Looking Towards Heaven

What 2009 taught me

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:44:00 +0000

nothing is certain... we all know that. i've had to relearn that lesson many times and this year it seemed to be a monthly lesson; the 'Groundhog Day' version of my life.

i don't want it to be for nothing, so i'm making this list to help me pretend i've got this all figured out.

what i've learned in 2009:

• family will always have my back.
• finding a job of ANY kind is a full-time job and the pay sucks.
• love doesn't see age
• my kids love me regardless of my status
• things that seem as though they'd be simple never are
• i will never be someone who has things fall into her lap
• priorities are easy to figure out but harder to implement
• true friends can be found online and may never get to meet in person
• there is more to life than attention
• life is sweeter when shared
• i am stronger than i was 12 months ago
but,
• i'm still prone to pouting
• being called 'over-qualified' doesn't make getting passed over for a job any easier to swallow
• living out of boxes and maintaining your sanity takes dedication
• being 38 and living with your parents to be able to make a better life for yourself and your children is humbling
• some people really do make an impact on everyone they meet
• there really are people who care about me

Here's to 2010 being a good one...

Christmas, where are you?

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 12:10:00 +0000

(originally published December 21, 2007)

I'm usually very transparent on my blog. I figure, if I can't tell it to a group of strangers who I probably won't know this side of Heaven, who can I tell? It is harder, now that I know some of you and have established friendships with many of you.

That's my round-about way of saying that I've gotten a little more opaque lately and good at keeping things more fluffy.

Not today. Today, I am hurting and trying to work through some things. I know that as I write this, I will keep wrestling with myself, telling myself to just delete it, once I write it and get it off my chest. But I wonder if others can relate?? So, I'm rushing through it, misspellings, poor sentence structure and all... before I can change my mind.

The best way to explain, is to sum up how my morning went:

Abbie was allowed to not wear her standard school attire to school today because she has had no violations in her dress this year. The note home said "jeans and/or a holiday shirt". Abbie had no holiday shirt. She was upset. But she worked hard to get over it. I was frustrated because I would have loved for her to have a holiday shirt. But it wasn't in the budget. I raced her to school. She got out of the car and ran towards the school.

Suddenly, she went down. And landed in thick gooey mud... I got her to the door and then raced home to get her clean clothes.

In the meantime, her teacher called and said that Abbie was crying and embarrassed. My poor, sweet, forlorn girl.

And I barely had enough gas in my car to drive back over.

I started crying because of the frustration of the gas, the "no holiday shirt" and the mud and the child trying to be okay with it all.

But I wasn't okay with it.

Why? Because this Christmas we've struggled with getting presents, let alone extras. We've got medical bills that have to be paid and we are still trying to take care of bills that went to collections when we lived in Maryland. We've been poor stewards of our money in the past. We've been trying to catch up from our year of constant errors and times are usually lean. When we do have extra, it's like a gorging feast that gives you indigestion when it's all over. It's not frivolously spent - but in the lean times, our list of things we need when we have extra money grows longer and longer.

So I've cried this morning. I've cried for my daughter who is so sweet and tender and should be able to be wearing a cheery Christmas shirt at school today, but isn't. I've cried over the fact that were it not for other family members thinking of us and sending gifts, the tree skirt would be showing all of its un-hemmed glory. I've cried over the simple frustration of day-to-day life on this fallen earth.

And then I remember Jesus.

And I remember what He gave me and what He did for me.

And I remember what He said about the things of this earth.

And I remember that Mary and Joseph and the shepherds didn't have festive holiday attire at that first Christmas.

Rather, they were in a smelly, cold stable. And it was still the most perfect Christmas in the history of the world. No festive lights (other than that shining star), no shiny bows and trimmings, no Ho Ho Hos...

The Gift that was laid in that manager so long ago is still my gift. It is far better than anything that could be under our tree or that my daughter could be wearing to school. Because of Him, I am redeemed and justified. And no one can snatch me from His hand.

Not bill collectors.

Not grumpy holiday shoppers.

Not advertisers that tempt me with all of the things they say will make my holiday perfect.

I am beginning to remember the real reason for this Holy day. The reason my home is decorated and presents are wrapped.

