How do you send out your Christmas cards? Do you send out regular Christmas cards? Photo cards? Both? Since I have started to digital scrapbook I make my own Christmas pictures and then print them out and put them in a regular card with a letter. This year I want to make Photo cards to send out. We are hoping for Christmas this year that we will have a new member of our family. I already have my idea for my card so hoping things work out well. My oldest step-son may be coming to live with us and I have never met him. My husband and I have been together for 12 years and I have never met this young man who is now 16 years old. I am leaving to travel home for a few weeks on Saturday and will be able to see my sons. So, in my thinking on how to make our cards this year I am going to take some great shots with my sons while visiting with them, will get a shot with my husband and his son and then together we have a daughter and I think we'll have one taken together with her and then put us all together as one big family. I am really excited about this project. Very much looking forward to this and sharing with the world our new addition to our home. I will be using Shutterfly this year for the printing of my cards. Here are some links that I'd like to share with you to make your own photo Christmas cards.
Christmas cards to http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards
photo Christmas cards to http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery
Choose your own card/invitation and URL from our Cards & Stationery page
I hope you get a jump start on your Christmas cards. Enjoy!!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Beth Moore Simulcast
Wow!! What a day today. This morning my neighbor and I went to the simulcast at one of the local churches to hear Beth Moore speak. We had no idea what she was speaking on. Were we in for a surprise! Memory verse for the session is Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom; and on her tongue is the law of kindness. Oh man, Proverbs 31 and boy that tells us from the beginning that we're going to be convicted. We're talking about the perfect woman!! We all fall short there...lol. There are two reasons why we are studying the law of kindness.
1. Why we need kindness on our tongues
a. Exhibit A: It’s becoming a meaner world 2 Tim 3 - people will be more proud, abusive...
b. Exihibit B: "She openeth her mouth"
i. When Jesus came back from the dead he appeared to women cause he wanted to get the word out.
ii. We are all publishers (tweets/emails/fb). We need God as an editor
1. Eat it before we tweet it, good look it before we Facebook it, flog it before we blog it
2. 8 Tastes of Biblical Kindness
a. Kindness is NOT weakness
i. Luke 6:35-36 “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
1. If you haven't found anyone in the past 2 weeks that is difficult to be kind to then you are either not kind enough or not getting out.
2. Nice comes from latin word nescius meaning ignorant - from nescire meant not to know
a. Old way of thinking: if you can be that nice you must be an idiot
3. Nice is fine but kindness is divine
b. Kindness is NOT an action it is a disposition
i. Kind - comes from the Greek word chrestos (profitable, fit, good for any use...good natured)
ii. You can fake Nice you can’t fake Kindness
c. Kindness wears down when we do
i. Daniel 7:25
ii. What is that one relationship that wears you down? It is the relationship that is a continual challenge. Good place to start.
iii. Matt 11:28-30 - WBC translation “My yoke is KIND”
1. God knows when you are worn down!!
iv. Things that can wear us down -
1. 2 Tim 2:24 - Resentment
2. Gen 37:4 - Hate
v. When I am worn down we need to built up.
1. Often the biblical examples of being built up in the spirit are in the context of the body of Christ. It is the contact of Christian brothers/sisters.
a. Not just church, also a handful of close believers
2. Eph 4:12 - so that the body of Christ may be built up
3. Eph 4:16 - the whole bold and builds itself up in love
4. Eph 4:29 - do not let any unwholesome talk come out... but that which builds up
vi. Beth shared a great example of using daily accountability texts with a friend to report on her “problem relationship” and be accountable.
d. Kindness looks pain in the face
i. When we see pain/suffering if we have kindness we will LOOK
ii. We are surrounded by people in pain. Open our eyes, look them in the face, don’t look away.
e. Kindness is a Savior!
i. Don’t get so caught up in a virtual reality that we forget that there are real people with real problems that need us in a real way.
ii. Titus 3:3-8 - “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy...But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us...because of his mercy.”
1. God is the ultimate philanthropist.
a. Our culture is trying to take God out of social philanthropy. He is the author of loving mankind.
2. Titus 3:4 - “when the kindness and love of our God appeared”
a. Appear come from Greek word epiphaino... epiphany. Literally His love and kindness was wrapped in the appearance of the person of Jesus Christ.
b. Titus 2:13 - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
c. The apostles/believers did not lay down their lives for someone they “thought” was Jesus Christ, they knew.
3. He saved us - not denominations, not family, not works. His mercy given freely.
iii. You are never called to be the Savior
1. We are called to help, aid, and love but there is already a Savior provided. Do not be burdened... we are just pointers to the light.
2. Kindness cannot mean that I become any one's everything. It’s hard being God when you’re not one.
f. Kindness has good memory
i. Psalm 106:7 When our fathers were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles;they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea.
1. When we have gotten away from the law of kindness it is because we have forgot that God has been good (kind) to us.
2. Great analogy about a dog getting excited for going for a walk by grabbing on leash. Our cord to God is love & kindness and we should be excited to be clipped on and led by God.
a. Even when we let go he doesn’t!
g. Kindness craves an outlet
i. When we have an acute awareness of God’s kindness to us we are bursting to share it.
