Mindful

Last night at church, a church member rushed up to me to ask if I got her email. I said no, but that I hadn't checked my emails that afternoon. She said that she sent it on Monday and I told her that I had not received it. She said that she woke up on Monday with me on her mind and felt an urgency to pray for me. She prayed for me all day. I told her that Monday afternoon I got sick with a terrible stomach bug. We both stood almost speechless after discussing my Monday.

I have not been able to get out of my mind that God placed me on her heart. I am very thankful that she was obedient to pray for me. But what has really hit me hard is that I was on God's mind. I know that I am never off of God's mind, but I'll be honest and tell you that I often loose sight of that fact. I know that God loves me and I know that Lamentations tells me that He sings over me. I know these things in my head, but sometimes they don't always make the journey to my heart.

On Monday night I lay in my bed in tears. I was feeling horrible and have never had my stomach hurt that bad before. At times I wondered if I was going to survive. (And I wonder why my daughter is so dramatic!) I was talking myself out of calling my mama because it was so late, but I really just wanted to hear somebody act like they cared that I so sick. My husband did great with the kids, but I didn't feel that he was acting concerned enough with my sickness. His approach is to stay very far away. One time when I had the flu, he brought me a cooler and put it by the bed because he didn't want to have to keep coming in there with me. What he doesn't realize is that along with the beverages, I like to also receive a good measure of sympathy. And on Monday that just wasn't happening.

So I lay there wanting my mama, reminding myself that I am 37 years old and that I needed to not be a baby, but really wanting my mama. Yes, that about sums it up. In the end, sanity won out and I did not end up calling my mama. But I did lay there asking Jesus to help me.

And do you know what I was reminded of yesterday...He was already working on my behalf before I even knew of my need. Before I even knew that I was going to be sick, He had someone praying for me. Now that puts things into perspective!

Who am I that You are mindful of me, Lord? Your love is overwhelming!

May I see things through your eyes today!

The Greatness of God

A few weeks ago, I was helping my son with his science project. His assignment was to create a brochure to encourage visitors to come to his "out of this world" destination. He picked Jupiter as his destination. Let me just be honest and tell you that I don't really know a whole lot about Jupiter or any of the other planets for that matter. I remember studying about them in school and making a model of the planets out of styrofoam balls, but unfortunately the vast knowledge that I gained from that project has left me.

In his brochure, he needed to include some fun and interesting facts about Jupiter. Did you know that Jupiter is basically a big ball of gas? And did you know that the bright star that you see in the night sky right now is not a star at all but rather it is Jupiter? And here is the fact that I will not soon forget. Did you know that if Jupiter was hollow (which it is not), that you could fit 1,100 Earths inside of it!

That one little interesting fact just about knocked me out of my chair.

WOW, 1,100 Earths could fit inside of something that looks like a tiny star in the night sky. It sure did give me a new perspective of things. Apparently, I am not as big as I think I am some days. But is reminded me that my God is ENORMOUS!

My favorite chapter in the Bible is Isaiah 40. I get really excited when I read this chapter. I usually read it aloud so that I can answer the questions that the prophet raises. My favorite verses in the chapter are verses 12 - 14.

"Who has measured the waters with the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Who can fathom the Spirit of the LORD, or instruct the LORD as his counselor? Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding?"

I serve an ENORMOUS God!

Soak up the fact that the same hand that measured the waters, is the same hand that is holding you and me.

Can your mind even begin to wrap around that truth?

And this ENORMOUS God loved us enough to send His only son, Jesus, into this world to save us from our sin and invite us into a relationship with Him.

As we enter the month of Jesus' birth today, let's not miss the magitude of what this season is all about. Emmanuel, God with us, came to save us from our sins.

To God be the Glory!

Fixing My Gaze

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with our families. We ate our fair share of turkey and dressing along with quite a few other things. I did not brave the crowds and go shopping. But opted to stay in my pjs and clean out closets. Not a lot of fun, but it feels good to have it done.

So, I have been thinking a lot lately about the season that is upon us. My goal is to not miss it. I know I will be physically present, but I want to be spiritually present also. And I think the key to staying spiritually focused is in where I fix my gaze.

It is easy to think of all that has to be done and get stressed out. It is easy to think of all the gifts that need to be purchased and get stressed out. It is easy to think of the parties you have to host, the food you have to cook, the cards you have to send and get stressed out. I know its easy because I have been there so many times. But this year I want things to be different.

And here is what I have learned...when I set my gaze on Jesus and not on my cirsumstances, boy I have a totally different attitude. My circumstances may not change and nothing may get taken off of my To Do list, but when I am focused on Jesus those things just don't seem that important.

That is my plan going into the Christmas season. My plan is to think about Jesus more. To spend more time with Him. To talk about Him more with my family and those I come in contact with.

I would love to hear your thoughts on how you can stay spiritually present during the Christmas season.

These are a few of my favorite things...

October is going down in the books as one of my favorite months ever! I love, love, LOVE FALL!

This past month I celebrated 18 wonderful, carefree years with my husband. That is not really the truth, there have been some tough years mixed in there too. But I wouldn't trade one single day because I am more in love with that man today than I was 18 years ago.

This is a picture of Dog the Bounty Hunter and Beth at our Sunday School Costume Party! (Help us...what were we thinking?)

I have also really enjoyed being at the football field watching my son play. And my husband also coached this year which was fun. I love football especially when the weather gets cooler. This past Saturday was their last game and we were huddled up in blankets freezing, but I still loved every minute. I was sitting there all wrapped up with my sunglasses on and tears streaming down my face. I wasn't crying. It was just so cold that my eyes wouldn't stop watering. Fun, fun, fun!


We also had a blast with the fall festival at our church and then going trick or treating. We went trick or treating in my in laws neighborhood. It is always so much fun. And my mother in law is the hostess with the mostest. She made soup and cornbread so after we walked our legs off we came back and had a hot bowl of soup. We walked so far that we called for some of the family that stayed to pass out candy to come and pick us up. We met up with friends while trick or treating and just had a blast. So much fun!

Carving of the pumpkins!

This is my favorite picture. I love my daughter's expression...they are just too fun!

I hope you are having a great fall too!

This Is Me

I am going to warn you that you are about to get a real glimpse of me. It may not be pretty.

I just read a devotion that a friend emailed to me. It's focal verse was one of my favorites, so that is why my friend forwarded it. God really spoke to me through the devotion. The devotion was based on Hebrews 12:1-2 and talked about running "the race". This verse really means alot to me because God used it to break down areas in my heart that needed to be broken down this past year.

Tonight I felt the urge to write. This week my evenings have been kind of free because my online job has not really gotten back into full swing yet. I decided to watch two hours of tv instead. I really felt that I should be studing my Bible and writing but instead I just sat mindlessly watching tv shows that truly I should hate because they incorporate so many things that God hates. But I watched anyway.