And I'm praying my heart will be filled with His peace and love.

And I pray the same for each of you.

Merry Christmas, friends!

There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises:
Glory to God in the heavenly heights,
Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
~ Luke 2:8-14 (the Message)

Life keeps on keepin’ on…

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:16:00 +0000

I’m still struggling with what to write on here. So much of what is on my mind is personal, and while I’ve always shared that, there are others whose feelings I must be respectful of…

But I would like to ask that y’all continue to hold me and the children in your prayers. I’m still looking for a job and because I’m still looking for a job, that is another reason I have to be conscientious of what I write.

I’ll be back to writing on here soon enough.

Thanks for hanging in there with me.

Thanks

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 16:54:00 +0000

Y’all! How I’ve missed you! And all of your comments on my last post reaffirm how much I love this whole bloggin’ thing. To think that I write a post after almost 3 months and YOU NOTICED!

Thanks for all of the sweet comments. It means so much.

Keep your eye out for me reemerging from the woodwork some more.

So I’ve been MIA

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:05:00 +0000

I’ll keep this brief because otherwise it might be another 3 months until I write again… (I can’t believe that I haven’t written on here for so long.)

It’s not that I haven’t been writing. But I’ve been writing on a private blog of my own, sorting through things (Isn’t that why I always end up writing?) I just haven’t known how or what to write about what is going on with me.

Briefly: I’ve been in MD, at my parent’s, with the children, since the beginning of July. I’m looking for work. My husband and I are separated. He has since moved up here, so the children are spending every other week with one of us.

I won’t be writing much more about it on here, unless it is something that I can write about in a way that is respectful to Sean and the children. Obviously, it’s a personal matter, but it doesn’t mean that I’m not willing to talk about it, so if you are wanting to ask, feel free to email me.

Hopefully, now that I’ve tossed that out here I won’t feel the need to avoid writing on here. I just haven’t know how to deal with it in a public way. The easy way out would have been to just continue writing on here and pretending that nothing was wrong. But that isn’t how I work.

Faith Like a Child

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:09:00 +0000

There is nothing like watching children worshipping. Completely uninhibited. Arms up. Singing off key at the top of their lungs.

I’m so grateful that our kids were able to attend our churches VBS this past week.

615 school-aged children

$3300 (!!!!) given in offerings to build FOUR wells in India (their goal was $1500)

50 children making a decision to follow Christ

Their eternity is now on a totally different course. Forever changed.

For more info: I’ve written a post on how to pray for your children, with resources listed.

Fathers and Daughters (alternate title: Watch your words)

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 11:05:00 +0000

When I was a teenager, I came across a letter that my dad had written to my mom when I was born. He was overseas when I was born, deployed to Korea. So the first time we met face-to-face, I was around 6 months.

At the time I discovered this letter, I was an awkward, self-conscious teenager with plum hair and white lipstick.

The feelings that swept over me as I read that letter stay with me to this day, and I’m sure that they have carried me through many hard times, as they built me up at that time, and surely sparked something that help reprogram me out of my teenage whatever it was…

My parents were great at letting us know we were loved. Except for the New Years Day dinner my 9th grade year, they rarely fussed over my eclectic-ness. I know it drove them nuts that I wore clothes with holes in them and that I never ironed. Even still, there was a part of me – that part of a child who wonders how someone could ever love someone like them – that knew there must be some strings attached.

Reading this letter I realized that there were none. Seeing in ink, on that aged piece of paper, my father's words, words of complete and utter joy, I knew without a doubt that I had always been and would always be: loved.

I’ve tucked that letter away into a safe place. But even if I never see it again, it was burned onto the memory of mind.

Beyond this - know that your words have an impact. Spoken or written. For better or worse - they are out there.

Make them count, so that they make a difference.

What's New At Modern Media Mom

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:38:00 +0000

If you are a Wordpress user and are stuggling with the upgrade to 2.8, I've written a post on how to deal with potential upgrade issues at Modern Media Mom.

____________________________________________________________

Enjoy my sites?

Would you kindly vote for ModernMediaMom as one of The Blogs You've Learned the Most From and Looking Towards Heaven as The Most Inspiring Blog over at the BlogLuxe Awards.

