Breaking Free

I started a bible study this week.  It's a remake of one I did back in 1999.  Breaking Free by Beth Moore.  I went hesitantly .... and had all kinds of exuses to back out...  but Tina sent me an email to tell me how excited she was that I was coming that night... sigh... now what?  I got busted!!!  So I went....  Looking much like a deer in the headlights...   but I went!  It's time... I've been saying that.... and I meant it then and I mean it now... It's time

I'm going to hold Beth to her promise.  She said that if I did this study, and commited to this study, God would work a miracle in me and I would be free...  I'm holding her to it I tell you!!! 

One thing that she did say that really got my attention....  Is what I am holding on to worth what I am giving up?  Basically it's saying that God has so much in store for me and my holding on to certain things may be keeping me from those blessings.  I know that I am holding on to many things...  It reminded me of a dream I had a long time ago.... I was on a stage and in my hand was an alabaster box.  I wonder what was really in there...   Random thoughts, sorry .....  back to my topic...  

So... I have commited to this study.  and I am holding Beth Moore to her promise.. Stay tuned for the transformation!!!!

Isaiah 61:1-3 (New International Version)


The Year of the LORD's Favor

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

Major thump today....

A long time ago... August 26, 2001,  to be exact, a word of knowledge was spoken.  I received that word and even went as far as to type it up and affix it to my checkbook cover as a reminder.  Through the years, the tape I used lost it's stickiness and it fell off. 

Out of the blue last week, that worn piece of taped paper ended up on my desk.  Looking at it, I can see holes in it so I must have hung it on my bulletin board above my desk... only to have attached other things over top of it.  I read it, recogized it, and stuck it under my keyboard to read later.

Today, as I walked back into my office, (I was only gone a few minutes) I see laying, smack dab in the middle of my chair,  that word.....  God is trying his best to get my attention....  I know because of a verse that always shows up when a word is spoken over me.... 

The word was:
"Have I not said unto you that I will not withhold anything from them that walk uprightly.  If ye abide in Me and My Word abide in you, you can ask what you will and it shall be done.  I am a living God.  You will serve and worship a living God.  I'm the God of the past, I'm the God of the present, and I am the God of your future.  Trust in Me, saith God - Lean to Me, look to Me, saith the Lord and I will make ways where there is no way.  I will provide where there is no provision, for I Am the Lord your God who loves and cares for you".

I've been a very hard headed child lately.... I know what I need to do... I just have a hard time doing it.  Yet, He has been very patient.... I'm grateful for his mercy.  Forgive me, Father... I repent. 

John 15: 1-7


1 I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit.  3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.  4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.  5 I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Consequences of excuses

I saw something this weekend that really was profound to me...  It was on Diet Tribe and it really spoke to me. 

Each of the 5 girls were told to put a white coverall suit on over top of their bathing suits.  As each of the girls gave their excuses for not sticking to the diet and workout program, someone would write those excuses on their white suit.  They were covered in excuses...  Some were like "I'm too tired", "I just didn't care", "I don't feel like it", etc... very legit at the time, I'm sure.  Then they had to stand in front of a mirror with their excuses written all over them.... THEN... and this was the kicker for me... they were told to take off their white suits and look at the consequences of their excuses did to their bodies....  I gotta tell you, it was eye opening to me.  

I have wanted to start working out again.... and I have a plethora of excuses.  I have asthma and I am having a hard time breathing, when I get home the baby is calling for me, the dog will bark if he hears me go downstair, the treadmill is buried with the Sweet Pea's larger toys,  I'm tired.... the list goes on and on....  sigh.... and as I write those excuses on my imaginary white coverall suit, I know that the reality is, there are no excuses...  Just poor decisions... 

People in glass houses.....

I could not believe it. How could they do it? All I can think is; those foolish people. I just could not grasp the concept of how they could turn their backs on Him. All that murmuring and muttering.... How could they willingly turn from trusting Him to whining about going back? Don't they realize what they are doing? Don't they realize that they wanted to go back into bondage and slavery after being set free? They had seen the waters part for goodness sakes!! They were fed fresh manna every day without fail. They were following His visible glory. HE was leading them. They were headed for the Promised Land. The land God had for them. What were they thinking??
....
But, who am I to judge? I, too, have seen the miracle of God. Oh sure, I personally have not seen the waters part... I have never gone out on my lawn and picked up my manna for the day.... But, I have seen the provision of God in my life many times. I have felt His presence. I have heard His voice....
...
So, what am I thinking? Why is it that I don't trust God in my heart? Oh, I say I trust Him; however, my thoughts contradict that. The fears and frets in my heart say that I don't trust Him completely. And He knows. I am such a foolish child. From where He sits, this makes me no better than the Israelites back in the wilderness. How I must hurt the heart of God with my doubts and fears. How would I feel if my own children wouldn't trust me to be sure that I had their back if they needed something?

Actually, in my mind, I am worse than the Israelites wandering in the desert. They were not able to go to His throne. Due to Christ's sacrifice, I can. How deceived have I allowed myself to be? I have allowed the chains of fear and distrust to put me back into bondage. My murmuring and muttering and actions probably mimicked those back then. I find myself saying life was better when I didn't know better. Others can do things that I can't do any longer. They don't have to live a consecrated life. They get to have more fun, or so it appears... I seem to have forgotten the big picture....