1. 2 Sam 9:1 - David asked, "Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?"
a. He needed to show it
2. There is always someone around you in need of YOUR kindness.
h. Kindness leaves a legacy
i. Acts 28:1-2
1. Unusual kindness- 83% of ppl on Malta give to charities
ii. All it takes is 1 generation to fall on their knees and surrender to God to affect entire future generations
1. Is it worth it to do whatever you have to do to leave a legacy of kindness on your family.
iii. Nothing has the authority to take control over you when you are under the yoke of Christ.
These were the notes taken and I wanted to share to see if anyone else could benefit from such a great study.
1. Why we need kindness on our tongues
a. Exhibit A: It’s becoming a meaner world 2 Tim 3 - people will be more proud, abusive...
b. Exihibit B: "She openeth her mouth"
i. When Jesus came back from the dead he appeared to women cause he wanted to get the word out.
ii. We are all publishers (tweets/emails/fb). We need God as an editor
1. Eat it before we tweet it, good look it before we Facebook it, flog it before we blog it
2. 8 Tastes of Biblical Kindness
a. Kindness is NOT weakness
i. Luke 6:35-36 “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
1. If you haven't found anyone in the past 2 weeks that is difficult to be kind to then you are either not kind enough or not getting out.
2. Nice comes from latin word nescius meaning ignorant - from nescire meant not to know
a. Old way of thinking: if you can be that nice you must be an idiot
3. Nice is fine but kindness is divine
b. Kindness is NOT an action it is a disposition
i. Kind - comes from the Greek word chrestos (profitable, fit, good for any use...good natured)
ii. You can fake Nice you can’t fake Kindness
c. Kindness wears down when we do
i. Daniel 7:25
ii. What is that one relationship that wears you down? It is the relationship that is a continual challenge. Good place to start.
iii. Matt 11:28-30 - WBC translation “My yoke is KIND”
1. God knows when you are worn down!!
iv. Things that can wear us down -
1. 2 Tim 2:24 - Resentment
2. Gen 37:4 - Hate
v. When I am worn down we need to built up.
1. Often the biblical examples of being built up in the spirit are in the context of the body of Christ. It is the contact of Christian brothers/sisters.
a. Not just church, also a handful of close believers
2. Eph 4:12 - so that the body of Christ may be built up
3. Eph 4:16 - the whole bold and builds itself up in love
4. Eph 4:29 - do not let any unwholesome talk come out... but that which builds up
vi. Beth shared a great example of using daily accountability texts with a friend to report on her “problem relationship” and be accountable.
d. Kindness looks pain in the face
i. When we see pain/suffering if we have kindness we will LOOK
ii. We are surrounded by people in pain. Open our eyes, look them in the face, don’t look away.
e. Kindness is a Savior!
i. Don’t get so caught up in a virtual reality that we forget that there are real people with real problems that need us in a real way.
ii. Titus 3:3-8 - “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy...But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us...because of his mercy.”
1. God is the ultimate philanthropist.
a. Our culture is trying to take God out of social philanthropy. He is the author of loving mankind.
2. Titus 3:4 - “when the kindness and love of our God appeared”
a. Appear come from Greek word epiphaino... epiphany. Literally His love and kindness was wrapped in the appearance of the person of Jesus Christ.
b. Titus 2:13 - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,
c. The apostles/believers did not lay down their lives for someone they “thought” was Jesus Christ, they knew.
3. He saved us - not denominations, not family, not works. His mercy given freely.
iii. You are never called to be the Savior
1. We are called to help, aid, and love but there is already a Savior provided. Do not be burdened... we are just pointers to the light.
2. Kindness cannot mean that I become any one's everything. It’s hard being God when you’re not one.
f. Kindness has good memory
i. Psalm 106:7 When our fathers were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles;they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea.
1. When we have gotten away from the law of kindness it is because we have forgot that God has been good (kind) to us.
2. Great analogy about a dog getting excited for going for a walk by grabbing on leash. Our cord to God is love & kindness and we should be excited to be clipped on and led by God.
a. Even when we let go he doesn’t!
g. Kindness craves an outlet
i. When we have an acute awareness of God’s kindness to us we are bursting to share it.
1. 2 Sam 9:1 - David asked, "Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan's sake?"
a. He needed to show it
2. There is always someone around you in need of YOUR kindness.
h. Kindness leaves a legacy
i. Acts 28:1-2
1. Unusual kindness- 83% of ppl on Malta give to charities
ii. All it takes is 1 generation to fall on their knees and surrender to God to affect entire future generations
1. Is it worth it to do whatever you have to do to leave a legacy of kindness on your family.
iii. Nothing has the authority to take control over you when you are under the yoke of Christ.
These were the notes taken and I wanted to share to see if anyone else could benefit from such a great study.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Marriage Meme
This is from Tricia Goyer an Author that I really enjoy. If you want to join in and enter to win her books copy and past from her link below and answer the questions for yourself!!
Copy this meme and paste it into a post on your blog. (With your own answers!) Link back to this post, {http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/2010/08/marriage-meme-lets-share.html} Then leave a comment here or use the Linky tool to link your blog to this post, so I know you're participating and I can pop over and read your meme. Don't forget to tag your friends with this also. And - if you're not a blogger, that's okay too - just answer the meme in the comment section and be sure to leave your email address.
On Thursday the 27th I'll choose 5 winners who will receive a copy of Generation NeXt Marriage and Generation NeXt Parenting.
