Queenies Little Kingdom

What was the first thing you thought of when you found out you were going to be a parent?  Most of us let the movie in our head play out all the great things that our kids would accomplish – cuteness, intelligence, popularity, career choice, financial success.

How often do we dream the biggest of dreams for our kids?  We mull over all the things that WE THINK would be perfect for them; their friends, schools, careers….lifestyle.  It's only natural for us to want the very best and the biggest of successes for our kids.  No parent wants their child to struggle or to fail at life.  Those issues seem like a direct link to our falling short as parents.

I felt challenged by a sermon I heard last week as I was driving down a lonely Texas highway.  The text was from the book of Esther (Ch 7) and the focus was on Haman.  He was in an amazing position in the world's eyes.  The preacher went on about how proud his parents must have been of him.  Like us, they probably prayed for him to be successful.  But sadly, like many of us as well….missed out on what was most important for Haman's life in the grand scheme of things.  His spiritual success.

Haman's story didn't end well.  But his life does leave us with some serious truth to ponder for ourselves.

We tend to be very focused on paving the way for our kids to be SUCCESSFUL.  We put them in the best schools, sign them up for the popular sports, drag them to music lessons and we lavish them with love and attention.  All good things…..however, none of which has any spiritual substance.  It's something many of us separate from the parenting agenda.  Spiritual stuff encroaches on our lifestyle.  It takes time, it requires effort and change.  Most find religion a little stifling.  It runs roughshod over things we'd rather do and puts us in a box.  No one likes to be put in a box, right?

Besides, who wants to push Jesus on their kids?

Here's the deal.  Your kids (and mine) don't need to be pushed to the greatest of worldly success.  They need God.  They need to see HIM in us, they need to know HIM personally and more than anything….they need us to pray for them to love, obey and serve God over any other prayer we could ever pray for them.  Success in the eyes of the world will not matter in heaven.  The best or highest position at work will never mean anything in heaven.  The richest man or woman….will not be recognized for their mighty financial status in heaven.

Heaven will not house the world's bigshots.  Heaven is for the sinner, saved by grace who chooses Christ over anything else the world has to offer.  It's for those who follow, who pick up their cross and trust God with every detail of their life.

Are you praying for your children's success?  Or are you praying for them to love and follow God with their whole hearts?

There is a difference.

God,

Forgive me for the times I've wished my kids worldly success without a fair balance of knowing YOU and serving YOU!  I know what's important here on earth…..may not have any relevance at all in heaven.  Help me to know the difference and to show my kids the true desire of your heart and not mine.

Amen

Why should the day after the Super Bowl be a total bummer?  Just because the Seattle Seahawks quarterback threw the ball in the last 20 seconds to a zealous Patriot in the endzone for the interception doesn't mean we have to KEEP PLAYING THE TOMFOOLERY over & over in our heads!

We can move on!  Right?

I say, let's focus on what's good in the world today.  There's always, always, always….something to be thankful for!

Here in Texas…..it's CHRIS KYLE DAY!  Governor Greg Abbott claimed February 2nd officially the day Texans would commemorate his passing and honor him for his brave service to the USA.  More than a million Texans have served our country and it's time to show them the honor and respect they deserve for answering the call to serve each American.  God bless the families of each service member who sacrifice for you & me!

A true American hero – Chris Kyle

How about some really awesome news regarding COFFEE & CHIC-FIL-A?  Yep, a freebie that will bless your socks off & rev your engine all at the same time!  Chic-Fil-A is offering (for the whole month of February) a free small coffee or a medium iced-coffee NO PURCHASE NECESSARY!  Did you hear me?  All month long, free!  Woohoo!

Sonic is offering 1/2 price foot-long hotdogs today in honor of Groundhog Day.  I know you want to celebrate more winter with a good old hotdog, so here you go!  Don't tell me you hate hotdogs because that's just not right.

It's FREEBIE DVD day from Redbox TODAY ONLY.  I'm not positive that the code works since I'm out in the middle of a cow pasture right now but it's worth the shot if you're near a rental box.

McDonald's blew fans away last night with it's sweet commercial during the Super Bowl.  I mean….who doesn't want to pay for fast food with lovin?  Right?  Here are the rules.  It could be a total treat to be the lucky winner of a free meal, don't you think?  I love McDonald's!

Look at these Meca Vinyl Decals!  So many to choose from for just over a dollar.  Amazon, you blow my mind…dude!

