My Really, Real Reality

The Song in My Heart

2013-05-19T00:00:00.000-04:00

Friday Wannabe Fashionista

2013-05-17T12:51:00.002-04:00

I've never been accused of being a fashionista. Especially since I've put on some weight in the last few years, I just don't feel at ease in a lot of clothes and go for comfort and what I think might hide the bulges.

But I'm still a fashionista wanna-be at heart. I happily go about adding cute looks I like to my Pinterest boards. But I never actually do anything with all those ideas. Well, I think it's about time I started trying out some of those looks and outfits that I've admired. Today, I'm picking one of the looks and shopping my closet!

Here's the original outfit I pinned...

http://pinterest.com/pin/230246599671890984/

A loose white tank, black blazer, jeans. layered necklaces. Casual and classic.

And here's my version ...

Loose layered white tanks, black blazers, jeans.

This was comfortable, and I felt well put together for a day of running errands.

A Spirit of Gratitude: May 16

2013-05-16T00:00:00.000-04:00

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

Listening to the male offspring talk to himself while getting ready for school

Quiet Saturday mornings

When the Man of the House fixes dinner

Quick fixes to car problems

Finding comfort in God's Word

Colorful Monogram Door Decor

2013-05-15T10:27:00.002-04:00

My soul is so ready for summer! Warmer days. The kids home from school. Summer vacation. I can't wait!

Today I'm blogging over at A Wise Woman Once Said... with a tutorial on how I made this cute little monogram.

http://awisewomansaid.blogspot.com/2013/05/colorful-monogram-door-hanging.html

A touch of color on my front door to dress the house up for those lazy summer days ahead.

A Spirit of Gratutude: May 14

2013-05-14T00:00:00.000-04:00

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

Grand baby babbling away and ending with a laugh, as if he just told a hilarious joke!

Phone calls with my sister

Early morning workouts

Proverbs 3: 5-6

Keeping Up The Motivation

2013-05-13T09:46:00.003-04:00

I'm sure you're all eagerly awaiting an update on how I did with my goals for last week. (No, I know you're not really - but let me have my little delusion, OK? Thanks) So, here's an overview:

Drink more water eh... a few days I did really well, others - not so much.
Exercise at least 3 times I'm not even sure how to judge this. I only exercised 2 days; but on one of those days I worked out twice (am and pm) So, I think I'm counting it as accomplished.
Walk a total of at least 5 miles Check!!
Get cards/packages in the mail Um... no. Maybe this week.
Finish a craft project (and blog about it!) Project completed. Blog will be written and posted soon at A Wise Woman Once Said...
Have dinner as a family - at the table - every day except Thursday Was right on track with this - but then we had pizza in front of the TV on Friday. And it sort of went downhill from there.

For this week, I'm feeling health conscious and keeping to that theme for my goals. Trying to keep up the motivation I'm feeling after having to buy some new pants this weekend because so many of my others keep sliding down and I'm too old to pull of the pants-riding-below-my-hips look (not that anyone can really successfully pull off that look)

Eat a healthy breakfast every morning (typing this as I finish a bowl of shredded wheat with banana, strawberries, and skim milk because I realized the leftover cheesecake in the fridge didn't really meet the "healthy" criteria)
Drink the recommended amount of water each day
Exercise at least 3 days this week
NO soft drinks!
Use neti pot before bed each night
Make an appointment for an eye exam

What Do You Do?

2013-05-13T00:00:00.000-04:00

I saw this writing prompt on another blog recently and couldn't stop thinking about it:

"If you couldn't answer with your job, how would you answer the question, 'what do you do'?"

Maybe this was easier for me since I stopped answering this question with a description of my work away from home job about a year ago. But it still made me think: what do I do?

I...

... love my husband

... take care of my family

... like to read

... crochet

... write a blog

... love to hang clothes out on the line

... enjoy saving money and am always on the lookout for bargains

... babysit my grandson

... watch documentaries on Netflix

... make my own cleaning products

... google everything
... do crafts for my home and to give as gifts

What do you do?

Lilacs

2013-05-12T00:30:00.000-04:00

I love lilacs. I love the smell. I love the colors. I love how delicate and pretty they are.

It makes me very happy each spring when my lilac bush blooms and I can bring a bunch in to decorate the dining room table.