On Tuesday, I could not stop snacking. It was like I could not satisfy this craving I was having no matter what I ate. I wasn't hungry but yet I snacked. I remember at one point hearing that still small voice saying to me "you aren't going to satisfy that craving with food. I'm the only one that can satisfy you." But I still kept on snacking, ignoring Him.

Why? Why do I ignore Him?

I think because sometimes it just seems too hard. I have been carrying around this dream of mine for years. Holding on to it and caring for it in hopes of one day it coming true. And this week, although it got off to a great start, I have been reminded that I am still carrying around a dream that isn't coming true.

I know what Ephesians 3:20 says and I do believe it. I know He can do greater things than this dream of mine, I know He can. But what if that is not His will. What if the dream is never going to come true? That is where I have been this week. What if I need to let the dream die?

So, that is why I have been ignoring God these last couple of days because I am afraid He is going to tell me it is time to bury my dream.

But tonight He spoke to me through that devotion and through another blog I read. I knew He was talking to me. I was ready to give up, to stop carrying the dream but He encouraged me through the words of others to continue to dream.

I am typing with tears in my eyes because I can not understand why He is so good to me. He is so unlike me. When I get ignored, I ignore back. But He chose to speak to me tonight even though I have been ignoring Him. He came to where I was, lurking on the computer, since I would not go to His Word. Why? Because He loves me so and He loves you too!

I have been reminded tonight that He is not the crusher of dreams, but rather the giver of bigger dreams, better dreams!

So tonight I will continue to dream on...

Pen to Paper

I wanted to let you in on a little secret...

I started writing this week. I only have about a page, but it is a start. This writting thing is a whole new ballgame to me and it seems a little overwhelming. I made the mistake of trying to get information on getting published. Let's just say it was somewhat of a dream crusher. And might I add that I am a big dreamer.

This is a favorite quote of mine that I have displayed on my desk.

"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Mother Teresa

I want God to cross me and dot me as He sees fit. If it includes writing a book, then I know He will provide the words. I just need to focus on submitting to Him. The pencil can't do anything without the hand moving it. So often I loose sight of that.

Have a great day!

Laurie

Draw Near

Do you ever feel like God is too far away? Do you ever feel like He has forgotten you?

I have been reminded in the last few days, that God's Presence is all around me all the time. So, even on the days when I don't feel like God is anywhere in sight, He is there. Even on the days when I feel all alone, He is there. Even on the days when everything is going wrong and I can not sense His presence, yep He is there.

The reality is our feelings should not determine our faith. Our feelings are fickle. They change based on our circumstances. One day our feelings are up and then the next thing you know they are down.

So how do we live a life of faith that is not based on our feelings. The answer is really quite simple. We have to know the truth. Jesus is The Truth and we must draw near to Him. One of the promises in God's Word is if we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us. (James 4:8)

I have been trying to meditate on that one truth today, "Draw near to Him."

My husband just called me from the ball field to say that I needed to come with the extra key to his car. Our son locked the keys in the trunk. I said okay, but then I realized that I saw the extra key in the console of my husbands car. I know, it is a really great place to keep the extra key. I had to call him back and tell him that I did not have the extra key. I could just feel the stress coming on as I flipped through the phonebook looking for a locksmith. With every turn of the page, all I could think of was dollar signs. And then that voice inside said, "Draw near to me." "In the midst of the chaos of this moment, think of Me." And that is just what I did. I did not allow the stress of the situation to take me down a path that I did not want to go.

It was a great reminder to me that my feelings do not dictate my faith. The above situation could have turned our very differently if I had given in to my feelings in a moment of stress.

I encourage you to draw near to Him and trust in His promise that He will draw near to you.

My Day In A Nutshell...

This morning my quiet time was on forgiveness. When I read my devotional, I thought that maybe it was just a reminder for me but not really something that I deal with. No one came to mind that I am harboring unforgiveness toward. And then my day started...

I had a three o'clock deadline for my job and my computer decides it is not going to cooperate. I met the deadline, but was almost late picking my kids up from school.

I have been operating on very few hours of sleep for weeks now and today I feel the magnitude of my lack of sleep. My patience are not in abundance today.

Homework is especially long today. I am the meanest mom EVER for making someone write in cursive. And it is all my fault because I have not read the book that the report is on. It is suggested that I read a 182 page book within the hour so I can help! I laugh!

My daughter is to be in the homecoming parade since she attended cheer camp. The note from cheer camp says to have her at the front of the school at 5:30 since the parade starts at 6:00. We are on our way to the school and the police are already blocking off streets. I tell the police that I need to drop her off at the school to be in the parade. He doesn't really care and won't let me through. I end up having to go around the world to get to the school. I am still trying to get to the front of the school only to have every way blocked by the police. We can see the floats lined up down the side street. I end up having to park behind the football field and walk up the side street which is one BIG hill. I am in flip flops that squeek because my feet are sweaty. My daughter takes off running while MawMaw here is pulling up the rear. She gets almost to the top and the floats starts pulling off. It was quite a scene.

My daughter turns around and starts back down to me. I could see it on her face. Before she reached me the reality of the situation hit her and she just started crying. I told her that I would get her in the parade. It was one of those moments that my adrenaline kicked in and I was about to stop a parade. We jogged to the car, well I did not jog the whole way. I wanted to live! I was on a mission and I would not stop until my baby gets in the parade.

I may have been driving like a crazy woman but I figured all the police were busy blocking off streets. I told her to stop crying because she didn't want to look like she had been crying in the parade. She said, "Mama I want to stop but I am just so sad and mad!" How many times have I been there!

Well long story short, I got her in the parade. I walked out to the float and she hopped right on.

She's the one in the cheerleader's lap near the poster.

Since I am recapping my day, let me just add that I had to use a toothpick to stick in my camera to be able to take a picture.

My whole point to this was that I had plenty of opportunties to forgive people today and I needed people to forgive me. Next time I will know if my devotion is on a topic that I don't really think I struggle with, then I better watch out for what's to come.

Oh Yes He Did!

Over the last few weeks, God has allowed me to witness His presence in my life. I was at a point where I just collapsed in a heep before Him and declared that I could not do any more. It was where He wanted me all along. I needed to expend all of myself and realize that what God had asked of me was beyond me.

That is a hard lesson for me to learn. I seem to have to relearn it pretty often.

The Real Me Conference was this past weekend and it was great. I was the speaker for the women's portion and I shared testimony of what God has been doing in my life this year. It was very difficult to open up and allow everyone to see the "Real Me." I had prayed up to the conference that God would give me the strength to be able to speak of what He had done and not just stand and cry. I spoke, but it was through tears.

