My little buddy

 

                                             Maya and Tate

Tatoes has to have surgery tomorrow to remove several large bladder stones she has :(  This makes me mucho nervous.  I hate what she is going to have to go through, and I hate the pain she is in.  Thank goodness they gave us some pain meds for her so she isn't totally miserable until tomorrow.  I feel like I could throw up, I wasn't this nervous for my own surgery.  I am also NOT excited about the cost of all this, but she is worth every penny.  She is not just a dog, she is a little furball that has brought David and I alot of joy since she has come into our lives...daily this dog has brings me joy--honestly, how many people can you say that about?  She is excited when we walk in the door, and I feel sad when we leave her.  Sometimes when we are leaving, she runs out to the car and puts her little paws up on the car door, asking us if we will take her with us.  We come home and she knows the very last pair of shoes I have worn and finds them and lays with my shoes, without ever chewing one up.  To me, Tatoes is a little furry fourlegged person, and we treat her with just such dignity.  She gets grumpy, she pouts, she gets excited, she is silly, she is smart, and the absolute best snuggler, sorry David. ;) Nothing is more pleasing to her than ripping the stuffing out of one of her little stuffed rodent friends, getting the squeaker and relishing in her accomplishment by rolling around in it's fluffy "guts"!

In my perfect world, every dog would have a home and every home would have a dog.  She is that "once in a lifetime" dog....so yes, I am VERY nervous about tomorrow, and have asked for prayers for Miss Tatoes, and myself to not lose a marble.  God knows my heart and I am trusting in Him to protect it.

"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive." - Gilda Radner

                    The Morton Salt Pup

               

Noah and Tate at the Doggy Dive in at the pool.

Tatoes and her BFF, Zoe Ducusin

To know, or Not to Know

Things I know:

Not to watch a scary movie if I want to sleep well for the next 3 weeks.

I really enjoy helping people.

I am a teensy bit neurotic,(SJ--ha!) but mainly a big 'ol feeler. (Meyers Briggs)

That grace and mercy are better than bitterness and unforgiveness.

People don't like it if you talk about yourself all the time.

Gerbera Daisies don't like cold weather.

That if you should have raw turkey juice spilled on your Nike's, you better throw those in a bleach load as soon as possible

God is big, pray hard, and believe in Him and your prayer to Him.

Running is harder than I ever thought it would be, I like walking better.

If you are hosting your own pity party do not expect others to show up, but your real friends will listen.

That I am grateful.

That the expression "killing 'em with kindness" doesn't always kill them, but sometimes it makes them mad.

I am still immature enough to giggle when I hear the word weiner.

You can tell alot about a person by how good a listener they are.

Poor spelling and grammar make we wanna get out my red pen and wreak havoc.



Things I don't know:

The rules of football. (been learning for awhile now, still don't understand--it's like a foreign language to me)

Why people try to make you feel dumb for using a word they aren't familiar with....but YOU are the dumb one?

How you abandon someone you love in the name of bitterness and hatefulness, especially grand-children.

How you could not think my dog Tatoes is the cutest, sweetest dog on earth. ;)

Why the voice on the Wii Fit has to be so condescending.

Where I would be if I had never gotten clean and accepted Jesus.

How to stop buying Scentsy stuff.

What I ever did to deserve to be blessed with the life I have.

Why anyone in their right mind would jump out of a plane, off a bridge, or dive from a cliff.  Nuts, I tell ya.

Why I cannot ever do a white load and have all the socks match up with their friends.

How some people cannot laugh at themselves, but can laugh at others.

How to help Maya with her 8th grade Algebra.

How to be serious at all times.

Why the weather forecast is generally wrong and we have the most technologically advanced doppler equipment now than ever?

How low can YOU go?

Ok, so we are really doing our best to change our eating habits.  Let me tell you, this takes LOTS of planning on my part, and knowing my personality type, I can plan, I just don't always.  First of all, I am making out my weekly menu.  Now I have done this for awhile, but this seemed so much easier when I was making rich comfort foods, and yummy stuff with real butter, sour cream and ranch dressing.  Trying to cook healthy, I am now looking for fresh ingredients to make things with spray butter, fat free this and that, and smaller meat portions.  My family loves to eat.  I'm sort of a foodie, I suppose.  I like making new recipes, and trying new stuff, so it's fun for me to try this and that; and then there was that night I made the lime cod...and we all gagged from the bitterness, pitched it, and ran to Braums for a bag-o-burgers.  Honestly, my very favorite recipes are those I can make in 30 minutes or less or throw in the crock pot and let it simmer for the day.  Above all things, I am practical and don't wanna spend 3 hours making something we will wolf down in 20 minutes (well, unless it's a special occasion or a holiday or something....bring on the potato peeling).  My current Bible study is called "My Whole Life" and the basic concept is incorporating God into everything you do, right down to the food you eat and the excercise you are getting, and the steps to getting there.  Good stuff, really good.  It's the beginning of week 3 and so far I am down 8.5 pounds, I am excercising every day and have completely cut refined sugar out of my diet.  I have a caloric limit of 1600 calories, and am trying to stay low fat, and relatively low carb, which is HARD to do simultaneously unless you just want to eat spinach exclusively....which I do not.  I am eating tons of fruit, raw veggies, steamed veggies, chicken...chicken...and more chicken.  I thought I would include a few recipes for my gals that are also getting healthy too.  Easy and yummy, I get most of my recipes from http://www.allrecipes.com/  I love that site, I can find almost anything there.  All of the following recipes I have tried and they are great, some are even my very own!


Lowfat Chicken Enchiladas (this is what I made last night)

3 chicken breasts
1 tsp cumin
1 can rotel tomatoes and chiles, drained
1 7oz can green chiles, drained
1/2 cup lowfat shredded cheese (mexican blend)
1 cup fat free shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup diced onions
1 large can green enchilada sauce (I buy whichever one is lowest in calories and fat)
1 small can red enchilada sauce
7-10  98% fat free tortillas
1 tsp salt

Cover chicken breasts in water, add cumin and boil until cooked throroughly.  Drain, and shred chicken (I have found the Pampered Chef, Hold N Slice is the coolest thing ever for shredding chicken click here to see Hold N Slice).
Mix the fat free cheese with the low fat cheese and set aside 1/4 a cup of cheese mixture. 
Mix together the shredded chicken, with the remaining amount of shredded cheese, green chiles, the rotel tomatoes and chiles, onions, and salt.  Grease your casserole dish with cooking spray and roll chicken mixture into tortillas and place them snugly together in the dish.  Pour green enchilada sauce back and forth over the enchiladas until gone, then follow with the red.  Take the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese and sprinkle over the top of the enchiladas and bake on 350 for 35-45 min until bubbly.



Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 (17.5 fluid ounce) bottle buffalo wing sauce, I use Frank's Red Hot Original
1 package dry ranch salad dressing mix
 2 tablespoons light butter
 6   lowfat whole wheat buns or hoagie rolls, whichever you prefer


Place the chicken breasts into a slow cooker (even frozen still), and pour in all of the wing sauce, the ranch dressing mix and butter. Cover, and cook on Low for 6 to 7 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
Once the chicken has cooked, shred the meat finely or most likely meat will just fall apart and let simmer for a bit in the remaining sauce. Pile the meat onto the buns or rolls, and serve.



