Quotes

It's not about winning or losing, but love and respect.
— Max Lucado

day trip to Houston

Today I went to Houston with Jackie & Isabel.  We left a little earlier than normal as Isabel was spending the night at Blair's and so we needed to pick her up on our way out of town.  I was pretty tired, so I stopped at Starbucks in Hillsboro to get a venti vanilla chai tea...one of my favorites there!  We made good time and they dropped me off at Panera Bread while they went on to see Modesto.  I took my laptop, a book and knitting with me, so I was all ready for some chill time and knew that I might even sneak a nap in the comfy leather chair.  Well, I did my 30minutes of computer work before the internet at Panera kicked me off (they only allow you 30 minutes between the hours of 11.30am - 01:30pm) and then decided I was so tired, I would curl up and sleep in my chair.  I did, for 1.5hrs!  Can you imagine what they thought of me all curled up there sleeping away like I knew nothing???  Well, it felt REALLY good wonderful...lovely...heavenly!  I then got me some soup & salad, which was yummy.  I decided I would knit, but that didn't last very long and I went back to sleep for another 30 minutes till Jackie called me and said they were on their way back.   I ordered them some food and then we hit the road after they got there.  We made decent time and really didn't have too much traffic inspite of it being a Holiday weekend.  I went straight to bed upon arriving home.  So far, I have managed to keep away the sickness going around...I don't want it!

What does this picture say to you?


Someone posted this on Facebook and I thought it was very interesting and a good thought to reflect on.  Here are a few comments:

When one door closes, another one is already open on your way to achieving your goals... But, you must go through the first one to get started!

Doors of opportunity are endless!!!

God never closes a door and then never fails to open a new one for us.

 Endless opportunity is reached with hard work down what may be a long trek.

MY COMMENT:  We all have a journey ahead of us. God provides a clear path, but sometimes we take detours along the way. The journey requires that we keep looking forward to the goal!


So...you want to answer the question?

A story...Planting the Seed

A successful Christian business man was growing old and knew it was time to choose a successor to take over the business.  Instead of choosing one of his directors or his children, he decided to do something different. He called all the young executives in his company together.

He said, 'It is time for me to step down and choose the next CEO. I have decided to choose one of you.' The young executives were shocked, but the boss continued. 'I am going to give each one of you a SEED today - one very special SEED. I want you to plant the seed, water it, and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from the seed I have given you. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next CEO.'

One man, named Jim, was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and, excitedly, told his wife the story.  She helped him get a pot, soil and compost and he planted the seed.  Everyday, he would water it and watch to see if it had grown.

After about three weeks, some of the other executives began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Jim kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, four weeks, five weeks went by, still nothing. By now, others were talking about their plants, but Jim didn't have a plant and he felt like a failure.  Six months went by--still nothing in Jim's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed.  Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing.  Jim didn't say anything to his colleagues, however.  He just kept watering and fertilizing the soil - He so wanted the seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the young executives of the company brought their plants to the CEO for inspection. Jim told his wife that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But she asked him to be honest about what happened. Jim felt sick at his stomach. It was going to be the most embarrassing moment of his life, but he knew his wife was right. He took his empty pot to the board room. When Jim arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other executives. They were beautiful--in all shapes and sizes. Jim put his empty pot on the floor and many of his colleagues laughed, a few felt sorry for him!

When the CEO arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted his young executives.  Jim just tried to hide in the back.  'My, what great plants, trees, and flowers you have grown,' said The CEO.  'Today one of you will be appointed the next CEO!' All of a sudden, the CEO spotted Jim at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered the financial director to bring him to the front.

Jim was terrified. He thought, 'The CEO knows I'm a failure!  Maybe he will have me fired!' 

When Jim got to the front, the CEO asked him what had happened to his seed - Jim told him the story.  The CEO asked everyone to sit down except Jim. He looked at Jim, and then announced to the young executives, 'Behold your next Chief Executive!  His name is Jim!'

Jim couldn't believe it. Jim couldn't even grow his seed. How could he be the new CEO, the others said?  Then the CEO said, 'One year ago today, I gave everyone in this room a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today.  But I gave you all boiled seeds; they were dead - it was not possible for them to grow. All of you, except Jim, have brought me trees and plants and flowers.  When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Jim was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new Chief Executive!'


