Garbage In, Garbage Out

This year has started a whole new way of living for me. 

As I've mentioned before, I've been exercising each morning with a group of sister-friends (they are more that just girlfriends). We have set and been praying and encouraging each other through our 30 days goals. Even more importantly we've started doing the online Bible study "Made to Crave" offered through Proverbs 31 Ministries. 

You see I'm working on improving the health and well being of my physical body but more importantly I need to and am focusing on the health of my spiritual life. As a Christian, I know that my body, my life are not my own. 

You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body. I Corinthians 6:19b -20 (NLT)

God paid the ultimate price, the death of His beloved Son, so that I may be made clean through the shedding of His blood. It is my desire, to bring honor and glory to God by being used for His will in the plan He has for my life.

The reality (not excuse) is that I'm still a sinner and each day I struggle with the temptations of this world but the more time I spend in God's Word and in prayer I realize that I can be MORE through the power He has bestowed on me through His Son. In the learning of how to be MORE, the Holy Spirit has been convicting me on certain areas of my life that need to be changed.

Most of us are familiar with the saying "garbage in, garbage out." To me, it means that if something of inferior quality is put into something, the result will be a product of inferior quality. Well this applies  to every area of my life. If I eat donuts all day, the result will be a growing waistline. If I fill my mind with questionable information, then my mind will be filled with questionable information. Whatever we take in - body, mind, spirit - will ultimately be reflected on the outside through our words and actions.

The first part of the verse mentioned previously says this:

Don't you realize that you body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God. I Corinthians 6:19a 

and again the last part of verse 20

So you must honor God with your body (NLT) 

Imagine if someone you greatly admired said they were coming to visit your home. I'm sure there would be a mad rush of activity to make your home and family "acceptable" for that person's arrival. How much more should our bodies/lives be acceptable for the Holy Spirit to abide in us. 

So, this brings me to a big change I've made. You may not seem it as big but I do. 

Since,  I was very young I've had the kind of imagination that can create story lines. I remember being in my room, drawing a house plan on a piece of paper and acting out a whole story in my head (hmmm, I guess we know where Emily inherited her imagination). Needless to say, I like watching television because lets face it is mini stories. But television has changed over the years and the most popular style of show now is reality TV and I'll be honest in telling you that  I've been sucked into watching these too. I could give you a list of what I've watched but that isn't really that important. Let's face it most of these shows thrive on showing us the train wrecks occurring in these people's lives via bad behavior, cursing, treating people badly, gossiping, etc. When I first started watching them, I felt okay about it I know what "not to do". However, toward the end of last year, I started to think about this a little more. Why do I want to watch a show that thrives on the chaos of someone else's life? What do I gain from that? Why do I want to watch people hurt each other intentionally? Why do I want to hear the language that comes from their mouths? Then, I applied it to my home. If someone came in the room would I turn the channel? Would I want my children to watch it with me? Would I want those people I love to act the way they are? My answer was "no". So, why was I filling my mind with it?

You see I'm a "real housewife" living in the state of New Jersey but I want to be known for the love and respect I have not only for others but my God. Sooner or later, filling my mind with this information would start showing up in my life and I don't want that. 

So, the first of the year I stopped watching reality TV. I'll be honest it hasn't been easy! It's like any other thing you try and give up, like chocolate, hard to do. There are times when I've turned on the TV, nothings on and as I surf the channels I see a marathon is playing but in the moment I ask God to give me the power to not give into the temptation. 

This is an area that I've personally had to change and each day I'm feeling convicted in other areas of my life. What I have to remember is that I need to keep the garbage out so that which is good can permeate and be seen through me via my actions and my words. Will I do everything right? Absolutely not! But I will measure those things I bring into my life to what God ask of me in His Word. 

And now, my dear brothers and sisters, one final things: Fix your thoughts on that is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable, Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.  Philippians 4:8 

You see I want to be able to have a heart filled with Him so that my life, my words, my actions will be pleasing to Him. 

As always, thanks for stopping by!

A Surprise Read

By now you either know from experience or just from reading my blog that I have a wonderful, creative, imaginative, funny son! 

Matt can be very predictable. He loves to be home and prefers not going anywhere (he is a true homebody), no matter how much homework he is given it is always "so hard" and seems to take forever, when it comes to topics that interest him he will impart his knowledge on you whether you want to hear it or not......oh and he loves his Xbox, DS and Kindle (for games of course). 

