Tropical Traditions Giveaway on Lil Bit of Us

I really love Tropical Traditions. I have been able to try their coconut hair oil and their lavender massage oil. I am betting the Bleach is great too. Go on over and enter to win in this giveaway.
lil bit of us: Tropical Traditions Oxygen Bleach Review & Giveaway!!!

Surprise Email

I got an email from Pottery Barn today, it talked about a contest that I entered. The day that I saw the contest I had drawn up plans for Paul to make me one that same day. We had been cleaning the den and I had to move the desk away from the windows in case the chimney came down and took the wall with it. We have moved this poor desk from my room- where I used it to quilt, to the living room and now its in the den with very little space. 

As I have gotten busier I have discovered I really need this space to work for me. I do my quilting business from it, all the organizations I am part of, kids do homework etc. It gets used a ton. I thought what a great contest.

I laughed at myself when I submitted this photo. I called it "Needs Help"

I did finally fix the bottom drawer of my desk last week so it now fits back into my unit but otherwise its pretty much the same situation. With a crate on the stairs to hold all my binders. I have a birthday in Oct so this would be an awesome thing if the Lord wants it. So if you feel led to vote that would be awesome. You have to like Pottery Barn on Facebook and the pictures go up tomorrow.

WordFilled Wednesday

Well I am at a loss for biblical insight today. All I can think about is something my daughter said yesterday.
She said things supposedly come in three's so what's next?
I had to kind of laugh because I hear adults say that all the time.

I said well what are your two? A legitimate question in my mind.
She said her foot- which at the time we did not know what was wrong, and Rufus. She asked if we would loose Stout too- her dog. Last night I did not know.

This morning Stout would not eat, he would hardly drink and he came in and did not want to leave the pillow on the floor at the side of the bed in my room. Interesting since that is where Rufus spent his last night in our family. When I picked her up from school for her dr appt I felt obligated to warn her that it wasn't looking good if I could not get him to eat. Her day did not get much better as the dr told her she needed a soft cast. That brought about her third in her mind- she won't be able to do cross country. I have never seen a child so devastated. At that point that became so much more important then the dog we just lost yesterday and the one that is sick today.

As an adult I really understand her reservations, her emotions, her valid complaints.
In life I think so often things pile up and then we become overwhelmed. We forget the good in things.
For example her hurting her foot, allowed us to find out she has an extra bone in the top of it, which allowed us to understand why she has the pain she has- and the doctors precaution (the soft cast) will allow for proper healing so that she can return to running, even if, in the end she does not run this season.

It also allows her to experience disappointment. As adults I think we go through that often. My husband and I seem to be surrounded with it these days. We start on a project get about half way done and can't finish because something else takes priority. I have felt overwhelmed by heat all week. Its frustrating to know that we have the window unit, we have the new windows in but we can't take time to get the wiring done. I can't even afford to pay someone to do it either. I do see a light at the end of the tunnel, even as I had to add four big trees that are dead to our Priority To Do List this weekend, which will push the chimney back, and the windows back and the ac back..

This morning after I returned Mekenzei to school I found myself praying to the Lord to give us a season to breathe. I know as we took the chimney down that means our only heat source for the main part of the house is gone. That means eventually we face the cold winter and 30 degree inside temps we did last year. So I am praying He already has a plan in progress. I know we are going to face the battle of food soon, as we are quickly going through our Kroger food supply from all that double and triple couponing I was able to do. I know he has a plan there too, I just have to have faith.

So while he allows what we deem as bad things to happen- I am reminded that there is always a reason and that he never gives us more than we can handle. Today I take refuge in that.

The Passing of Rufus

Rufus came into our family through our dog Porter, who was a birthday gift from Paul to me back in 2004.

Porter would have her first set of pups and we kept one and named him Boudreaux. Boudreaux was born in 2006 and he was a great dog. He was the biggest dog we had ever owned and thought he was a poodle when he climbed into your lap. We would move to our current house and find that Boudreaux and Porter would have a set of pups.

Rufus was born on September 5, 2007. He was adorable. He looked just like his mama. There was no question that we were keeping this pup.

Mekenzei and him would soon become the best of friends. You could rarely separate them. I loved having the company during the day when the kids were at school. He was super easy to train and was soon an inside dog, no questions asked.