Melon Salsa with Teriyaki Chicken (this is what I made tonight, David and Maya LOVED it, and I thought it was pretty darn good too, just a little time consuming with all that dicing)

3 tomatoes, seeded and finely diced
1/2 honeydew melon, peeled and finely diced
1/2 cantaloupe, peeled and finely diced
1 cup minced red onion
1 large cucumber deseeded and finely diced (I like to use the English ones from Sam's b/c the seeds are small and you don't have to deseed them)
1/2 yellow pepper finely diced
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons orange juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

4 chicken breasts
1 tsp minced garlic
1 bottle of any teriyaki marinade (I like the thick stuff, seems to give it good flavor when basting on the grill)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Marinate chicken breasts in half the bottle of teriyaki sauce, garlic and salt and pepper for at least 30 minutes or more (3 hours is optimal).  Grill chicken or bake in the oven @ 350 continually basting with remaining amount of teriyaki sauce.
Dice all fruits and veggies, mix together, and add salt, fresh cilantro, OJ, and lime juice together.  The longer it sits the better the flavor gets.
Serve chicken breast covered in melon salsa, could even serve over brown rice if desired.



Baked Asian Style Honey Chicken

1 (3 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces (or substitute 4 chicken breasts)
 3 tablespoons chopped onion
 2 tablespoons soy sauce
 1 tablespoon ginger powder, of could use fresh too (I used powder and it was great)
 1 teaspoon minced garlic
 2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup chopped green onions


Arrange chicken pieces in baking dish. Combine the onion, soy sauce, ginger, garlic and honey; mix together and spoon mixture over chicken. Cover dish and refrigerate to marinate for at least 1 hour, turning pieces once. Preheat oven to 425.
Bake chicken at 425 for 30 minutes. Turn pieces over and top with green onion, then continue baking for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until chicken is tender and cooked through and juices run clear. Serve immediately with brown rice.



Easy Mashed Sweet Taters

2 cans Bruce's Yams, drained
1 tsp cinnamon
10 squirts spray butter (Parkay or I can't Believe it's Not Butter)
1/2 TBSP Splenda
1 TBSP sugar free maple syrup
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp clove or pumpkin pie seasoning
1/4 Cup chopped nuts (optional)

On the stove add all ingredients and mash together until creamy and smooth, heat all the way through and serve!  EASY!



Lowfat Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplins (a Coleman family favorite and the easiest thing ever--put a smile on your kid's face, oh and the hubby too)

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons light butter
1 can of mixed veggies, peas, carrots and diced potatoes, or a small frozen bag of mixed veggies, whatever you prefer, better yet use fresh veggies, whatever time allows for you
2 (10.75 ounce) cans fat free condensed cream of chicken soup
1 onion, finely diced
2 (10 ounce) packages reduced fat refrigerated biscuit dough, torn into pieces


Place the chicken (I put it in still frozen), butter, soup, and onion in a slow cooker, and fill with enough water to cover the chicken.
Cover, and cook for 5 to 6 hours on High, chicken should just fall apart, if not, shred it. About 30 minutes before serving, place in the veggies and the torn biscuit dough in the slow cooker. Cook until the dough is no longer raw in the center and serve.  SOOOO YUMMY!


Sarah's SUPER Easy Chicken Breasts

4 chicken breasts
1 bottle fat free Italian dressing
(yep--that's it)

Marinate chicken breasts in the whole bottle of dressing for at least an hour, if not more in the fridge, throw on the grill and voila~YUMMY!

God's Ear

Have you ever told someone that you would pray for them, and then forgotten to pray?  I have, and it makes me feel terrible.  I know a few weeks ago there were like 5 people I had told I would pray for them, and then I forgot, who and what, so I just prayed for God to remember all I had told I would pray, and please remember their specific needs.  He is so much bigger than my brain, sometimes I forget that. We all get the church emails for prayer, and I try to pray right there in front of the computer before I forget, otherwise they might not get prayer from me! 

We can do nothing, we say sometimes, 'we can only pray'. That, we feel, is a terribly precarious second-best. So long as we can fuss and work and rush about, so long as we can lend a hand, we have some hope; but if we have to fall back upon God... ah, then things must be critical indeed!

--Arthur John (A. J.) Gossip

Right now, I could use prayer for my immediate family, David, myself and the kids. --Real, meaningful intense prayer.  We are ok; noone is sick, things are fine, my family just needs some unified prayer from some of the amazing prayer warriors I know, I am asking specifically for Maya and Noah.  I love my sweet family unconditionally, just as God loves us.  I am not asking for prayer as a last resort, I am asking as the first.  I am so blessed to have a church family I can ask for prayer, and friends that I know will follow through.  Thank you in advance for your prayers, God moves through you!

The more praying there is in the world, the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil everywhere. Prayer, in one phase of its operation, is a disinfectant and a preventive. It purifies the air; it destroys the contagion of evil. Prayer is no fitful, short-lived thing. It is no voice crying unheard and unheeded in the silence. It is a voice which goes into God's ear, and it lives as long as God's ear is open to holy pleas, as long as God's heart is alive to holy things. God shapes the world by prayer. Prayers are deathless. The lips that uttered them may be closed to death, the heart that felt them may have ceased to beat, but the prayers live before God, and God's heart is set on them and prayers outlive the lives of those who uttered them; they outlive a generation, outlive an age, outlive a world. That man is the most immortal who has done the most and the best praying. They are God heroes, God's saints and God's servants. A man can pray better because of the prayers of the past; a man can live holier because of the prayers of the past; the man of many and acceptable prayers has done the truest and greatest service to the incoming generation. Prayers strengthen the unborn generation against the desolating waves of sin and evil.

--Edward McKendree (E. M.) Bounds

Calling all Scentsy addicts!!

Okay, this is for the hardcore Scentsy junkies like myself...  Get ready- it's Scentsy FORMULAS!!
Courtesy, my own Scentsy lady, Theresa we now have the recipes to mix scents!  Thanks, T!  Sooooo, if you find yourself getting bored with the same scents, why not mix them, heck even create your own!!  In fact, if you have a mixture you like, that isn't listed here, share it with us!!  Some of the scents listed here are discontinued, so not to worry if you can't find it, or don't have it...Theresa can often find discontinued scents for you too!