If you plant honesty, you will reap trust

If you plant goodness, you will reap friends

If you plant humility, you will reap greatness

If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment

If you plant consideration, you will reap perspective

If you plant hard work, you will reap success

If you plant forgiveness, you will reap reconciliation

If you plant faith in Christ, you will reap a harvest


So, be careful what you plant now; it will determine what you will reap later.

I was cleaning out emails and found this that was sent to me several years ago...thought it was too good not to share. 

verse to reflect on...

VERSE:
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and will not be faint.  -Isaiah 40:31

THOUGHT:
It is easy for us to live victoriously for the Lord when we soar on the wings of eagles. It can be exciting when we run and don't grow weary in the work of the Lord, buoyed by his power and presence. But it often takes heroes to keep walking and not faint when trying times come. Keep on walking brother and sister. The Lord is there when you most fear he has forgotten you!
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20100623


I need to think about this verse, seriously stop and ponder it.  I must remember God is with me because I must admit, lately, I have felt so all alone.  So in a fight against life, but no strength to fight and press on.  I have been frustrated...loosing heart...grieved...and questioning everything and asking an unanswerable question, why?  My focus is not where it needs to be.  May God give me the courage to stop and listen to Him and remember that He is with me!

the truth exposed means...

Dilbert (Monday, September 13, 2010)

A friend sent this to me...

my soul is grieved...

I texted Terry today and he ended up calling me.  He was very, very, very down.  I asked questions and he either didn't answer or I had to d...........rrrrrrraaaaaaa...aaaaaaaagggggggggggggggggggggggggggg them out of him.  Seriously, it was an awful conversation.  I don't know why he bothered to call if he didn't want to talk.  I learned he got into drugs again on the 14th of this month and was gone and didn't return back home until the 16th.  Mom & Dad would not let him get his clutch on the car fixed, so he sold it for $250 and took some other funds to total $400 and bought drugs.  While he was gone, Mom & Dad took all his belongings into the house and have locked the house and won't let him in.  They state it is in case he doesn't pay rent this month, mind you, they have all his disability money and won't give him any.  I am not saying that he is being a responsible 29 year old, but I am saying their actions are wrong and fraud.  Since when can you steal someone's things?  Really???  He is depressed, very low.  The lowest I have ever had him be so far with me. 

My soul is grieved.

My heart is torn.

I have cried...and cried some more.

I want him to succeed, but no that the choice is not mine.  It is his life.  He has to live it, I can't and until he surrenders to God, life is going to only get harder.

I am realizing, I have another phase to "Letting Go".

Again...another request for Prayers. Prayers for Terry.  Prayers for me.

Quotes

Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.
-Victor Hugo

how to paint metal

Okay, my cousin is always giving these tutorials on how she does things, so I thought I would give you mine this time too! 


I had these metal bins that I wanted to paint, (see post here on the completed project) and so this is how I did it. No I didn't research the "right way to do it", I just did it my way.


1.  Empty out bins of objects and dust off inside & out.
2.  Create space in garage to be able to spray paint the project. Lay plastic and put items on plastic.

3.  Spray with a matte grey metal primer. 

4.  Let dry.

5.  Spray your desired finish color.

6.  Let dry.

7.  Touch up or spay 2nd layer of finished color depending on what look you are trying to achieve.

8.  Let air dry overnight.

9.  Bring back in and setup in place and put your junk stuff back in the bins!

10. Enjoy your completed project that took you 6 years to do!

Quotes

Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

- Frank Outlaw

verse to reflect on...

