Daily Growing in Truth

Devotion

2012-09-19T12:35:00.000-05:00

My husband and I have been going through a book called 100 Prayers of thanksgiving (does not give a specific author). We read this together usually at breakfast and we don't get it done everyday but have enjoyed them.

Today's really hit me as it fits my blog very well, I feel. So I am going to share it with you.

Growing in Christ

When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 1 Corinthians 13:11 NKJV

Norman Vincent Peale had the following advice for believers of all ages: "Ask the God who made you to keep remaking you." That advice, of course, is perfectly sound, but often ignored.

The journey toward spiritual maturity lasts a lifetime. As Christians, we can and should continue to grow in the love and the knowledge of our Savior as long as we live.

When we cease to grow, either emotionally or spiritually, we do ourselves a profound disservice. But, if we study God's Word, if we obey His commandments, and if we live in the center of His will, we will not be "stagnant" believers; we will, instead, be growing Christians... and that's exactly what God wants for our lives.

"With God, it isn't who you were that matters; it's who you are becoming." Liz Curtis Higgs

"Every great company, every great brand, and every great career has been built in exactly the same way: bit by bit, step by step, little by little." John Maxwell

Today's Prayer

Dear Lord, I know that I still have so many things to learn. I won't stop learning, I won't give up, and I won't stop growing. Every day, I will do my best to become a little bit more like the person You intend for me to be. Amen

I just really felt like this was one I needed to and wanted to share. I know it really hit home with me. Many have in this little book but I have been lazy about sharing.

Hope you enjoy this little tidbit for today.

It's been a few months.....

2012-09-17T11:42:00.000-05:00

OK, so I have not been good at blogging. Today I will just give a quick update on the last few months.

May I started a 4 week exercise program. I went from just exercising a bit to 6 days a week of intense. My conclusion is exercise is EVIL!! No, really it is not. Exercise is good for both body and mind but when you are over 40 it is not good to go from 0-100 overnight.

Exercising led to several (many) doctor visits and tests due to feeling like my entire body was falling apart.

NOTE TO SELF: Start slow and build up.

So after the 4 weeks I did a little here and there and then have not really exercised in over 2 months.

I also worked on my diet and eating healthy. I don't need to lose weight but just wanted better/healthier eating. This too led to my body saying "What the heck are you doing to me!!!". I like eating healthy but again I did not go slow and my body did not adjust well so had to change that up.

In July had a party for our oldest son and his new bride. That was fun.

Then took a trip to see my grandparents house as my grandma sold it. So happy she is now closer to us.

August started out with me being sick. I have not been that sick in a long, long time and I did not like it at all. This illness was weird and led me to the ER one night and Urgent care 2 days later. Then there were follow up visits and more tests (which I am still working on). It really drained me energy wise.

Then just about a week and a half after I got sick our daughter was running a 5k and had a very bad sudden headache. Thinking it was just a migraine she treated it as such. Later that evening we took her to the ER due to other signs that something was very wrong. She was then admitted into the ICU due to an Internal Carotid Artery Dissection. Yes, that sounds very bad and really could have been since most cases of that are not found until AFTER a stroke. Thank God we all knew something was wrong and got her in. She spend a few days in the hospital (as did I....did not want to leave her) and now is recovering with meds and will be rechecked in Nov. in hopes that it has completely healed.

To sum this all up....life has been CRAZY!!! I will admit that it has stressed me out quite a bit and I do know that I am dealing with a low grade depression as a result. I am still not up to my "normal" weight since getting sick and still dealing with some issue from that.

So for now just taking one day at a time and trying to rest up when I can but still work and get things done that need to be done. Oh and did I mention our 17 yr old cat that has kidney disease....add that stress in there also (with the other pets we have....UGH!!).

I want so bad to post happy, growing daily with God posts but the reality is I am struggling and I don't like it.

Hoping and praying that will change very soon.

Well on to the next thing I need to get done.....

Gone....

2012-04-23T09:32:00.000-05:00

The nest is now empty as we got to watch the last 2 fly from the nest and hear mama calling them and they calling back. WOW that was fast!! Time to let go.

