Blessings and Beyond

Hannah Years

2012-02-20T15:27:00.000-08:00

Yes that is really her house in the back ground...;0)

I Samuel 20:42

"Go in peace! The two of us have vowed friendship in God's name, saying "God will be the bond between me and you, and between my children and your children forever!"

I knew God had a sense of humor when HE put Mel in my life. From the looks of it you would probably think we have nothing in common. If you just judge from the outside, you would be right.

She is thin & well I am not

Her jean size is a single digit and well mine is not

She is well put together in all aspects of her life and I am a little more spontaneous

Her house is decorated as if it jumped out of a magazine and mine is lived in or some call it comfortable ;0)

She carefully plans events & creatively pulls things together & I wing it!

She knows fashion. the latest jeans, cutest shoes and jewelry. I buy what I like or hang on to it for decades.

Don't even get me started on her well to do hair. Perfect in every way! Me, well I have natural curly hair and it can be a mess. I start out good in the morning and by the end of the day it looks completely different.

She is quiet, reserved and thinks before she speaks. I'm full of joy & laugh a lot and loudly.

If you were to put our lists side by side you would think they have "nothing" in common. If you only judge us by the outside you would be right!

Several years ago God was cultivating both our hearts for a very rough patch in our lives. I had no idea we would endure the same pain BUT GOD knew. We both struggled with infertility. The pain of wanting to be a mom so bad is where the chord between us is very strong! I could tell you every detail but that is not the point for today nor is the pain of living through infertility. We both faced the daunting grip of Satan's attack on our life. The outcome for both of us had different endings but the journey was still long.

Six years ago we stood before a group of women on a retreat at a bonfire throwing our plead for motherhood before them and God. That night we had already endured 5-6 years of our journey. Fast forward to the present, 2012 at another bonfire with a group of women on a retreat. We both stood there this past weekend as mother's of one child each. She has a girl and I a boy(I bet you would've guessed that much). This past weekend we had the opportunity to discuss the journey we took. After a lengthy, much needed conversation we both realized it took 7 years for God to bring our prayers to fruition. We like to call them our "Hannah years." Over the weekend several questions were given to us to ponder and answer in our small groups. One question was "who has been your Ruth or Naomi in your life?" (if you don't know the story then I would encourage you to go the book of Ruth in the bible. it is in the old testament). My sweet friend spoke up and mentioned me. I was so humbled by her sweet words and the tenderness in her voice. I too feel the same about her.

If God had come to me 10 years ago and said "you will be faced with this" and said he had hand picked her to walk by my side. Honestly, I would have laughed. It is not based on looks or style of life or stuff such as that. I just think sometimes we limit or discount which people can add to our life. I am at fault many times for this. I believe we think we have to be "in common" with folks in order to benefit or allow our pain to be revealed for God to work through it. We(me) at times can put "qualifications" on whom is to help us or give us wisdom during a dark time in our life. You never know whom God will put before you and how that person will be used for the Kingdom. Maybe it is an elderly person or a child or a teenager. It could be the woman whom seems to have nothing that ends up giving you everything. It could be the neighbor whose life is a mess yet God uses them and their gifts to reach you. In return God uses you to show them Christ.

Limiting has a 2 way street. We can limit those around us or limit ourselves. This limiting really means "preventing the Holy Spirit" to work on both sides. We call it quenching the Spirit. I too am at fault for this as well.

Limiting myself looks like this...I am not worthy

I am not enough.

I don't know how to.....

That is the problem...I & ME. When I say "God can and will, this removes the "self" out of the way. I am not sure why we must measure ourselves against the tasks before us. Maybe we believe or feel we must be fully equipped before we commit. Then where or how would God be glorified? His power is revealed in the helpless. His strength is shown in the weak. He is glorified in the ones who say "Here I am send me" even though they are not equipped. He will equip you for the job or task. You just have to be willing to to do & go!

Be Jesus

Do as HE instructs

Go where HE sends you

So I ask you...Have you been limiting the Holy Spirit to do good work?

Have you been comparing your "qualifications" to the task as to

whether you will do it?

Where are you being called to serve and whom?

Let God be your measuring stick and He will always line you up correctly. This does not mean we won't make mistakes. It just means He will provide the material to do the job.

Plus you never know what the outcome will be

Mel Bel if you are reading this..I love you and thank you for many years of love, prayer and guidance. I am better for knowing you!

I Heart...

2012-02-13T07:34:00.001-08:00

this sweet boy....

The smirk says it all

I hope you are enjoying this day full of LOVE. More importantly I pray you know the Master's LOVE.

For Valentine's and future ones to come, I would like to talk about something that has been brewing in my head for some time. I want to raise a gentleman. One who respects all people and is loving. Lately, one thought brewing in my head is this whole Hallmark Holiday Valentine Craziness. I want to take it down about 20 notches! Trust ME I love it! I love the flowers, chocolates and gifts! However, my son may not marry someday and I have had to turn my wheels a bit. Do I wish for him to be married? You betcha. If it is out of God's plan? No way! I really want my son to understand that Valentine's Day can be celebrated in a different way by serving people. I am NOT saying you have to be married or with someone to celebrate it. I just want to make sure we at this house are celebrating LOVE period. LOVE comes in all forms and requires us to open our eyes.

Taking our neighbor to lunch who is without family & a job
Baking cookies for a man who is struggling since his wife left him
Making a card for an elderly person who is lonely & visiting them
Inviting a friend over for dinner who does not live in a Christian home
Choosing some of our toys to take to the Children's home and play with them
Picking a few of our clothes to bring to a home whose father & mother have been without a job for years and struggle to clothe their child

Things like that. Yes, I want it to go beyond Valentine's Day. For I want it to be every day about Christ. Whether with our words, hands or feet. May it all be for the sake of the call.

A side note...one tradition I am instilling here at our house is my son gets to pick the fancy menu for Valentine's and gets to help cook it. He sets the dining room table with the nice dishes and napkins. This is actual something we have been trying to do this year. To sit at the formal table 3 times a week with a nice meal. No toys! No phones! Just family time. I pray that you are having a wonderful day.

Is it TOO LATE?

2012-01-30T15:56:00.000-08:00

To Post about Christmas....;0)

Life has just been super busy! We did have a wonderful Christmas surrounded by family. It was very magical to me to be with my mom and in laws for the Christmas Holidays again. It has been many years since we all spent the Holiday together. I did all the cooking, cleaning, planning and wrapping. I REALLY enjoyed the weekend and the days around it. Hubby even got paid for being off and was off for 4 days! WOW! Never had that before! Below are some pictures of the blessed event!

Getting ready to go look at Christmas lights! A Christmas Eve tradition!

and YES we go in our P.J.'S!

Ready to go!(please keep in mind I had NO make up on)

Our son took this photo!

I love this one! I think it is because you can see the JOY on our faces. Just pure enjoyment of being together and making wonderful memories.

Oh yes! The bike & guitar from Santa!

Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree

Success!

Tool Time in puzzle form!

I love that he is reading his book and there are still tons of gifts behind him.

So I Realize....

2011-12-23T14:49:00.000-08:00

Picture on our Christmas card!

I haven't blogged in a REALLY LONG time! Have you missed me?(insert cheesy grin). I have missed you!

First, let me explain all the turn of events that have occurred and why I have stepped away from blog world. Yes, that includes reading them too! Even my favorites have suffered from my lack of attention. Ha! Our house in Houston has been under contract and we have been dealing with the selling of our home there. If you don't know what I'm talking about let me just say, it is a lot of negotiation! I mean a lot!

Second, my father was diagnosis with kidney cancer. My brother and I have been in the throws of decisions and choices. One doctor says one thing and another says something different. Either way we are looking at what would be quality of LIFE at this point. We are trying to get him moved here to be with me. If you will pray for wisdom and clarity on this matter.

Thirdly, we have travelled to the grandparent's house for Thanksgiving. Yes, that is how long it has been since I have blogged. We had a wonderful time celebrating each other and learning about daddy's town where he grew up!

Then we had 2 events at our son's school. One was a Thanksgiving Feast and the other was a Christmas Show. Both were so close together. The first was celebrated the week before Thanksgiving break and the other the second week in December. We enjoyed it!

Next, we were invited to see Santa in a very personal way. One of the moms' hired a Santa to come to her home, read stories and take pictures with him. Only 6 children and their families came to the event. This was very special!

Lastly, I had a major event at church where I volunteered to be a participant. They have what is called "Christmas Dinner & A Show." You buy a table, decorate it and choose to be the main hostess of that table. You answer any questions concerning about Jesus Christ and his gift of salvation. My new found buddy and I decided to invite women we run into almost on a daily basis. For example grocery store, bank, shopping at favorite stores and wherever else. She and I purchased the tickets together, prayed over them and the people who would come and then we began our planning of the table. Which I love to do! I will tell you that 21 women came to Christ that night and 20 others wanted to learn more about him through bible study. Praise God for a wonderful night! The church was decorated with Christmas Trees throughout the building but the most important was the message being delivered. After all HE gave us the best gift.

and somewhere in all of this we had to get Christmas cards out with our pictures on it! ha!

Here are a few pictures of the past events. I do not have my pictures of The Christmas Dinner and A Show Event downloaded yet but I will get to it, eventually ;0)!

Thanksgiving feast at school!

Thanksgiving feast.

Mother in law;s beautiful table setting for Thanksgiving!

Playing trains at grandma and grandpa's house

Scooter time!

Private Santa Party!

Christmas Show!

I HOPE & PRAY that you will have a wonderful time with your families for Christmas!

This is what happens

2011-11-10T15:25:00.000-08:00

when you blog straight for 31 days.......you take a break! haha!

Actually, we had family in town and then I had a girl's weekend get away! I have been out of pocket for 10 days. Here is a little catch up! Paw & Memaw(hub's folks) came to visit over the Halloween weekend. We did our usual Trunk or Treat at a local church. It was very different from what we are use to back in Houston. It was still good but no one does it like Champions!

So, little man changed his mind 20 times for Halloween costume choices. He has said tinkerbell because she is really pretty to a monster truck since they get to race. The kid loves it all. I think go by the rule of "what ya said first" works for me! Hahaha!!!!! Unfortunately for him I went with the first decision he made waaaaaayyyyyyyy back in August. He really wanted to be a fireman! I either put them together(I don't sew yet), buy them super cheap or borrow a costume. So, I was able to get his whole costume for under $20! That included the hat. I am really grateful that I chose to not spend so much or find cheaper ways since my child only had it on for a few hours! Hubs and I in the past have dressed up right along with him. This year we didn't. I am not exactly sure why. Maybe I ran out of time! We still had a great time!

An interesting thing happen at trunk or treat. It was kinda scary. My mother-in-law was walking to get to the side walk when a car was backing up. I guess the woman wasn't paying attention and she came within one inch of running over my mil. My father-in-law step between her and the car to keep the car from hitting her. We were in complete shock! The lady in the car was in shock to the point where she couldn't speak. Her husband ran from the other side of the parking lot to check on us. He was in panic mode. Now, my mil has really bad knees to the point where she uses a cane so her chances of quickly stepping out of the way were very slim. This is why my fil had to yell and step in front of her and the car. My husband was with our son so he didn't see it until I yelled out to his parents. It was dark but most people turn their heads to look behind them. It couldn't have been a worst situation. Thankfully everyone is okay.

After all the trunk treats we headed over to my mom's neck of the woods. It has been such a blessing to live so close to my mom. I know most girls do not have that. I am blessed to have a great relationship with her and live close by.

We really enjoyed our first Halloween in Austin. Pretty cool town with lots to do! Of course we had to end the evening with one piece of candy with bear and blanket in tow. "Mrs. TD, you can see he still loves on those wonderful blankets you made."

Grace & Guidance

2011-10-31T12:29:00.000-07:00

DAY 31 of 31 Days of Serving Other Series

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Joshua 22:5 "Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

So today is THE LAST POST of this series. If you are still with me reading the series, God Bless You! Thank you for your encouragement and friendship. I would've have never done this if it weren't for the creative mind of the Nester and The Holy Spirit pricking at my heart. So I am grateful to them both for the spiritual growth that I journeyed this month.

For those of you who didn't join me, well I don't blame ya. I am sure if you were like me in the beginning thinking everyone does service but no one advertises it or blogs about it. You are right! I could leave it at that and make you feel good about maybe some judgements you may have made about me. Maybe you were thinking, she is narcissistic or just plain crazy. Crazy part for sure! Narcissistic, nah not so much. Wrong girl! Maybe you even thought she wants recognition. I wouldn't blame you one bit for thinking any of those thoughts. BUT I will stand up for myself and I say this "you would be wrong!"

So why? Why this for 31 Days? Well, when you get inside the Lord's head, you let me know. Instead of why this how about why not this and why not me? I do know what I have learned for 31 days. I have learned....(or reminded, I need that a lot).

Service does not have to be BIG to be meaningful

Service is never convenient(it is not about you so why would it be?)

When you step out of the seat of judging who is "worthy" then Jesus will always WIN

You don't have to be equipped(in my head perfect). Just be ready to go. HE will give you what you need when you need it . The key is let HIM do the guiding.

When I step out on FAITH The Lord will always deliver the one whom needs the service.

He will always provide the right service before you when you ask HIM to keep your eyes open.

My prayers have changed from provide the opportunity to HELP ME SEE THE OPPORTUNITY and give me the courage to follow through.

If you dream about it more then likely you need to do it.

Service is sometimes messy and scary. That is okay and I am learning to be okay with it because it is about the Message not the messenger.

My attitude good or bad can change the course of the service. I choose a good one.

My heart will catch up to my head. This changes the whole "well, my heart is not in it attitude." Again a choice.

Not every service opportunity is for me to take. I need to wait on what God is leading me to do and rely on the Holy Spirit to get me there.

Don't be afraid to go for your DREAMS. Your dreams can lead to service and that can lead to Glorifying the Lord! (I did! Book Club)

I shed the clothes of worrying about what other people think and pressed on to what does The Lord think. Now, this is different than the attitude of "I don't care what people think so I am going to say what I want when I want and act how I want."

