Your Story

We had a guest speak in from Youth for Christ today & I liked this guy immediately because he said he worked with Middle School Kids... It reminds me of the Flair on Facebook that says "You gotta be a little crazy to work with Middle School Kids" - Can I hear an AMEN?

He was talking of the story of the Samaritian woman & how she shared her experience with Jesus at the well & because of that, it allowed Jesus two more days in the town that brought many more to believe in him.

Something he then said really hit me....

What is God's Story through you?

How many times do we have a story to tell about our lives? Or what happened to us lately? Everyone has a story - the recollection of how we got to where we are in life. And we think of it just as that - OUR story. But have we ever thought about it as God's story? How He's working out His plan through us? How He's using us in so many different ways?

And because we have free will... & we're human... & we screw up ALL the time... isn't it cool that God can REWRITE the story? Still make it a story that honors him & take those experiences & use them for His Glory????

I know I want God to be the Author of my life! How about you?

And when you tell your story - do you see God in it? Do others see Him there?

God, use my past stories to glorify you & may I follow the pages you already have written for me with turn of each new day!

Knitting for a friend

You gotta go check out my friend Pooba & see the knitted goodie she got! I was so happy making this for her & God's timing is awesome - she received it when she was having such a glum day too!!! I love knitting & seeing that people love it too!!! Thanks Pooba for being a great blog-buddy!!!!

Time for some SUPER CUTE!!!

This just isn't cute... this is what I think is SUPER CUTE!!!! We got an envelope in the mail yesterday & we pulled out the picture & this is what we saw!!!! I just about wanted to scream from cuteness!!!! I'm telling you - is he the most perfect looking little boy in the world?

And to top it off - we got to see a video of his first steps!!! You can go to Julie's blog & see the video too! It was funny (& sad) because Ricky watched it & just lit up... & then said "That sucks"... I told him - that's a weird reaction. He said, "I just want him here!"... I second that emotion! ........... Enjoy our little Granbaby - aka - the cutest Angel in the world!

Focus

I've seen where so many people this year - instead of making a full resolution - has put one word down that sort of sums up how they want the year to go. I was thinking last night as I was going to bed - thinking of everything that is going on in my life right now - & the word that kept popping in - FOCUS.

Looking up the definition of Focus - there are some of the entries:

1. A condition in which something can be clearly apprehended or perceived
2. To concentrate attention or energy
3. to adjust one's eyes or an instrument on an object so that its image is clear

For me - its about "focusing" in on God - in all things, at all times! Putting energy & concentrating on the end goal of everything. Examples of what I mean:

• Its not about loosing weight - its focusing on getting healthier
• Its not about bills & finances - its about focusing on all the blessings God provides
• Its not about how I feel about regrets - its focusing on what the Bible promises on forgiveness
• Its not about what people say about you - its focusing on who I know I am
• Its not about failures - its about focusing on successes that are to come
• Its not about a "What can I do for ME" attitude - its focusing on "What can I do for others"
• Its not about people that are against me - its focusing on Who is on my side (Romans 8:31)

So many things in my life, & probably a lot of lives, need to be refocused... putting our direction & thoughts & hearts into something other than the stupid stuff of life. How much time, energy & parts of ourselves do we hand over to stuff that really leads to nothing - nothing that holds focus at all.

So today - I'm FOCUSING on my God... that's it!!! And that should cover it all!!!! What area of your life needs to be "Re-focused"?

"He must become greater - I must become less" -John 3:30

Still Calls Me Son

All the playlists on different blogs are so entertaining... so one day, I went on & created my own... actually I created like 5! I have one playlist with nothing but Christian songs, one with nothing but "girl power" songs - one with Hair Band songs (Don't judge - I'm a child of the 80's!!! Gotta love Bon Jovi & Whitesnake!) - & one with Broadway songs (who doesnt love to belt out some Broadway when times are low!!!)....The cool thing though - you can see other people's playlist. All you have to do is type in an artist & all the playlists with that person comes up.... I like typing, of course, Steven Curtis Chapman, & then you'll see all sorts of playlists.