If I be honest, I guess part of the problem is that I don't have the relationship I use to have with Him. Back when I saw the miracles and wonders I was also spending more time in His presence. I have allowed so many things to take my time away from him. Work, TV, sleep, internet, they all seem to take priority. I find myself fretting instead of thanking. I find myself worrying instead of trusting... God has not changed, I have.
...
Thankfully, He knows my story from beginning to end... It's time to drag myself out of the miry clay I've allowed myself to get stuck in. I realize that.... Once again, it's time to get out of the wilderness mentality and more forward into my promises from God... I'm going to move into my Promised Land of milk and honey ... Hopefully I can make that move and not look back...

Psalm 18:2


The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer;My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

We're baaack!

It was great to be away for a week!  Vacation was a good time for all!  My mom, Aunt Bea, Buddy, Sweet Pea and I had a great time in Myrtle Beach. 

The Ripley's Aquarium was great!  There wa a walk thru section where it was as if we were walking on the floor of the ocean.  The sharks, fish, and sea turtles were swimming all around and above us.  Sweet Pea loved it... she did not see Nemo, but that's ok... she did she lots of other friends!

The ocean was wonderfully warm and even I dipped my toe in it!  Not as much as Sweet Pea! 

She loved it!

She really enjoyed the lazy river (there were two where we were staying!)

And look... I got in, too!!!

But her absolute favorite thing at night...  the bubble bath in the jacuzzi!  The first night we took her out, I swear I was sure Child Protective Services would be knocking at the door because she was screaming to get back in!

Yes, a good time was had by all.   It was sad to leave, but we can hopefully look forward to another trip next year!

Tomorrow.... back to reality!

How quick time flies....

Yup, it's been over a year since we were blessed and thrilled to be granted custody of Sweet Pea...  It was official back on Sept. 22, 2008.  We were supposed to be leaving a few days prior for vacation in the Outer Banks when we discovered our court date was that Monday.  There was much anticiapation on my end as to what the outcome would be and that would also determine how good a time we would have at the beach.  Needless to say, we had a blast!!!  We were thrilled that the judge ruled in our favor and here we are... more than a year later, getting ready to go on vaction again!!  I can hardly wait.  Last year Sweet Pea was not even walking (she was 10 months old a that time).  This year we will be hard pressed, I'm sure, to keep her out of the water.  I hear where we are going that the water should still be warm!?  We'll see!!  I am just thrilled to be able to get away..THANK YOU MOMMY!... and be ocean front again.  I love the ocean.  I don't have to get in it... I just love watching it.  I marvel at it and often meditate while gazing.  I have hopes and plans of finally catching up on my bible study that I am officially 37 days behind on this particular study.  I truly felt I was supposed to do it... but have not have the time or the energy to devote to it properly.  I don't want to give is a lick and a promise, I want to delve into it and see what message it has for me... because I know it has a message..!  I've been so lax for so long.....  BUT, I aspire to do better!!  Wish me luck!!

Meet Russell Lee!

Friday the 25th was a day we have been anticipating for weeks.... 20 to be exact!  It was the day that we were finally able to know....girl... or boy?!   IT'S A BOY!!!  I was hoping for a good shot of his lil' peepe, but to be honest, unless you knew where to look, it would not matter LOL. 

<-----Here he is with is little right arm next to his cheek. 

The ultrasound appointment resulted in Lindsay looking like she had an entourage!   In the room was Lindsay and Snoopy, of course, Buddy , me, my mom, and Jerry (Linz' dad).  Blair showed up towards the end.  We were really glad she was able to be a part of this.  There was some concern about them letting us all in that small room, therefore Blair opted out.  But they did make room for her and she was able to see her little nephew, Rusty.  Hmmm I wonder if he will have Linz' strawberry blonde hair?  Then that name will be most appropriate!...

I had been a little concerned that she was not really feeling his kicking.  We found out that the placenta was positioned towards the front and it was actually cushioning the blows.  WHEW... I never let her know I was worried, but I am SO relieved to know there was a good reason for it. 

The creation of a child is truly a miracle...  Take your time, Russell.  We'll be here when you are ready!

She Who Owns My Heart.....

My Sweet Pea owns my heart.  That's the pure simple truth.  I was entering a contest about love and relationships the other.  My entry was about my Sweet Pea.  Not to say that my husband does not also own a piece of my heart, because he does.  He shows his love for me constantly.  He is a romantic at heart and very in touch with me both emotionally, physically, and mentally.  He knows the desires of my heart and will do his very best to fullfil them.  But this is not about my relationship with my wonderful husband.  What I wrote about was a very touching moment that I had with my little granddaughter, aka Sweet Pea.

Long story short, she moved in with us permanently a little over a year ago.  She will be turning two in two months.  When she was about 18 months old, she and I went to bed.  Due to some issues she will not go to bed alone.  We choose our battles and this is one we do not fight.  As I was laying down with her one night, she snuggled up to me.  She looked up with her sleepy little eyes and quietly said.. " I lovlu Gigi".  I hugged her and told her I love her, too.  She sighed, gave me a sleepy smile, closed her eyes and promptly went to sleep.   Let me tell you... I will cherish that moment in my heart forever... 