My Love Dare: Day 38

2013-05-11T00:00:00.000-04:00

"Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart" ~ Psalm 37:4

Day 38: Love fulfills dreams

Giving your spouse everything he could ever desire is impractical and impossible. But saying "No" to everything is just as bad.

Sometimes love needs to go all out. To pull out all the stops and let go of the excuses. Shower the beloved with their heart's desire. Just for the sake of giving. More important than the giving is the spirit of the giving. Wanting to fulfill every dream you possibly can.

To give like God gives. God gives us mercy, grace, and eternal life. Not because we deserve it or earned it - but because of His great love for us!

Dreams and desires come in many forms. Maybe you can't afford that dream vacation or a shiny new sports car. But you can give your spouse your time, attention, affection, and respect. Let him see the love and respect you have for him. Let him know he's your knight in shining armor (even if the dragon is a spider or the quest is to pick up milk on the way home). He needs to know he's appreciated.

Surprise him with a small gift, or card, or an unexpected kiss.

Love calls you to listen to what your spouse is saying and hoping for
Love calls you to remember the things that are unique to your relationship: the pleasures and enjoyments that bring a smile to the others face
Love calls you to give when it would be more convenient to wait
Love calls you to daydream about those opportunities to give so often that their desires become your own

Exceed all your spouses expectations by showering him with expressions of love. Be willing to express your heart with extravagance. Overwhelm him with love and kindness.

Ask yourself: "What is something my spouse would really, really love?" And commit to living out the answer!

TODAY'S DARE: ASK YOURSELF WHAT YOUR SPOUSE WOULD WANT IF IT WAS OBTAINABLE. COMMIT THIS TO PRAYER, AND START MAPPING OUT A PLAN FOR MEETING SOME (IF NOT ALL) OF THEIR DESIRES, TO WHATEVER LEVEL YOU POSSIBLY CAN.

OK. Completely doable. What would the Man of the House want if it was obtainable? What would make him feel loved, valued, and respected? I can do this!

A New Venture

2013-05-10T10:57:00.000-04:00

I woke up with a sinus headache. Which doesn't bode very well for the day ahead. But I wasn't going to let a little pressure stop me. I drank some coffee, read my Bible, took some decongestant, and headed to the computer.

I had the brainstorm about a week or two ago to collaborate with my two sisters and the female offspring to launch a new blog! A few text messages, a conversation or two, a little brainstorming later - and today is launch day!

A Wise Woman Once Said... is what happens when three clever sisters (and maybe a niece or two... or three...) get together to share the tips, tricks, and lessons we are learning along life's journey. Here, you'll find a hodge-podge of recipes, crafts, decor, style, organization, greener living, and parenting. With the possibility for just a random thought or two along tossed in for good measure.

I hope each of you will stop by to visit. And to follow us!

A Spirit of Gratitude: May 10

2013-05-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

Cat purring

Foggy mornings

Sorting shape blocks with the grand baby

A car window that works

My new nephew

My Love Dare: Day 37

2013-05-09T00:00:00.000-04:00

"If two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by my Father" ~ Matthew 18:19

Day 37: Love agrees in prayer

Praying together. It may seem so simple to you. Or maybe it seems silly. Or impossible. But praying together is a key to a long marriage. It unites husband and wife in a powerful way.

Prayer can:

give you wisdom when faced with difficult decisions
bring comfort when struggling through fears and insecurities
provide peace when having arguments or marital struggles
provide a place to seek shelter when you don't know where else to turn
remind you that God has made the two of you into one flesh

It's difficult to stay angry with someone while you hold their hand in prayer. It draws the two of you together, face to face, on common grown. It strengthens you.

And it is pleasing to God.

TODAY'S DARE: ASK YOUR SPOUSE IF YOU CAN BEGIN PRAYING TOGETHER. TALK ABOUT THE BEST TIME TO DO THIS, WHETHER IT'S IN THE MORNING, YOUR LUNCH HOUR, OR BEFORE BEDTIME. USE THIS TIME TO COMMIT YOUR CONCERNS, DISAGREEMENTS, AND NEEDS BEFORE THE LORD. DON'T FORGET TO THANK HIM FOR HIS PROVISION AND BLESSING. EVEN IF YOUR SPOUSE REFUSES TO DO THIS, RESOLVE TO SPEND THIS DAILY TIME IN PRAYER YOURSELF.

