Dare to Dream, Dare to Live

2012 Word For The Year

2012-01-01T12:52:00.001-05:00

This time of year it's "the thing to do" to set a New Year's resolution. Well, I quit doing that simply because it was the same ones over and over: lose weight, make more money, be a better person. When my relationship with God went to a new level a few years ago, I adopted a new idea - Word for the Year.

The year I used "Flexible," I was given the opportunity to do something other than my corporate job. Year after that was "Preparation." I received training to be an official Executive Coach. Last year - "Simplify." Wow - lots of lessons learned with that one. This year, my word is FOCUS.

Focusing on one thing at-a-time will make a huge difference in my life. I will focus on growing my businesses - the planning, the action of it, the relationship-building. I will focus on training new ministry team members. I will focus on being fully engaged in my relationships - family, friends, and potential suitors (there might be one out there). I will focus on myself - my health, my look, my mind. Most importantly, I will FOCUS on God. Seeking first His Kingdom, and all the rest will fall into place.

Learning New Ways...

2011-10-31T09:17:00.000-04:00

Both of my businesses are very face-to-face relationship necessary. This requires me to drive roughly 100 miles a day. Most days include the trying-to-get-across-the-bridge experience. Some go quickly, others not so much. Take one morning not too long ago...

I headed to Louisville at the appointed time, giving myself an hour and 30 to get to my destination across the river. However, I did not factor in the sprinkling of rain Everyone moves slower in the rain - unless they're actually IN it then everyone's a sprinter. I take my normal route tempted to try a different way - maybe the stoplights won't hold me up too much. Nah...stick with the original plan. Well, I manage to get to the traffic parking lot about four miles from the bridge...about a hundred yards from the last exit to freedom. Sheesh.

So I reassess the situation. My time is dwindling, my frustration is rising. Maybe I should try the next exit and take the 2nd Street bridge instead. Now, to do that, there are a few options off that exit. I chose the unknown...I couldn't actually SEE the backup until I got into it. Ok. No problem. However, my bladder is now screaming for my attention. It had already been my alotted hour & 30 with my morning Dew. Not a good combination. But that's the beauty of having a truck that can ride the shoulders. All I could do at this point was laugh at the hilarity of it all.

After a short respite in the nearest restroom, it was back on the road again. Willie Nelson wrote a theme of my life before I could drive.

More choices. Again - I choose the slower route. Not on purpose, it's just how it worked out. More laughing. Good thing I have a YouTube favorites playlist on my smartphone.

When I finally arrive at my meeting - thank God for a business partner! - I had an epiphany. It was an illustration of many people's path to success. We start out with that determined plan to reach a goal. We have the timing, tools, everything in place, when all of a sudden the unplanned element throws us into a crossroads of choices. We may have to change our plans to get to our desired goal. We may have to take a detour along the way. We may have to make a pit-stop every now and then. But with support (my partner to cover me), a good attitude (my perspective & YouTube motivators), and the resources (my trusty truck), my desired goal (the meeting) became reality. Not necessarily in the way I originally planned it - but it happened.

So for all of you with a goal: losing weight, taking your business to the next level, having a retirement fund, marrying that perfect someone, whatever that goal may be, be flexible along the way but stick to it.

An amazing day ... can be found in the details

2011-10-08T22:08:00.000-04:00

I had such a great day I just had to share it!

The morning started with a gloriously gorgeous sunrise. A scene like that cannot be truly captured in a photo - and quite frankly, I just laid in bed with the cats and watched and thought. Wonderful thoughts.

Change scenes to one of my long-time traditions...Saturday morning cartoons! I don't get too many Saturday mornings where I can relax on the couch (with my laptop now) and just watch cartoons. Totally fun and totally outrageous!

Let's not forget breakfast! Man.... (my roommate) Bill's son, Tom, turns 10 next weekend and he's here this weekend. So in honor of Tom's pending birthday - a BIG breakfast/brunch: biscuits & sausage gravy, bacon, cheesy eggs, and fried potatoes. We were stuffed!

Once that settled it was time to head out to work ON my Premier Designs High Fashion Jewelry business - not IN it. I went to watch my "mama's" show. It was so much fun meeting new ladies, playing in all her jewelry, and getting new ideas for my own shows. The best part...she has some of the new holiday line!!! That Buckle Up bracelet I'm simply in-love with? She has it!!! And did it ever look lovely on my wrist. I've been on an "in-love" high all day. I'm using my free jewelry certificate from Premier to get that sucker!

Back home to spend some much needed time in the sun in my retreat area, worked out a bit, and updated my blog designs - among a few other things. Nothing major, but all the little things have added up to a pretty amazing day.

More changes coming!

2011-10-03T22:38:00.000-04:00

This is an official notice....I am Arkham Executive's Wonder Woman! There's a whole story behind it. Of which, I'll write more later. If you are curious and can't wait...comment and I'll message you directly! Better yet - let's TALK!

Facing Reality in Romania

2011-09-06T02:53:00.000-04:00

In previous postings I have made a point to be positive, light-hearted, and optimistic. Optimistic I will still be, but this posting is filled with some reality.

Some people wonder why we would travel to the other side of the world to minister to people. For one, it's a calling of God. That makes it's unquestionable to us who know what that is. We just follow where God leads. Another reason is having a passion for certain kinds of people - the lost, abused, abandoned, hopeless - those that need a ray of light. Yes, we need that at home too. But here's the thing. Most everyone on this particular team has ministries back home where they share that light. God has just called us to bring it to another group of people that is geographically challenging for us. It's the sacrifice that we make leaving our home ministries to bring that hope here to the Gypsies of Tinca, Romania.

Another reality. This is a spiritually dark place. All the beautiful pictures we share and the uplifting stories only share the seeds that are being planted and some of the fruit that's come out of it. As much progress has been made by Rachel and Dave and their team here in the village, there is much to do. A lifetime of work and love to pour into a people who don't need to be "westernized," they need to be "Jesus-fied."

Last night, one of the cute little Gypsy girls at the Isaiah Center got to spend the night. She was playing just fine by herself, then with the other children - who were all a little rambunctious. When all of a sudden she starts shouting out to one of the boys and he just looks like he was hit! Our translator gets on to her. This is all being said in the Gypsy language - Roma. Albert told us she just cussed him out. That sweet, fun-loving little girl just cussed and cursed that boy -- and laughed about it. The scene may be funny; however, that is what she knows at home.

Rachel & Dave shared with us how dark this place really is. How much work has gone into each child and family that are associated with the Center in the form of soft touches, loving words, care packages, and other. The vision for what it can become is there - a place that can house 200+ children, a community center where the families can come to get loved on and learn life skills, a ripple effect that can reach out into the world.

And every time we come love on a child, shake hands with the adults, say "buna-de-mon-yet-za" (good morning) and smile, we are planting a seed. There are not a lot of smiles outside the walls of the Center. But each time we we can pray for them, touch them, love on them and say "Isus Te Ubeste": (Jesus loves you), they not only hear the words, they feel the actions.

That's why we do it. So they can feel a perfect loving Jesus through we who are just as imperfect as they are. So keep praying - for the full-timers, for the people, for those who are able to share when they can anywhere in the world including your own backyard.

Caio!

On the way...

2011-09-05T03:26:00.000-04:00

Most mornings we walk from the hotel/motel to the Isaiah Center. Each morning we pass by all kinds of Romanian houses. This one is my favorite. It has such a whimsical touch to it. And there's a little old man that lives there and tends to the yard and flowers. It's looks like a picture right out of a magazine!

And the people we see...groups of older people sitting on a bench out side their house, the dogs laying on the sidewalk or in the gateways, the cow grazing in the ditch, the morning trek of some from the market with horse and wagon. One morning the Christy, the girls and I were walking along and this work truck drove by. The guys in the truck had some serious horn-honking skill...we got cat-called in Romania! I know I stand out from a crowd, but I've really tried to keep a low profile.

Over the weekend our translators and Dave shared some history of the region with us. Turns out by bovine brothers & sisters were Hungarian just 60 years ago! Where we are in Tinca used to be part of Hungary before World War II. So this mile marker you see with Tinca at the bottom and Salonta at the top...Salonta is the Hungarian name of the town. Who knew? Now I do...

And the main roads...wow. See how it's paved in blocks. Most of it nowadays has been paved over, but the roads were paved in blocks. Blocks that were laid by slave labor during the war. I can't even imagine what that would have been like!

So just a couple tidbits to start the day.

Day in Oredea

2011-09-04T12:18:00.000-04:00

Shopping at the Sunflower Shop @ Caminul Felix, a ministry that takes in abandoned children around the world. Getting a few goodies for people back home.

Me & Peep just hanging out in the Sunflower Shop...

Making new friends in the Sunflower Shop...Christy & the team take a while when shopping.

This is from the Overlook atop Oredea. That's the city behind me. I felt like I could fly!

It was a nice team day in Oredea. Seeing the sites, learning the history a little more. There are team pics on facebook that will be shared.

Another day with the Gypsies

2011-09-01T11:36:00.000-04:00

Lulu here. We've been going to the village almost every day this week to do a VBS for the Gypsy village. And apparently our team is one of their favorites. We bring a lot of music and drama complete with costumes and props. Then crafts and food enough for 200. Today we ran out of food at 150 - so tomorrow we will prepare for 200. And tomorrow's character story is Esther. Complete with full princess regalia.

Each morning the team prepares the meals which consist of some sausage meat, bread and a cucumber. The get a little cup of soda too. I helped as much as I could, but Christy wouldn't take me to the village. Maybe something to do with the other cows getting jealous. That, or some Gypsy child would want to keep me. I wouldn't make it back home!

Stephanie, our nurturer and baker of the team, loves to spoil the full-time missionaries here with lots of sugary treats. And Dave, who's originally from England, loves getting this spoiled. Here, he's licking the cake batter bowl. This part is one of our favorites...spoiling the missionaries.

Nap-time in Tinca

2011-08-31T08:46:00.001-04:00

Nap-time around the Isaiah Center in Tinca, Romania. Wherever's comfortable for you. Curl up, cuddle up, and sweet dreams for all.

What a start to the mission trip!

2011-08-30T06:25:00.000-04:00

It was a great start to my first international flight! What a team we have!

We flew from Louisville to Washington, DC then on to Munich. That Munich flight was educational and entertaining. Christy shared some new Romanian words with me...these won't be spelled RIGHT, but how they sound....multimesst, coupleacherries, cheypach, stauch-shay, gata, and a few others she tried to remember but got backwards.

The international airports can get kinda crazy. Surprises me anyone can find their way around ANY airport really.

And all the bags!!!!! Thank you to those who gave us a little extra money to get all the bags here. The poor van that transported from Budapest to Tinca, Romania literally blew a tire. But our fearless driver took care of everything.

We're now into doing VBS in the Gypsy village. The sights and sounds have been an adjustment and so has the massive hornet-bees that showed up in the shower with Christy.

Ok...quick note & off to the garden!

My First International Flight!

2011-08-26T09:20:00.000-04:00

Hey! Lulu here. Christy is busy packing. Why she waited till the morning OF a mission trip....that girl...

But I'm ready to GO!!!