Last Friday when I went to pick up the kid's from school, I noticed that Matt's teacher had posted the classes persuasive essays on the wall outside their classroom. 

I have to say for a split second I experience a moment of panic. Oh, what is my boy going to try and persuade people of. The thoughts were whirling in my head: revolt against homework, play Xbox all day, never go to school. 

Imagine my surprise when I read the title "Church is Fun". Oh, did I fail to mention how much Matt loves God. Most of the time his love of God is heard in his prayers but this was in written form and the picture he drew was priceless.

According to Matthew, this is why "Church is Fun":

"I want you to come to my church. First, you'll learn about Jesus. You will learn how he died, suffered and how he paid the price for us to be free.

Second, there will be games in Sunday School. There are going to be races. There are snowball fights made out of paper and ball games. I hope you could come to my church."

When I read this, I was overwhelmed by how much our church has effected my son. He knows the real reason for going - Jesus - but as a kid he relates to the the fun part of church. You see not only does Matt attend Sunday School but also Upstreet which is our children's church. Upstreet is run by a wonderful man, Joe Hegedus, who has a heart for teaching our kids about Jesus. We are so very thankful for all he does to expose our kids to God and His love for them.

So, my panic was replaced with joy. God is in Matt's heart and mind and is someone he wants to share with others. This essay is a small glimpse of that fact.

Oh, if you would like, you are always welcome to come to our church. After all, "Church is Fun."

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Snow Ball Fight!!!!!

Well not really a snowball fight. It is more like a snowball piling.

Today I was able to go into the elementary classes at my children's school and collect a snow fall estimate from each student for the winter bulletin board mentioned in my previous post One Week - Two Boards. Each student was able to guess how many inches of snow will fall cumulatively from tomorrow (January 25th) until February 28th. 

There were some very interesting guesses the most outrageous being 1,000,000 inches. Would never want to live where snow fell in that amount. Yes, the student was allowed to submit a second, more reasonable guess.

I took all of the snowballs and "piled" them according to class starting with the Kindergarten class right next to the snowman leading to the 6th grade at the far end of the board after the yard stick. There were a few students missing so a snowball has been left for them to complete upon their return to class next week.

The kids seemed excited to participate in this poll and make reasonable guesses especially when the mention of a "reward" was made for the correct guess/guesses or the one/ones closest to the true snow fall amount. 

I've never been more excited to monitor snow fall! When the poll is completed, I will post about the winner/winners.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

"Wow! This is Really Good?"

Such an unassuming little casserole when you look at this picture. However, this little casserole caused quite a stir at dinner last night. 

Originally I was planning it for tonight, Friday. Although a quick recipe, Emily was scheduled to have a baskeball game and by the time we would get home, I wasn't sure I wanted to put forth any effort on dinner. In the late morning, Emily called saying the game was cancelled and they were just going to do a practice. Practice goes from the end of school until 4:30 and we are usually home by 5 so, I changed gears and decided to give this little casserole a try. 

I found this recipe for Sloppy Joe Casserole via Pinterest at the website Cravings of a Lunatic. 

The original recipe calls for making it in a 9x13 baking dish. I know my family and that is just way too much for us 4 who are not big leftover eater. So, I went against my rule of always making a recipe exactly as is the first time and halved the recipe. Thankfully this adjustment did not lead to any quirkly measurements. Our casserole was made in an 8x8 baking dish.

I followed the recipe just as it was outlined and once assembled placed it in a 350 degree oven for 12 minutes. At the end of the alloted time, I checked and the top dough was not at all browning. So, I continued to bake it until it was which I believe ended up being a total of 25 minutes. Because the timing seemed so off, I did check the crescent roll wrapper just to see the normal baking time for the rolls. They are actually baked at 375 for 10 - 12 minutes. I tell you this so if you do make this casserole you will not be shocked if at the end of the alloted cooking time it is still not browned and you need to bake it longer. The next time I make this I am going to bake it at 375 for the 12 minutes watching to see if that temp works better.

The kids and I ate around 6. Matthew loved it an actually had a small second portion. Emily, well she is my against meat child so she said it was "okay". Dave came home around 8 and reheated a portion in the microwave. He is the one who said "Wow! This is really good!" When he is that pleased with a meal, you know that it is one that is going to be made again.

