31 Days

I've given up on counting what day I'm on because I haven't been writing much lately.

One of the things that has really stuck out to me about faith and God is how powerful His word is. As I've been scrolling through Facebook or Instagram or looking into my devotionals, verses just jump out at me for various reasons.

Sometimes, is the healing words and sometimes is the call to action.  The words of encouragement and the words of direction.  So many wonderful powerful messages to be found. So here are a few from this past week:

James 3:9-10
My dear friends, with our tongues we speak both praises and curses.  We praise our Lord and Father, and we curse people who were created to be like God, and this isn't right.

Isaiah 26:4
So always trust the Lord because He is forever our might rock.

Proverbs 12:25
Anxiety in a person's heart weighs him down, but an encouraging word brings him joy.

Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

(A quote by Marian Jordan Ellis)
God's best is worth fighting for, worth waiting for and worth praying for.

I'm so thankful for those of you who post quotes and verses that are speaking to you because often those are hitting me right in the heart as well.  :)  That's the way God works at times!

31 Days - and a little frustration.

Ya'll, I have been furiously trying to post my 31 Days this weekend, only to be evilly blocked by my BlogGo app.  My BlogGo wouldn't Go. It was stopped. So if you have any suggestions for better apps, please let me know.

Now, on to my 31 Days, which is dreadfully late.

My post for this weekend was about the wonderful support I receive from online Christians.

It's funny, as long as I've been an Internet junkie, I've only just noticed how flooded the net is with Christians and Christian resources.  God is so amazing how He is using social media to reach out to a new generation and to encourage people like me.

Yes, the Internet can be bad.  But it can be so wonderful, too!  I love seeing all these successful Christian women with great companies and talents and skills - to see their openness about love and needing God - what an example.  What a support! What a testimony as to what God can do in some one's life.

I see these blogs and Instagram accounts showcasing the trials and troubles and the great faith folks have had through the tough times.  Seeing communities praying, worshipping, loving - people who have never met are brought together through Him!  It's just amazing how God works.

I know my own relationship with the Lord has depended as I see how these open people love and live for God.  It's a great encouragement and I'm so thankful to those of you who are living wide open - the good, bad and ugly - and sharing how God is working in your life every step of the way.  He is using you to help others like me, so keep up the great work. :)  You are appreciated!

So there. I'm not an every day blogger and I knew this 31 Days challenge would be a toughie for me to complete properly.  But when your app to post is evil, it makes it a bit more challenging! Thanks for stopping in for a read.

Friday's Letters

Dear weekend, I'm so looking forward to you and to my mountain day trip with Dad. It will be cold, but fun. Dear Angela, I'm so glad you and Clay made it up for your birthday! We just don't get to see you often enough.  Dear Sweet Nieces #1 & #2, you two are so very loved. You are surrounded with so many people who want to see you happy, healthy, successful, and we will move any mountain possible for you. Know how incredibly loved you are. Dear teeth, please break through and give Sweet Niece #1 some relief before she gnaws her fingers off.  Dear Hello Kitty boots, yes, I'm 38 years old. And you make me happy. And my toes toasty.  You are a good thing.  Dear Tiny Dancer, your Monster Mash dance was the best ever. I enjoyed seeing you after missing you for so long!

PS: I'm a slacker when it comes to my 31 Days... But I'll post more today, I promise. :)

31 Days - thanks

One thing I haven't done enough of here is give thanks for the blessings. You know I'm like everyone else and I'm always asking for something. Lately it's been prayers for my aunt who had serious surgery last week. While it went well, her heart did odd things resulting in an emergency pacemaker. Scary stuff. God has her doing much better today, out of ICU and into a regular room. More surgery scheduled for Wednesday.

Another aunt is going through reconstructive surgery tomorrow after her breast cancer surgery. But she is doing well and hanging in there. Another answered prayer. Dad is doing well, mom's foot is healing. Answered prayers. 