My testimony is one of freedom. This year, the Lord set me free from an area of sin in my life that has defeated me for years. I am going to do some posts soon telling my story. I know based on the comments that women shared with me, that my struggle is a common one. I want to share my story with others and I may be feeling the urge to start writing all of this down. Who knows what will come of it, (well, God knows!) but I still would like to have it all written down.

There is no struggle that is too much for Him. The key is just letting it go and letting Him have it. That is very easy to type and say, but so very hard to do. But as I learned, it is the only way to have true freedom.

On His Mind

God has been teaching me a very valuable lesson in trusting Him. What I have learned is that I say I trust Him, but when He does not do things in my timing or in the way I think it should be that I start trying to come up with "Plan B".

When God has told you to go with Plan A, trying to come up with Plan B is not trusting Him.

I have been getting a lesson in sitting back and doing nothing but trusting Him. That is very easy to say, but so very hard to do.

I am a doer. I like to do things to make things happen, but at some point I have to stop doing and just start trusting. God has had me at that point for several weeks now.

While I have been struggling with learning this lesson, I started a new devotional book for my quiet time. I absolutely love the devo book. The name of the book is Jesus Calling written by Sarah Young.

The most amazing thought came to me yesterday during my quiet time. I started my time with prayer and I asked the Lord to please speak to me. Ladies, I was desperate to hear from Him. Have you been there?

And then, I read the devotional for the day. Here is what it said...

"Your assignment is to trust Me absolutely, resting in My sovereignty and faithfulness."

I was awestruck before Him. I could not speak only cry. And then this thought came to me. I was on His mind when He inspired Sarah Young to write this devotional. He knew what my September 8th was going to look like and He knew exactly what I needed to hear.

The thought was more than I could comprehend. And then it was as if He whispered to me "you are never off my mind."

I don't know who else needs to hear this, but we are never off His mind. We are never out of His sight. We are never out of reach to Him. He knows what every second of my life is going to look like, after all He ordained them. I hope that brings you comfort. He is El Roi, The God Who Sees. And He sees you right this very moment and His eyes are so full of love as He gazes at you!

The Real Me Conference

Late one night last spring, I decided that I could not go to bed with dishes in my sink. I'll be honest, normally that doesn't bother me. I had no idea what God had in store for me as I stood washing my dishes in the wee hours of the morning.


Christian music was playing in the background and God began to speak to my heart. The conversation was about my need to be real and for other women to be real, for us to know who we are in Christ. That night He set ablaze a passion inside of me that I could only describe to others as a fire. It either had to get out or I was going to combust!

I stood at my sink having a conversation with the Lord. And even though I could not see Him, His presence was overwhelming. And then, He began to give me a vision for what I was to do with my new found passion. Literally I could see with my minds eyes a worship center filled with teens and women all praising the Lord together. I will never forget saying aloud "show me more, please show me more!" Tears were streaming down my face because what I was experiencing was just too much.

As you can imagine, sleep was not to be had that night. I tried going to bed, but my mind was racing. It took every ounce of restraint in me not to call some of my friends at 2:00 in the morning. I have never been so glad to see the sun rise.

After my family was off to work and school, I started making phone calls. The first person I called was my childhood best friend, Heather Richardson. I knew that she was suppose to lead the worship. I was almost breathless as I tried explaining what had happened during the night. I detailed for her the vision God had given me and there on the phone was born The Real Me Conference.

It was very obvious that God was up to something amazing because everyone I told about it was so excited. I remember going to Sunday School and sharing everything with my friend Michelle. She insisted that I come tell her Bible Study group about it because they had been praying for something like that. What I did not know that night in my kitchen was that God was planting the same passion into the hearts of so many women.

I can honestly tell you that last year's conference was almost effortless. It was truly amazing and I thank God for the priviledge of being a part of it. Right before my eyes, I saw lives changed. Not because of anything I or anyone else did, but all because of what God did. It was all for His glory!

And I sit here tonight just a little over a week away from The 2nd Annual Real Me Conference. I did not know in the beginning that it would continue on, but it became very apparent to us that God wanted it to happen again this year.

This year I can say with confidence that God has something very special in store for us again. It would take too long for me to tell you all the ways we have seen God working just in the planning of the conference. I personally have been getting a lesson in trusting God. I have been reminded on numerous occasions that my ways are not His and my timing is not His timing. I would be lying if I said that I have gotten it all down pat. Apparently I am a little hard headed!
But I am trying to learn to just lean on Him. After all, His ways are so much higher than mine.

I hope you will be able to come to the conference next weekend. I am excited about the message God has been growing in my heart to share with the women. And I can not wait to worship Him together with girls of all ages!

Too, Too Funny!

This week I have been burning the midnight oil. Night before last I was still looking at the clock at 2:00 am. And last night I was still sending out emails at midnight. By 12:15 am, my back was hurting and I thought I was going to have to crawl to bed. As I headed to the bedroom, I remembered that all my daughter's clothes (or atleast the ones she will wear) were wet in the washer. So, I had to deal with that. My eyes were watering because I couldn't quit yawning. After finishing the laundry, I went to get my pjs on and got a glimpse of myself in the mirror. The woman looking back scared me. I had black rings around my eyes from all the watering and yawning and lack of waterproof mascara. But instead of taking off my makeup, I decide to just crawl in the bed. Thankfully Cliff was already asleep because I am certain he would have screamed at the sight of me. I do have to add that while my mascara was a mess, my lipstick was still perfection. I wear the Cover Girl kind that stays on all day and yes it does work. That was just a little side note.

Well, you can just imagine what a sight I was when I woke up. My hair was in desperate need of some shampoo, my eyes were raccoonish, my lips were still looking pretty good even after all the drool and well, my nightgown should really be retired. I was a vision!

As you can guess, due to my lack of sleep, I hit the snooze one or maybe 8 times. All I know is that it was 7:00, my daughter had to have a bath with her hair washed (oh, joy), they both had to have clothes ironed, eat breakfast and be out the door by 7:40. I was running like a crazy woman. By the time we all arrived at the breakfast table, the only choices due to time were cereal or pb&j sandwich. My son doesn't like cereal and my daughter doesn't eat peanut butter. So they finally decided, after a few panicked pleas from me, to have a pb&j sandwich and a jelly only sandwich. When I got them out the door at 7:42 am, I had to hold onto the door knob to keep from colapsing in the floor. I would love to tell you that I was all happy and jolly, but the truth is that my morning look matched my attitude. I was a little gruff with an occational smile, so as not to scare the children.

So, this afternoon when I read BooMama's post I laughed until I cried because I could relate on so many levels. You have to go right now and read this post. I am not trying to be bossy, but stop right now and go read it. You also must watch the video. It is the funniest thing I have ever seen. Then come back and share your reaction with me in the comments. I laughed so hard I was crying and having to use my shirt to catch the tears.

By the way, the Ibex's bangs resemble mine this morning!