I also shed the clothes of DOUBT and well, "she is already good at it so why should I do it?"(Not sure which one word that would be to describe that)

Growing spiritually will always involve risk taking!

and that it can be hard so I gave myself permission to fail. This gave me freedom to try!

The last service that HIT me in the head was being asked to step up in women's ministry at the bible church where we attend. Never in my wildest dreams would have I guessed this one or saw it coming. It was a big commitment. It was asking me to get up extra early to get there for the discipleship class for us leaders to attend. They have a small group meeting before the big group meets. In our leader meeting we share our burdens, successes, questions and anything else we need. They asked us along with the regular bible study to do a separate discipleship private bible study for ourselves. This was to prepare our minds for our small groups. Plus. it was asking me to lead a bunch of girls that I do not know(big gulp). Oh man, I am sweating now just thinking of it. Yes, I have already led them but still my heart skips several beats just mentioning it. At the same time it was calling me to a place of "here I am send me." Calling me to a humble place. To rely upon HIM! That is always good! So I am leading this year in a new place, new girls and a new study. It is frightening yet exciting. You see the Good Girl in me wants to "do good." Be perfect! Ha! Not mess up(ya right)! I am working through my Good Girl syndrome. Ha ha! It is hard to be authentic but oh so worth it! So I am. Resting in HIS grace & guidance.

I really pray & hope you have learned right along with me. If you didn't then please share your wisdom with me. I am still learning in this area of my life. I need all the help I can get. I hope maybe you have looked at service in a different light. That it is not always an event but can be an encounter.

Thank you for your LOVE!

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Attendance & Visitors

2011-10-30T19:55:00.000-07:00

2 Chronicles 15:7 "But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.”

This is Day 30 in 31 Days of Serving Others Series

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So, a few weeks ago I agreed to help one of the ladies in our Sunday Class with attendance. So far I have done it twice. It sounds simple enough but when you have to learn 60 or so people it can be quite the task. However, this is one way I can help another person yet I get to learn every one's name. It may take me awhile. I will get there.

Remember all those wonderful goodies I made yesterday(go here)? Well, part of the reason I made them was for our Sunday Class. Oh man, all the goodies were a BIG HIT! Nothing makes me happier than people enjoying something I created with my hands.

Another great blessing that happened today was we(hubby & I) had visitors with us for church. Let me explain. They are already believers but attend different denomination. Never in a million years would I have thought they would come into the doors where we attend. Nothing is wrong with either church. When you have been worshipping one way for so many years you stay towards that preference of worshipping. It was very enjoyable to see our loved ones come along our side to see what we do and why we do what we do. Whether they come back again is not the point. It is the fact that they came with open arms and sincerely worshipped with us.

Today services came with many smiles across many face! Praise God for such a wonderful day!!!

So how was your Sunday? Did you serve? What did you do? Please share! I would love to hear from you!!!!

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CAKE

2011-10-29T18:28:00.000-07:00

This is Day 28 & 29 in 31 Days of Serving Others Series

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7-UP Cake By Shellie(me)

Just ignore the crispy crumbs around the cake!

I LOVE that commercial from long ago about the Skor candy bar with the Queen eating them all. The servant comes to ask her "Your Majesty what will the towns people eat?" She looks at her half eaten Skor bar, "let them eat cake!"

Anyone remember that commercial? No? Then it is just me! Ha! So where have I been the past 2 days? COOKING!!!! Yes, I have been cooking and baking up a storm. My family swooped into town and I have been in full cook order service mode! Here is what I have made so far.

Vegetable Cabbage Soup

Creamy Potato Leek Soup

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake Squares

7-Up Cake

All of it homemade! I think of one the biggest services you can do is cook for someone a hot meal or yummy dessert. Plus, I have been cleaning up after everyone during their rest times. This is my first time to sit down and write anything!!!!! I will be honest with you. I L-O-V-E to cook for others and serve them. There is something so rewarding when someone has taken your creation to their lips and everything in their facial expression exhibits "yummy."

I did feel bad for my mother in law. She was so insistent on helping but she has really bad knees. You could tell she wanted to sift the flour, grease the pan or cut a vegetable. You see, once upon a time she too could do everything in the kitchen and her body never once failed her. She talks of the "old" days gone by when she would make the best home made candy for her husbands office coworkers. Sooooo, that is what I did! I included her in process as much as I could. She sat mostly at the table and I would bring her stuff to chop, grease or mix. She truly enjoyed it. Once I was done with the main cooking, I was inspired to honor her by cooking her home made 7-Up cake that she loves. She even gave me a couple of tips to keep in my back pocket for a later date. She was so pleased that I felt so honored to make her recipe and to know that it was just like she remembered. What a way to honor someone! Plus, I love taking family recipes and carrying on the traditions for future generations!

I quote my son tonight "mom, this is so good. you are a good cook!" Oh, my heart just singed with JOY!

One of my all time favorite movies Julie & Julia is all about cooking. If you really get down to it, it is about do your passion! One of my favorite scenes is when Julie is describing Bouef Bourguigon recipe by Julia Child that her mom made. Such passion!

So is there anyone you know that needs a hot meal or delicious dessert? or maybe they are a cook whose body has failed them and they would enjoy rubbing elbows along your side in your kitchen. Sometimes we have to think outside the typical "cooking-a-meal-for-someone-box." Sometimes we need to include them in the process. The process is part of the serving. It is giving of your time and that is the best gift ever.

Romans 12:9-13

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

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Discipline

2011-10-27T11:48:00.000-07:00

This is Day 27 of 31 Days of Serving Others Series

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It takes a village to raise a child!

So this one may be hard to explain but I am going to give it my best! The other day my son's preschool let out early so we decided to spend some time at the playground. A few of the parents seem to have the same idea. One of the kids was pleading and begging for their dad to pick them up and ring the bell. One of mom's chimed in "oh go ahead I am always in trouble with the principal of the school." The dad laughed and then had this look of maybe I shouldn't do it but oh it is so tempting. My son and another parent's daughter were playing together when the daughter overheard the whole conversation of "ringing the bell." I am not saying ringing the bell is wrong but in this case it is obviously one of the rules at school. Yes, for this particular case it is wrong. I think one of the many reasons is, the bell appears to be one of those old school bells from long ago. Also, I am sure just to prevent the whole craze of "ringing the bell." Sounds like a good rule to me. Anyway, back to the daughter still wanting to ring the bell. Her mom was trying really hard to think of something clever and help her understand that just because so-so's parent lets them do it doesn't mean you get to. The mom had twins under 2 at her hip so it was a challenge. I felt pretty comfortable with this mom so I quickly looked at her daughter, " I think it is one of the rules at school to not ring the bell so for right now it would not the best decision for your mommy to help you ring the bell. Why don't you go back to the play area and rise one of the trucks?" Her mom graciously thanked me. Of course from the other side of the peanut gallery were looks of "kill joy." Really? Adults encouraging other people's kids to go ahead and do something that they KNOW is wrong! Even the parents of the child knew this and still were making jokes about it. I understand it is just a bell. However, it is the principle of the matter here. What are we communicating to 3 and 4 year old's when we blatantly tell them it is okay to cross the line this time? Or even joking about following the rules? Or that it is okay to disrespect authority? Children are not mature enough to know what lines they can and can't cross. This line was an obvious "no-no" but that doesn't mean everyone "gets it." So yes even discipline can be of service. In this case it was let's stick together as a village to help these children learn from right and wrong. Just goes to show you that being a child has nothing to do with age or a number.

So are you helping the village? I know you may be thinking well it is none of my business how people raise their kids. You would be right to a certain degree. When it influences your child in a way you do not approve you have a choice in the situation. I typically choose the "let's leave" or "I'm the parent over you not them." Both of those can work in different scenarios. However, sometimes you have to step in gently and lovingly help. Notice I said gently and lovingly! It isn't a harsh take over or my way is better than your way. You just never know when you might need a little reinforcement.

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Sometimes

2011-10-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

This is Day 26 in 31 Days of Serving Others Series

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You just have to admit when you fail and so I did. I volunteered to send out prayer requests for our bible study group and I didn't. I finally did! However, very late!

So what do you do when the service you signed up for goes to the way side or fails? I know some of you are thinking this isn't a failure. Maybe not, maybe so. Some people really count on those prayer requests to be sent out and prayers to be lifted up on their behalf. I do take this seriously!

I think the first thing is to apologize or admit it.

Then forgive yourself.

Evaluate.

I say evaluate because some services are more time consuming and require way more involvment. You have to consider maybe this is not the time for me or things have changed in my life so much that I need to pass the torch. I think sometimes we feel that since we signed up for the service we are forever tied to it. Not true. I would like to say that I am in no way or shape encouraging someone to back out at the last minute on something that they have committed to. That is not okay. Though I have seen situations where a loved one died and someone had to step up. That is a unique case. I am mentioning the situation where someone has volunteered to decorate an event or plan one and decides 2 weeks before the event to back out "just because." We have to always consider the other people involved in the service. Everyone has given up their time and made efforts to see something through so should you. Was I just a little tough in saying that? Ouch! Let truth ring! ha!

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Information

2011-10-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

This is Day 25 of 31 Days of Serving Others Series

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Matthew 7:12 "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."

It may seem strange to count or even say that,"information" could be a form of service. It is!

How many times have you moved to a new town or church or your kids have started a new school? Wouldn't it be great if we all had the information channel with everyone's ratings of what their experience was like at our finger tips? I still consider myself the new kid on the block so when I see someone who needs a little information I reach out. I am very sensitive to this matter since I am still finding my way in many areas of my life here in Austin. Plus what good is it to keep valuable information to yourself? Anyway, I shared information today with someone I met while eating lunch. I am not going to tell you the specifics. It is not important. I will be honest with you that I almost just sat there not saying a single word. Then I got that nudge. Ya know, the Holy Spirit can be a little pesty sometimes. Did I just say that? Oops, I did! Do you ever find it is always at the times when you need it all quiet and peaceful that HE calls you to step out? I do! So, the lady was very grateful and felt like she had a piece of gold in her pocket. I believe information can be like that for some people. Especially, when one is searching for something more.

What information do you need to share but are afraid to? Sometimes it is not easy but HE never said it would be. Did HE?

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Loaves & Fishes

2011-10-24T12:42:00.001-07:00

John 6:9"Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?"

This is Day 24 in 31 Days of Serving Others Series

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Well, I am a little bummed. My service that I was going to do got cancelled! So this brings up a good point. We just need to make ourselves available for the service! Remember the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000? Go to John 6: 1-14. Actually, it is in all 4 of the gospels! Yep, there was a boy who had 5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes. I am sure his momma packed his meals to last all day. Little did she know she would be packing for the Savior. That is beside the point here for today. Anyway, the little boy did not have enough to feed the crowd but Jesus did. For me the lesson learned here is beyond what Jesus can bless but that the little boy made himself available for the service. He let Jesus handle the rest. Sometimes the serving part of service is in the availability and the yes in our actions. God knows our intentions regardless if the service got cancelled or not.

So are you making yourself available? Filling in for a teacher that is sick on Sunday, preparing communion, leading a bible study, making refreshments for the next teenager event, meeting someone new, helping a neighbor in need or whatever. If you will, share your expereince. We can all learn from it!

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Milk

2011-10-23T18:38:00.000-07:00

Proverbs 22:9 "Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor."

This is Day 23 in 31 Days of Serving Others Series

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I was at the store doing my usual shopping for the week. For some reason there were maybe 4 lanes open on a very busy night. I had maybe 25 items. Too many for self checkout and for express! I pulled my cart up to what seem to be a line of people with about the same amount of items. I thought this will surely go fast. In front of me was a family of 5. A mom, a teenager, two small babies(8 months) and an 8 year old precious little girl. The mom asked the teenager to take the babies to the car while she finished up. The mom had cheese, meat, veggies, fruit and milk in her cart. Nothing extragvant. Just basic simple food to feed a family. The checker begins the process of scanning the items. The amount added u pretty quick. These days that's not to hard to do. It is a shame that healthy food can be so expensive. Of course me being behind them I can all what is unfolding before me. The mom pulls out her food stamp card or Lone Star card. I know this because when hubby was without a job we had assistants for about a month. We did not "qualify" due to having a home, car and retirement. Once we spent the retirement then we "qualified" for a short period. Anyway, I know first hand what it is like to stand there praying you have enough or that you added everything up properly. So, appartenly the checker notes that she does not have enough to get the milk. The 8 year old starts to cry because she is really wanting some milk. She pleaded that they needed for their cereal. All that is going through my head is school is tomorrow and does this child have all that she needs for the day? Heart-breaking! If you had been there and seen the tears in the eyes of this girls face, you would've wanted to help. It was happening so fast before I could get a word out that I would pay for 2 gallons of milk they were gone. I grabbed the sacker "go get the girl!" I am sure they thought I had lost my mind. I didn't care! " I will pay for the milk. Put it on my bill!" The sacker runs, grabs the girl, she turns back to walk with the sacker and a look of puzzlement was on her face. The checker explained what I had done for them and that she could take the milk. Her big brown eyes looked up at me filled with tears "ma'am thank you! thank you!" That is all she could get out before she began to cry some more and then an elated spirit came over her. She and the sacker walked out to her mom's car with the milk in their hands. It is like what I mentioned before in another post(here)how it is not our place to decide who and who does not receive help. We need to let the Holy Spirit do his work through us without our eyes being tinted by prejudgement ideas. Like my friend Erin over at Who's at the Helm stated "if someone projects a need I want to do everything to meet it in Jesus' name. Will that ever be a wrong decision?" She is so wise!

I will leave you with just that thought....doing everything in Jesus name will never be wrong!

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Win, Then Give

2011-10-21T18:57:00.000-07:00

This is Day 22 of 31 Days of Serving

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Phil 3:12-14 (Jer) Not that I have become perfect yet; I have not yet won, but I am still running, trying to capture the prize for which Christ Jesus captured me. I can assure you my brothers, I am far from thinking that I have already won. All I can say is that I forget the past and I strain ahead for what is still to come; I am racing for the finish, for the prize to which God calls us upward to receive in Christ Jesus.