As a mama of 4 little (well grown) birdies myself this has been a wonderful but somewhat bittersweet experience. I too have watched as 3 of my 4 birdies have flown the nest. My one that is home is married and they lead their own life just under our roof for a time.

It is so fun to watch them grow and then to watch as they are young adults flying the nest. It is also a bit sad to see the empty "nest" or rooms....which I have already filled with my stuff so I guess it didn't take long to grieve.

Just like the mama bird I am here for my kids. They can call out to me and I will be there for them. I am thankful that it took 18 years for my kids to grow and not just the 2 weeks it does for a robin.

More on the babies....

2012-04-23T08:57:00.000-05:00

Well the time has come for our baby robin's to leave the nest.

Yesterday their nest was overflowing.

When arriving home from the store we found one had "dropped" out of the nest.

On to the bricks under the nest. I did not think this was the safest place for this little one so I read up and decided to put it back for now knowing that most likely it would be out by the next day or so. I didn't want to just put it on the ground for animals to eat.

A little closer....so cute!! We know where all their poop has gone...haha.

This morning I go out to check and this is what I see....

One was standing proud or scared ready to fly if I got too close. Plus I only could see 3 in there and looked around on the ground to see if I could see #4 but my guess is that one took off. Hopefully it is safe.

Well I did freak the little one out enough that it flew over to a near-by bush (better than the ground to me).

Of course it should have known that it would have to be photographed. It was cool to see this little one fly after seeing it nearly hairless and so small just less than 2 weeks ago.

Then there were 2!!

My guess is this nest will be completely empty before the end of this week.

Maybe we will get lucky and mama will decide to use this nest again in the near future but next time I will try and leave them alone.....I said TRY!!

It has been a great joy to watch these birds go from eggs to "teen" birds and flying the nest.

What a difference a week makes!!

2012-04-20T07:40:00.000-05:00

Just a week later and look how much they have changed....

Won't be long now until they are leaving the nest. Mama has done a really good job taking care of her babies.

Update.....

2012-04-16T11:04:00.000-05:00

Well the robin eggs all hatched. Not sure exactly when as I was out-of-town and asking my husband to check on them. On the 9th he did not look but didn't hear anything so assumed they were still eggs.

I returned late on the 11th so the next morning I check and there were 4 little babies in the nest.

By the looks and what I have read they were probably a day or 2 old at this point.

They are growing fast. In my reading I learned they usually leave the nest about 2 weeks after hatching. I can see why as they are starting to get to big for the nest.

They are funny because when I go to look at them they stick their heads and mouths up like this (above picture). I am sure they are expecting mom to feed them.

We also have a nest in the back which we cannot see into but can hear the little ones.

This morning I went to check on them and they filled the nest, have feathers starting and mama came up right above my head to let me know I better leave her babies alone.

From now on I might just have to watch at a distance knowing that in about a week those little ones will be taking flight and leaving the nest.

I am very happy mama robin decided to build her nest right at my front door.

Guest at the front door

2012-04-03T19:59:00.000-05:00

Okay so I just posted an update but I felt this needed to have its own post. We have a robin's next right out our front door. It is so close to the door. Here is mama (or daddy, can't tell which one since they look alike and both take care of the nest) sitting on the nest....

See it is right next to our front door so every time someone goes in or out mom/dad leave the nest. I had to go from the back to get these pictures.

I got a little closer and got this right before she/he took off. They don't go far and will scream at us when we get close.

They did a really good job and it is protected by weather. Just a bad place right by the front door. I am guessing that mama is saying "next time we will find a place with less people coming in and out all the time". Just my thoughts. There is also one in the back but I can't get to it to see if there are any eggs in there.

And here are the eggs!! I am really hoping that at least 2 or 3 hatch and we get to hear them and see them. What I read was they should hatch between 14-16 days. We saw the first egg on 4/24 so sometime this weekend there should be babies!!!

Hopefully I can report, with pictures sometime next week.

Spring has sprung....

2012-04-03T19:43:00.000-05:00

It has been almost 3 months since I last blogged so I will try and catch you up.....busy/lazy. Well that should do it.........