Careful what you ask for....

I've learned a very vaulable lesson..... be careful what you ask for because it may not be the best thing for you.   I found that out lately with the addition of Jenny to our family.  She is a sweet little doggy that I got to keep Mickey company.  .... Yah, not a lot of thought went into that... 

Besides the fact that they teach each other bad habits.... 
Besides the fact that they both seek your undivided attention....
Besides the fact that two really are more trouble than one when it comes to caring for them...  I did fall in love with her BUT
She was afraid of Sweet Pea (rocks had been thrown at her in the past so she was fearful of children) and would sporatically nip at her.  It just was not safe for the baby, nor was it fair for Jenny to have to stay separated from the rest of the family.

THANKFULLY, Blair and Stephen were willing to take her in..... She seems to be adjusting fine ... Now we have to deal with Mickey missing his little buddy.   See how sad he looks?

I said all that to say this.... I said I wanted another dog, but I didn't really realize what I was asking for....

Sometimes we think we know what we want, but when we actually get it, it's not really what we thought it would be... Some ask for a better job, only to find out once they get it, that it really isn't all it seemed to be... Some ask that their significant other be more attentive, or less attentive, or just different, but when it happens, it's not quite what they perceived it to be...

I guess in the long run, had I taken the time to think thru getting another dog, I would have not grabbed the first one I saw....  Had I stopped and prayed about it, I'm sure the answer would have been, "not now".   My husband still wants another little fellow to play with Mickey... me, I'm not so sure Mickey being an only "child" is a bad thing.  Time will tell.....

Proverbs 3:5-6 (New International Version)

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths

My handicap....

I realize that I have a calling on my life.... I realize that I have the choice to follow that calling, or not.  I realize that while I may want to follow that calling, I am fearful of messing it up because, well.. that's so easy to do.  I lack confidence that I am hearing correctly with my spiritual ears.  I got slammed a few years ago when I thought I was hearing a warning for someone, warned her, and subsequently lost her as a friend.  She married they guy, they seem happy... I guess I was wrong.  I heard the wrong voice. Since that time, I've doubted anything I've seen or heard to be a message.   So... I guess it's not that I don't trust God, I don't trust me and my ability to hear clearly.  I guess that is my handicap. 

Please understand, at the risk of sounding wack... Let me say.... I know that I have heard the voice of God.  It scared the poo out of me and I covered my head with my blankets.  I had been singing a song in my head as I was getting ready for bed.  "This is the day that the Lord has made... I will rejoice and be glad in it"...over and over I sang that in my head.as I crawled into bed.... Then suddenly, I heard... "No, Cindy, this is YOUR day".  It was as if someone was in the room speaking directly to me.  But nobody was there but me. 

I've felt the arms of God's comfort before.... I was really upset and in dispair over something... to the point that I crawled into a closet to get away from everyone.  Huddled down on the floor, I  broke down and sobbed.   I swear to you, I felt arms wrap around me as if to say, it will be ok. 

All that being said was to say this....  I realize I am called to write (among other things, but we won't go there today).... but my handicap is holding me back.  I guess that is a good thing so that I can stay humble and seeking Him and His direction.....








2 Corinthians 12:9 (The Message)


7-10 Because of the extravagance of those revelations, and so I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan's angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn't think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me,
My grace is enough; it's all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness.
Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.

Picture says it all...

My friend, Kettle, (aka Jennifer) snapped this photo as she was on the interstate on her way to the Va Tech game last Saturday...

It cracks me up!  Here is a big burly Harley riding biker with his red shirt wearing Yorkie companion!!  He was riding in one of those car carrier things and Jen said that occasionaly the pup would walk up to the man and rest his paws on the chest of the biker.... I wish I could have seen it!!!  That little pup trusts his daddy with his very life....

Ah snap.... here it comes....

Do we trust God??   As I ride on this crazy ride called life ....  I have to be honest and say that I sometimes do not trust Him.  My faith does waver like the ebb and flow of the tides.  It's easy to trust when things are going well.  It's when life gets tough that we have to ask ourselves... are we walking the walk that shows our faith?   Yup... I know I need to work on that....   I don't want to be like the "her" in Zephaniah 3:1-3... I'd rather be Zephanaiah 3:14.... 

Isaiah 50:10
“ Who among you fears the LORD? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness And has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD And rely upon his God.

Watch out.... creative juices are running!

On my way to work this morning, I had a major thought pop in my brain!  As I said earlier this month, I'm working on a baby shower for my Linz.  I've been trying to decide what type of postage stamp I could get because I always try to make them special....  Here is my brain storm! ... are you ready?!?

I'm going to take a hula hoop..... wrap it with foil...  go to the hardware store and get some PVC pipe and a big ole' funnel...wrap that in foil as well... (or spray paint the whole shabang silver!)  Go to the dollar store and get a shower curtain and hook....  Get some clear plastic straps (from somewhere!!!) to attach to the hula hoop surrounded by a shower curtain...  Attach the funnel and pipe .... oh... and a baby or two to hang from the funnel..... do you see where I am going with this?? LOL  

Yup, gonna get Linz to put it on and snap her picture and send it off to Zazzle for postage !   hee hee... may even make her throw on a shower cap.... Ha Ha....I can't wait!!!  This weekend I'm going to see if I can throw this together!!!  Can't wait wait to post the picture...

