Stacking Magz

April 12th, 2012

I make stacks!  I make them with great intentions.  I always say to myself, "I'm going to GET TO THIS later!".  Then later, I have these tall stacks of "stuff".  Usually magazines.  Good ones, too!  Never dumb boring ones.  Only the best, ya know?  I also tell myself, "I'm NOT ORDERING anymore magazines!".  Really, I say it.  Then a super deal comes along and BOOM!  I'm stacking up magazines, again!

Today, I discovered a perfect solution to my stacking addiction.  ONLINE MAGAZINES!!  I know what you're thinking….{Lady, you have a Kindle Fire…why are you just catching whiff of this info?}.  It's not that I didn't know of them it's just that some of the time….magazines are FREE and online for our reading enjoyment.  You know, WHEN WE CAN GET TO IT and all.  indecision

Anyway, back to the good part.  Maybe you've heard of it–it's new to me.  TRANSFORMED MAGAZINE  It's perfect for the Christian chicky!  Inside it (or on the screen of your computer) you will find something interesting in just about any topic that you can dream up.  The best part?  It's all free!

And you won't have to stack up a single issue!  Score!

Weather or Not

April 11th, 2012

Living in Indiana is an adventure! Especially when it comes to weather. It’s April 11th and the high today is 50 degrees! I’ve bragged repeatedly about our mild winter and now here I sit wearing these…..

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Don’t get me wrong, I love wearing boots. I just get a little fashion confused when I have to go back to all the clothes I’ve just put away. In other words, make up my seasonal mind…would ya!

I’m even wearing one of these….

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Which again, I love! But come on now….I’ve been wearing shorts and short-sleeves for the last few weeks. Stop messing with me, Indiana weather!

People are going to talk.

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The question of the day is what’s the weather where you are today? Are you in a tank top or bundled up like me?

Either way …. It’s hump day and Friday’s coming. Smile & make the best of it!!

Godly Girlfriends

April 10th, 2012

 

Everywhere I look read these days the popular topic seems to be geared towards Godly girlfriends.  I can't help but think about my own special peeps that God has graciously lavished upon me.  Each of them special and unique to the time and place God had me when HE brought them into my life.  I'm so thankful for each one of them.  

HINT: Surely by now you've figured me out.  I LIKE PEOPLE!

Most of my friends live far away.  I live in Indiana and they, well…live all over.  Now don't get me wrong, I have friends where I live.  But only one [extra special] friend that I know I can count on.  A Godly friend that loves me in spite of how wacky I behave.  She may not know it….but I thank God for her everyday!  

I miss my string of long distance friends.  I know they–get me.  I don't have to pretend or be something else with them.  I can tell them intimate details of what's going on in my life and trust them to not hold weaknesses against me.  I consider it a privilege to share in the battles they fight as well.  It's almost like therapy having friends that sympathize the tough stuff in life.

Godly girlfriends are more than just acquaintances.  They are life do-ers in our journey.

The last few years have been a struggle.  It seems that finding real friends in my area has been more of a challenge than it's ever been in my life.  I often feel like I'm on a completely different planet (I realize this could just be my own weird conclusion) than everyone else.  I long for my relationships to be more.

Which brings me to….

Why do we only do surface friendships anymore?  You know what I mean, don't you?  We play along as friends but do we invest in one another?  Do we spend time together?  Do we share life together?  Are we willing to overlook faults in each other?  Am I a friend like that?  I want to be.

Can you think of a friend that really understands you?  One that has your back no matter what?  Me too.  I'm really trying to come to grips with living in the same place for 10 years and only having one serious friendship.  I wonder everyday if I'm the only one like this.  It seems I am…..

 

Lord,

I'm so thankful for my friends.  Especially since I know they were hand-picked for me by you.  Help me to be the kind of friend that loves at all times and let YOUR love be what they see in me.

Amen

Picture Perfect Easter

April 9th, 2012

Who knew celebrating THE RESURRECTION could be so much fun with grown kids?  Oh, I did.  My family always has fun!  It seems like yesterday they were running around in their cute little matching outfits….excited about what goodies were in their Easter baskets.

Now they look like this–>

Grown up & beautiful.  Yes, even he's beautiful (to his mama).  Now, I might as well tell you…these pictures are simply to prove how crazy we get once a camera comes out.  Some of us can't keep up with the actual click of the camera and other's of us are just plain out camera hogs (no names mentioned)!  