I have been busy. My coworker had surgery so I worked to pick up her part on top of mine (which they overlap a lot being we are both Medical Assistants) but I do more front office stuff on top of the back office so it was a bit stressful but looking back it was good for me and I liked the challenge. Glad she is doing better and back to work.

I say spring is here but we never really did have a winter here in our neck of the woods. I like it that way but know it will not always be that way. The only bad thing.....allergies!! With no deep freeze we have a lot of people with major allergy issues.

I would love to report that I am enjoying my Joy devotional but the truth is....I stopped doing it when I started working more. I can always pick it back up. I still have JOY!! and that is more important than making sure I do that devotional everyday.

I am exercising and loving it. Love going for walks with my wonderful hubby, doing Pilate's and a few different things. Just want to stay active.

I love spending time with my kids (which now I have 5....my oldest son got married!!). Very blessed with a wonderful, beautiful daughter-in-law.

My husband and I are now in a place to really have time for each other. We have so much fun together. We have to work to make time for each other but that is part of being intentional with our time. It is like being newlyweds (except we had 2 babies when we got married) but with the life experience that comes with age. So for me I think it is way better than the newlywed phase.....Just my opinion.

I am learning Japanese. My daughter-in-law is Japanese and we hope to take a trip to Japan sometime in the near future. I am older so this is a challenge but fun. Good for the brain. Japanese is not easy and I am not that great with English which is the only language I know.....for now!!

So busy...yes, but not to busy to blog (which I have not done), email (which I do if it is personal...don't really mess with forwards) or take time for family & friends (well work schedule can dictate some of that). Lazy in the fact that I get home from work and just want to do nothing but watch TV or take a nap. I am working on that now that my hours are back to normal.

There is always going to be things to take up our time and energy but I am learning that it is important to stop and look at what is taking that time and energy. Is is productive? Does it help others? Is it to much to the point of taking away from what really is important in our lives?

I want to be the woman God wants me to be and that is my prayer for myself. I am in a new season of my life and I am very young to be in this place but I have found that it is a good place. A blessed place. A place I am enjoying and want to keep enjoying everyday.

Hopefully it won't be another 3 months until my next blog.......

Thanks...

2012-01-09T19:24:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Melanie for making me my One Word. She has a wonderful blog http://www.onlyabreath.com/. Here is what she made for me to put on my blog.

JOY

2012-01-08T23:29:00.000-06:00

I find it funny how things happen sometimes. The last couple weeks of 2011 I felt like I was starting a new journey but the only thing "new" that I knew was coming up was the New Year.

I kept coming across the word JOY and so decided to make 2012 my year of JOY. To seek JOY. To be more JOYful. To be more JOY-filled.

I found a 52 week devotional on JOY without even looking for one. It is called Choosing Joy: A 52-week Devotional for Discovering True Happiness by Angela Thomas.

I have only done the first week but would highly recommend it. The days are short but leave one thinking. I like this since I also have a couple other devotionals I like to read.

At the end of week one I had to write out a mission statement. I have to admit I had no idea how to write a personal mission statement. So I googled it like I do lots of things and came up with a short personal JOY mission statement for 2012.

So.....

Today I left church with a paper that lists the upcoming ladies Bible Studies. I did what I usually do and looked up the one I was interested in to read about it. I am a bit of an information junkie...weird I know but it is who I am.

Somehow I ended up on a website about resolutions. Don't ask me how but I do that a lot. I start on one thing and before I know it I have been to several sites, blogs, etc... reading what others have to say about many different things. That is how I end up spending way too much time on the computer when there are other things to do (resolution...spend less time on the computer...working on it!!).

Seriously, I came upon this site called "myoneword.org" and it talks about what I did without even knowing there was a website and others doing the same thing. Here is the site if anyone is interested in knowing more about it:

It makes so much more sense then all the resolutions made and usually go by the wayside in a month or so. I still plan to exercise, eat healthy (those 2+ donuts this morning don't count), have a better sleep schedule (don't work tomorrow so the fact that it is almost midnight does not count)....but those are just things I need to do all the time anyway. My one word--JOY is more of who I want to be and how I want to live from the inside out.

So those are my plugs for today...the book and the website.