I spoke to the Man of the House about sharing time in prayer each day. We decided the best time would be as we go to bed each night. And that it might take a little while to get comfortable with it and into a routine. We did it exactly once so far. That first night that we talked about it. Remind me to bring it up again...

"In the morning my prayer comes before you" ~ Psalm 88:13

Man Sized Expectations

2013-05-08T00:00:00.000-04:00

"For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength" ~ 1 Corinthians 1:25

The Bible tells us that all things are possible for God. But it can be so difficult to really wrap my head around that one. To really believe that nothing is too big or impossible for Him to manage. Do I put man-sized restrictions on God? Do I expect less of Him than He is really capable?

The simple answer is: Yes.Yes, I do.

But the truth is - God is bigger. Bigger than our doubts. Bigger than our fears. Bigger than our weaknesses. God is never going to let us down, disappoint us, or forsake us. He is bigger than anything we can imagine. His power goes beyond anything we can comprehend.

So, what ever it is you're expecting of God - think BIGGER! Nothing is impossible for Him.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" ~ Ephesians 3:20

Reaching My Goals

2013-05-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

I have a list of weekly goals I am working to accomplish. These goals are different from the good ol' weekly/daily To-Do list. That includes chores I need to do, errands I need to run, and the like. These goals are more personal things I want to accomplish over the course of the week. Some are health/fitness related. Some are for my family. I'm feeling a need to keep myself accountable, and in that effort I'd like to place my list of goals out there for the world to see. So, here they are: My Weekly Goals:

This Week I Will:

Drink more water
Exercise at least 3 times
Walk a total of at least 5 miles
Get cards/packages in the mail
Finish a craft project (and blog about it!)
Have dinner as a family - at the table - every day except Thursday

Swing State of Emotions

2013-05-06T11:38:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was one completely topsy-turvy day! I think I managed to experience almost every possible emotions in less than 24 hours. It was a confusing and exhausting day.

It began when I got two messages within a few hours of each other.

The first was a text telling me that my middle sister had gone into labor and was at the hospital to deliver my first nephew! There was a little nervousness for her since it was a little over 3 weeks early - but mainly there was excitement and joy.

The second came a few hours later. It was my mother telling me she was driving to the hospital, but not the one where my sister was having her baby. Her husband had been in a motorcycle accident and was being airlifted to the trauma center. The nervousness, joy, and anticipation were washed over with worry and fear. All I could think to do was just pray. And put out a call to all the prayer warriors I know to do the same.

By the time Sunday came to a close, I had a beautiful new nephew. 6.1 pounds, 18 inches long. Everyone is doing well. He's so tiny and adorable; I just want to gobble him up!

Mother's husband was in ICU with broken ribs, hand, and ankle, collapsed lung and a lacerated spleen. The big concern now is his heart rate and rhythm and bleeding from the spleen injury. He has been on blood thinners for some time because of the heart issues which made the lacerated spleen a concern. They were giving him something to thicken the blood to control bleeding, and having to monitor him closely as that treatment could aggravate the existing heart problems and put him at risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Through out the day, I wasn't sure how I felt. How I was supposed to feel. I was torn between the joy of a new life coming into the world and being concerned and afraid for Mom's husband. You've probably heard people talk about "emotional roller-coaster" - I rode one all day long!

p.s. any and all prayers for mom's husband are welcome and appreciated!

My Love Dare: Day 36

2013-05-06T00:00:00.000-04:00

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" ~ Psalm 119:105

photo credit: dailylifeverse.com

Day 36: Love is God's Word

God has not put us into the world - into this life - without a plan. He has even provided us with an instruction book full of His word and His promises - the Bible.

In order for God's word to be helpful to us we have to commit to it. Immerse ourselves in it. And know it.

Be In It: Get into a daily habit of reading the Bible

Stay Under it: By attending a church where the Word is faithfully preached and Bible study classes where it is taught and discussed you can come to a greater understanding of God's word and how it applies to your life.

Live It: Allow the Bible to become part of who you are, how you live, how you think, and what you do.

When we live only according to our plans, our emotions, the opinions of there, etc - we are building on shaky ground. As the trials of life shake us - everything will collapse around us. When we are living by God's word - we have a strong, firm, unshakable foundation against destruction.