We had the opportunity to attend a charity event with our small group(life group) from church. At this event they had silent auctions where you could bid on an item at a low fee but win something supper special. I won! It is not important what I won. I actually ended up giving it away. A friend was sharing something with me and how she is trying really hard to work on the issue in her life. After she shared, the Holy Spirit guided me to give her my prize. She could enjoy it more than me! Let me tell you this was a REALLY good prize! It was hard for me to humble myself and give it away. My selfish side was really grabbing for excuses why I shouldn't. However, in the end the Jesus side won. I am really glad for that. She was genuinely elated and grateful!!! Sometimes you win, then give when it comes to serving others but in the end everyone is a winner! I know it's a little cheesy though so true!

Have you ever won something only to find it was never intended for you in the first place? Share your story.

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Picture Phone

2011-10-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

This is Day 21 of 31 Days of Serving Others

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Galatians 5:13-14

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

We(my son, grannybug & myself) were at Chik Fil A having our weekly get together. This man whom appeared to be homeless walked in the doors and sat down right across from us. My son looks at him "hello, my name is _______. What's your name?" The older man introduces himself and they begin a conversation. After a few chit chats back and forth my son went into the play area while we finished our lunch. The man glanced at my phone for a minute.

He smiled "is that a Iphone that takes pictures you can send?"

"Yes, sir it is."

He reaches for another one of his fries " m'am can I ask a huge favor?"

" sure, what is it?" ( I am sure I looked like a deer caught in the head lights)

"Can you take a picture of me and send it to my son? I lost my phone over a year ago and my son has not seen me in years. I would love it if he could see me."

"Okay. No problem."

He brushed his dirty, sweaty hair back and straighten his shirt as best as he could before I captured the picture. I snapped it. Showed him the picture and then sent it to a person I have never met before. I did give an explanation with the picture so his son was not caught off guard completely. The gentleman grabbed what few belongings he had and turned to me " thank you so much that just made my whole day!" He walked away with a big grin and a little pep in his step. That is all it took. A quick picture from a phone to send out to his son.

They say a picture is worth a thousands words so what would a phone with a picture on it that you send to someone be worth? I bet I know what it was worth to this gentleman.

What do you think?

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Chocolate & Book Club Winner!

2011-10-20T14:29:00.000-07:00

This is Day 20 on 31 Days of Serving Others

Psalm 119:103 "How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!"

Last night our book club met for the second time to discuss chapters 1-3! It was so great! I really wanted to surprise them with something special so I had the bakery make 6 chocolate crossiants. Oh yum! We cut them in half so it was half the calories. WOO HOO! It just doesn't get any better than that!

So you want to know who won the contest do you? ;0) (insert cheesy grin)

Can I get a drum roll please??????

and the winner is AMY!!!! from amyswandering

Okay, girl Congrats and I will be contacting you soon!!!!!

So to sum up (cough-cough) todays challenge of service..pass a little chocolate around! It always makes someone's day. It is in the small things!!!!

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An Olive Branch

2011-10-19T05:13:00.000-07:00

This is day 19 in 31 Days of Serving Others

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Yesterday was an amazing day with friends from all walks of life. New ones and old ones! I have a new friend whom I meet once a week to workout with at a local gym. Our kids get along, we get along and even when the hubs are together they get along. Of course it is so much more than just getting along. We truly enjoy each other. We are invested in each others' life. For me this sweet lady and her family has made life easier to transition here to Austin. What a blessing! Anyway, we met up yesterday to workout and then lunch. Is there anything more rewarding than a healthy lunch after a workout? We decided to eat at one of her favorite restaurant's, The Olive Garden. Which just happens to be at the top of my list as well. AHHHH...unlimited salad, soup and breadsticks. I did stay away from the breadsticks. She and her family have had a tough time financially for the past few years. She does not complain or has a negative attitude about it. She holds her head high with God by her side. She is an amazing woman! Beautiful inside and out! So, The Holy Spirit tapped my shoulder, whispered in my ear to pay for her lunch. Trust me 7 bucks is nothing but for folks who struggle 7 bucks is a lot. 7 bucks will buy you milk and bread for the week. 7 bucks can buy your family toliet paper, shampoo or laundry soap. Next time you are in the store look to see how far 7 bucks with take you and your family. I could not have done this 2 years ago or even 1 year ago or 6 months ago. This time I could extend an Olive Branch to give her peace for the day and HOPE for the future.

Now in Greek history an Olive Branch is referenced to war and peace. You can feel free to look that up on your own. However, in the bible during Noah's time with God the Olive Branch meant the flood is over. This is found in the Old Testament for those wanting to do more search on it. You can start in Genesis Chapter 5-6 and read on from there.

For my sweet friend I pray that the flood is over for you and you will see more Olive leaves or branches in your future!

Genesis 8:11 "and the Dove came toward him in the evening, and behold, in her beak was a freshly picked olive leaf. So Noah knew that the water was abated from the earth."

Today, whom do you need to extend an olive leaf/branch to that is going through a flood period time in their life?

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Toddler & Bug

2011-10-18T04:46:00.000-07:00

This is Day 18 of 31 Days Serving Others

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My son in bed with me singing songs and rubbing my head. Love his little sweet face!

Sometimes service comes to you in the form of a little person. Yesterday, I was flat on my face sick! I woke up with a headache that led to sweating and hanging out in the bathroom area. Immediately, I called my mom and she came over in a flash. She was here in 25 minutes. I am so blessed to have her so close! Anyway, she folded my laundry, washed what was left of laundry, unloaded my dishes, washed a couple of my pots and somehow in all of this took care of me. My son was right beside her doing everything she was doing. He even made me soup and brought me crackers. I kept telling my mom whom we call Granny-Bug, she did not have to do the extra stuff. I was more concerned about someone watching my child than a squeaky clean house. Finally, she looked at me "sweetie sometimes you just have to let people help you beyond what you had intended." OUCH!

She is so right! This brought on my thought of how many times have we limited people? How many times have we refused help? When really we should be allowing that person to do what the Holy Spirit had set out for them to do. When we say,"no" because of pride or whatever we are NOT allowing the Spirit to work in them as well. Service has 2 sides. One who offers and one who receives. We have to learn the receiving end just as much as we do the giving end. So that is where I was yesterday learning to receive beyond what I thought I intended. Think about it next time when someone wants to help you. Maybe it took all the courage they had to offer to help you in your situation. We need to learn to be more gracious in this area and more willing to accept it with open arms.

On the plus side my son did learn something from my not so good state of health. He did jump right in with his servant attitude and joyful spirit. He would want to rub my head and sing songs. That my friend was worth the inconvenience so my son could learn a valuable lesson.

Today, my challenge for you and myself is to work on the receiving end of service!

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity.

2 Corinthians 9.6-11
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BTW, I am well! It was just a strange bug ;0) but what a great lesson it brought to me.

Hands to Heaven

2011-10-16T19:41:00.000-07:00

Prayer.....

James 5:15-17 "And a prayer offered up in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

This is Day 17 in 31 Days of Serving Others

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It is interesting but I never thought of praying for someone a service. Do you? Usually, my conversations with people after hearing their long painful story ends with "well, I will be praying for you." I honestly mean it! Sometimes I forgot but for the most part I do remember at one point through out the week. I am beginning to change my thinking on when to pray. I have started to say, "let's pray now!" First, it allows a deeper bonding between you and that person to transform. Second, you have done what you have set out to do and now they know it! Lastly, it leaves an impression on you both and gives accountability a chance to bloom. Now when you see them you will ask and want to know how things have improved. I know it is not always easy. Babies at our sides, phones ringing, people grabbing us for things to get done, and just all around busy life. All of it worthy of our attention! However, what if in the middle of the craziness we did choose to stop and pray? It gives us all focus. Puts our minds and feet in the right direction so why not do it together?

So, that is what she needed and we did! I hope she knows how much I truly care about her as my sister in Christ! Praying for things to get better. This is for you friend....

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Mr Bell

2011-10-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

This is Day 16 in 31 Days of Serving Others

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Don't forget about the Giveaway!

I bet Mr Bell and Steve Jobs would've been good friends! Maybe they are having a conversation now!

Do you ever get that nudge or feeling you need to call somebody? Then you think I am going to call them after I do the laundry or when little one is down for nap or while I am traveling in the car to run errands. You have good intentions but that is all it amounts to, intentions. Before you know it time flies by and again their name or face appears in your head. That phone call you were supposed to make never happened. Then days maybe months go by and you run into them at the store or some public place. You get to talking and catching up. You find out LIFE has not been so good for them. Maybe somebody past away or a spouse got sick or they lost their job or whatever. You part ways pondering on the conversation that just took place. Do you ever think to yourself "darn it" I should have called them? Sometimes do you ask God "was I supposed to have a role in that? Lord, was it me who could've blessed somebody by a simple phone call?" If you are like me my answer comes back...yes!

Again nothing earth shattering or profound about today's post but I believe the Lord did use me in the situation. It doesn't always have to be big to matter! You just have to be willing to do what HE has laid out for you. That is exactly what I did. He put her name before me and directed me to call her right then and there. She really needed the encouragement. I will not go into details since it is a sensitive subject but the phone call was much needed. Here is the interesting part. If I had chosen to do my typical "well I will do that later scenario" I would've missed her. I think many of us know that when the Holy Spirit calls or leads us to do something we need to do it right then not later. Though I know this doing it is another thing! I believe we must take a step back and realize in the moment when he is prompting us at that time, it is because that is when the other person is most available to receive the blessing. When we choose to step out of the service being about us and when it is best for us, we allow the Holy Spirit to work the other end of the service. HE is then able to complete the blessing.

Is there a service that you need to do in order for the Holy Spirit to complete the blessing? It is not too late! Go do it! Oh by the way, no way is this a guilt lesson. Just remember if you did not follow through from a past nudge God still took care of it. Sometimes I have to remember "why not me" instead of "oh somebody else will take of it."

James 4:13-17 ¹³ Some of you say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to some city. We will stay there a year, do business, and make money."¹⁴ But you do not know what will happen tomorrow! Your life is like a mist. You can see it for a short time, but then it goes away.¹⁵ So you should say, "If the Lord wants, we will live and do this or that."¹⁶ But now you are proud and you brag. All of this bragging is wrong.¹⁷ Anyone who knows the right thing to do, but does not do it, is sinning.

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A Bundle(Day 2 with Pics!)

2011-10-15T06:22:00.000-07:00

Of JOY still going strong... This is Day 15 of Serving Others 31 Days Go here to catch up....

Some services are a minute others are an hour or two and others require a little more time. Remember this is God Given Holy Spirit Led Service for 31 Days. This means I don't dictate how long or where or what the service. I let HIM lead me! We are pretty much half way through this challenge and it has been very teachable for me. When you open yourself up in this way the opportunities do come knocking. Your eyes must be open. Funny thing is once I prayed over it and asked the Lord to lead me, the service was there. This thought spurred many others as to why we don't know about certain services or opportunities. I believe after much internal search, we are busy! I know shocker. It is nothing earth shattering but it is real. Real enough for Satan to keep us busy therefore keeping our eyes unfocused as to where the Lord is leading us. It is like that old saying "you may no be "sinning" but Satan can keep you busy." Ouch! Below is a made up story as to what one author shares would be the conversation between Satan and his workers. It is just one persons perspective and for me an "eye opening" one. Read on my bloggy friends!

Satan's Tactics to Destroy Believers

Satan called a worldwide convention. In his opening address to his evil angels, he said,

"We can't keep the Christians from going to church. We can't keep then from reading their Bibles and knowing the Truth. We can't even keep them from conservative values. But we can do something else. We can keep them from forming an intimate, abiding experience in Christ. If they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken."
"So let them go to church, let them have their conservative lifestyles, but steal their time, so they can't gain that experience in Jesus Christ."
"This is what I want you to do, angels. Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!"
"How shall we do this?", shouted his angels.
"Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent un-numbered schemes to occupy their minds", he answered. "Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, then, borrow, borrow, borrow. Convince the wives to go to work and the husbands to work 6 or 7 days a week, 10-12 hrs. a day, so they can afford their lifestyles. Keep them from spending time with their children. As their family fragments, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work."
"Over stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still small voice. Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive, to keep the TV, the VCR, and their CD's going constantly in their homes. And see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays music constantly. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ. Fill their coffee tables with magazines and newspapers. Pound their minds with the news 24 hrs. a day. Invade their driving moments with billboards. Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, sweepstakes, mail order catalogues, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering, free products, services, and false hopes."
"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from their recreation exhausted, disquieted and unprepared for the coming week. Don't let them go out in nature. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, concerts and movies instead. And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences and unsettled emotion."
"Let them be involved in soul-winning. But crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Christ. Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family unity for the good of the cause."
It was quite a convention in the end.
And the evil angels went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busy, busy, busy and rush here and there.
Has the devil been successful at his scheme? You be the judge.
Author Unknown

"Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor." I Corinthians 10:24

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A Bundle

2011-10-14T05:40:00.000-07:00

Of PURE JOY!!!!

This is Day 14 of 31 Days of Serving Others (just click to catch up)

I wish my photo would down load but I am having issues. Maybe I can update later. Anyway, this service is so right up my alley! My son's Sunday school teacher called me for some help. Her son had been admitted into the E.R. for high fever and low white blood count. They have a precious 1 year old daughter. The husband is a cop and works the night shift. He has been up for 36 hours. No family close by and the one person they have called on before fell. She can't help them. What to you do? Call me!!!! I love babies!!! I loaded my car, drove to get sweet baby girl and took the dad down town to the Hospital. They have only one car so he needed a ride. I was so happy they called me. I told them not to worry and to let their precious baby stay the night. This way they can do what they need to without worrying about little bit! She may even stay the night tonight sooooooooo I have been in baby heaven land!

It is funny what seems so simple to us is a big deal to another. I can honestly say God gifted me in the area of loving other people's children. I love them all. No matter what age!

Today think about the service that comes easy to you and is simple. Do you need to reach out to someone in that area?