Sunkissed Citrus + Sangria = Citrus Fresh Sangria

Black Raspberry Vanilla + Sunkissed Citrus = French Martini

Strawberry Sweetie + Sugar = Strawberry Lemonade

Strawberry Sweetie + Vanilla Cream = Strawberry Shortcake

Black Raspberry Vanilla + Mediterranean Spa = Mediterranean Raspberry

Wasabi Ginger + Sunkissed Citrus = Wasabi Citrus

Go Go Goji + Lucky in Love = Lucky Peach

Lots of Lavender + Sunkissed Citrus = Lots of Sunkisses

Pomegranate Orange + Sangria = Hangover

Cranberry Mango + Spruceberry = Christmas in Hawaii

Mediterranean Spa + French Kiss = French Spa

Simply Irresistible + Cranberry Spice = Sexy Santa

Cucumber Lime + Falling Leaves = Cold Outside but Cozy Inside

Silk + Tuscan Garden = Adam & Eve

Pumpkin Roll + Cranberry Spice = Thanksgiving Dinner/Dessert

Herb Garden + Vanilla Walnut = Herby Walnuts

Pumpkin Roll + Vanilla Walnut = Iced Pumpkin Cake

Watermelon Patch + Strawberry Sweetie = Watermelon Sweetie

Irish Cream + Tarocco Mint = Shamrock Shake

Irish Cream + Lucky in Love = Luck O’ The Irish

French Kiss + Irish Cream = Kiss Me I'm Irish

Mysterious + Red Delicious = Magically Delicious

Simply Irresistible + Irish Cream = Irresistibly Irish

Lucky in Love + Havana Cabana = Honeymoon

Lucky in Love + Cinnamon Bear = Passion on Fire

Ocean + Simply Irresistible = Hunky Lifeguard

Lucky in Love + Strawberry Sweetie = Love Sweet Love

Luxe Vanilla + Cashmere = Baby Lotion

Sandalwood & Cranberries + Spruceberry = Christmas Wreath

Spruceberry + Cinnamon Bear = ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

Pumpkin Roll + Cinnamon Vanilla = Grandma’s House

Grapefruit Blossom + Mulberry Bush =

Cinnamon Bear + Pumpkin Roll = Spicy Pumpkin

Sugar Cookie + Pumpkin Roll = Pumpkin Pie

Falling Leaves + Cozy Fireside = A Crisp Cozy Fall Evening

Falling Leaves + Pumpkin Roll = A Day at the Pumpkin Farm

Cozy Fireside + 2 of Pumpkin Roll = Pumpkins By The Fire

Autumn Sunset + Falling Leaves = October Apple Orchard

Verbena Berry + Strawberry Sweetie = Berry Blast

Grapefruit Blossom + Sunkissed Citrus = Citrus Celebration

Sunkissed Citrus + Go Go Goji = Fresh Citrus Peach

Cucumber Lime + Havana Cabana = Margarita Twist

French Kiss + Black Raspberry Vanilla = Raspberry Vanilla Kiss

Sunkissed Citrus + Skinny Dippin’ = Skippin’

Cranberry Spice + Enchanted Mist = Spiced Cranberry Mist

Cucumber Lime + Strawberry Sweetie = Strawberry Cucumber Limeade

Strawberry Sweetie + Sugar = Strawberry Lemonade

Cinnamon Bear + Vanilla Cream = Cinnamon Creamer

Perfectly Pomegranate +Cinnamon Bear = Spiced Punch

Sticky Cinnamon Bun + Vanilla Cream = French Toast

Baked Apple Pie + Vanilla Cream = Apple Pie Ala Mode

Cinnamon Bear + Pumpkin Roll = Spicy Pumpkin

Grapefruit Blossom + Sugar = Gummy Grapefruit Wedges

Blueberry Cheesecake + Sugar Cookie = Hot Blueberry Muffin

Cucumber Lime + Strawberry Sweetie = Strawberry Cucumber Limeade

Sugar Cookie + Cherry Clove Chutney = Grandma’s Fried Cherry Pies

Sugar Cookie + Pumpkin Roll = Pumpkin Pie

Toasted Apple Butter + Welcome Home = Cinnamon Apple Toast

Autumn Sunset + Falling Leaves = October Apple Orchard

Strawberry Sweetie + Vanilla Cream = Strawberry Shortcake

Strawberry Sweetie + Blueberry Cheesecake = Blueberry/Strawberry Cheesecake

Strawberry Sweetie + Sugar Cookie= Strawberry Jam-Filled Sugar Cookies

Enchanted Mist + Sugar = Bird of Paradise

Lucky In Love + Ocean = Love Waves

Tuscan Garden +Thunderstorm = Tuscan Rain

Enchanted Mist + Ocean = Ocean Mist

Grapefruit Pomegranate + Ocean = Tropical Island

Tuscan Garden + White Tea Cactus = Sweet Cactus Garden

Cashmere + Mysterious = Very Romantic

Enchanted Mist + Welcome Home = Some Enchanted Evening

Enchanted Mist + Cranberry Mango = Shirley Temple

Sunkissed Citrus + Black Raspberry Vanilla = The French Martini

Cinnamon Bear + Havana Cabana = Hawaiian Volcano

Autumn Sunset + Falling Leaves = Fall Is In The Air

Flirtatious + Sugar = Flirty Girl

Aromatherapy Mixes

Enchanted Mist + Lots of Lavender = Anxiety Gone

Enchanted Mist + Lucky in Love + Lots of Lavender = Anxiety Gone

Camu Camu + Lots of Lavender = No More Irritability

Lucky in Love + Lots of Lavender = No More Irritability

Camu Camu + Sandalwood & Cranberries = No More Irritability

Falling Leaves + Lots of Lavender = No More Stress

Sunkissed Citrus + Herb Garden = Energize

Grapefruit Blossom + Coconut Lemongrass + Lots of Lavender = Happiness

Sandalwood & Cranberries + Sunkissed Citrus = Never Fear

Grapefruit Blossom + Wasabi Ginger = Believe in You

Cashmere + French Kiss = Believe in You

Grapefruit Blossom +Spruceberry = Believe in You

Tuscan Garden + Coconut Lemongrass = Thoughts of Clarity
 
Oh, but wait--there's more!!
 

Timmy has a future

Random junk... Because life just is, why not share?

Recent movies worth checking out:
Food Inc.
Avatar
Up in the Air
500 Days of Summer
The Informant
The 4th Kind
The Blind Side
Precious (only if you can stomach it...pretty disturbing)
An Education
Date Night (In theaters)

Movies not worth checking out:
2012
The Men Who Stare at Goats
The Box
The Gamer
Did you Hear About the Morgans?
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus


My treadmill/excercising playlist:
Run this Town--Rihanna and Jay Z
How you like me now--the Heavy
Le Disko--Shiny Toy Guns
Imma Be--Black Eyed Peas
Maneater--Nelly Furtado
Panic Switch--Silversun Pickups
Creator--Santogold
Poker Face-- Lady Gaga
Tik Tok--Keshia
Stylo--Gorillaz
Resistance--Muse
Boom Boom Pow--Black Eyed Peas
Show me what I'm looking for--Carolina Liar
Stronger--Kanye West
Live your Life--T.I. and Rihanna
Lisztomania--Phoenix
Bad Romance--Lady Gaga

...and because my last song on my playlist sticks in my head constantly (mainly the rah rah ga ga part)
...and sometimes you just have to laugh.
...and Timmy's mom is one step away from entering her little fella into a pageant.
...and Timmy has alot of issues at the ripe 'ol age of 5
...and I can't decide if I like the banana best, the Mickey Jammies or the mystery person in undies running through the background.