I'll bake you cookies if you do. (of course, I'll have to eat them for you.)

(Note: they've switched things up, and the nominees are now randomly ordered, so you'll have to scroll through to find my sites)

Decorate with Ribbons: Ribbon Valances

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:00:00 +0000

Ribbons are so much fun to decorate with. They are inexpensive and can add a big punch for the cost. That is my kind of decorating!

This is a project that is perfect for springtime or summer, and so easy to make. With windows open for fresh air, the ribbons will be blowing in the breeze. The perfect effect for your princesses' room.

< You'll need a tension rod and about 10 yards each of five different ribbons (the amount will vary depending on window size).

< Cut the ribbons a few inches longer than you need in order to reach the sill, then tie each length onto the rod in a necktie knot.

< Alternate colors or patterns.

< Trim to fit.

(these are sewn onto a piece of sheer fabric)

You could also do as I did, and trim the ribbons in more of a valance length. Vary the lengths. This isn't about precision!

These are so sweet to look at. Go ahead and make one. Let me know if you do.

(basic directions and photo from Good Housekeeping)

(this was originally posted by me at Blissfully Domestic)

Reasons You Should Attend “A Woman Inspired”

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 22:20:00 +0000

DON'T FORGET: Tomorrow is the start of "A WOMAN INSPIRED" online conference.

Reasons you should attend:

1) It's all online - attend in your pjs and morning breath

2) It is totally affordable ($12.95 for the entire week! hel-lo!!!!)

3) You can listen at your leisure - all sessions will be available to listen to afterwards if you are out swimming with the kids at the time of the actual session

4) I'm speaking (on Social Media)

5) You will surely be blessed.

“A Woman Inspired” – ticket winners

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 21:59:00 +0000

(This is the second time in a week that I have published a post with the wrong date, causing it to not show up when I thought it did)

*edited because the conference is now tomorrow!

Tomorrow is the start of “A Woman Inspired” online conference. Anyone who is able to attend will surely be blessed by the speakers (including, hopefully, my talk)

I promised free tickets to FIVE lucky winners. Those winners are:

The Happy Housewife

Lanie

Abbreviated

Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect

VSliker

Congrats ladies! Please email me at lookingtowardsheaven (at) gmail (dot) com so that I can get you connected with the important people involved in taking care of such things.

There is a time to avert your eyes. And a time to take notice.

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0000

(*this post was originally posted November 19, 2007)

This past weekend I had several errands to run, so Saturday I loaded up the kids and we headed to the stores.

We first went to lunch, because frankly, it was like Old Mother Hubbard's house around here. The cupboard's were bare, short of a bag of leftover Halloween candy. That would have been a viable option for me, except that I had already eaten all of the candy that I like...

After lunch we hit some of the local stores. I knew exactly where I wanted to go and what I needed to get.

When we lived in Wisconsin, this would have been no quick trip. We lived in a very rural town and had to travel 2 hours to the nearest mall and 45 minutes to the nearest Wal-Mart. (but no walking barefoot through the snow uphill both ways...) Any shopping had to be planned or done online.

The lovely part of this was that I learned to be content with what I had. Honestly, there's not much I can think of buying that a 2 hour trip in a car with kids won't cure me of. I did most of my clothes shopping online.

When we moved to Maryland, I stayed away from the malls because we didn't have the money to get by each week, let alone do any extra shopping.

But recently, I've had to go into REAL stores, with real items I can touch! and smell! and they are displayed so lovely. And the desire for "things" has had to be stuffed aside repeatedly. I was amazed at the things that I began to think that I "needed"... things that before Saturday, I didn't even know I could buy. I went into BabiesRUs to use a gift certificate that we received for Declan's birth. I knew just what I wanted... but walking to the right aisle led me past digital baby scales for making sure your baby is the perfect weight in between doctor's visits. Sterilization kits. Gadgets for increasing your baby's IQ in utero. Luxury strollers. I had to keep my eyes averted just to keep from passing out from the panting.

Even our local Wal-Mart is fancy, with its wooden floors and track lighting. Shopping at Wal-Mart is hard enough without having to deal with every thing screaming from the racks for you to take it home.