My soul, wait silently on God alone, for my expectation is from Him.  Psalm 62:5

CHECK OUT the giveaway!!!

check out the giveaway by Lois!

hurry...it ends 12.20.2011

Quotes

Feed your fears and your faith will starve. Feed your faith, and your fears will.
— Max Lucado

the only picture...

this is the only picture that I have of Terry & I during the time he was here in Texas, December 4, 2009 to November 26, 2010, taken by Margaret.  I regret this, very much...but can do nothing to fix it now.  We talked about getting our picture taken together a few times as the only other picture that I have of us is when he came to visit me in 2003 or 2004 for a week.  It was taken on the fireplace hearth at Uncle Gib & Auntie Con's.  He made the comment a few times that he wanted to get a new one as that one had bad memories.  The reason it did was because the shirt he was wearing in that picture was the same shirt he was wearing when he attempted suicide in May 2010 and they ripped it off of him when giving him medical treatment.  I can't blame him for wanting new memories and only fault myself for not making more of an effort to get one taken.  I have a camera, but it sits in its case in the drawer more than it gets "used".  I do have memories in my head and can envision those, but to have one as proof would have been a nice thing.  Take a lesson from my regret...make picture memories!

verse to reflect on...

"where your treasure is, there will your heart be also"...and your feet will follow.

CHECK OUT the giveaway!!!

There is a cute "etched on my heart" giveaway going on here at the Twig.  Go check it out!!!

Uncle Gordy

...has passed away.  And as always, it is one of those times that you think about the person and their life here on earth. 

For those of you who have known Uncle Gordy, you have been blessed!  He touched so many lives!  Some have no doubt had a closer relationship, more time spent together, more ways of interacting then I did with him...but nonetheless, he is one who will be known forever as an encourager and with a sincere desire to be of help. 

He married my parents and we lived in his assembly for many years in San Luis Obispo.  I do not have recollection of times together as a child.  But the one thing I will never forget is a marriage he performed here in Texas and he said two the most important letters in the alphabet are "U" and "I".  He linked it to God and a husband & wife team you can't have the one without the other, it takes "you & I".  I don't do his thoughts justice today...but at the time he presented this thought, it spoke volumes to me...and it still does.  I bought the letters in a silver metal from Pottey Barn on eBay years ago and hope someday to have just the right spot for them in my house, whether I am ever married or not.  My life is lived with God, it will always be "you and I"!

stackable metal filing bins

When I started my business in 2004, I needed filing cabinets for my stuff, but had limited resources, so I went thrift shopping.  I found these at McCart Thrift and bought all 6 of them, 3 orange ones and 3 olive green ones. 

Though orange and olive are not my color themes, I saw they had great potential. I came home and spray painted one silver just to see how it would take and how it would wear.  SIX YEARS later, I have finished spray painting them all!!!  :)  This was my project yesterday.  I applied a basic matte grey primer spray paint then two coats of silver metallic spray paint.   Overall, very pleased with the end result and so glad to have completed a task off my todolist!

Now don't look at the stuff around my completed project...I am still working on that!  But, it will happen...I am determined to get an organized working office in place!

Why did it take me so long to complete this?  I knew from the get go that I wanted them to be silver just like the locker I have, so it wasn't lack of decision over the color.  What could it be other than plain PROCRASTINATION??? LOL!  Oh well...I got them done and you can see the finished product. 

Oh, and can you see something else that is changed in the room???  I will give you a hint, its not the picture above the fax/scanner/copier...but its close.  :)

Tell me what you think!

Quotes

That best portion of a good man's life? His little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love.
- William Wordsworth

CHECK OUT the giveaway!!!

Enter to win a $35 shopping spree giveaway here.  Some cute things...check it out!

update on Terry

Terry has disconnected his phone.  He called me Thursday to say "Goodbye" he said.  I asked what he meant by that.  He said that he is tried of people calling him, preaching at him, and so he is going to change his phone number.  I told him that if he choose to give it to me, I would like it, but if he didn't, it was okay. I would still love him, pray for him, send emails and letters as forms of communication.  He is very down, depressed and not sure what his life is all about.  He said he was standing on a cliff, ready to jump off. I am anticipating a repeat of the experience in May 2010, but hope that I am wrong and he is just going thru a dark spell.  Regardless, I know the information an support he is being fed from the owners of the property is not good.  Please pray for him and write him if you feel so inclined.

I am going to be Aunt!!!

Morgan & Veronica are expecting!  Yipppeeeeeee!!!  I get to be an aunt again!!!  I am sooooo happy...now I gotta finish the knitting for the baby.

my thoughts...today.