Meet Lulu...

2011-08-17T07:27:00.000-04:00

Hi! I'm Lulu and I'm helping Christy get ready for her Romania mission trip. I even get to go with her! It's been years since I've gotten to travel. All the sites I'll get to see - the people I get to meet!

A little about me...I'm a Texas girl at heart. Love the wide open spaces and fresh green grass. Living in the city brought some challenges, but I've overcome a lot. There was that run-in with Mrs. B once...How was I to know those flowers were prize-winning?

I'm a naturally happy cow. Life's too short - and so am I - to let life squash ya. And good for Christy that she's taken the day off. So she's left me in charge. I'm up for it. Although from the looks of it, Christy needs more than me to keep things in order. I'd better get to it! So long for now y'all!

Now what is she doing?

2011-08-11T14:30:00.000-04:00

Is anyone wondering what in the world I'm up to lately? I'm going to tell you ... soon.

Let me just say for now:

New business
2 business partners
New ministry
Calendar filling up nicely
Opportunities galore

Still curious? I'll post more in bits...

2011-07-05T10:22:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends and Family,

I pray post finds you doing well. I’ll just get right to the point. I need your help. Prayer warriors and financial donors alike.

God has again opened a door of opportunity for me to be a part of something bigger than myself – bringing hope to a culture of people who’ve had no hope for generations – the Gypsies of Romania. Our team of 11 will be coming along side Rachel Ross, full-time missionary and founder of Forget Me Not Ministries, and Dave Truss, a missionary from England, to minister to the people of Tinca. Rachel founded the Isaiah Center in Tinca just four years ago, and together they show the love of Christ by teaching and training the children who have been abused or abandoned. They pour into these kids showing and teaching them a better way of life. The Lord is blessing their efforts to use these children as the generation to break this life-long cycle of abuse and Godlessness, and to spread through them the saving grace of the gospel to the Gypsy people.

We are in the final planning of our activities and I am very excited to share with you what He has laid on our hearts for this trip:

5-day VBS in the Tinca Village. This will include singing praise & worship songs, people skits, a devotional, crafts, games and lunch. Last year we ministered to over 200 children!
Various construction needs at the Isaiah Center (to be determined)
Prayer walk through Tinca and the Gypsy village that lies on the outskirts of this small town
Help Dave with his Futbol ministry in the Gypsy village
Visit, minister and pray with the Roma families as we deliver their monthly care packages
Minister to, replenish and build up Rach & Dave to give them the strength they need to continue His work

We still have a lot of preparation to complete before we leave and another team fundraiser. That’s why I’m sending you this letter. Support through prayer is priority one. Prayer is the fuel that will allow us to be successful as we follow God’s leading. So please pray often for unity, focus, and safety of our team. But to be honest with you, I just don't have anywhere close to the $2,100 needed laying about the house. So, I decided to send letters to people and ask for something I don't usually ask for in addition to prayer - money. If you feel led, I'd love if you could financially support me on this mission trip. A little, a lot, any would be great. I need to raise $2,100 total by August 1. To help support me financially, you may go online to www.mynorthsidemissions.com and click on Make a Payment. After logging in, select the trip and type in my name (Christy Smallwood). Your online sponsorship will go directly towards my trip account, and you will be credited for your tax-deductible contribution. If you are unable to give online, you may make a check payable to Northside Christian Church and write “Romania 2011” on the memo line. Then please mail that check directly to me – not the church (@ 4640 W Cole Rd., Salem, IN 47167).

Pray that all we say and do will be glorifying to God. Pray that our efforts in helping Rach & Dave as well as the children and adults of Romania will be blessed as we serve God’s purposes for our being there. And knowing that you are praying would mean a lot to me. Not only that, but when you are supporting me financially or in prayer – you become part of our team. I will also be in prayer for you and update you on our progress through facebook and blogging. You can join our group on facebook by looking up Romania Mission Trip. Thank you so much for your prayers, support and consideration. May God continue to bless you and your family.

Romans 10:14-15b: “How shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent?”

Independence

2011-07-04T12:46:00.000-04:00

Let us never forget, Freedom

- Independence -

comes with a price.

"You've Got Mail"

2011-06-28T22:57:00.000-04:00

What is it with the anticipation of getting that next message from someone you like?

Remember that movie, "You've Got Mail?" This movie's theme is a classic. Two people in love through the written word - email in this movie, letters in the Judy Garland classic, "In The Good Old Summertime." Turns out for each of these, the two people actually disklike each other in person. One finds out the other is their secret message "love," ditches the face-to-face, and then proceeds to change the perception of the real-life relationship. Sweet stuff.

What intrigues me most is the joy in the anticipation of getting that next message. I don't have the pleasure of one of those movie experiences, but I do enjoy anticipating a next message. Here's something more to think about though...what if I had that much joyous anticipation in what God had to tell me? What's HIS next message to me? " <3 U no matter what, Conquered 4 u, Providing 4 U, Keep Going! Right w/U" What's His next message to you?

Progress...not Perfection

2011-06-22T06:22:00.000-04:00

So I was having a "morning." You know. You've had them. You start out pretty optimistic, then all of a sudden you're in the midst of putting out fires you have no time for. There goes the "plan." There goes that few precious moments of actual accomplishment. Needless to say, I was "off." Which as a woman can happen on a regular basis - emotions, you know.

At just the right time a friend calls me. He had no idea I was in the mental place I was; however, he quickly found out! But this is one friend who does not intimidate easily. He proceeds to tell me a mantra to say..."Progress not Perfection." This is not just for people that I am working with, but for myself.

How often I forget that I can never be perfect. No matter how hard I may strive for it, "we all fall short of the glory of God." Even a transformation specialist needs to be reminded. It's ok to be a work in progress - because that's what we are! There should be more fun in the construction of it...and the redecorating. I prefer excellence over perfection. I'll aim for balanced, joyful, content in all things, finding adventure around every corner, progressing to my fullest potential, and living life abundantly.

So say it with me...Progress not Perfection, Progress not Perfection, Progress not Perfection...

Storm Warnings

2011-06-19T22:54:00.001-04:00

We all have storms in our lives. My life has been a whirlwind lately, in a good way. But thre are still those times...

And in case you missed the excitement this morning...

The Greenhouse Effect.

2011-05-06T20:44:00.000-04:00

I've been helping out a friend in his greenhouse the past few weeks. I'm basically working for flowers, who doesn't love that!
Well, this week the weather has been pretty stable. So what happens when the sun comes out? The greenhouse temperature goes from 80 to 100 degrees in less than 5 minutes. It's amazing. I love it for the most part. It's like going to a sauna without paying or taking your clothes off. The downside...I can't take my clothes off!

When I can go into it looking somewhat presentable, but come out looking like a mowed over weed - dirt and all, it makes me appreciate running water and hot showers all the more. Yesterday the temp started out in the 50s, I wore three layers of clothing to stay warm. But then the sun came out. I did manage to shed two layers. Not to mention nine pounds since I've been helping out (changing the diet and being more active makes all the difference!).

The blessing of working in the greenhouse is that I get to use the flowers as a fundraiser for my Romania mission trip this fall. I am taking orders and once I have a load then a delivery date and place will be set-up. I'm listing the prices and some pictures here and I have an album set-up on facebook.

Hostas = $6 ea

Hanging Baskets = $15 ea (purple, pink, blue wave, yellow, red million bells, and mixed baskets)

Flats = $15 ea ($1.50 per 3-pack) (begonias, impatients, marigolds, periwinkle, rose moss, TOMATO, green peppers, sweet banana peppers)

Planters = $15 ea (geraniums, black-eyed susans - yellow & orange)

Geranium (single) = $4

Zinnia (single) = $3

Perrenials = $5 ea
--Coreopsis (yellow, red, pink), Gallardia (red, red/yellow), Butterfly bush (blue, red), pincushion flower, lavendar, Rose Mallow (pink, red), spike speedwell, tritoma, bee balm, cleome (spider plant)

Bark for Life!

2011-04-30T21:06:00.000-04:00

I attended a very cool event today as the Premier Jewelry lady, Bark for Life! It's an American Cancer Relay for Life-type of event, only gone to the dogs.
This wasn't your ordinary walk for funds. There were vendors (me one of), the walking, speakers, rescue dog demonstration, and doggy contests: musical sit, favorite trick, and king & queen. Yes, king & queen! It was the coolest thing. I highly encourage you to participate if you are a dog lover. Bring your own or do like I'm going to do next time - borrow one!

And it was amazing how all these dogs came together and behaved so well! There were breeds of all kinds and sizes. Rescued dogs, carried dogs, cute-as-a-button dogs, all kinds! I'm including some pics here, but I will post the full album on facebook!

This is Diesel...I want one just like him!

Not sure this lady's name, she did win the Queen of the large dog category. Must have been the pajamas that put her over the top.

First encounters

The Collie is Merlin. He won the musical sit AND King of the large dog category!

This is Sandy and her owner Kelsey. Kelsey rescued Sandy after seeing her being thrown from the 2nd Street Bridge. Sandy happens to be part pit bull, but not once did she bear fangs today. Kelsey does animal rescue now. For more info: www.savingsunnyinc.org.

This is what I call the Pug Patrol. Couldn't really get them all lined up at once. There were about six there!

This little guy is up for adoption! Contact www.savingsunnyinc.org!

Don't Just Count The Blessings, Enjoy Them!

2011-04-25T11:47:00.000-04:00

I've been in a funk the past couple of weeks. Ever been there? Just not feeling like yourself, feels like there's a cloud hanging over everything? I even had an anxiety attack, thought I was going to pass out at the greenhouse. In a flash I thought, " This is perfect, at least the flowers aer ready for my casket." It was that bad in that moment. Ever been there?
All I could do from there was rest and really try to not think. This morning I reviewed my journal entry from last week and remembered something I learned about that morning. It comes from this obscure little section in Luke 11 about a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace but loses everything to one stronger. Which would make sense the other one is stronger, duh. But there's also this phrase, "...he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides the spoils." The strong guy trusted in his armor (and not the armor of God kind).

Fine, but then Jesus goes right into teaching about a man who had an unclean spirit. The unclean spirit left the man. The man tidied up, put everything in order. But then the unclean spirit comes back with seven others! What's up with that?! Didn't the guy think to lock the door, or did he have a welcome-vacancy sign hanging out?

This morning I learned more about that. It's like cleaning the house. Everything gets put in its place, all neat and tidy. The dust is gone, clothes & dishes put away, space is created, all is well. But then that also leave space to fill, so we fill it with more knick-knacks to dust, more papers to file, more junk we don't need. Or even better, just buying a bigger house to fit all our stuff in. There's more floor space, so why not fill it with furniture! The big question here is, "What am I filling my space with?" Well, the Sunday School answer is it should be Jesus. But what in the world does that look like?

I've been given such an amazing opportunity of space the past couple years to really evaluate who I am. I know whose I am, I know what I'm purposed to do, now...who am I beyond the foundation of being a child of God? What am I filling my space with?