Matthew 19:24 Jesus said, "Don't stop the little children coming to be for they are part of the Kingdom of Heaven."

Knees Up(give away) Update!

2011-10-12T18:13:00.000-07:00

Update: Ms. Amy You are the WINNER!!!!!!!

This is Day 13 in 31 Days of Serving Others

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Fab(fabulous)

wanked (tired)

nowt(nothing)

chuffed(happy)

chin wag(chat)

ney(no)

diddle(rip off)

dodgy(no to be trusted)

fancy(you desire it)

full of beans(load of energy)

give us a bell(call)

knees up(party)

naff(uncool)

on about(what are you talking about?)

pip pip(good bye)

what in the world do all these crazy words have to do with today's post?

Well, read on.....Oh it is a fun one and TRUST ME you will want to read on!!!!

I mentioned in my post Ink & Pages I started a book club. Getting the books was an interesting event. First, I ordered from a sub company from Amazon called Book Depository. I had no idea that the company's warehouse was/is in the U.K. The website was not very clear and shipping time frame was supposed to be free 2 day shipping. After purchase then I received an email saying it would take up to 2 weeks to ship the books out! What??? I was NOT a happy camper. My book club was starting and I needed books FAST! Amazon had them on back order and that is why they sent me to Book Depository. So much for the book deposit! Last Tuesday I called all the Family Christian Book stores to ask them to hold so many copies back for me. I had 25% coupons so the books ended up being about the same price wise. I did only have to go to 2 stores to get them and they were not far apart so fuel wise that helped.

Now what do I do with those extra books??? I contacted the shipping department at Book Depsoitory to get a refund or to obtain a proper return label so I could be refunded. Insert British accent, "We have nowt in our store so we can't ship your books! I'm sorry we haven't recieved your quid yet so a refund is impossible! Plus, we don't offer them." huh????, what did she just say??? Insert thick Texan accent "thank you and never mind m'am!" Insert British accent...what a diddle(rip off) and very naff!(uncool)!!

Needless to say I now have the books BUT they are extra! SOOOOO I am giving one away!!!! Yippie! Sometimes it is better to just give it away than try to fight for my right to get my refund. I wouldn't win! They made that very clear so service can happen when you choose to utilize it for something other than what you had intended it for! Think outside the box or maybe book in this case. I'm so funny. Okay not really....I need sleep!!!!

Knees Up or in this case a Book Party!!!! wooohooo!!!!!

I am giving away Grace for the Good Girl by Emily P Freeman.

Leave a comment below and you are entered for the drawing.

*contest closes midnight Monday Oct 17, 2011*

well I am wanked(tired) so pip pip(bye).......and good luck contestants!

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Mozzarella Sticks

2011-10-11T18:24:00.000-07:00

This is Day 12 of 31 Days of Serving Others

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Matthew 25:42-43 "For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me."

Once a week my son gets to have granny-bug time. He either gets to go to lunch with her or go to her house and play games. He is typically there for a couple of hours while I get stuff done. Such a blessing to have my mom so close! He loves my mom! They have a special bond.

Anyway, on our way home from granny-bugs a homeless man had a sign he was holding up on the side of the road. It simply read "hungry. please anything helps!" I quickly looked down at my half eaten mozzarella stick and thought I can't eat this in front of him! I dug in my lunch box to see if I had anything left over from lunch. There were 2 mozzarella sticks. The light starts to turn green! Oh great I am trying to do good here but God ya gotta give me a little help. I was nervous passing those sticks off for fear of honking car horns and that perhaps he would not see me to get them. I grabbed the sticks, rolled my window downed and shouted "this is all I have!" He was so grateful. He smiled at me "God bless you!"

I had a friend ask me once "how do you know they are really sincere?" I believe you have to really listen to the Holy Spirit. He will prompt you! Yes, I have passed by without giving every time because I truly believed it is not my help that they needed. Honestly, we really don't know if they are sincere at the end of the day. I just have to do what the Lord is guiding me to do and let him worry about the rest.

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*a tip, keep peanut butter crackers or fruit cups that don't require to be refrigerated in a half gallon baggie to pass out when you do want to help someone whom is hungry*

Scissors to Scissors

2011-10-10T17:52:00.000-07:00

This is Day 11 in 31 Days of Serving Others

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Matthew 10:30 Indeed even the hairs on your head have all been counted!

I have been needing a haircut for some time now. Time hasn't been on my side or finding the right hair dresser. Plus, I am having a hard time swallowing the fact that a basic hair cut here cost anywhere between 50 to 80 dollars! EEKKK!!! Wouldn't it be nice when you moved to a new place someone gave you the book of KNOW? The book would tell you everything from which doctors to choose from to dentist to yes even hairdressers! Anyway, I made an appointment at one of the beauty schools here in Austin. One advantage I have over other people is I am a licensed Cosmetologist. Yes, it is true! I do not practice but long time ago I did. Practicing paid my way through college! Another advantage being in Austin is, it is the city where everyone comes to take the state boards. Therefore beauty schools here are at a much higher standard. The fact that it cost way under 25 for shampoo, conditioned, haircut, blow dry and style is so worth it! The instructor checks over everything that the students do so in a way sometimes better than a salon. I have found most licensed Cosmetologist can get lazy and well it seems you have to wait for a very long time to get your hair cut. Okay, enough rambling!

Her name Misty. She was so nervous. From observing her I would guess she was in week 4 of hair rotation. The students are typically in rotations. Color, cut, nail and style. I am sure there are more than that but you get the idea. Misty was very insecure and overly cautious. I totally understand. The head instructor comes over to walk her through the hair cut. This is to insure everyone is on the same page. It also gives the instructor opportunity to help without making the client feel as if she made a mistake choosing to come to a beauty school for service or another way to keep an eye on the student without making them feel more insecure than they already do! Ha! I never once told them I was licensed. I certainly did not want to make her feel worst or have her doubt her abilities. The head instructor was impressed that I knew my hair so well when she began to ask me certain questions(insert big grin). She left. Misty was still super nervous and then began to doubt her next steps. I looked up at her, "It's just hair. You honestly can't mess it up. Take a deep breathe and it will come to you." She smiled a big smile and I saw her face gain the confidence she needed to finish what she started. Plus, it is hard to do a 180 cut then a 90 cut on top and then combined them in the meet. All along using razor cutting to shape around the face. Did that sound foreign to you? Ha! Once I basically gave her permission to make a mistake she felt very comfortable. My particular haircut was the first time for her to implement. She did a great job! Not too much off! Actually, she could take more off next time. Yes, I will let her do it again! Words of encouragement could be the service here but letting a student use scissors on my head that was the real service.

The instructor thanked me for giving Misty a little breathing room and Misty asked me to come back so she could continue to practice.

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Invitation

2011-10-10T05:27:00.000-07:00

This is Day 10 in 31 Days of Serving Others

As you know if you have been reading my posts we had a night of Bowling for Nineveh. While I was bowling our waitress would come by to chit chat a bit with me. She had no idea why we were really there. I told her about Nineveh Ministries and the church affiliated with it. We talked about church in general and what her "background" or "experience" has been with the church. We talked about things we loved and stuff we didn't. At this moment in her life she is not attending anywhere or committed to a place. So I invited her to come with us sometime. Maybe she will come maybe not. I did what the Holy Spirit was calling me to do for the moment. That is what matters. Listening to where he leads me. I pray for her. Pray that she will KNOW JESUS not just a building. Hopefully our conversation sparked an interest. Plus her witnessing a group coming together to bowl for a ministry is powerful. That evening alone could impact her. Isn't God so good in the way he works? I think I may need to go bowling again(wink wink).

A simple invitation is service. The next time you are having a conversation with someone whom is looking remember to invite them because you never know what kind if impact they may need in their life. You could be the person to connect them to KNOW LIFE WITH JESUS by giving a simple invite.

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An ear full of Strength

2011-10-08T21:24:00.000-07:00

Day 9 in a series 31 Days of Serving Others

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She had strength like I had never seen before. I am not even sure how to begin today's post or even how to form the words. This service was not in its normal manner like buying a cup of coffee or feeding someone whom is hungry. This service was not tangible through my hands but by another way. This came in the form of listening, really listening to someones LIFE story. Have you ever walked away from listening to someones life story thinking you have absolutely no troubles what so ever? This particular service made we walk away thinking not only am I not as strong as I thought I was but I have no troubles. Especially when I ponder on what she has gone through, what she will go through and what she is going through.

listen to her story...

She has been married for more than 23 years. They waited to have kids. After 13 years they decided to have children. God blessed them with a beautiful baby boy. Fast forward to kindergarten. Teachers notice he is having trouble playing sports and seems to tire out quickly at recess. The teachers encourage the parents to see a doctor. They did. The diagnosis M.D. also known as Muscular Dystrophy. There are many different forms but he was diagnosed with Becker. Their son is now 11. It is their only child and the doctors predict he won't make it past high school. Her marriage is suffering. She has no idea if they as a couple will make it. She takes in every single moment and is grateful for the tough stuff. She even looks forward to where God will lead her spiritually.

I don't know about you but it took us 7 years to have a child. We have been married for over 11 years. We struggled to have our one so I can NOT imagine having someone tell me my son will die someday. Not only will your son suffer but the end results will be fatal.

I thought I knew strength and then I met her. I thought I understood patience and then I saw her face. I thought I knew trouble and then I heard her life story. Today I saw Jesus. He came in the form of a mother loving her son.

I don't know if what I did had any impact or even an inkling of one. I did listen. I did lend an ear. I do not walk her shoes. I do not pretend to walk in them. What we do have in common is we are both moms of sons. I am going to hug my son a little tighter tonight, kiss my husband a little longer and pray for one more day.

Bowling Nineveh

2011-10-07T19:09:00.001-07:00

Day 8 of a series 31 Days of Serving Others

Go here for introduction

Again this one may seem selfish but all FUN & FUNDS went to a great cause. Plus, who says you can't have fun while serving?

The serving involved was more about writing a check to bowl for the evening. Nineveh Ministries is an outreach to kids in Juvenile detention. They introduce the gospel, create relationships, initiate bible studies and incorporate the church to create life-long community. They raise funds through people buying a ticket to bowl and they have a silent auction. Hubby and I could have just written a check and never bowled for the night. What fun is it that? The goal of the night was to raise awareness for the ministry and FUNDS to support those involved. It was way more FUN to participate. Plus, we had the opportunity to meet a few of the teens whom have been forever changed by this wonderful ministry. It gave hubby and I a little time together so it served us as well! It made us laugh at ourselves trying to accomplish bowling straight down the middle of the lane. We learned that we both have a little spin in each of our technique(if ya wanna call it that) to bowl. Hubby after just a few bowls was scoring some high points. I might add his finger on his right hand was injured so he really was bowling the ball without inserting his fingers in the hole. You never realize how important those holes in the ball are for bowling until you can't use them. He got a couple of strikes during his game! ME? I bowled okay the first game and it took awhile to get a rhythm going in my game. Once I did I bowled much better the second game. We also learned bowling is kinda of fun for a date night. The food was good, atmosphere was great and the music was from the 80's & 90's. We really enjoyed getting to know other couples and learning about a wonderful ministry called Nineveh.

So have you been bowling lately for a good cause? If so, share here what your experience was like. I thought it was a clever way to get people involved and raise awareness! Especially when on a Sunday at this bowling ally they only charge $5 to bowl all night. Obviously, the Nineveh Ministry charged more than that so they could raise their funds for the ministry. Also, they had a drawing for a new IPAD! Nope we didn't win. Hubby was really bummed. Guys and their toys!

Psalm 25:5 “Guide me in your Truth and Teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long. ”

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Miles

2011-10-07T11:44:00.000-07:00

This is Day 7 of a series Serving Others 31 Days.....

Go here for introduction

Stranded. Hopeless. Frustrated. Broken Down. Alone.

These are typically the emotions you feel when your car us in repair land or broken down. What do you do when you are passing through a city alone? Whom do you call? You are not married. You are a career woman whom is independent. Luckily I know her and she is my friend. Of course I helped her. She actually called to meet up for lunch but in the end needed so much more than just a ride. She needed a friend to comfort her and support her. So I did! God really worked out the details. My mom was watching my son so I could be free to be with my friend and even help her. After a wonderful lunch of catching up we decided to do a little window shopping to pass the time while her car was being worked on. It was so much fun! Unfortunately, the car shop called to let her know they would not be done till the next day. She needed a rental so I took her to get one. By the time we waited for the phone call from the car shop and getting a rental it was dinner time. We really only wanted a snack and a drink just to finish off the night. We drove everywhere all over town but it was so rewarding on so many different levels. Our souls as friends was restored along with a need that was met. No matter how many miles I drove that day or even how many miles are between our cities, our hearts will always be bonded.

Romans 12:10 "be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor."

Ink & Pages

2011-10-05T20:28:00.000-07:00

Equal Wholotta(real word, promise!) Fun!

This is Day 6 of a series called 31 Days of Serving Others. Go here for introduction.

Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. NKJV)

Okay, so nothing super profound here. Just a few gals wanting to get together and chit chat about a book. What book do you ask? Grace for the Good Girl by Emily P. Freeman(who knew she had a blog). Now, I know what you are thinking. How is this service? I stepped up to the plate to lead a group of women that I honestly don't know. We do have the fact that we serve a mighty Lord in common but beyond that I couldn't tell ya! That is kinda of exciting to get to know people through the pages of a book. I have always ALWAYS wanted to start a book club. Timing was just never right. I move to a new city, new church and I become the brave girl. EEEEKKKKK! Friends who really know me know that I would've just waited for someone to start one. I would've felt unworthy or maybe that I didn't fit the typical "criteria" to lead a group. Whichever, here I am on the ledge taking a big step of FAITH. In a way the service is a little about me. Is that selfish? I hope not!

I did have gifts to give away to names that were drawn out of a bag. That was so fun to surprise people. The gifts were a necklace with the word JOY written on it and a fancy porcelain mug with fancy girly shoes on it. I found out the beautiful woman who won the mug does not drink coffee or tea but she collects mugs. How perfect is that? God is so good. It made me feel really good to give both gifts away! Just the pure excitement on their faces was enough for me.