Case in point—>

It's probably safe to say…there isn't a camera my girls aren't friends with.  In retrospect, I was a bit camera crazy too.  Oh yea, and skinny!   Back when I was their age.

I love having daughters.  Both of them unique and special in their own way but still a part of me.  I can't imagine why I ever "hoped" for all boys.  My girls fill a spot in my heart that God created just for them.

This girl starts her brand new job today.  I'm so proud of her and she is so excited.  She feels confident that this new career move is going to be a huge blessing and I totally agree.   Banking hours are good too!   No more laaaaate nights in retail.

We've been taking our Easter pictures in front of this pond at our house for 9 years.  This August, we have lived here 10 years.  Seems like yesterday!

Here we go again…someone's NOT READY when the camera snaps.  Poor Gavin!  

Ok, now we try to add Dad!  Only he's looking elsewhere. See who loves the camera and who doesn't?  I wish I was techy enough to crop his head with a good shot.  Maybe next year.  ðŸ˜‰

See, he looks at the camera & smiles.  It's hit or miss ya know?

Almost the money shot.  Poor Gates…eyes closed but heart wide open.  

Here's where everyone really wanted to be during the photo shoot.  Since this is the only photo of the meal (like who wants to see our Ham & taters?)…I'll just tell you–it was delicious!  After church meals are special anyway.  Even more so when you're celebrating Christ's Resurrection!

How did you celebrate?  I hope with family & loved ones like me.

He Is Risen!   

Don’t Give Up

April 5th, 2012

I had one of those joy robbing days yesterday. I took on some negative garb the enemy passed my way by means of a co- worker. I know better than that but my flesh is still humanly attached. After feeling miserable the rest of the day, I realized Satan had steered me just where I didn’t want to go.

Does this ever happen to you?

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Why do we fall into these traps?

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No matter how someone else behaves I can be sweet. Right?

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Besides, nobody likes jerky people.

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Just today, a friend told me she had to describe me to someone and she said that I’m always smiling. I hugged her.

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I try to have a positive attitude. Obviously somebody notices….that gives me power!

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People who make it their job to be rotten could learn a thing or two from happy people. Wouldn’t you agree?

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Yes, I am and so are you!!

Go forward and spread your love and joy. Do not give up!

Denying Me — Blessing Others

April 4th, 2012

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Several weeks back, I decided to make this Lent season something special for me and hopefully others as well.  All around me, friends were giving up Diet Coke or chocolate all as a reminder of what Christ has done for them.  As a follower of Christ, I try to live a life that is pleasing to him everyday.  Though I fall short and make giant mistakes on a regular basis….I know that I owe Him the best of me.  Sometimes the best way to do that– is to step outside of what is expected and do something special for someone other than me.

I decided to write a card or note of love and encouragement to someone different everyday for the entire Lent season.  That meant about 40 people would get something kind or personal from me.  It shouldn't be too difficult, right?  Until you commit to doing it and satan tries everything in his power to stop you.  Oh yea, he did!  Busyness swept into many of my days (I sometimes had to play make-up) and robbed me of energy and time.  But, I kept going.

I'm happy to say…that today, I will mail my final note of encouragement.  Writing notes may not seem like such a big deal.  It's reminded me how simple it is to touch another person's life.  Even if you're far away, you can send them a piece of your heart.  I know how it feels to hear sweet words of encouragement, it's empowering!  And doing it FOR NO GOOD REASON has been empowering for me.  You should try it.

What I've learned?  Writing a simple "Hello" or "I'm thinking of you" is easy.  Picking out random people to bless?  Challenging!  Someday's it was easy as pie.  If I knew someone was having a birthday–I shot them a sweet card.  Our school hired a few new interim folks–sent them a welcome aboard note.  Thought of a struggling friend faraway–reminded them how awesome they are.  Then there were days when no one would come to mind.  I blame satan for that.  Somehow, God used me anyway and I am really thankful that He did.

I haven't heard from everyone but those I did had the sweetest things to say.  What was a simple little gesture made a big impact on their day.  I know God enjoys seeing His children love one another.  That is just what I was able to do.  I'll remember this Lent season for a long time to come.

What about you?  Did you give up something special or did you reach out and take on a new challenge?  How did it bless you?