So I was listening to one yesterday & on that playlist had the song "Still Calls me Son" by John Waller. Now I am familiar with all Christian music - even from the older days when my mom played Sandi Patty, Evie (loved that lady), Rainbow Reunion, The Gaithers all day long on the record player! But for some reason - I dont remember this song.

The words start out: "I drug his name through the godless places - & I've known shame that no child of his should know...." oh dang... gotta listen to this one again. I even pulled up the lyrics so I could follow along... The chorus:

After all I've done - could he run to me?

Would he kiss my face? Could he even look at me?

After where I've been - should he take me back?

I would understand - I've disgraced him

But it would be amazing if he still calls me son

Such a powerful song! Such a song that is a reminder of God's mercy & grace!!! Maybe someone needs to hear this today. I know I need to be reminded daily of it... Take a break, listen to this song for a few minutes & let God's love cover you today....

Come on August!!!

There are a few things in life that I love above everything else.... my family of course, friends, knitting, Beauty & The Beast.... & STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN!!!!!!! I adore this man & have been one of his biggest fans since as long as I can remember... even when he sported the mullet in years past!

So how excited was I when Erica called me yesterday with "I've got some fantastic news".... she found out that on our Women of Faith trip in August.... HE'S A GUEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHOOO - HOOO!!! Now, I love Women of Faith conferences so much anyways & this will be the first that I've seen my guy at! I've got to get a "ticker" thing now so I can count the days!!!!

I was trying to figure out how many times I've seen him in concert or at events... I honestly have lost track - how sad is that! I just think SCC's humbleness & love for his family & our Lord is amazing - & his family amazes me too -I love to follow Mary Beth & all the kids as well.

I just know his story at WOF is going to be heart wrenching if he talks about Maria & the accident - which I'm sure he will.... WOF always requires kleenex anyways - I'll need an extra package!

Now, I have to wait until August! But dang, Christmas came around so fast - August will probably be here before I know it!

New Favorite Dancer!!!

OK - so I'm a sucker for anything "Dance" ... tell me someone is dancing & I'll watch - so when I heard a new show was on called "Superstars of Dance" - I knew I had to watch. And then to see the host is Michael Flatley - the Original LORD OF THE DANCE!!!

Now, I've never been a fan of the Lord of the Dance style.... but this dude was on "Dancing with the Stars" to fill in one time & loved him on that... he was so polite & such a gentleman. And here he is again - such a neat little dude. I love when he says everyone is "beautiful" & the dancing was "Fabulous"... with his little accent... I think I have a new favorite dancer!

I told Ricky, who is Irish... who knew that little accent was so cute?.... how much of a gentleman the Irish seems to be!... what happened to him? He just gave me a look & did his version of "Lord of The Dance" as he left the room... Michael Flately has nothing on my guy!!!!

Balance Beam

We were so blessed in our church to have our former Youth Minister & Associate Pastor come back to preach today. Mike shared the most amazing story that made my jaw drop & made me just want to cry - I have to share it with you....

He was talking how his little daughter who is now 6 years old loved the summer Olympics - especially the gymnastic competitions. She was in awe of every one of the things they did with their bodies - but she was really attached to the balance beam & the things the girls could do on this tiny board.

The things they do are amazing - they can walk across with their eyes shut, they can walk backwards - they can jump & do splits & land right back down on it - they can roll on their head on this thing - they can do flips, twisting in the air, but land back down on this slim area for their footing.

What if you were on that beam? Can you walk across it? Some could - no problem. Others would be scooting across it. And others would be sitting on it, pulling themselves across - all just trying to make it to the other end.

And when you jumped off - no matter how you got to the end - would you stand up, proud, throw those arms in the air - do a TA-DAAAAA moment & be proud that you made it?

The thing is - that beam could represent our Christian walk with our Father. He wants us to leap & skip & do all the amazing things on it. If you fall, you can get back on - if you get hurt, it'll get better, try again until you get it right... God doesnt want us "scooting" across - to play it safe - to just make it to the other end & say "Ta - DAAAA God - I made it".... its more than just MAKING IT - its about living for HIM - in Freedom - in His grace!!! Experiencing it enough to Jump & Leap & Feel HIS goodness.

Where are you at? Are you going forward with no fear? Are you gripping for your life on that beam? Afraid to move forward? Wanting to go back & get off & not try it at all? Maybe you made it to standing up, but afraid to put that next foot in front of the other...