So go ahead and try it whether it be the full 9x13 or 8x8 portion and let me know what you think. I know we will be eating this again.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

5 a.m.! Are you Crazy?

If you know me personally or follow me on Facebook you know that I've become very regimented in the last 3+ months when it comes to going to the gym. Yes, I'm at the gym weekdays at 5 a.m.

You see I've gone through several workout cycles in the last 6 years. During that time, I've had gym memberships and utilized two excellent personal trainers! Sadly, I'm a bit of an extremist when it comes to meeting goals. Working out and a strict diet is an area where this extremist cycle once again reared its ugly head. When I wasn't able to attain a happy medium of working out, eating healthy and just living, I gave up thinking I couldn't make it work. 

It was just before my birthday last September that God blessed me with the inspiration of a good friend, who has become more of a sister in these last 5 months. Her name is Jen. She attends my church, is a mother of 4 young children (2 of which she is homeschooling), an amazing wife, tends to her parents and is a child of God! This is only a mere snippet of who she is, I could go on and on. Jen started on a weight loss journey last year first tackling the area of food and then exercise. Each week at church, I saw her shrinking in physical size but growing in, what I would say, peace and contentment. 

For many years, I've always wanted someone to work out with. Last August, just before my 46th birthday, Jen had started walking and working out in a local park with a group of people from our church. I can't tell you if I asked her or she offered for me to come along but needless to say on my birthday I  found myself walking my town's track early Sunday morning with one of the people from the workout group and planning to meet Jen and the other's the following day. This began our journey.

Now, in the summer the sun is up nice and early and due to work schedules a 5 a.m. workout session was the plan. Up until mid-October Jen and I were walking the park. As for the gym, I joined it first knowing that I didn't want to stop the workout I had become accustom to the last month. I remember the morning I told Jen I had joined the gym. I was afraid our time together was going to be over but no, the next day Jen told me she had gone ahead and joined the gym. We did have a few more walks in the park but as the temps changed we took our work out into Blink Fitness!

I can't tell how it happened but slowly we assembled a group of ladies joining us in our early workout regiment. These ladies are Angie, Jen, Kim, Adina, and just recently we've added Serina, Jenny and her mother Jen. Yes, that makes four Jennifer's but they are all unique and beautiful individuals. 

As we have been working out together these last few months, our personal relationships with each other have been growing. Our greatest common bond being our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are daughter's of the King and sister's in Christ. We try to encourage and motivate each other to press on. 

Its funny though because our little group of "Blinkers" were becoming known. Okay, so I post every morning that I am at the gym. Why? To encourage others to work out too. But those post seemed to be creating conversations everywhere I was going. These conversations made me start thinking about our group and its purpose. I knew what we were about and how we were encouraging and helping each other beyond just the physical aspect of working out but as Christian's were we showing what our true purpose is?  Yes, we were growing together but in my heart I was feeling that God desired us to be MORE. 

This pricking from God to be MORE was solidified when our group was brought up in a devotional time on New Year's Eve. It was in a good way. We are at the gym at 5 a.m. and not every day are we jumping up with joy to get out of bed at that time to workout even though we know it is to our benefit. As Paul talks about "pressing on" in the Christian walk, even when all is against us, we are pressing on to get to the gym. During this devotional time, I was able to let others (church family) know how this group is so much more, how relationships are being developed and we are encouraging each other not only physically but spiritually. Although I have to say, I was a little "caught in the headlights" when we were brought up in this devotional, I thank that person because I think God was using him to say, "be MORE!!"

As God was working on me, He was working on Jen too, who was away visiting family for two very longs weeks (we really missed her). It may have been the first day she was back with us, that she asked me as we were on the treadmills alone. "what do you think of us as a group doing an online Bible study together?" I was all for it, this is what God had for us to be MORE, and so when the others joined us we proposed it and it it was a unanimous "yes". 

This week we started the "Made to Crave" Bible study being offered through Proverbs 31 Ministries. Before this started though, we set 30 day goals that we can encourage and pray each other through. 

The reason I am writing all of this is to tell you how blessed I am that God put Jen and each one of these wonderful sisters in my life. You see with their help and encouragement, God is helping me to grow closer to Him and be used in the way He desires. These relationships are open, honest and transparent and I praise God for that too. We are growing daily, praying each other through the  circumstances we face. Through these ladies, God is showing me what His family is like and I am so grateful and blessed.