"Be Joyful always." 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Reflecting...

2011-12-29T20:11:00.000-06:00

I can't believe 2011 is almost over and a new year will begin. Boy does time fly. I don't know about you but this time of year I tend to reflect back on the year and think about the new year. It has been one crazy year for me.

I started the year with 2 jobs, one I was about to quit and one I was getting ready to start. I started the one and worked my last day at the other the same week...that was crazy.

Then on Feb. 13th I felt the call to go to Haiti with a team from my church. I did fight this for a week before I agreed to go. All that is in an earlier post. So I had 5 weeks to prepare to go on my very first missions trip.

Those 5 weeks were insane. All the prep, meetings, shopping for things I needed. I only had to get 2 shots since working in health care I am up to date on all the ones needed around here. Doctor visit for meds to take. Wow, so much to do in such a short time. Plus my fear of flying (again in an earlier post). I also quit my job in those 5 weeks.

They went fast with all that was going on but it was so worth it to go to Haiti. That was so amazing and I thank God for sending me and allowing me that experience.

In July I started a new job that seems to be a much better fit and that is where I am now. I am part time but I seem to stay pretty busy.

So it has been a busy year for me. Add in all my family stuff and that just makes it even more crazy.

In thinking about this past year and the new year to come I thought to myself 'why do we do this?', meaning reflect at the end of a year and make new goals at the beginning. Maybe it is easier. Something people just do. I don't know for sure but I do it and I know others do as well. I do believe though that we should take time to reflect and remember things all throughout the year and be OK with setting new goals if needed because everyday is a new day and a new beginning.

I am setting some goals for 2012 and a lot of them will be the same as before. I am a work in progress. I am going to work on taking one day at a time and enjoy life. I don't want to get myself worked up because I did not meet a goal but be able to start new every day and just work to meet that days goals.

Hope you all have had a great 2011 and look forward to a wonderful 2012!!

Bring on 2012 because I am ready!!

A Carrot, an egg and a cup of coffee

2011-12-10T11:58:00.000-06:00

I am sure you have read this before but it is always worth reading again as a reminder and to make us think...

So as you read think about if you are a carrot, an egg or coffee beans.

I want to be the coffee!!

A carrot, an egg, and a cup of coffee...

You will never look at a cup of coffee the same way again.

A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up, She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved, a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Soon the pots came to boil. In the first she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs, and in the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil; without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, 'Tell me what you see.' 'Carrots, eggs, and coffee,' she replied.

Her mother brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. The mother then asked the daughter to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard boiled egg.

Finally, the mother asked the daughter to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled as she tasted its rich aroma. The daughter then asked, 'What does it mean, mother?'

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity: boiling water. Each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. However, after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior, but after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water, they had changed the water.

'Which are you?' she asked her daughter. 'When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.

When the hour is the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate yourself to another level? How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg or a coffee bean?

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything that comes along their way. The brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past; you can't go forward in life until you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so at the end, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying.

May we all be COFFEE!!!!

Jason Gray - Remind Me Who I Am With Lyrics

2011-12-08T09:12:00.000-06:00

Please see link in post below...

2011-11-03T17:53:00.000-05:00

The last couple of months have been a bit of a struggle for me. Not something I like to admit but sometimes it is good to be a little transparent.

August and September were just very stressful both with working a new job and working many hours. One of my coworkers had surgery just after I started and I was working both my job and hers....a lot of stress. Then of course many other stresses that come with life. Being tired all the time didn't help nor did allergies. My co-worker returned the end of Sept...this was good.

Just a side note here...I bring on my own stress. I allow it to get to me. I am not a laid back person that can just go with the flow or let things wait. This is just one of the things I would love to change about myself.

Then on Sept. 30 on my 5 minute drive to work I find out one of my aunts had died unexpectedly. So add sadness to all that stress.

Once things seem to start to settle down my husband and I were able to get away for a few days. This was a BIG help for both of us. We had so much fun and the weather was perfect.

Now we are headed into the holidays. For me I see more stress. I wish I didn't but I do.