We would soon loose Porter, the mama because she would protect Mekenzei, when a lady we befriended, entered our house, a little under the influence, and she was attacked. We chose to put her down because this was the second time she had bit someone and they were considering her  a danger to others. Mekenzei sure took that hard.

Christmas Goodies for Seniors

I was at a meeting for the Society of Samaritans here in Magnolia tonight. 

They were mentioning an idea that they did last year which was giving goody bags to Seniors who are less fortunate. 

If you follow my Blog you know how important elderly women are to me, they are dear to my heart. I immediately felt led to help with this great idea!

I thought on the way home about items that would be neat to put in these bags/pillowcases. I thought of how the Lord continues to bless my Sunshine of Autumn Quilts company too, and how to bring the two together. I would like to have people help me with this process.

I could use fabric donations or monetary donations to make this possible.

I would like to make pillowcases to hold their items.

I would also like to make a set of potholders.

I know some of you make soap, knit/crochet, sew or do other crafty things.

I am open to suggestions things like crossword puzzle books, book marks, slippers etc can be items purchased for their gift bags.

If you are interested in helping us with this great way to serve others, please leave me a message.

Use your time, talents and treasures to be a moment of sunshine in someone else's life.

Tackle it Tuesday

Early Tackle it Tuesday

An order for Friendship Pillowcases. These will be Christmas Gifts for some sweet little girls.

My customer's daughter chose this cute little princess fabric. She wanted a purple border fabric since one of the little girls will be getting their rooms painted purple soon.

I used a pretty green thread to do the embroidery since there were leaves all throughout the pattern on the fabric. It also stood out nicely.

 I am very thankful for this order, it is my first Christmas Order, so that is very exciting. I am praying there are many more to come.

Maximize Your Mornings Challenge

I read this great post today from Keeper of the Home. It was talking about how to Maximize Your Mornings. She had participated in a recent challenge and was going to do it again from Sept 15th till December 15th.
I have been wanting to get exercise back into my routine, this sounded like a great challenge to help me get that going. It also deals with having a clean home, bible study and prayer.
Here is some more information about it. There is a great little Weekly to do list, a prayer calendar and a big project list, as well as all other sorts of goodies. You can also get a free Copy of the EBook to help you master this challenge.
Here is some information on the subject from Keeper of the Home
and from the Inspired to Action Website

Want to Join Hello Mornings?

The fall session runs from September 15- December 15. You can sign up for it here.

Menu Plan Monday

This week I have three nights with meetings. That actually means the kids will be cooking some frozen foods two of the nights. 

Monday (SOS Meeting)

Corn Dogs 

French Fries

Tuesday (Cross Country Meeting)

Enchiladas

Bean Burrito for Jakob

Wednesday

Pancakes and Eggs

Thursday Teach all day- meeting at 5

Pizza Rolls younger two

Taquitos Jakob

Friday

Spaghetti/ Alfredo

Garlic Bread

Green Beans

Saturday and Sunday

BBQ- Paul

Visit Organizing Junkie for a HUGE amount of menu plan links.

Fireplace Demo

http://photo1.walgreens.com/walgreens/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=7403601001/a=22806674_22806674/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=walgreens/

Sunday Awe

 I am so thankful that even though this will probably be the hottest day of the year in Texas we were able to start getting this chimney down. Now its to a point where it can sit until next weekend and not be a problem if we get another storm like the other night. Also it will just help me sleep better. I will say it took hours- three of them just to get done what he did. We thought we could saw at an angle and take chunks, not the case you have to do it in some cases brick by brick. THen in the middle is cinder blocks all around the clay stuff- I have no idea what it is called. He made me so nervous.. I will post more pictures later. I don't think I have ever prayed so hard about something he has done in my life.

It will take probably another 2-3 hours to finish up the bottom half. He's too exhausted tonight. Going to take about $300 to replace the wood siding- a good share is rotten in various areas on this side. Then see those windows- well they are falling out of the side of the house so we are going to take them out and put doors there and eventually add a porch. I figure if we can get $1000- I have $700 already then we can do that whole thing. At least I was smart and put a piece of plywood along on of the windows, I can't tell you how many times he would throw a brick or it would drop and it hit that board. I am very very thankful for a great husband. He worked very hard today.

Saturday Scripture Speaks

Storms

As the storms on the East coast approach, I am reminded of Great Fear and Panic.