•How did you meet your husband? I met my husband online. Twelve years ago I was on the computer and up popped this box on ICQ. This person named Odin was trying to chat with me. I don't usually chat with people I don't know (now at least, but the Internet was so new that wow this was great!!). We chatted back and forth, well if you could call that. He was the hardest man to have a conversation with. His answers were always yep, no, fine, good and anything else you can give a one word answer too. I did most the talking. He gave me really nothing to go on so one night I was aggravated with this and went invisible. Each and every night this man was online only he couldn't see me. He was in Michigan and I was in Idaho at the time so two hour time difference was a lot especially when I was a waitress and worked until late sometimes.
One night I was bored and figured he was the only one online so I'd send him a message. (I had no idea that all this time he was there every night waiting for me to come online.) We chatted about normal everyday life. That's what I liked most about our conversations. We had talked about a month and he was getting ready to move away from his mom's house. She had fully recovered from a brain aneurysm and he had been there taking care of her. He said that he could go to Idaho or to Louisiana where his dad was. I didn't hesitate and said come to Idaho. Now mind you, I had no idea what this guy looked like. He bought a train ticket and got on the train in Ann Arbor, MI and was taking the train to Salt Lake City, UT. That was a three hour drive for me to pick him up. He knew what I looked like but I didn't know what he looked like. We had talked on the phone a lot and for many many hours at a time. I don't know how many times we'd talk all night long and I'd get off the phone in enough time to shower and get ready for work and have to be there at 6:30am. Awww, young love and being young enough to do that. Now I'd be saying I need some serious beauty rest I've got to get some sleep..lol. Anyway, Wes (I new his name by the time he was getting on the train) got on the train and travelled the three days to idaho. His train caught on fire twice and it hit a vehicle and so he was very much delayed. His train was supposed to get into Salt Lake at midnight and when I got there the gentleman at the train station told me it would be 6:00-6:30am before the train would be in. What do you do in a state you're not familiar with? Well, I had brought my best friend, my dog and my boss's cellphone since everyone thought I was being reckless but I didn't think anything of this. We found a Denny's and sat and talked and I paced and the closer it came time to pick him up the more sick to my stomach. Long story short, he made it in. I was looking for a guy with Taz on his shirt and Stren written on his baseball cap. The last guy that I had seen get off the train looked like Billy Idol and was so messed up on who knows what....I thought that was it and I was thinking oh no...it's time for me to just go home! Then this guy slowly came strolling up from the back of the train with his luggage and as he got closer (he knew what I looked like remember) he looked at me and said "hey". Ok, I was excited....this man was not ugly and wasn't missing teeth..lol (he told me he's from Louisiana and I was thinking of some redneck guy with missing teeth..lol). Well, that was twelve years ago and we're going strong today!!
•What did you first notice about him? His eyes...he has very kind eyes.
•How long have you been married? We will celebrate 9 years married November 27
•Share something you discovered about him after you were married that surprised you? I knew that he didn't have the greatest childhood but it wasn't until after we were married that he actually started to go into detail about that. Some of the stories that he's told me about stepmoms has shown me why he was so good with my sons. He knew how mean people could be.
•What do you argue about the most? families believe it or not. Sometimes money when it's really tight but usually it's each others families. I have since moved to Louisiana and all of my family are in Idaho and when I go back home he's never gone with me and when his family is being demanding we argue about it and how unfair things are. Usually very petty stuff.
•What quality in him do you admire most? His values. Wes is my 3rd marriage and I am his first. He was 30 when we got married. His grandmother instilled in him that you only marry once and when you get married it's 'til death do us part. He tells me all the time that his grandmother told him that once you get married there's nothing that can't be worked through. When my son was thinking on asking his girlfriend to marry him, he went to my husband for advice. That to me shows the respect that he's gained from his values.
•What is the hardest part about being married? Wow, the hardest part....this marriage has been my easiest marriage and doesn't seem as long as it has. In fact, we're so good together that when asking if he remembers when....he tells me wrong husband..lol. But I would have to say the hardest part is taking the baggage that we've had through our past relationships and knowing where to set them so that we don't trip over them. Does that make sense? My first marriage was very mentally abusive and also the father to my sons. I still have issues with self-esteem and the ability to accept compliments without rolling my eyes because of damage caused in that relationship. We work real hard at not letting that stuff get in the way but it does from time to time. Creates insecurities.
•What’s the best part about being married? The best part of being married is this time around I have married my very best friend. I don't have not one skeleton in the closet that could ever come up in my life and he'd be shocked. Every single thing that would come up later that might make a relationship falter, I have already told. I remember when we'd been together for about 3 months (after he'd come on the train) he asked me "So, when do all your bad qualities start to come out?" I had to laugh because I was being me, not someone I was pretending to be. He told me if this is the worst we've got it made. We rarely turn the radio on in the car. We talk, we hold hands while in the car, while watching tv together, if we're walking into a store we truly enjoy each other.
•What has changed the most about you since you've been married? We're more responsible. My husband was raised separate from his sister and his grandparents spoiled him rotten!! When we got together he would pout and throw a fit if he didn't get the things that he wanted. Today, that money is usually still in his wallet and he's making sure my daughter and I have the things we need and he puts himself last. He's learned to not make it all about him and I've had to learn to put myself as a priority. I didn't do that before, I was single for a long time and so it was all about my boys. We were window shopping one time and my husband is very good at remembering if I say something that I want. He noticed that I never said it. I told him I don't want for myself because I've always had two boys who have wants/needs that come before me. That has been very hard to change. To accept and realize that I do have wants and needs and he's wanting to meet them for me.