I appreciate your prayers. This year has been very tough for me. I wish I could say my only issues were being unemployed, my brother, a dear friend who has been a mom to me that is shoving me out of her life, the check engine light that keeps coming on on my car, a decline of an application for health insurance...but it is more than that...you really don't want to know the whole list, you might be depressed with me!  I am having a hard time keeping my chin up...keeping focused. Keeping the truth in my brain that God hears, He knows, He care, He understands, this too shall pass, He won't give me more than I can bare, etc, etc, etc. I have the brain knowledge, but the heart just ain't feeling it!

Today and yesterday I keep singing the lyrics to this song...with tears streaming down my face: "God hears and he answers prayer, cast on Jesus your every care, trust in His promises they cannot fail, for with the Father they'll ever prevail"...

...God hears! I am choosing to believe that He hears me, He knows my tears, He knows my pain, He knows the struggles in my life...He knows...I MUST TRUST! My current prayer: Lord give me the peace to just trust you.

Quotes

Even though you may not understand how God works, you know he does.
— Max Lucado

verse to reflect on...

He is for you, never against you...Be filled with hope!
~ revised version of Romans 8:31

donating plasma

This week I donated plasma...for the first session on Wednesday and my second session today.  The center that I went to is one in dowtown Fort Worth and I know a nurse that works there, I used to work with her at the Pediatric Clinic.  You get paid $35 for the first donation and $45 for the second donation done in a 7 day window.  You can donate every 7 days and get paid more for your second donation then your first ($20 - $25 for the 1st and $30 to $35 for the 2nd depending on your weight).  They send the units off in sets of 2 so that is why they encourage the donations as they have it structured.  I did really well the first day...got a little sleepy while doing it but other than that I was fine. I came home and slept for 30 minutes and felt refreshed.  Today, I have been more tired and I think it is because of staying up late and being so busy on Thanksgiving let alone the stress that has gone on the last few days with Terry.  I have taken two 90 minute naps and still feel tired, but I want to make sure I sleep tonight.  I am planning to do this bi-weekly for now as I am not sure my body can do it each week, but it would bring in $50 to $55 a week if I can.  The income is not taxable and doesn't take too much time to do, so I plan to try to do it as much as I can and not put stress on my body.  I am told you only get $15 to donate blood, plus if you do that, then you can't donate plasma but every 58 days.  I am told to do this is actually good for your body as it forces it to make new.  I want to research it a bit more to find out what all the benefits are besides helping out the healthcare system and a way to make money.

Have you donated plasma before?  Would you consider it?  If not, why?

Terry arrived in CA

Terry has made it to California to live on my parents property. He pretty much drove straight thru and didn't have any issues other than 5th gear not working for him.  Please continue to pray for him. Time will tell what choices he will make.

Terry

I will miss you.  I tried so hard to help you.  Encourage you.  Show you Patience and Love.  Help you see the truth.  Walk you thru new concepts. 

I have faced a wide range of emotions the last 24hrs...anger, to feeling crushed, to pity, to sadness. I knew things were not good...you have pulled away the last 6 weeks, only come to Sunday meetings the last 3 weeks, not been taking your medicine, been defiant to others. etc. When do I push thru your walls and when do I give you space?  When do I insist you need time with friends & fellowship and when do I let you make your own choices and reap the results?  I know I am not responsible, but I feel like maybe I have not made as much effort the last 3 months since I was unemployed. It has been a lot harder, I must admit and I have not been as focused about calling you or having you over, though when I did you either refused or were angry at me.  My heart is grieved, my soul achs, I am sad, but God's word is true...the way of the transgressor is hard. I love you Terry and would be glad to reach out and help you yet again, if you want to serve the Lord, but I will not support a lifestyle that doesn't involve the wisdom and instruction of God.  You had an incredible opportunity that you have thrown away. A place to live, a life of peace, an abundance of council, a job to make money, support from disability and christian fellowship. Until you learn some lessons and face making some tough decisions, you will continue to have a hard life.

I love you more than you know...this has been really hard for me to see you go!  My prayers are with you and for you to come to the end and start a new beginning!

Terry is gone...

to??? Please pray for him.