So, although getting up to be at the gym isn't always fun, I know when I get there my sisters are waiting for me and that right beside us is our Father God. 

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Cookies Anyone?

What do you do on a snowy day when the kids are home from school, besides stay in your pajamas all day? You bake cookies, lots and lots of cookies.

With Emily getting older and telling me so all the time, I want her to start participating regularly in domestic tasks around our home which will ultimately train her for her future home and family. When I told her we were going to bake cookies, but that I was only going to supervise and she was to do the  majority of the work, she was very excited. Now, I'm going to be completely honest and confess that all of the cookies were made with mixes from my good friend Betty Crocker. 

Matt, of course, did not want to be left out from the action and contributed in his own way. He did help pour in one of the ingredients needed for the first batch of cookies but found his "job" when we removed the mixer from its stand. Matt did clean up!

First cookies up, molasses. My personal favorites!

Next, peanut butter cookies with mini m&m's. Another yummy favorite!

Our final cookie was key lime with key lime frosting. We were trying to bring the taste of summer to this very cold, snowy, winter day.

One of the reasons I planned to bake cookies today is that I wanted to give some as a "thank you" to our neighbor. Last night, he came over around 10 p.m. and plowed our sidewalks and driveway.

This task became a good teaching lesson for Emily and Matt. You see I want them to learn that when someone does something for you, especially something unexpected and so very helpful that you can just say "thank you" but doing something as small as baking cookies makes the "thank you" even more special. 

Emily was very proud of the work she had done baking today and is already wondering when her next baking day will be. What made me even happier was that she was excited that the cookies were going to be given to our neighbor to say "thank you". Lesson learned.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Little Things Do Mean A Lot!

I have no doubt that my husband loves me but I so love when he shows me just how much in the smallest, yet sweetest of gestures. 

Today in NJ we are dealing with the aftermath of another snow storm that lasted through the early morning hours. Last night we received the notification that the kids would be home from school. The storm and the day off school of course meant my "normal" daily schedule was out the window. Usually, after I finish my 5 a.m. workout at the gym, I stop for coffee at my local Dunkin Donuts. Well, no gym this morning meant no coffee. Dave was up early to do morning shoveling so that he could head to work. Thankfully his job is local so his commute is hampered only by the roads being clear and the amount of people braving the roads with him. 

After getting all paths to our home "snow free", I sent Dave off to work with a kiss, "love you" and a "see you later". After starting a load of laundry, I settled in on the couch to catch up on the current weather situation and news of the day. It was about 15 minutes after Dave left that I caught a glimpse out the window of someone walking on the sidewalk along the side of our house and up the stoop to our side door. When I took a better look, I noticed the person was Dave. I have to admit my first thought was "oh no, why is he back" "what is wrong" "did he have an accident".  I met him anxiously at the door. Saying "what's up" as he stood there holding a hot cup of pumpkin spice coffee from our local Wawa. He handed it to me and said "love you buddy". 

What can I say, he knows the way to my heart....coffee tends to be one of those ways. 

To make this story a little more sweet, I have to explain that the Wawa in normal weather is less than 5 minutes from our home and his work about 20 minutes. So, his trip to work was extended by his choice in bad road conditions by an extra 15+ minutes just to show me his love and put a smile on my face.

Yes, I know I am a very blessed girl! I have a man who loves me and shows me by doing the smallest things that mean so much! 

Oh and that cup of coffee was one of the best I've had!

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Matt, Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

On Tuesday, Matthew had a school math project due that involved a snowman.

The students were given a list of items that could be used to "build" their snowman. The math portion was that they were unable to go over $60 with their purchase of supplies. They also had to create an advertisement as to why someone would want to buy their snowman. Finally, they had to create a snowman on a 12 x 18 piece of paper which represented the one in their advertisement.

Now, you all know I'm the crafter but math, well I conceded all math issues to Dave after all he is an accountant. So, Dave and Matt worked on the calculations, completing the supply order and then the advertisement. Matt's pitch for buying his snowman is that it will do your homework for you. He also gave the snowman a name - Bells Jingle!

Monday the kids were off for MLK Jr's birthday so Matt and I took that day to make his snowman come to life. 