It is hard to be content.

There is so much that we think we must have.

That we think will make us happy.

That will fill a void.

That we think will make us popular and well-thought of.

If only we had could have it.

Then life would be be complete.

But that's not how its supposed to be. Not when there are people who have to do without basic necessities each and every day. When people are suffering from diseases that are treatable.

I love beautiful things. And don't believe there is anything inherently wrong with beautiful things. But there is when we ignore the suffering of others while we bask in "OUR" things.

My prayer for each of us is that we will be content with the things we've been blessed with and that we will remember and help take care of those who have been blessed with little.

Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.
~ Deuteronomy 15:11

Modern Media Mom is a 2009 BlogLuxe Nominee

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 05:40:00 +0000

I love what I do at Modern Media Mom. And I’m not kidding when I say that I’d continue doing it even if only one other person read it.

But everyone loves to be recognized for the work they do. And I’m pleased that Modern Media Mom has been nominated for the “Blog You’ve Learned the Most From” award at SocialLuxeLounge.com.

If you have found this blog helpful, please consider voting for it. It’s simple.

All you have to do is head here. Scroll down to the “Blog You’ve Learned the Most From” category. Click on the heading and a list of nominees will appear. Scroll down until you see “Modern Media Mom”. Click “vote”.

You can vote once a day, everyday until voting ends. So feel free to mark it on your calendar and do it daily ;0)

And THANK YOU for reading Modern Media Mom. It means so much that you take the time to stop by and be a part of things here.

Spontaneity

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:03:00 +0000

Sean is off work this week for his vacation. We had a sort of hodge-podgey vacation schedule this year, because early on I had planned on taking several weeks to go home to Maryland and PA to visit family and friends. Sean can’t take more than one week at this time of year, besides, traveling hours and hours to see family, while we love them to pieces, isn’t always the best way to relax and unwind, especially when you have to travel all over while you are there and can’t really sit and chill. Can I get an amen, or are we alone on that…

So Saturday morning found Sean surprising us with a quick overnight trip to the beach. While it may have been no more relaxing getting there, it totally recharged us, aaand it was the beach. Usually, I hate the beach, except in the fall/winter, but we had such gorgeous weather, and seeing the kids ~~eat sand~~ enjoy the water may have softened me a bit in my beach hating attitude.

Some photos for your enjoyment:

Big cap on a little guy:

Can’t see:

There you are:

Miss Thang:

Not a cloud to be seen

Yummm

Notice the white trash umbrella:

Untouched photo – look at the color of the water:

Sandy hands:

It was hard to get him to stand still long enough for a photo:

Worn out:

All of the kids were asleep by 8:00pm. Sean and I weren’t far behind.

Don’t forget: Enter to win tickets for “A Woman Inspired” Online Conference. See post below.

Be Inspired

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 15:42:00 +0000

I have, for some time now, felt the Lord nudging me into speaking. Trust me, if it were coming from anyone else, I’d laugh in their face. And even with God, I wrestled and rolled my eyes some.

Me? Speak?

Last year, the first door opened, when I was awarded the scholarship to attend She Speaks. It was such a blessing and I can’t wait to attend next year. I am unable to attend this year, but I have been invited to do some speaking.

Next Monday, I will be speaking at “A Woman Inspired”. If you are unfamiliar with it, you must check it out. It is a fabulous platform, designed by the brilliant “Amies” (both founders are named Amy)

The neatest thing? I don’t have to travel anywhere. And as an attendee, you don’t have to either. It is ALL ONLINE. You will be able to chat with other women during it, and there will even be handouts and such for you to print out and take notes.

How brilliant is that?

So now, those of you who have come to realize that traveling to a conference, let alone purchasing the ticket to attend is just crazy insane (your kids need to eat and the mortgage still must be paid, right?) but are itching for some inspiration and knowledge, can take part as well.

My topic is “Social Media and Your Ministry: how to use Twitter, Facebook and more to Reach More People”.

Want to hear more fun news? I am giving away FIVE tickets to the conference. Don’t worry about whether you will be at home during that time. The sessions will all be available for you to listen to at your leisure as well.