When you build your life and your marriage on the Bible, you will see it grow stronger and be solid against the storms.

TODAY'S DARE: COMMIT TO READING THE BIBLE EVERY DAY. FIND A DEVOTIONAL BOOK OR OTHER RESOURCE THAT WILL GIVE YOU SOME GUIDANCE. IF YOUR SPOUSE IS OPEN TO IT, SEE IF THEY WILL COMMIT TO DAILY BIBLE READING WITH YOU. BEGIN SUBMITTING EACH AREA OF YOUR LIFE TO ITS GUIDANCE AND START BUILDING ON THE ROCK.

I take some quiet time each morning to read a devotional or two and to spend some time in God's word. (I'm doing one of those "read the Bible in a year" plans). I spoke with the Man of the House about the two of us maybe doing some sort of devotional or bible study together as well. And I think we've decided on a book to look at for this purpose.

The Song In My Heart

2013-05-05T00:00:00.000-04:00

Wisdom from Oma

2013-05-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

Sometimes the allergy medicine only manages to bring the sinus headache down to a mild throbbing pain

My Love Dare: Day 35

2013-05-03T00:00:00.000-04:00

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed" ~ Proverbs 15:22

Day 35: Love is accountable

The marriage vows most of us took say "good times and bad" and "sickness and health".

God means for use to face challenges together. United as one. Making each other stronger. Supporting each other.

It is equally important to build a network of strong, godly, healthy friendships that value marriage.All people need wise counsel at some point. The wise seek it out and are grateful for it. The foolish avoid and ignore it.

"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel" ~ Proverbs 12:15

Wise counsel warns you against the danger of bad choices, encourages you during difficulties, and celebrates your marriage. You must avoid negative influences. Those who encourage selfish choices. Look for others who seek Christ. Someone with the type of marriage you long for. Someone who values and lives by the Word of God.

TODAY'S DARE: FIND A MARRIAGE MENTOR - SOMEONE WHO IS A STRONG CHRISTIAN AND WHO WILL BE HONEST AND LOVING WITH YOU. IF YOU FEEL THAT COUNSELING IS NEEDED, THEN TAKE THE FIRST STEP TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT. DURING THIS PROCESS, ASK GOD TO DIRECT YOUR DECISIONS AND DISCERNMENT.

I have several women I consider friends who are godly Christ followers. But I don't feel I have any really close friends like that. No one I could sit down over coffee and pour out my heart. Truth be told, I've become a bit of a loner as the years have gone by. I spend most of my time with either the Man of the House or the female offspring. I think I need to do some praying for God to help me cultivate those kinds of friendships again in my life. To give me the courage to reach out and open myself up to those friendships.

Why I Hate Spring

2013-05-02T00:00:00.000-04:00

Ok... I don't really hate Spring.

In fact, if questioned I would probably say that I love spring. The flowers blooming, the trees budding out new leaves, the warmer weather that is not too hot yet. Love it.

However, I don't like the affect it has on my body.

The sneezing. The sniffling. The sinus pressure. The red, watery, itchy eyes. The dark, dark bags under those eyes. The scratchy throat. The way the roof of my mouth itches. The coughing. The wheezing. If there is any possible seasonal allergy symptom - I have it.

Ugh...

This year is not looking good. I'm already showing some strong allergy symptoms and it's only early May. My symptoms don't usually peak until later in the month.

My usual allergy med cocktail - Claritin(in the am) and Zyrtec(in the pm), along with a decongestant as needed - doesn't seem to be helping too much. Which makes me nervous. What's gonna happen when the pollens I am especially allergic to start flying?

If I could just seal myself off somehow until around the end of June, that would be great! Maybe a giant ziploc bag or something? One of those giant plastic bubbles like John Travolta used in the movie, or that kid in the Seinfeld episode! Where can a person get one of those? Those suits they wear when dealing with hazardous materials? Although just spotting me at the store would probably completely freak a lot of people out. Of course, the sight of me with my red, runny eyes, red drippy nose and black eyes might all ready be doing that.

I'm adding the neti pot to the routine today. And crossing my fingers that this helps immensely.

But I'm not ruling out those other options.

God With Us

2013-05-01T00:00:00.001-04:00

God promises again and again - He will always be with us.