A friend shared with me the below link and it really hit home to me. Since the middle of Sept. I have felt...well distant from God and I feel I try and try to get back but feel like I keep failing. I don't feel I am in the exact place this man was as he wrote that but I can relate to a lot of it. I encourage you to take just a moment to listen to it.

I won't give up on seeking as I know God will NEVER GIVE UP ON ME!!!

Undo Me Poem

2011-11-03T17:25:00.000-05:00

Undo Me Poem

Start Over....

2011-10-24T10:18:00.001-05:00

I have read this poem many times before but thought I would share. I will try and update with a more personal post soon.

"When you’ve trusted God and walked his way
When you’ve felt his hand lead you day by day
But your steps now take you another way …
Start over.

When you’ve made your plans and they’ve gone awry
When you’ve tried your best and there’s no more try
When you’ve failed yourself and you don’t know why …
Start over.

When you’ve told your friends what you plan to do
When you’ve trusted them and they didn’t come through
And you’re all alone and it’s up to you …
Start over.

When you’ve failed your kids and they’re grown and gone
When you’ve done your best but it’s turned out wrong
And now your grandchildren come along …
Start over.

When you’ve prayed to God so you’ll know his will
When you’ve prayed and prayed and you don’t know still …
When you want to stop cause you’ve had your fill …
Start over.

When you think you’re finished and want to quit
When you’ve bottomed out in life’s deepest pit
When you’ve tried and tried to get out of it …
Start over.

When the year has been long and successes few
When December comes and you’re feeling blue
God gives a January just for you …
Start over.

Starting over means “Victories Won”
Starting over means “A Race Well Run”
Starting over means “God’s Will Done”
Don’t just sit there ………… ..
START OVER"
- – - written by Woodrow Kroll of “Back to the Bible”

Sometimes we just need to start over....

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

No matter what is going on God is there for a fresh start every morning. Yesterday is done. Today is new. It doesn't even have to be morning...God is ready and waiting for us at all times morning, noon & night. He will never leave us nor forsake us.

So if you are going through some rough times (I know I am) just remember God is always there and waiting. Just know it is never to late to start over. Just stop and talk to God. Tell Him what is going on. He knows, He listens, He cares & He is always there.

Hidden Treasures

2011-09-13T09:17:00.000-05:00

Recently I was looking for something and came across a card my daughter sent me her 2nd year of college. I remember when she sent it to me and how much it meant then and reading it the other day I felt the same way. I won't share the personal details but wanted to just share a bit...

The front of the card

On the inside it says "Nobody nose you like your mom."

Also inside was a note she had gotten from a woman's retreat she had just attended and wanted to share with me. It is a Max Lucado quote and it really fit then and still does today.

"You are valuable just because you exist, not because of what you do or what you have done, but simply because you are. Remember that. Remember that the next time you are left bobbing in the wake of someone's steamboat ambition. Remember that the next time some trickster tries to hang a bargain basement price tag on your self-worth...just think about the way Jesus honors you...and smile."

~~ Max Lucado--No Wonder They Call Him Savior

That is so true. For me and for you. We are valuable because we exist, God created us as a one of a kind for a purpose...His purpose. Our value is not based on what we do or what we have done.

This is something I know I need to remind myself when I find I feel "less" important or "not good enough" in this world.

God created me just as He created you. We are worthy and loved by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and that is the most important thing to remember. Our self-worth should be completely based on that and not what others think or say about us.

So today think about God's love for you and smile...I know I will.

In Need of Sleep

2011-08-10T10:08:00.000-05:00

WOW!! Can't believe it has been almost a month since I last blogged. I have been busy or lazy...let's go with busy, it sounds better.

I started a new job in July and I really love it. Part-time, close to home, flexible & I am working as a Medical Assistant in Family Practice which I love . So, Yes, I have been busy adjusting and working.

I am working to get a balance between home & work but that seems to take some time for me. Oh well it will happen...all is good.

What is not good is this battle with insomnia that I have been dealing with. I have had this issue off & on all my life, even as a child. I know I am weird.

Sometimes I can't get to sleep. My brain just won't slow down enough. I stare at the clock when I should just get up. I don't have the best sleep habits and that is something I am working on.