Of course I get nos sometimes, and a quiet spell sometimes. And looking back, most of the nos I'm thankful for today. Others I realize I can't see the bigger picture and have to have faith in God. 

Is that easy? No, not always. Sometimes I'm holding on to the thought that God is forever by my side and that's what pulls me along. Other times I lose sight of Him and need a reminder that I'm not alone. Ever. 

But even when my vision gets blurry and I lose sight of Him, God picks me up ad keeps on carrying me. Thanks goodness. If our relationship was dependent on MY faithfulness, I'd be in trouble! 

Start from the beginning!

31Days-Busybodies

"Count it as a blessing when you suffer for being Christian. This shows that God's glorious spirit is within you. But you deserve to suffer if you are a murderer, a thief, a crook, or a busybody."  1 Peter 4:14-15

After being very hurt by a busybody friend, I read this passage and realized it applied to me, too. I can't say I don't regularly stick my nose in other people's business - which is exactly where it doesn't belong. I also equate busybodies with gossips...spreading about tidbits of information try have no business spreading. 

It's shocking to see busybodies mentioned in the same breath as murderers, thieves and crooks. But I believe busybodies can do more damage than thieves and crooks. Their meddling into affairs that do not concern them hurt us to our core, where it sometimes never heals. It's so much more painful than stolen materialistic items. 

This is one of those things I'm constantly struggling with, to be honest with you. It makes me a very ugly slimed person when I stoop to gossiping and meddling. I pray about this often. This verse makes me realize I open my mouth far too often: 

"Be beautiful in your heart by being gentle and quiet. This kind of beauty will last and God considers it very special." Peter 3:4

If this something you struggle with, too, I pray you'll seek God's guidance and strength in overcoming this weakness. :)

Start at the beginning!

Friday's Letters... Woop Woop

Ohhh ya'll, it's time for FRIDAY'S LETTERS! Woop woop! :)

1.) CASSEROLE COMA!  So glad Sweet Niece #1 was home for the family reunion where we devoured mucho yummy Southern food, which always includes casseroles! 2.) & 7.) PUMPKIN PATCH.  So thankful to have both Sweet Nieces looking cute and in good moods for photos at the PP.  Unfortunately, it didn't last long, but we did manage a few good pics.  Maybe Christmas Card worthy? 3.) Dear Sister - I'm so sorry you & your hubby were sick all weekend. Sinus + migraines are never fun.  But this family pic on the hill is still adorable, despite the fact you are wearing jammies. 4.) Dear Lord, thanks for the beautiful drives to and from work. It's so inspiring to see your work every morning and evening. 5.) Fru Fru Pumpkin, you make me happy.  Here is a psudo tutorial if you'd like to make one for your house, too. 6.) Dear Santa, you are totally freaking me out saying things like, "Only 10 Fridays before Christmas!" - holy cow, Batman! Where did 2013 go? But when you show me who is on your Nice List, it makes me smile - Susan Branch is definitely Nice List Worthy.

Ya'll have a great AUTUMNAL weekend! :) :) :)

31 Days - Day 15 : Courage

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Oh my.  I'm confessing I'm more of a cowardly lion that a courageous beast.  I do not use the word, "Courage," to describe me in the least.  I'm one of those that usually will take the well-worn path over trying something new because of the fear of failure.  It's not very exciting on my part.

But a friend of mine has had to look uncertainty and confrontation in the face lately.  She's prayed a lot, tried to find God's path for herself and leaned on Him during a trying time. The Bible verses she shared with me spoke of a woman that is very different than myself.

"Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do no panic before them.  For they Lord your God will personally go ahead of you.  He will neither fail you nor abandon you."
           Deuteronomy 31:6

"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future."  Proverbs 31:25

"But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded."  2 Chronicles 15:7

"This is my command - be strong and courageous!  Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you."  Joshua 1:9

Do you see a theme here? I mean, seriously, God doesn't want us to let fear hold us back but to have faith and trust in Him! If we are talking to God, listening to Him and asking for His guidance in every decision we make, we should feel confident in our ventures and have faith that God will never leave our side.