He came by my house at 3.15pm or so this afternoon and swept out my garage and shed. I had asked him to do this for me a few weeks ago and he hasn't done it. He knew that if he did, I would pay him to do it. I also packed up two small sacks of food for him to take with him: cheese, pepperoni, olives, applesauce, carrots, pudding, angel bisquit, peanut butter crackers, trail mix, banana, cookies, candy, granola bars, water, and dr pepper. I told him that I love him, am sorry he has made these choices, wish I could offer him a place with me but in light of his choices, I can't. He said he understood. I asked him what else I could have done to help this last year, he told me to quit asking him that, "You have done everything, I have shoved you away and still am". I was surprised he was that clear. He had some self pity moments, frustrated that he has nowhere to go & feeling like all he is is a failure. He said mom & dad are very mad at several here who have tried to help him, that they don't understand mental illness. I told Terry that doing drugs has NOTHING to do with mental illness. I believe Terry needs medicine to cope with his panic attacks and depression, but he is not mentally ill. He is a very capable young man who has made choices to quit and give up. He wanted me to tell him what to do from here, whether to go back to CA or to VA to be with Mindy. He said he can't make decisions. I told him that is not true. He has made decisions all along. Yesterday he chose not to join me at Tom & Jo's for Thanksgiving. The day before he chose to use drugs. He has been deciding that his job was not a real job, not worth it and when he didn't want to work, he wouldn't...so he lost it. He chose to attempt suicide. I told him, decisions sometimes are hard for me to make too, but he has choices...I have choices and we have to get council and pray about things, but when we do, we must adhere be self disciplined and do to what we are told. I told him whether he realizes it, likes it or not, he is responsible for himself and has been, he just is trying to find ways to cop out. I told him again today as I told him yesterday, he is at a crossroads. He can choose to serve himself and live the street life or he can choose to serve the Lord. It will be a lot tougher now, because he has made some really bad choices, but he can still do it if he wants to.  As he pulled away in his car, he broke down sobbing.

Please pray for him.

Black Friday Shopping 2010

Believe it or not, I have NEVER done the Black Friday shopping experience.  I love to shop...but I really hate crowds of pushy and crazy people. 


I had spent the day out at Tom & Jo's and stopped by Jeff's to talk on my drive home and Elizabeth and Jean were pouring over the ads to plan their Black Friday shopping spree.  They asked if I was going and I said, no, I think you can get some really great deals without the craziness, but if they saw any pans I did need those.  Well, when I got home at 1am, I decided to check out www.black-friday.net/online for any great deals.  I had learned about the page from a friend on Facebook and I searched the site for the greatest pan Black Friday deals at Kohls, Target, and JCPenny's.  I saw some really great deals in a JCPenny's ad and so I thought I might go out today and check them out, but wasn't sure as I wasn't sure I wanted to experience the Black Friday shopping thing at all.  Well, I woke up at 7.30am and decided to jump in the shower and head straigt to JCPenny's before the day got on.  I found two different sets and compared the prices, pieces and options.  I went with these below by cooks, a 10 pc set classic hard anodized.  I am very happy with them...they were normally $199.99 for $89.88.  I only wish I had a double broiler - though I have never had one I think I would use one.  It actually came with the 13 pc set (the next box size up), but the pans were much bigger and I really didn't need more than the 10 pc set.  I bought the 5 quart covered sauteuse seperately at 50% off, normally $79.99 for $39.99.  I didn't care for the stock pot or the double burner pan, so I opted not to purchase those, which were the only other two pans available seperately.  Anyways, I was very pleased as I used the $100 given to me by my GranmaOmi and $25 gift card from Uncle Shawn & Aunt Connie, so I was out no money!  I will let you know what I think of them after I use them...but was pretty impressed when I washed and dried them up!

Thanksgiving @Tom&Jo's

Terry & I were invited by Drex & Bethany to do Thanksgiving with them.  At the time of the invite, they were not sure what they would be doing but they said they would let us know and it ended being with Tom & Jo.