I chatted with a friend this weekend about my funk. What I took away from our conversation was to not just count my blessings, but enjoy them. Me being the list making kind of person, I started a list of all the things I enjoy. I filled a couple of pages in a short time. I learned something from that too, but that's another post for another day. But if I make Jesus my focal point in my space, and fill the rest with things I enjoy - isn't that living life to an abundant level? To overflowing! Then I'm helping others live life abundantly too!

So I encourage you dear reader, fill your space with good and perfect gifts from above and your heart will overflow with joy! Don't just count your blessings - enjoy them!

Easter for us all

2011-04-23T21:55:00.000-04:00

This is a very holy weekend for so many of us. It's the celebration of Jesus' death and victory over it. Yesterday was Good Friday. Good only because we know that Sunday's coming. And regardless of what my days are like, this Truth is what we cling to as Christians. This is the hope we live by. The hope that is available to everyone.

Enjoy the message and music,

and Happy Easter everyone!

He's Alive!

I love my mommy!

2011-04-11T14:44:00.000-04:00

Maestro here.

Who doesn't love a good cat-nap?

I love to sleep with mom. Even when she's working at her desk. There's not enough room on the desk for me and the computer, so to the floor I go. If I can fall asleep in mom's arms or her lap, her foot makes a great pillow. Time for my nap, and I encourage you all to do the same. Take it from me, the world keeps spinning even when you don't.

Good Ol' Boys

2011-02-25T20:17:00.000-05:00

When I was little, I used to watch The Dukes of Hazzard every Friday night with my grandma. Dallas came on after that. Wonder Woman, Different Strokes, Buck Rogers, Facts of Life, and so many others! As an only child who spent a lot of time on my own, those early 80's shows became my world and part of my family. What I didn't realize was how much I actually learned in the process.

I've been enjoying reruns of the Dukes on CMT, and I STILL want a Dixie Jeep like Daisy had. I have total respect for Uncle Jesse. His wisdom, strength of character, and take-no-crap attitude is something I can admire in a leader. The way he handled Bo, Luke, and Diasy, not forgetting Cooter & Enos & Roscoe & Boss Hogg & any others that came across his radar, was nothing short of greatness. He was a prayin' man, good cook, and a gentleman to all. A true patriarch.

Sure, the show was predictable: Boss Hogg was always swindling, Roscoe fumbling, Enos stumbling, Cooter fixin' the cars, Daisy always beautiful & in trouble, Bo & Luke handsome & in trouble & chased. Shoot, the guys wore the same outfits every show! There were car chases, General Lee's horn, and inevitably someone ended up in jail. But there was ALWAYS a happy ending!

We're getting ready to transform the preschool's environment at GCC. My children's minister and I talked today and she was telling me how preschoolers need predictabilty - stability - in their environment. And I immediately thought of the Dukes! No wonder they stuck with me so much. They provided the stability I needed as a child. And now as an adult, it's welcome relief from the pace I keep.

Don't underestimate the Dukes, and some of the other "classics." The wisdom and examples set forth by some of those characters can totally transport you to happy place where men can be real men, women be strong & beautiful at the same time, people have values and it shows, and there's always a happy ending.

Finding my keys

2011-01-06T09:26:00.000-05:00

Each day holds new surprises for me. I'm surprised when my mind is all for getting out of bed doing the daily stuff and getting down to some real productive business-building work, but my body dictates otherwise keeping me on the couch for half the day. That was my yesterday. I've been fighting with sinus crud for months now and there are days it wins. And as much as I love reading the departed optimist's writings about thinking positive and it will be positive, Norman Vincent Peale couldn't have helped me yesterday.

So before I went to sleep last night I determined today would be different. There had to be something that would help keep me off the couch even if I felt bad. But what was the key to motivating me beyond myself into something great for the day. Yeah, yeah - Jesus. Start the day with prayer and the Word and everything with be just peachy - if you believe that then you don't actually read anything Jesus says. Life's not easy - SIMPLE, not easy. And I do that pretty much every morning, and yet still landed on the couch. That was my choice. So what is the key for me to not make that choice of caving in to the comfortable?

I don't know about you, but that key for me is music. Since I have a roommate, I'm limited in how I can express it sometimes - LOUD mixed with crazy dancing, but that's what good headphones are for. I have a playlist for every mood and every season. I have a playlist that represents ME. What I believe in, how I express myself, what I aspire to, and it's those songs that I go to when I need re-energized. It's like magic. It's as if God had those songwriters create those songs just for me. That's my key to motivation and re-energization. What's your key?

Gettin' Organized!

2011-01-04T18:46:00.000-05:00

As part of my SIMPLIFYing 2011, I decided some organization was in order around my house and home office. Most people think I am already highly organized, but I want to get to that easy-to-maintain organized, thus simplifying my life. However, I've had this huge realization hit me today. To clean-up you have to clean-out.

Have you ever watched Extreme Makeover Home Edition? Every time they do a new home, the old one has to go - everything gets cleaned out for a fresh start. There's another show, "What Not To Wear." Same concept - they have to clean-out the closet to clean-up the person's fashion, and sometimes their lives. Alcoholics Anonymous' 4th step is: take a fearless & moral inventory of yourself. This is the clean-out part of that process.

The same holds true for our own selves. We should regularly take a fearless and moral inventory of ourselves then decide what parts can stay, and what needs to be cleaned out. That's the beauty of free will and power of choice. It's up to us to acknowledge awareness, accept what's there, decide what to keep and get rid of, then take action to do it.

What would 2011 look like for you if you were to break cycles, clean-out negative thinking, find an accountability partner to check your progress, and ultimately clean-up your self? Or even your closet? Or garage? Or something as small as a junk drawer? It all starts with your mind - clean it out!

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Romans 12:2)

Theme for 2011

2010-12-30T17:50:00.000-05:00

In 2010 I had a word that I concentrated on, it became my theme for the year - Preparation. And preparation was certainly what was happening for me - to start my own business, to grow as a leader, to share my life with others, to trust in God, to love in action, and many other things.

For 2011 my word is SIMPLIFY. I'll explain.

I had a wonderful meeting with a brother of mine (my pastor) who has the freedom and guts to tell me like it is. I have this tendency to do things BIG. I think big - and then do it. Nothing wrong with that; however, if I want to be a great leader, I need to make things doable for others to join in. I am robbing others of their ability to do ministry simply because I do too much - I end up either overwhelming my volunteers with the feeling to keep up, or the guilty feeling of not keeping up. Neither of these are intentional, it just happens as I think big and do big by myself. So to my volunteers - I sincerely apologize!

For 2011 my goal as a leader is to SIMPLIFY. Keep things simple enough so that what I do as a leader is easily duplicated. Simple enough for anyone interested in doing it - can. Simple enough for more people to join in. Simple enough for everyone to start on the same page and create the big idea together. This was not my idea first, take McDonald's and Jesus. Yes, I said McDonald's and Jesus.

McDonald's is the biggest restaurant chain in the world. Would you believe they're not in the business of selling hamburgers & fries? They're in the business of building an easy-to-duplicate system - keeping systems simple so that anyone can do it then repeat it down the road. That's why they consider themselves the largest small business in the world. Their leader, Ray Kroc, had the foresight to recognize that wealth comes from depth. The same could be said for lasting effects - like the disciples.

Jesus limited Himself by giving up His seat in heaven to come to earth as a man. He showed me the way to live by limiting Himself. His life as a man is a simple concept to duplicate. Nothing is ever EASY - just SIMPLE (kinda like losing weight is a simple concept but oh,so hard to follow-thru). Jesus simplified the whole law - love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind and strength, and love others as yourself. Simple. Easy to duplicate. Hard to execute sometimes, sure, but easy to duplicate. Wealth comes from depth, and the best wealth is to see lives changed. So I will SIMPLIFY and be a leader others want to follow.

And I officially give you all the same freedom my brother has - to tell me like it is. To have no fear in being honest with me even when it comes to me. How else can I grow if I don't know. (And knowing is half the battle...come on you 80s fiends...sing it!)

I've included a cute video that shows a good leader....

Dream Big

2010-11-22T09:39:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine posted this video on facebook and I love it. What's your big dream?

Multi-tasking

2010-11-17T13:52:00.000-05:00

Do you have fifty things to do in a day, but only time for 20? What about that workout plan you swore you'd keep up with at the first of THIS year, so you'll just renew that resolution next year. What about those books that are on your list? Is blogging and facebook time diverting your attention from just moving your body?

I know for me, it's been hard to get away from the computer. I have had office jobs my whole life - sticks you in a chair behind a desk for the bulk of the day. Between the time behind the desk and the commuting time (used to be 2 hours a day), my poor body was crying out for some much needed activity. Since I've been out of the mainstream workforce I've been able to add in some activity: work in the yard, organizing the house, helping in the greenhouse this summer (sweating like I was in the Philippines every day). But now that I'm starting my own businesses (coaching practice and jewelry shows), I spend more time behind the computer again.

A friend of mine on facebook inspired me with a solution! She had created a laptop desk of sorts for her treadmill! I loved it so much that I found some materials in the barn and created my own. Check it out!

This is a fantastic set-up! I walk about 1.8-2.2 mph and can still type or read or write notes...fabulous! It takes me longer than normal to get to a mile; however, movement is movement! Now I'm getting back in the groove of getting some more weight off! And this is the best form of multi-tasking EVER!

Risk Poem - Memorize this one!

2010-11-11T10:50:00.000-05:00

To laugh is to risk appearing a fool.

To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.

To love is to risk not being loved in return.

To live is to risk dying.

To hope is to risk despair.

To try is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing.

Hey may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live.

Chained by his own fears, he is a slave. He has forfeited freedom.

Only a person who risks is free!

PS: Thanks to all our Veterans who've sacrificed lives and family who have sacrificed loved ones taking the risk of protecting others. Thank you beyond all thank yous!

Law of the Garbage Truck

2010-11-10T13:57:00.000-05:00

This has to be one of the best emails I have received in a long time because when when you sit and think about the meaning, it is so true.

Law of the Garbage Truck

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport

We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us.

My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly.
So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!'

This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment.
As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally.

Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day.

Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets,

so ... Love the people who treat you right.

Pray for the ones who don't.

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!

Have a garbage-free day!

Unwrapping the Gift

2010-10-26T10:12:00.000-04:00

What happens when you get a gift? Do you immediately rip open the packaging to get to the inside? Do you, with meticulous care, take the tape off first, then fold by fold take the paper and place it in a safe place to come to the gift after the wrapping has been secured? Or do you, like me, take off the portion of wrapping that gets you into the gift itself? What about those gift bags? Ever miss something that was tucked way down in there? Or do you just simply set the gift aside to open later?

That's what it can be like when trying to discover our true selves. There's a gift packed away inside, but it's up to us how we get to it. We can get right down to business - tearing off all the wrapping, skirt around the issues and never really get to the gift - being so meticulous, doing it with some gusto but leaving some walls up, missing the best part - not finding ALL the gift in the bag, or incredibly never even trying but staying in the status quo.

Don't set your life aside like an unopened gift. Open it - completely. Don't miss a thing. There's a gift inside you, not only for yourself but to share with others.

The Daffodil Principle

2010-09-25T21:12:00.000-04:00

I've seen this before in emails and various areas, but it bears repeating!