Hee Hee... My Sweet Pea takes advantage of tax benefits!

She told me...
"I took advantage of the $8000.00 tax credit to buy my new house and the cash for clunkers program to get my cherry red convertible.

With the money I saved I was able to up grade my cell phone to unlimited minutes (I love to talk) and buy me a 4 wheeler for recreation.

(You know when I'm not enjoying my swing and slide  and playing with my pets or napping. Then when after all of my playing I can relax in my new chair and listen to Pit Bull and Black Eyed Peas or watch Nemo, Backyardagins or what ever button I push on my touch ipod (Gigi thinks it’s her’s) Shhhhh….

My shirt says it all and I wanted to do all I could to help stimulate our economy.  Thank you President Obama!"

Signed,
Sweet Pea xoxoxox

Best Laid Plans....

Ah yes, the best laid plans often go astray..... as did my plans for this past weekend.  Ask me what I got accomplished off my list, and I can say "nuttin'" ... absolutely, positively nuttin' !  My closet still has clothes in it that need to be donated.... my bible study is now 15 days behind.... and my kitchen is still not finished.... but you know what?.... it's ok.  That is the beauty of plans... they can be changed!

We did, however, enjoy a family gathering with my mom, our children and their husbands.  We had an impromtu cookout.  Life is good. 

...

I was wanting another little yorkie.... Out of the blue, I see where someone needed to rehome a sweet little girl named Jenny.  We got her this weekend.  Everything was going great... until we see that she (Jenny) is afraid of my sweet pea and keeps nipping at her.   As it turned out, Jenny is afraid of kids because they threw rocks at her in her other home.  Ah, the best laid plans... now it appears that Blair is going to be Jenny's mommy now.  But, it's ok.  We still have Mickey who takes Sweet Pea in stride, and Blair is thrilled to have Jenny who took to her like velcro!

...

I still am working on plans for Linz' shower and am really getting stoked that we find out the true sex of the baby on the 25th.  My hubby is hoping for a grandson....  but my mom is hoping for a girl.  I'm betting my mom has been praying for that little girl.  I just hope my Linz does not get disappointed if we see a girl.  Again... those best laid plans....
. 

It appears that our plans should be written in pencil because things happen and suddenly, plans change! 
..

Jeremiah 29:11 (New International Version)

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Chaos... time to end

The weekend is just ahead and I am so ready for it!  There are things I need to do, and things I want to do, and they don't necessarily coincide with each other!  One thing for sure, I need to get myself in order.  I have a closet that needs cleaning out...  I have a house that needs to be sifted and things sent to charities or tossed in the trash...
...

But, most importantly, I need to pull out my bible and start working on a study that I meant to start almost 2 weeks ago.  Now I am already 11 days behind... ah well... The Word is still there and I guess it's meant for me at THIS time in my life.  I am looking forward to digging into that and gettng a refreshing outpour of revelation. 
...

My life has been in chaos long enough.  Time to dig out of the mirey clay I've allowed myself to be stuck in.  Yes, now is the time.  I'm going to print off all 11 days of that study I am behind on and start working on them tonight.  Even if it means locking myself in the closet (Lord, please don't let clothes fall on me,LOL) so that I can hide from all distractions.  (albeit, very loving distractions!)

Yes, it is time for a refreshing... I can feel it!  Let it rain down on me!

"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."


Colossians 1:13-14

Sigh....

No words of wisdom, or thumps on the head... ( I don't think, anyway)!This has been a crazy week.... and it's not over yet!  I still have tomorrow to get through before the weekend!  I had so much stuff on my desk in various stages of non completion... it was down right scary!!  I could not complete one task without three more finding their way on top of what I had not even started!!  CRAZY is a major understatement!!

It did not help that I was dealing with inner ear issues and that my head was spinning as fast as the papers were piling on my desk.  Ah well, such is life and this too shall pass.  I was glad that Mickey could come in and help out with the mess!!! I will get things back in order soon...very soon, I hope! I do not like feeling out of control!!!

On a good note, however, a three day weekend is coming up!!!   Woo hoo!!!  oops... wait... my kitchen is still not all put together yet... and  I have to get my Santa Letters site ready to unlock on the 8th... awe man... that mean... yup... more work to do at home... BUT at least I will be there to get it done, right?!   It should not be that bad, really.  I'm confident it will be a piece of cake... oh I love cake... with icing... oh wait, I was talking about working... sorry for the lapse! 

Vacation will be coming up soon for me as well!!!  Can hardly wait.  We need to train someone how to do our home business while we are gone this time!  Last year we ok.my husband spent as much time on the phone taking orders as he did relaxing... We cannot have a repeat of that!!  This will be HIS vacation, too!

Ah well... so much to do, so little time... !

Sorry about the lack of thumps this time....I'll work on that, ok?! 
Hugs to you all!

"Public" apology...