To enter to win, please leave a comment on this post. Of course, I’d love it if you’d spread the word about the conference and about my session, so if you mention it on your blog and Twitter etc you will get an entry for each mention (just be sure to link to the actual post and twitter here as well).
Winners will be announced Saturday, June 6th by 5 pm

Good luck and I hope to “see” you there! There are so many amazing speakers, I’m honored to be a part of it.

y’all…

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Wed, 27 May 2009 12:00:00 +0000

This is my new-to-me car.

Can I say “LOOOOOOOVE it”. I feel as though I should have a surf board on the roof and The Beach Boys blaring from the speakers.

A couple of days ago, I didn’t even realize that we would be in the market for a car so suddenly, but on the way to church Sunday, my YOUR ENGINE! IS OVERHEATING!! STOP! STOP NOW!! light came on. Sean is a fabulous mechanic (not by trade, but he rocks the car repair) and we knew that it wasn’t something that could be fixed without removing the engine, lots of expense, not to mention labor.

blah blah blee blee blah blah. (isn’t that how car talks usually sounds…)

fast forward…

We were blessed with a great deal and a reliable car. So thankful.

(* for anyone interested, it’s a [barely] used 2008 Chevy HHR).

What’s New on Modern Media Mom

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Tue, 26 May 2009 14:12:00 +0000

This week on Modern Media Mom, I am discussing how to stay organized when working from home.

To kick it off, I’m giving away a FranklinCovey planning system and a session from LiveClick.

What are you waiting for? Head over and enter, and be sure spread the word for more chances to win.

Get Paid to Shop

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Fri, 22 May 2009 04:15:00 +0000

ok, not really… but this deal is almost like it…

Spend $25 and Get a $75 Gift Card for The Company Store®/CompanyKids® - Enter code AFFGWP9 at checkout

(psst: they even have women’s swimsuits like this one with this fun/unique top line:)

That deal is too good to pass up.

Hanging with Family – a photo study

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Mon, 18 May 2009 11:00:00 +0000

I haven’t gotten to see my brother, Mark, since we moved to Tennessee. He lives in upstate New York and we haven’t been able to make it to Maryland at the same time. But he was in Tennessee this weekend and we were able to meet up for a bit:

He’s a little bit taller than me ;0)

The kids couldn’t wait to see him.

Couldn’t get a photo of Seamus without his cheeks puffed out.

We had to entertain ourselves on the drive over and back so we passed the time taking photos:

On the way home, things got way silly and there were a lot of tongues sticking out and faces being made that would give that old wives-tale a run for its money.

Don’t even want to know what he was thinking…

Totally trying to concentrate.

Book Review and Giveaway

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:40:00 +0000

This week on Modern Media Mom, I am discussing Working at Home. This is a great series for anyone considering it or already in the midst of it.

There is also a book review and giveaway. I’m giving away FOUR copies of Making Work at Home Work by Mary Byers. This book is perfect for moms trying to balance working at home and taking care of the home. It’s a hard juggle, and this book would be an invaluable tool for any mother trying to make it work. Whether you are a blogger trying to make some extra cash via your blog or are running a fully-incorporated business you’ll want to read this book.

Not many people have entered, so head over and enter.

(and don’t forget to peek at the kitten updates. They are getting cuter and cuter everyday.)

Break My Heart. Please.

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Mon, 11 May 2009 11:00:00 +0000

When I started this blog, we were coming off of a life-changing year. As I’ve mentioned numerous times, my blog became a place for me to sort through it all and try and make sense of it. I also wanted it to serve as a reminder of where I was at that place in time so that I would never forget the heartache and the restoration that followed.

I’m so thankful that I did, because recently, I went through a very troubling time. One that left me feeling used, emotionally battered, drained, overlooked, angry and resentful. Emotions stirred in me that I had long forgotten about. I had probably even fooled myself, on some level, into thinking that I was beyond those feelings.

As I’ve reread through my blog recently, I’ve been convicted of how far I had come and how many steps I took backwards during those recent months.