The heart of the service that struck me the most to my core were the reason why they joined a book club. Now, not all of them joined for the same reasons so keep that mind. The reason needing to build friendships was just a beautiful authentic statement made by one of the women in the group. It just made my heart smile. Something so simple as words on pages in a book can bring people together and possibly build lasting friendships is just a powerful picture!

Sometimes we are scared to step out on Faith and do something that the Holy Spirit is calling us to do. I employ you to do it! I know it is hard. Especially that knot in your throat or stomach is enough to make anyone sick. Instead of it being about you, it could be about someone else. It usually is about something bigger than yourself.

So what are you holding back? What are you needing to do to step out on Faith and do it? Pray over it. See where he leads you. If your heart is still being pricked then take a step sister! Don't worry about time or money or you. God will equip the one whom is dreaming! He always does!

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*photo taken & borrowed from baker books*

Something New, Something Old but Not Borrowed

2011-10-05T05:00:00.000-07:00

I John 4:11 "Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."

Day 5 in the series of 31 Days to Serving Others

She is committed. Hard worker. Loves children. Always smiles. Speaks the right words at the right time. She is also hurting. Her husband left her. "He is having a mid life crisis." He has decided that he does not want to married anymore. So, she works to forget the pain and to keep her mind busy. She is a teacher. For 25 years she was a wife, mother and home-maker. She was loyal and patient. Now she is torn and bruised.

the Service given....

The other day I was buying books at a Christian Bookstore when I spotted the bargain table. $5 for small pocket bibles! Woo-hoo score! Immediately, I grabbed one. It was not meant for me. The lord directed me to give the small bible and my favorite daily devotional Jesus Calling by Sara Young. I am not meant to keep these books. Go here for related story or post to the topic. Let's just say this is NOT the first time God has asked me to give my Jesus Calling devotional book away. I think my average time to keep Sara Young's book is about 6 months. Anyway, I wrapped up the bible with the devotional book. To be honest with you God pricked my heart days before I actually followed through with the service. I kept thinking, "surely not? Am I really suppose to give my daily devotional away-again? I L.O.V.E. this book. At this point I should give Sara Young a call and work out a deal. Ha! It has been my companion through some tough stuff. Kinda like a security blanket. I prayed about it. The tapping turned into a nudge then a push. The whisper turned into a dialogue then a shout. Okay Okay, I will do it!!!! I did it in secret. I wrapped it in pretty netting and attached a card. The card read " praying for you this year. love an angel." I pray that she will come to know Jehovah Rapha~ Healer.

It is not easy to give something away we cherish. Is it? God said it would never be easy. I know it may seem silly to you to cherish a book that anyone can replace. However, attached to each book are memories. It is a good thing that memories really LIVE in our hearts.

James 1:12 " Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

Have you ever given something away

that you've cherished? Do tell!

Go here for other 31 dayers...

Honey

2011-10-03T12:46:00.000-07:00

Go here for other posts in this series of 31 Days of serving others.......

Day 4......

Proverbs 16:24 "Gracious words are like a honey, sweetness to the soul and health to the body."

Her eyes resembled that of someone whom did not get enough sleep. She just took on a job after being a stay home mom and wife for 5 years. It has not been a smooth transition for her. She has had to rethink how daily task are to be accompished. She has had to search for a childcare provider. One that would love her babies as she would, one that is close and one that is reasonable. After all going back to work for the family should benefit the family. You can't put a price on peace of mind. It is hard! Somedays are long and others well longer. She loves her husband and she loves her children. She continues to plan meals along with cleaning the house. She has had to learn to shift responsibility yet let go of the "not so important" stuff. Every night she reads to her children, gives them baths, talks about Christ, asks them about their day, lays their clothes out for the next day and makes their lunches including hers to save money. She misses them more than anything but knows for a short while this is the path that God has laid before her.

So why does she think she is a bad mom? She is comparing her success as a mom as to whether she CAN stay home with them. It is her desire. It is her husbands. However, finances have been very tight and the end in sight seems far off. They prayed over it. They lost sleep over it. Should she go back? If she does, now where do the kids go? Who will love them like us? These are NEVER easy decisions to make or to FACE. For now, by God guiding her, she is to be in the work place.

The service that the Lord put on my heart to take to hers were these WORDS....."you are a great mom! You A.R.E. a great mom! You love your family. You made the best decision for now. Your kids are happy. They know Christ and they are LOVED. Don't listen to the enemy! He wants to steal your JOY. Serve where you are and KNOW that GOD is going to see you through this job. Hang in there! KNOW this, Christ is watching over your babies and he is guiding you. YOU ARE A GREAT MOM!" She sobbed. " No one has told me that latley. I needed to hear that. Thank you." I hugged her, she sobbed and from mom to mom we get it. We get it because moms everyday make sacrifices whether we work full time, part time or in the home. At the end of the day we are all moms trying to do the best we can with what has been given to us. Praying in our secret places of our hearts that we too are doing the job that Christ has given to us and that we are doing it well.

Words are powerful. From the tongue they can build a nation and destroy it. Oh friend they can also encourage, love and build a bridge for someone. Words they are not to be taken lightly.

Proverbs 12:18 "There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."

I Peter 4:11 "If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ."

.........and here I thought when my dad told me "you can catch more bees with honey than vinegar" was some strange chinese proverb he had gotten in his fortunate cookie for lunch. How are your words? Are they dripping with honey?

* all photos are borrowed from simplystunning*

Little League or better known as Baseball

2011-10-03T05:48:00.000-07:00

The other morning the Lord woke me up before 6 and was directing me to facebook. Huh? Facebook? First, I have backed off of FB and only get on a few times or from my phone. It is not part of my daily routine so being guided to get on FB and before 6 am was all LORD! Ha! While I was catching up with FB one of my friend's status popped up. This was his status "won't be able to afford little league for much longer if thieves keep targeting our car!"

My heart just sank because I knew he really meant it. Now, let me put this in perspective for you. He is a missionary in a foreign country. So all of his funds for his family to live off of are given by others. I am sure "extra"is not in their personal finances. He is not one to beg or ask or even hint at needing things for his family. So I knew this going into my email message to him. This was not a joke and to live under such circumstances is beyond me. Here in America we are VERY FORTUNATE. Everything is within our reach and for the most part we don't have to worry about trading in our kids fun for tires. Which is a need! You have to have tires on you car to go anywhere. So I sent him a message through FB asking how much little league is costing their family and if they were still serving as missionaries. I already knew that answer. I just needed something other than "dude, how much should I send you?" He did reply with what it was costing them so now all I needed to know was where to send the check. The Holy Spirit guided me to play the trump card. Yep, I sent back a message "please tell me where to send the check. Don't argue with me on this. You let the Holy Spirit work!" It probably sounds harsh but if I didn't insist he would've somehow got out of telling me. Here is his reply back "you're to sweet Shellie. I was set to argue, but you kind of played the trump card (Holy Spirit). Ha."

I had a number and an address! I pray that he won't have to deal with the headache anymore of tires or anything else being stolen. Considering where he is a missionary. I doubt it. He is in a very very poor area. Maybe just maybe this month or the next he won't have to worry about the funds

Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you. Deuteronomy 16: 17

Here is the funny part him letting the Holy Spirit work has really helped me. This mission that the Lord has me on Serving Others for 31 Days has really put me in a place of vulnerability. It may seem easy to you to from where you are sitting but trust me it is not. The only way I was truly able to give is the Lord open the door for my hubby to work over time and so there has been sacrifice on both our parts. I am very proud of my hubby! Here is the kicker to all of this the "extra" added up to what I needed to send to my friend. Coincidence! No way! ALL LORD!

31 Days....A Cup

2011-10-02T12:12:00.000-07:00

of coffee is such a simple thing. You can add cream, sugar, flavoring or just go with it the old fashion way, plain. Some of you know me in real life and others of you only know what I share here in blog world. For those of you who may be out of the loop my husband lost his job almost 2 years ago. That was our second time to go through the challenge. We are fine now. He has a job. During the time he was without a job we could NOT afford to spend money on a outing to the local coffee shop. Even when he had a job we treated it special. First, I don't feel good about spending $4.35 for flavored coffee and second I can make it at home. That is neither here nor there. It is the experience you pay for anyway and yes sometimes it comes with a good cup of coffee.

So what does a cup of coffee have to do with Serving Others for 31 Days? I am so glad you asked! ha! The other day I was at a local coffee shop thinking I would treat myself to something yummy. Maybe I was trying to convince myself that Fall is really here by ordering something pumpkin or cinnamon like. This particular coffee shop is NOT Starbucks or what I am use to so reading the menu was taking me a little bit longer than I had planned. I really don't like Starbucks anyway. I was also asking the barista if they could make it this way or that way and on and on. I am normally not like that! I typically know what I want and order right away. For some reason I was very indecisive that morning. Doesn't that just bug you when that happens? During the time of making up mind and asking questions to the barista, in walks a young lady. She did not seem very happy or maybe she was just grumpy cause she was behind an indecisive person and she really needed her first cup of Joe. I don't know! She did not make eye contact. Her hair was unkept and her clothes seem a bit thrown together. Her spirit felt heavy. You know that feeling you get about someone when they need to be encouraged? That is what I was feeling from her. Just as I was about to pay the Holy Spirit gently taps at my heart and whispers in my ear "buy her coffee." I was so nervous! First, I did not know her from anywhere and I am still new to this town/city. I really don't want to be that awkward "new girl." People can sense that as well. I think? Between the time the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and me speaking up about buying the stranger her coffee was probably about 5.2 seconds. She immediately looked up with excitement "really? are you sure?" " Yes, after all someone should benefit from my indecisiveness." She smiled "thank you." She must have ordered plain coffee for she was gone before I could turn around to make conversation. Looking back at my total of both purchases it had to be plain!

Now, I will probably never see her again so maybe just maybe that simple cup of coffee made her day in that moment to carry her through.

Hebrews 13:2 " Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for this some have entertained angels without even knowing it."

You can read here the first post about my 31 Day Challenge and here for other 31 Dayers to see what everyone is blogging about!

31 Days of Serving Others~Intro

2011-10-01T12:05:00.000-07:00

Go here for recent posts on the topic.

Day 31 Grace and Guidance

Day 30 Attendance & Visitors

Day 24 Loaves & Fishes

Day 23 Milk

Day 22 Win, Then Give

Day 21 Picture Phone

Day 20 Chocolate and book Club Winner!

Day 19 An Olive Branch

Day 18 Toddler & Bug

Day 17 Hands to Heaven

Day 16 Mr Bell

Day 15 A Bundle(day 2 with pics)

Day 14 A Bundle

Day 13 Knees Up(give away)

Day 12 Mozzarella Sticks

Day 11 Scissors to Scissors

Day 10 Invitation

Day 9 An ear full of Strength

Day 8 Bowling Nineveh

Day 7 Miles

Day 6 Ink & Pages

Day 5 Something New, Something Old but Not Borrowed

Day 4 Honey

Day 3 Little League

Day 2 Cup

Either I am crazy or creatively embarking on an adventure. I personally choose number 2! The Nester has put a challenge out there in bog land. She is asking us to blog about something, ANYTHING for 31 days. Maybe something you are passionate about or something you want to explore or whatever. My first reaction to the challenge was "huh? not moi! no way!" Then surprisingly I shifted from "whaaaaaatttttttt????" to "hum, maybe." I do believe it is a brilliant idea just not sure if it is for me or if I could even do it. Really, I have only been in our new place for 7 weeks! I still need to unpack boxes for the office. My book club is starting Wednesday. I just joined a bible study group and recently was asked to co-lead a group. Yeah, this is not the right time at all! You take all of that and adjusting to a new city rolled up into one giant ball is enough! Why add to the chaos? Right? Plus, what in the world would I G.A.B. about for 31 days? I mean 31 DAYS......eeeekkkkk! Then my thoughts shifted to "would anyone read about it?" Everyone reads the Nester and if you don't, you should! She is all inspiring.

So, that night I climbed into my comfy bed ready to enjoy a full night of sleep. I did sleep but the Lord was tapping on my heart to take the challenge. Only it was more about challenging me in a way that would really make me open to wherever HE chooses to lead me.

The topic.....

God Given, Holy Spirit Led Service For 31 Days!

"Huh? Lord, surely you want me to talk about cooking. I know about cooking Lord! I cook talk about that all day."

Don't get me wrong I do, serve. I volunteer. This is different. This is consciously pushing me to ask the Lord "here I am send me" without knowing everything involved or picking something out myself. Oh boy, this was a huge step. I love to serve. I do. Whom am I to put service in a box or wrap it up in a pretty bow with my own preconceived ideas? This was me standing out on the ledge, eyes closed, ready to jump just not sure where for thirty-one days.

It no longer became about being an interesting cutesy topic that sounded great for the masses but an extraordinary impact for the ordinary individual. That individual being me. The extraordinary impact being wherever the service of serving others takes me. The service could be for a friend, a family member, a neighbor, a stranger or whomever. No limits. Nothing too small or too big. God Given Holy Spirit Led Service.

Soooooooooooo....I honestly don't know what I will be writing about until the actual all inspired event happens for that day. Of course since the Lord laid this upon my heart the other night HE graciously gave me a little bit of a running start. Yes, it has already begun and it has been interesting, atleast for me.

Be in prayer for me. I.will.be.learning.and.growing. OUCH! And here I thought moving to another city was enough of an adventure. The Lord truly has a sense of humor.

Circle Time

2011-09-28T19:25:00.000-07:00

My little man decided we were going to play teacher. He was the teacher and I was the student. He choose to do circle time. I had a folder from my old teaching days that all the animals on the farm including the barn and silo. I was pretty impress with his compliments, encouragements and his all around vibrant energy to get you to learn.

It seems the fireplace is a good spot to have circle time along with my aerobic steps. Of course circle time is always best in your jammies!