Enjoy! Just for you!  click here to see Timmy!!!

I am so enjoying this weather, the people in my life who are cool, eating out on the deck, my dog, my yummy Scentsy Spring scents, having a secret sister and being one, my new 'Whole Life' Bible study, trying out new recipes, birds chirping, Netflix, my pineapple slicer, Priceless albums that are done, starting our 8th year of marriage, giggling with my friends, my Sam's Club membership, new haircuts and highlights, self-employment, excercise, fruit, my Alt Nation & DCFC Pandora stations, sitting on my deck getting some sun,  raw veggies and all things Spring!

My Gift

Tomorrow is my 7th Anniversary.  I am married to the love of my life.  I can say there is honestly not a day gone by that he hasn't made me smile; and we have endured some rough days. 

 I am blessed with a partner and best friend that accepts me, my flaws, my un-cute body, my bad days, my hurts and my frustrations.  I am blessed with someone that has NEVER let me down.  We aren't a perfect couple, we argue, we grumble...although rarely, but most importantly we forgive each other.  We fuss and stress and have tough times, just like everyone else.  But we always find solace in one another.  There is no person that makes me feel safer, more loved, more cared for. 
My husband is hilarious.  We laugh more than anything else.  This is a huge part of our marriage.  I would say if you are having marital problems (aside from big stuff like infedelity or abuse or something), you are either taking yourself too seriously, or you aren't laughing enough with your mate.

I am married to a man that listens.  This means more than anything in the world.  For someone to listen and actually hear you, your likes, dislikes, hurts, favorite things, and to remember your words, and store them in his heart. It's so neat.

 I could not think of a more perfect mate in this world than my precious, David.  His talent and resolve continually astound me.  His drive, passion and work ethic inspire me.  His goodness, kindness, and calm, soothe me.  I respect his opinions and advice, he would never steer me wrong.  He and I share one brain at times, it's amazing to exchange a glance and not have to speak a word at times, because you know what the other is thinking.  After 7 sweet years, I have comfort, I have a gift.  David is the best present I have ever been given from my Father in Heaven.  David is my home.  God molded and shaped this man just for little 'ol me.  Nothing ever am I more sure of....and I included that when we wrote our own wedding vows.
Today we drove by our first home together, just to go see it...and reminisce a minute.  I remember the excitement of figuring one another out and the fun we had furnishing our house together, the laughs and silly times when Maya and Noah were small.  Teaching kids to ride bikes in the driveway, and smoking cigarettes over deep conversations on the deck (yes, we used to smoke--ick).  The shrubs we planted together have grown large and healthy (just like us--ha).  This little house contained a special time in our lives, and we both got teary looking at it again today.  I wondered if there was another young couple that was living there and creating their memories.  I know mine are unforgettable.

All the memories created in 7 years flood my brain.  We have had a blessed and favored marriage thus far.  I am still in love with my sweetheart.  We relish our abundant time together.  After not having seen one another for a day, we can't wait to talk and fill each other in on what the other missed.   I like my husband, not just love...I really like him.  He makes me so happy.  I am going to praise God on our Anniversary for the neatest gift, and maybe watch our shaky wedding video a friend filmed for us and cry a bit.   Thank you God, for David.  Thank you, David for the best 7 years I could have ever dreamed of having.  Thank you for loving me.  I am home.

Eight Legged Miss

The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the water spout;
Down came the rain and washed the spider out;
Out came the sun and dried up all the rain;
And the itsy bitsy spider climbed up the spout again.

 
 
Isn't that life?  I'm that little pitiful spider climbing up the water spout, and inevitably the rain comes...sometimes it's the monsoon season!!  ...And we get all "washed out".  But the "sun...or Son" comes, or rather we come to Him and the "rain" dries up....  and REPEAT.  C'est La Vie! 
 I'm gettin' on my hiking boots, and my scuba mask.
 
Eph 6:10-17  ...Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled round your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
 
 

Forever Inky Boober, that's me.

I was thinking of my grandpa that passed away in April of 1996 this morning.  His name was Pete Peterson, his real first name was Alfred, but all that loved him called him Pete...I knew him as Grandpa Pete.  I was remembering his laugh, his kindness, and his unconditional love for his family.  He was a good man, he didn't have a college education, he used poor grammar, he had outlandish political views, he was a hard worker, and the BEST grandpa.  He used to take me fishing and we would have the greatest time catching crappie and perch on minnows.  He had silly pet names for me, I was "Inky Boober" and "his little doll", he made me feel so loved.  He picked me up most days when I was in elementary school, we would grab a DQ dip cone after school or a dilly-bar, and not tell grandma....because she might have been mad that he "spoiled" my dinner and I wouldn't have an appetite later; that was always our little secret ;)  He would sit me on his lap when I was little and sing me goofy songs.  This was my favorite:

THERE'S A PLACE IN HAWAII
THAT IS VERY DEAR TO ME
I AM HOMESICK AS CAN BE
WON'T YOU LISTEN TO MY PLEA?

I WANT TO GO BACK TO MY LITTLE GRASS SHACK IN KEALAKEKUA HAWAII
I WANT TO BE WITH ALL THE KANES AND WAHINES THAT I KNEW LONG AGO
I CAN HEAR OLD GUITARS A-PLAYING
ON THE BEACH AT HO'ONAUNAU
I CAN HEAR THE HAWAIIANS SAYING
"KOMO MAI NO KAUA IKA HALE WELAKAHAO"

IT WON'T BE LONG 'TIL MY SHIP WILL BE SAILING BACK TO KONA
A GRAND OLD PLACE THAT'S ALWAYS FAIR TO SEE.
I'M JUST A LITTLE HAWAIIAN AND A HOMESICK ISLAND BOY,
I WANT TO GO BACK TO MY FISH AND POI,
I WANT TO GO BACK TO MY LITTLE GRASS SHACK IN KEALAKEKUA, HAWAII

WHERE THE HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUAA GOES SWIMMING BY...
WHERE THE HUMUHUMUNUKUNUKUAPUAA GOES SWIMMING BY

 He loved all the silly sounding Hawaiian words in this song and sang them with vigor and glee. I remember the good.  I was blessed to have known him, out of all people in my family, his memories are among the very fondest that bring a smile to my face.
 
It made me think, how will I be remembered?  Full of glee?  Will Maya and Noah remember my kindness and giggly moments?  I sure hope so, because those times are so precious.  Sometimes I hear the laughter we are all sharing, whether in the car, at home or elsewhere, and I thank God for it. Laughter cures all, it's the best medicine, and it's quite possibly my favorite thing to do. 
 