I'm realizing by holding back and being afraid, I'm limiting what I allow God to do in my life and what He can do with my life.  So hopefully I can let go of the reigns, where I pretend like I'm always in control, and hand them over to God to use me as He wills.

Start at the beginning! 

31Days-Day 14 : Cha-Ching!

Usually when I get into my car at night, I have to readjust all the mirrors. My best time is morning time and I'm sitting up taller in my seat. Afternoon/evenings are evil to me and all the mirrors have to be moved down.

Tonight was different. Tonight I had my final Financial Peace University class and I was energized afterwards. Even sick as a dog, I was excited! The last session was a smack to the face and an abrupt change in my thinking. 

See, all this time I've thought about how hard I work for my money. I'm worth more money. I need more money. I'll never make ends meet in this money. 

And the reality is this:It ain't my money. 

This is God's money, every penny. He has given me the responsibly to take care of his money for Him. 10% off the top for my church. Not "Christian related ministries," but for my church. Above that are offerings which are also good. 

But bigger than the 10% is the fact wasteful spending of my money is wasteful spending of God's money. 

God has a very specific plan concerning finances. This isn't a program that's taking a shot in the dark. It's very Biblical based and it's about following God's instructions. 

And it isn't about hoarding the money you have, but becoming able to give it away. I am so wanting to hit that point - to be able to better impact others lives thanks to the Lord's blessing. 

As Dave Ramsey put it, God is a giver. He gave us His only son. What could be a bigger gift than that? So we, who are made in His image, should be givers, too. 

I hope if you are in a church, you are tithing. It's a direct instruction from God. It's the first item out of the paycheck. Don't skimp on this one. 10%. 

And I hope you'll consider the Dave Ramsey class, to learn how to prioritize so you can give back some of what has been given to you. 

With much love, 

Beth

31 Days - Day 13 : Pray

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Prayer.  We all do it, even if you aren't a Christian. The first sign of major trouble and even the non-religious will be uttering a prayer under their breath, hoping it will reach the ears of someone they don't really understand, but want to believe in for just that moment. 

I'm not much better.  Rough waters come ashore and I'm asking God to bail me out! Help me, Lord! Please help! Help my Dad, help my Mom, Macy is sick, so please help! My finances are in trouble, help Lord, help! I'm scared in the storm, Help! Help!  

In reality, the main purpose of prayer isn't so we can read off a laundry lists of wants or "Helps!", but to develop our relaltionship with God. If you aren't praying, you are drifting away from Him and His path for you.  If you talk to Him, develop a relationship where you share yourself with God and listen to Him in return, you will grow and He will use you for His kingdom. 

Yes, prayer is good for asking, for guidance, for all this and more.  But it's really for relationship building.  Just like any other relationship, if you do nothing but ask ask ask for things, the relationship becomes one-sided and will disenegrate.  Don't do this with the most important relationship you can possibly have. 

(Great reminder for me, too. Want to know more? Listen to Dr. Charles Stanley and his comments on prayer here.)  

Did anyone else grow up with the ACTS prayer method?  Adoration, Confession, Thanks and Special Requests. Just curious. :)

31 Days - the beginning

31 Days - Day 12 : Rest

Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens,
and I will give you rest."  Mathhews 11:28

This verse is one of those comforting verses.  God knows we have heavy burdens on our shoulders. He knows we are always thinking, fretting, worrying - even though we shouldn't be, He sees it anyway.  And here He is telling us - come to HIM. Bring it to Him and he will lift our burdens and give us rest.  He just wants us to come to Him and He'll take it from there! Doesn't that put your heart at ease and settle your soul? 

Our Lord, we belong to You. 

We tell You what worries us and You won't let us fall. 

Psalms 55:22

In times of trouble, distress, worry, concern - don't forget who is waiting for you to ask Him to help.  He's the most powerful force to be called upon (not your friends, not your coworkers, not the hairdresser or the bartender ... ) Call upon God, tell Him your troubles and ask for His help. 