Wherever you are at - know that God is at the end - wanting to throw His arms around you & give you a big 10.0 & say "Well done, my good & faithful servant!"

Sunday Scripture

In Honor of my Sister Friend, Lynn's Birthday, I wanted to give Sunday's scripture that carries a Birthday Blessing!

I'm so thankful for my friend & the friendship she offers in such an incredible way - with wise words - with secure hugs - a shoulder to cry on - with comforting laughter, & always keeping God in the center of EVERYTHING! Happy Birthday my friend!!!!!

If you get a chance - drop by & wish her a Happy Birthday!

"May the Lord bless you & protect you

May the Lord smile on you & be gracious to you

May the Lord show you his favor & give you his peace."

Numbers 6:24-26 (NLT)

Ringing it in!

We had so much fun last night! A couple from our Committed Couples group opened up their home to ring in the New Year. It was fantastic - it included a chocolate fountain with tons of goodies to dip it in (plus straws that were requested to just SLURP it up!) - some soups, snacky stuff to last all night long & the best part - a Karoke night! The set up is incredible to sing & enjoy each other. I laughed so hard, my stomach muscles hurt this morning!

The best part though - LOOK AT MY CAKE!!!! My Princess of a friend, Kim, made me this Belle cake. Isn't it absolutely amazing? I was totally not even expecting birthday celebrations to still be going on a day later - so the surprise of that was so good & then just the cake itself.... WOW! I didnt have the heart to cut it up! Its actually still sitting on my kitchen table. I think I may put her in the frig downstairs so she'll stay together & every time we go get bottled waters, I can say "hey" to Belle.....

Here - take a better look at her.

Here's some highlights of the night.

Here's Erica & Angie singing along. It's so funny because everyone was quick to say "I'm not singing" - but all voices were heard by the end of the night!

Getting a toast for the new year with poppers, hats, streamers, Sparkling Apple Juice ready - Kim & Jeremy were incredible Karaoke hosts too - man, to keep up with all those CD's & requests - that was a job! Thanks guys for doing all that!

Joe & Erica are ready with all their goodies. (Is Ricky ready to sneeze?) These two can get on a mic & RAP it up!!!! See why these two are also in youth ministry? Completely fun people!!!!

Bill & Angie with the most adorable baby boy!!! I know Isaac is the cutest baby in the world - but Jake is right up there with him. I love to hear him talk - he's the only baby I know that has a BASS voice... I could eat him up. And the little girl - that's Jeremy & Kim's baby... she was ready to celebrate too!!!! We didn't aim everything at her - it just sorta landed on her... but I think it makes her look even more like an angel!

And to sum up the night - I'll let you have a listen. Yes - this is my husband singing! Now, Ricky is the most quiet person in the world & was the first one who said he wouldnt sing - but once he had the mic - he was all about singing. He's a anti-camera person & would completly object against being video taped - so I had to do it on the sly... & thought it was just too cute how his feet were moving to the song the whole time anyways!!!! He laughed when I showed him the video....

We missed our other couple that wasnt able to make it... but we're all looking forward to growing with each other as a small group, with our spouses & most importantly, to grow closer to God in the future year. I couldnt imagine ringing in a year any better way - with friends & laughter... it doesnt get any better than that!

Happy New Year!

First, I have to thank everyone for a wonderful birthday! As much as I dreaded it - everyone made it so nice - from the e-cards, to the warm wishes in my comments, from phone calls, to surprise goodies, & from cool friends who gave shout outs on their blogs for me (Thanks Lynn & Carolina Girl!!!!) - & even had two sets of flowers sent to me.... its because of awesome people like you that made my day! Seriously - totally made my day - THANK YOU!!!

So today is the last day in the year. Can you believe it? A great time to set those resolutions! It always cracks me up how people think that just because the date is 01/01/?? - that makes it good to start fresh.... especially when we have a Graceful God who makes all things new daily!!!

Anyways - I've got things that I'm going to resolve to stick with through the year....what are they?