I remember all too well a few we have had in the last 5 years. I can remember going to the store to buy necessities and their not being any. I can remember aft er the storm washing clothes outside in buckets and hanging them to dry. I remember not having power for 8 days. I remember cutting trees that had fallen and being so thankful they had broke in half, preventing them from hitting the house.

I think about all kinds of storms, financial hardship, depression, marital problems, problems with teenagers, the terrible twos. There are many different types of storms in life. Some seem to last forever, some last a few days and are back again later. Some are gone as quickly as they came.  I feel the best thing I can do in any type of storm is pray. Let the prayer go through my entire body so that I will feel peace and no longer fear.

The bible talks about storms- it also shows how the Lord truly is in control of them, just by His spoken word,

Luke 8:23-25

And as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”

I can’t even imagine commanding the wind. What an amazing thing that is. Of course this is a God that spoke and produced night and day, animals, the heavens and the earth. That is a pretty amazing task too.  Sometimes Faith is just knowing that the Lord has it all under control, its not our job, it never was, it never will be. We have to just TRUST that He will take care of us. Of course that does not mean bad things will not happen, it just means He has a way to help you through whatever life is dishing out to you. He will always be there, He says this many times in the bible

Deuteronomy 31:6

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

I also marvel in this verse. Read it and truly take it in, it speaks so deeply to my heart.

Psalm 34:17-20

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.

Our storm in life right now personally is finances and our home. It seems like the two are competing to suck life out of us sometimes. I admit sometimes it’s hard to be optimistic and stand in faith when its constantly something else, yet I know that these trials are intended to make us personally stronger and then also just our relationships. We really have to learn how to lean on one another. Today I am grateful for the extra work my husband had at his job. I am praying he arrives home quickly and our task of starting the chimney demolishing is an easy one. I am thankful the Lord already knows are needs.

For other Saturday Scripture Blog Postings please see my friend Rita at Following 31

What I am Learning Friday

What I am Learning Friday

This week I realized how well I really am doing with this Bipolar Depression. I am super super excited.

It is a huge answer to prayer!

I can remember a few months after Mekenzei was born not being able to do much at all.

I could not go grocery shopping at all. My heart would pound, I would virtually cry the whole way through.

I could not go to the doctor office without having fears of catching just about anything. It was hard to touch doors with germs etc.

I had a hard time being around people.

I had a hard time being alone.

It was just a rough time.

It got really bad for a while, I went into a hospital for a week when Mekenzei was just 10 months old.

I really thought I wanted to end life. I thought I was a horrible mother and wife and daughter.

I had all these negative ideas, negative thoughts and I was living in fear and so so tired.

During that time I realized there was one difference.

I had God- some of these other men and women I met there – well they just didn’t. Granted it was because they chose not to- because we all know He is there, you just have to ask.

I also realized I loved my children and my family, they were not a burden I was just so tired, I needed help.

For a couple of years we did many and I mean many drug cocktails and doctors, and blood-work.

I would be told I could not raise these three kids God gave me, I begged to differ.

I would be told I would not function in a normal situation ever again.

I would be told that I would never hold down a job.

You know God didn’t like that either!

First job was Sonic- just a few hours.

Then eventually it turned into a Hotel Job for nearly a year, I worked up into management.

Got a job after that as a Credit Analyst. That job was a blast. I was really good at it. Did that for about a year.

Then I rested for a while.

I took care of my Mother in law, rested a while.

Worked Fast food again- at Chick-Fil-A, again working into management.

I later found another lady to care for. I loved this job with all my heart. I would have to leave this job for family and it broke my heart too. I still think about her from time to time.

Since then I have opened my own quilting business- that took a lot of faith and it still takes a great deal and much prayer.

I have worked my way in volunteering a TON at the schools, held some board positions.

Last year I started subbing, while still volunteering and still running a quilting business and guess what those that know me would negate that doctor’s thoughts years ago.

I raise my children just fine- I do have help from family and friends when I need it.

I may not have a steady job but I sure stay busy in as much as I can.

I realized this week, while looking back on all this, how far I have come. How that one day I was so low, so empty, so ready to just leave this earth.

Today I can tell you I am so ALIVE, so excited to be helpful to others, excited about the way my children live their lives, how amazing they are.

How I am truly making a difference- like the Lord intended.