•What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to other wives about creating a happy marriage? My piece of advice would be..this is a lifelong partnership. Your husband should know all of your hopes, desires, secrets and just everything, not your girlfriends. I am not saying stop having friends but your closest and best friend should be your husband. Treat him as you want to be treated.
•What's the one piece of advice you'd give to your children about creating a happy marriage? Choose the person who you can talk to. Really talk to....communication is the key to a happy and long marriage. I moved away when my sons were about 12 & 13. I missed out on all of the high school years and dating. My youngest son moved here in Louisiana after graduation. He had forgotten how Wes and I were with each other. He only knew how to care like his dad (not very well) and he seen how close my husband and I are. My son said that when he gets married he wants a marriage like mine. My ex-husband makes way more money than we do. He's a materialistic person and bases life that way. My son for the time that he was here got to see that money and posssessions can't buy happiness. On one of our talks we had, I told him...your dad has a lot more than us (and he talks down about us) and that's fine. I told my son I have way more riches than their dad does because I am happy every single day. Even when life is throwing everything at us and we think we can't take anymore...we're happy because we're together. My ex-husband just went through is 3rd divorce. I tell my sons that I am sorry. I had hoped that their dad had found the one to make them happy. For now, we'll pray that God changes the things that need to be changed for that to happen and the right woman to come along that can handle him. As for me, I have my best friend and the person that I don't want to spend not one day without in my life.
Have fun!
Copy this meme and paste it into a post on your blog. (With your own answers!) Link back to this post, {http://triciagoyer.blogspot.com/2010/08/marriage-meme-lets-share.html} Then leave a comment here or use the Linky tool to link your blog to this post, so I know you're participating and I can pop over and read your meme. Don't forget to tag your friends with this also. And - if you're not a blogger, that's okay too - just answer the meme in the comment section and be sure to leave your email address.
On Thursday the 27th I'll choose 5 winners who will receive a copy of Generation NeXt Marriage and Generation NeXt Parenting.
•How did you meet your husband? I met my husband online. Twelve years ago I was on the computer and up popped this box on ICQ. This person named Odin was trying to chat with me. I don't usually chat with people I don't know (now at least, but the Internet was so new that wow this was great!!). We chatted back and forth, well if you could call that. He was the hardest man to have a conversation with. His answers were always yep, no, fine, good and anything else you can give a one word answer too. I did most the talking. He gave me really nothing to go on so one night I was aggravated with this and went invisible. Each and every night this man was online only he couldn't see me. He was in Michigan and I was in Idaho at the time so two hour time difference was a lot especially when I was a waitress and worked until late sometimes.
One night I was bored and figured he was the only one online so I'd send him a message. (I had no idea that all this time he was there every night waiting for me to come online.) We chatted about normal everyday life. That's what I liked most about our conversations. We had talked about a month and he was getting ready to move away from his mom's house. She had fully recovered from a brain aneurysm and he had been there taking care of her. He said that he could go to Idaho or to Louisiana where his dad was. I didn't hesitate and said come to Idaho. Now mind you, I had no idea what this guy looked like. He bought a train ticket and got on the train in Ann Arbor, MI and was taking the train to Salt Lake City, UT. That was a three hour drive for me to pick him up. He knew what I looked like but I didn't know what he looked like. We had talked on the phone a lot and for many many hours at a time. I don't know how many times we'd talk all night long and I'd get off the phone in enough time to shower and get ready for work and have to be there at 6:30am. Awww, young love and being young enough to do that. Now I'd be saying I need some serious beauty rest I've got to get some sleep..lol. Anyway, Wes (I new his name by the time he was getting on the train) got on the train and travelled the three days to idaho. His train caught on fire twice and it hit a vehicle and so he was very much delayed. His train was supposed to get into Salt Lake at midnight and when I got there the gentleman at the train station told me it would be 6:00-6:30am before the train would be in. What do you do in a state you're not familiar with? Well, I had brought my best friend, my dog and my boss's cellphone since everyone thought I was being reckless but I didn't think anything of this. We found a Denny's and sat and talked and I paced and the closer it came time to pick him up the more sick to my stomach. Long story short, he made it in. I was looking for a guy with Taz on his shirt and Stren written on his baseball cap. The last guy that I had seen get off the train looked like Billy Idol and was so messed up on who knows what....I thought that was it and I was thinking oh no...it's time for me to just go home! Then this guy slowly came strolling up from the back of the train with his luggage and as he got closer (he knew what I looked like remember) he looked at me and said "hey". Ok, I was excited....this man was not ugly and wasn't missing teeth..lol (he told me he's from Louisiana and I was thinking of some redneck guy with missing teeth..lol). Well, that was twelve years ago and we're going strong today!!
•What did you first notice about him? His eyes...he has very kind eyes.
•How long have you been married? We will celebrate 9 years married November 27
•Share something you discovered about him after you were married that surprised you? I knew that he didn't have the greatest childhood but it wasn't until after we were married that he actually started to go into detail about that. Some of the stories that he's told me about stepmoms has shown me why he was so good with my sons. He knew how mean people could be.
•What do you argue about the most? families believe it or not. Sometimes money when it's really tight but usually it's each others families. I have since moved to Louisiana and all of my family are in Idaho and when I go back home he's never gone with me and when his family is being demanding we argue about it and how unfair things are. Usually very petty stuff.