Several times my daughter had telephoned to say, "Mother, you must

come to see the daffodils before they are over." I wanted to go, but it

was a two-hour drive from Laguna to Lake Arrowhead . "I will come next

Tuesday", I promised a little reluctantly on her third call.

Next Tuesday dawned cold and rainy. Still, I had promised, and reluctantly

I drove there. When I finally walked into Carolyn's house, I was welcomed

by the joyful sounds of happy children. I delightedly hugged and greeted

my grandchildren.

"Forget the daffodils, Carolyn! The road is invisible in these clouds and

fog, and there is nothing in the world except you and these children that

I want to see badly enough to drive another inch!"

My daughter smiled calmly and said, "We drive in this all the time, Mother."

"Well, you won't get me back on the road until it clears, and then I'm

heading for home!" I assured her.

"But first we're going to see the daffodils. It's just a few blocks,"

Carolyn said. "I'll drive. I'm used to this."

"Carolyn," I said sternly, "Please turn around."

"It's all right, Mother, I promise. You will never forgive yourself if you

miss this experience."

After about twenty minutes, we turned onto a small gravel road and I saw a

small church. On the far side of the church, I saw a hand lettered sign

with an arrow that read, " Daffodil Garden ." We got out of the car, each

took a child's hand, and I followed Carolyn down the path. Then, as we

turned a corner, I looked up and gasped. Before me lay the most glorious

sight.

It looked as though someone had taken a great vat of gold and poured it

over the mountain peak and its surrounding slopes. The flowers were

planted in majestic, swirling patterns, great ribbons and swaths of deep

orange, creamy white, lemon yellow, salmon pink, and saffron and butter yellow. Each different-colored variety was planted in large groups so that it swirled and flowed like its own river with its own unique hue. There were five acres of flowers.

"Who did this?" I asked Carolyn.

"Just one woman," Carolyn answered. "She lives on the property.

That's her home."

Carolyn pointed to a well-kept A-frame house, small and modestly

sitting in the midst of all that glory. We walked up to the house.

On the patio, we saw a poster. "Answers to the Questions I Know You Are Asking", was the headline.

The first answer was a simple one. " 50,000 bulbs," it read.

The second answer was, "One at a time, by one woman. Two hands, two feet, and one brain."

The third answer was, "Began in 1958."

For me, that moment was a life-changing experience. I thought of this

woman whom I had never met, who, more than forty years before, had begun, one bulb at a time, to bring her vision of beauty and joy to an obscure mountaintop.

Planting one bulb at a time, year after year, this unknown woman had forever changed the world in which she lived One day at a time, she had created something of extraordinary magnificence, beauty, and inspiration.

The principle her daffodil garden taught is one of the greatest principles of celebration.

That is, learning to move toward our goals and desires one step at a

time--often just one baby-step at a time--and learning to love the doing,

learning to use the accumulation of time. When we multiply tiny pieces of

time with small increments of daily effort, we too will find we can

accomplish magnificent things. We can change the world â€¦

"It makes me sad in a way," I admitted to Carolyn. "What might I have

accomplished if I had thought of a wonderful goal thirty-five or forty

years ago and had worked away at it 'one bulb at a time' through all those years? Just think what I might have been able to achieve!"

My daughter summed up the message of the day in her usual direct way.

"Start tomorrow," she said.

She was right.

It's so pointless to think of the lost hours of yesterdays.

The way to make learning a lesson of celebration instead of a cause for

regret is to only ask, "How can I put this to use today?"

Use the Daffodil Principle. Stop waiting.....

Until your car or home is paid off

Until you get a new car or home

Until your kids leave the house

Until you go back to school

Until you finish school

Until you clean the house

Until you organize the garage

Until you clean off your desk

Until you lose 10 lbs.

Until you gain 10 lbs.

Until you get married

Until you get a divorce

Until you have kids

Until the kids go to school

Until you retire

Until summer

Until spring

Until winter

Until fall

Until you die...

There is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination. So work like you don't need money.

Love like you've never been hurt, and dance like no one's watching.

If you want to brighten someone's day, pass this on to someone special.

I just did!

Wishing you a beautiful, daffodil day!

Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin.

Need an Energy Boost?

2010-08-19T13:28:00.000-04:00

Need a boost to your positive energy levels? Watch this guy once a day and see how easy it is to smile. Start your day with him and his energy can spark all kinds of creativity! Enjoy!

Total Remodel!

2010-08-07T12:25:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone! I am totally transforming my blog. Yes, again. (For me it's almost like rearranging furniture and ladies, I KNOW you know what I'm talking about!). This time the transformation will include a coaching feel. I LOVE coaching - business, leadership, individuals, etc. We're still in the process of creating a specific business website, and in addition, I wanted to redesign my blog to give it an attached feel to my website.

I've even changed the blog title: Thriving in Solid Air. The concept comes from a great book, "TheWar of Art" by Steven Pressfield. Pressfield tells of a visualization he had about an eagle picking him up and flying. He asked the eagle, "Hey, what am I supposed to be learning from this? A voice answered (silently): You're supposed to learn that things that you think are nothing, as weightless as air, are actually powerful substantial forces, as real and as solid as earth."

Blogging can be full of little moments that many may think are weightless. However. All those moments and details and concepts that we share in the blog world add up to be a substantial force - potentially powerful for personal transformation. It can also be as simple as reading blogs as a part of balance and personal space. I am excited about this design transformation and I hope you will visit often!

When Your Hut Is Burning...

2010-07-28T09:36:00.000-04:00

I received this in an email today and just HAD to share it. My hut's on fire right now and this little illustration is just what I needed!

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions.

One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, 'God! How could you do this to me?'

Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! 'How did you know I was here?' asked the weary man of his rescuers. 'We saw your smoke signal,' they replied.

The Moral of This Story: It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering.

Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. ((It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God!))

P.S. You may want to consider passing this on, because you never know who feels as if their hut is on fire today..

Patient Endurance

2010-07-22T17:47:00.000-04:00

When I went out to do my morning devotional on the swing, I looked up and saw I had a visitor.

I thought of how this little guy must have taken an hour or two at least to get that high on the swing - my head high. It reminded me that it's ok to take my time. That making those moments in the morning so special since it's just me and God and nature.

Then I started reading - in Revelation. Yeah, I know. But it's an awesome book. In Chapter 3 vs 10 it says, "Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from teh hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth." Endure patiently. Makes me think of another verse, Philippians 3:13-14: "Brethern, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Thanks for the confirmation! I just love when God talks to me plainly when I need to hear from Him. And this message was certainly it. I hope it's something you can cling to as well!

I'm Honored! A blog award!

2010-07-21T13:24:00.000-04:00

My friend, Lynn, has just honored me with my FIRST blog award. This'll be fun.

The rules...

1. Thank the person who gave you the award... THANK YOU LYNN!

and...

2. List seven (7) things about yourself that people don't know.

Wow, that may be hard. If you've read my blog for any length of time you know a lot already. But let me see...it HAS been awhile since I've blogged.

1. I am officially a professional life coach. This is a career change for me in the past year. I have a marketing background, but life coaching really allows for transformation in people's lives. I finally feel I'm who God created me to be :-).

2. I have a secret vice of watching Days of Our Lives. It's that nice little escape from not only my reality - but a lot of the world's reality. Seriously, that period when Marlena was a demon, and how many times can people come back from the dead? The baby switches, and uncovered secrets played out over WEEKS, all the twists & turns and dramatic pauses. But I think what I like the most - the hairstyles. I really wish I could do some those styles myself. Maybe I should work in a personal hairstylist to my future goals.

3. I have no interest in watching any of the Twilight movies or read the books. Now, that statement may knock me out of or never allow me in some social circles. Oh well. Now, Harry Potter or Star Wars - right on! Wonder if it's because it's directed specifically to women (chick-flick), which I just stay away from.

4. Just like Lynn, I'm a band geek. Yep, that's me. I taught myself to read and play music long ago, still have my instruments, and even taught marching band/flag corps for awhile. In fact, a couple of my former students are talking about doing a "reunion." I hestitated to say "old" students, because that would make me old too. Not happening.

5. I don't like the word geek anymore. Do you know what the original definition of "geek" is? Check here for the full version. How did it get so distorted?

6. I talk to myself a lot. That's why having pets ar a good thing. It's an excuse to talk outloud as often as I want. Lately though, I just feel like I talk to the Holy Spirit or whatever angel is on duty for the day.

7. I'm going on another mission trip - to Romania this time. I would have tried to do both Romania and Philippines, but the dates are the same time. I'll be going to Tinca, Romania, a gypsy village to simply be the hands and feet of Jesus. We're doing a 5-day VBS, prayer walk, relationship-building with families and older people who need some basic supplies. Plus, I think there's "football" involved. Wonder if I'm coordinated enough to kick a soccer ball?

So that's seven. And I would love to pass along the honor to: Mrs. 4444, Chris, and The Prairie Maid! Check them out along with Lynn

Recall

2010-07-07T09:47:00.000-04:00

I got this in an email from my aunt today and loved it. I hadn't seen it before. If you have, enjoy it again :-).

RECALL NOTICE:

The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.
This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Sub-sequential Internal Non-Morality," or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.

Some of the symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect.

The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.

The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.
Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.

No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.
WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.

DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention!

- GOD

P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'!

Because He Lives!

Oh Yeah, The View!

2010-06-30T12:45:00.001-04:00

I showed you what my retreat looked like in my previous post, but I forgot to show off the view! This is where I start my days. Just me & God. And the robin that likes to perch on the fencepost and "talk" to me. And the hummingbirds chasing each other overhead. And the rabbits that scurry along the fenceline.

My Retreat!

2010-06-28T16:43:00.000-04:00

I blogged in April about my yard transformations. Well, my retreat unveil is here!

The old ...

The new!

Now all I have left to do is clean-up and finish the new swing seat cover :-). Always a project waiting to be done.

A Glutton

2010-06-15T07:27:00.000-04:00

The hummingbirds have been back since Derby weekend. Their regular time of year to come home. And the babies have all hatched and grown too...there's at least seven little motors flying around the feeders. They're so used to me just being out there they'll fly right up to my face to let me know their juice is low (or even my office window if I'm not outside). So I stood out around the feeder to get a decent picture of one of my "little men." The hummingbirds go through more sugar in a summer than I personally go through in a whole year. It's ridiculous, but they LOVE it! And they have a "squatter" that refuses to leave the bar...

This little bee keeps his head stuck in the holes to get all the juice he can. He hops from hole to hole, and the hummingbirds just hop over top of him to another hole. The only time he steps away from "the bar" is when a wasp wants in on the goods. He actually flew right up beside me as if I was the bouncer to get the wasp out of the way. So I've affectionately named him "glutton."

It's not like I don't have plenty of flowers around for him to get nectar from. How do you get bee to do what he's supposed to do naturally? Guess he fits in around here with the cat who doesn't kill mice. Maybe he's thinking "work smarter, not harder." Seems to be working well for him.

Fragments galore!

2010-06-11T11:25:00.001-04:00

} It's Friday, right? Time to get my fragment on!

