your little ones, how adorable is that? PS - she's a virtual bloggy assistant, so if you're looking for a little help, I guarantee that this is your gal!

blog :: facebook :: twitter

What can I say about Kim from Singledou[b]t? Well she's plain fantastic and just the sweetest gal around! And now she's joining up with some great blogs to host "Link & Mingle: Sisters in Blogging" on Thursdays. This new Link Up will join up 8 Social Media outlets. A great way to get to know new blogs and the people behind them.

blog :: facebook :: twitter

Want to read stories on parenthood from someone who tells it like it is? Or discover fabulous easy-to-make recipes to beef up your dinner routine? Then Delilah's blog, Confessions of a Semi-Domesticated Mama, is the blog for you! And her blog is a hot spot! So if you're looking for someone to sponsor and you don't win her ad below, you can use promo code NIGHTOWL to get 20% off any ad on her site for September! Go now!

etsy :: blog :: facebook :: twitter

Shannon of Sassy Lemonade is so talented and fun! I just bought my first piece from her, an adorable anchor bracelet, that I just love and get so many complements on! And get this, Sassy Lemonade just turned 1! Shannon has a passion for jewelry making and you'll see that evident in her work. She's a Military Wife and a Busy Mom of 4, but when she's not running after them, she likes to spend her time creating new pieces and blogging about the shop and her personal life.

blog :: facebook :: twitter

I just adore Erin and her blog, The Thirty Spot, a blog dedicated to women in their 30s, but women of all ages appreciate the tips. Each week she features a guest blogger who writes for the Love for 30 Project. Women from all over the world have contributed about what they love about being 30, their experiences, what they have learned or what their expectations are/were. Let her know if you are interested in joining the project!

blog :: facebook :: twitter

At this point, you should know and love Angie and Little Inspiration as much as I do! She and I partner on a lot of projects, she's so amazingly talented and such a great mother to little Aries! I've joined up with Angie on Fridays to host the Create & Inspire Linky Party. The party is open to any creative DIY, craft and/or recipe posts! It opens every Friday at 4pm PT, so be sure to come join us and link up your fabulous projects!

etsy :: blog :: facebook :: twitter

Dawn is hilarious. I mean it. If you haven't connected with her through her social media outlets, you must! Oh and she's so very talented and sells the most amazing paper products through LeroyLime on Etsy! Check out these ADORABLE little monkey invitations. Who wouldn't love to receive one of these? Oh and she has a new blog, so make sure you follow along and get to know her better!

shop :: blog :: facebook :: twitter

Have you heard of Kintage? It's an amazing online shop that sells adorable dresses and accessories at a fantastic price! And every Tuesday this month, they will be having a new giveaway at their blog! So be sure to follow along to take advantage of the amazing giveaways, and I've also seen some great deals on Facebook too! So be sure to become a fan - NOW!

blog :: facebook :: twitter

Jess and the boys is a blog filled with fun family stories, educational posts and yuuummy recipes! Always a good read! So stop by to say hi, get to know their family, and learn a little along the way! Jess is also giving away $25 to Macy's at Two in Diapers later this week - little plug!

etsy :: blog :: facebook :: twitter

Now Kristina is not only Organic Mami, but a Big Apple Mami! Kristina runs an organic lotion, lip balm and skin care shop on Etsy but also hosts a Simple Steps to Healthy Living linky party every Wednesday! So be sure to go link up your healthy living posts!

blog :: facebook :: twitter

Ok, stop what you're doing now and go follow Holly at The Artist Who Never Starved! She's amazingly talented and has a great eye for beauty. I always enjoy her posts! Oh and going on RIGHT NOW on her blog she has a Geocaching/Adventure of the Week link-up! Go share and link-up any recent adventures or Geocaching finds for International Geocaching Day!

blog :: twitter

Ah, to be twenty again. Miss Aimee shares with us her life's adventures over at Aimee's World, and I have to admit I enjoy reading along! On Fridays you can find Aimee rounding up and linking up her Friday Favorites, so fun!

blog :: facebook :: twitter

We have another healthy living guru in the group! Becca from Humble Bumble hosts a Healthy Tuesday linky party where you can link-up any health-related posts, whether they be healthy recipes, exercise posts, or any other tid-bits! She also shares her tips and advice weekly, so informative!