He would ask "mommie, what is this?" I energetically replied "a goose." " Good Job mommie! I am so proud!" (I must say these words a lot!)

and this one?

a much needed truck to help the lesson for the day

singing 5 little ducks to enhance the lesson

now scripture time and songs

I don't know what I love more, the fact that he stood for song time or that he is leading with his hands to help the (cough-cough) one woman audience.

This made my heart skip a beat when he signed with the song!

................and people say that children don't pay attention! ha!

Preschool

2011-09-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

It has been a little over a month since we started preschool so I thought I would post some pics. He really is enjoying everything that they do. He gets to go to music class, p.e. which is separate from recess and art. I L.O.V.E. that he is attending music class. Last year we participated in Kinder-Musik and it was his favorite activity! This was a gift from his grandparents. Anyway, he has missed music so to have everything he loves all in one place at school just makes it that sweeter!

This was the official meet and greet. They do their meet and greet a little different. Your child actually attends a half day while you are at parent meeting.Yes he really was this excited!

This was the only shot I got of us together!

First full day!

He picked out his shoes and socks! ha! He even combed his hair. WOW!

All ready for play time!

I think this may have been the 4th or 5th day. The first week all the parents were gathered around this rock formation taking the "famous first day" shot. I decided to wait until it was way less hectic.

Love that he his holding her hand. So sweet!

ARTist in the making

2011-09-20T11:37:00.000-07:00

One of my son's most favorite activity is to just PAINT! He does not care if there is a specific art work in place for the day. He just LOVES to paint! So here HE is just being the little artist I know him to be. Enjoy as I have!

Yes, we use daddy's old shirts with a hair tie to make it fit properly!

See that? Two hands!

I just love his feet!

Even cars are used instead of paint brushes!
His idea of course!

My happy guy

As a side note WE DID NOT spend a lot of money on his easel. It is all wood, has two sides and cubby containers underneath for storage. It is one I found at Just Between Friends which is like a garage sale. Anyway, I bought it a long time ago and it was 1/3 of the price. To buy a storage/chalk board/dry erase board/art easel that holds paint and has a paper roll for a third of the price is so WORTH IT!!!! When we moved into this house we decided to put it to use! I am all about getting things at second hand when I can and when I know it is a good buy. The best part of this buy was the previous owner had only used it twice! Whaaaaatttt??? Yep, so I basically got it brand new! Don't ya LOVE finds like that?

Kate and no more 8

2011-09-12T21:27:00.000-07:00

Ya know say what you will about Kate on her show Kate Plus 8 but at least she put herself out there and admitted her own faults. Her show ended last night or so I have heard. Remember I do not have cable so I rely on FB or Friends to give me an update. Anyway, I thought about her yesterday today and how she must be feeling. Oh I know, many many people have varies judgements about her and will openly give their "humble" opinion. They think she is a terrible person or some say they don't blame Jon for leaving her or she got what she deserved. Really? I mean really this is how people view her or the situation. Honestly, I am just grateful they are not the ones standing in the corner judging my faults. Now, I am not in agreement with how she openly or "privately" treated her husband. Anyone can see that she was in the wrong and she even admits her own wrong doing to Jon. I understand she "chose" to have cameras in her house and she "chose" to do the show BUT does that really mean she "deserves" what is coming to her? Jon wasn't Mister Squeaky clean himself. They both sinned. Let's just call a spade a spade! Okay?

For a minute let's take off our own shoes and put theirs on for a brief moment. What would we discover? First, we would find a couple who struggled to have kids thus began an interesting journey of having zero to 8 in a very short period of time. That is enough to make anyone wanna pull their hair out, right? I mean I love children and I really LOVE my own. However, that doesn't mean we are calloused to chaos. It is a house full of little people with all different personalities and opinions. Now, I have also heard the argument "well they shouldn't have had more?" I am NOT going to go there. I am not going to judge someone's life by the number of children they have or don't have based on how well things are going in their personal life. My point is let's be careful where we do choose to point our fingers. It is so easy to sit in our comfy chairs and make conclusions based on a 30 minute show that is edited. I know I have in the past. Okay back on track....SO, here they are 8 kids, 8 mouths to feed, 8 little ones to buy diapers, clothes, shoes, and you name it that times 8! Maybe they put themselves on tv because of financial demands. I really don't know! I can assume. I am not in their shoes so I have no idea all the reasons behind their choices. I do know that they got help in the beginning from their church and friends so I don't think they were in a seriously poor poor state. Honestly, none of us really know. Yes, I have seen the interviews with the sister in law and brother about Kate wanting to exploit the children and her level of selfishness. Again just put that aside for a moment. So, they do the show. they are popular overnight and everyone wants to see them. Not just the kids but Jon & Kate. Weren't you drawn to how genuine Kate was in the beginning? Do you remember her showing her stomach after having 8 kids? I do! Google it! I think every woman was drawn to her magnetic personality. The fact that she too was trying to make ends meet for her household all the while she cooked, cleaned, did laundry, and even looked "normal"(messy hair, comfy clothes mom look). I think most families of multiplies were relating to the crazy constant demands of the children's schedule throughout the day. I even took a deep sigh and thought see I am not the only one! Not only that but I am so grateful for my plate! ha! As time went on we related less to her as a person because let's face it she DID let herself become Hollywoodized! Is that even a word? Oh well! She seem to really let her colors fly in ways we did not appreciate not just as moms but as women.

Now, Jon I do think most men could relate on some level. Go to work, get home, eat dinner, more work and now you are to parent your 8 children. Bath time, bed time, play time, dinner time, teaching time and bonding time. Somewhere in all that craziness find "time" alone with yoor spouse. He seemed to be a little bit more on the passive side. Most would say, do you blame him? Did you see what he had to face everyday? He never felt measured up or whatever he did was never "good enough." Yes, I can see that. However, I can also see how one might get frustrated or impatient if they are always the one "doing" or being "assertive" in everyday LIFE. I have a very close friend who is in that position. She is the one that thinks of everything and her husband just goes off of the list. She has told me many times it is exhausting! I can also see how one person's words can wear down a soul. Reminds of the scripture Proverbs 21:9 "Better to live on the corner of a roof than to share a house with a nagging wife." OUCH! I remember the episode where Kate said "did I really sound and look that way?" She couldn't believe how she was coming across to Jon but in the same season Jon began to snap back. Then the cameras began to reveal an angry bitter Jon.

I am not going to recap everything but just the few times I did watch I caught a glimpse of ugliness and selfishness. I also thought what if the cameras were on at my house? What if they were on at your house 24/7? How would your personal life come across? Sometimes the one we truly love the most is the one we serve the least. That is not what Christ calls us to do. In Philippians 2 it says "do nothing from selfishness ambition and conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourself. Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also the interest of others." Humility it is an interesting word. It is a hard one for us to really wrap our heads around and apply to our everyday life. It is not one that society puts in a good light or is even talked about in everyday life. However, Christ was our greatest example. He emptied himself. If I truly empty myself then I would consider my husband or anyone before myself. I would serve. I would assume the best about that person in all situations. I would always look at it from their point of view and try to really see what they see. I would give grace. I would overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11 "a man's wisdom gives him patience; and is his glory to overlook an offense." How many times have we thought to ourselves "he doesn't care about me or what I have done all day?" When really we should stop to say "because I love Christ and him I will continue to serve no matter what I think or believe things to be." It is hard to be in the servant position at all times but that is what Christ did for us. Philippians 2:7 " but emptied himself by taking on the form of a bond servant." A bond servant! Wow! I wonder how many people would truly get married if their vow exchange looked like this...."and do you promise to be a bond servant to one another, humbling yourself, considering the other persons needs before yours, always assuming the best of that person, overlooking their offense at all times, never keeping a record of wrong doing, you promise to bear all things, hope all things, and endure all things until death do you part?" I Corinthians 13 talks about LOVE. Love is patient love is kind, it does not envy or boast. None of us are perfect! I mess up everyday and I am so grateful to the one who gives me GRACE! I believe without that I would be in a world of trouble. HE gave us GRACE so we should show grace to all, especially the one we have chosen to spend our life with and to our families.

So why do I bring up Jon & Kate and our own marriages? I believe we sometimes need to really stop and think what it truly looks like to Be Jesus! If Jon & Kate had chosen to take on that attitude together during their show, things could've been different. I know what you are thinking " then it would not have gotten good ratings!" Really? What about the Duggars? Yes, they are a crazy mass huge family that many many like to tune in to but Jim Bob and Michelle seem to grasp the concept of "Be Jesus." I am not Kate. I am not Jon. I don't have 8 children so I can speculate all day of the "what ifs." What I don't have to speculate about is being a "bond servant" like Christ is truly the position or place I need to be in my daily life.

How is your humble day going?

Rip Out My Hair

2011-09-06T16:33:00.001-07:00

kinda of a day! I am just having one of those days where no matter what I do or how I do it the end results seem to be failure. Do you ever have one of these? Seriously? I have EVEN prayed over it and still I do not feel the overwhelming peace I am suppose to feel. I have read all my "proper" bible studies and still my spirit feels weak. I have been silent..no tv, no radio, no fb, no phone calls. Nothing that would block me or distract me.

Why oh why can't I shake this feeling or attitude off of myself? Don't I control this or do I?

So what do you do when YOUR day has been nothing but "poo?" Yep, I said it! Or do you even get one of these days?

I must admit they are rare. Don't misunderstand me I have things that go wrong or the "stuff" fails before me but rarely do I feel or have the outlook I do today. It is kinda like that dream you have that made you mad and you don't know why you are mad but you just are.

However, it is truly days like this that I am on my knees more than I am standing. Even when I don't feel it is working I still press on. It is so hard to do isn't it? Hard to press on when you don't feel like it or want to. I believe motherhood is the most selfless act anyone will ever take on in life. My relationship with Christ has been deepen since I had my son. Nothing like having a child to open your eyes to your own short comings or how Christ feels about you as His child.

I do LOVE being a mom, wife, daughter, friend and sister but I come imperfect. Only Christ can carry me or take me where I need to go. Only HE can show me what I need to do and how to do it. HE gives me the ultimate wisdom I need for the moment. Sometimes it feels it comes late...ha ha or maybe I wasn't listening.

Sisters, can you relate?

Then I become very quiet so much that I begin to observe all that is around me. HE taps me on my shoulder to say "watch your son and how he plays with his bike. Look at the tender spirit that grows before you." (breathe)

I am so grateful that my daily failures don't determine my Character or dictate whom I am. I am so grateful that Christ allows me to start fresh and I don't have to wait until morning. Though it would be nice to close my eyes go to bed and POOF the day is done. Ha!

Thanks for listening...sometimes just letting it out in words helps and you thought you were coming here for something great! Maybe next time.

This Picture was taken exactly 3 years ago today. Funny part is as I am typing my son and hubby are in the middle of bath time. Sometimes I like to look back at what we were doing on a night like this a few years back. Somedays it seems a LIFE time ago and other days it just happened. Pictures like these put a smile on my face.

Finger Paints

2011-09-01T07:11:00.000-07:00

Last week my son and I were painting with watercolors when I realized we were nearing the end of our palette. He LOVES Art! Which is so much fun for this momma! Anyway, I thought if I can make homemade playdough surely I can do paint. I began a search. I did find a few recipes and they all seemed pretty similar so I just picked one.

This recipe comes from http://www.creativekidsathome.com/activities/activity_42.html

Original Fingerpaint

Ingredients

1/2 cup cornstarch

3 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups cold water
food coloring

Directions:In a medium pan, mix all the ingredients together to make the finger paint. Cook over low heat 10 to 15 minutes. Keep stirring the finger paint mixture until it is smooth and thick. After the finger paint has thickened take the pan off the stove and let the mixture cool.After cooling, divide the finger paint into storage containers depending on how many colors you would like. Add a few drops of food coloring to each container. Stir the coloring in to the paint to determine the shade of color. You're ready to finger paint! Cover tightly when storing.

Here is how mine come out. The only problem I came across was the consistency was not the same with each color so I need to readjust how I prepared them. I am sure it is all USER ERROR! HA!

I did add water & salt. I just forgot to set it next to the other ingredients.

The purple was the best as far as consistency and when using on paper.

I am definitely going to try several recipes to find the one that works for us. Making our own is so worth it since my son paints ALL the time!

Moving

2011-08-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am still unpacking. I have the Kitchen completely unpacked, little man's room is done, toys in place and most of our bedroom unpacked. We are doing really well. It has been a busy busy week with family visiting, little man meeting his new preschool teacher and trying to find some daily routine. I will post pics soon of the house. Oh, I did put some FALL decor out. It is not too early is it??? I have already done a crafty project for my home and it is completed. WOO HOO! That is a later quick post with pics.

Praying for you all. Hoping you are living to the fullest and reaching for THE Almighty everyday!

Izzoz Tacos Trailer Lunch

2011-07-30T10:03:00.000-07:00

The other day I enjoyed a fabulous lunch at my first or our first Trailer Lunch spot. Austin has all these neat hot spots for lunch and they are GOOD!!! Somehow I always luck out when it comes to good food finds! This particular day I found a great coffee shop and taco stop. Anyway, if you drive down any major streets like Congress or 1st in Austin you will find these trailers lined up in a row offering all kinds of goodies. I even found a Crepe Trailer!

Some of the Trailer Spots have picnic tables with shade and some have an area for the kids to play. I know some of y'all are shying away from the idea of food out of a trailer. Yes, there are areas you probably don't want to risk trying the food. I agree! If you ask the locals(one that is of sound mind) they will give you an area that is typically really good and safe.

This place was AWESOME! My favorite from his menu is the Slow Rider Taco. These are not your typical tacos. The meat has a smokey flavor to it and he uses a unique cheese. The flavors together make a hearty taco. You could handle just having one of these. Now, his tostadas are very good. His shell part is very crunchy and flaky all at the same time. It appears they are homemade. I will have to do more research on it. You can order your tostadas 2 ways. Just plain which has beans, spinach lettuce, cheese, tomatoes and one more item that has escaped my brain or add any meat for a little extra. My mom and I agree the original way is the best. The owner which is also the chef is from Houston. Ha! How funny is that? He has four year old twins, boy and girl. He also has a house in Cypress that he is trying to lease out. We had a lot to talk about!! He is a very nice guy. I can't wait to take hubby!