} Spent last weekend in Denver with my iPEC peeps. "What is iPEC?," you might ask. Well, it's the training program for my Life Coaching certification. This life coaching journey is a whole posting in-and-of-itself, so the short of it is that now that I've figured out I've been doing it my whole life, I decided to get official certification. This process is intense! Talk about personal development. And the things you get to overcome while in that safe place is amazing. I go into those intensive weekends thinking I'm going to just learn some more processes about how to help people get to breakthrough levels in their lives never dreaming that I'm reaching mine in the process! Awesomely amazing stuff going on.

} My precious cats, right? Remember that post about my cat in comparison to the "garden goddess?" Well, he finally killed the mouse - by default. He apparently chased it into an area it couldn't get out of, like stuck between two wall pictures I have stored behind my bedroom door. It took a few whiffs and strategic searching, but finally found the dead mouse in those pictures. Gross. All I can say about it.

} I'm going to Romania! Not by myself, but with a group that will be doing ministry work in teh village of Tinca, Romania. There's a ministry there, Forget-Me-Not Ministries, that is the hands and feet of Jesus to the forgotten Gypsy families in Tinca. It's a new part of the world for me, but the mission is the same - go love on people showing them the light of Christ in a dark world. Rachel and Dave, ministry partners, have started the Isaiah Center to take care of local children who's families cannot manage well without that support. Awesome ministry to partner with this year! But I have to tell you, I can't wait to schedule my next trip to the Philippines to see all my friends, brothers & sisters-in Christ there. Miss them greatly and emails just don't do the same.

} Summer's so close I can feel it...on my skin, in my sinuses, calf muscles, eyeballs...my body's really letting me know it's time to get active and used to the sun! The yardwork is paying off. At an 80% done mark for my retreat. So I'm saving that for a full post. :-) The garden's coming in nicely, flowers are getting planted and continue to bloom, it's just so beautiful!

} Starting a business is rewarding. I'm nervously excited to see who God's going to bring across my path. I'm very open to doing complimentary sessions (so let me know if you want to join in the fun!). I've put together a variety of workshops and possible retreat ideas. I'm hoping to get a chance to work with some corporations as well. I love the variety it offers. I'll be doing some public speaking in the next couple of months as well. Right now in the process of putting together all kinds of goodies to offer people to keep themselves on track in their personal growth. I love this life! Now I just need my bank account to fill to overflowing :-).

Love these Friday Fragments! For more - go see http://www.halfpastkissintime.com/:

My real name is Beauregard

2010-06-08T17:09:00.000-04:00

Hi. My name's Beauregard, but my lady calls me 'blue boy'. Today was a big day for both me and my lady, I reached 300,000 miles. This is me and where I hit the 300,000 mark...

This is where we were headed...home from selling flowers in town. Well, she sold flowers, I got to rest and car-watch. She and I have been through a lot. She got me when I only had 35 miles and there was 4 inches of snow on the ground. We had fun 4-wheeling on the test-run. That's when she knew I was the one. She actually tells people I was a gift from God...that, and that I'm the most dependable man in her life. Well, close second to Jesus anyway.

We work a lot. I can't tell you how much stuff has been loaded in my cab and in my bed...

And there's still work to be done...

But I enjoy being the one my lady chooses to go places with. I'm grateful I get to take her places she enjoys going - and we get there in a "timely" fashion. We've been all over, North Carolina to New York, Missouri to Mississippi, and Tennessee lots. I enjoy a good run, that's for sure. When her friend drives me, it's a slower pace. And that's good too - nice to see all that's around until a deer comes out of nowhere. We've had our fair share of mishaps and sprains, and I'm starting to feel my age a bit, but my lady takes care of me. And I'll continue to take care of her. Can't wait to see another 300,000 miles!

Finally caved in

2010-05-25T10:48:00.000-04:00

Summer's almost officially here, and my personal goal was to make it until June to turn on the air conditioner. Almost made it. This picture is close to where I caved-in. It was 86 degrees in the house yesterday. The air HAD to come on. The cats were panting, spread-eagle on the kitchen floor. I got the hint.

We worked outside all day yesterday. I went with Bill to help powerwash a house clean. I was the official gopher and ladder-holder. Whatever helps. Then we got some topsoil on the way home to level-up the pool area. Got all that shoveled around, sand back over it, and ready to clean it. Borrowed mom's powerwasher. It didn't want to work right - clogged. So the machine gets turned off and Bill's pulling the nozzle off the wand. When all of a sudden - POP! The nozzle goes flying off 100 feet into the bean field. We both just stood there with our mouths open, wide-eyed.

Then I busted out laughing simply because I didn't know what else to do. But then we immediately thought of how close he came to busting his eye out. So after the initial shock wore off, I had to go find the nozzle. That includes crawling under the neighbors fence to get to the bean field. Little did I know - it was electrified. Only a small zap on the tush, but still.

So I finally found the nozzle, thank goodness the beans are only 6 inches tall right now and the nozzle was bright orange. When I had to crawl back under the fence to get out, Bill was standing over me "cheering" me on...as if I was a marine. I did it though - all those military movies paid off. I knew how to do "the crawl" and avoided getting my butt zapped.

We both decided that was a sign to stop for the night. We got back at it this morning, and water is now flowing into the pool! Should be swimming by the weekend!

Bird Turf War

2010-05-19T09:26:00.001-04:00

Apparently I have bully situation in my yard. You see, there's this mockingbird...
And he has taken a real liking to my yard. So much so that he has laid claim to all the feeders. All five of them. Hummingbird feeders included. If another bird even tries to come close to them, he chases them off, comes back to perch on top of the feeder, and puffs himself out to three times his size. My biggest problem with this is that he doesn't even eat from the feeders! He's just being a bully.

The hummingbirds are too quick for him, so they can still get their food. Having two feeders, they just zip back and forth giving the mockingbird a headache from spinning in circles.

I've seen a few collisions with robins that are hunting for worms - mockingbirds like those too and apparently feel that EVERYTHING in the yard, including the worms, is his. But today teh little bully finally met his match. Enter into the ring - The Red-Breasted Woodpecker!

This beautiful gal LOVES the feeders. I have a couple of suet cake feeders, but she prefers to peck at the plaster column that has the regular feeder on it. She shares her space. She doesn't bother the doves or sparrows or finches or any other visitor. She takes up more space, but she doesn't chase off. Well, she works her way around the column to the feeder and low-and-behold who should appear? Right, resident bully. She doesn't move but continues to eat. He even attacks her while she's eating! She politely lands on the stone ground, puffs up and begins to peck at his head! Needless to say, the mockingbird took off and left her alone. She went back to eating. And other birds started showing up again.

Now, the mockingbird is still around, but I'm hoping that he learned his lesson. Just like I can learn from the red-breasted. Share and don't be afraid to stand up for myself as well as others.

Fragmented Life!

2010-05-14T07:57:00.000-04:00

} Still busy. But I have a strategic summer plan now. May is my "Motion" month, June "Momentum," and July "Maintain." I will be focusing heavily on my life coach/freelancing business in June. I'm finishing work with the auction company this month. Turns out that I have been spending over 20 hours per week BEFORE an auction on auction work. And no, it's not the kind of money to be an actual income.

} And in May there are some projects I want ot get done so I can enjoy the summer: pool, retreat area, some sewing projects, and some inside projects. Like my computer table. My office is a hodge-podge of different furniture of different colors. It works though. However, my computer table used to be an outside patio table. I had painted it with outdoor paint and stenciled butterflies and dragonflies on it - in pretty colors. But this has totally clashed with by blue & red office. So I FINALLY got it outside, sanded it down, and repainted it a chiffon color (white w/touch of yellow). Very grown-up looking now. I should add the golden lasso maybe to match the room now. Don't really NEED to grow up in every area.

} Still helping out at the greenhouse. Love it - wish I had my own small greenhouse to at least start my plants every spring as well as grow all kinds of fancy stuff! This cactus is housed at the greenhouse. Not sure which cactus it is - but these blooms are fantastic. They only last a couple of days though. So glad I got this shot.

} My own yard is a late bloomer. Always has been. But I love it. I planted a couple of poppies last year and prayed they wouldn't get weedeated. Whaddya' know - they made it! And they're gorgeous.

} Then there was a couple other yard projects - the walkway and mailbox areas. My walkway has grown into a mismash of different hosta varieties and boxwoods. And it's not symmetrical - not pretty. So I moved a bunch of it around and invested in a couple varieties of columbine. Beautiful dainty bloomed shade plant. Then moved some hostas to the mailbox area. I have 10 varieties of hostas in my yard. Each one blooms differently. Talk about God's creativity. It's in action all over the place. I'll have enough hosta growth to separate and share next year!

} And then there's the KIA room. I'll have to get pictures of the latest. Next month I want it to be even cooler. Although, having it look like Hawaii in there makes me want to get my pool open even faster.

Love these Friday Fragments! For more - go see http://www.halfpastkissintime.com/:

Garden Goddess

2010-05-12T20:37:00.000-04:00

This is Zoe, the new addition to the greenhouse family and who I've affectionately dubbed, Garden Goddess.
She just showed up at the greenhouse one day so the guys adopted her. Even took her to the vet to get "fixed" and a check-up. She's such a friendly girl, although not a huge fan of the dog, Barney, who is very jealous of any attention Zoe gets.

Zoe is a natural hunter. Before the arbor grew and started blooming out, Zoe found her way up there to lay in wait for the sparrows. She did great getting up there, not so hot getting down. She's shown her love for the greenhouse owners by bringing them dead things already. I found a mouse one day, then a mole another. When I discovered that, Steve and I hi-fived! She's a moler! That's an asset!

On the flip side is my boy...he's border-line special needs. Either that, or a pacifist. He's "caught" a mouse three times now. And each time he just plays with them and let's them go. Bugs? He'll kill and eat those. But how can you resist this face when he's looking to be loved-on?

Being all Fragmenty

2010-04-30T09:13:00.000-04:00

} What am I doing lately? More work than ever - and not reporting to an employer. Amazing, really. Plus, I've made it a point not to be on the computer all day every day. So that cuts my blogging time a lot. HOWEVER, my yard's getting in shape, my house is getting in order, and my life is changing. Will I ever get back to blogging regular? Yep! Looking forward to it actually! So be prepared....

} I've been doing some great life/success coaching lately. It's awesome to see lives tranformed right beore my eyes.

} FINALLY got to see The Blind Side. But it was AFTER I got to attend the Desire to Inspire series at Northside featuring the Tuohy's. Leanne Tuohy is amazing. She's definitely on my "Board of Directors."

} Today is a gorgeous day - lots of outside potential activity. It's also Oaks Day in this area. Almost a national holiday for Louisville. It's the locals Derby Day. But is it really all about the horses? I don't think so. The hats get just as much attention as the horses do. And there are some wild and crazy things out there! Here's just one site that has lots of Women's beautiful Derby hat options: Hats in the Belfry.

} Well, not a long list today. Just a quick fragment of life for Friday! Off to do something outside while it's not raining! Thanks for stopping by!