When the assignment was first given, we decided that he would make it using mini marshmallows. So, out came the marshmallows and hot glue. Matt traced 3 circles using two bowls and a coffee mug to make the snowman's body. Then we got busy! I dispensed the hot glue and he placed the marshmallows on the outline. A few times he did touch the glue but he quickly learned how to avoid doing that. We used about 3/4's of a bag of marshmallows (Matt was hoping to have some left over to eat).  He did a great job! We let the snowman set for a few hours just to make sure the marshmallows adhered to the glue and let them dry out a bit before "dressing" him.

Thankfully, I have quite a bit of left over felt in my craft supplies. The snowman's hat, scarf, gloves, eyes, mouth and nose were cut from felt and attached with hot glue. The sticks for the arms were from outside our home. We attached 3 buttons with hot glue and made the shovel from card stock (also on hand in my craft room). 

It was fun helping Matt create Bells Jingle. 

Oh, by the way, that many marshmallows actually weighed down the paper quite a bit. Matt transported it in a box the next day so he wouldn't drop it due to its weight. 

So, on Monday we did build a snowman! A marshmallow snowman!

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Yummy, Cheesy Lasagna Soup

Due to Emily's basketball practices and games, I haven't been that good about getting a full week's menu planned, shopped for and produced. So, I've resigned myself that until this basketball season is over I'm only committing to making one or two new recipes per week. 

This one I found at the website Our Table for Seven for Cheesy Lasagna Soup was a gem of a find. 

First, the ingredients are "normal" ingredients with the majority already being staples in most pantries. The only items I had to buy were the ground turkey and lasagna noodles. Secondly, this is such an easy recipe to make and doesn't take that long. I made it in two parts due to a basketball practice for Emily. Earlier in the afternoon, I prepared the soup base bringing it to a boil and then allowing it to simmer the recommended 15 minutes. When we got home from practice, I brought it back to a boil, adding the noodles and allowing it to cook until the noodles were softened. 

Finally, and most importantly the taste was amazing! The Parmesan cheese really thickened the broth so that you could actually eat it with a fork. Everyone gave it a big thumbs up and it is so tasty I would definitely make it as a meal for company. 

Two things I would change for the next time is to cut the Parmesan to 3/4 of a cup from one cup maybe even start with a half cup and determine if more is needed. Also, the mozzarella garnish although good was really not that necessary so I will eliminate it the next time.

This is definitely one you must try and please come back and tell me what you think.

As always, thanks for stopping by! 

One Week - Two Boards

Last week was a pretty busy week with the completing of the elements needed for and installation of one bulletin board and then the cutting of items and installation of another bulletin board. These boards are "living" boards with information being added each month for the one board and info on the other after a poll is taken. I wanted to wait to post until more info was added but I just couldn't wait. 

This first board was completed for a fellow church. 

The sermon series is regarding discipleship with the theme "Who's at Your Table?" When the message series was first presented to me, I had a whole other avenue of thought for this board. My original plan was to make it look like you were entering into a dining room seeing a set table and place cards but the theme and the concept just weren't meshing. So, I did the thing I always do when I am conflicted on a bulletin board. I went to talk it out with my creative friend and cohort, Debbie. From our conversation, a whole new idea, this idea evolved.

The premise is that you are looking at an event planner's notebook. After all, the decision of who sits at what table for an event are usually mapped out by the event planner with the help of the event's host. I used a large black piece of foam board for the outer portion of the binder and a matte finished piece of white foam board for the information pages. To make the binder look authentic, I added a silver strip of paper and pliable wire shaped into loops to imitate the three ring area of the binder. 

The page in the binder is a table seating floor plan. This was all done by free hand. I traced with pencil a circle cutting ring for the tables and a smaller circle for the chairs then went over the pencil with a ultra fine black Sharpie marker. I also measured out a rectangular head table at which I placed the Holy Spirit, Father and Son. 

The tables are being used to record the fellowship events the church will be having monthly. There are 12 tables for the 12 months. So far they have had one event - Ziti Spectacular, Spectacular and  their next event is going to be Soup 'n Bowl Sunday. These I wrote out in red so they would pop off the page. Events will be added to the appropriate table as they are announced. On the opposite side of the binder, I placed the theme which was cut using my Cricut cutter. I also printed out the church's logo on silver paper and wrote in silver Sharpie "Property of". 