31 Days - Day 11 : The Basics.

Sorry I missed yesterday but just wasn't happening. I did start a new devotion about Peter, which is really good so far!

Tonight, I just can't get a conversation out of my head that Dad and I had about folks who get lost in the details and miss the most important parts. 

This happens a lot with religion. All the different denominations have little details that differ and people get all feisty and very lost in translation, missing the top proprieties.  

Jesus. God the Father sent Jesus, His only Son, to Earth as a baby. The baby lived, grew, worked, made friends and became a great teacher. He lived a perfect life. 100% man. 100% God. He was put to death in the cross, paying for our sins. He was buried and descended to Hell. Three days later, He rose from the dead and His tomb was empty. He now lives back in Heaven with The Lord. 

Because of Jesus living a perfect life, dying and triumphing over death, we have a way to Heaven. No works we do can be enough. The only way is to accept Jesus as the way and believe in His perfect love, life, and resurrection. 

Are there lots of details outside of this? Yeah. But let's make sure the basics are in place before we worry about them. 

Just a quick prayer: Lord, please use this blog as a way to touch someone's life, to open a heart to You and change one person's entire future. Please help us all understand the basics and give You our faith. Thank you for the way You work in our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen

31 Days

31Days-Who knows What Day I'm On

Ohhh y'all, I'm really bad at this one. Like, really bad. And I'm not sure why but my tolerance level has gotten worse instead of better. It's not that I don't like the person, or think they are great. But some things they do make me see red and it's on like Donkey Kong. 

I'm so trying to work in this aspect if life. I totally realize there are many faults being overlooked on my behalf because I'm truly not a very good person. I mean, I like to think I'm good but in reality I'm a very large sinner, a baby Christian trying to find my way in all the wrong places and making large mistakes along the way. 

But the cool thing is with every mistake and every wrong turn, God is carrying me out of the darkness and bringing me back home to him. He is forgiving me of all the hurtful and disappointing moves I've made. 

"But, our God, You are merciful and quick to forgive, You are loving, kind, and very patient. So You never turned away from them."  Nehemiah 9:17

So shouldn't we follow this example and love despite the flaws? 

31 Days

 

Friday's Letters!!!

B is for Bethie - My friend Paulene created this most beautiful B and I claim that it is 100% for me. Dear friends, Thanks for reading my 31 Days and for your encouraging comments.  I'll keeping it up - so far so good! Dear weekend, I'm ready for you!! Lovely autumn weather is in store - not too hot and not too cold, so maybe we can get some pics of both sweet nieces this weekend at a pumpkin patch. So hopeful. Dear decisions, I totally don't want to deal with you right now, but I think I may not have a choice. Dear coupons, how I tire of trying to keep up with you, shop with you, save money with you. But I also hate paying more than I should. *sigh*  Dear Dave Ramsey, I'm very thankful for your class, for the advice you have given and for this feeling that I may be able to control my spending and get "there" one day!! It's an actual goal that I may see happen! Granted, I've spent all my dining out money and still have a week to go unti pay day. Hmm...

Ya'll, thanks for joining me - I love hearing from you and appreicate your time. :)
Have a GREAT weekend!

31 Days - Day 9 : You are Beautiful

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One of the most amazing concepts I've tried to wrap my head around is the fact that GOD CREATED ME in HIS image, whose talents and skills were specifically given to me to honor Him.  My green eyes, specifically chosen by God.  My fair skins and freckles - gift from God! The fact that my hair is crazy thick, or I'm taller than the norm, or I have an affinity for music and art - God, God, God.

The fact that I'm not great at science - that's ok, too, because God made someone else who is a science genius and that wasn't what I was created to do.

I'm sad to think of how often I have look at myself and wanted to me something different. I wanted to be able to sing beautifully, or draw so skillfully.  To have the talent of doing quick math in my head or being poised and professional.