I volunteered to make the mashed potatoes.  Jo informed me that her family LOVES mashed potatoes and to make sure that I made plenty.  She told me this twice and stressed how much they eat LOTS of mashed potatoes.  So, I did research on the internet.  They said to allow a potatoe a person or 5lbs of potatoes for 10 people and they were roughly planning on 40 people, so I did 20lbs of mashed potatoes.  I was originally just going to make them as my mom did, but decided to change and make the recipe from Pioneer Woman's Delicious, Creamy Mashed Potatoes.  It was hard work, my house was steamy and I was pressed to get this all done and be ready to leave by 11am for a noon arrival...and I didn't make it, I left at 11.30am.  I had called Terry 4 times to see if he was coming and wanted to ride with me, but he ignored the calls and text messages.  I headed to Pecan Plantation to have dinner with everyone at Tom & Jo's.  Lots and lots of people were there:  Tom & JoLinda, Steve & Kay, Dave & Charlotte, Drex & Bethany, Jon & Melanie, Grandaddy & Phyllis, Alan & Jenny, Jon & Tracy, Derrek & Jill, Stanley & Kendra, Michelle, me, Anthony, James & Garret...and all the kids associated with these families!  We had sooooo much food...as you can tell from the pictures below.  We had so MANY mashed potatoes...we only used half of them!  In the evening, Phil & Amanda, Brian & Shelley, and Gilbert & Connie came. 


It was a fun day...in spite of the sadness with the phone call from Terry at 3pm with the news of his decisions to use drugs the night before.  He missed out on a great opportunity and a way to enter in and enjoy christian fellowship, love & support.  I stopped by Jeff's house on the way home to discuss the situation with Terry.  I got home very late but before I did, I researched the Black Friday deals on pots & pans.

pray for Terry

Terry has made some bad choices and he needs our prayers.  My heart achs for him, but he has turned away from the opportunities and help that he has received in the last year.  He now is facing consequences and I don't know what will happen from here.  The way of the transgressor is hard.  He is at a crossroads to decide does he want the street life or does he want to serve the Lord?  It will be harder now that he has made his life more complicated, but he can still do it if he chooses to!  Please pray for him.

Quotes

Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.
-Albert Schweitzer

dinner to a friend...

This month, I did something different...instead of having company for lunch...I took dinner to a friend who had surgery recently and is trying to recover.  The plans were made late in the day, so I had to do some last minute planning.  I worked until 3pm and then had 3 errands, the last one being the grocery store. I got a few needed supplies and rushed home to prepare and cook the meal.

Menu:
Chicken in a Pablano Pepper Cream Sauce topped with cheese (I do not know the name of this dish...but I have had it out at some mexican restaurants and LOVED it - so I improvised and made my own!)
Gnochi
Steamed Sugared Carrots
Aspargus
Black Beans topped with Feta Cheese
Asiago Bread
Pickles & Olives

I took the food over to Manual & Renee (they are staying at Brent & Jennifer's while they are gone).  We ate pretty much as soon as I arrived and chatted all dinner and then moved to the couches in the living room.  Maryssa did all the clean up.  :)  I helped her get Jennifer's batch of Kombucha going and then headed home.  So much fun to cook for more than one person!  Get well Renee!

CHECK OUT the giveaway!!!

Thrifty Decor Chic is doing a giveaway this weekend...check it out!



verse to reflect on...

Romans 8:31 is God's way of reminding us to turn it all over to Him. "If God be for you, who can be against you?" Friends, God is for you! He is all you need. Let go and let God!

Quotes

Don't be a carbon copy of someone else; make your own impression.

song ~ take time to be holy

Take Time to Be Holy
by William D Longstaff

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.


Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.


Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.


Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.

Quotes

The past does not have to be your prison. You have a voice in your destiny. You have a say in your life. You have a choice in the path you take.
— Max Lucado

someone likes my cushy pillows...

Blair & Ashley are staying with me for 3 days...we are so looking forward to the time!  We were trying to remember how long it has been since we did this and we think it has been like 6 or 7 years...so we are very excited to hang out together!  The girls came over this morning and unloaded their things.  We got Maggie comfortable and zipped up in her crate...then headed out to meeting and then out to sushi for lunch with Jody & Linda.  When we came home, this is how I found my bed.  I immediatey laughed out right...the girls were like " What, what???  I said, "Come look!"  



Maggie making a cushy sleeping spot...

 We all laughed and laughed...I had to take a picture and text Jenn. We are not sure how she got out, but Maggie made herself at home and LOVED was thrilled with my pillows too.  I think it is hillarious how she made sure she would have two pillows on either side of her.  :)  Girl after my own heart! 