The other two pages are "event" pages that have not made it into the binder. The top page is being used for the currently planned event. Computer printed "titles" are going to be generated by the Pastor and hung using repositionable stickers tabs in the appropriate areas of event, date and time.  The open area of the page will have sign up sheets (also hung by repostitionable sticker tabs) for the items that are needed to be brought for the fellowship. The page peeking out behind will list the next planned event and the date. A pen is going to be hung by these pages to be used for the sign up sheets.

Beside the missing titles showing the current and upcoming event information, I'm working on place cards with the names of 12 church families that still need to be attached to the board. I decided on 12 families taking into account the 12 disciples. Yes, I do a lot of symbolism when it comes to the boards I create. When I add the place cards, I will take another picture and post it so you can see a more completed version of this board.

The other board I completed was for the 4th grade teacher at the kid's school. The board is located outside his classroom and is decorated on a rotation basis with 2 other teachers.

I did this board in two parts. This was part one.

I put up a dark royal blue paper as the background. The snowman was made for a previous board I did for my church. He was a lot of work so when the board came down I kept the snowman for future use and here he is! The "snow" batting was also used on another board and repurposed here. The yard stick I've used for crafting projects and recently replaced it with a metal one that can withstand the "use" I put yard sticks through. 

So you get the idea that the board is snow themed but what is the main theme, well here it is - How much snow by March?

I used two styles of snowflakes to decorate the board. The first are the hot glue snowflakes I made and used on a previous church bulletin board. Then, I had cut with my Cricut cutter snowflakes both large and small in a shimmer blue and white card stock. I was so please with the look the snowflakes added to the board.

Now this board is not quite done. The fourth grade teacher is having each student in the elementary classes write down their guess of how much snow will fall on precut snowballs. We will then stack each classes snowballs in a triangular form along the snow line. When the snowball poll has been completed, I will take another picture of the board to show it in its completed form. 

It was a busy week but a very successful one in the area of bulletin boards. Now on to the next one!

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Home ..... Family ..... Need I Say More

On a recent trip with my friend Debbie to our favorite store, Hobby Lobby, I found and had to purchase this "plaque". It says, "Family ties are precious threads, no matter where we roam, they draw us close to those we love and pull our hearts toward home."

This is my desire for my children when it comes to our family/home. That when they are older and have families of their own their hearts will always have a special place for the home we provided. 

According to Webster's dictionary, home as a noun is defined as 1) the place where a person lives 2) a family living together in one building, house, etc. 3) a place where something normally or naturally lives or is located. When you look at this definition, it seems a little cold. Home is just a place where someone lives BUT home is so much more. Home should be a warm and inviting place. A place where you can be yourself and be loved unconditionally. A safe haven. 

I have to say that in the last year, my goal has been and still is to change the atmosphere of our home. For it not just to be the place where we live, but the place where we come to be loved, encouraged and accepted. 

I love our house. It is not overly big, it is just right for our family of 4 (okay, 5 counting Mr. Jingle). Dave has always given me free reign when it comes to decorating and being a bit on the OCD side our home has order (yes, I am one of those everything has a place kind of people). Our home is a building that provides specific human needs for our family - shelter, warmth, protection, etc. But what about the emotional needs of our family? Shouldn't our home definitely provide for those needs?! 

My idea of home changed dramatically after I read an article written with regard to how "home" is regarded by a child with special needs after a day of controlling themselves in the classroom. In the article, it spoke of how this child is expected to withhold and control the tendencies they naturally experience throughout their day. They hold themselves in check making sure what they are doing is "acceptable". When they come home, they need to come to a place that allows for them to be themselves. No longer needing to be "on guard". Whether it be in the form of a period of quiet time or busyness, they need time to decompress from that constant need of staying in check. When I read this what came to my mind is a safe haven.
Our families need to have a place to come and decompress after a day of being out in the world - kids from school and activities and adults alike from the workplace and other responsibilities. We all need a soft place to fall. Now, don't get me wrong this doesn't allow for family members especially children to become disrespectful and run rough shod over everyone in the home. The boundary of respect is a must but there should be that ease of being able to come home and just be quiet, maybe spill your guts, check out for a few moments, whatever it may be....time to regroup and know that that is okay.
My desire is for my husband and kids to know that when they are home they are loved and accepted for who they are at all times. Yes, behavior, especially with the kids, will dictate the peacefulness of the home but they will know they are always loved!
Bearing in mind this idea of our home being a safe haven, one of my goals going forward is to react less and listen more. As it says in James 1:19 "You must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." (NLT)  I tend to be quick to speak and when a certain tone is used quick to get a tone (angry) myself. My desire is to really listen to what I am being told, setting aside tones, to truly be able to help and encourage the one I am speaking with. Now, please understand that if it is one of my children their tone will be addressed but only after we've address the heart of situation at hand. Another verse I want to keep in mind is Proverbs 19:24 "Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body." (NLT)  How many times I myself have been hurt by words spoken to me. I pray that the words I use with my family will be ones that uplift, encourage and contribute to their well being.
A home can be just a building but I pray that never be the case for my home. I pray that it is always a safe haven for my husband, children and anyone who enters through its doors!
As always thanks for stopping by! 