Instead I'm a loud talking, loud laughing, casual, off-the-cuff, non-professional, horrible singer, flip-flop wearing, Southern redneck.  But with those traits come the ones God sees - I make people feel comfortable, I make them smile. I do laugh a lot, I have sympathy and caring for folks, I like making people feel good.  I develop relationships and enjoy people's stories. I have lots of love to give.

So instead of pouting about what I didn't get, I try to be thankful for who I am! I'm someone God Loves! I'm in His Image! I'm His DAUGHTER! His CHILD! His CREATION! His HEART.

When I went to YouTube to find this video (that I'm posting again because I really want you to watch it), I was surprised to see how many videos are made about women needing to feel beautiful. Sadly, we have really misplaced the concept of beauty to be one of an outer shell.  Our perfect hair, plump lips, wrinkle-less eyes, high cheekbones. So of course are self-confidence is destroyed because we don't look like that!

Please, get beyond that silliness and realize your beauty is not in your face and body, but in your heart where God is dwelling with His love.  He is your beauty.  You are never going to feel beautiful as long as you are trying to be Barbie.

So go watch this video.  :)

31 Days

31 Days - Day 8 : Be Still

BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD.  Psalms 46:10

God has given us such beauty in our lives. Sunrise, sunset. Black skies with twinkling stars. The smell of rain, the color of the flowers, the sounds of nature. It is so amazing to see God's artistry in His works all around us. 

One problem I have is learning to be still and appreciate it. See it. Hear it. Soak it up and rejoice for the beauty God has given to me. It seems life is so cluttered and rushed and important that the truly important aspect - my relationship with my loving Father, The Lord, is pushed to the wayside. 

So let's be still and learn who God is, appreciate the Beauty He has given to us and find rest in Him. 

31 Days

31 Days - Day 7 : The Notebook.

Yes, I know this picture is crooked as all get out.  It's actually better than the original, sadly. 

Anyway, this is my notebook. It's small, 4" x 6" and fits perfectly into my purse.  My pen pal friend in Louisiana sent it to me and I immediately knew what I wanted to use it for - scripture. She is a wonderfully encouraging Christian woman - so fitting her gift would be about encouragement and growth, too. 

Inside I have written verses from the Bible that have caught my eye or spoken to me at that moment. I've taken notes from devotionals, scribbles quotes from various people - things that have touched my heart, my emotions, my life.  Just bits and pieces that are nice to have around in a dark moment or to share when someone else needs a pick-me-up.  

"Let your hope make you glad.  Be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying." Romans 12:12

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."  Proverbs 3:5

"Our prayers may be awkward.  Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the One who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference."  Max Lucado

"A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger."  Proverbs 15:1 (I should have read this earlier today. *sigh*)

"Everyone should be slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires."  James 1:19-20

"Seek God's will in all you do, and He will show you the path to take."  Proverbs 3:6

And one of my Favorites: 

"Don't worry about anything but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God."  Philippians 4:4-9

While my faith is always with me, I do find it so helpful to have tangible words at my fingertips to encourage me along the way.  To still my fears, to build my faith, to remind me of the direction I should be pointing. :)

31 Days

31 Days - Day 6 : Build Me Up, Buttercup

Y'all know the song. It is now stuck in your head, too. Muahahaha.

Y'all, we are so bad to tear each other down instead of building each other up. Sometimes it's a full frontal assault but more often than not, it's little passive aggressive digs that are sneaky and mean. Ohhhh you so know what I mean. It's not just women, either. Men are bad to do it to their ladies. 

Are you facing people like this?? 

"But those who trust in The Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. Thy will walk an not grow faint."  Isaiah 40:31

Have faith. Look to God. Tell Him your fears and worries. Stay strong in your faith and love for God because He is always with you. He sees and hears it all. He knows it all. 

He doesn't believe what is said and neither should you. You are made in God's image. He designed you for a specific purpose. He gave you talents and skills. He blessed you with gifts! You are HIS CHILD! He loves you and wants good things for you.  

So have faith. Be strong. And don't give in to the pressures and evils. You are wonderfully made by God himself. 