I can't wait to hear from you!

He Makes All Things Better!

I was in the grocery store the other day and on the aisle next to me a little child was not too happy to be riding in the buggy. He kept wanting his mama to carry him but the dad kept telling him no that he had to ride in the buggy. I went over on the next aisle to continue shopping and I quickly realized why mama couldn't carry the little boy. She was about ready to pop. Finally the dad offered to carry the little boy and the little boy took him up on the offer. And then the little boy said the sweetest thing I have ever heard. As the daddy got him situated, the little boy laid his head on his daddy's shoulder and said, "Oh Daddy, you are so comfortable!"

That little boy had the sweetest softed voice and his comment about did me in. "Oh Daddy, you are so comfortable!" I could have easily gotten teary eyed, but I fought it off and continued shopping.

Today, I have had a pretty blah day. If I had to put my finger on it, it would probably stem from a shift in my hormones due to Princesses Must Scream. (I stole that from someone else, but isn't it really fitting and cute.) It was one of those days when I just felt like I could have stayed in bed for the entire day. But like you, I had tons of things calling my name. So I get up and go through my day like a good little girl toting the blah feeling along with me.

I had to go back to the grocery store because I can't get my act together and get everything I need in one trip. Me and lists do not go together. I am more of a fly by the seat of my pants kinda girl, but that hasn't really been working too well for me here lately. I am too young for senior moments, but apparently they strike me in the grocery store and cause me to forget why I went there in the first place. And then before I know it, I have a cart full of stuff minus the one thing I really needed.

Anyway, on my way home from the grocery store I just couldn't fight the blah feeling any longer and so I just started praying. Then before I knew it I was crying and then next thing I know I am driving past my subdivision because I am in the midst of a full blown ugly cry and can not go home because my family will think I am crazy. Have you ever been there?

But can I just tell you that as I crawled myself up into the lap of my Heavenly Father and sobbed and told Him how hard what He was asking of me was, and how I couldn't do it and how this and that and on and on... His peace came over me. He was not put off by my crys or disguisted by my weakness. But rather He held me and my heart resonated with that little boys statement..."Oh Daddy, You are so comfortable!"

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of compassion

and the God of all comfort." II Corinthians 1:3

I Trust You Jesus

This past week, I have had my own revival. There wasn't a special Preacher from out of town and no special music, unless you count me singing in my car. We did not meet Monday through Wednesday at 7:00 pm.

No, this wasn't a regularly scheduled revival and no one else was involved. Just me and Jesus.

Over the past few weeks I had let fear and doubt creep in to some areas in my life. And before I knew it they were being louder and more vocal than my faith. Thankfully, Jesus set me straight and reminded me that fear and doubt do not come from Him. I was also reminded that I needed to replace those things with faith.

So, I adopted a new saying...

I TRUST YOU JESUS!

I literally say this out loud when I start to feel fear and / or doubt trying to creep back in. Do you know what has happened as a result of this simple saying?

God has replaced the fear and doubt with His peace. I say it and immediately I feel better. When said, those four words demonstrate what is happening in my heart. Literally, I am trusting Jesus. No matter how uncertain I think things may be and how I would really like a little more confirmation in some areas, in my heart I do trust Jesus. I know that He alone is all powerful and all knowing and I know that He loves me and only wants what is best for me.

How could I not trust Him?

For several weeks, a church sign in my area had the following saying:

Faith is walking to the edge of the unknown and taking one more step.

Think about that for a moment...

That is a really cute saying but it is one of those things that is so hard to live out. A couple of years ago, God called me away from my career. I was making a great salary and loved where I was working. But I knew that if I stayed in my career that I would be missing a great journey with the Lord.

Guess what happened after I left my job...the economy took a nose dive. I had it all planned out that I would get a job at my children's school, that I would have their hours and the blue birds would begin circling my house and singing everyday all while carrying a yellow ribbon in their mouths.

Guess who had a hiring freeze...my kids school. But God provided for me and my family in ways that I never even dreamed of.

I find it easy to trust God when I am calling all the shots. When life is going along easy, peasy and I am comfortable. But that is not really trust at all. Trust involves abandoning my control of things and extending my hand to Him. Sometimes we may not feel His grasp but we still must extend our hand believing that He is there to guide us.

Before going into my boss' office to resign, I shut my office door and had a little talk with the Lord. I told Him that I wanted to be obedient to Him and that I was going to reach my hand out as far as I could. When He felt my fingers, I asked Him if He could just give me a little pull because I was scared to death of the unknown that awaited me.

He has been so faithful to me. He not only gave me a little pull but He held my hand and never let go. He promises us that He will never leave us or forsake us, never!

I pray today that you can rest in this promise. Rest knowing that God knows your name and every little detail about you. Rest knowing that He loves you more than you can imagine. And rest knowing that once you give Him your heart, He will never leave you or forsake you!

"My beloved is mine, and I am his..." Song of Solomon 2:16

The Hands of Time

The craziest thing has happened to me...

I woke up yesterday morning the mother of a 4th Grader and a 2nd Grader! Where has the time gone? If I stay in that thought process for too long the tears will come because I know day before yesterday I was knee deep in diapers and wondering if I would ever get to go to the bathroom by myself again.

I can't remember if I shared this already, but several months ago I was going through some things in the attic and discovered a box of my sons clothes. They were clothes from his first spring and summer. I started pulling outfits out of the box and the memories started flowing. The next thing I know I am smelling the clothes and in the midst of the "ugly" cry. Oh yes I was! I do not know how, but even after being washed and stored in the attic for years, they still smelled like him.

I remembered holding him in my arms and cuddling with him. My arms had ached for a baby for years and in God's perfect timing He delivered our son to us. He was the perfect fit for those aching arms.

Let me encourage you today by telling you that if you are waiting on God for something, His timing is perfect!

His timing is rarely like mine, but He is always right on time.

Since I was sharing about my son as a baby, do you know that my husband's desire was to become a dad by the time he was thirty.

Guess what day it was when we met and picked up our son?

If you guessed my husband's thirtieth birthday, then you are correct. Our God is a God of details and let me tell you from experience not one gets by Him unnoticed.

Take heart today knowing that He knows all the desires and dreams of your heart and He also know what is best for your heart. And that is exactly what He wants for you!

Praise Him today because He is always good!

He is always on time!

And He loves you more than you could ever imagine!

Let Me Introduce Myself...

I guess I decided that I would take a little vacation from my blog. It really wasn't something I sat down and put a lot of thought into. We have just been really busy this summer and before I knew it a month had passed since my last post. I am glad to be back.

This summer, we took a trip to Panama City Beach, Florida. I have been going to PCB since I was a child, but this summer I experienced Shell Island for the very first time. It was amazing!