Back to Class

I'm excited! It is just an hour and a half until I get back to "teaching" my Friday Arts & Crafts Class.

Due to holiday breaks and snow days, I haven't taught the class since the beginning of December. 

Today, I'm going to be working with the third grade class (which includes my son, Matt) and we will be making the snow bells that  the 4th grade made prior to the class's "hiatus". I was thinking of doing another craft but decided that since I have the supplies already prepped it is best not to mess with the plan.

I do have a few other projects in the works for the upcoming classes. We are going to be creating a valentine mosaic and an owl project that we can hang in the halls of the school promoting how to be "wise." Somewhere in all of this we must create a snowman too, especially since this has been a very snowy winter so far.  All this talk of crafting is making me want to just get started. I hope the kids are as excited as I am to get crafting!

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Just a Little More Time

I think we can all agree that we wish we had more time in each day. I know I have thought this a great many times and that is only this past week. 

What would I use more time for? Well, do you want the short list, or the long list? Okay, a few things I could do with more time: read the books I keep buying, blog everyday instead of sporatically, study God's Word more, cook better meals for my family, bake for family and friends (I don't want all those sweets in my house), send out written notes & cards, craft, play games with my kids, work on 2000 piece puzzles (great childhood memory), spend more time with friends, ...... You get the idea! MORE, I would do more!

However, what I've come to realize is there will never be more time in a day. Even when we gain the one hour for daylight savings, it still doesn't add "more time". This realization brings me to a much more important realization and that is I need to be a good steward of the time I do have in each day.

I'll admit I'm guilty of being a time waster. I can get distracted from what I have planned and then the next thing I know the day is half over and its time to get the kids from school which starts phase two of my "normal" daily routine. The sad thing is that the distractions are not things on my list of what I would want more time for, they are mindless distractions, ones without real benefit. So, my request for more time seems to be a little foolish when I'm not even using the time God has already granted me appropriately. These "mindless distractions" are definitely an area I have to work on and put before the Lord to draw upon His strength to keep me from these time wasters. 

Also, I know that "my time" isn't truly my time. My purpose in this world, in my family, in my church is for God to be seen and glorified. Yes, from the cleaning of my floors to the reading of His Word all my moments in life are to show His love, His mercy and His grace.

You see here in is where the real dilemma lies and where change needs to occur. I can make a plan for my day but I have to know and realize that what I plan may not be the plan God has for me in that same day. Also, instead of making a plan by myself, my plan has to be made with God, opening my heart for His divine appointments. 

Yesterday was one of those days where "my plans" got interrupted but God used it to show me a lesson. As most of you know, I go to the gym at 5 a.m. to get in my morning workout. Well, yesterday was like any other morning until I reached my car to go to the gym. I have a remote starter so I had the car warming up which of course keeps the doors locked until I get to the car. I noticed that instead of the headlamps being their normal brightness that they were dimmed and thought that was strange. However, I had the car serviced the day before and determined maybe they had changed the setting. Then as I sat in the car, I noticed on the passenger seat a Christmas card I had received out of its envelope, a gum packet, a wrapper, a store card for a key fob......my heart dropped, I opened the storage unit between the front seats and sure enough the GPS was gone. Yes, someone had entered my car and took what they felt they needed. UGH!!! Robbed! but I knew I was partially to blame. I had apparently left the car unlocked making it accessible to this person. I walked back into the house to tell Dave who in turn told me to just go to the gym and we would deal with it when I got back. Thankfully I took his nudge, went to the gym and was greeted by my good friend, Jen, who listed to my tale of woe. 