So, it appears that I've really hurt my daugher by "calling her out" on the internet.  I'm sorry, sweetie, that I hurt your feelings.... So.. since I "called her out" in public, I guess I should apologize in public.  What was said was not meant to hurt... it was an "ahem" moment  that we ususally have when we are face to face... She could not see the smile on the face, and for that I'm sorry.... I do miss hearing from her  (other than when she needs something ) but that is something she is going to work on.... right??

 SEE ME SMILING HERE...!!   

I was told by someone else that the reason she does not communicate with me often is because I am always getting on her about stuff.  I thought that was what mothers do.... try to correct them and help them grow... My mistake, and honey, I will stop....after today. 
...

I've been really wondering where I did go wrong by my girls..... I guess my being a working mom and them being latchkey kids was necessary, but does not ease the guilt, non the less...  My not being there put the elder child in the "mom" role, which was very damaging to their relationship as sisters.  I cant help it...  I really feel like I've failed them as a mom....  I'm sorry girls.... I wish I could have a do-over, but alas, that is not possible.
...

So... all I can do is try and be a better mom now...

So, I will be here if you need me..... (but you will have to let me know that you do!)

All I ask in return is that you don't just call me when you need to borrow money, ok?
 ::: smiling again! :::

Contentment...

As I said before, my husband and I run a business out of our home.  We plant storks in the yards of new parents to annouce the birth of their new bundle of joy.  Some of these homes are 1/2 milllion dollar homes and more.  They have their BMW's and Mercedes parked in the driveway.  These are, for the most part, young families.  Unless there really is a money tree, for the life of me I cannot figure out how they can possibly afford these homes and cars. What do these young men and women do to make such good money?  It baffles my mind.  Oh I guess that if my husband was still working at UPS, we would be in much better shape.... but alas, we are just grateful that he was not killed by that negligent driver.  We've adjusted to the loss of income... but still.... I seriously doubt we'd be able to afford the homes and cars that these young kids have (oh my, I sound like a old geezer!!) 

I met with my cousin yesterday for a brief visit... too brief.  Wish we could have visited longer, but alas I had another obligation to fulfill so we had to cut it short.  Hopefully next time we can make a day of it!  We talked about this and that as we tried to catch up on the years past.  There was one thing that stuck in my mind.  She mentioned that she and her husband had also talked about the high dollar homes and the people that afford them.  Her husband told her simply, that there is a secret to wealth and that they just were not privy to that secret.  I guess not everyone is meant to have wealth.  Not real sure why, but it appears that my husband and I are also not privy to that secret.  Another thing my cousin imparted to me...  She knew she would never be a millionaire because she gives things away rather than saving for her future.  She is a giver.  The other side of that is that she reaps from sowing the seeds of giving.  Bottom line, though, she is content and happy.  She is waiting for her riches when she gets to heaven.

We have been a double income family in the past; and have enjoyed the benefits of such.  We have also had to do with less.  We have always had what we needed.  I guess that is where we fall into realizing that we need to be content where we are.   My cousin has the secret after all...

Philippians 4:11-13 (New International Reader's Version)

11 I'm not saying that because I need anything. I have learned to be content no matter what happens to me. 12 I know what it's like not to have what I need. I also know what it's like to have more than I need. I have learned the secret of being content no matter what happens. I am content whether I am well fed or hungry. I am content whether I have more than enough or not enough. 13 I can do everything by the power of Christ. He gives me strength.

Gifts and Talents....

I love to entertain... which is odd seeing how I am not comfortable around a lot of people. Maybe it's because I especially love to do baby and bridal showers. I tend to go all out and a bit over the top. I've been planning a baby shower lately.... for a shower that is not until November. I can't help myself. I get so excited and my creative juices start running and then next thing I know, BAM... I'm in over my head! My mom called last night to see what I was doing. When I told her that I was working on something for the shower, she got real concerned that maybe she got the date wrong! I had to assure her that she was correct... it's not until November!!! I was just taking little bites here and there so that I would not be so overwhelmed at crunch time!

One of my friends has said that I need to market myself. Maybe I should.... I don't know. Maybe I can start posting slideshows of some of my crazy functions on my website and see if it generates any business.

The shower I am currently working on has a book that I made to go with the game for the mother to be. I really should have waited until closer in to make it because I am just so excited about it that I want to show EVERYONE, but I can't! I want it to be a surprise for everyone. Sigh....so I guess I will just show it to me... a lot.... sigh... but it is really cute.... I think Lindz will really love it. I can just see her face now.... That is one thing I really admire about Lindsay. She knows how to show excitement and appreciation. She overflows with it!

Yes, I may just check into trying to plan a few events.... I will have to really pray about that... In the meantime... I just want to take this time to thank God for the gifts and talents He has bestowed on me. I know that many have enjoyed the fruits of my labor and hope that I can do this for years to come. Thank you, God...!

Trust And Obey...

Terrible two's are a trying age that toddlers go through. They are trying to assert their thoughts and needs, regardless of what the parental unit (as my kids lovingly refer to us as!) may want or think. It reminds me of the Bill Cosby routine where he is saying..... come here, come here, come here, c o m e h e r e.... My sweet pea started going through HER terrible twos when she was the ripe old age of 16 months. Oh my goodness... it's like she has gone deaf! I find myself repeating Bill Cosby, and not for the fun of it! I am optimistically hopeful that this means she will be out of it before she hits two! I'll let you know how that works out!