It’s not easy to admit; it’s not as though I was acting out. But I was allowing these emotions to dictate how I thought, and as a result, I was left feeling distant from the Lord. Because part of the ministry that I feel called to is sharing the message of the Lord’s restoration and redemption, it is not something that I feel that I can or should try to hide. As a Christian, I can just as easily forget about the muck I was pulled from, as the next person. And I can just as easily step back into it if I’m not walking with my eyes open.

I had temporarily forgotten who I was and where I had been.

As I’ve felt myself falling back into the sweetness that comes from being completely surrounded by the arms of Christ, I’ve found myself praying one thing over and over: “Break my heart, Lord”.

When I look at where I was, what I was saved from, and what I have experienced through His grace, I am ashamed at the lack of action I have taken to share that redemption and hope with others. I want my heart to be broken for others. I want to remember and never forget those who are struggling and suffering.

I don’t want to be held back by those emotions.

At church a couple of weeks ago, the pastor was talking about some of the things that hold us back from saying “YES” to the Lord. He referenced the story of Gideon and the defeat of the Midianites (Judges 6 through Judges 7), particularly Judges 7:1-7. While there is a much bigger story to this chapter, one of God’s glory, these verses give us a lesson on what can hold us back from going where God is sending us:

The LORD said to Gideon, "You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands. In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her, ³ announce now to the people, 'Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.' " So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained. (emphasis mine)

Lack of courage. These men who loved God and wanted to go where God wanted to send them. But they wanted to place their “yes” on the table and keep their hands on it so that they could pull it back if it frightened them too much. (thank you to my pastor for that great concept). This isn’t about not being afraid though. It’s about trusting God.

⁴ But the LORD said to Gideon, "There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will sift them for you there. If I say, 'This one shall go with you,' he shall go; but if I say, 'This one shall not go with you,' he shall not go."
⁵ So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the LORD told him, "Separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel down to drink." ⁶ Three hundred men lapped with their hands to their mouths. All the rest got down on their knees to drink.
⁷ The LORD said to Gideon, "With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the other men go, each to his own place." (emphasis mine)

Living carelessly. These men loved God and weren’t afraid but were living carelessly. A man bending down to lap the water rather than scooping it up with his hand was putting himself and others in danger. He was careless. And this put him on the bench rather than in the game (again, thank you to my pastor for that great concept). This isn’t about being perfect, but about being spiritually careful.

I had allowed myself to be benched over the last year by not being spiritually careful - by being involved in something the Lord hadn’t blessed or directed me towards. I had tried to fit the Lord into the situation rather than being where He wanted me. There was no blessing and no growth within it, because I wasn’t where I had been called to be. It took me away from where God really wanted me to be moving and working. And there continued to be a lack of growth as I struggled with the emotions after resigning/removing myself from the situation. I was angry that I had wasted all of that precious time with absolutely nothing to show for it. I had been living carelessly.

I was careless and that caused me a lot of grief and pain. My heart was broken, but I found comfort in the One who can put a broken heart back together and bring hope to the brokenhearted. Now, I want my heart to be broken for others, so that I might point them to the One who heals.

(top photo source: TimOve)
(second photo source: CarbonNYC)

New on Modern Media Mom

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Sat, 09 May 2009 16:40:00 +0000

Have you been to Modern Media Mom recently?

Next week I am starting a new series: Work from Home Productively AND Keep Your Sanity. (Read more about it here and here) Because of the current state of the economy, coming home to work may be your best option. It will be the small business owner who helps fix the economy.

So whether you are considering working from home as a small business owner, or with your current employer, you won’t want to miss out.

Besides, I have some great giveaways lined up.

Mom Jeans That Totally Aren’t

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Wed, 06 May 2009 14:32:00 +0000

Several months ago, I was approached about becoming a Lee (Jeans) Fit Ambassador. Apparently, they enjoyed my write up that went along with my giveaway last year and decided to entrust me with writing nice things about them.

The nice thing is that it is really easy for me to do that. All of the jeans I have owned for the last 4 years have been Lee Jeans. Before that, I just didn’t wear jeans very much because I couldn’t find any that fit me comfortably around the waist. I am high-waisted, and most jeans wanted my waist to be lower, resulting in a super uncomfortable, “get-these-freaking-things-off-of-me-NOW”, misery-inducing fit.