So I am hear to say, don’t sweat the small stuff.

Reach out for help.

Realize its okay to say no.

And most importantly do what you want (within reason) you only live once.

If you want to be president of some organization or room mom, or have your own business writing, making soap etc- then do it.

You never know how the Lord will take your many talents

And turn them into something someone else will treasure.

Have a great weekend!

Proverbs 31 Wife and Mother

I really desire to be a Proverbs 31 wife and mother. I like being organized, on time and efficient. I try very hard to menu plan and stick to it. I try to keep a tidy house, often times falling short. I do well at helping with homework, keeping the kids on task and being involved in their daily lives. As we continue to get more active I desire a way to cut my time down on the maintaining portion of our daily lives.
I came across a book this summer and decided I would finally get around to starting it. 

It is called Having a Martha House the Mary Way by Sarah Mae. 

I do wish I had it downloaded so I could print it, right now it is just on the PC version of Kindle. 

This required me to have a notebook as I like to have things written down, make notes etc.

There is a lot to be said about a physical book too.
Regardless I am excited as I journey through Day One.

Today was interesting. You write specific reasons of why you want a clean home.
I just jotted words down like 

"warmth, comfort, inviting, fellowship, gathering, organized, simplified and togetherness."

Then you work on a mission statement.
I tried to decorate it, I wanted to put a sunflower picture behind it- that didn't go so well, so for now its just plain and simple and typed.
Here is what I came up with.

I strive to be a Proverbs 31 wife and mother

by having a home that is clean,

organized and simplified.

This will allow me to provide

my family and friends

with a dwelling that will

radiate warmth, love and comfort,

while we fellowship with one another.

It will also allow us to live simply

so that we lead less stressful

and complete lives.

I am very excited to finish day one. I guess I should have started it at the beginning of the month but I am not sure how well weekends will work with this idea anyway so having a few extra days will probably be to my benefit. I am excited to see what the house will look like in 31 Days. I did great on the 40 Bags in 40 Days challenge. It is interesting to have written a mission statement about our home. I can't say I have ever done that before. Happy Cleaning.

Thankful Thursday

For the month of August, Thankful Thursday is hosted by Laurie at Women Taking a Stand.

I honestly can’t believe it is already Thursday,

This week has flown by with school now back in session.

I have much to be Thankful for this week.

I am thankful for the awesome amounts of rain we got last night.

I am thankful that my husband had two side jobs this week

I am thankful that my husband is scheduled to work this Saturday which means a little overtime.

I am thankful that the kids all got great teachers even if some of them are a little more difficult.

I am thankful that I was calm over Mekenzei switching out of both Volleyball and Basketball to just do cross country in the Fall and Track in the Spring. 

I am unbelievably thankful that we cleaned for 12 hours on Monday to get things uncluttered and organized.

I am thankful that by 6:30 am every morning I have had the house maintained, meaning laundry is folded, new load in. Dishes are done, bathroom is clean, floors are swept and I am ready to start my day. Its amazing that I can do all the maintaining in one hour because we have everything uncluttered!

I am thankful that even my husband is beginning to participate to keep our house tidy. He did some dishes last night before going to bed, even picked his clothes up off the kitchen table to put away and this morning told Jakob to sweep the floor after he tracked in mud/dirt from his shoes.

I am thankful for the 15 purple folders I found at Office Depot Tuesday night- when I saw there were so few left after we looked for 1 1/2 hours after school. I bought every last one. I also am thankful the clerk gave them all to me for 49 cents because five of them were a different style. The teacher was also grateful for our generosity. I pray the other 14 students can find theirs before Monday's class.

I am thankful to see my husband read his bible at the kitchen table this morning, while the kids ate their breakfast and he drank his coffee. Can I get an Amen…Wow, brings some tears to my eyes. Thank you for your prayers too, keep em’ comin.

Scam Emails

Today I received an email from Ausxxa@gmail.com name David Parker.
I did some research and found it is a Scam. I saw that the grammar was not very good so I really thought this was not regarding my ETSY business. I just want to let others know not to send him any of your info.

"My name is David Parker,I want to place an order in your store,I will like to know if you ship to Philippines.Do you accept credit card?.Get back to me with your website/price list.I will await your prompt response .
Best Regards,
David"

 

 

Tackle it Tuesday

It is very fitting that Tackle it Tuesday be the first day back to school. Tonight I find myself unable to sleep, probably really from the long day of work, which does not allow my body to slow down as easily. Also in part because I find myself praying for my children tonight. 