It was our last day of vacation and we really wanted to do something fun but didn't feel like staying at the pool or beach. I had read about Shell Island in a brochure we got, so we all decided to go and check it out. As you gathered from the name, it is an island. (Ha!) We set out to take the ferry but first made a quick stop at Chick-fil-A. My family, including myself, can only go a few days without nuggets and sweet tea. I did something I have never done before. I ate at Chick-fil-A in my bathing suit and cover-up with wild curly hair and little make-up. God bless the people at the Panama City Chick-fil-A! They will probably never be the same! Oh, I kid!

Anyway, we leave Chick-fil-A and start driving around in hopes of finding the ferry. Lucky us...we forgot to bring the brochure so we really had no idea where we were going. Our friends, Brent and Malissa and sweet Parker were with us. We get down to the port, if that is even what you call it, and start looking for signs to Shell Island. We all decided that we valued our lives too much to ride on one of their boats, plus they acted like "ferry to Shell Island" was foreign to them. We continue driving around forever.

It was very typical. The men didn't want to pull over for directions and we women kept telling them to stop and get directions. Finally we pull into a hotel and they give us typed out directions to the ferry to Shell Island. Let me just say, we never would have found it!

You get on the ferry at the State Park, only to our great surprise the ferry boats aren't running that day. So, after much debate we decide to rent our own boat and drive to Shell Island. I trust my man and he has boating experience, but there was one point when the boat started taking on water that we were clinging to Jesus and praying for Him to deliver us from our stupidity. The water is very, very, VERY rough where the Gulf and the bay meet. But we finally made it to the island and it was so worth it.

We entered and threw out the anchor on the bay side. It was very beautiful. The island is uninhabited and was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. We got off the boat and headed for shore in search of shells. We found a hermit crab and a clam. Me and the kids decided to go explore the gulf side of the island. When we saw it, it literally took my breath. The water was crystal blue and gorgeous. We started walking and could not believe the shells we were finding. I don't know who was more excited, me or the kids. We were finding shells that you normally have to buy. It was so much fun!

Isn't that just beautiful!

At one point, I walked ahead while my family was busy finding sand dollars. I was overwhelmed by the beauty of what I was seeing. I was overwhelmed by how amazing my God is and by His goodness. I was reminded that every good and perfect gift is from above and knew that God was definitely giving me a gift that day. As I stood with the waves turning at my ankles, all I could say to Him was "You are so good, You are so good!" I literally stood soaking in every minute of it. It will go down in my memory bank as one of the best days ever.

Look who is thrilled that Mom is asking for another picture!

Hope you are enjoying your summer!

Schedules and Other Ugly Words

Several months ago Kelly at Kelly's Korner did a post on Show Us Your Life - Cleaning Tips. If you have visited my blog for any length of time, you know that I hate cleaning. I decided to read several of the links people gave with all their tips. The one common tip that kept coming up was a cleaning schedule. My mother use to clean house once a week. Now, she kept things picked up everyday but as far as vaccumming, dusting and cleaning bathrooms that was a once a week job. So, I took on the same schedule as my mom when I became a big girl and got my own house. Here is the problem...as more people have been added to my house the mess has gotten bigger. In my newlywed days, I could clean the whole house in about an hour because it wasn't very big and we weren't very messy.

Sidenote...After we were married for a year, we moved to Texas for Cliff to go to a Bible college. Our apartment was so tiny that I could vaccum the whole thing from one plug. Too funny!

Anyway, as I was saying now that there are four people in our family with two of them being children I can't clean the house in an hour. It takes me practically all day and then I'll just be honest and tell you that I don't have a really great attitude when it is all done. And don't you even think about messing something up after I have cleaned all day...Do you see the problem?

So from the reading on all the cleaning tips I want to implement a cleaning schedule. Basically you clean something in your house everyday and your house always looks clean. Here is an example, one lady cleans her bathrooms every Monday. She also washes all the bathmats on Monday because they are included in the bathroom. Tuesday might be floor day and vaccums, sweeps and mops on this day. Some included laundry in their schedules but I can't do laundry only once a week. My family would not be happy with me.

I have been trying to implement a schedule for weeks now. Do you know what my problem is? Well I previously cleaned my house on Fridays. So when I want to start my cleaning schedule on Monday, well the bathrooms still look clean. And who wants to clean something you just cleaned. So then I wait and say I will start my schedule next week. Well come the end of the week the whole house is so messy and needs cleaning that I clean everything. And do you see the crazy cycle? Monday rolls around and nothing needs cleaning.

It really wears me out but in the end I think a cleaning schedule will make my life easier. Especially this summer when I don't really feel like doing anything but laying in the pool.

So do you have a cleaning schedule or do you clean once a week? I would love to hear your comments.

So Long May

May has gotten away from me. It seems like the last couple of weeks were a blur of busyness. I did want to update you on the talent show. At the last minute, my little performer decided that she needed flames on her skirt.

The talent show was on Friday morning and on Thursday night I was enjoying a girls night out. So I enjoyed going to Walmart with my girlfriends at midnight in search of flames. Luckily, I found fabric with flames on it. I am not exaggerating that I was up until 2:30 in the morning cutting out flames and ironing them on to her skirt.

Honestly, it was all worth it when she saw the skirt. She loved it and I think I impressed her with my "flame ability". Here is a picture of my little performer.

She did great lip singing her song, but unfortunately the moves did not come to her. She basically just stood still. I was just so proud of her for getting up in front of her classmates and performing. She already has big plans for next year's show.

When did it happen?

This Friday my daughter is in the talent show at her school. It really surprised me when she told me that she wanted to try out. She is going to be lip singing to a Kids Bop song called Fire Burning.

Well, she made the cut for the talent show but her music teacher did tell her she needed to get some moves. If you know anything about me, you know that I do not have moves. Oh sure I can move if something is chasing me, but to choreograph a number to the tune of Fire Burning isn't really something I am good at.

Despite my short comings in the dance area, I thought I would give it a try. Today I thought we could just do a run through and get some "moves". I started the cd and gave it a try. My daughter immediately started laughing and telling me how goofy I looked.

Apparently my moves are goofy and something to be laughed at. It kinda hurt my feelings. When did I become goofy and uncool?

Best I can tell, it all happened when I got the name "Mom" a little over 9 years ago.

Then some drama ensued and I had to get a reality check. I got a little to into the talent show and my expectations got a little out of whack. Do you ever do that?

I read a devotion this morning about not letting your tale feathers get ruffled. To step back from the situation and make a choice. Let your head spin around a few time or choose joy or grace or mercy or patience or love.

Today I will be honest and tell you that my head started to spin and then I got a hold of it. I am so proud of my daughter for having the confidence to stand in front of the whole first grade and lip sing to this song. At her age, I would never have dreamed of doing something like that. So I had a real choice to make - ask like a crazy mom or let go of my expectations and let her do it her way. I chose to let her do it her way. She says that the moves will come to her and you know what I bet they will.