•What quality in him do you admire most? His values. Wes is my 3rd marriage and I am his first. He was 30 when we got married. His grandmother instilled in him that you only marry once and when you get married it's 'til death do us part. He tells me all the time that his grandmother told him that once you get married there's nothing that can't be worked through. When my son was thinking on asking his girlfriend to marry him, he went to my husband for advice. That to me shows the respect that he's gained from his values.
•What is the hardest part about being married? Wow, the hardest part....this marriage has been my easiest marriage and doesn't seem as long as it has. In fact, we're so good together that when asking if he remembers when....he tells me wrong husband..lol. But I would have to say the hardest part is taking the baggage that we've had through our past relationships and knowing where to set them so that we don't trip over them. Does that make sense? My first marriage was very mentally abusive and also the father to my sons. I still have issues with self-esteem and the ability to accept compliments without rolling my eyes because of damage caused in that relationship. We work real hard at not letting that stuff get in the way but it does from time to time. Creates insecurities.
•What’s the best part about being married? The best part of being married is this time around I have married my very best friend. I don't have not one skeleton in the closet that could ever come up in my life and he'd be shocked. Every single thing that would come up later that might make a relationship falter, I have already told. I remember when we'd been together for about 3 months (after he'd come on the train) he asked me "So, when do all your bad qualities start to come out?" I had to laugh because I was being me, not someone I was pretending to be. He told me if this is the worst we've got it made. We rarely turn the radio on in the car. We talk, we hold hands while in the car, while watching tv together, if we're walking into a store we truly enjoy each other.
•What has changed the most about you since you've been married? We're more responsible. My husband was raised separate from his sister and his grandparents spoiled him rotten!! When we got together he would pout and throw a fit if he didn't get the things that he wanted. Today, that money is usually still in his wallet and he's making sure my daughter and I have the things we need and he puts himself last. He's learned to not make it all about him and I've had to learn to put myself as a priority. I didn't do that before, I was single for a long time and so it was all about my boys. We were window shopping one time and my husband is very good at remembering if I say something that I want. He noticed that I never said it. I told him I don't want for myself because I've always had two boys who have wants/needs that come before me. That has been very hard to change. To accept and realize that I do have wants and needs and he's wanting to meet them for me.
•What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to other wives about creating a happy marriage? My piece of advice would be..this is a lifelong partnership. Your husband should know all of your hopes, desires, secrets and just everything, not your girlfriends. I am not saying stop having friends but your closest and best friend should be your husband. Treat him as you want to be treated.
•What's the one piece of advice you'd give to your children about creating a happy marriage? Choose the person who you can talk to. Really talk to....communication is the key to a happy and long marriage. I moved away when my sons were about 12 & 13. I missed out on all of the high school years and dating. My youngest son moved here in Louisiana after graduation. He had forgotten how Wes and I were with each other. He only knew how to care like his dad (not very well) and he seen how close my husband and I are. My son said that when he gets married he wants a marriage like mine. My ex-husband makes way more money than we do. He's a materialistic person and bases life that way. My son for the time that he was here got to see that money and posssessions can't buy happiness. On one of our talks we had, I told him...your dad has a lot more than us (and he talks down about us) and that's fine. I told my son I have way more riches than their dad does because I am happy every single day. Even when life is throwing everything at us and we think we can't take anymore...we're happy because we're together. My ex-husband just went through is 3rd divorce. I tell my sons that I am sorry. I had hoped that their dad had found the one to make them happy. For now, we'll pray that God changes the things that need to be changed for that to happen and the right woman to come along that can handle him. As for me, I have my best friend and the person that I don't want to spend not one day without in my life.
Have fun!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Faithbooking
Here are a few more pages that I have done. I want to thank a high school friend Jim, for allowing me to use his photo that he took of the waterfall. I don't have as pretty of scenery here so he's allowing me to use some of his great photos. My other picture is my neighbor and I with our Bibles and the book we're studying. We've almost completed the study and it's been wonderful!!
Dabbling in Journaling....
I think that I am at a crossroads in life. Not knowing what I want and trying to figure out just the person I am. I guess with turning 40 this year I am trying to figure out my meaning in life. Have I accomplished as a mom what I wanted to accomplish (with my older sons) and what do I still have yet to do with my daughter who's still at home. I guess too, I am reflecting on what memories and things about me and my life do I have to leave behind for my children to know the real me? I say the real me because my sons were raised mostly in their dad's home and visited me. I had always hoped when they became adults that living closer to mom and getting to know mom better would be something that they'd choose to do. Not so, they are still where they feel at home which is closer to dad. I've done a lot of reflecting to see if they really know the person who gave them life? My youngest son did come and spend not quite a year with us and he seen a different side to me than he knew. He also had all these ideas of his mom in his head that I guess aren't altogether bad...but not totally me either. I think he sees me as the June Cleaver mom. Always so pleasant, cooking or baking and going to church and just your overall good person.
My sons haven't gotten to see me in a loving and healthy marriage. They only remember with their dad. My marriage now is wonderful and very strong. I have a great man to share my life with. We moved away from my sons going on eight years ago. My husband and I have been together twelve years. My son while he was here could see the playful side of mom, the healthy loving side of mom and just how a happy marriage looks like. He also got to experience mom very happy in life. I may not have a lot but I have more happiness through love. My family is close and we connect all throughout the day. Numerous times he would say "Mom! gosh Mama before she was mama!!" and laugh. Usually when I was joking and picking with my husband. The first time he said that made me stop and really think am I so different? No, I'm not...they just never got to experience for very long periods of time me in a happy relationship and I was single for a very long time.