This one is $1.99 with free shipping.  Go check out the selection.  You might find something to jazz up a room in your house!

I'm in love with these softy florally scarves and at this price….whoa!  A scarf lover could afford to get several colors.  So pretty!

I can't pass by these adorable owl clutch purses.  I love this red one.  For $2.10 with free shipping….I might order 2!

I'm not the only one suffering with cracked heels, I know!  I think I need a pair of these.

Speaking of cracked skin…..have you ever tried this stuff?  It is amazing!

It's $6.98 shipped from Amazon today.

Okay, this is my last goodie on sale to show you but I love these so much and they are only $9.99 right now.  If you're a Sassy Steals member you can order your own monogram!

Now, how's that for good news on this cold Monday/Groundhog day?  On Friday, I'll be posting some favorite ideas for Valentine's Day.  Stay tuned.  Until then, stay warm!

 Seattle was all abuzz with SUPERBOWL awesomeness.  You couldn't look left or right without seeing a Seahawks banner or a #12 hanging loud & proud on buildings.  I really don't blame them.  If my Colts were playing…..I'd represent too because I LOOOOOOOVE FOOTBALL and when your team is on top, you celebrate!!!

I know this is cutting it close, but I believe all events should be honored with an appropriate outfit.   Including the Superbowl!  Just because it's a football game doesn't mean you have to look like a frump frump. Besides, the SEAHAWKS are set to win and everything I've chosen is geared towards the team that doesn't deflate footballs or have a quarterback that wears Uggs (no, I'm not being judgemental).

What?

Tom Brady and his cheater cheater punkin eaters CANNOT WIN!  It's just gotta be, y'all.  Alright, maybe I'm holding a tiny grudge.  The Colts and Pats have a thing.  It's war.  They must be stopped and if the Colts couldn't do it……PLEASE let it be the Seahawks this Sunday night!

Ok, Let's look at clothes…

Amazon Seahawks Soft Tee

I love how fast Amazon delivers (for Prime).  You could order this baby and have it by game day!  $31.50

I Love Seahawks Pashmina Scarf

Check this out!  I love scarves & really love the soft feel of Pashmina!  This one is over on Amazon as well and costs $23.99 with Free shipping!  Love it!

Fringe Booties

Look at these!  Perfect for a sassy little legging with an over-sized sweater (in all your fave team colors, of course).  Think:  Get the booties and then make an outfit!  Hehe!   On sale $39

SPANX Ready to wear Leggings

Speaking of leggings….GUYS, THESE ARE A REAL THING!  Can you imagine?  On sale at Nordy's right now for $65.66  These jokers are usually $98 and up.  I found them at a Dillards in Little Rock, Arkansas a few weeks ago.  I really wanted to buy some but they were not at that price!

Sorry, can't get the pic to load.

Dark Green Piko Top

See where I'm going with this?  I'm pretty much helping you pick out an outfit, guys!  It doesn't have to have team names on it to look cute.  Right?  This looks so comfy for $25 DOLLARS!!

Plaid Belt Dress

Not everyone is going to be lounging at home, right?  So, here's a cute blue & green plaid dress for the "younger" football fans.  I love it!  $33.99

Royal Bow Bracelet

At $9.99 these bow bracelets could be yours in a color of your choice.  I'd pick green in honor of the team that WILL BEAT the Pats!

Nike Seattle Tee

Macy's has a cool 20% off code right now.  Just use WKND when checking out and this little t-shirt could be yours.  It's currently $34 (not discounted)

Look, I know how it is on game days.  Comfy clothes are the way to go.  I mean, STRETCHY pants are a must.  All the dips, cheese sauces and wings?  Need room to roam.  Nobody wants to suffer in pain all stuffed into tight clothes.  So, I'll end with these sweet babies –>

Pink Victoria's Sweats

These are at Amazon!!  Get them while you can.  If you're ready to commit to the Seahawks, that is.  $29.95  But honestly, you can spill cheese on these just as easily as anything else, right?

I hope you enjoy this weekend.  The commercials are always a highlight and Katy Perry "SAYS" she's got a crazy good show planned.  Let's hope everyone stays clothed and no family's eyes require a flash from the Men in Black!  Know what I mean?

May the Seahawks beat the air right out of those Patriots!  Alright, I am a little bitter.