31 Days

Monday Muses.

This weekend was filled with Sweet Niece #2 love, as her parents celebrated their anniversary at the beach.  She is just too doggone cute for words and I am so glad we got some time together.  It almost makes me want to buy a crib so she can sleep at my house! :)

We started Saturday morning wtih some play time, which then required some rest time where I became the recliner for Little Miss as we watched some PBS Kids.

And when it came time to sleep, PawPaw read Llama Llama Red Pajama a few times and before you knew it, Baby Llama was sound asleep.  What a cutie.

So obviously my weekend was wonderful - I barely left my house.

Did I have much time to think? Not really, but I did contintue to blog for my 31 Days, which I'll add Monday's entry later today.  I think that's what I spent time thinking about, my faith and relationship with God.  But I'll talk more about that later.

1)  It very easy to find all the faults in people.  Really easy. Those things stick out to us and it's so easy to comment about them, tell someone what they SHOULD be doing or should QUIT doing, how to IMPROVE and CHANGE for the better.  But in reality, most people know their own faults and don't really need someone else pointing them out.  How about instead we find the GOOD in people, what they are doing GREAT, what their TALENTS are and how they have HELPED us or IMPACTED us.  I think it would go a lot farther that all the negative.  BE POSITIVE!

2) Going along with this theme, I'd like to share a YouTube video that is making the rounds.  I love it, I love the message and it's something I know I needed to hear. And I need to hear it over and over and over because doubts creep in and I put myself down (like any of us need someone else putting us down, right?)  So watch this.  And open your heart to hear it and believe it.



Ok, that's enough for you this morning. :)  and I need to drink some more sweet tea so I MIGHT be able to wake up enough to function today.

31 Days - Day 5 : Send in the Whales

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Dad and I had a very short but interesting conversation yesterday about people making mistakes. My thoughts are that everything happens for a reason and God has more insider knowledge about what is going on than we do. While Dad agrees, he believes God also lets you make your own stupid mistakes. 

Lol. Well, I can't disagree. Looking at my own life, I'd say God wasn't too happy with many of my choices and decisions. But, it's those times in life that I grew, I learned, and I eventually drew closer to Him. 

So I was replaying the convo in my head this morning and thought of Jonah. Jonah made a poor choice that wasn't fitting with what God had told him to do - it didn't fit with God's plan. So, God sent a whale to swallow Jonah and put him back in the right path. Probably not as happy and friendly of an experience as pictured here, but you get the picture. 

I think if you are prayerfully seeking God's will for you, you ask to be led in the right direction, He will guide you down the right path. And if you make choices without prayerful consideration and go the wrong way, there will be consequences but God never leaves you. And He will use the mistakes to continue His plans. His plans will not be thwarted. It's about having faith that God's will is the best for you. Remember, He has more knowledge than we do so why would we assume we knew more? 

Some Sunday morning thoughts for you :). See you tomorrow for more of the 31 Days adventure! 

31 Days

31 Days - Day 4 : Let It Shine

From the wonderful shop of Leen Machine!

Ya'll, I'll be the first to tell you, I AM NOT A PERFECT PERSON. I realize some of you may not believe me when I say that, but it's the truth.

I've made some big mistakes in my life. I've had to learn the hard way, like many of you have done, too.  I've made promises to myself and to God that I have broken. I have doubted. I have faltered. And the Lord has picked me up every single time, shown me amazing love and forgiven me over and over.

It's this love and forgiveness that I try to let shine through me - not from me because I have no light on my own. I'm see myself as a mirror that tries to reflect the goodness that has been given to me.  Does that make any sense?  Maybe not. But it's all good, God gets it.

So, for those of you who do know me and have called me bubbly, happy, sparkly, encouraging, loving - yeah, that's just the God showing through. Obviously I'm not that all the time, and that's on me. But the good - that's thanks to God. :)

31 Days

Friday's Letters. :)

Oh yeah, hip hip hooray, FRIDAY IS HERE! Come on, do the Friday dance! Woop woop...woop woop...