Everyone just wants someone to make them feel special, my grandpa made me feel special.  He made me feel loved.  I can only hope to strive to be the same kind of person, because in the end of our time on earth, that's really all there is....just those simple memories left for our loved ones, and I pray for the best ones for mine, and can't wait to make more.  Grandpa Pete's legacy reminds me what an impact that kindess and some giggles really can make.  He's in heaven singing my favorite "Little Grass Shack" song and catching crappie like mad. :)
 
Often the only thing a child can remember about an adult in later years, when he or she is grown, is whether or not that person was kind.
~Billy Graham

By Definition

Word of the day:

HYPOCRITE:
 hyp·o·crite Pronunciation: \ˈhi-pə-ˌkrit\ Function: noun Etymology: Middle English ypocrite, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin hypocrita, from Greek hypokritēs actor, hypocrite, from hypokrinesthai Date: 13th century 1 : a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion 2 : a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings.

We are all guilty of this.  Noone is without blame.  Some are more humble than others, some are more outspoken about their radical religiousity than others...and some fall short of who they claim they are.  Sometimes that is startling.  Sometimes that brings forth confusion to people.  We are all sinners and have all fallen short of God's glory. Some of us never claimed to be anything other than a lousy sinner striving to see God's precious face....and some peope have claimed their way is best thing since 'sliced bread'. It's sad when people we look up to spiritually, fail us.  Here is what the Bible says:

“Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.”
Matthew 7:5

The most important thing I think to remember, is man is just mere man.  And even though we may have spiritual leaders and friends that fail us, God alone holds our salvation, God alone is to be revered.  No particular expectations can be placed on a person that claims to be religious, for they are sinners too, all faith must be in God alone.  There are always going to be those people that really slip under our radar and deceive us into thinking they are something they are not.

'My thoughts are completely different from yours,’ says the Lord. ‘And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine . . . my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts’  Isaiah 55:8–9

I am guilty.  I am not blameless, nor will I ever claim to be, I am a sinner and so are you.  I love God, and want to do His will.  I pray for this.  That's it and that's all.  I am not better than you.  You are not better than me.  Until we can acknowledge our own shortcomings and sin, and parts we have played in our own mistakes, no real spiritual growth is ever possible.  ....And that part isn't Biblical, but I have learned that from my own experience.

Faith is not a storm cellar to which men and women can flee for refuge from the storms of life. It is, instead, an inner force that gives them the strength to face those storms and their consequences with serenity of spirit.
~Sam J. Ervin, Jr.

...and that my friends, is THE END.

I'm a lover, and I'm a sinner, playin' my music in the suuuuuuun....

What?  2 blog posts in one night!?  Impossible you say?  Noooo. 

Something just occured to me...in my blogging, it has MADE me search for spiritual answers.  When I am puzzled, when I am angry or upset, I have turned to Bible gateway, or my favorite quote site, and many other great Googled resources on the topic of frustration at hand.  And while I haven't kept a journal/diary since I was a little girl, I realized that's sorta what my blog is, my thoughts, good, bad and otherwise.  I have found sound Biblical answers, and God-inspired words of wisdom in this process.  It's like my own personal mini-Bible study, with no real accountability or regularity, based upon my own spiritual needs, and thus far, I feel like I am getting ALOT out of it.  To each their own, right?  Accompanied by some sincere prayer, and some "a-ha" moments, this is pretty ok!  Not at all to say that any other Bible study wouldn't be just as awesome, but this has just really worked well for me lately with my swinging moods and lack of desire to leave my house, and I encourage everyone to record their thoughts, their journey, their pain and their pursuit of Godly wisdom for everyone to see or read, is there any greater testimony?  I enjoy writing, it's always been a release for me, but this is so much more because I crave substance and answers, and God is revealing them to me in the process.  What I choose to do with those answers, is entirely up to me, sometimes I can grasp it, and sometimes I am too wrapped up in my own head to let it all sink in and penetrate my spirit.  Nevertheless, the answers are here.  I also think most people appreciate honesty, openness, and frankness. I know I respect that in others a great deal.  I pray whoever reads this will be blessed and can have hope and peace that only Jesus can bring, if they feel as hopeless as I had felt this last Winter.

 Anyway, if you know me or have spent much time with me, you know I love to laugh and act silly, but this is my place to be serious (well, sometimes-ha).  This is my place to express my gratitude for God's grace, and allow others to see how I really feel about my spiritual life.  I hope to spread that in other ways at some point, but Rodney did a recent sermon on letting our light shine...whatever you can do to touch another, bring another to the Lord, share your experiences to provide comfort.  I know my outer persona doesn't necissarily exude spirituality (another work in progress), in fact, catch me on a bad day and it's much the opposite, but I desire to keep pursuing God's righteousness and will for my life, it's a journey...and it's here for all to read.  And if it can help anyone, or allow anyone to explore and cultivate their own relationship with Christ and document it, then by all means, it was well worth my outpouring.
I will have 14 years sober in May...I told some friends that today.  Sometimes I tend to forget the real miracles God has worked in my life.  Man, I'm grateful and humbled by His mercy.  All Thanksgiving to Jesus for his kindness and gift of sobriety.
  I am the most imperfect person I know.  It's nice to know that I can be myself here, admit that, and grow from it.  I don't always do the right thing.  I cuss too much, I get mad, I overeat, I gossip.  I lose my cool, and let the devil steal my joy all too often.  But, I also know that these are all things that I would like to work on, and I pray about.  I don't claim to have ANY answers, I am no Bible scholar, but I am searching, listening, and willing to let God shape me, through other people, His word, and life experiences.  God has the answers, and it's our job to seek them. I will do my best to share what I find here, stay tuned...

I Feel Good, Nana Nana Nana Na...

For the first time, in awhile, I feel good.  It's so nice to feel like me, to smile just because, to not feel angry or hurt on the inside.  To not have ugly thoughts about myself that persist and invade me everyday.  It's pretty cool what just a little overnight trip, some quality time with David and some time out in nature can do for the soul and the mind.  God is good and I feel good.  Just sayin'.

When we choose to forgive the victory is attainable. When bad things happen, good CAN come out of it! Romans 8:28 declares it is so! My life declares it is so and I am not alone in that statement. So many people have looked evil in the face and said, "I will find good in this." Sometimes the evil and bad things are changed or converted and sometimes it is US that is changed. But ALL things work for good and can bring about change for the good.

--Elizabeth Fabiani


xoxo, love to all,
S

Organic or Non-Organic--Hype or Hip?

Have you ever wondered really what is the difference between organic and non-organic?  I am normally NOT one to believe the hype or buy into anything unless I really research it.  I keep hearing that organic foods are so much better, but just as trendy and cool as it may seem to go all organic....let's not go overboard.  After doing some researching, I think this is pretty interesting.

Organic vs. Non-Organic

What really made up my mind....


So, I'm not gonna throw out my Walmart produce....or meat just yet....