Just so you get the idea of how cushy she made this spot for herself, this is how my bed normally looks:

The Bed with pillows...all made up

Here she is sleeping on the pillow out by us in the living room...



oh yah...gotta have my pillow!!!

 

Day 7 - Proberbs 31 Challenge

This is the last day of this challenge...

A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it.  Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long.  She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing.  She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises.  She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day.  She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.  First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.  She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.  She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.  She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.  She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.  She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks.  Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers.  She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.  Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.  When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.  She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive.  Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise:  "Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!" Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.  The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her everything she deserves!  Festoon her life with praises!   [The Message]

My nuggets from today:
she senses the worth of her work & lives in the Fear-of-God

(see original post for this Proverbs 31 Challenge)

Day 6 - Proberbs 31 Challenge

after receiving a tip from a girlfriend, I have reviewed today's reading in the Amplified Version

10 A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman--who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil. 12 She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her. 13 She seeks out wool and flax and works with willing hands [to develop it]. 14 She is like the merchant ships loaded with foodstuffs; she brings her household's food from a far [country]. 15 She rises while it is yet night and gets [spiritual] food for her household and assigns her maids their tasks. 16 She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard. [S. of Sol. 8:12.] 17 She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm. 18 She tastes and sees that her gain from work [with and for God] is good; her lamp goes not out, but it burns on continually through the night [of trouble, privation, or sorrow, warning away fear, doubt, and distrust]. 19 She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit]. 21 She fears not the snow for her family, for all her household are doubly clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is of linen, pure and fine, and of purple [such as that of which the clothing of the priests and the hallowed cloths of the temple were made]. 23 Her husband is known in the [city's] gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes fine linen garments and leads others to buy them; she delivers to the merchants girdles [or sashes that free one up for service]. 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future [the latter day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it]! 26 She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction]. 27 She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied); and her husband boasts of and praises her, [saying], 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], but you excel them all. 30 Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised! 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates [of the city]!  [Amplified Version]

My nuggets from today:
vs 10 {be a} capable, intelligent & virtuous woman
vs 17 She girds herself with strength {spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task}

(see original post for this Proverbs 31 Challenge)

Day 5 - Proberbs 31 Challenge

My nuggets from today:
vs 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

http://www.dictionary.com/
needy = in a condition of need or want; poverty-stricken; impoverished; extremely poor; destitute

(see original post for this Proverbs 31 Challenge)

Day 4 - Proberbs 31 Challenge

My nuggets from today:
vs 17 She sets about her work vigorously. TNIV
vs 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instrution is on her tongue. TNIV

I know that these two verses spoke to me on Day 1 & Day 2...bu I read in a different translation and they spoke to me, yet again. 

http://www.dictionary.com/

Vigorously = full of or characterized by vigor; strong, active, robust; energetic, forceful;
powerful in action or effect. 

Faithful = strict or thorough in the performance of duty; true to one's word, promises, vows, etc; steady in allegiance or affection, loyal, constant; reliable, trusted, or believed; adhering or true to fact, a standard, or an original, accurate; obsolete, full of faith, believing.

(see original post for this Proverbs 31 Challenge)

song ~ no matter what

No Matter What
by Kerrie Roberts

I’m running back to Your promises
one more time
Lord that’s all I can hold on to
I gotta say this has taken me
by surprise,
but nothing surprises You
Before a heartache
can ever touch my life
It has to go through Your hands
And even though I
keep asking why,
I keep asking why


No matter what,
I’m gonna love You
No matter what
I’m gonna need You
I know that You can find a way to keep me from the pain
But if not, if not, I’ll trust You
no matter what,
no matter what


When I’m stuck and there’s nothing else
by myself
I’m just sitting in silence
There’s no way I can make it
without Your help,
I won’t even try it
I know You have Your reasons
for everything
so I will keep believing
whatever I might be feeling,
God You are my hope
and You will be my strength


No matter what,
I’m gonna love You
No matter what
I’m gonna need You
I know You can find a way to keep me from the pain
But if not, if not,
I’ll trust You
no matter what,
no matter what