I am praying that they each make a few friends, that they bond with their teachers and allow their brains to soak up as much as possible to do well in classes. I pray for Jakob that he does not feel overloaded as he begins a very complicated schedule of advanced classes. I pray for Zekaryah that he be granted a couple of teachers this year that will take him under their wing and help him realize that he is worth so much! That he can achieve anything his heart desires. I pray for him as he begins track/cross country, that he finds that burning desire in something he is good at, something that is a talent from the Lord, that he is running for the Lord not just himself.  I pray for Mekenzei, I pray that she find comfort in who she is and not who others want her to be. That she can achieve it all- the hard classes, sports and music. That hard work pays off and makes life more fulfilling. 

I pray also for all of their spiritual well beings, that they will continue to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and have the discernment to make the right choices. I realize that public school is so much more difficult then when I was there, I pray that we continue to communicate and help guide them to the best of our abilities.

I pray that all the organizations that I am involved with always come second to them. That they always know without a doubt that they are second under God in my life. That family does always come first.

Sometimes my tackle it Tuesdays are full of crafts, sometimes they are full of chores and cleaning today it is full of prayer and petition before the Lord, over my family, home and friends.

Monday Minutes

Simplify

If there is one idea that the Lord is trying to teach me it is to SIMPLIFY my life or at least my home as I continue to get busier than ever before. This entire year of 2011 I have focused on getting my home clean. I got rid of 40 bags of trash and donations. I have gotten rid of some big furniture items too. Last night as I sat at the computer and could not sleep I realized I just can't keep living in the clutter. I realized its not that my house is dirty it is CLUTTERED. 

This morning I was blessed by reading a post that was WONDERFUL. I had only read it because I have been trying to win a book called Clutter Rehab for a while now. I can't see spending money on a book about clutter, it seems that I should be able to fix this myself. I might break down and do it though after today's success. I did briefly go through parts of the Organizing Junkie's blog/website for ideas too.

Today I started with lists. I am a list person. I know that it is okay we (bipolar people) have to be careful with writing lists though, it can cause the Mania to soar and then lead to some pretty awful lows. I started with a list for each child. I put on my list that I would oversee their lists and make sure they got everything done. I am sad to say that I didn't make much of a dent in my list. I am happy to report that all but one thing on all three of their lists is complete! Yeah God!!!

She says that we are not our children's slaves. Do you know that 90% of what we picked up was their junk? It was throughout the house. That is very frustrating. I explained to them while we were cleaning that normal people do not live like this, they pick up after themselves and their is a home for everything. Dishes belong rinsed and in the sink/dishwasher or in the cabinet, shoes belong in their rooms, clothing is either folded and put away or dirty in the HAMPER..They have become so LAZY. I am not that great at following through either. I am praying that after today we solved some of that. We didn't just put things away we purged a little more.

Funny that this all started with a crack in the foundation of the den getting worse. See I needed to clean everything out of that side of the room. That meant hauling some things to Zekaryah's room too. I am thankful that the Lord put it on my heart to make the kids help. I usually get in there and do it all with help for a few minutes. Today I made them stick it out until the very end. It was worth it! 

So my useful Monday Minute word Simplify gave us a great way to start the school year. With a clean and organized den, kitchen and dining room. I am thankful for the inspiration from this post this morning. I printed the chore charts found on this post for today's cleaning. I have them printed for myself until Thur of this week. 

The most important idea I learned was this one, "O.H.I.O =  Only Handle It Once method to keeping a clean house. It’s a simple, but very effective habit to instill in your children as well."

Hope you have a great week. Praying for all the kids starting back to school, or starting up homeschool. May they find their lives enriched through their learning.