So, my journals that I will be doing are for my kids. For them to get to know the personal side of mom. They already know the other sides of mom but with my sons about 3000 miles away, this is what they miss out on. My daughter, she has the advantage, but I hope will treasure the journals I do as memories she has of me. I love my family more than anything and there's nothing I wouldn't do for them.
My sons haven't gotten to see me in a loving and healthy marriage. They only remember with their dad. My marriage now is wonderful and very strong. I have a great man to share my life with. We moved away from my sons going on eight years ago. My husband and I have been together twelve years. My son while he was here could see the playful side of mom, the healthy loving side of mom and just how a happy marriage looks like. He also got to experience mom very happy in life. I may not have a lot but I have more happiness through love. My family is close and we connect all throughout the day. Numerous times he would say "Mom! gosh Mama before she was mama!!" and laugh. Usually when I was joking and picking with my husband. The first time he said that made me stop and really think am I so different? No, I'm not...they just never got to experience for very long periods of time me in a happy relationship and I was single for a very long time.
So, my journals that I will be doing are for my kids. For them to get to know the personal side of mom. They already know the other sides of mom but with my sons about 3000 miles away, this is what they miss out on. My daughter, she has the advantage, but I hope will treasure the journals I do as memories she has of me. I love my family more than anything and there's nothing I wouldn't do for them.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Faithbooking
I have come across Faithbooking. I have a few pages made. I am really enjoying being able to scrapbook and add scriptures to my pages. Never had I thought about doing that before. I am looking at my Bible and the verses in a different light. As I read them now I am thinking on what I can do with that verse. Here are a few of my pages that I've done.
This is a brief overview of how my husband and I met. We've had a wonderful marriage and relationship. We are definately some of the lucky ones that have met online.
This one was done to show the many houses that have built me as a person. I love the song by Miranda Lambert called The House That Built Me. That's what's on the right side of the page is the words to that song.
I am going to try and journal/blog more. I haven't been very good at it but I am learning more on journaling and trying to decide what I want to write about. I am not sure where this all will take me but looking forward to the journey that will take me on. Have a blessed day!
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Reflection
This year has been a very trying year. A lot has happened this year. I have had some definate roller coaster rides. I am at the point in my life and enough has happened this year that I really need to take time to reflect on where I am and where I want my life to go. I am putting my life back in God's hands instead of my own hands. I tend to put my trust in God but when He takes too long, I get impatient and I take my problems back and attempt to take care of them my way. That so doesn't work. It hasn't worked and time for a change.
I am also at a point of reflecting on my marriage. I have a wonderful husband who takes care of all our bills and attempts to take care of whatever needs/wants are in the house. We fall short financially a lot but it's not from lack of trying. My husband is very attentive and caring and some days I wonder how I was blessed enough to have him as my own. Some days I don't feel like I should be able to deserve this great man that I have. I am working on finding as many ways as I can and the most creative ways to let my husband know how much I love and appreciate him. I know I sure don't tell him enough or show it enough.
Another area of reflection, I know...I told you I've been reflecting on all my life..lol. My weight, it's something that has not been a priority in my life and it's something that I need to change. I will post (probably not daily) but my walk with weight loss. I was diagnosised with Type 2 Sugar Diabetes May 4, 2010. That day changed my life. I was scared, upset, worried and terrified that I had just been given a death sentence. Well, after lots of research, diabetes can be a death sentence if not taken care of. I was a pop drinker (not said correctly here in the south since it would be a coke but my being from Idaho it's still a pop..lol) that had to have a pop to wake up with and then drink throughout the day. We're not talking diet or anything reduced, we're talking about a full fledged caffiene and sugar loaded pop. Mountain Dew was my get me going coffee of choice. Since being diagnosised with diabetes, I have not had anything but water, diet pops and if I do drink sweet tea here I order half and half (half sweet and half unsweet). In that time and just watching what I eat..not making major changes but being more conscious of the sugars in my diet and cutting out the sugary drinks I have lost 15 pounds to date. I have about 100 more pounds to go to feel and look good in my skin again. I don't want to have any hangy, saggy skin as I lose. I want to be able to tone up and look great in my older, skinnier body.
I am not so great at blogging but I guess since it's my blog and my thoughts it really doesn't matter!! Will blog more later.
I am also at a point of reflecting on my marriage. I have a wonderful husband who takes care of all our bills and attempts to take care of whatever needs/wants are in the house. We fall short financially a lot but it's not from lack of trying. My husband is very attentive and caring and some days I wonder how I was blessed enough to have him as my own. Some days I don't feel like I should be able to deserve this great man that I have. I am working on finding as many ways as I can and the most creative ways to let my husband know how much I love and appreciate him. I know I sure don't tell him enough or show it enough.
