Thursday, March 31, 2011

Quotes

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. ~ Albert Einstein

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

verse to reflect on...

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3  (NLT)

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

reflections on life...

I encourage you to take time today or this week to remember the people and circumstances God placed in your life as He drew you to Himself. Will you pause at each place, thanking God for that person or situation? Thank Him that His love reached you and that His love will never fail. -Proverbs 31 Ministries

Monday, March 28, 2011

You Suck or You Fill

You Suck

…the air out of a room when you make it all about you.
…the life out of everyone around you when you make it all about you.
…the joy out of every endeavor when you make it all about you.
…the lightness out of every quest when you make it all about you.
…the potential out of every business when you make it all about you.

You fill
…every room,
…every person,
…every endeavor,
…every quest,
…every business with life, with energy, with potential,
When you make it all about them.

The challenge is to serve, solve and delight from a place of genuine personal interest without relying on the experience to complete you.

copied from an original blog post by Jonathan Fields

living simply project


Hot Spot #4

This week’s hot spot: our pantry and refrigerator.
Yep, we’re going to clean out our pantries from expired spices and stale snacks, and reshelve them in a way that works for us. We’re also going to toss the science experiments from the fridge and clean out the grime.
...Come roll up your sleeves and clear the clutter from the different “hot spots” in your homes.   March 7th - April 8th.  For five weeks, we’ll work together and tackle different areas of our homes. Be encouraged and inspired, knowing that there are other families around the world rolling up their sleeves and working alongside you!

Quotes

Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound. - James Allen

Friday, March 25, 2011

word for the day...{wisdom}

wis·dom



[wiz-duhm–noun  
the quality or state of being wise knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity,discernment, or insight.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

verse to reflect on...

Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.  Romans 12:11 (NLT)

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Monday, March 21, 2011

Win in Business...just "Do It"

Art Williams spoke at the 1987 National Religious Broadcast Convention and you can watch the video clip here.  I took notes on some of the highlights that I want to remember and think about:

How to Win in Business
You first have to find a need.  You have to be able to fulfill the consumer need.  You have to know you market, someone to sell your product or service to.  You have to have a uniqueness.  You can do 99% of the things right but if you don’t do that 1%, you will fail.  No test measures the heart of a man or woman…they are not outside artificial things.  The key is what is what is inside a person.  It is your integrity, your people abilities, your character… develop a winning edge.

1. get excited, be positive, enthusiastic and tough

2. you got to be a dreamer, again

3. don’t say I can’t

4. stand for something

5. yes, you will be controversial, if you don’t want to be controversial then you will just be 
average and ordinary

6. make a total commitment to what you are about…you will have lots of false starts, pick yourself back up, you got to go for it one more time which will determine your success or failure, you can’t just stick your toe in it

7. treat people good, get to know them, love them, care about them

8. establish the right kind of priorities, you can not separate your personal and business life, have tunnel vision:  God must come First, Family Second, Business Third…long range it will be devastating to your business if this is not the order of your priorities

9.  you can’t quit, have a desire and will to win, pay the price a little bit more

10.  be a leader, do whatever it takes, just do it, do it, do it

living simply project

Week 3 Project:Simplify




This week’s hot spot: toys and/or kids’ clothes.
It only makes sense that Project: Simplify isn’t a solo deal. Everyone lives in your home, and helping your kids declutter and organize their toys is more than just cleaning — it’s helping them hold on to things loosely, prize the things they do keep, and learn the value of giving to others.
Let’s get started.


...Come roll up your sleeves and clear the clutter from the different “hot spots” in your homes.   March 7th - April 8th.  For five weeks, we’ll work together and tackle different areas of our homes. Be encouraged and inspired, knowing that there are other families around the world rolling up their sleeves and working alongside you!

Quotes

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.  ― Theodore Roosevelt

Sunday, March 20, 2011

new facet for master bath!

When you don't have a handy man, you have to either {learn} do it on your own or {pay} have someone else do it!  So, when I bought my house and moved in - in March 2007...there were a few things I wanted to do, but some got put on the "Get To Later List".  This facet thing, was one of those.  Okay...in reality, I bought the facet a year ago...and if just now got put together.  :)  I love it!  So old fashioned, matches my hardware and is just a nice touch.  Don't make comments about my enamel chipped sink (I excluded that part in the picture - hahahahahahah)...you know I like vintage things, so that is gonna stay...plus you know, I can't replace everything, you have to pick and choose!