I have a thing about personal space.  I like it, a lot.  I can't even go grocery shopping on the weekends because (I feel like) people are crawling all over me and it is just TOO MUCH for my comfort zone.  It's a real thing, y'all.  Don't misunderstand, I like people.  Matter of fact, I love them for the most part.  It's crowds that get me.  It stresses me out!

Now you think I'm weird, right?

While waiting for our flight back to Dallas yesterday, I found the perfect seat in the gate area.  It was right on the end, facing the way I wanted to look and right behind my hubby (cutest buns ever) who was standing at the computer bar.  He was working and making phone calls while plugged in to the charging station there.  I decided to run grab a few bottled drinks before we boarded our flight and left my suitcase there at my seat (you know, so I could come back and sit there!).  Once I returned, a giant man was sitting in my spot and my suitcase was pushed over by hubby.  I was instantly aggravated.  Not only did he take my spot….his "wife" had hogged up all the space beside my hubby at the bar.  Who are these people??

Ever get anxious over something and let it bother you to the point of embarrassment?

I didn't do anything crazy, I mean….. who gets jerky over losing their seat at the airport?  Right?  What is wrong with me?  So, I plopped down a few seats over and let jerky thoughts run through my wacked out mind.  (listen, this is totally a case of "heart issues")  Then, the wife comes over to where I am and ASKS ME IF I COULD MOVE MY PURSE!!!  The nerve!  She just wanted me to move my stuff, she didn't even sit down.  She was simply claiming territory just in case.

There.  They were terrorist.  I knew it!  Seat stealing was just their cover crime.

I hopped up (all offended IN MY HEART cause I'm mature like that) and scooted up to the bar beside my hubby.  I pulled out my phone like I was SO BUSY and logged onto Facebook so I could martyr-like post about my love language being PERSONAL SPACE (I swear, I hate me too, y'all).  While I was standing there in all my self-righteousness a pretty lady was working on the opposite side of the bar.  She looked up at me, smiled (I kid you not, I thought I saw a twinkle in her eyes) and I instantly regretted feeling annoyed at the "innocent" people who stole my seat kingdom.

She and I glanced at one another a few times over the rest of the waiting to board time and I felt something strange inside.  The attendant began calling for boarders, we all stood up in a crowd and started pushing forward to load the plane.  The lady across the bar walked right up beside me, I glanced over at her…..and knew she was someone God had stamped on my heart long before standing in a Seattle airport.  I told her she looked familiar and asked her name…..but I knew, before she even answered that she was going to say Georgia.

Over 5 years ago, God led me to Georgia.  She lives in Texas, I live in Indiana but our hearts were linked together when I read her plea for prayer.  Her beautiful daughter Rachel had passed away and she was buried under the grief and confusion.  I sent her thoughts & prayers online.  I watched for every word she wrote just to see that she was okay.  I thought about her constantly and I begged God to heal her broken heart.  I even blogged about her. 

Listen, I'm a product of God's grace and I recognize how little I deserve it (more than anyone, I promise) yet HE CONTINUES to blow my mind & heart, every day!  But seriously!!!!?  A beautiful grieving mama, who lives in Texas, while I'm standing in an airport in SEATTLE, that I have bathed in prayer & thoughts a hundred times?

MY GOD IS HUGE!

We hugged, tears fell…..hearts connected, right there in the boarding line on a flight to Dallas, Texas.  All while my hubby stood alongside smiling.  He's never surprised at how God works in our lives.  As she walked on ahead of us to board, I looked at him and said, "Why?  Why does God do me like this?".  He just laughed.

After our long flight back, she waited…so we could snap a pic.  Thank you, Georgia!  My heart may never get over the sweetness of meeting you (in person).

It's easy to see why my hubby's family love living in Washington state.  The scenery, no matter the direction is stunning.  I took the above photo from the back of the suburban with my head pounding, one eye pouring and tissues stuffed up my nose.

Yea, I've been awesome to have around this week.

I really should have just been put down on Wednesday instead of allowed to hop a long plane ride.  I'm almost positive, I have single-handedly infected a large number of innocent humans all in the name of — "I HAVE A SINUS INFECTION!".

In my defense……

It all started out as a little sinus infection.  I woke up during the night (Tuesday/Wednesday) feeling horrible.  I took a sinus pill before bedtime but after trying everything to fall back asleep, I knew my trip to Washington was going to be a challenge.  I felt miserable the whole drive into Dallas.  The misery took on a whole new level of horrible once the plane took off and by the time I was high in the sky…..I imagined every kind of scenario of climbing out on a wing and just letting go!  Forevs!