This new "development" was going to mess up my plan of spending the whole day working on an upcoming bulletin board. But when Dave asked me, "can you get to the station to file a report?" I knew I had to have the right attitude about this. You see God did not bring the person to steal from me to teach me a lesson, He is not a perpetrator of evil. He did however want this moment for me to show how I would react to this being done and the consequences of someone doing evil to me would bring to my plate. I told Dave I had nothing really planned for the day other than working at home and I would get it done. Even in the moment I was saying it I felt no resentment for having to do this. My plan was going to be interrupted by this event but I was "okay" with it. I truly feel God was pleased with the way I reacted and blessed me for it. How was I blessed? You see our home is located on a corner and there was a lake of ice water that collected on our side street. A police officer just happened (hmmm, just happened?) to be patrolling our area, saw the ice patch and was going slowly past our home. Dave went out to tell him what had happened and he came into our home, took the initial report and started the paperwork so that all we need to to is fax it to the police department when completed. You see, I believe God was pleased with my reaction and kept me from having to step out and lose time on my bulletin board project. And can I tell you I accomplished so much on that board in this one day.

You see the truth is we don't really need more time. We need to put our time in God's hands, His timing is always perfect! I can make my plans but I need to lay them before Him each day asking Him to lead me where He wants me to go and being open to His divine appointments. Is this easy to do "no", because lets face it we are selfish people BUT God never promised us easy. He did however promise that He is always with us and that "for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

So, don't be looking for more time, it will never come. Make the time God has given to you count and draw upon His power so that you may use it in a way that pleases and brings honor to Him. 

As always, thanks for stopping by!

Taking Life "Up a Notch" in 2014

Happy New Year!

It is hard to believe that another year has past but I've learned in my advanced age of 46 that time just keeps moving faster and faster each year. Long gone are those days of being a child when Christmas and my birthday seemed like forever to come. 

I'm not one for making resolutions when the new year begins. Why? Mainly for self preservation. You see when I say I'll do something I get very tough on myself when I don't follow through. Yes, I do think about what I'd like to work on or change in the year to come but I've learned life can throw curve balls that take me away from my original plans. And sometimes those curve balls are more of a benefit  to my life than sticking to what I thought I should be doing. 

This year God has been working on me in the weeks before the new year to reflect on what is truly important as 2014 begins. Nothing solidified this more than the message my Pastor, Eric Dammann, preached this past Sunday. 

You see this is the year my focus needs to be on bringing my spiritual life "up a notch". Yes, I am a Christian. I believe that God sent His Son to die on the cross for me, a sinner, and that through Him, and only Him, I have eternal life. I also believe that He has a purpose for my life that will bring Him all glory and honor and praise. My life is not my own, it is His. 

As a believer in order to know God more, know what He has for me and "understand" and weather the storms that may come my way, I need to be in constant communion with Him reading His Word and praying. God has given us the Bible as an instruction book for life and through salvation I have the power of God within me. I just need to draw upon what He has freely given. 

So as I start 2014, I'm focusing on these 4 things to move into a more mature/closer relationship with my God and in closer unity with my brothers and sisters in Christ. 

1.) Read God's Word - not only for individual devotions but reading through the Bible in one year

2.) Joining a Bible Study - being open and transparent so that I can be encouraged and held accountable 

3.) Memorizing Scripture - so when those curve balls start coming, I can draw upon God's power through the Word I have hidden in my heart

4.) Praying without ceasing - calling out to God at any time, anywhere

What I love about God is how He reveals to me what I need to be doing and how He gives me confirmation of the path He wants me to take.

You see last night God had me at the home of a fellow brother and sister in Christ where we had a devotional in the hour before the year was drawing upon us and at the stroke of midnight we were praying in small groups. God in His wisdom knew that I needed to start my year in this fashion so that I could rise this morning with a new song in my heart, one that before anything else drew me to His Word and time with Him.

Now, I know that each day there will be obstacles sent my way to deter me from my focus on my relationship with God, but I know I can draw upon His power for strength and I praise Him for placing in my life sisters who stand along side me in faith encouraging me daily to continue in my walk with Him.

You see this year I choose to be bold in my faith, to speak what God speaks to me and I pray that in what He is teaching me I can be a testimony of my Father's love and grace!

As always, thanks for stopping by!