Another area of reflection, I know...I told you I've been reflecting on all my life..lol. My weight, it's something that has not been a priority in my life and it's something that I need to change. I will post (probably not daily) but my walk with weight loss. I was diagnosised with Type 2 Sugar Diabetes May 4, 2010. That day changed my life. I was scared, upset, worried and terrified that I had just been given a death sentence. Well, after lots of research, diabetes can be a death sentence if not taken care of. I was a pop drinker (not said correctly here in the south since it would be a coke but my being from Idaho it's still a pop..lol) that had to have a pop to wake up with and then drink throughout the day. We're not talking diet or anything reduced, we're talking about a full fledged caffiene and sugar loaded pop. Mountain Dew was my get me going coffee of choice. Since being diagnosised with diabetes, I have not had anything but water, diet pops and if I do drink sweet tea here I order half and half (half sweet and half unsweet). In that time and just watching what I eat..not making major changes but being more conscious of the sugars in my diet and cutting out the sugary drinks I have lost 15 pounds to date. I have about 100 more pounds to go to feel and look good in my skin again. I don't want to have any hangy, saggy skin as I lose. I want to be able to tone up and look great in my older, skinnier body.
I am not so great at blogging but I guess since it's my blog and my thoughts it really doesn't matter!! Will blog more later.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Thankful #7
Thankful #7:
I had two today because I missed yesterday.
I am so thankful this morning of quiet time. It was so nice this morning to take my time waking up and justing getting up on my own. I am able to just take time for me.
I am thankful for books. I so love to read books and take something from them. Especially now that I have found Christian novels. They always give you some nugget that sticks in your mind that you can take with you. I won a book just the other day about forgiveness. It happened on a day that I was also told from my son that he's moving back to Idaho to be near his dad. This devastated me. But, as I've had a few days to process this and attempting not to take this as a personal attack I am excited to get this book in the mail. I am excited to go down a road that I've been before and address it once again. I had a nasty divorce with my sons dad. I happened to pick up the book The Forgiving Hour by Robin Lee Hatcher that changed my life. It made me stop thinking of only myself, stop trying to be a martyr and to realize it takes two and get over it. I went to God in prayer, sobbing and released more pent up emotions that really needed done. That was starting to rear it's ugly head again. I won a book on forgiveness and I take this as God letting me know that this could once again harbor ill feelings that need to be dealt with now. Before my son moves away from me so that it's not awful between us.
I am also thankful for heat. This morning as we get up here in Louisiana it was much colder than usual. It's almost 11am and it's 29 degrees. When we got home last night (not late mind you) it was 20 degrees and falling. We purchased a few space heaters to put in the house and I am so thankful that those cut the chill in my little house. There is no insulation in my home as it's an older home and built in the 50's. These
I had two today because I missed yesterday.
I am so thankful this morning of quiet time. It was so nice this morning to take my time waking up and justing getting up on my own. I am able to just take time for me.
I am thankful for books. I so love to read books and take something from them. Especially now that I have found Christian novels. They always give you some nugget that sticks in your mind that you can take with you. I won a book just the other day about forgiveness. It happened on a day that I was also told from my son that he's moving back to Idaho to be near his dad. This devastated me. But, as I've had a few days to process this and attempting not to take this as a personal attack I am excited to get this book in the mail. I am excited to go down a road that I've been before and address it once again. I had a nasty divorce with my sons dad. I happened to pick up the book The Forgiving Hour by Robin Lee Hatcher that changed my life. It made me stop thinking of only myself, stop trying to be a martyr and to realize it takes two and get over it. I went to God in prayer, sobbing and released more pent up emotions that really needed done. That was starting to rear it's ugly head again. I won a book on forgiveness and I take this as God letting me know that this could once again harbor ill feelings that need to be dealt with now. Before my son moves away from me so that it's not awful between us.
I am also thankful for heat. This morning as we get up here in Louisiana it was much colder than usual. It's almost 11am and it's 29 degrees. When we got home last night (not late mind you) it was 20 degrees and falling. We purchased a few space heaters to put in the house and I am so thankful that those cut the chill in my little house. There is no insulation in my home as it's an older home and built in the 50's. These
Thankful #6
Giving thanks #6:
Today I am thankful for busyness. Not sure if that's spelled right but I love busy days at work. I enjoy that it makes my day go quicker and that it you feel like you've accomplished something that day.
I am thankful for my husband. He's so good to me and deals with whatever is thrown my way. He supports decisions I make with my children and when I get hurt by my kids....he's standing there with his arms open to give me a hug, pick up the pieces and be there for support with an "I'm sorry" behind that.
I am thankful for lifes lessons. God never gives us more than what we can handle. I am thankful that God knows how much I can handle even when I think I can handle no more, I am given something else to handle.
Today I am thankful for busyness. Not sure if that's spelled right but I love busy days at work. I enjoy that it makes my day go quicker and that it you feel like you've accomplished something that day.
I am thankful for my husband. He's so good to me and deals with whatever is thrown my way. He supports decisions I make with my children and when I get hurt by my kids....he's standing there with his arms open to give me a hug, pick up the pieces and be there for support with an "I'm sorry" behind that.
I am thankful for lifes lessons. God never gives us more than what we can handle. I am thankful that God knows how much I can handle even when I think I can handle no more, I am given something else to handle.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Thankful #5
Thankful #5
I am thankful today for excitement! I love to watch a small child get excited when they see a grandpa or grandma. The innocence with that is so sweet to watch.
I am also thankful for medicines. I have been fighting trying not to get a sinus infection. Not sure yet if I am winning or losing as we're not budging one way or another yet. But the relief that a sinus pill will give when you're so stopped and miserable is great.