Old:
old gotta go facet






New:
lovely new facet

Reverse

A friend of mine posted this video clip on Facebook called Reverse.  I ask you to please watch it before you read the words below because the impact is greater than just reading the words and I only posted the2nd half of the words from the video clip.  
(You will completely understand why I ask this of you when you watch the video.)  


My heart goes out to those that are in the position and feel the way of the 1st half
...may they come to know God as I have!


Reverse
I am lost and in need of saving
It is ridiculous to think that everything is fine
Without God
Life is an endless cycle of guilt and shame
But with God 
There is freedom to be who I want to be
In a world with no God
Our existence has no grand meaning or purpose
"The more you have the happier you will be"
is a lie meant to make me a slave to those in power
Because of sin,
I am deserving of hell 
The idea that
People can do as they please without eternal consequences
Is only wishful thinking.  
It is a comforting thought however
That an all powerful God brings purpose to the pain and suffering in the world
That there is an all knowing God with a cosmic plan
It is just foolish to think
That God does not exist
I will live my life according to these beliefs!


{Ephesians 2:1 and Ephesians 2:4}


Video by: DeoVolenteMedia

Saturday, March 19, 2011

CHECK OUT the giveaway!!!

Do you like really unique things?  With a little vintage touch?  Another really neat giveaway...check it out here!

dreaming of a vacation...

I am dreaming of a Vacation...you know, one of those breaks where I don't have to do ANYTHING???  I know...I am not sure I have ever had one of those, but I am dreaming of one!!!  


A Vacation where...
I can sleep...late in the morning and early at night.  
I can eat whenever I want...whatever I want.  
I can go for a walk...a long walk, not pressed for time and not coming back until I want to.
I can read.
I can lay in the sun.
I can knit.
I can do nothing.
I have no phone to answer.
I have no emails to answer.
I have no deadlines to keep.
I have no priorities for the day.
I have no clock to tell me that I am behind or on-time or early.
I have nobody asking where I am or when I am going to get there or when this will be done.
I can be all by myself...just chilling.  


So I am dreaming...because that is all it is.  I have never had a vacation like this and I don't know if I truly could handle such a vacation...but I am dreaming of a vacation!!!  A Dream Vacation.  


Oh, but Dave Ramsey says "Dreams are wishes that seldom happen. Life does not hand you your dreams.  Dreams only become reality when they become your Vision.  Vision that is ready to go to work is called a Goal."


Ahhh...I need to have a Vision of a Vacation!  Then I can have a Goal to have a Vacation!  Even if it is not The Dream Vacation...


What is your Dream Vacation???

Friday, March 18, 2011

word for the day...{gratitude}


grat·i·tude

[grat-i-tood, -tyood–noun the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

verse to reflect on...

Search for the LORD and for his strength, and keep on searching. 
Psalm 105:4 (NLT)

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

song ~ my savior my god

My Savior My God 
by Aaron Shust

I am not skilled to understand
What God has willed, what God has planned
I only know at His right hand
Stands one who is my Savior 

I take Him at His word and deed
Christ died to save me; this I read
And in my heart I find a need
Of Him to be my savior

That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior 

My Savior loves, My Savior lives
My Savior's always there for me
My God: He was, my God; He is
My God is always gonna be

My Savior loves, My Savior lives
My Savior's always there for me
My God: He was, my God; He is
My God is always gonna be



Yes, living, dying, let me bring
My strength, my solace from this spring;
That He who lives to be my King
Once died to be my Savior

That He would leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die
You count it strange, so once did I
Before I knew my Savior

My Savior loves, My Savior lives
My Savior's always there for me
My God: He was, my God; He is
My God is always gonna be



My Savior loves, My Savior lives
My Savior's always there for me
My God: He was, my God; He is
My God is always gonna be


My Savior loves, My Savior lives
My Savior loves, My Savior lives

Monday, March 14, 2011

living simply project

Week 2 Project:Simplify


This week’s hot spot: paper clutter.
Whether it’s your kitchen island, your desk or home office, the junk drawer, or even your kids’ crafting station, we are going to take care of that paper that seems to grow on its own. 
Because paper will keep coming, and it’s a good idea to have a workable, realistic plan.  
Let’s get started.



...Come roll up your sleeves and clear the clutter from the different “hot spots” in your homes.   March 7th - April 8th.  For five weeks, we’ll work together and tackle different areas of our homes. Be encouraged and inspired, knowing that there are other families around the world rolling up their sleeves and working alongside you!