Oh Monday, Monday, Monday!

My Monday morning did not start out at all how I wanted it to. Why is it that on Monday your sheets hold you captive? My bed never feels better than on a Monday morning.

So, I surrendered to my sheets and sleep through the snooze about 4 or 5 times. When I finally mustered the energy to get up, well we had to throw it into high geer to make it to school on time. Of course my daughter did not feel the need to hurry or to like any of her clothes this morning. To say it was a struggle is an understatement.

I finally get us to the kitchen to be reminded that we did not have bread, waffles, muffin mix or basically anything. I did manage to find some pancake mix in the pantry, to which my daughter said she did not really want pancakes but she would eat them.

Well, thank you! (That pretty much sums up my feelings)

While serving my delicious breakfast, I spot some legs on our deck. The four legs look a lot like my dog but how can he be out of his invisible fence?

I had no time to think about the dog because I was busy being a drill sargent; "Get your shoes, brush your teeth, get your bookbag, HURRY, HURRY, HURRY!"

I was tempted to not return home after taking the kids to school because of all the fun that awaited me. My husband was in the bed not feeling well, my dog was muddy and out of his fence and Lucky (formerly know as Snowball) was starving.

I managed to get my dog back in his fence but not before I was muddy from head to toe. I also got Lucky fed. Then I headed to the bath where I wanted to sit for the rest of the day.

I concluded the day by feeding my children box macaroni and cheese but I made it healthy by serving it with apples and grapes. I had to serve this because I still don't have bread or much of anything else.

Oh Monday, Monday, Monday you never disappoint.

Oh The Fun I'm Having...

Well, this week I have learned more about baby kittens than I ever thought I wanted to know. My new knowledge has given me a great, GREAT respect for the mama cats in this world.

Let me just tell you if you are in the throws of motherhood with a little one, I am going to share something with you that will make you thankful today.

Did you know that little kittens are not born knowing they need to use the bathroom. Now if you are in the midst of having a child in diapers you might think that is a really good thing. Oh but you just wait!

The mother cat plays a huge roll in the little baby kitten realizing it needs to use the bathroom. You will never guess what she has to do...she has to lick its behind!

Oh yes ma'am she does!

You may be asking yourself how I know this. I learned that interesting fact this week and have spent a couple of days having to rub a certain kitty's behind myself. Let me just tell you that I have obviously lost my mind. If you would have told me last week that this week I would be rubbing a kittens behind and feeding it with a bottle, well I would have laughed at you.

We had a huge celebration on Wednesday morning. Snowball finally decided to use the bathroom during the night and I for one was just about giddy. For me it meant no more rubbing of the behind! Hallelujah!

(I can not even believe I am blogging about this.)

Today I spent most of the day cleaning out my son's closet. I did the dreadful "Switching of the Seasons" and used the most wonderful thing today. I finally tried Space Bags and I love them! I was amazed at how much you can fit in a bag. And it is really exciting when you suck all of the air out of it.

Obviously with the week I am having, it doesn't take much to excite me.

I then moved on to my car and decided it was beyond time to clean it out. I discovered that my daughter has a real problem. The girl had six bags/purses full of junk in the car. Honestly it was mostly her stuff in the car. I climbed into the back row of seats and was disgusted. Apparently someone spilled something nasty back there and decided not to tell anyone. I got out the Joy soap and went to town. Now I won't be embarrassed to let people ride with me this weekend.

I can not wait until Saturday! Me and several women from my church are going to see Beth Moore Live in Woodstock. I am so looking forward to the conference and to hearing Travis Cottrell lead worship.

Well, I must go. Snowball needs to be fed one more time before bed and I am really tired. All this cleaning today has worn me out!

Enjoy your weekend!

I Promise I Am Not Making This Up!

What is that sawing I hear coming from my kitchen? It must be my grand kitchen renovation getting underway, complete with granite and stainless steel! I CAN NOT WAIT!

Oh no, I'm just dreaming! The sawing is a rescue effort that is underway...

I must go back to last night so you will understand what is going on.

Last night at church the kids discovered two very cute kittens. They were tiny little things. If you know anything about me, you know that all my cats have come from the church. So after standing around taking in all their cuteness, I decided I needed to get out of there. Just recently our two cats have gone to discover greener pastures or the neighbors house or whatever. (Our neighbors took our first cat Ariel and renamed her Penelope and decided she was going to be their housecat. What does it say about me that I did not go over to their house and fight for her? Well, I'll just let you decide...)

I do not believe that they have our other two cats, Calli and Savannah. Savannah likes the "bad boy" neighborhood cat and I think she ran off with him. I'm really disappointed in her. Calli does not have the ability to like boys anymore if you know what I mean, so I really don't think she has run off with a bad cat. She just likes to take vacations occasionally and we are hoping that she comes back soon.

Well, my husband was a total softy yesterday and totally gave in to crazy requests. Yes, you guessed it...when Max turned on the waterworks his dad gave into him. (I probably would have done the same thing.) And this was the result...

This morning I got the kitten out to try and feed it. I sat it in the floor of the kitchen and turned to open a can. When I turned back around the kitten was gone.

GONE!

I soon saw the tip of it's tail under my cabinet. There is a small, small opening under my cabinets and that kitten crawled in there. The space is not accessable at all. I quickly pulled out the drawers thinking I could grab it, but nope that cabinet is completely closed off. So I opened the corner cabinet doors and began feeling around, but nope that cabinet is also completely closed off. The kitten is in a small space behind the kick plate on the cabinets.

I knew at that point that the situation was just really not going to turn out well. I began to pray and beg for the kitten to come out.

Cliff came back home to get something and I filled him in on the situation. We quickly determined that it was all his fault for bringing the kitten home in the first place. You know the best thing to do in a situation like this is access the blame up front so there is no confusion. Ha!

For the next two hours...TWO HOURS...we begged and pleaded with the kitten to come out. We both tried our very best mama kitten meow and then I just thought I would change it up with a variety of cat sounds. (I was loosing my mind at that point) Cliff started making some crazy clicking sound and I told him there was not an animal alive that made that sound. Finally the only option we had left was to start sawing a hole so we could get our hand in there to grab it.

Well, all that sawing scared it to death and it went way back in the hole. We couldn't hear it or feel it. I thought maybe we killed it by causing it to have a heartattack. We waited awhile and still no luck. So the only thing left to do it take up the shoe molding and the kick plate.

I was pretty much sick at this point because I knew my kitchen would never be the same. Cliff finally gets the shoe molding off and then we hear a tiny meow. At least we knew it was still alive. Cliff reached his hand up in the hole and was able to grab the kitten and slowly pull it out. I snapped this picture to document the insanity...

This was exactly the way I pictured my week starting. I am afraid of what might be in store for the rest of the week.