Menu Plan Monday

Monday

Cheese Enchilada

Bean Burrito - Jakob

Tuesday- meeting tonight

Crock-pot Chicken

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Corn, Green Beans

Wednesday

Spaghetti 

Broccoli

Garlic Bread

Thursday

Tostadas

Friday

Paul's Night To Cook

Saturday

Homemade Pizza

Sunday

Concert Out

For more menu planning ideas please see Orgjunkie.com

Thankful Thursday

This week I am thankful to a friend who is making my day of volunteering uncomplicated. I wanted to be at the Jr High today for the entire Bulldog Express. I had a conflict since Paul is down to two employees this week and could not leave early, another friend is not off until 5 and I wanted the younger two to get to the school between 2-3 to get their schedules. It would allow them more time to meet and greet with their teachers. This friend is not only going to come to my house to pick up the kids but she is going to take them back to her house for an afternoon of swimming and dinner. I don't get done till 8 or 9.

I am also thankful that my children are getting older. I realized how much more I can do this coming year. I have the opportunity to really make an impact in the community by becoming part of some wonderful organizations. I was a little torn when a job opportunity came up this week. I prayed about it, applied for the job and let God do the rest. Seems He was not quite ready for me to go back to teaching full time because it is already filled, the application date is not even over yet. It made me realize that I had to do my part and follow up on five inquiries for quilts. So far one has gotten back, she wants to wait till after Halloween so she can find Halloween fabric for her Tshirt quilt. 

I am thankful that school is about to start. I think it gets a little harder each year as they get more involved in school and they get that much closer to my time in their every day life being over. I am thankful for every moment we have, the teaching ones, the fun ones and even the hard ones where lessons need to be learned.

I continue to pray for my husband. I pray that the Lord continue to work in His heart and that our paths will cross more united soon. Until that time I thank the Lord for his continued strength and comfort and for providing me with support from others. I am very thankful that the movie Courageous is almost here, I can't wait for the difference it will make in our lives. It is going to be a date night to look forward to for sure.

May you have a very blessed Thursday.

Small Steps of Faith and Blessings

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus 

Phil. 4:19 

A while back I asked some of you to pray over some money the state said they owed us. It was a long process but basically it was funds that I had paid to a college. I had to drop out because of a daycare issue when Jakob was under 2 and I thought back then it was past the time to get any of those funds back semester wise. All these years later a company had sent us this letter telling me of this unclaimed property. I will be honest that at first I thought it was a scam. Its been about four months of work, but this Saturday we got the check in the mail for this unclaimed property. I am so thankful for it!

 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well 

Matthew 6:33

I have spent the last twenty four hours really praying about this money. I know that the Lord has a purpose for it, there is a reason that He waited all this time for it to reach our hands. I thought of Christmas and how nice it would be to have some set aside for the kids. I thought of using it to pay for the windows in Jakob's room, especially since we did such a great job in the living room. It would pay for all four windows and most of the wood we need. There were so many desires that came to mind. Since I was in turmoil I withheld this information from my husband for this twenty four hours so that I could truly pray without any outside influence.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid 

John 14:27 NKJV

Tonight as we were in the grocery store looking at prices of food and getting what we have to have this week. I thought of the fact that my dad will be here in a couple of months. I knew at that moment that the Lord was providing me with an answer. The fireplace needs to come down in the next month or so, we are going to take care of that. We would like to put in a wood burning stove, it will be more efficient since our home does not have central heating that works. We also need to fix the entire wall on that same side of the house in our bedroom, the sheet rock near the floor is nearly non existent.  I realized what perfect timing, he will be here in November, if all goes well. He knows how to sheet rock, he knows how to do wood burning stoves and I have some money I can stick in savings now to do just that. I know the Lord can also continue to add to those funds over the next few months, so my prayer tonight is that those other needs that I thought of, that they be provided as well if it is His Will. I am truly grateful for His Provision. I love unexpected blessings.

Sunday Awe

I lay down and slept;
I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.

—Psalm 3:4-5

 This Sunday I was in need of sleep. I think I have worked too hard this past couple of weeks. I am tired constantly. I do know that my thyroid is out and that can contribute to the tiredness. One thing I remember as a kid was that after church my parents would come home and take a nap, this was more in my Jr. High and High School years since I went alone or just with my siblings in elementary..Like I was saying though you knew right after lunch they would nap. I think part of it was that they had a scheduled napping date. I used to think that was silly. Now that I am an adult, and also a parent, I totally get it! It is nice to nap in the middle of the day when your weeks seem busy forever. Its a great way to connect, get some rest and prepare for the start of your new week. Today we were blessed with some overcast weather and a few minor sprinkles of rain water. I love that because it means cooler temperatures.

Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep. —Psalm 127:1-2

 This morning this verse ran clear to me. I really with all my heart wanted to stay home and rest this morning. I don't feel very well. My throat is a little sore and I have had a nagging headache all day. This verse is so true though, if you don't set your house on the Foundation of the Lord then everything you do in it is in Vain. I knew he would provide me with some rest this afternoon, if i would just be faithful and go listen to his word this morning. I admit I am thankful I did.

Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.

—Ecclesiastes 5:12

Do you ever find it hard to sleep as an adult? I find that as I get older I sleep worse. I don't go to bed early enough. I don't want to wake up in the early morning. I don't stay asleep at night. I work too hard sometimes during the day and get over heated, easy to do in this Texas heat, and then that requires me to nap during the day. That napping sometimes makes my sleeping schedule become more difficult too. My most precious memory of my children was nap time. I could watch them sleep for a long while. I try to remember that our Heavenly Father has to at times just watch us sleep too. After all we are his children and he realizes that we too grow tired.

 I think out of all the verses in the bible this has got to be my favorite in regards to sleep.

Go to the ant, O sluggard;
consider her ways, and be wise.
Without having any chief,
officer, or ruler,
she prepares her bread in summer
and gathers her food in harvest.
How long will you lie there, O sluggard?
When will you arise from your sleep?
A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest,
and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
and want like an armed man.

—Proverbs 6:6-11

 I pray for all of us as we start our children back to school. I pray that we remember to take those long moments with them, the ones where we watch a movie and fall asleep, during the school year. That we take time to rest, connect and love. I pray that your sleep is renewing as you begin this coming week. May the Lord grant you deep rest.

 

Menu Plan Monday

I have $20 to get groceries this week- so we are leaning on the deep freeze and thawing out a ham.

Means a week of some breakfast foods, and cheap things..I don't mind too much. I am hoping some substitute jobs are right around the corner.

Monday

Chef's Salad

Tuesday

Ham, Cabbage and Rice Stir Fry

Wednesday

Pancakes, Ham and Eggs

Thursday

Waffles and Ham

Friday

Ham, Potato and Eggs on Corn Tortillas- Tacos

Saturday

Ham, biscuits, eggs and gravy

Sunday

BBQ Chicken, boxed potatoes, corn and green beans
For more menu planning ideas please see Orgjunkie.com

Saturday Scripture Speaks

“Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest. In plowing time and in harvest you shall rest. 

Exodus 34:21

This weeks Saturday Scripture Speaks is about Rest. I will admit that is a word I often forget in my regular lifestyle. As I come off the Back to School Ministry from SOS I am finding that tomorrow really needs to be a day of rest. We don't do that much around here. Normally it is full of chores, projects or like last week more volunteering. After putting in an 8 hour volunteer day today my body is tired.

It made me think of the fact that I have not taken one day to rest all week. If the Lord took a day of rest why is it that we think we are not allowed to, or that we shouldn't?

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” 

Psalm 46:10

 I feel like we are busier than ever lately. I tend to volunteer for a great deal of things. I don't mind spending my time helping others though. I found that it really helped me control my manic depression lately. Tonight though I felt drained and realized the depression was setting in, the low part. Key to fixing that is some rest. I think its in these times that the Lord tends to refuel me. So that I can set out a new week or couple of weeks to get what He wants done. 

And He said to them, "Come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest a while." For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.

Mark 6:31 

I can say that sometimes we fill our lives with so much activity that we forget the simple stuff. Watching a movie with our loved ones, playing a game, swimming in the pool, just various activities you do as a family, every member being present. I think the most perfect verse about rest is this one.. Make sure you take time to rest. Maybe just do a snack tray for lunch or dinner, don't do wash, don't clean the bathroom just enjoy your family..even the Lord took a day off.. its hard to always remember that.

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me. Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; Thou hast anointed my head with oil; My cup overflows. Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Psalm 23 

What I am Learning Friday

This week I had the chance to attend a women's bible study/get together on Wednesday night. It was such a roller coaster of a day for me that I really debated going. Paul got home late, the tire on the truck needed more air, it was just one of those days. I just really wanted to sit and cry and pray. You know its kind of funny because I went to the bible study and did anyway. What I felt was good is that most of the women are in my same life path. They are real and they are hungry for God. They want to be close to Him, Learn more from him and have a wonderful family life. Family seemed very important to every woman present for different reasons. I was so thankful for that night because in most groups I have belonged to its not very real. I had not intended to share what was on my heart. I walked in there with a front on and God tore it all down. He refused to let me control my emotions too. What was nice was that everyone of these women were willing to pray for me, for our family. They were willing to share love and acceptance. 