Quotes

Nobody can prevent you from choosing to be exceptional.
– Mark Sanborn

Saturday, March 12, 2011

song ~ beautiful

Beautiful by MercyMe


Days will come when you don't have the strength
When all you hear is you're not worth anything
Wondering if you ever could be loved
And if they truly saw your heart, they'd see too much

You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are made for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are treasured, you are sacred, you are his
You're beautiful



Praying that you have the heart to fight
"Cause you are more than what is hurting you tonight
For all the lies you've held inside so long
They are nothing in the shadow of the cross

You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are made for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are treasured, you are sacred, you are his
You're beautiful.



Before you ever took a breath
Long before the world began
Of all the wonders He possessed
There was one more precious
Of all the earth and skies above
You're the one He madly loves enough to die

You're beautiful
You're beautiful in His eyes

You're beautiful
You are made for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful
You are treasured, you are sacred, you are his
You're beautiful

You're beautiful
You are made for so much more than all of this
You're beautiful
You're beautiful
You are treasured, you are sacred, you are his

12hrs w/a girlfriend

I got to pick up Susie from the airport this week on Monday night and spend the evening with her.  It has been so long since I got to be with her...we both couldn't even remember how long!  She had not been to Texas in 4or5 years at least and so it was a privilege to have her at my house for the night.  We ate at The BlackEyed Pea on our way back from the airport.  We went to bed about 10pm as she was tired and we were getting up early to eat breakfast at IHOP with Judy & Miriam.  Judy & Susie were headed to Peru for 3 weeks.  I headed to a client's office after that and they took off for DFW airport.  Here is the one picture I took during our time together, yes, very early at IHOP!  


Misty & Susie


I WISH I was going to be able to see her again on her way back home from Peru, but unfortunately she isn't stopping back for a layover in DFW...come back soon Susie, it was waaayyyyyyy too short!!!

Friday, March 11, 2011

word for the day...{courage}


cour·age



[kur-ij, kuhr-] –noun 
the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fearbravery

my blog

Today, I write from my heart.  


I started this blog originally to post highlights of my life such as trips and the like.  I have since turned it more into an online journal.  If you don't want to follow it, please do not feel obligated.  I am not trying to create fans or followers.  My blog is not one that is created to show a life that is fake or a life I do not live...it is a very real.  I simply want to share my life to try and give you courage on this journey, because we all need it!


If you have concerns, please feel free to share them with me.  I have lived here in Texas almost 14 years and I would hope that my openness, dealings with the issues and problems that I have faced in my life, trying to continue to be steadfast and courageous for the Lord would show a testimony to you and that you would know if you have issues or concern you can share them with me.  My life is an open book, and I share more than most would about their life, both in person and on my blog.  Even then, please know that there are things that happen in my life that I haven't shared and therefore it is not a complete picture and by no means the full spectrum of what I have going on and the challenges I face, that I need a Savior to help me with and who gives me strength to face the day.  You may know a few of the issues that I have had going on the last few months, but most of you do not know much beyond the surface, and I will be the first to tell you that I have had to grow in my faith and trust in the Lord.  Life has not been easy...anything but...but my desire to serve the Lord has not changed.  


Please know that right now, I simply have an overwhelming desire to try to simplify my life, one with more peace and quiet.  I pray that God will direct me to continue to aspire to lead a quiet life!

Thursday, March 10, 2011

my prayer today

Dear Lord, thank You for loving me today and every day. I am grateful that You are bigger than all of my problems. Give me the courage and the wisdom to seek You today, regardless of my circumstances. I want to be found by You Lord. And give me a heart to be able to see and help others near me in need. Because you give me Life, in Jesus Name, Amen.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

verse to reflect on...

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 (NIV)  


Like God did with Joshua in this key verse, and like He does with us, we can come alongside each other in some of life's hardest challenges and highest peaks and say, "Don't give up, you can do it. I'll be with you and I will help you."

Monday, March 7, 2011

living simply project

Week 1 Project:Simplify

This week’s hot spot: your wardrobe and closet.
Yep — this week we are going to touch every. single. item of clothing in our wardrobe, and make a decision whether it stays or goes. We will then find a new home for the items to pass on, organize the clothes that stay, and take inventory of what we might need in the future.

...Come roll up your sleeves and clear the clutter from the different “hot spots” in your homes.   March 7th - April 8th.  For five weeks, we’ll work together and tackle different areas of our homes. Be encouraged and inspired, knowing that there are other families around the world rolling up their sleeves and working alongside you!