When we take Mickey out to potty, sweet pea insists on going with us. I'm about to throw a harness on her as well! Mickey is going one direction, she is going the opposite! I try to get her attention, but I may as well be speaking martian because those words go in one ear and out the other. To say she is strong willed is a gross understatement! Thankfully Mickey is so small he is easy to scoop up as I go retrieve my little darling!!

As frustrating as she can be, she can also be just as loving. There is nothing more heart melting than when she looks up at you and gives you a sweet, sleepy smile as she nods off to sleep.... or that happy smiling face telling you "good morning"! Ah, I am a sucker for her! We love her so very much. Wrapped around her finger... yup....

As I was sitting and watching her start to wind down to go to bed, I thought about how we are often defiant and do not listen (or even hear) our Father's voice. He is always speaking to us, guiding us, asking us to trust him. Defiant and hard headed... tisk, tisk, tisk.... But you know what? He still loves us even when we are acting like two year olds! When we are not listening to him, we are holding Him back from being a sucker for us!

Much like us with our sweet pea.... Our Father wants us to listen to His voice so that we can follow His direction...

He wants us to rest in Him....
He is our provider...
He wants to protect us.....
He wants us to trust in Him..... not try to help him by coming up with our own plans (man am I guilty of that!)
He wants us to be still and know He is God.....
He wants us to believe Him

hmmm... How many blessings have we missed...?

Psalm 23 (King James Version)

Psalm 23

¹The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

²He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

³He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

⁴Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

⁵Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

⁶Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Sowing and Reaping....

A few months ago, we had a stork delivery for a baby shower. The shower was for her daughter in law who was in her late 40's and expecting for the very first time. The day we were to go and deliver her stork, I woke up very early that morning with the strong feeling that I needed to make a diaper wreath for this customer. It was a gift from me to the expectant mother. I tried to shake the feeling because I would need to go shopping for the materials needed for that wreath. Sigh, try as I might, it would not get out of my mind. So I decided to be obedient to what I felt was God trying to prompt me to bless this lady.

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I really enjoy making diapers wreaths. The one I was led to make was for a little girl so I went shopping at Wal-mart reallllly early that Saturday morning; to go and get girly themed toys to put on that wreath. The diapers I had were green print, so it was actually really cute, if I do say so myself. I really wish we had taken a picture of it, but alas, we did not.

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We don't really market the diaper wreaths.... not really sure why we don't, I guess it just does not occur to try and upsell them. To be honest, we don't make much off of them as I have to buy the materials at retail prices. I basically just cover my costs but really think they make a great addition to a shower or even on the door of a new mother's hospital room!

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So... as it turned out, we got stiffed for the shower rental. (she will have to answer for that with God). But, I had sowed the seeds of a blessing and since that blessing, I've had three orders for these wreaths. I am very grateful that I was obedient to what I felt God wanted me to do!

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Luke 6:38 (New International Version)
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Blessed and Highly Favored....

I have been thinking lately about things that I say, think, watch, hear, etc and have been trying to do better. I am of the mindset that my words carry power. Maybe not the power I'd like sometimes (LOL!) but power none the less! Somewhere down the road I forgot all about that. I use to tell people when they ask how I'm doing... that I am blessed and highly favored. It was speaking positive words into the air.. I was sowing a positive seed. And I was blessed and highly favored. I don't know when I stopped saying that... or even why.....But even today, I am very blessed and very highly favored.

My health is good, my needs are met, I have a wonderful family, I have good friends, what more could I ask for?

There are many scriptures that refer to the words we speak...
I mentioned that my iPod turned up. On the Friday before I told Jenn that I felt my iPod was going to turn up and low and behold it did! Now, I'm not saying that was the only reason it turned up, but it sure could not have hurt! I am also not saying that just because you say it, it becomes true... but sowing seeds of a positive nature can't hurt, right?

From now on, (at least that's my plan!) I am going to work on what I say and try to sow positive vibes. I will speak life into positive thoughts and death to the negative ones and continue to be blessed and highly favored!


Psalm 141:3: "Set a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips."
Proverbs 18:21: "The tongue has the power of life and death...."
Hebrews 13:15: "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise -- the fruit of lips that confess His name."

Gotta Love A Blog!!!

As I said yesterday, I am planning a shower for Linz. Now, I am a list maker. I love to make a list for everything when I am planning something like a party. BUT.... my biggest problem was keeping up with the list... If I did the list on my computer at work, it would not be updated for the one at home.... How do I make these two lists melt into one? Quite the conundrum, I'd say.... Then I had an epiphany! Why not create my list online on a blog?!?! So I did. And I love that I can access it anytime I wanna! It's wonderful that as I get a thought I can access the most up to date list available!! I am in HEAVEN right now, I tell you!! In absolute heaven! I am giddy with excitement that I can access this little baby anytime, anywhere... (thanks to my handy dandy air card and notebook!)

Man... I just wanted to tease Linz about how I have her shower plans online... but SHE can't find them b/c I have them unsearchable... then here it comes again.... yup, a thump.... I can also access God's word anytime via that same handy dandy air card and notebook.... Sigh... I really have no excuse to not read and study His word. I do admit, I tend to get tunnel vision when I am working on a project (to the exclusion of everything else)... Point taken....