Now let's focus on our Friday's Letters:

Dear Mom, do you know how old I feel when you give me these toys from my childhood? (just kidding, I love it!) The cutest thing - this Queen Busy Bee that had a string to pull it behind you as you walked.  The wings go crazy spinning, like the busy bee that she is! She is now a feature in my china cabinet, with all the other old stuff.

Dear Autumn, I am sooo enjoying the beautiful sunrises and sunsets in my day.  I love the pinks, yellows, oranges, and reds - in the sky, in the leaves, it's just good stuff.  So be prepared with a lot more photos of random driving shots (like this one, taken from my parents house, looking towards the back of my house) because as long as we have pretty skies, I'm snapping and sharing.

Dear Pressed Clovers, I'm focused on you this weekend.  I have to get some orders completed and my own Christmas presents in the works so I won't have so much pressure during the holidays. :) This is a paper bag album under way - one I stayed up too late working on this week!

Dear 31 Days, I'm happy to have found a new topic to blog about.  I went back and read the sad posts about Muffin's passing... I can see the total slump in my posts for the past several months. So this is good... I'm happy. :)

Ya'll have a great weekend and believe it or not, I'll post this weekend with more from the 31 Days series!  Now go link up with The Sweat Season! :)

31 Days - Day 3 : Wondering Where to Start

Isn't there a Disney movie that says something about starting at the beginning? A very good place to start? Wait - let me google that, I'll be right back. .... .... ....

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ARGH! It was the Sound of Music! Not Disney at all!  I love that movie, how did I mess that up? Grr... part of the Do-Re-Mi song. *sigh*

Anyway, enough of that rabbit trail - so maybe you are wondering how to get into a daily devotional. One that appeals to you, speaks to you, isn't all stuffy and over your head but is still meaty enough that you gather something from it.

That's the place I was in about a year ago.  I wasn't comfortable with many devotionals because I'm not a Bible guru.  I haven't done devotionals in the past and I wanted something to bring me closesr to God and teach me what His word said about me. I wanted something personal.

I will say, I found it in #SheReadsTruth. I tried a few others that were seriously great devotionals. (I also recommend Girlfriends in God to have an email sent to you everyday with a devotional) - but She Reads Truth just hit home with me.  They are short themes easily accessed through You Version app on my phone. Usually lasting 14 days or 12 days or something like that.  Right now I'm in the Women in the Bible, part 4 - which I'm loving!! Proverbs really woke me up and got me totally hooked on #SRT.

So to start at the beginning, I'd say download the You Version app for your phone or tablet - Apple/Iphone here and Droid here. Once there you can search Plans and then Devotionals and look for She Reads Truth.  Pick one that you like and off you go!

You can also follow along on the She Reads Truth community on their blog, where folks comment on what they gained from the devotional that day. Sometimes the remarks are ... well, annoying to be honest. But more often than not, especially in the Proverbs theme, I gained so much from the other people's comments.

So there. Maybe that will help someone out there find a place to start in their quest to get closer to God. :) And one more entry into the 31 Days event. :)





Return to the first
31 Days entry! :)

31 Days - Day 2: TESTIFY!

In keeping with the 31 Days theme from The Nesting Place, today I'm thankfully I have faith! I grew up in a Christian household (so thankful!), but I didn't make the choice to accept Jesus into my life on a personal level until high school.  I think when you grow up in a church, you sometimes lose sight of the personal nature of God. It wasn't like I was a drug addict that hit rock bottom and had to see the light of God to find my way from death's door.  No... not like that at all for me.

I was actually at a Fellowship of Christian Athletes meeting and this guy (a senior, I was a freshman) began telling his testimony and it just hit me - I've never made a commitment on my own! Whoa. Yes, this is great, I am so glad this guy is sharing his testimony because it's really opening my eyes! I prayed that night at home and was just blown away.  Later in that year, I was asked to go share my testimony as a FCA freshman representative at a local church.  He was the senior representative and then HE was blown away that his words were used to help save me. :)

I'm still in touch with him, 20+ years later.  I call him my special friend, because he was used in a very special way to touch my life.  God is awesome and can use anything in this world to His will and power. It's great. You just never know how you may be part of God's plan - whether you are Christian or not! hee hee... isn't that something to think about?