OK - don't laugh... I wont be - I'll probably be crying.... I'm actually starting to train Monday for the Mini-Marathon for the Kentucky Derby Festival. Me - Running..... stop laughing! I always wanted to run this before I turned 40 & after yesterday, turning another year older - I need to do it soon. And my Sister in law did it last year - her first.... I was so impressed she did it - & made it under 3 hours - I told her I'd do it too. That was in April - darn it - she remembered I said that!!!! So I've got my schedule to train. Starting off the first day - I have to run 3 miles... building up on that... after 7 weeks, on Saturdays (which is the big days to run - I'll be up to 12 miles).... can you hear me laughing? I'm not sure if its laughing or crying myself... but I'm going to give it a go. If anything - I'm hoping to survive... live through this... make it across the finish line - even if its 6 hrs later...as long as they dont have to send a rescue team after me - I'll consider it a success!!!!!

All that is going to lead to my resolution to eat healthier... yes - how many people make that one - but I think training to run - I'm going to HAVE to do this... I wont be able to eat some fried stuff & then jump on the treadmill....it'll feel like a rock in my belly. This should be interesting because I'm not a veggie fan.

But this also leads to another resolution.... I'm going to try to cook more. Now, I did make this last year & I did really well the first few months of the year, but again, having to eat healthy - to train (see how it all ties in together) - I'm going to have to do more of this. Carolina Girl has already tipped me off to the "Biggest Loser Cookbook".... I heard easy ingredients & recipes - that's what I'm talking about!

Also, my blog buddy, Deidre is challenging people to memorize scripture. I love my time to read my Bible daily - but I want to hold it tight to me... I want to store it away. So I got a little leather book that fits in my purse & will be writing down a verse every few days - until I get it down & memorizing it! Of course, my love of sign language - I'll learn it that way as well. It actually helps me to memorize it since I'm a big "talking with the hands" person. Ricky says if you tie my hands down, I wouldnt be able to talk - its true!

So that's what I'm resoluting (is that a word?) ... I think it takes care of my mind, body & soul.... all three covered. I've got to be sure to link this up to my friend Lianna - she's keeping track of everyone's resolutions... can't wait to see how many are the same - or different!

Be safe tonight... I always worry about OTHER people driving!!! I just hope Ricky & I can see midnight come in - we both have early mornings going to work.... odds are good for me - not so good for Ricky... we'll see

Happy New Year! May 2009 hold wondrous Blessings for us all!

Another birthday?

Dang... I'm another year older today.... I can't believe it.....

I'm one of those people who dreaded turning 25 because I knew 30 was coming.... oh, talk about being down - I hated my 30th birthday... & now, I'm on the back side of 30 & I can't believe it. Where does the time go?

And its crazy because when someone asks me how old I am - I truly have to think because my initial reaction is to say 18! How screwed up is that? But I guess mentally, I still pass for 18 years old most of the time!

Oh well... I just know I'm going to use the phrase, "BUT ITS MY BIRTHDAY" to Ricky all day - afterall, he used it on me 6 days ago - ALL DAY LONG!!!! I have witnesses!!!!

Christmas cards

Here's an idea that I love doing....

When you get ready to take down your Christmas cards - & this is a great idea to do if you work in a business where they normally just toss the Christmas cards - take them & recycle them... how?

What I like to do - if the picture is a beautiful picture on the front - cut off the front portion of the card - make sure the back side is blank. Then you can take a hole punch & put two holes at the top - thread some ribbon through & tie a pretty bow to it to add a little touch. You can trim the edges with some of those really neat shearing scissors made for scrapbooking.

Then with the blank side - you can write any sort of Christmas message..... then you can take these to a nursing home or a hospital next year & have nurses deliver them to patients - especially those that are not getting alot of visitors or have alot of family... it would be a nice surprise to lift up their Holidays.

If you work with kids in any way - this is a great idea to have them write on the back as well - let them pass on a fun message to a stranger! Let the kids even pick the ribbon & tie them... something to get kids involved as well!

I hate to throw away anything that can be recycled - & this is a great way to recycle some of the beautiful cards!!!!

Listening?

One of our great church members filled in giving an incredible message on prayer today. He did this skit below - & this guy is the funniest guy in the world - so he added his own touches & made everyone get a good laugh in church (always love to laugh in church!) But I wanted everyone to see this - its such a reminder.... how much time do we spend praying? How much of HEART is in praying? AND how much time do we spend listening to God's answers - his response to our lives? HHHmmmm.....