Other times I fall a sleep just fine but I wake a lot and I mean a lot, like every half hour. I just don't feel rested. I am not getting good sleep or restful sleep to recharge my body.

I have tried everything but I don't stick with a healthy bedtime habit but even when I do it has not worked for me.

I have tried many different medications both prescription and over-the-counter but I don't like the side effects or the "hangover" effect so I try and avoid them. I will try them when I feel I am about to lose my mind from not sleeping for several days but only if I don't have to get up early for something. So that cuts out a lot of the nights. At this point I am ready to knock myself out for a couple days.

Last Sunday night I did not sleep at all. I did finally fall asleep around 5 am Monday morning but was pretty much awake by 8:30. I had to get up and get ready for work that afternoon. I will admit I cried a lot that morning and my poor husband had to hear all about my woes (he is such a blessing and such a big help--I love him so very much. He is awesome!).

I did get up around 2 am and did some journaling and reading. Here is something I have in my journal:

"What's wrong with me? Why can't I be a better person? better wife? a better mother?

With little to poor sleep I (and I think this is with most people) start to really have doubts about myself and my abilities. I over think things and I get a wrong perspective on how life is and how I am handling it. Nobody is perfect and I will be the first to admit that I am not.

As I was reading my devotion this morning I was reminded of God's love for me. God loves me for me and not what I do. He does not love me just when I keep my house clean, laundry done, cooking or even serving all the time. His love is unconditional. Yes, we are to go and do God's work but His love and grace is not based on our works. This I am so very thankful for. I did just sit and thank God for His love for me this morning. How awesome is that and so wonderful to think about. Even when I mess up, God is there and He is not going to leave me. Now I can work to change my perspective.

"What is wrong with me?" I am a sinner saved by grace. So there is nothing wrong (except being human).

"Why can't I be a better person?" I can through my faith in Jesus Christ and my cont. growth in Him. I am not a bad person. Reading God's Word and spending time with Him will just help me see that I am exactly the person God created me to be--flaws and all.

"better wife? a better mother?" Again growing in my faith and reading God's Word will help me in these areas. If you ask my husband I think he will tell you I am a good wife--not perfect but perfect for him. I am not a perfect mother but I am the perfect mother for my kids.

God blessed me with the most wonderful husband and 4 wonderful children.

I will close with this. I am praying for a great night sleep--I need it bad. I am seeking God to help me keep my eyes on Him so that I don't lose focus on myself and this life He has blessed me with. And I pull this verse again to help me get through these tough days until I do get some good rest:

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Matthew 11:28-30

Lord, I need rest. I am so tired and worn-out. I pray I will sleep well at night. I ask for more energy during the day and a more vibrant spirit. Lighten my load so I can have a better balance among my work, my ministry and my home life. Replenish me, Lord. As I unwind in spirit and body, please fill me with peace and rest. Prayer taken from Prayers with Purpose for Women.

It's been a while....

2011-07-14T11:38:00.000-05:00

...since I have really posted on here. So I thought I would maybe do a bit catching up. This could be VERY boring so WARNING AHEAD!!

I think my last "real" entry might have been when I got back from Haiti in April--where has the time gone. First, I have to say missions trips do change you. Once back I went through every emotion over a period of several weeks. I did re-Americanize (if that is a word) so to speak but still I feel changed. I did end up dealing with a mild/moderate depression for a bit but thankfully that is over. Again, I was told this is normal. One person told me they have been on 5 missions trips and dealt with depression after every one. It helps to know I am normal (well I am far from normal but that is OK).

Then add in the normal business of life and well we are back to me being crazy (well crazy normal maybe). Since I had quit my job before leaving for Haiti I soon felt lost wondering what I was suppose to do with my life now. I prayed every day that God would show me where he wanted me next. This the the answer I got every time..."TRUST ME, you are right where I want you right now." AND "PATIENCE, I have great things for you just be patient and trust ME." So that is what I have done just been waiting and trusting. I don't just sit around waiting--although at times that does sound pretty good and I am not always patient.

red, white & blue bracelet for the 4th of July

I started a hobby. I started making jewelry and now it is really fun and a bit addicting--I have to watch myself that I don't go and buy all kinds of beads just because they are pretty or on sale...that is unless I DO have a plan for them. I just need to keep a balance and not spend too much time on that and not on more important things...like sleep, cleaning, spending time with others, etc... So now I have a hobby and I really enjoy it.