Spring Break

Well today is bringing Spring Break to a close. It has been such an exciting week that I can hardly catch my breath.

Oh how I kid!

My children did not want to do much of anything. I tried to entice them with a trip to the Zoo, Six Flags or The World of Coke. The Zoo was too boring to them. Six Flags would be too crowded and The World of Coke just did not interest a certain little boy. (Who are these kids!) I guess this mama just did not want to sit at home and look at all the things she should be doing.

We did make it to the movies one day because it rained. We saw Diary of a Wimpy Kids. It was cute.

We also entertained spend the night company and I cleaned and did laundry. I know it was more excitement than I could stand. Just let us know if you want us to plan a very exciting week for you!

Thank You Jesus!

Thank you for the cross Lord
Thank you for your nail pierced hands

Thank you for paying a debt that I could not pay
Thank you for offering me forgiveness and salvation

Thank you for praying in the Garden, "Not my will but yours"
Thank you for sacrificing yourself for me

Thank you for taking the beatings and suffering so much for me

Thank you for conquering the grave and offering me life
Thank you for saving my soul!

I praise you!
There is none like You!

Step By Step

"I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." John 15:1-2

I was sitting in my Wednesday morning Bible study class. We were studing A Woman's Heart God's Dwelling Place by Beth Moore. This particular morning we were looking at John 15 and studying about The Vine and the Branches. Beth was teaching that sometimes we hold on to last seasons fruit in our lives so much so that we are left with a handful of splinters. We fight the pruning process. God began to speak to me and it became very obvious that I was indeed holding on with all my might to last seasons fruit. I was comfortable with last season's fruit. It was easy for me.

Last seasons fruit in my life was the Women's Ministry that I was leading at the time. I had led the women at my church for ten years. And I loved it!

That Wednesday morning I sat for most of our class with tears in my eyes. God was doing a number on my heart. God reminded me of something that months earlier I had dismissed. I had felt His nudging to write a Bible study but quickly dismissed it because I felt I could not do it. So, I guess I reasoned that since I wasn't comfortable with the idea surely it wasn't from God. I knew better because I have lived my Christian life long enough to know that God's first priority is not my comfort zone. But still I ran from it until that particular Wednesday when He would not allow me to run any more.

As soon as Bible study was over, I went straight in to my Pastor's office and resigned as the Women's Ministry leader. I knew I had to act immediately otherwise I might decide to pick up my running shoes and run some more.

This all happened back in November. I would love to tell you that I have been busy writing and have everything all in order. But the truth is that God has been working on some areas in my heart that He does not want to come on this journey with me. The last several months have been hard. I have really struggled. I have gone from being a "doer" to just letting God still me.

My current passion is to be about the good work that God created in advance for me to do. (Ephesians 2:10) I do not want to miss what God had put me here to do. I feel it is through writing, which is totally a God thing because I never would have dreamed this in my wildest of dreams. But isn't that the beauty of God that He has plans that we could never dream of.

So that it why I am writing this post. Lysa TerKeurst, President of Proverbs 31 Ministries, posted on her blog an opportunity to win a scholarship to the She Speaks conference. This is a conference that Proverbs 31 Ministries hosts for those who feel called to speak, write, work in women's ministry and also for teens who want to lead in their generation. You can find out all about the conference by clicking here. And if you are not familiar with Proverbs 31 Ministries, you should go here to check out their website. They can provide you with tons of encouragement.

I attended the conference several years ago and participated in the Speakers track. To say it was a life changing experience is an understatement. I experienced the presence of God like I never have before. I struggle even today to find the words to describe my weekend. I remember being so intimidated as I walked in the conference room not knowing anyone. But what I quickly realized was that we all had something in common. We were all carrying around our dreams. It was not a competition to see who would emerge as the best speaker or walk away with a book deal. It was a place of refuge where we could all come, with dreams in hand, and peal back the coverings that we had placed to protect our dreams. And as they were laid out in the open for everyone to see, God gave them flight. He breathed life into them, He gave us His confidence and He equipped us through the efforts of the Proverbs 31 team.

Today is the last day to enter for the scholarship. I have prayed if this is God's will for me; if it is meant for me to go back. You see I never want to run ahead of God but I also do not ever want to lag behind. As of this morning, I did not have a clear answer. So I began to pray. I sat down at the computer and just cried out to God. And the words of this song came to my mind and I began to sing it to the Lord in my heart:

O God You are my God and I will ever praise You
O God You are my God and I will ever seek You

I will seek you in the morning
I will turn to walk in Your ways

Step by step You lead me and I will follow You all of my days!

I believe in my heart that writing this post was the next step for me. Only God knows if I will win the scholarship. But I will continue to follow Him all my days as He leads me step by step!

Do we realize what we are allowing?

Today I was volunteering at my children's school. I was helping serve ice cream at an Accelerated Reading Party. The table was loaded with everything yummy; sprinkles, nuts, chocolate chips, oreos, M&Ms, chocolate syrup, whip cream and cherries.

It was so cute to see the children's eyes as they saw everything on the table. I really enjoyed getting to help out.

I had my eyes opened today. As I was serving up the scoops of ice cream one little and let me stress little girl said she really shouldn't. To which I replied, " Oh you can't pass up ice cream especially on a rainy Monday." She then proceeded to tell me that she shouldn't because she was dieting because she really looked horrible in a bikini. I looked at her and my heart literally broke. I told her she did not need to be concerned with things like that at her age.

Isn't that the classic "old lady" thing to say. I was at a total loss of words. I told the lady with me that I couldn't believe what I had just heard. I told her it was the saddest thing I had ever heard.

The truth is the little girl who is in the 5th grade is really beautiful. I mean outwardly she is a very beautiful girl and it breaks my heart that at the age of 10 or 11 she can't see that. All she can see is that according to some crazy Hollywood image, she doesn't measure up.

What are we allowing to happen to our daughters?

The enemy is lying to us and we are believing it!

Do you know why this makes me jump up on my soap box? When I was about that little girls age a boy said he wouldn't like me because I was fat. Up to that point, honestly I really didn't know that I was fat. But believe me once he said it, well I fell for it hook, line and sinker. Do you know what happened as a result? I began dieting and I have been dieting ever since.

As long as we look to this world for our worth, we will never measure up. There will always be someone skinner, prettier, smarter, funnier, you name it. But do you know what I have found out...that girl who looks like she has it all together really doesn't. She thinks her thighs are fat too! And I have yet to meet a women who likes the way she looks in a bathing suit.

I so do not want my daughter to go through the image issues I have. I want her to know that her worth and value comes from Jesus Christ ALONE! And He says that she is beautifully and wonderfully made in His image!