Love these Friday Fragments! For more - go see Mrs.4444 @ Half-Past Kissin' Time:

Yard Transformations

2010-04-13T22:32:00.000-04:00

Since the weather has been extremely cooperative these past couple of weeks, I've decided to get my butt-in-gear with getting my yard updated. The overall goal is to get everything done that needs to be done before May, then maintain the rest of the Summer. That's not too much to ask, really. But it is a lot to do.

Yesterday (Monday) Bill and I loaded up, brought home, and unloaded over 30 decorative concrete blocks I bought at auction Sunday. Then we proceeded to take down a couple of pieces that are just not lovely to make it clear for the backhoe to get in there next week. It's going to make a level spot to put the pavers back in for a sitting area. Christy's Retreat is now more than a dream.

Today (Tuesday), I spent time this morning cleaning up my walkway. I went with mulch on the left (sunny) side last year only to discover the wind velocity around my house carries off mulch. I didn't like the concept of having to re-mulch every year anyway. So rock it is. Got a ton of rock (literally) at Earth First for roughly $15! So I pulled weeds, replaced plastic to hinder the weeds, shoveled rock on-top along the way, and placed low planters in-between the liriope for wave annuals. I can't wait to get that color placed in there!

Then I went and worked at the greenhouse again. It's so much fun! And I have a new friend that loves to share! I have some new additions to put in my other areas that I'll show later. And I shared a couple of hosta plants with her. We just get all giggly with pretty plants and getting new ones to share. And it's just amazing all the colors at the greenhouse! EVERY color - blue, purples, reds, yellows, oranges, green of course, but there's so much creativity in creation. Go figure! I love that I'm made in God's Image - He's creative and so am I!

After all this, I got to go to one of my small group studies. It was a true Jesus moment in our Christian lives. Love you guys! Then came home to listen to a life coaching training call. I truly enjoyed it. Took two pages of notes. Now I've just been using all that anabolic (postive high) energy jammin' loudly to some great music. I think Dierks Bentley could sing to me any moment of any day and I could melt.

What's Dancing With The Stars?

2010-04-12T21:03:00.001-04:00

Am I the ONLY person who doesn't keep up with Dancing With The Stars? I actually had a couple extra hours this evening and decided to post something on my blog. I turn on the and notice on the guide that Dancing is on. I like the show, don't get me wrong. But I just don't keep up. I just have no interest in Kate - she looks worn out on the cover of the tabloids, so I'm guessing it's rough and there's drama. Plus, I can keep up through Rebecca's blog. :-)

I also don't keep up with American Idol or Survivor or The Amazing Race or Big Brother or any other "reality" show. Not sure why, maybe it's because I get easily annoyed. Maybe it's because I do much to keep up with a TV show regularly. Maybe I just don't like reality shows. That's makes me a minority lately. Nothing new about that!

HOWEVER. I LOVE to watch the dancing portion of "Dancing." I love the creativity, the expression, the passion that comes out. Love it. I would love to dance like that myself. (Especially if the guy would be as gorgeous as Max).

So for all of you who watch the reality shows, I'm glad you have something you enjoy. It's just not my favorite thing to keep up with. Although....now that I'm a life coach maybe I SHOULD be keeping up with them. I could get some dandy ideas of questions to be asking. Like for Kate, how different would your life look if you never had kids? (She just might not be a "reality star). Or Kate, how do you want your life to look when the kids are having kids? Or Simon, how would your life look in a year if everything you did had a positive result? Oh, wait, I already know the answer to that - money-making-marketing genius Simon will still be successful and tellin' it like it is.

SUPER START at SuperStart!

2010-03-19T23:11:00.001-04:00

I'm at my first ever SuperStart! It's a conference for 4th, 5th and 6th graders (4th & 5th grade for our group), that teaches about God in engaging entertaining ways. We have 9 kids and 7 adults - good ratio. The music is awesome, and we've been having a great time! ALL the kids are getting into it, having good conversations. I have just discovered that I'll be a pastor living in a mansion driving a Jeep Wrangler, have two kids, not married the guy I want, but hey...that's why there's mansion. Ever play the MASH game? I just did... Night all!

Dumping our cares

2010-03-17T09:23:00.000-04:00

From the Billy Graham devotional daily calendar:

I've been told that the French translation of this phrase, "Cast all your care upon Him" is "Unload your distresses upon God." Have you ever seen a dump truck get rid of its load? The driver simply pushes a button or pulls on a lever and the heavy load is discharged at the prescribed spot.... We we never meant to be crushed under the weight of care.... Unload the anxieties of the present moment upon Him, for He cares for you. If He loved you enough to take away the burden of your sins, can't you trust Him to take away every lesser burden as well?

Personal Vision Board

2010-03-15T17:35:00.000-04:00

When I went to Denver to start my life coach training, I had some friends suggest that I do a vision board for the book I'm writing. Great idea! So I took it one step further - a personal vision board. This was so much fun, and a little hard. I had to know myself to come up with so many different images. But for anyone who wants a visual of who you are - put one of these together. It's been a great creative marketing/advertising method for years. I'm going to be doing one of these for all kinds of projects now! What would your vision board look like?

When the Master plays

2010-03-14T14:32:00.000-04:00

Our pastor told an illustration today with his message that is sticking with me. It was about this master violin player that played in concert halls all across the world with his Stradivarius violin. One day he decided to do an experiment - he would play in the subway.

So he took is 1700s violin and went to play his top 4 famous songs in the Subway. The rush of people continued to pass by this violin player with his case open wide as if to beg for a dime. The children were amazed at the sounds, but pulled along by parents. No one stopped to listen. No one stopped to be amazed. No one stopped to hear the Master play the violin.

Just like Lynn's blog spot about Thunder, this is a great illustration of listening to God. I just never want to miss the opportunity to hear the Master. And I think I've been doing better with that in my life lately. So much that I just HAD to make a lasagna dinner for some wonderful people that are in the hospital with their baby girl, Emily.

I say HAD, because as some of you know, I'm on the Atkins diet - no lasagna for me. Well, I could, but I'd had to take out the lasagna. But have you ever had one of those days where you just KNEW you needed to do ______. That was Friday. I just KNEW I needed to take them a homecooked meal. And being the fantastic people they are loved it and was very appreciative. It was a total pleasure to do it for them. And I got to spend real time with them. It was awesome. And to hear all about their journey with Infantile Spasms, wow. I encourage you to check out Erica's blog. She's a great mommy with a huge heart and has this blog to share her experience and make connections with others going on similar paths.

Meet Coach Christy

2010-03-09T21:27:00.000-05:00

I am so excited! Really. Words cannot truly express my excitement about my weekend I just experienced. All I can say is that I have found my niche. I was confirmed all weekend about choosing this new life path. What is it? Life Coaching.

What is a life coach? Well, we focus on solutions. Unlike therapists, we do not dwell on the client's past nor try to analyze behavior. We believe the client already has the answers, it's out job to help them discover it. We're motivators and encouragers. We're accountability partners. We help you get to where you want to be in any and all areas of your life.

That's me.

We covered a ton of principles and processes all weekend - over 30 hours worth. There's lots more to come! By the time I finish my certification training I will have roughly 300 hours of coaching and education...a whole 'nother degree.

I'm excited to get started on some real coaching sessions and workshops. So if you're interested...keep coming back or contact me! We'll get started on getting your vision and goals to reality.

Finding Treasures In a Jumbled Mess

2010-02-28T14:50:00.000-05:00

This week I've been getting consignors ready for the huge auction yesterday. There was a building FULL of stuff to sell, and lots of great items, too. Lots of stuff. Almost too much stuff. It took a lot of effort and organizing talent to get all this stuff in some sort of understandable order. And to find those hidden treasures that are at every auction, you really had to search through all of it. Over 200 pictures, stacks and stacks of LPs (yes, records BEFORE cds), Furniture that filled half the building, and about 14 tables full of small items like dishes, toys, antique tools, salt & pepper shakers, and the list could go on for miles.

Normally, I try my hardest NOT to buy anything. But as the tables were getting cleared, the most adorable little knick-knack came into view. His little bright blue face was so uplifting I just couldn't resist getting him for my own. Isn't he cute!

When I got him home, I then had to decide his purpose. I don't keep toothpicks out in the open, and I wanted him closer to my regular view. So in the office he goes. AND, his little holder is the

perfect size for my lip gloss!

Then when I realized that I hadn't blogged in awhile (again), I just had to share him with you. Plus, finding him reminded me of how God finds my heart. Through my own jumbled mess, God searches and knows me. (He ought to, He made me in the first place). But even though my heart is full of confusion and emotion and desires and aches sometimes, God finds the center, His treasure. And when I can rest in that, I find MY Treasure. Plus, He gives me a purpose and direction. Like my little blue buddy now makes me smile while he's holding my lip gloss.

"The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful, a puzzle that no one can figure out. But I, God, search the heart and examine the mind. I get to the heart of the human. I get to the root of things. I treat them as they really are, not as they pretend to be." (Jeremiah 17:9-10 The Message)

When The World Seems Too Dark...

2010-02-23T13:52:00.000-05:00

A Different Perspective

2010-02-21T16:56:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine sent this to me in an email. I liked it so much that I wanted to post it today.

Perspective is everything.

One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to
the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.

They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be
considered a very poor family.

On their return from their trip , the father asked his son , "How was the
trip?"

"It was great Dad" said the son.

"Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked.

"Oh yeah , " said the son.

"So, tell me , what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father.

The son answered:

"I saw that we have one dog and they had four.

We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a
creek that has no end.

We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.

Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.

We have a small piece of land to live on and they
have fields that go beyond our sight.

We have servants who serve us , but they serve others.

We buy our food, but they grow theirs.

We have walls around our property to protect us , they have friends to
protect them."

The boy's father was speechless.

Then his son added, "Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are."

Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen

If we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about
What we don't have.

Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends!

"Life is too short and friends are too few."

Fragmented Week!

2010-02-19T20:23:00.000-05:00

} Why, oh why am I not blogging like I used to? I've been out of my mind lately, that's why. I'm still surprised how since I've not had a 8-5 job to report every day, I don't write for my blog near as much. But I get to do other things more! Like clean the house...and work-out!

} Speaking of working out. I've been doing an Atkins diet (low carbs) and working out steady for about six weeks now. Guess how it's going? I've lost 20 pounds so far! Thank you Turbo Jam and Chuck Norris! Between this lady & her "crew" and Chuck Norris' Total Gym my workouts are actually fun. I can't seem to do much else right now. Well, maybe some Dancing With The Stars. Hard to pass up dancing with Maksim!

} Another reason I haven't been blogging as much is because I haven't been around my computer quite as much. I'm currently in FOUR Bible studies. And the meatiest of them is The Truth Project put together by Focus on the Family. This series explains truth, and how God's truth is not our truth in this world. Explains God's design for our selves, family, the state (government), education, our founding fathers (history), etc. This is one of the best studies I've ever seen! HIGHLY recommend it.

} Something else I get to do nowadays is watch the sunrise while I'm doing my Bible reading/devotionals/studies in the mornings. So in case you missed it, this was the sunrise yesterday. Woke up just in time for this one!

Love these Friday Fragments! For more - go see Mrs.4444 @ Half-Past Kissin' Time:

Outside My Window

2010-02-11T14:29:00.000-05:00

I look out my office window and to what my wondering eyes should appear? Bright shining light and patches snow-cleared!