HOPE bracelet

Started out with some very easy stretch bracelets...

Necklace & Earrings I made for my mom

...but soon moved into some more exciting and creative necklaces and earrings. FUN!!

I am still cooking and except for a couple weeks I felt VERY lazy I am still enjoying it. I have felt lazy but realize that I am dealing with allergies, I do get out and mow and do yard work, work around the house, help others when I can...so really I guess I am not lazy just sometimes not as motivated as others to do some of the normal housework that needs to be done.

I have dealt with some insomnia & it has happened to me the last 2 months that my husband & I had nursery duty at church. I still went & played with the babies but then took a nap in the afternoon. Don't like insomnia and don't always know why it is happening but hey it all works out as long as I don't get to grumpy--right!!

EXERCISE!!! I NEED to be doing that but that is one area I keep putting off...OOPS!! I will work on that.

Well I hope your summer is a great one...it sure is going by fast that is for sure. Also, it is HOT out there. So if you read this far then have a GREAT day and thanks for reading my ramblings...

A quick link...

2011-06-24T15:04:00.000-05:00

Read this devotion this morning and it really hit home to me. Don't have time to go into all the details right now but would love to share it with you. Here is the link:

http://devotions.proverbs31.org/

I get these devotions delivered everyday (M-F) and just love them. Here is the link to subscribe if you are interested:

Have a great weekend!!

Off the bookshelf

2011-06-13T12:17:00.000-05:00

I love to read. I have tons of books. Many I have never read. I will admit that for years I did not read as much as I used to. Well not books that is. I would read a lot on the internet but I like my old fashion books.

So after my return from Haiti I wanted to make some changes in my life (I think I am always working to make changes). One of those changes was going to be less TV & less internet. First I had to catch up on the shows I missed while in Haiti (that doesn't count--right?). I will confess that I have not done the best at watching less TV, especially with May being the end of the season for most shows. BUT I keep on working on this.

OK, so back to the books. Around the end of April, I think, I was looking on one of my many bookshelves to see if there was a book I had not read yet. I found more than I care to admit but one jumped out at me and I decided to read it. Before I tell you about this book let me add that I did very well reading it for a couple weeks in between a lot of business but then mid to end of May the TV won over and the book sat for a couple weeks. Once I picked it back up I couldn't put it down and was finished by the end of May.

I have since been to one of our Christian book stores and got caught up in the $1 books and got 5 of them. I thought that was a deal...5 books for $5. Now I just have to decide which to read first so I read the intro of each and then picked one.

OK, back to the original book. I read Confessions of a Prayer Wimp by Mary Pierce. I have had this book for a while so I looked at the copyright and it is from 2005. I am sure I have had it since then. Oh well, better late than never.

This book is wonderful. She is funny and smart. I laughed and cried. I could relate to much of what she was saying and that helps. She has points to ponder at the end of each chapter. I didn't really take the time to do all them but I did read them and do some of them. I wonder...why did it take me so long to read this great book?

So if you are looking for a quick, easy, funny, inspiring book to read I highly recommend this one. Now back to my new book...

Cooking again...

2011-05-28T18:44:00.000-05:00

Sounds weird I know but once my kids got older and everyone was doing different things at different times cooking just was not fun anymore. Plus having some picky eaters it was the same meals over and over.

I have been working on budgeting and found a website that they do all the planning for you--even the shopping list. There are several meal plans to choose from.

Since starting this the end of April we (my husband, oldest son and I) have been eating dinner at home pretty much every night. No more phone calls from my husband on the way home from work trying to figure out what to eat only to get food out. We are saving money and cooking is fun again.

It is like Christmas every week to see what is on the next weeks menu. I don't cook all the meals. I pick and choose what I want to cook. We usually have some leftovers so most weeks I make a "leftover" night to get things eat up. It is fun and I wanted to share. There is a link to the side and here is a link:

If you sign up please tell them I referred you...I get money back for that. ENJOY!!