Last year our church hosted The Real Me Conference for teen girls and women. We are starting now to plan for this year's conference. Today confirmed for me how great the need is for a conference like this. Please mark on your calendar The Real Me Conference - Friday, September 17th and Saturday, September 18th. I really hope that you will come and bring a teen girl with you.

It's A Comin...

I have to tell you what I did today because I am very proud of myself. I went outside and trimmed my rose bushes. My mama is gonna be so proud of me. She told me on Sunday that it was time. When I talked to her on Monday she just casually mentioned that she had trimmed her's that day. I knew she wanted to say "Girl, go trim your rose bushes!" but my mama wouldn't do that. So I can't wait to call her and brag!

I noticed as I was trimming my bushes that I had no idea what I was doing. I really had no idea how much I should trim, so I just started cuttin. I stopped when I thought it looked pretty. I mean isn't that why we go get a haircut. My rose bushes are no different...they want to look pretty. Here's hoping that I didn't stunt their growth! I'll keep you posted...

We had a beautiful weekend with lots of sunshine. I loved every minute of it. And here is something to shout about...my dog is permanently outside. Honestly, I hear the hallelujah chorus in my mind as I type this. We got an invisible fence installed last week and we love it. Except for the fact that our dog really doesn't mind being shocked. They have had to come out twice to "turn up the juice". Today the man came out for a second time and he said we have a stubborn, hard headed dog. All I could say was "well, at least he's cute." Don't you agree?

All this beautiful sunshine has made me so ready for spring! I can not wait to pull out the flip flops and put these socks away! I am busy this week preparing for my daughter's sleep over party this weekend. She is turning 7 on Friday and she is pretty much beside herself. I made big tissue paper flowers today to decorate with. Do you know what I love about having a daughter...she gets so excited over pretty decorative things. I am not trying to generalize genders here, but in my family my husband and son could care less about these things.

The other day I picked up some curtains for my living room. I really invested heavily in them...they each cost $3.74. And they look really good on top of that. I tucked them into my blinds just so I could see if I liked them. My daughter came in from school and the first thing she said was "Oh mama they are beautiful!" I didn't even know what she was talking about until I saw her gazing at the windows in the living room. I just smiled and thought to myself about all the fun we have in store.

I'll post some pictures one I get my decorations complete.

Have a great day!

Hey There...

Well from the date of my last post, one would think that I was so overwhelmed and might begin to worry about me. I guess I have been a little overwhelmed but with really good things like snowball fights with my family and winter break from school.

It is hard to think and write a really great post when you are the entertainment consultant for a 6 and 9 year old all day. I should probably keep my day job!

I do plan on continuing the topic of being overwhelmed. I think it is something that strikes a lot of us and I have had some real progress on my end that I want to update you on. But it will all have to wait until next week.

Stay Warm!

Overwhelmed...

I am overwhelmed. It is a place I have become very familiar with over the last several weeks, months or more truthfully, years. My feelings of being overwhelmed are often chased by feelings of failure because I feel so overwhelmed that I become stuck.

I will give you an example. I never feel "caught up" around my house. I can walk in any room in my house and begin to see lots of stuff that needs to be done. It may be something simple like clutter in the kids rooms or something a little more time consuming like organizing a closet. I have such grand and lofty goals for my home that most days they all seem so overwhelming that I don't tackle any of them. (Aside from the easy stuff like picking up dirty clothes) To be honest, I just figured this was a way of life for most people and I am not convinced that it isn't. However, I did have a friend tell me that she has nothing really to do at her house.

That statement is mind blowing to me.

Another area that I feel overwhelmed in is this new assignment I feel I have from the Lord to write a Bible study. Can I just tell you that it is so overwhelming to me that I do not even know where to begin. I had decided that I needed to carve me out a special place that would solely be for writing. I saw visions of cute girly decor in colors of green, pink and black. I said to myself..."Once I have it all organized then I can just sit down and get started."

That was two weeks ago and my upstairs desk is still as cluttered as ever.

Why?

Why am I content to live like this?

Why do I feel so at home in the land of Overwhelmness that I don't just pack up my bags and leave?

Well, I believe that I have stumbled onto some answers but first I want to hear from you.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed?

Girlfriends

Every month my church has a night out for the ladies called Soup-n-Salad. We eat, talk and are challenged by the Word of God. Last night was our monthly meeting and it was right on time for me.

My day yesterday started out really good but by 5:00 it was tettering on "Mama's gonna loose it!" I had things going on the stove, the kids homework needed to be done and don't forget my four legged baby that constantly has to be watched. Around 5:30 my husband comes home from work and instead of being greeted with a sweet hello, I threw all my frustation at him. I know secretly he was probably wishing he had not opened the door and I felt really guilty.

My family was probably as ready for me to get out of the house as I was to go to Soup-n-Salad. I headed out the door feeling like I was the worst wife, homemaker and mother. But do you know what I quickly learned when I got around all the other women?

I found that I was not alone. As conversations started and progressed I quickly realized that they shared many of my same struggles and that made me feel good. Then, for the few of us that lingered probably way too long (I did not get home until after midnight)...well, let's just say that we might not have solved all the world's problems but we sure did solve a lot of mine.

I left thankful for the girlfriends that I have in my life. Thankful that they are not afraid to speak truth to me. They are not afraid to tell me that I am boarding on Crazyville and need to come on back home.

The reality is that God created us for friendships. You can see this through several passages in the Bible. I immediately think of Mary and Elizabeth. Remember when the angel appeared to Mary and announced that she was going to be the mother of the Messiah. Remember that included in the message was the fact that Elizabeth was also expecting. Why was this included in the message? Why was this important?

It is important because our Creator knows that we need girlfriends. He designed us that way.

So, do you have girlfriends in your life?

Do you have someone who can bring you back from Crazyville?

And do you have those that you help tote back from Crazyville?

I encourage you to invest in the lives of the women around you. Be a friend today. Take a few minutes and pick up the phone. Show your girlfriends just how much you love them today!

Have a great day!

Hello My Name Is...

I feel like I should reintroduce myself to you. Hi, my name is Laurie and I am a horrible blogger. Even I can not believe that it has been over two months since I have posted. Apparently, my grade school journals are more telling than I knew. I have one journal that spans over five years because I have so few entries in it. I hope to do better this year!

So much has happened in the past couple of months. We added a new four legged member to our family. He is a chocolate lab and I have to say he loves to be kissed on the nose by his mama. His name is Drake and he really is adorable. My son turned nine in December and we celebrated by having 6 boys over at our house for a sleepover. I am happy that I (and all 6 of them) survived!

God has been doing some major changes in my life over the past several months. I have stepped down as the Women's Ministry leader at my church to pursue writing a Bible Study. Which is almost laughable given my commitment to writing on my blog. I am truly relying on God giving me the ability because clearly it is not with in me. I will keep you posted on my progress. I am excited about what God has instore for me this year!

God's Blessings to You