He will give us strength and courage.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; don't be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" ~ Joshua 1:9

He will tell us what to say and help us say it.

"Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." ~ Exodus 4:12

He will teach us.

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you" ~ Psalm 32:8

He will provide for us.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 4:19

He will never leave us.

"No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you, I will never leave you or forsake you" ~ Joshua 1:5

He will protect us.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?" ~ Psalm 27: 1

He will always be there. When friends leave us. When family can't be nearby. God is always there.

My Love Dare: Day 34

2013-04-30T00:00:00.000-04:00

"(Love) does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth" ~ 1 Corinthians 13:6

Day 34: Love celebrates godliness

This world is full of temptation. Sometimes it seems as if nearly everything we encounter is designed to distort our thinking and lure us away from what is right and true.

Do you lead your spouse to worldly ideals - or toward God?

Do you encourage him in his walk with Jesus, or distract him from it? Do you influence your spouse to honor God or dishonor Him?

We should be encouraging our spouses and rejoicing in how God works to accomplish His plan for them and for our marriage.

TODAY'S DARE: FIND A SPECIFIC, RECENT EXAMPLE WHEN YOUR SPOUSE DEMONSTRATED CHRISTIAN CHARACTER IN A NOTICEABLE WAY. VERBALLY COMMEND THEM FOR THIS AT SOME POINT TODAY.

There is someone in our lives who isn't the easiest person to deal with. They can be selfish, rude, and abrasive. But I am constantly amazed at how the Man of the House always manages to treat this person with kindness and respect despite the way they can treat him (and others).

And I told him that! (A confession: I didn't do it verbally though. He was at work and I sent him a text message because I wanted to do it right then and there while I was thinking about it)

A Spirit of Gratitude: April 29

2013-04-29T00:00:00.000-04:00

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

Walks with the grand baby

Blowing dandelion fluff

Afternoon thunderstorms

Psalm 40: 1- 3

My Love Dare: Day 33

2013-04-28T00:00:00.000-04:00

"If two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone?" ~ Ecclesiastes 4:11

Day 33: Love completes each other

Marriage.

God created two similiar but different beings to compliment each other and work together as one.

Think of your body...

Two eyes. You can see with just one - but have much clearer vision if both are working together

Two hands. You can complete many tasks with one - but things go faster and more smoothly if both are working together.

Two feet. You could get from one place to another hopping on one foot - but get there much more efficiently if both feet take you there.

Marriage is the same way! We can see more clearly, complete tasks, and get to our goals in a better, faster, more efficient way if both are working together- united.

Where one is weak; the other is strong. Our uniqueness can work together to make us more effective as a team.

Don't try to do it all yourself! Don't dismiss your spouse's perspectives just because they are different from your own. Honor his individuality and how it works with your own to make both of you stronger and better when you work as one.

You need each other. You complete each other.

TODAY'S DARE: RECOGNIZE THAT YOUR SPOUSE IS INTEGRAL TO YOUR FUTURE SUCCESS. LET THEM KNOW TODAY THAT YOU DESIRE TO INCLUDE THEM IN YOUR UPCOMING DECISIONS, AND THAT YOU NEED THEIR PERSPECTIVE AND COUNSEL. IF YOU HAVE IGNORED THEIR INPUT IN THE PAST, ADMIT YOUR OVERSIGHT AND ASK THEM TO FORGIVE YOU.

I know that our strengths and weaknesses work well together. I'm more likely to fly off the handle, while he is calm and patient. I can deal with some of the things the offspring toss at us better, and he can manage others. He can fix things around the house like a pro; me - not so much. We make a great team.

However, I realize I am bad about discounting his perspective and counsel. Oh, sure - I'll rant and rave and complain. But when he tries to offer advice or ideas, I'm afraid I often shut down. Because of course he just can't possibly understand what I'm really dealing with or going through. Right? Wrong!

I need to do better about letting him be my support. Listening to his ideas support. Giving them the consideration they deserve. And putting the full strength of our team to work!

"Put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity." ~ Colossians 3:14

A Spirit of Gratitude: April 27

2013-04-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

The internet being back in service

Pictionary with the family

Animal crackers

Knowing God is always with me:

No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you, I will never leave you or forsake you ~ Joshua 1:5