But still it is really cool!

.... gotta love a blog!!!



image from Google

Baby Shower in the works....

My baby is having a baby in February! We are all really excited and cannot wait to find out what she is carrying!

<--- here she is at her wedding shower with her condom corsage! .
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She is dying to know the theme of the shower and has even had the nerve to tell me that it is stressing her out and stress is not good for the baby.... LOL... I'll give her an "A" for effort!

Hey Linz... psst.... wanna know the theme???? I know that was just mean!
I

Lindsay has always been my "got to know" child. She can't sleep on Christmas Eve and tosses and turns in excitement. She is the first to rise (REALLY EARLY!). Her enthusiasm will be so exciting when her family grows and especially when Russell or Betty Ann are old enough to understand Santa, Easter Bunny, etc... We look forward to spending Christmas with her for years to come! .
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If you know something she is getting and you tell her you know, be ready to enjoy watching her squirm as she tries to extract the info from you. She will follow you like a puppy looking for it's mother.... she will call you at random times.... she will bug you to death in an attempt to wear you down.... Sometimes I give in because I was just egging her on to begin with... other times I stand firm! (cause I can!)
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I told her that I had decided on a theme for the shower. It has been a source of entertainment for me! It also ensures that she keeps in touch with me! LOL.... just kidding she's good about that! (ahem.. unlike her sister who does not call as often! ahem)

She will have to wait until the shower to find out.....

Sorry baby... it would not be fair to tell you and spoil your surprise!!!

LOL... I'm just kidding!
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I have decided to humor her and let her know the theme. There will be things she does not know but it won't hurt to show her the yard display or the invitation..... I have a lot of ideas up my sleeve and I need to start now in order to get it all together. She will most likely try to show up HOURS early becuase she just can't help herself!!! But that's fine... I'll just put her to work!

Anyway...

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A drum roll please?

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The theme of her shower is.......

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A Baby Shower!

I love you baby.... kisses and hugs to you

God has a Sense of Humor!

My buddy, Jenn.... you've heard me speak of her a few times (aka "The Pot" or "The Kettle") took a friend up to Lexington, VA for a day trip. It was his birthday and it was a fun packed day. It ended at Natural Bridge.... The program was called "The Drama of Creation". It is advertised as a light and music show. What she did not realize was that it was also a biblical narrative on .... yup...you guessed it.... God's seven day creation.

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Now, my girl Jenn is not agnostic, but she does have her questions about a higher being. She is an inquiring mind with questions that baffle the best of the priests! She has been known to leave them speechless. But God, in His infinite humor placed her right smack dab in the middle of a bible story! I'm sorry, I had to laugh when she told me! I'm actually laughing now thinking about it!!

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Both she and her friend are of like minds. They do not feel you have to go to a church to talk to God. I am inclined to agree with them. Oh, I understand the iron sharpening iron theory, and I get that you should fellowship with like minded people to help yourself to grow in the Lord. But, I'm sorry, just because you are in a garage, it does not make you a car... likewise, just because you go to church, it does not make you a Christian. That is just my opinion. Now, that being said... I am sorely lacking in my bible studies. I use to crack open that book daily and read it. Not so much anymore... I acknowledge I need to do more of that. At least if I were going to a church service, I would crack it open once a week..... Point taken, God... I hear you and I will work on that!

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Dang it.... I just got thumped.... Mental note, find my bible and read it!


2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

The Wind Beneath My Wings..

My hubby is the best!

He recognized that my past few weeks have been challenging at my day job and wanted to surprise me with a special day, just the two of us, yesterday! He had already arranged the sitter for our Sweet Pea. It started with going to the movie... "The Ugly Truth" (which was hysterical!!) and ended with a couples mani and a pedi. It was a very relaxing day. We had a few business things that needed to be taken care of, but hey... customers rule, right!? Business is a good thing!

I don't know what I would do without my wonderful man. While I am at "the day job", he runs the home, takes care of the baby, basically runs the business(es) by taking the calls, making the deliveries.... When I get home from work, I can usually find dinner ready. I am truly blessed! I love this man more than anyone can imagine. He is my soul mate. He is my very best friend. He's the yang to my ying! He completes me!

If you know us, you are aware that we have been dealt a lot of challenges the past several years but those challenges have made us closer and closer. I thank God that He has placed this wonderful man into my life! He is kind, gentle, condsiderate, romantic, patient, funny, I could go on all day... so let me stop now!

I just want to say thank you, Buddy, for loving me and being the wind beneath my wings! I love you.

I see that I am not alone!!!

As I have been reflecting on the purchases I've made lately, it occured to me that as a new mother, I should have been thrown a shower for my new adopted baby boy. I mean any new baby is an expense as you need the necessary brush(es), bed(s), treats, leash, harness, sweaters, boots, carrier(s), the list goes on LOL!