I am thankful for water. Not just any water but good, clean drinking water. Been trying to get more water intake into my system and so thankful that I have good water to drink to make it much nicer to manage this task.
I am thankful today for excitement! I love to watch a small child get excited when they see a grandpa or grandma. The innocence with that is so sweet to watch.
I am also thankful for medicines. I have been fighting trying not to get a sinus infection. Not sure yet if I am winning or losing as we're not budging one way or another yet. But the relief that a sinus pill will give when you're so stopped and miserable is great.
I am thankful for water. Not just any water but good, clean drinking water. Been trying to get more water intake into my system and so thankful that I have good water to drink to make it much nicer to manage this task.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Thankful #4
Thankful #4
Today I am thankful for coffee. This morning I needed a pick me up and a warm up from these brisk southern mornings. Looks like schools could be cancelled tomorrow and friday depending on what the temperatures will be.
I am thankful for space heaters. I bought two the other night and had both in my living room last night and one in my bedroom and this morning didn't feel as if I was going to freeze to the floor. I have no insulation in my old home. Not to mention that my little house is up off the ground (as most are in the south). Yay for us this morning that we did not have frozen pipes. We did yesterday morning but happen to get up in enough time to catch them before they were frozen solid.
My third and final thing that I am thankful for this morning is for music. I love to listen to all different types depending on my mood. I enjoy all the different genres out there. On my blogger page I have it set up to play music. I love the song I can only imagine by Mercy Me and also How to Live by Point of Grace. Really like Bebo Normans I'm Alright also. That has such a catchy little beat to it that just puts you in a good mood.
Have a blessed day! I am trying to not only be thankful for 3 things every day for a year but eventually I am going to try to work in studying my bible and maybe add a scripture that touches me as I read.
Today I am thankful for coffee. This morning I needed a pick me up and a warm up from these brisk southern mornings. Looks like schools could be cancelled tomorrow and friday depending on what the temperatures will be.
I am thankful for space heaters. I bought two the other night and had both in my living room last night and one in my bedroom and this morning didn't feel as if I was going to freeze to the floor. I have no insulation in my old home. Not to mention that my little house is up off the ground (as most are in the south). Yay for us this morning that we did not have frozen pipes. We did yesterday morning but happen to get up in enough time to catch them before they were frozen solid.
My third and final thing that I am thankful for this morning is for music. I love to listen to all different types depending on my mood. I enjoy all the different genres out there. On my blogger page I have it set up to play music. I love the song I can only imagine by Mercy Me and also How to Live by Point of Grace. Really like Bebo Normans I'm Alright also. That has such a catchy little beat to it that just puts you in a good mood.
Have a blessed day! I am trying to not only be thankful for 3 things every day for a year but eventually I am going to try to work in studying my bible and maybe add a scripture that touches me as I read.
Thankful #3
Thankful #3
I am a little slow as I was very busy yesterday so I reflect back and I am very thankful that I was busy. That means I was being productive. I am also thankful for school. My daughter was so excited to be back in school to see her friends and she said it was nice to make her mind think again. I am also thankful for transportation. I have quite a drive each day and I am very thankful during these cold days that I have a good running vehicle with heat.
I am a little slow as I was very busy yesterday so I reflect back and I am very thankful that I was busy. That means I was being productive. I am also thankful for school. My daughter was so excited to be back in school to see her friends and she said it was nice to make her mind think again. I am also thankful for transportation. I have quite a drive each day and I am very thankful during these cold days that I have a good running vehicle with heat.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Happy New Year!!
Wow, has been since September that I have written. I did see a post on facebook from one of my favorite authors, Robin Lee Hatcher. She's doing an Intentional Thanksgiving in 2010. She going to write 3 things she's thankful for each day in 2010. I am going to attempt to get this done also. I am usually the first to think of all the worst case senarios when something happens. I am going to focus this year on a brighter outlook. My family deserves it and I deserve it also.
1. I am thankful for my family. My wonderful husband who makes life much more enjoyable to get through and my wonderful 3 kids. Each with their own set of goals and set backs. I love all of them unconditionally. I am thankful for my husbands two sons, even though I've never met them. I look forward to the day that they may show up on our doorstep. Thankful for my daughter-in-law. God has blessed our family this year and I hope that He keeps His hands on all of us and directs us where He wants us to go in 2010.
2. I am thankful for my health. Last year I had a lot going on with my health and all the rain that we were getting. I ended up with Black mold in my body and finally found a dr who helped me. I was also facing a hysterectomy that I did not end up having that I feel very blessed for now.
3. I am also thankful for my God. I know this should have been first but I have not put God first this past year and I hope to get to a place in my life where God is the most important. I would like to spend more time in the Lord learning His word and what He has in store for me.
1. I am thankful for my family. My wonderful husband who makes life much more enjoyable to get through and my wonderful 3 kids. Each with their own set of goals and set backs. I love all of them unconditionally. I am thankful for my husbands two sons, even though I've never met them. I look forward to the day that they may show up on our doorstep. Thankful for my daughter-in-law. God has blessed our family this year and I hope that He keeps His hands on all of us and directs us where He wants us to go in 2010.
2. I am thankful for my health. Last year I had a lot going on with my health and all the rain that we were getting. I ended up with Black mold in my body and finally found a dr who helped me. I was also facing a hysterectomy that I did not end up having that I feel very blessed for now.
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