The very kind man sitting next to me (Father, forgive me for those I have spread my death sentence) sweetly offered me the first of many Mucinex pills I would take on the trip of a lifetime.  For brief moments, my head would stop pouring snot and water but the pressure and ache continued to gain momentum.  I literally hurt all over my body.  My skin……oh my skin!!!  It pretty much felt as though it was working its way OFF OF MY BODY!

Crawling skin.  Not good.

My face, hurt.  The skin on my face, hurt.  I don't believe there was a nerve anywhere on my body that didn't have a zinging feeling.  Jumping off the wing of the plane would have been a welcome relief.  Especially when my head was full of pressure and my chest was starting to jump in on all the sick fun.  I guess you could say, it's been a full-on all over body sick experience.

…..and it was just getting started!

By the time we landed and the Lord let me live to see Seattle, I was seriously thinking about checking in to a hospital.  However, the excitement of what we were doing was leading my brain so we hopped a taxi and raced to the car rental place.  We still had a big drive over/through/around the mountains to sneak up on our victims family. 

What's a little runny nose in the grand scheme of BLOWING YOUR FAMILY'S MINDS?  Right?

I wish I could say that the sniffles and aches went away but they didn't.  Even with all the different meds, I struggled to live and enjoy (no, I'm not overreacting) all the fun and fellowship of being with our family.  Everywhere we've gone…..I've moaned and groaned reminding my crew what a miserable sick person can do to a fun outing!

Trip wrecked!

That sinus infection must have been toting a little more oomph than I let myself believe (I thought I had something serious) because my poor mother-in-law woke up feeling the curse of death yesterday and spent all of Sunday begging for relief too!  So, there you go.  I didn't just have some sinus infection.

You're welcome world.  I am here to spread my death cooties all across the USA. 

Oh and if you're wondering, NO, I AM NOT BETTER!  My head is still pounding and full of pressure, my sinus/ears/chest are still congested and I feel like I've ran a marathon.  Breathing is a gift.  Its also been almost a full week of the symptoms too. Who knew such a monster existed? 

Lord,

I'm thankful for so much….even in the midst of feeling so crummy.  You are worthy of all glory and honor.  Thank you for time with family.

Amen

My hubby and I are on a wild trip right now that we've known about for weeks!  It was KILLING US not to blab our big mouths!!  It's been over 3 years since we last hugged and gabbed with family (hubby's parents & bro) in person.  Since time is a vapor and none of us are getting any younger…..I decided to snoop around online and find tickets to take us out to Washington state for the visit of a lifetime!

The trip was planned in the mix with our Texas work trip.  It ended up being perfect timing and economically do-able.  We rented a suburban to get us from Seattle to the other side of the mountains and had our big sneak up planned — trust me, we worried our surprise might be a little too shocking.  However, we pulled up around 8:15pm (dark thirty in Wenatchee Wa) and started up the driveway only to see a Poppy head pop up from the outside staircase looking right at us.  He couldn't quite see WHO IT WAS until we got right up to him and he quickly turned and started down the stairs to tell Nana, "HONEY, WE HAVE COMPANY!".

We barreled down the stairs behind him, giggling and excited…..to see Nana with her feet up on the sofa and rushed her with hugs and screams.  She blinked her eyes and had to do a little brain checking to make sure she was seeing what she was actually seeing.  And then….

…..all our tears and excitement started flowing!

They couldn't believe we were there standing in their living room and we couldn't either!  It was truly the trip of a lifetime.

That was Wednesday night of this week (Jan 21st) and we are going to cram as much love and fun into this week together as we can.  We fly back out from Seattle (the 28th) to Texas.

Why we did it?

Time doesn't wait and family is the heart from which all love flows.  Our busy lives have kept us locked into way too many years apart.  The distance from Washington to Indiana is a big one and never has there been enough time or dollars to make a big visit happen.  After talking it over, we decided that making time and spending the money was more than worth it!  God certainly played a big part too.  Without the many ways he has blessed us (jobs, financially….perfect timing) we wouldn't be here today.

Thank you, Lord.

So, what is stopping you from doing something really important to you during this season of your life?  In my wiser days of life, I'm learning to do what it takes to make it happen.  There's no reason to sit on dreams and wish them to come true.  Each of us have the power to just GO FOR IT!

PS.- Washington is beautiful!