Answers and Questions

Satan is a terrorist. Wreaking havoc on our spiritual lives, disturbing our peace, hurting our hearts, breaking our families, messing with our marriages, destroying our kids, and hurting our friendships. I am ANGRY because of this, looking for answers, wondering why, and most importantly wondering what in the world am I to learn from these crappy times while Satan is terrorizing my family?? Sometimes subtle, silent terror is worse than yelling and screaming dysfunction.
A couple of things I read today by Norm Rasmussen really brought this concept home and answered my questions:
1.When God directly sends a trial our way, it is always because of His love for us. When Satan sends a trial our way, it is always because of his hate for us. If we have a true, sincere heart for Jesus, you above all people are hated by demonic powers, above all others. Never forget that.
2. God is 100% sovereign over what demonic powers are allowed to do in our lives. He always has been. He always will be. Every trial demonic powers launch against a child of God first must pass through the screening of our heavenly Father. We see this fact clearly - long before Jesus Christ defeated Satan at the cross - in the Old Testament Book of Job.
3. Just because Satan is allowed by God to launch a painful attack upon us does not mean that God delights in it happening. On the contrary -- many things God permits … but He doesn’t take personal delight in the pain it causes those who are suffering.
4. God will deal with evil as His plan unfolds to deal with it and destroy it, in accordance with His written Word. God has a plan alright to destroy evil on this planet – it just is going to get executed on God’s timetable, not ours.
Norm went onto say that the important thing we must seek through prayer and keep in our mind is:
What am I to learn from/through this trial?"
Then keep asking and keep trusting until you get your answer.
So here I go...I came to the conclusion through reading scripture and searching for answers while so frustrated a few days ago, last time I blogged, that I am to seek my Heavenly Father's approval, and not my earthly parents. The more I do this, the more I please God. Check. ....And through prayer, God sometimes tells us no. Check. I am to learn from this sad time in my life, resist the devil, and it will somehow result in spiritual growth. Check...I get the concept, but am still working on accepting it.
But then why, why am I still so angry with my parents and their hateful behavior? Why am I having such a hard time letting go of the hurt, hurt that goes back 30 years? Why does the loss of their relationship with me hurt so much?
When I get mad and angry, I tend to go looking for someone to blame, and I found my answer, it's Satan run amuck in my family and I hate it. I know that much. Then I start to doubt myself. Am I good enough to be heard by God? I mean I know He loves me, but are my prayers too short, to the point, full of distraction and come off as insincere, even though He knows my heart? Sometimes I just don't feel "good" enough.

I bet I sound like a whiny ninny. Maybe God will drop these answers in my path...sounds like another blog and time to hit my knees.

No hidden agenda and no ulterior motive...

So if you haven't noticed...I like quotes.  Some speak to me, some don't...this one did:

While the Lord calls me to be wise and discerning, he reminds me often that his discernment cannot dwell in a cynical distrustful heart. With Him, there is no hidden agenda and no ulterior motive. His gifts are free for the taking but I cannot take these gifts if my hands are already full of my own weapons of self- protection. Therefore, He asks me to lay down the shields that I have forged for protection and to pick up the shield of faith in their place. He asks me to take Him at His Word.

-Katherine Walden

Ah, the good old issue of trust.  Not my strong suit.  Never has been.  Cynical, yup, that's me.  Something to think about.  Self-protection was a coping mechanism of mine for so long, it's really uncomfortable to trust, to let the shield down...after almost 7 years of marriage, I still struggle with it.  Good things to think about.  I am never content with the person I am, lots of growth to be accomplished, and lots more to learn about becoming who I want to be, ever evolving into someone better than the last year.  That's all I can strive for.  Mold me, God and make me maleable, that's my simple prayer today.

Understanding Obedience

Noah seems to be going through this phase where he really thinks he knows everything, he is rarely wrong, above correction and rules the roost. Well, of course, this undoubtedly keeps causing him some issues because he is not the center of the universe, and as much as he is super funny and smart, sometimes a nifty little dose of reality is in order. I remember when Maya, at 10 or 11 went through this too. It's a hard lesson in obedience. As children we strive so hard for someone to give us some credit for knowing something. We wanted to show those dang adults that we "know"...sometimes more than them!!!

It's been hard to blog lately. Just haven't felt very peaceful, spiritual, or like anything I had to say would be anything but total negativity. Lots of things happen in life that can really hurt our hearts. I know what I need to be doing, but am having a hard time with "obedience" myself. I feel rebellious, angry, frustrated, sad. Without going into great detail about my pity party...I am just hurt; hurt beyond earthly repair by my family (Mom and Dad). Not sure what to do with that hurt. I have prayed, actually alot, about this hurt. It's not going away. It's a hindrance to my daily existence right now. I hate feeling this way. I am a very happy person usually; someone once told me my happiness and positivity was "infectious". I considered that to be the most flattering of compliments...to be a person others want to be around, a happy person, how nice. That has not been Sarah, sadly for awhile now. I am struggling with the concept of obedience. I want to get the toxic, poisonous words spoken to me out of my head. I want to have selective amnesia and forget all the pain caused to me by my family. Alas, none of these are realistic options. Satan has been at work chipping away on my sad parents for years, until finally, they are comfortable in their own concept of reality...which is so different that what the world is really like. I've been devastated by Satan's grip into their lives. I am needing to move on now. Move on and obey God, and His will in my life and let everything with my family play out however God sees fit...and TRUST that. *sigh* The finality of all this is really hurting my heart. Living with disappointment is nothing new, but has taken on a whole new genre of pain because there is no relationship to be salvaged anymore, and I have been given a very final goodbye by them. This goodbye has broken my heart. I again, am turning to God and seeking His divine guidance out of sadness and desperation.
In my sincere desire to find some comfort in all this, I took a sec. and looked up the word obedient, just to see if maybe I had missed something in all my wrestling with my will (hurt, anger, sadness) vs. God's will...

Okay, the BEST part of this are the synonyms and their meanings, very interesting!

Main Entry: obe·di·ent
Function: adjective
Date: 13th century : submissive to the restraint or command of authority : willing to obey
synonyms obedient, docile, tractable, amenable mean submissive to the will of another. obedient implies compliance with the demands or requests of one in authority.
docile implies a predisposition to submit readily to control or guidance .
tractable suggests having a character that permits easy handling or managing .
amenable suggests a willingness to yield or to cooperate either because of a desire to be agreeable or because of a natural open-mindedness.