What I have been learning this week is how long it can take for prayer to be answered. I have had two prayers on my heart from the very beginning of moving to Texas. One is for a close relationship with a group of women that are Christians. For that relationship to be real, be built on trust and be one that can involve prayer and support. I think that he finally gave that to me this week. Maybe I just wasn't quite ready before. I think part of it was I have spent the majority of my adult life caring for others. Now I think the Lord knows that the tables need to be turned a little so I can refuel and continue to do what his desires are for me.

I also learned that the Lord really does grab a hold of you sometimes. Sometimes in ways you can't imagine. I had one lady ask me if I had read Stormie Omartian's book the Power of a praying wife. I replied that I had, it has been a many years ago though. Then I was just blown away to come home and get an email from an online friend with the same request. I think God was telling me, "Hey you aren't listening!" I immediately stopped and said, "Okay Lord I know this is you." I had forgotten an important prayer that she has in this book, one I used to pray for my husband with his mom daily, (when I was caring for her). Now don't get me wrong I pray for my husband every day, several times sometimes. This prayer though is specific, and for me so important as we continue to try and have victory of choices we make in our lives.

The prayer says, " Lord, I pray for my husband and ask You to give him wisdom for every decision he makes. May he reverence You and Your ways and seek to know Your truth. Help him every day to make Godly choices, especially in the areas of..." (here you fill in the blanks)

There is another that is very similar,it states, 

"Lord, I pray that You would strengthen my husband to resist any temptation that comes his way. Stamp it out of his mind before it ever reaches his heart or personal experience, especially in the area of..."

I find it interesting how life can get so busy that you forget little things you read like this. I like the directness of prayer. I know that God already knows what we need, desire and fear. I like to also think that if I can pray specifically for him, or my children, or myself and have others pray with me in the same fashion that it will be a good thing (for lack of a better way to put that).

I look to where I was Sunday last week, how raw I was emotionally and praise God for that. I know that he needed to strip me to the core, allow me to hurt so that he could build me back up by placing some other women in my life. I am so thankful he continues to give me strength but is making me realize more and more he intended their to be fellowship in our lives for a reason, and I need to not be so stubborn and try to do everything alone.

Thankful Thursday

I am writing this post a few hours early. Seemed the best way to be thankful for today's findings. Doctor says most of my blood work is excellent. She felt I was doing a great job because I have already lost 5 lbs since my last visit. I have ten more to go, I have a visit in 6 weeks and I hope to drop another five. She did say that we would proceed with a ultrasound for the mass they have found. She is not sure if because of the location it is a lymph node or something else, she said to just be sure I understood it is routine and we would work through it together. She was able to help me with my thyroid. The portion of the thyroid that works from the brain is working way to hard and then the portions in my throat are not producing enough... so its time to go back on some meds. I am okay with this. I think it will help with me being tired, having restless sleep and my hair falling out. I am hoping it will help some with the weight issue also. I know more than anything i need to exercise.
I am so thankful for small town doctors! She went over every aspect of my blood work, a section at a time. She answered all my questions and concerns. I appreciated her praise on how hard I have been working to do better with my body. I had a doctor years ago that told me my bipolar would not allow me to hold a job, care for my children or manage daily activities. That I would be on medication the rest of my life. I can remember how discouraged I felt, how devastated I was and how hopeless life seemed. I tell you that since then I have really read the bible, spent time in word and prayed. That is not the life I wanted to live.
When I was in the Dr's office today we discussed my bipolar. I was honest that I thought it was a little out of control. I was also honest that I have done very little sewing during this time. For now I can still remain off the medication. I am excited about that as we approach nearly 4 years of being medication free. I am excited to see that I do very much raise my own children. That they are healthy and happy and thriving. I may not manage a house well as far as cleaning but I am hoping with the thyroid meds I will have more energy to get that under control. So thank you so much for your prayers this week. I appreciate all of you and your kind words and support. It means a great deal to have people to rely on.
Have a wonderful weekend.