Sunday Scripture

HE must become greater; I must become less.

-John 3:30

The Day After...

Oh - its all over... isn't a little weird when you wait & wait & all the build up - & the anticipation & then bam - its over! I had to work this morning but got out of work early (Thank you Mr. Nice Boss) so I got to come home & start cleaning up the Christmas madness. But here's a few pics from my celebration.

We got this package in the mail from Julie & gang... YIPEE - I got a yarn pattern book - how fun! & Ricky got the cutest frame - it says "Grandpa & me"... gotta find the perfect picture of Pappy & Isaac... But look at the jars... Julie has learned to make natural foods & canning them... we got apple butter, apple sauce, & other fruit spreads... YUM!!!!!! I'm glad she knows how to can them so she can mail more up (hint Julie - Hint!)



Got to spend time with the baby of the family - Lindsay & her fiance.... yep - I said Fiance!!! We're a little taken back - she just turned 20 in October but that's another story... but she's still the baby so we worry - you dont ever stop worrying for your kids - do you? Anyways - its always good to spend time with her.







What do you see here? Know what I see - the best gifts in the world!!!!! My dear sister-friend Lynn knitted for me for my birthday, which is next week, some Alpaca Fingerless gloves... these things are like Heaven on the hand... & how beautiful are they!!! I'll be wearing them daily!!!! I had to watch Lindsay - she wanted to walk out with them. And the socks... Lynn made those as well - for me & for Ricky.... which is funny because I've never made Ricky socks because he complains so much about the price of them - I told him I'd never make him a pair... Lynn stepped in being a good friend & made a pair for him for Christmas. I'm telling you - there is nothing better than knitted socks!!!! It really is the best gifts ever Lynn - thank you!!!




Got to spend Christmas Night with the twins...I had to pick this picture because look at those faces... Sophia is sitting in anticipation & Madi - I dont know what she's seeing - but it must be the packages coming out ... in this picture - the floor is clean - & by clean I mean you can see it... after about a 15 minutes - you couldnt see nothing but shreds of paper.... oh - Christmas through the eyes of kids....And can I help it if I gave them 4 Belle Dolls? Who can get enough of that?

Now - what did my hubs get me?


YIPEE - a new camera... & ITS PINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I didnt get to play with it because the battery had to charge so new pictures will be coming.... its so slim! I'm used to a bulky camera - but I wanted a camera I can put in my purse - never know when a blog picture moment will happen....





Hubs got me more fun stuff & the above... a book which I've been wanting & GIFT CARDS.... so what am I doing this weekend - going SHOPPING!!!!!!

And he also got me a Ped-Egg.... know those things? I've been wanting one for so long but didnt want to spend $10.00 on it for myself.... so he ventured out to get it... I wish I could have been a spy - he said he felt like a fool going around asking for a "PET EGG".... I would have loved to seen the faces of everyone he asked!!!

Hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas....I'm ready to go snap some pictures now!!!

The Gift

I know alot of you are hearing the verses from Luke or from the gosepls about the birth of our Savior.... I want to look at another verse real quick.

Romans 6:23 " For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord"

As we receive so many gifts from our friends & family - let us remember the one gift that our Father God sent for us - Jesus Christ. I think we forget that he was a "GIFT" for us. And as any gift - we can choose to take it & open it & use it & receive it.... or we can take a gift & not ever open it up - or never use it - put it in a corner or closet & forget about it.

As you celebrate Christmas with your family - remember the gift that God sent down to us... the gift that cost so much for his Son..... the gift that God wants you to accept.

May your Christmas be full of love, hope & peace!

Happy Birthday Punk!

I use the word "Punk" with nothing but love... that's how me & my husband roll...

Yep - Ricky's birthday is on Christmas Eve.... He always said that makes him & Jesus even cooler with each other since they share a birthday.... that strikes our argument - was Jesus born on Christmas Day or Christmas Eve - since we go by the star that the wise men followed - but you have the argument that they followed that star for awhile... & what makes us think he was born at night even though all the pictures show a late night in the stable? Because there was no room in the inn? Does that mean its night - everyone settled in? And then that takes us back to was it Christmas Eve Night or Christmas Night - even when studies show Jesus was probably born sometime in the summer.... see - that's how our arguments go... they lead to one thing & another....