So... In my quest to document my thoughts, I go to google images and lo and behold... I AM NOT ALONE! It appears that may have already thrown a shower for new furbabies. I typed in "puppy shower" for idea on websites and received 2,510,000 results! Lots of folks are of the same mindset as me!
http://www.dogbirthdaysandparties.com/puppyshowerarticle.htm

So, that being said, I think I'm going to drop some hints around my close friends and see what my chances are for a shower for my furbaby. I am betting the odds are ... oh, maybe ZERO! They humor me, but only to an extent! But... I do have some friends that have their own furbabies so.... maybe??

<---- look at that sweet face! How can you say no? His birthday is in April, maybe I should throw him a birthday party?




Puppy Shower image from google

OUCH..... got busted by the kettle

It appears that the kettle has turned the heat up on the pot. I had written a post about people in my life and after posting it, I felt like it was a bit too depressing to leave up. My buddy Jenn was quick to call me on it.... so... I will try and reconstruct it quickly.... it started something like this... (I'll do the Reader's Digest version)

I never was one who was popular, be it in school or in my adult life. I never was one to be in a clique. There were times when I would have liked to have been. I mean who does not like to feel like you are important to someone?

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There are different types of people in my life.... lets start with acquaintances: They are the people that come into my life, but I don't really have a relationship with them. Oh... I thought I did. I met a lot of them at church. The church I use to go to was large (even though it was small when I started going there). The very people who talk about love and compassion were the very ones who turned a deaf ear to me. I felt like I was invisible. I went to a small church and felt the same way there as well. Not that they were exactly the same, but I still felt like I was not truly a part of them. Again, even in my adult life, I was not part of the clique...

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Then there are my co-workers: I am not really part of the clique here either. When my birthday rolled around, only 98% of them took the time to either say "Happy Birthday" or shoot me an email to tell me to have a great day! When each of their birthdays rolled around, I made sure that everyone knew so that they could wish that person a great day. It appears that 98% of them felt that by signing my card that one person bought was sufficient enough. This has happened more than once, by the way.

But the ones who really matter are the ones that are close to my heart. My true friends I can count on one hand ( I know because I just did it!) Oh, my mom and my hubby are my closest friends, no doubt. But my true friends are the ones who "get" me. They understand my humor. They have been a shoulder for me and have seen me cry, are the ones who truly know my hopes and dreams, they know my fears. They are the ones to wish me a Happy Birthday and mean it. They are the ones who get into mischief with me by doing random things (like tying someone's door handles together so he can't get out)! I like to think that they know that they can count on me as well to be there and listen or hold them as they cry, or rejoice with them in their happiness. My true friends... I love them with all my heart! I am grateful for each of them. (Even the one who called me out for removing my feelings!!) Love ya, Jenn!

Images courtesy of google

Ch.. Ch.. Cha... Cha... Changes...

I'm coming into the next century! I am not one for changes. It's not that I am against change. I just have so much bouncing in my mind that to stop and learn something new is really more than my little pea brain can handle. Hence why I wait until my phone is almost dead before I venture in to get another one. My phone has bit the dust. I had to break down and get a new one! Meet my new phone-->

My new phone does way more than I will ever need and I have yet to figure out some of the basic stuff, but it is kinda neat, don't you think? It will help me immensely with texting (as my kids and a few friends are notorious texters, even though I have told them over and over again to just call me and don't text! But, now, I am not as against texting anymore because I have a keyboard at my disposal! YEAH!!! I have yet to figure out how to make the touch screen respond to my touch when I need to scroll. I often end up opening up the flap and using the up / down key manually, but I'm working on it! I'm determined to figure this out! I consider it my stepping stone to getting more technically UNchallenged! I plan on figuring out all the stuff this little baby can do! ... sure do hope my exploring does not inadvertantly run my phone bill up :o/

HELP! I'm out of control!

No thumps today! Just a cry for help before I get in too deep! I need an intervention!! I can feel that I am getting out of control. It ususally happens when I'm on Paxil. All sense is squashed as I have no self restraint! I call it Paxilated!

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When we were blessed with Mickey, I wanted a nice carrier to put him in so that I could sneak him into stores with me. Yes, I am ashamed of myself. (But not enough to stop myself)! Our first stop was a pet store and I was lucky enough to find a small REDUCED price purse style carrier. It would not have been my first choice.... and obviously it was not anyone's choice as it was marked down to a very low price!

.One big downfall..... the color was burgundy! Not a lot of stuff to go with it in my closet! The other big downfall, and the major on in my opinion.... it looked like a purse. So my dear hubby, who is very secure in his manhood, would carry it on his shoulder and there might be some question as to who he really was... if you get my drift. LOL.... so, I've been browsing the web the past few nights to see what I could find on ebay that might be a unisex type carrier so that we both could use it.... Then I'd get distracted and start looking at the designer stuff, LV, Coach, etc.... and in my Paxilated mind, I really was thinking.... that's not too bad!! .. Glad I had enough sense about me to just say NO! It is not acceptable to pay more for a dog carrier than I do for my own purse!! (or even an entire months grocery!).

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I am happy to say that I did find the Eddie Messenger bag that both of us will be able to use. I cringed a lot on the price (another good sign that I'm not as Paxilated as I could be!) but bit the bullet and got it. Now I need it to hurry up and get here!! I hope my hubby likes it! But shhh... don't tell my mom that I blew some of my birthday money on a dang dog carrier... she might have me commited!