I got my first pair on sale at Kmart for $15.00. And not only did they fit, but they were boot-cut as well. I still have them. I still wear them. And they still look and fit great. (ok – there was that loooong period after birthin’ babies that I couldn’t wear them, but I used them as my gauge for my weight loss)

Back to the current season: Lee has introduced their new Colorwash Collection, which comes in a rainbow of colors and styles for every body type. They sent me these beauties. If I hated them, I’d let you know.

(Lee Colorwash bootcut pant in Riviera Blue, $44)

I didn’t.

I’ve worn them to church. Worn them to dinner. Worn them to grocery shop. Worn them to a hockey game.

They were the punch of color that my wardrobe needed for the spring. The color is fabulous. The cut is oh-so-stylish. The fabric has some give and stretch. And best of all: They FIT COMFORTABLY!

Lee will be sending me more pants to try throughout the coming year. And I will be giving my honest opinions on them. They are not paying me, only sending me pants to try and give honest feedback on. Be sure to be on the lookout for my reviews.

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One year ago today, I was answering some of your questions about myself.

Two years ago today, I was again doing something fabulous offline. Like wiping hineys.

Three years ago today, I was trying to upload a photo of Quinn.

How Much Do You Love Me?

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Sun, 03 May 2009 21:20:00 +0000

Seamus tells how much he loves each of his family members. (Phoebe is the cat – who you can see sitting in front of the tv) I don’t think Declan has ever gotten higher than a three.

Kitten Updates

lookingtowardsheaven@gmail.com ({Karla}) — Sat, 02 May 2009 21:39:00 +0000

On Thursday April 30, 2009 our cat had kittens. Who doesn’t like kittens? (don’t answer that – I know some of you don’t and I’d have to shoot you my mean eyes if you said you didn’t)

*I’ve added a link to the navigation bar, above. Be sure to check this link/page for updated photos and notes on them

Day 24:

No sure how so many days got past me without photos. The funny thing is that I am with them a lot. The kids and I get a big giggle out of watching their antics. They come to the edge when they see us.

This one is the runt. Still has that startled look all of the time. So sweet.

This one is always getting out. (Look at those CRAZY whiskers!!)

This one is my friend ;0) Always stomps over the other ones to get to the edge when I come in the room.

The fourth one nurses all of the time (just like my kids did) so it’s never easy to get a photo of it.

Mama – trying really hard to be patient with me…

Day 14:

The wrestling has commenced. Rolling around on each other, cleaning themselves. It’s harder to capture their cuteness in a photo now. Will have to start videotaping more.

Day 13:

One of the orange kittens keeps crawling to the corner of the box and hanging out like this (planning its escape, I suppose):

Day 12:

All of the kittens have their eyes open. And now, they all hiss at me when I rub them. Baby kitten hisses are the funniest thing! I’ve also noticed them trying to clean themselves. I sense crazy kitten antics coming on soon.

Day 10:

This gray one is the runt. So sweet and smaller than its chubby siblings.

This one has one eye that is opened well. Still waiting to see the other one.

Look at those claws.

Day 9:

I have to keep reminding myself that mama is still a kitten herself. She’d like some attention too.

Day 8:

I’m amazed at the changes in just one week. They are really pluming up, esp. the orange ones. (Abbie won’t let me call them fat. They are “chubby”)

Mama keeps taking them and placing them under the bed. Not sure if I should move their basket under there and let her keep them there, or encourage her to keep them out from under the bed.

Eyelids are beginning to separate.

This gray one always manages to be the one in the best position for photographing:

Day 7:

Dreaming of nursing?

Day 6:

Day 5:

Day 4:

(they are just sort of laying there until around 1:00 – feel free to fast forward to that part)

(they usually get a bit more vocal and excited when she comes back into the box. this is a mellow version of it)

Day 3:

(I think this gray one is my favorite. It has the cutest markings on its face)

(I was mean and took this one while it was nursing… [sorry, baby])

Day 2:

(the gray one passed on last night – so sad…)

Day 1:

(still slightly damp)

(this photo is before all were born – one more orange one was later born)