Anything I don’t have
You can give it to me,
but it’s OK if You don’t
I’m not here for those things
The touch of Your love is enough on its own


No matter what
I still love You
and I’m gonna need You
No matter what
I’m gonna love You,
no matter what
I’m gonna need You
I know that You can find a way to keep me from the pain
But if not, if not,
I’ll trust You
I know You can find a way to keep me from the pain
But if not, but if not,
I’ll trust You
No matter what
No matter no matter what
No matter no matter what
No matter no matter what

Day 3 - Proberbs 31 Challenge

10 Who can find a wife with a strong character? She is worth far more than jewels.  11 Her husband trusts her with all his heart, and he does not lack anything good.  12 She helps him and never harms him all the days of her life.  13 She seeks out wool and linen with care and works with willing hands. 14 She is like merchant ships. She brings her food from far away.  15 She wakes up while it is still dark and gives food to her family and portions of food to her female slaves. 16 She picks out a field and buys it. She plants a vineyard from the profits she has earned. 17 She puts on strength like a belt and goes to work with energy. 18 She sees that she is making a good profit.  Her lamp burns late at night.  19 She puts her hands on the distaff, and her fingers hold a spindle.  20 She opens her hands to oppressed people and stretches them out to needy people.  21 She does not fear for her family when it snows because her whole family has a double layer of clothing.  22 She makes quilts for herself.  Her clothes are made of linen and purple cloth.  23 Her husband is known at the city gates when he sits with the leaders of the land.  24 She makes linen garments and sells them and delivers belts to the merchants.  25 She dresses with strength and nobility, and she smiles at the future.  26 She speaks with wisdom, and on her tongue there is tender instruction.  27 She keeps a close eye on the conduct of her family, and she does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children and her husband stand up and bless her. In addition, he sings her praises, by saying, 29 ‘Many women have done noble work, but you have surpassed them all!’ 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty evaporates, but a woman who has the fear of the Lord should be praised.  31 Reward her for that she has done, and let her achievements praise her at the city gates.  [Gods Word translation]
 
My nuggets from today:
17 She puts on strength like a belt and goes to work with energy.
25 She dresses with strength and nobility.
 
(see original post for this Proverbs 31 Challenge)

Day 2 - Proberbs 31 Challenge

10 A truly good wife is the most precious treasure a man can find! 11 Her husband depends on her, and she never lets him down. 12 She is good to him every day of her life, 13 and with her own hands she gladly makes clothes. 14 She is like a sailing ship that brings food from across the sea. 15 She gets up before daylight to prepare food for her family and for her servants. 16 She knows how to buy land and how to plant a vineyard, 17 and she always works hard. 18 She knows when to buy or sell, and she stays busy until late at night. 19 She spins her own cloth, 20 and she helps the poor and the needy. 21 Her family has warm clothing, and so she doesn't worry when it snows. 22 She does her own sewing, and everything she wears is beautiful. 23 Her husband is a well-known and respected leader in the city. 24 She makes clothes to sell to the shop owners. 25 She is strong and graceful, as well as cheerful about the future. 26 Her words are sensible, and her advice is thoughtful. 27 She takes good care of her family and is never lazy.  28 Her children praise her, and with great pride her husband says, 29 "There are many good women, but you are the best!" 30 Charm can be deceiving, and beauty fades away, but a woman who honors the LORD deserves to be praised. 31 Show her respect - praise her in public for what she has done.  [Contemporary English Version]

My nuggets from today:
vs 25 She is cheerful about the future.
vs 26 Her advice is thoughtful.

(see original post for this Proverbs 31 Challenge)

Day 1 - Proberbs 31 Challenge

I am doing a Proverbs 31 Challenge (see post).  As I read the chapter today, verse 18 caught my eye and I looked it up in a few versions: 


18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.  NLT


18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. KJV


18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. NIV


18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable: Her lamp goeth not out by night. ASV


18 She perceiveth that her earning is good; her lamp goeth not out by night. Darby's


18 She sees that her marketing is of profit to her: her light does not go out by night. Bible in Basic English


18 She knows when to buy or sell, and she stays busy until late at night. CEV


My nuggets from today:
This spoke to me in several ways with operating my business.  I want to reflect on this some more...more thoughts to come!