The owner even had hula hoops, a rocking horse and a little merry go round. I would give this 5 stars for taste, location, price, and atmosphere. I must admit across from him on the other side of the lot is not the most attractive but just turn your back to it. It is not his fault since he does not own that side of it. Apparently he just expanded to a bigger size trailer because of the popularity of his tacos. One guy comes so much during the week to get tacos that the customers standing in line know him by name. He is a very friendly fan. A good sign is the owner always has a flex of folks coming in and out. If you come see me in Austin I will take you!

Faith Scripture, Bling, Spoons and A Blessing!

2011-07-25T12:35:00.000-07:00

Before I left my home in Houston to head to Austin some very sweet friends gave me parting gifts. They came at different times throughout the summer but each mean so much to me.

First came..

A beautiful Faith scripture plaque for me to hang as a reminder of who is really in control-GOD! Each friend signed the back of this plaque. Sure makes a gal feel so special.

then came....

See those Beautiful earrings? They match my favorite necklace that I never got earrings for. My hubby and son 2 years ago bought me a heart shaped necklace from Brighton that had a picture of my sweet baby in it. Funny how that works out, huh? Along with these earrings was a gift card for Bed Bath & Beyond. I can't wait to be in a place of our own so I can go shopping for something special! Shopping is so much more FUN with a gift card!!!!! Don't ya think?

then came.....

These are not just your everyday average spoons! They come with a beautiful prayer.

"God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference."

I love to cook and my friend knew this about me so it came with personal thought behind it. Aren't they the most shiny and gorgeous spoons you've ever seen??? Oh trust me they will be for decoration!!!

then came....

This wonderful "blessing" of a decoration was given for me to add to my new home! My 2 sweet friends signed the back of this with wonderful words for me to read over and over again. This particular beauty holds deep relationships that were started from the day we set foot at Bammel. They have blessed my life beyond words!

Now look at them all together.....Interesting how they ALL fit together!!!! I am so excited to put these all in one place for my memory keepsake. When I pass by them I will be reminded of the love, friendships, laughter, tears, hugs, trails, joy and how God worked through each one.

Courage

2011-07-23T04:50:00.000-07:00

Such a funny word to me. If you ask any random person what courage means to them you will get many different answer. Some may refer to a fireman or a police officer or even a solider when they think of the word courage. MAYBE some will say their mom(smile). I know my first thought is the infamous picture of a fireman carrying a survivor out of a blazing fire. Very dramatic! Or the picture of that sweet innocent white kitten walking across a line of doberman pinscher.

what does Courage look like to you?

Recently, an old friend came into town. We have not seen each other in over 10 years. We have kept in touch through the years but have not had the opportunity to see each other face to face. She even brought her husband! Funny part is my hubby and her hubby know each other so it was a good visit for all. She has been through some really really tough stuff. I could not even begin to describe what her life has been like these last 12 years. She has had to endure her husband being in another state for 4 years and here I thought a year was long. Ummm, NO! She has had to work almost 6 days out of a 7 day week. She has had to live with people whom she is not related to but knows through marriage. So, she has no idea what it means to have her own place for just the 3 of them. She has had to hear the opinions and judgements from "friends" and strangers about how they feel looking into her life. Some even offered for her to divorce her husband because they do not approve of him having to continue his education in another state. She has lived far away from her immediate family all these years and getting to see them is a challenge financially and in distance. Her mother passed away within her first few years of marriage. She has had to live in area where churches are very very few so her choices have been very limited. She has had to put all her hobby's on a shelf so she could work for her family. She has had to leave her daughter behind for a period of time so she can go help her husband. I could go on since there is a whole lot more to this story but out of respect for my friend I can't. It would be easy to sit back, read this post and even form your own judgements or opinions. We all do!

My friend still has a smile on her face. Sometimes it is a little worn and may carry a few more wrinkles but it is there. It has not been an easy road for my friend and her story continues on this road. I am praying for this chapter in her life to close so they can be a family again. It was probably one of the shortest yet deepest visits I have ever had with a friend. It is just where we are on our journey of life. We as friends have crossed again and we relate on a level that many can not understand. Our paths are different, even the circumstances but we have a new found love and respect for the other because of where we have had to walk.

After being able to see my friend and really see her life story up close and no longer through email and phone, I was encouraged by her courage.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

Pure Joy

2011-07-16T17:09:00.000-07:00

James 1:2

"Consider it pure JOY, my brothers whenever you face trails of many kinds."

It is easy to praise God when life is lined up right.

Your....... health is good.

family is happy and healthy.

bank account is in the plus after paying the bills.

marriage is strong spiritually and passion has never been better.

church is on a spiritual rise and people are excited about it.

job is the best it has ever been and you love it.

home is perfect in the sense that everything is working.

friendships are blooming.

kids listen to you.

relationship with your parents is Great.

coworkers are doing their job and doing it well.

cars are running right.

at your ideal weight and feel physically strong.

community is safe and happy.

parents are healthy and alive.

kids' teacher loves your child and they love school.

volunteer's are plenty.

kids get to experience what it means to have a Grandparent.

children believe in the Lord.

grandkids love you and live close by.

adult children call often and can't wait for the next visit.

parents make good decisions.

house sells fast and at the listing price.

I think you can fill in your own "Life" line ups!

So maybe the last one was about me. Ha!

It is NOT so easy my friends to Praise God in the pain.

I really don't remember anywhere in the bible where it

said it would be.You can feel free to correct me

if I am wrong. So, we know this right?

Don't ya just wish your heart could catch up with your head?

Or maybe wished for less emotions involved in

these Life Lessons? I know I do!

How do you get through it you ask? How do you "handle" the pain?

What is the next book to read or movie to watch that sums up the

experience or reaches deep into your soul?

How do YOU process the pain?

journal?

read your "go to" scripture?

go for a long car trip?

listen to music?

call a friend?

pray?

I wish I had an easy answer. A quick witty saying to make

you laugh. Or the perfect scripture

for you to grab a hold of to hide in your heart.

Friends, everyone processes

differently because everyone is different and each

experience has it owns unique

circumstances.

Let me ask you a really hard question. What if it never ends or

comes to a stop? I know it is a scary thought. Seriously, I do

think the more appropriate question is will we still

Praise HIM even if the storm NEVER lets up?

I am talking about true worship.

The kind that reaches so deep that tears well up not

because your tired of the situation

BUT you are in awed by HIS POWER AND GLORY.

Awed by how he has carried you.

Carried you in ways you couldn't have imagined.

There is a song I love by Nichole Nordeman called Every Season

my favorite line "I give thanks for what has been and what is to come."

Powerful stuff friends. Find the JOY and PRAISE HIM!

How Time Flies

2011-07-10T20:05:00.000-07:00

I can NOT BELIEVE my time has come to go. I am still in shock that today was my last Sunday at our church. You know those strange dreams you have where you are watching what is unfolding before your eyes and you see yourself interacting with people? That is exactly how I felt this am. I looked around the pews shaking my head in disbelief. I must have hugged the same people 5 times in a row and looked into the sweet sweet faces of children that I have taught through the years. It is sometimes hard for me to grasp that I will not get the privilege of watching my friends' kids grow up right before my eyes. For me this is the toughest emotion to let go. If you didn't know it by know I get very attached to other peoples' kids. I have a connection with them and deep in my soul I believe it is a gift! Yes, I know "we" will keep in touch but honestly it just isn't the same seeing them from Sunday to Sunday or in between.

I have one particular friend whom is very emotional about this kind of stuff. I think that is why we get along so well. We really feel! I am getting together with her this week and I am bringing the kleenex. I know we will need it. Isn't it great to know you can be you? I pray that you have those sweet friends in your life that rejoice with you, cry with you, laugh with you and maybe even dance a little with you. This is very biblical! James 5:¹³ Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. ¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. ¹⁶ Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

My emotions are all over the place lately. My mind just keeps racing and it won't stop. Trust me it is all sweet memories. I have recalled the very first people I met when we got here to precious teens who had carried more Faith in their back pockets for me during a very dark time. 10 1/2 years is a big enough number to have multitude of boxes filled with beautiful stories. I am so grateful and blessed to have been part of those stories. So I "thank you" for the memories, good & not so good. If it was all easy & perfect then we would never know growth. Really I "thank you" for loving me enough to grow with me in my faith.

There is an old old song sung by Wayne Watson called Watercolor Ponies. I was at a camp when this song was first introduced to me. It is about cherishing those precious years with your family because time truly does fly! So my friends cherish your time & cherish the people in your life. Oh one more cool fact HE is from Houston! The only video I could find was really long so fast forward to 3:02 and the song will begin.

Lyrics to Watercolor Ponies :

There are watercolour ponies
On my refrigerater door
And the shape of something
I don't really recognize
Drawn by careful little fingers
And put proudly on display
A reminder to us all
Of how time flies

Seems an endless mound of laundry
And a stairway laced with toys
Gives a blow by blow
Reminder of the war
That we fight for their well-being
For their greater understanding
To impart a holy reverance
For the Lord

But, baby, what will we do
When it comes back to me an you?
They look a little less
Like little boys every day
Oh, the pleasure of watching
The children growing
Is mixed with a bitter cup
Of knowing the watercolour ponies
Will one day ride away

And the vision can get so narrow
As you view through your tiny world
And little victories can go by
With no applause
But in the greater evaluation
As they fly from your nest of love
May they mount up with wings
As eagles for His cause

Freedom verses Freedom

2011-05-06T05:08:00.000-07:00

Many of you reading this blog know me personally and have known about our struggles for the past 2 years. For those you who don't, we lost our jobs and then hubby gained employment in another town. He had a contract position which turned permanent in March of this year. We are waiting for our house to sell. It is hard to be separated as a family. It comes with a new set of challenges that you have to creatively figure out. Anyway, needless to say it has been an adventure!

I what I really want to share with you this morning is about a woman that God put in my path the weekend I lost my job. It was a Saturday in April of 2010 and we as a family decided to enjoy a park at a school close by. Usually we go to our normal park but that day the Lord was leading us elsewhere so we went. There were 4 families or so at this small park and all seem to be enjoying themselves. All but one. For protection we shall call her Mary. She ran up to me in tears while her son talked to my hubby. My son being the JOYFUL spirit that he just played with her son as if nothing was wrong. Mary's voice was full of sheer terror. None like I have never heard. She begged and pleaded with me to help her. She told me that no one will help her. Her problem was her current husband was abusing her and her son. My heart sank. My husband came over being the leader that he is said let's all get in the car and go to the police station. That is what we did! For some reason she was afraid to go to the police station but we proceeded anyway. Her story is a gut wrenching story that I am not even sure I could repeat. Basically come to find out she was in the middle of getting her citizenship and the paper work was almost done. If she went ahead to the police station they would discover her marriage of "false pretenses." This would be mean possibly going to jail and not seeing her son for awhile. Her son was born on American soil so it would mean him staying here in foster care. The woman is in what I would call a "quandary." Her current situation gains her freedom on American soil but at a high cost. So Mary asked me "what would you do?" I asked her a really hard question " are you willing to give up your "freedom" here to gain internal "freedom?" What do you want your son to learn from this?" She wept. A police officer came out to get her story and tell her what her options were at the time. He advised us to call 9-1-1 because it involved a child being hurt. We had to do this back at the park where we found her and her son. We took Mary and her son back to the park where we met her. While I was saying goodbye to her the Holy Spirit pricked me. He guided me to give her my small travel bible and my Jesus Calling book by Sarah Young. I swallowed hard, took a deep breathe and gave her my 2 favorite books. I looked her in the eye "Mary do you know who Jesus Christ is what he can do for you?" She said "no." We unfortunately did not have time to talk since she had to get to the shelter fast. I explained to her how HE offers true freedom. One that will take you places that you can't imagine and you will forever know peace. She promised me she would read both books and do what they say to do. She hugged me tight with tears in both our eyes we knew this might be the last time we see each other and so we prayed.

Needless to say I was no longer bummed about losing my job. Talk about putting it into perspective!

I have no idea where Mary is or how she is currently doing. I just have to trust our Lord! I pray that someday we will meet again in Heaven.

John 8:36 If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

3

2011-04-27T04:42:00.000-07:00

My baby turned 3 on April 1st! For me 3 is such a big number. it takes him from babyish to toddler to boy pretty quick. Of course it happened before he turned 3! We had planned a big P-A-R-T-Y! That all got turned upside down when our water heater busted and all of our furniture was in the middle of our house. We also had people painting the inside of our home and they were not done yet. So we had to cancel the big P-A-R-T-Y. It was very difficult to make that decision since we had planned to invite everyone so we as a family could say goodbye/farewell to our Houston friends. That is why it was so hard on us to cancel. We had B-I-G plans for the whole weekend. That is okay. So

metimes you have to do what you have to do. My brother and sister in law were still coming so we decided to have his 1st party at the hotel we were staying at for the weekend. It was just my side of the family. My theme from the very beginning was trains trains trains. I even came up with a very inexpensive goodie bag but I will save it for next year. That is the beauty of it there is always next years party. We still did trains! We had a great time. We rode a mini-train downtown to start the festitives and then we headed back for lunch and cake. He really loves his Uncle and Aunt!

Then we traveled on his actual birthday to hubby's parents to celebrate with that side of the family. Hubby's mom and dad got him a Thomas cake! This kid had more cake and cupcakes than I care to admit. I was afraid he was going to start thinking every weekend was his birthday. I think he will remember this birthday for a long time!

WELCOME

2011-04-26T19:56:00.001-07:00

Well, it was time for a change! Since I am sorta in Austin I thought why not move my blog as well! It is still me but with a little twist. The title of my blog represents the past few years of my life. There have been many many wonderful blessings. Some beyond a blessing and some just beyond! I pray that you will check in every now and then to see what is happening in my world. Some topics may be on family while others may talk about a struggle. Some days it just may be a tip or suggestion or just a picture. All in all it is simply about LIFE. Either way find your favorite drink and enjoy some blog surfing. Especially mine ;0)!

p.s. Don't ya just love the new digs? ;0)

Rodeo Day

2011-03-11T15:47:00.000-08:00

Guess what?