If you aren't Christian, I hope you'll consider the love Jesus has for you and open your heart to Him.  It's ... everything. It. Is. Everything.  It's Eternal. It's Love. It's Peace.

:)  I told you, I'm finally excited about blogging again.  Thanks for joining me in today's message. :)

31 Days - and I'm late starting again.

So once again, I'm behind the curve! But I finally found something that interested me, thanks to Abbie at The Envelope Keeper.  She mentioned a blog challenge of writing for 31 days in October, which is hosted by The Nesting Place.

I'm totally new to this group, so work with me, but it seems there are several "topics" you can choose to file yourself under for the month of October.  I have decided to go under Inspirational and Faith, because that's where my heart is these days.

This is my button! Woop woop, I did it! :) 

Today, I'm thinking about the blessings I've received recently... like how I prayed all the way to urgent care for Macy's health.  I was seriously sick with worry about that little girl and God heard every fear and every prayer - and Macy was fine. *whew*

Driving home in the dark, in the rain, so worried I was going to wreck... Oh how I prayed for the Lord to keep my safe and it was like a BLINK - I was off the interstate and half way home.  I couldn't believe how quickly that drive went. *whew*

Mom's foot healed ... We found a solution for baby sitting while it was broken ... Dad's health reports have come back good ... Wow.  Blessed. Over and Over.  BLESSED. So thankful.

So expect more of this in the upcoming month.  I'm excited to be excited again. And I'm excited to be excited about something so dear to me - God. My Lord. My Father.

Hope you'll join me for this ride.

1-     You got it right here. :)
2-     Testify
3-     Wondering Where to Start
4-     Let it Shine
5-     Send in the Whales
6-     Build Me Up, Buttercup
7-     The Notebook
8-     Be Still
9-     You are Beautiful
10-   Who Knows What Day I'm On
11-   The Basics
12-   Rest
13-   Pray
14-   Cha-Ching!
15-   Courage
16-   Busybodies
17-   Thanks
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Monday Muses on a Tuesday

Ya'll know me, I'm behind the curve about half the time, including yesterday when I didn't get this blog written and posted. :)  You still love me though, right?

So here are my thoughts from the weekend and beyond:

1- Refrigerator Oats aren't that bad!! What are Refrgerator Oats? You mix oats, yogurt, fruit and other stuff together, put it in the frige overnight and it's ready for breakfast in the morning!  http://www.theyummylife.com/Refrigerator_Oatmeal  Check into it. Eating better isn't quite as hard as I thought it would be.

2 - I can sometimes be a cooking queen. This weekend I made 80 stuffed pasta shells with the most delicious cheese mixture, bagged them up and froze them for later; huge pot of soup, dessert, slaw, veggie dip, and these white chocolate chip oatmeal cookies for my Dad. :)  It feels good to get in the kitchen and make something yummy for family.

3 - I have the most adorable niece in the world.  Just an FYI. These were taken this weekend and let me tell you, I totally realize I am NOT a child photographer.  Oh my gosh, I was running around after her and she was NOT cooperating! But she's still adorable.


4 - Lying in bed on Saturday and Sunday morning, I just enjoyed the peace and quiet of the day. I love my house, where I'm located, my family and my life.

5 - I'm reading She Reads Truth - their series on Women in the Bible.  Then I stumbled on a video of how to tell if he is "Mr. Right."  GREAT tips.  Then I stumbled on more videos about how to know if you are ready to date, how to date, etc etc.  It was really good. So maybe all this is leading up to me actually finding a date??! Maybe not, but it still made me think and appreciate the message.

Ya'll I'm rambling. Go forth and have a great week.  :)