A Must See....

2011-05-25T10:42:00.002-05:00

My husband was sent this link and I encourage everyone to watch the entire thing--it is only 2 minutes and then pass it on.

http://media.causes.com/1060527?p_id=175378540

Let me know if this does not work for you and I can email it to you.

Glorious Day (Living He loved me) ~Casting Crowns

2011-04-22T07:56:00.002-05:00

Home from Haiti

2011-04-06T14:40:00.000-05:00

I am home from Haiti and already miss being there. It is good to be home and especially be with my husband but the time in Haiti was amazing. I did well flying...most of the time. I had a great team and they were all a big help to make sure I had a window seat and that someone from the team was next to me. I was thankful to God for putting a remarkable team together and so very thankful that He chose me to be a part of that team.

There were 8 of us from our church and we went out in 2 teams. One went to work on helping the Haitians build houses and the other (which I was with) went out to be with the kids and do VBS stuff with them.

We rode in what was called a Tap-Tap. A truck with benches in the back. Our driver was awesome with all the traffic.

This one is loaded with our stuff for the day. We then added about 6 people--it got crowded but it was fun.

The first day we were near the guys building but we were at a tent church and had over 100 kids--it was so much fun. It was very hot in that tent but loving those kids was so very easy. Some tried to teach me Creole which is their language. I have a hard enough time with English so this was more laughing than anything. I really enjoyed it.

The electricity was spotty and it was hard to regulate the temp. at night so the first night us 3 ladies froze. We shared a really nice room. I think we all felt a bit spoiled where we were. Having someone cook for us all week was wonderful. The food was great but I didn't always know what I was eating. On Monday I ate a bit too much and ended up sick during the night. This was not fun but I still thanked God for getting me through it and for sending me to Haiti. I had to stay back as my team headed out on Tues. and that was hard but I had to get my energy back and rest up. With no TV or Internet it was a great time of resting and prayer. I spent the day with God and that is something I don't do here. I have many distractions so it is easy to do other things but when I was in the compound with no one that spoke English it was a time for me to just be with God. He has a plan for everything and maybe that was something He wanted from me--to trust, surrender and just spend a day with Him.

The rest of the week went well. I did lose about 3 lbs from being sick and then cautious about what I ate. I felt good though.

We spent Wed. going to pick up 2 teachers from one of the orphanages and take them to buy books. That was a lot of fun. They were so excited and thankful to have books for the kids.

We all spent Thurs at the orphanage. The construction team was building new, safe benches for the kids to sit on and we were playing and loving on the kids. It was so easy to get attacked to them and I look at the pictures and miss them so much. They loved to wear my hat and sunglasses. Run their fingers up my veins on my arm and play with my hair. I had my hair braided many times since it is to fine to hold the braid. Oh and they loved to take pictures and have their picture taken. They knew my camera was in my right pocket and would point and say "photo". So about 50 of my around 400 pictures were taken by kids.

Friday 3 of the construction guys went back to work more on things at the orphanage while the rest of us took a trip up to the mountain. We went to the Baptist Mission which was really neat to see. We went to an overlook to see out over Port-au-Prince. That was just amazing. Haiti is a beautiful country with beautiful people.

I fell in love with the country and the people. I feel so blessed to have been called to go.

Saturday 3 of the guys helped with some things that needed done around the compound while the rest of us went to a school that had not had a mission team come in before. We had about 60 kids and did skits and things with them. It was so much fun and several came forward to receive Christ--that was amazing. As we were leaving I was hugging one of the young boys and he asked me to pray for him. He gave me his name and I have been since. I don't know exactly his need but God does.

We also had a pizza party for the staff that evening. They didn't have to cook for us and it was so much fun to see how excited there were to have pizza.

Well if you kept up with me this far--thanks. It is so hard to put into words everything and how so very thankful and blessed I feel to have gotten this opportunity. I do hope to get a chance to go back and next time take my husband. I know he would love it.

God really took me way outside my comfort zone but I took comfort in trusting Him. He stretched me way more than I have ever been stretched. I look forward to see what He has in store for me next--very exciting!!