Although, somebody had the audacity to tell me we were going to get another snow this weekend. Bye-bye no-snow-patches.

My First KIA Sunday

2010-02-08T11:51:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was my first official Sunday helping downstairs with the elementary at GCC. If nothing else, I'm certainly going to learn how to play again.

They use curriculum, and each month is wrapped around one virtue. February's virtue is Honor. Sunday's lesson was "honor those who are overlooked." David and Goliath was the story to teach the lesson from. And it turned out awesome! We got one of our tallest men in the church to play Goliath - in full armor and weapons!

The lesson called for the leader, Bobby, split the room into halves - the Philistines and the Isrealites. Then they had to each do "war chants." then we got one of the kids on the Irealite side to volunteer to be David. As Sha was dressing David in his costume, Goliath entered complete with grand menacing sounding entry music. All the kids were fairly stunned, but "David's" response to Sha was, "O.M.G."

This went well, David shot Goliath with his slingshot & rock (a rubber ball), Goliath fell flat on his face, and celebration ensued. Bobby took "David" by surprise when he chest-bumped him - and took him off his feet in the process! Needless to say, during the knighting ceremony, "david" was knighted for his heroism and ability to survive Bobby's chest-bumping.

Once the elementary was split into their small groups, we took Goliath to see the toddlers. Their monthly lesson is David & Goliath this month! So when Goalith entered, they all took up their rubber rocks and said, "Let's get him!" Goliath didn't know what he had gotten himself into! But look at this picture...

Since the real Goalith was nine feet tall, can't you just see this as a real example of what the Isrealites look in relation to how big Goliath was. David looked like a 3-year old at the knees of an adult. Amazing!

Then there was the dress! My mom did such a great job. I got to just walk around and promote the room transformation and lesson for the month. I think I'm going to wear this every Sunday this month! How fun will that be!

Tech Princess

2010-02-03T14:10:00.000-05:00

I am now officially a part of the Children's Ministry at GCC. I will get to do a lot of the same kinds of things I do for a concert, only for the kids. It's just a lot of organizing and planning - mixed with a little creativity and cut-loose-ness.

Each month the curriculum for the kids focus on one virtue and for February it's HONOR...Letting someone know you see how valuable they really are. And the creators of the curriculum suggest a theme for the month as well. This month is a castle setting with knights. Well, how can I resist getting crazy with that!? When the kids walk into the KIA room they'll have a big surprise - it won't look like the KIA room they know! And there'll be a real-live princess welcoming them in...me!

I designed my dress, found the material, and got my mom to help me this week since I have so much other projects on my plate. But I still need to make my crown - yes, make. Although I won't be able to find something like this in my collection...

Surely I can find SOMETHING in this mess that will work just as nice.

Maybe. And maybe I should just get my jewelry junk areas cleaned up first.

So if you see a princess in a gorgeous purple and brocade dress Sunday (or any of the Sundays in February) - don't be shy. It's just little ol' me!

When Things Don't Go As Planned

2010-02-01T18:17:00.000-05:00

Do you see the keys? On the seat of the truck. While I'm on the outside looking in a locked vehicle. This totally put me behind today. If this happened to you wouldn't you get a little angry? Believe it or not, I didn't. I laughed at myself for being in such a hurry. Then I found something more productive to do while waiting for Bill to bring the extra key, I walked to the library.

The library is one of my favorite places. So much to read! Just to walk down the aisles, it's peaceful and motivating at the same time. I was proud of myself though; I only came away with one book! That's good because I am already reading about five others right now. So I got a book to help me prepare for the GMAT test (Graduate Management Assessment Test), so I can get into a Masters Program this Summer.

My day certainly did not go as planned. But I'm getting much better at the gift of self-control. I didn't get angry, I laughed and adjusted. How much better would my whole week, month, year(s) be if I could just laugh and adjust?

Psalm 100:1 (The Message): On your feet now—applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence.

Fragment Time!

2010-01-29T19:52:00.000-05:00

} Wow, where does the time go? My days are running all together now - I didn't realize it was Friday!

} My mom wants me to take my aprons and turn them into a side business. I have to admit, that "S" was a fine achievement! I'm working on a mother-daughter special design right now. Just picked up the material today. Needless to say, I don't think the fairies would snub their noses at it! AND, I have this great idea for a Batman apron...and of course, one for myself - Wonder Woman!

} So I don't work at KFC anymore, so what? I still like the food! And have your tried these new Fiery Grilled Wings? Zero Carbs, low fat - and some nice spicy-ness! So nice, that I've had them three times this week. Seriously helps to have some variety on a low-carb diet.

} And remember the baby nahavo-style blanket? Well, I think it's obvious how it went over!

Love these Friday Fragments! For more - go see Mrs.4444 @ Half-Past Kissin' Time:

Tag...You're It!

2010-01-20T13:56:00.000-05:00

I'm honored - I got tagged! So now, I get to share with you my Top 5 Memories of 2009 - and I am choosing happy ones, too! :-) So, here goes.

First up - My Last KFC Convention (little did I know it would be my last...at least for awhile ;-) ). It was fantastic because I got to do SO much for it. I produced the best video that touched everyone's heart while still providing information (and a lot of that was bad due to declining sales). Plus, it was in Washington, D.C., a place I haven't been before. So I got to visit the Smithsonian and all those wonderful historical places. We drove by Congress and I exclaimed to the driver, "Hey, I just saw Jack Bauer there on TV!" He politely agreed with me. Did you know there was a museum under the Lincoln Memorial? That was a secret my driver told me.

Second, was getting a new pastor at GCC. At first I was ambivalent simply due to the ups & downs we've had there during my 11-year tenure. But I truly believe Michael is right where God wants him to be. Plus, I've gained a new brother and sister in the deal! Now I just wish I had a picture of him in that elf costume...

Then there was the Women of Faith Conference in Indy. That's always such a fantastic experience anyway, but this year I met Mary Graham, President of Women of Faith. The speakers were speaking straight to me that weekend, and I'll never forget it. Yep, that's SCC on the stage!

In November came the 175th Anniversary Concert for GCC. That was a really big deal for a lot of people in many different ways. I've been told it was like a weight was lifted that night. Plus, all that video work! And the second half of 80s focus - the clothes and hair! Man - that was a GREAT night! I just wish I had some pictures from it, I'm stealing this one from Rebecca.

And my #5: Singing with the Family Choir at Northside Christian. This is just a picture of the stage, but imagine the floor painted white and multiple Christmas trees in various heights scattered around. The choir was in the middle and band scattered in front. I love to sing and be on stage. I had given that up for awhile, but I still love it. And it was in front of thousands of people over the course of the weekend -AND-those big screens on the side? Yep, ended up on those too. It certainly helped that I had started working out!

Now, I'm tagging!

Mrs. 4444, OctaMom, Marsha's Musings, http://www.themomjen.com/, and Denise, plus anyone else that wants to join in! Let me know so I can visit!

A re-do? Again?

2010-01-19T13:45:00.000-05:00

I think in golf a re-do is called a mulligan. Wouldn't we all like to have a mulligan in life every now-and-then? There are lots of areas that I would love to re-do: certain relationships, not sticking with college the first time around, getting rid of my first car, and so on. We talked at a women's study one night about as women we like to have control. But there's only so much we have control over. And some of those things I think I would like a re-do for, I really didn't have control over in the first place. So why waste time going backward? Keep moving forward, as a good friend reminds me.

So why am I even writing this? I want to change my blog design again. Yeah, I know. However, I think this design just doesn't reflect "me" totally. But do you know how hard it is to fit strategic business with Wonder Woman with sewing & crochet and reading and writing and music and and and...all in one design! Good grief, I'm all over the place! I've been discovering a lot about me lately, and I apparently don't fit any rules. I don't have a specific focus, I am good at a lot of different things. That can be frustrating when trying to decide on a path of life to take when there's about 100 in front of you.

All I can do is keep moving forward. So, be on the lookout for one of my steps, blog redesign! No telling WHAT you'll see before I settle on something more permanent. Thanks for visiting!

Are you an untidy child in need of cleaning and love? I am.

2010-01-12T17:19:00.000-05:00

During my down time these past few days I managed to watch a few movies. One being The Inn of Sixth Happiness with Ingrid Bergman and Curd Jürgens from 1958.

Bergman plays the role of Gladys Aylward, a real person in history. She was someone that in Britain was rejected as a missionary, but went to China anyway. She teamed with another missionary in Yang Cheng that ran an inn for traveling merchants - hot meals and stories from the Bible. Gladys adopts children, assimilates herself into the culture and basically just loves the people...and they love her. During the Second Sino-Japanese war, she led 100 children over the mountains to freedom. She became known as "Ai-weh-deh", or "Virtuous One" in real life, but in the movie is was Gen-eye (that's how it sounded). And in the movie there is of course a love interest - Colonel Yin Nan.

This movie and story was really done well and I just loved it. But there's one line that stuck with me. When Colonel Yin is talking with the magistrate of the town, and admits he's in love with Gen-eye, he shows his admiration and respect of her in his description of her relationships with others. "She sees them all as untidy, unkempt children in need of a little cleaning and loving care."

How much better would life be if we all had that view of other people? Isn't that pretty much how God as Father sees us? In need of cleaning and love. Good thing Jesus can do that.

Time to Blossom

2010-01-10T22:21:00.000-05:00

"Then the time came when the risk it took to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." ~ Anais Nin

This quote sparked me. The past few days I have been in a real funk. Blame it on change of diet, hormones, loneliness, whatever, but it's been painful and mind-numbing. I have had to literally turn off my brain just to get some rest. And before this I had been contemplating doing an intensive study on who I really am - how God created me, what He created me to be and to do. I am praying that through this kind of study I will gain some revelation from God on what path to take in my life.

I know that the will of God encompasses a lot - like an umbrella - and within that I can make my own choices about my looks, career, education, men, etc. But one thing I have learned about myself is that I don't like to waste time going in the wrong direction in life, and I've been down a few wrong paths.

I started this study tonight based on the initial breakdown of who I really am: a creation of God, and a female. Then questions stem from there, and whaddya know, some answers are found in His Word. I've got a couple of books to help guide me to the appropriate passages (The Purpose Driven Life, and Captivating). Already, I can think a little again, and I remember my word for 2010: preparation.

If you'd like to join me in this, leave me a comment or send me your email, or shoot me a message on facebook. I'll post or send thoughts your way and I'd really like to hear all your thoughts on this as well - how it applies to you.

Let me leave you with these:

"For by Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him." (Colossians 1:16)

"In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." (Job 12:10)

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10)

One Word...Preparation (and a creative tidbit!)

2010-01-06T11:38:00.000-05:00

The other day I read Natalie's blog about having one word to describe the new year. Her's is "Believe," and she has a great posting about it and how she'll be focusing on that one word all year.