Um...wow. How am I docile, tractable, amenable...obedient? Usually these adjectives are not really positive...usually demonstrating weakness, timidity, and a lack of independent thinking. Not necessarily adjectives I would typically use to describe myself. Further bringing home the reality of "dying to oneself" and it's real importance and meaning. Boy, I have a long way to go...this concept is so beautiful, and in my opinion, the HARDEST to demonstrate real obedience. Holy cow, I am spiritually an infant *insert pacifier*. Then I looked up "dying to oneself". Here is what I found, wincing from my own selfish nature all the while reading it:


When you are forgotten, or neglected, or purposely made to feel like nothing, and you don't sting and hurt with the insult or the oversight, but your heart is happy, being counted worthy to suffer for Christ.
THAT IS DYING TO SELF

When your good is spoken of as evil, when your wishes are crossed, your advice disregarded, your opinions ridiculed, and you refuse to let anger rise in your heart, or even defend yourself, but take in all in patient, loving silence.
THAT IS DYING TO SELF

When you lovingly and patiently bear any disorder, any irregularity, any impunctuality, or any annoyance; when you stand face-to-face with waste, lack of good sense, extravagance, spiritual insensibility-and endure it as Jesus endured.
THAT IS DYING TO SELF

When you are content with any food, any offering, any climate, any society, any clothing, any interruption by the will of God.
THAT IS DYING TO SELF

When you never care to refer to yourself in conversation, or to record your own good works, or itch after commendations, when you can truly love to be unknown.
THAT IS DYING TO SELF

When you can see your brother prosper and have his needs met and can honestly rejoice with him in spirit and feel no envy, nor question God, while your own needs are far greater and in desperate circumstances.
THAT IS DYING TO SELF


When you can receive correction and reproof from one of less stature than yourself and can humbly submit inwardly as well as outwardly, finding no rebellion or resentment rising up within your heart.
THAT IS DYING TO SELF


"That I may know Him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death." Phil.3:10

After reading all that, I felt about as tall as an ant, but the concept is clear. Am I able to put aside Sarah and her misery long enough to even give thought to this? --To be obedient? Wow. Much in the same manner as my 11 year old step-son is on a quest for someone to validate his "grown-upness" and his righteous knowledge, I too long for parents that understand me and validate the way I long to be loved, unconditionally. But after reading what I found, I understand that if I am truly to die to myself, only my heavenly Father's unconditional love is what is really important, and my earthly parent's love(or lack thereof) is insignificant in comparison. I am asking God to humble my spirit to lay aside the hurt. I get it, God, message received loud and clear. I am praying for openness, obedience, and peace in my heart and the hurt to fade into love and acceptance of my situation. That's alot to pray for....I mean ALOT. Thank goodness God is so big he knows all of my abundant needs.

On another note, I am blessed with friends that have been most wonderful, with ears to listen to me vent my upset feelings, and keep me laughing through my tears, all the while praying for me. I only hope that I can be the same kind of friend to them as they have been to me when they need me. I am here and so grateful. Mind you, these cool, little feisty friends of mine have their own pain, sadness, and hurt too...yet still have time for little-'ol-me; pretty awesome, that whole concept of friendship. God has worked through these ladies, what a blessing. ...And we have enjoyed some cake a few times too (maybe a few too many??)! ;)
In looking for a new status for the church's Facebook I ran across a neat quote that I like. I'd like to hope that I am open-minded enough to grasp it in it's entirety.

If we want the Word of God to have authority in our life, there is only one way - obey it. If we want the Holy Spirit to have authority in our life, there is only one way - Obey Him. If we always obey impulses of fear or doubt or resentment, what will have authority over our minds? Fear, and doubt and resentment.
~Tom Marshall

But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.
James 1:25

Because today is a good day

Because God is so good, and because everyone I know could use this short quote today, especially me:

Just because the current giant you are facing looks like one you defeated in the past, don't buy the lie that you never really won the first battle! By the strength of God's grace, you trusted the Almighty and conquered your Goliath. The first giant is dead. Satan is masquerading as your former enemy so he can slip past your faith and regain entrance into your life. Resist him. ~Francis Frangipane

I am moving forward. I will fight this mire that sucks my feet under. I am standing today on the 91st Psalm. I feel good today. Time to get some work done.

1 You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, 2 will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.’ 3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence; 4he will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. 5 You will not fear the terror of the night, or the arrow that flies by day, 6 or the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or the destruction that wastes at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only look with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling-place, 10 no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. 12 On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.
14 Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. 15 When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honour them. 16 With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation.

Happy Birthday to ME!

The Car

By Maya Coleman

My family is a car

My Dad, the steering wheel

in control of every movement.

My step-mom is the engine,

bringing the car to life.

My Brother is the air conditioning,

good when you need it, annoying when you don't.

...And I am the radio on the dashboard,

playing any music you want, anytime!

Well, I have my MRI this morning...I am nervous. I have been up since 5am. I watched our local news when it came on and they had a girl on that was talking about the Springfield kick off for Relay for Life today, and she had a soft cell sarcoma tumor in her right leg... It left me uneasy. What is really interesting is that during all David's tumor issues, surgery, recovery and so forth, I was a wreck. But for me, I haven't really worried about this "lipoma tumor" on my leg until today (they are almost always benign). I guess it's b/c David is my world, so if something would happen to him I wouldn't know where to begin... But for me, I just chalk mine up to one more awesome genetic defect I inherited from my parents...like alcoholism and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It will be fine. I am resting on my very favorite scripture in the whole Bible... and while this scripture may be a little selfish in nature, it brings me great peace and always has.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7

I am going to say my prayers, and then heading to the basement to get myself reacquainted with the treadmill. I would appreciate any prayers you might wanna throw my way today! I know all will be fine! :)

Sunday goodness

Here is my day:

Super nice day at church, great sermon on Love...and living by the spirit, the flesh, or the law...wow. *smacked in the head* Needed to hear all that. Kelley and Katy came over so we could help Katy with her Pyramid project, and Noah and David, being the creative souls they are really got 'er done. Looked great! :) Kel and I made Theresa's corn salad, and some Rotel, had a bite of lunch. We took our creations to the Ladies Weigh in at church...and boy did I WEIGH IN! Yikes! If that wasn't motivating, I don't know what would be! A quick meeting at Renovate about the kid's stuff and off to Avatar in 3d; man, that was like pure eye candy, I felt like a little kid as I didn't want it to end. Kids are in bed, David is doing the dishes, I am sleepy and all is right with the world. Busy little day, I'm pooped!

The mind of a mad woman

I'm mad. Yes, mad. My iPhone is on the fritz. If you have been on FB and seen my status you saw what has happened. If not, I am not in the mood to explain it, I am mad, remember?

I got a good chuckle out of Kelley telling me about the misadventures of building a dang Egyptian pyramid outta popsicle sticks for a project for Kaitlyn. Why do teachers make kids do such mundane stuff? What are they really learning other than you have to spend $30 at Hobby Lobby to get an A? Kelley, you need a blog, b/c you had me crackin' up.

I smell my sugar cookie Scentsy burning along with some vanilla walnut, it's making me HUNGRY for cupcakes or twinkies, or heck I dunno, I would even stuff my face fulla marshmallows right now for some sugary goodness! GRR! I have been sugar free for 5 days, booooooo! Sarah is ON the dang wagon...in more ways than one.

Ok enough complaining, onto something worthwhile... Is it wrong to ask you to pray for my iPhone? lol
My dear friend Theresa (aka T-Gabs, T, Chica, Mama, Oma, friendy) talks about "redirecting" alot...as in, when you are pissy, REDIRECT it into something good or worthwhile...so uh, let's see, here I go....Redirecting.... 10 things...10 good things...

1. Did you see the email I sent you about the the boy with no name that Stephanie Freed found in Cambodia? So sad, but a blessing Stephanie found him. David and both looked at each other and said, "We will take him!" How do some cultures totally devalue life? I suppose it's because it's a type of poverty none of us can even begin to fathom...that is all I can figure. I wonder about him, I am glad they gave him a name.