2011-02-24T06:37:00.000-08:00

I have been practicing my photography skills...ha ha ha..I know what skills you ask? I mean I have been trying my hand at manual!! EEEKKKKK!!! Here are some I have taken and one of them I sent off to Canvas on demand...;0)

I know not very exciting but I had to start somewhere!

a little bit more exciting, don't ya think?

love his hands and feet

my fav....

Well, not bad for my first try! I have to be honest if you saw the others you would laugh. Here is just a few of the really bad ones.

no need to adjust your screen or put your glasses on.

yep, it is that bad!

good

better

The outside is my friend! Natural lighting!!!! Plus, Austin has great back drops!!!!

So, how are your techniques?

We are MOVING!!!!

2011-02-18T07:05:00.000-08:00

to Austin! We have no idea exactly when but the process has started! Today is hubby's first day as an permanent employee! We are praying that our house will be ready in a little over a month. We were wishing for sooner BUT we have a lot to do..paint, paint, more paint, and other little things to do. I am back in forth between cities so it is gonna be a challenge to get it all done.

We are so grateful to you all praying for us and reaching out to us during our time of need. We could not have done it without YOU all!!!! God bless.....

Valentine's at the Vineyard

2011-02-16T03:39:00.000-08:00

[slideshow]

My Valentine

2011-02-14T17:14:00.000-08:00

Happy V Month

2011-02-03T14:11:00.000-08:00

or Love, Romance, Chocolate eatin' goodies or just all over goodness! I love the month of Febuary! Not because it is the time for husbands to sweat over what to do for Valentine's Day but I love to see what they come up with next! I like to go to the bakery isle at the store and see all the wonderful edibles or check out the latest in HEART WEAR at the department store. Mostly, I like to look at all the lovey dovey poetic cards that hit the V-isle. Hubby and I a long time ago agreed that Valentine's is not just about the ladies so we swap every year of who is planning the fun date. The problem is we are little behind in that department ever since we had little man. I honestly don't remember whose turn is it and neither can he. Ha ha!!!! So we are planning it together this year. I already have one part of my gift to give him so I am doing pretty good considering it is only 2 weeks away. One of our most favorite part of the date night is the exchange of cards. It is fun to find one that fits that year or the relationship or just in general the personality of each other. Our first year together as an engaged couple I bought him one of those cute cards with children on it pretending to be dressed up as if they were couples. Below is a picture of the card.

What are your plans or traditions for this lovely day of romance? Any creative ideas that you are seeing to fruition? I would love to hear your thoughts. Happy Planning....

much love...

Mrs C

Christmas Evening

2010-12-30T07:34:00.000-08:00

A tradition in hubby's family is to delay stocking stuffer time until evening! So in most cases opening the stockings is like another Christmas around here. I did check little man's stocking before giving it to him. Grandparents have a tendency to put too much in it so I have to take stuff out and bring it out a little bit at a time. Not to mention WE do not need a SUGAR overload!

[caption id="attachment_1046" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="little man's is to the far left and mine is to the far right"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1047" align="aligncenter" width="199" caption="chillin'"][/caption]

After the fun of opening stockings it was time to decorate Jesus' Birthday Cake! Of course little man choose the STAR shape pan for the mini cakes. He had so much decorating! It was a good feeling sitting around the table watching everyone decorate their own cake. Then we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus. So sweet listening to a child's voice!

[caption id="attachment_1048" align="aligncenter" width="199" caption="icing the mini star cake"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1049" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="everyone got to decorate their own star cake"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1050" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="yummy!"][/caption]

Christmas Morning

2010-12-29T01:56:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas Morning!!! So much fun to watch little ones discover presents under the tree! OF COURSE our little one woke us up at 6:00 am!!!! UGH! I was praying for a 9:00 am of opening gifts but you just have to roll with it. This year was all about trains. We (hubby and myself) got him the train table and hubby's mom and dad got him the Chuggington trains with a carrying case. My brother and sister in law got him a collapsible travel train set. We are not BIG into Thomas but he does know about Chuggington. I like the characters better in Chuggington than Thomas. Trains are trains. This little boy knows a lot about trains.

[caption id="attachment_1035" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="discovering his train table for the first time"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1036" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="thank you mommy and daddy"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1037" align="aligncenter" width="199" caption="he loves to open gifts"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1038" align="aligncenter" width="199" caption="oh wow more trains"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1039" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="a travel train set! thank you Uncle John and Aunt Amy"][/caption]

This guy never sits down for more than 10 minutes so once the trains came out I did not hear a peep out of him for 45 minutes. I kept looking to see if he was still alive! It was a great Christmas Morning!

Everything Merry

2010-12-28T05:14:00.000-08:00

[caption id="attachment_1022" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="making homemade sugar cookies for Santa and Jesus!"][/caption]

Our festives began early Friday making my homemade sugar cookie dough so it could chill for awhile until ready for cookie cutting time. It is so easy to make these sugar cookies and I love that my son loves to bake right along with me. He loves to help roll out the dough with the rolling pin.

[caption id="attachment_1023" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="my lil helper"][/caption]

We made cookies both for Santa and Jesus. Santa got the snowman and Jesus the angel. We left a note for Santa and Jesus. All month my guy has been taking about Santa coming in a sleigh and Jesus parking his car in the garage. So the note he wanted me to write included both those thoughts to Santa and Jesus. Here at our house we have really talked about Jesus so he seems to think that Jesus will also come to our house when Santa is to come. I really like his thought process. Don't ya just love the innocence of children? So precious!

[caption id="attachment_1024" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="a note for Santa and Jesus"][/caption]

After we placed our cookies by the fireplace we began our Holiday book reading! We have several books we have been reading but only a few we have pick for reading before Christmas Day! You can see both books in the above picture. One focuses on Jesus birth and the other is a classic Santa read. We all sat around the Christmas tree listening to daddy read to us all.

[caption id="attachment_1025" align="aligncenter" width="199" caption="sitting on daddy's lap"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1027" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="intently listening to the story"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1029" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="all wrapped and ready to go"][/caption]

Gather to Gobble

2010-11-25T03:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving from our turkey to yours!!!

waiting.....*sigh*

Hello

2010-10-10T15:16:00.000-07:00

Yep, I am still here! Kinda reminds me of that song we sing at church.."God is not dead, No! He is alive....." Umm, yeah like that only Mrs. C is not dead, NO! She is alive! Okay sorry for the trailing off ...

Anyway, where have I been? Working. working and yet more work! Plus, hubby did get a job in Austin. Yes, that is right you heard me, Austin! Of course some of you already know this since you do see me in r.l. No we are not moving to Austin yet. I don't even know if we will for sure or when I would know. Hubby's contract job is for a year so we saw no need in uprooting the family. We have been seeing each other on the weekends. That is all coming to a very short stop. He will be on call for a couple of weekends so we will go as short as 14 days or as long as 21 days of not seeing each other. YIKES! How are we coping you ask? Pretty good! Much better this weekend then the past few together. I think we may have found our groove. It sometimes takes awhile to get into a "normal" routine. HA HA, what is normal?! I guess you could say I am a single parent Monday-Friday and sometimes longer than that.

So the last time I left off we were on vacation. I am so sorry to drop the ball on that one but I believe you got the drift. Obviously, I am not going to be able to catch you up in one short post so....

I will leave you with this...Lately, I have been thinking long and hard about what is needed in our life. Order. Order and yet more ORDER! It has become vitally important now that our time together is so short but sweet! I have been working on making things run smoother. Heck we could all tighten up our ships a little. I am not necessarily talking about "clean, perfect" houses. I am talking order or as some people call it "organized." Where everything has a place! So, I have begun the...dum de dum....Office! EEEEKKK. I said it! the O word that is typically not mentioned in my house. Yes, ladies and maybe gentlemen I have confessed my weakness to you(hangs head low). Okay maybe I have more than one weakness. Anyway, let's focus on one thing. I(we) need order there! It is where bills are paid, photos are created, blogs are faithful(cough-cough), beautiful books are displayed, and just maybe a cup of coffee is sipped. I would say the Office here at my house is pretty important to keep in some form of order. Maybe you call it something else. The study, the junk room, the place where you use to dream of___, the cave, the napping room, the scrap-booking room, or the whatever room!! You know the room and you know you need to get to it! So do it! I am and let me tell you I have invested in some help so hang with me to see the process.

Oh and one last thing...my little man reading his favorite magazine. Daddy is so proud!

love your unfaithful blogger

Our Trip Day 6 continued...

2010-08-21T04:31:00.000-07:00

again it speaks for itself....

Atlantic side

Pacific side

crossing to the other side

Do not travel beyond this point when bighorn sheep are present.

yes, they were that close!

just beautiful!

Our Trip Day 6

2010-08-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

I think Day 6 speaks for itself!

More to come......

Our Trip Days 4-5

2010-08-17T00:03:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed our surroundings while staying in Estes Park and of course my time with my family. One morning hubby and I went on a nice walk/bike ride. I walked while pushing Jonathan in a stroller and hubby rode his bike. It was pretty steep in some places. It took us a total of 3 hours. We walked/biked the 6 miles around the lake and walked/biked around town. It was so much fun. The interesting part of my walk with my beautiful red head was the "concerned" people stopping me on my trail. People would flag me down to let me know that my son is not only red but a red head at that. They were really "concerned" about how red he looked and thought that I had forgotten the sun screen. I would politely tell them "yes, he has sun screen on but he is hot natured. that is one of the reasons he does wear a hat on days such as these." Then they would take a step back to say " oh, well you know that red heads burn easily." My evil side wanted to say " Yes, m'am the red headed manual they passes out at the hospital seem to indicate that as well." However, my good twin won over with a polite "thank you for your concern."

nice!

our view while on our walk/bike ride

I'll live in one of those.

Yummy!

looks like fun

After our fun day around town by bike and stroller we had dinner with my brother and his family. It was such a great time! I have missed my brother so much but count my blessings that he is still with me here on this earth. Plus, my sister in law is the best. He did good by picking her. We are so grateful that God sent Amy to us.

cousins

basketball with Uncle John David

Troy and little man

just a little wrestle time

It was really neat to see my little man with the cousins. He really enjoyed playing with older boys and would want to model what they do. I just wished we lived close by each other so we could enjoy more moments such as these. I am so grateful to savor every moment. It also reminded me of how little man seems to really enjoy the company of other kids around him. There is something to be said for having brothers and sisters around you when growing up. I love that he has so much fun with others.

Our Trip Day 3 Estes Park

2010-08-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

One of the most beautiful things about Estes Park was you walked everywhere. You walked to get breakfast, coffee, the movies, to town (which was 1.3 miles to the center), to rent bikes, to the kids community playground or anything else you can think of. We loved it! I actually lost weight on this trip! I enjoyed the fresh air and the positive attitude of the people in town. People were so friendly! Here is a thought, most of the people I met were either locals or from TEXAS. Yep, many folks from Texas "summer" in Colorado. Crazy! We did meet some folks from New Orleans. It was very interesting. Our first official day in Estes we enjoyed the beautiful surroundings and relaxed!

Even McDonald's is prettier!

Flowers were planted all around the town center.

Just part of our beautiful walk!

Kind Coffee and it really was good & kind!

Hat buddies!

at the playground

love my boys

Just me and my boy

loved our walk!

perfect ending to a perfect day!

beautiful sunset!

Our Trip Day 2 Goodbye Kansas, Hello Colorado!

2010-08-12T01:28:00.000-07:00

Once again we woke up at the crack of dawn to leave beautiful Wichita and get to Colorado! Here are a few more pictures of our long drive out of Kansas. We did make a big pit stop in Kansas so little man could stretch his legs. We were blessed that the gas station where we needed to fill up had an awesome play area. I think that is key when traveling with little ones is to stop at places so they can run and play. We made many play stops along our way since we knew most of our day would be in the car for this trip. I am proud of him! He did really well in the car!

Good bye Kansas!

Yep, we're not in Kansas anymore! Colorado's sign is beautiful!

Colorado's visitor center. It was small but clean. We like stopping at the visitor centers because you get all kinds of free information about the state. Trust me it is different then when you call them and ask them to send you free pamphlets. They only send a few and this way when you do stop you get to pick and choose. We did stop here for awhile to stretch our legs.

The nice thing about this visitor center was the play area outside and inside. It wasn't nothing special but a nice place to roam. What is it about boys and trees?

Yeah! We made it!

God did good!

Uncle John David and cousin Troy

cousins

Our Trip Day 1 Wichita, Kansas

2010-08-12T00:52:00.000-07:00

Day 1 of our trip we stayed in Wichita, Kansas for the night. We got there early enough in the evening to see the city and eat a nice dinner. It was quite the adventure for mom and I to explore the little city. Hubby was back at the hotel getting little man settled or should I say letting him stretch his legs. One thing we have learned about our sweet boy is he loves hotels! I was the exact same way when I was younger. It is neat to see it in my son! We thought it was best to order dinner to go and eat back at the hotel so we could crash after a very long day in the car. For trips such as these a GPS does come in handy but you do need to update your maps before you go. We did not update my moms GPS trying to save money where we could. Well, we apparently needed the new maps for Wichita. They had a lot of construction so things were not accurate. Needless to say we got lost in some parts of the city. We did get to witness police officers take down 3 men. This happened right outside a place called His Diner. It is a place for people who are homeless to come in and eat a meal. Mom and I came to the conclusion that they must have fought over the last meal since they were at the end of the line. We decided that was enough thrill for one night. I must say this little city has some beautiful old buildings and it was fun to take pictures of them.

If I worked downtown I would eat my lunch here everyday. Such a beautiful place to relax and catch your breathe.

Loretta Lynn is coming!

After our little tour of the city we did finally find a place to grab some grub. When we got back to the hotel this is what we found little man doing.

Just give him a phone!!

so sweet when they are sleeping!