But back to the main point.... Its my hubby's birthday!!!! And I have tried to make it a day where he doesn't feel "cheated" that he has to share his birthday with a pretty big holiday... so we'll be celebrating..... lucky him - he got off work so he gets to relax the day away while I have to work... the point that I have to work makes it even sweeter to him! But we're meeting our dear friends for lunch & he'll finally get his Birthday gift that he's been dying to figure out what it is... I'll post a picture later....its SOOOO him!!!

So Happy Birthday Dude-y! I'm thankful for the day you were born!

Dogs taking over

So not only have I met some incredible friends - my doggies are all into this blog thing & have made friends of their own... & the results - they've been tagged! Yes they have! Their doggie friend Rudy from his mommy, Krysta's blog tagged them - so they are taking over on this post... I'm handing over my lap top & asking the questions & letting their little doggie paws put whatever they want (with a little help from me)

The rules:

1. Link to the person that tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
4. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
5. Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.

With four dogs - they each have some habits & quirks... so which dog to begin with...

1. From Zoe.... I love to ride in the car. I especially like to ride in my mommy or daddy's lap - that way I can sit behind the wheel & feel like I'm driving the car! I'll sit & look straight out the window like I'm actually turning the wheel. I just have to use mom & dad's feet to reach the pedals. I'm the littliest of the bunch so I like having the control in the automobile. Being little has its perks because no one else can fit in this spot!

#2. From Sydney.... No one knows my secret talent. - I'm really a basketball pro at heart! when my mommy & daddy go play basketball at the park, they'll take me & I love when the ball comes through the hoop. That's when I make the move. I can jump up & block the ball & then, my Aussie skills come in handy. I'll herd the ball to where I want it, while barking & snipping at it until it does what I want. Then mom & dad pick up the ball & we do it all over again. I'm waiting for my offer from the NDA (National Dog Association!)

#3 From Sydney again.... I love my little nephew Isaac. After all, he is mom & dad's first grandbaby so I know they love him very much. I even watch out for him when he visits to make sure he's OK or not getting into any trouble. But I have to remind everyone that I am still the baby in this house too. Even if that means being right in the middle of all the toys... that's what it takes sometimes to get the attention back on me. Its hard competing with a beautiful blue eyed baby! That's OK - I love him enough to share the attention!

#4 From Buffy.... I'm the biggest in the family & there is advantage with that - I've got a better vantage point of the kitchen counters! Mom & dad keep a close watch on me because they know I'm super fast with seeing what's up there & grabbing it & running. They've gotten smarter though because they push things back where I can't reach it. I'll figure out a way to get even those things! Luckily - it seems my stomach is made of iron because I think I've ate more chocolate than any dog should be allowed. I'm ready for more too!!

#5 from Bruno.... I love everyone! Especially little kids & babies. Maybe because my legs are only an inch long - I like shorter people. I can sit for hours with a baby's arm around me - or just sit & let a little one pet me. When the twins are over, I get so nervous because I dont know which one to follow. I just want to play with littles ones all the time - its the only time I can really play because my sisters all have longer legs & outrun me so I have a hard time keeping up with them. That's OK - I prefer humans anyways!

#6 - from All..... we love to sleep with our mommy & daddy. Its a tight fit since its only a queen size bed, but none of us are willing to budge. We all have our places - Bruno sleeps right in between mommy's legs - Sydney gets right in the middle - Buffy stretches at the bottom & Zoe is so tiny - she'll squeeze where she can. Mom & dad wake up sometimes saying that we have to get a king sized bed.... I dont know about them - but we're just fine where we're at. We're a family after all!

So there's a little look of my dog's point of view.... Thanks Rudy for tagging them... they love getting attention too! It's always good to see some other spoiled dogs reaching out to other spoiled dogs.

Now who do they tag... they put their wet noses to my ear & said that's it free for anyone - have a pet? Let them take your blog over for a day.... let them tell a little bit about themselves! They have lots to say!!!