So I Realize....

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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