Well that’s quite a HAUL ladies! To enter, simply use the Rafflecopter form below. There is a BONUS included for completing ALL entries! Entries will be received through midnight on Saturday, August 25th!

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Quotes of Inspiration: Mercy

2012-08-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Isn't this a comforting thought?

Source: itunes.apple.com via Becca on Pinterest

Christ's forgiveness to us is amazing! Have you accepted that forgiveness?

Have you heard any inspirational quotes lately that you would like to share?

3 Steps to Avoiding Pity Parties

2012-08-17T05:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I mentioned the downsides to pity parties. Today I would like to share with you 3 simple steps to avoiding pity parties.

1. Do something for someone else.

Lend a hand. Help someone out. Take your mind off yourself. Focus on the needs of others, not yourself. I like the Lousia May Alcott quote that says:

When you feel out of sorts, try to make someone else happy,
and you will soon be so yourself.

Let's try it! I think we will be surprised at the results.

2. Take into consideration all the blessings you have.

Make a list of all the things you are thankful for. Be specific. Once you start to see all the blessings you do have, you just might realize the pity party needs to go.

3. Read the Bible and talk to God.

I think these are obvious, yet often forgotten. Why not use a concordance to look up words often associated with pity parties? Maybe even memorize a verse or two, such as those in Phil. 2:3-4:

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Seek God. He commands us to live selfless lives, which means no pity parties. And if He asks us to do it, He will give us the power to do it!

What are some tips you have learned to overcoming pity parties?

Throwing Yourself a (Pity) PARTY!

2012-08-16T05:00:00.000-07:00

I don’t know about you, but I have a pity party every so often. These words might be used to describe such a party:

Loneliness

Bitterness

Unforgiveness

Discontentment

Anger

Doesn’t sound like that great of a party, does it? Yet we still give ourselves one. Cuz we feel we deserve it.

I know, that’s ridiculous logic.

The party focuses on one person. It always focuses on the same person:

Me.

A pity party is all about me. What I didn’t get. How I was treated. How I got left out. How much work I have to do. How hard my life is.

Sound familiar? Can’t say it’s cuz we attended the same party, cuz a pity party is for one person only.

You know the best word to summarize a pity party?

Selfishness.

Think about it.

Here’s a definition of selfishness: “concerned with your own interests, needs, and wishes while ignoring those of others.”

When we throw our pity party, surely we aren’t thinking of others. We aren’t being concerned with their needs, interests, or wishes. We're focusing on "me."

I’m pretty sure we all know pity parties aren’t Biblical. But just for a reminder…

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

Philippians 2:3-4

In the moment of our party, the pity we give ourselves feels good. Doesn’t it? Or does it? In the end, does it really feel good that we sat around and sulked? What good did it accomplish?

Okay, so we're convicted. In the end, pity parties really ain't no fun. But what to do? How can we eliminate them from our day-to-day lives when, as humans, we are prone to act selfishly?

I'd love to hear your answers, as well as have you join me tomorrow for my 3 Steps to Avoiding Pity Partiespost!

Wordless Wednesday: Buffalo

2012-08-15T04:00:00.000-07:00

More pics from our trip!

Though the official name is bison, I still call them buffalo.

Sorry if the pics aren't that great of quality- I was taking them through our van's windows.

And this little guy? We said he was an adolescent. Not a full-sized buffalo, not a baby. And rather... awkward.

Healthy Tuesday Hop and My 4 Favorite Ways to Exercise

2012-08-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

1. Walking
Why? I started getting in the habit of daily walks when I had to take a phy ed class in college. Now, it's a routine. I enjoy walking as a way to de-stress, and also as a way to soak up beautiful weather, visit with those who join me, and feel refreshed.

2. Squats
Why? I heard that squats exercise some of the body's core muscles. This keeps me going, even though at times my legs start to feel like they want to give out.

3. Crunches
Why? My chiropractor recommended crunches vs. sit-ups. He said that it is easier on the back. So now, instead of trying to do a full sit-up (which I struggled to master anyway), I do crunches.

4. Push-ups
(At least my version of them. Still haven't mastered the official push-up).
Why? I can feel my upper-arm muscles getting a work-out when I do push-ups. It's a good feeling.