2. We are up to 30 weddings booked for 2010! Wahooti! Gonna be another busy year, looking forward to it!

3. Biggest Loser at church starts tomorrow...dreading it, but excited on the other hand. Time to shed some pounds. I wish everyone luck!

4. Tatoes is the coolest. If you didn't know, you better ask someone. Enough said there.

5. I love my new washer and dryer, now that we have a working dryer! Doing 3 loads at a time really does save time and this "he" washer really does use quite a bit less water. Now that we have a Sam's membership and are able to buy bulk we are saving some $$ too on detergent, TP, and things of that nature. My way to go "green" again this year is to NOT use any paper plates (unless I'm hosting a party or something).

6. I have so enjoyed the snow! I hate to see it go, but am really ready for it to warm up. It was fun hanging on for dear life as David gunned it up our slick 45 degree angled driveway trying to maneuver one of the cars into place in the garage. I screamed like a little "school girl"! He He

7. My orchids are totally in hibernation. I love it because it allows me to look forward to them blooming again in the Spring when the days get longer. Orchids are the gift that keep on giving; what other gorgeous flower keeps it's blooms for 6 months at a time? They make me happy. I get so excited when they have new blooms, like it's giving birth or something!--uh, yeah I know, I am a nerd. lol.

8. Is it not the best feeling in the world to get all your Christmas decor down? There is something really clutter free, and freeing about the whole process. You are so excited to get all the stuff out, but if you are like me, thinking all the while...wow, we have ALOT of Christmas stuff and it's going to take days to put it all away. Then when it only took us 2 hours to take down all the inside stuff, we both laughed at the fact that EVERY year without fail, we forget it always takes wayyyy longer to put it all up, than pack it all away. And just like that, it's GONE! Poof...and a sigh of relief, gone for another 10 months...see ya gingerbread men! (although our lights are still up outside b/c of all the snow) ;)

9. I got my first pair of real Ugg boots this week, they were a Christmas present from DJ, and was waiting on a return for a different style, and they came! They are divine. There is nothing finer in foot comfort, I do declare. It's like tiny angels came and wrapped my feet and ankles in soft, warm, furry clouds of yumminess. Could I wear them in July in Missouri?--Not a chance, but for the time being I am enjoying the heck outta their pleasurable pampering on my tootsies.

10. I guess I will leave you with something I was thinking about today. I prepared communion for the first time today (thanks for the ride, Renee). I was chatting with Kay as she taught me what to do, and I began to think... "This seems like alot of fuss". Now that thought might sound cold, odd, or selfish, even lazy I suppose. But all the placement and stacking of little bitty cups, and all the little tiny pieces of crackers, and then the little drippy squirter thingy... It's alot of little tedious motions. Renee dropped me home, I got mad at my phone, talked to my hubby and Kelley for a bit, and with TV off just had a moment to myself. I realized, that I prepared the Lord's Supper for everyone that will partake it tomorrow. There might be someone taking it for the first time, there might be someone who takes it without thinking....I don't know. And while I was preparing the "Great Value" grape juice, and the little crackers that come in that weird little box, I had missed it. Missed it completely. I was doing it out of obligation. I was doing it because I had told Kay I would MONTHS ago...and January had FINALLY caught up with me. Here in our little church, is the humble opportunity for me to serve, in a very small way, and I am not seeing the bigger picture. It's not just generic juice from Walmart, it's not just little crackers ordered from a Christian supply catalog. It is my Lord's blood, and broken body in symbolic form, that I all too often take for granted and I GET to prepare. How could I have missed that? Sometimes church things become ritualistic, boring and routine, but it's the really important ones like communion, that we are to revere. I realize that I, a lousy complainer, a sinner, one that must constantly "redirect", often look over the simplest of concepts that God has tried to show me in all His glory and wisdom. It's so easy to lose what is important and good, behind what "must just get done". I do that ALL the time! I lose sight of what the "greater good" is, and just do what I say I will do, so noone will be upset with me, so I won't disappoint anyone. Going "through the motions", I believe they call it? That is the wrong reasons and I know it. So after my little confession here, I guess of all things, I am at least "keepin' it real"... and that's about it. I hope next week I can approach servitude a little differently, keeping in mind Jesus' sacrifice and not resenting my own, of a little time and energy. Progress, not perfection, right?

jotting down in January

It's 1 lousy degree outside! I will be staying in today, thank you. I have started my new regimen of meds for my PCOS...the acne seems to be maybe starting to clear up some!
Last night we watched Julie and Julia, and it hit me while Julie was blogging and had an argument with her hubby, how self serving it really is. However, I need to do this, when I get things down on "virtual" paper, I seem to feel better, feel good, feel heard. I spent a large portion of my life not being heard. Some might think it's silly, I just feel blessed to have an outlet.

I started thinking about the homeless people we serve today, how are they doing it? I see the wrinkled faces and the rough exteriors at ICO and I just think to myself, it's times like these that cause such lines and wrinkles. Years of battling nature, addictions, poverty and pain. I wonder about their families. Do they have relatives? One man, Randy, told me he prefers to live on the street. He doesn't want to go to a shelter or camp with the others. He prefers the solitude. Where is he today I wonder? Then I feel like a loser of a human being for sitting inside in the warmth speculating about all this in my comfy chair. I see flurries outside. More to come?

I ran across this today, and thought it was too great not to share:

"Until you settle the issue of your own worth, it's impossible to bring holiness into anyone else's life. Until you understand that your worth is already determined by the fact of your birth, everything else is an exercise in propping up a dying tree."
~ Carol Brazo ~

In a world where we are bombarded with things to make us feel crappy about ourselves it's so important to remember we are wonderfully made. For God's reason I am Sarah, sometimes I wanna beat her, I surely don't like her body, and sometimes when my own family is hateful to me I can feel pretty unlovable. But then when I look at the larger picture, that I am in recovery, to share that with others and glorify God through the work he has done in my life. I am a step-mom to two kids that try my patience, but truly need my guidance, unconditional love, and support. I am married to a wonderful man that accepts me flaws and all. My life is nothing more than a vessel. I am exactly where I am supposed to be, I feel like I am continually blessed. Now lemme tell you, am I this introspective about God's will for my life and my role to please Him every day? No, no I am not. In fact, I wish that I could be. But today after I read that quote, it just put it in perspective for me. I'd like to hold onto that hope and inspiration in my feelings about myself for as long as possible. I hope my few little select folks that read this can take away the same feeling, you are wonderful and just who God intends you to be, flaws and all! How often are we trying to "prop up a dying tree"?

First Post

Welcome,



It's my first post, I've been inspired by other's blogs before, and while Facebook is nifty, I have too many friends on there to see my personal thoughts I might want to write about in a "note". So here I have arrived at a little blog spot. Good, bad, ugly...sometimes I just need to get it down in writing; sometimes not even to be read, or sometimes it needs to be read. It will be here, out in cyberspace floating about... Let the fun begin!