I loved that post and it got me to thinking and praying about my one word. I'm in such a desert place again in my life - nothing I did intentionally, but it sure feels like the desert again. But as I was showering and reflecting on my readings of late, I thought about all the stuff you have to do in the shower and how different it would have been for Esther (Hadassah) in the Bible. She was part of the captured girls in Persia to be prepared for one night with the King so he could pick a new queen. It took a year to prepare. A whole year for one night. And I thought taking an hour to prepare a meal that takes 10 minutes to eat was bad.

And then a word came to me - Preparation. I don't know for what, but I now feel like I'm being prepared for something, for that "such a time as this" kind of moment or season just as Esther was prepared. Who knows but God? So all I can do is focus on being the daughter of the Most High King to the best of what He's created me to be. I will focus on this word this year. So when I feel like I'm in the desert place, I know that I am to be preparing, learning, resting for something special. It'll be a great surprise I'm sure!

So what would your one word be for 2010?

When "preparing" for this posting, I thought about my recent sewing projects and all that went into them to "prepare" the material for sewing, and the final projects for revealing. I'm going to get a lot of mileage out of my word this year! For the secret to this picture, visit my Creative Side blog to see my first few sewing projects. And I'm sure Rebecca will be posting about it soon, too!

"Fearless" Book Review

2010-01-04T22:59:00.000-05:00

“Fear may fill our world, but it doesn’t have to fill our hearts. It will always knock on the door. Just don’t invite it in for dinner, and for heaven’s sake don’t offer it a bed for the night. Let’s embolden our hearts with a select number of Jesus’ do not fear statements. The promise of Christ and the contention of this book are simple: we can fear less tomorrow than we do today.” These are some of the most comforting words that Max Lucado starts with in the first chapter of his latest book, “Fearless,” that pretty much summarizes the whole message. Max gives incredible insight into some of the situations that we fear most, everything from not mattering in this world and disappointing God, to not being able to protect our kids and those final moments of life.

At each turn of the page this book set my heart on fire and led me to the words that give peace eternal. It seemed as if he was talking to me specifically with some of the concerns and the illustrations he gave I completely related to. Personally, I think this is Max Lucado’s best book yet. And I was even more excited to discover the discussion guide in the back! Now my small group can cover these topics and be blessed by the truth and insight found in Lucado’s words. Thanks, Max!

For more information on Fearless, and to peruse through sample chapters, visit Thomas Nelson Publishers' Fearless Resource Link.

Fragment time!

2010-01-01T11:52:00.000-05:00

} I love these Friday Fragment sessions cause today that's about all I can do is fragment a thought or two out there.

} I FINALLY got the navaho baby blanket done (if you click the pic it'll get bigger)! This thing was tricky - you had to follow the insructions to the letter and count a lot. For crochet, I'm used to getting a "pattern groove," get the first bit of stitches down and you can just repeat and hardly ever look down. Not to mention my great-grandma taught me you always have to adjust a pattern to get it just right. No wonder I never saw her make on of these! But Grandpa of the Baby Cherokee Princess is going love this! The colors, although seemingly strange for a baby blanket (with black), is their family's tribal colors.

} Spent New Year's Eve with my BFFs watching movies, eating lasagna-spinach dip-frozen turtle pie, and playing Wii! It was my first time playing the Wii. I'm officially hooked! I knocked out a few other players in boxing with the help of my Turbo Jam training, won a match in tennis, busted a bunch of beach balls on my segway, and led a parade around the fountain (leave it to me the drum major to find the marching segment on the Wii Fit!). And I got to thinking about the different foods that are traditional meals for New Years. I've always heard to eat greens and black-eyed-peas for luck. Anybody do anything traditional meal-wise? I found a cool article on Epicurious if you want read more about it.

} I've already slept-in with a headache this morning. But maybe, just maybe if I get up and try to get motivated the feeling to go back to a warm cozy bed would be conquered.

HAPPY 2010 Everyone!

May the Lord bless you and keep y ou. May the Lord show you his kindness and have mercy on you. May the Lord watch over you and give you peace.

Love these Friday Fragments! For more - go see Mrs.4444 @ Half-Past Kissin' Time:

My New Favorites!

2009-12-31T12:42:00.001-05:00

As you've read here before, I've started to work out which is great for me to be doing. At the same time, I've cut back on volume of food. I refuse to deprive myself - my mind would sabotage my body if I cut out chocolate completely. Or pizza! Now in the next phase of all this, I am trying my best to make the healthier choices; just like I make adjustments to cardio workouts to make it low impact so I still have knees, I am making those minor changes to be healthy. And I just have to share my newest fabulous find! THIN BUNS (which is what I'm shooting for myself in the process!)

Now, some of you know my appreciation of pizza. I can eat pizzas of all kinds each meal of the day- they're just so easy to do. I have a few gourmet recipes of my own: Buffalo Chicken, BBQ Pineapple Chicken, Alfredo, along with the basic Supreme and Pepperoni. I'll even doctor-up a half of a Totinos for a meal. So when I found these thin buns I wondered...could it be done well for mini pizzas? I just HAD to try.

They were delicious! A little ground turkey spiced with italian spices, pepperoni, onions and cheese made these delectable. Two were plenty for me for a meal, add a salad and I was good to go! I can't wait to try a breakfast version :-).

Another Trip To The Unemployment Office

2009-12-30T15:47:00.001-05:00

I left at 5:30 this morning to head to the unemployment office for my review so I can continue to receive checks. It's standard procedure, required every six weeks so you just get prepared. You know when you go to stand in line with a hundred or so other people, especially at 6:30 a.m. (takes me an hour drive to get there), not everyone is going to care how they look.

Aside from the sad plight many are in as they lose their jobs, there's just something about the unemployment office atmosphere that apparently brings out the worst in too many people. The basics they should have learned in kindergarten no longer apply: form a line, don't cut in line, be nice, follow the rules, read the directions, etc. This morning's adventure brought a few smiles and plenty of head shakes for me. I didn't get any pictures unfortunately, so let me see if I can describe it.

Picture it. It's roughly 23 degrees and potential for rain, so slightly windy this morning at 5:30 as I leave the house, and colder in line with wind picking up a little extra bite from the Ohio River's vicinity. As I pull in at 6:45a there are at least 70 people in line ready for the doors to open at 7:30. Add it up, that's 45 minutes to wait outside. In the dark. In the cold. I always bring a book, and this morning I added marking-time in spot to keep the blood moving. A few people in front of me huddled to discuss favorite bar hangouts and ball games. The guy that got in line behind me with his breakfast complained that it was too cold, he should have just left like he did yesterday (WHY would you do that?). The lady behind him railed the government for screwing up her paperwork and she wasn't leaving today until she got everything that was owed to her. Hmmm...good luck with that.

The really nice people inside the office decided to at least open the lobby 15 minutes early to let us poor popsicles inside to thaw out. I thanked him a bunch. Then Sam, the security guy, goes through his regular speeches of in-line ettiquette and what to have in your hand ready to go. This is where the people-watching becomes prime! I look about 10 people ahead of me and the lady in front of me notices at the same time and remarks, "Why in the world would someone wear FLIP-FLOPS on a day like today?" Yes, flip-flops. Then as I look around I notice it - all the stereotypes: someone in pajama bottoms, ahh - there's the hair curlers sticking out from under a bandana'd head, oh lovely - the "wife-beater" under the unzipped-hood-up hoodie, wow would you look at that - the guy who's two sizes too big for his dirty shirt eating something that just adds to the stains, and let's not forget the one too close to me who "forgot" to take a shower. Oh, and the flip-flop girl, she's with her boyfriend and they have no problem showing their affection at the unemployment office at 7:15 in the morning. Yep, it's all here.

And side-by-side with all that are the ones you don't think about being unemployed: office workers, nurses, teachers, managers, business professionals, etc. Not that those aforementioned lovelies aren't of the more white-collar bunch, but when you see someone carrying a briefcase standing next to the shirt-too-small guy...it's a clearer indication of previous profession.

So I get my paperwork, fill it out (has to be filled-out before I can sign-in), sign-in to get called back and wait my turn. The beautiful lady calls a bunch back at once and we file into a conference room to await further instructions. She starts her regular routine and I notice right away she's all set for the mass of people for the day. "Put this form on top, make sure you have printed your name on it, if I don't have your name I can't enter your information." Three people reach for pencils to write their name. She continues on, and a few more have to reach for pencils to fill something in that they didn't "understand" to begin with. I just giggled to myself. Obviously it was just too early in the morning. She repeats, "make sure," a few more times and then we get to leave, handing her our papers as we walk out. The too-small-shirt guy was in front of me. When he handed her his papers, the wrong paper was on top. She was very dramatic in placing the correct paper on top before she allowed him to walk away from her. I just smiled and said Happy New Year! handed her my papers (with the correct one on top) and ran for it!

After the excitement of the unemployment office I needed a break, Hobby Lobby here I come! After that, Hanock Fabrics and off to find a couple small traditional gifts for friends (always 50% off AFTER Christmas which is also our tradition). And I can't wait to post some of the stuff I've been making with my sewing machine! I have an apron calling for me right now!

Time for Everything

2009-12-28T10:05:00.000-05:00

I have been known for many things, not the least of which has always been how busy I can be. Personally, I always thought I've been lazy because I can not get as much done as I would like. Nor have I climbed any sort of ladder of success that this world seems necessary to throw in my face daily. However, I'm still busy even though I am not currently checking into a 8-5-job.

A few weeks ago I sat myself down and did a serious evaluation of how I spend my time, and how I want to use it. Because it never ceases to amaze me that we are all given the same amount of minutes in a day, yet we all spend them differently. I am not Martha, Rachel or Oprah. I am not Peyton, Jr., or Tebo. I am not "the Don," "Mr. President," or even "Madam Secretary." I am not Angelina, Jennifer, or Miley. Yet, the media masses have put these people up as the poster-children of successful living. They seem to have "everything going for them." But I don't walk in their shoes...I have a hard enough time walking in my own. And honestly, in the end, we are all responsible for ourselves living on the time God gave us. So, back to my time management.

I discovered long ago that when I plan to do a project I will estimate a set amount of time that I think it will take for me to do. It took me longer than I care to admit to allow for interruptions. Even getting a drink refill, going to the bathroom, answering that phone call/email/text, or trying to the printer or internet to work takes up precious moments. You just never realize how long the necessaries take up in a day. And with me being such an organizing freak, I would get frustrated that my project would take hours longer than I anticipated (sometimes days). So armed with that knowledge and the desire to do more productive and meaningful things with my life, I set out to get a better grip on what God gave me to manage.

I want structure, but I need to have enough for flexibility. So how to do that? I broke my time into categories:

God time (He comes first)
People time (family, friends, group studies, etc....face-time)
Work for others
Workouts for me
Personal time: writing, projects, reading, music practice, etc.
House chores
Food prep/eat (takes more time than you consider)
Business planning

Of course, each category has a color! I try to touch on the main areas each day leaving some "white-space" for flexibility in case something goes haywire. This has been phase 1. Phase 2 will include getting some of those pro-bono projects off my calendar. Phase 3 will include making and meeting some goals. Each phase is smothered in prayer, because I certainly don't want to waste the time I'm given on things of no use. This all may seem fanatical to some of you; however, I am determined to work with God to make my life worthwhile. And He enjoys when I feel a sense of accomplishment and well-being. Time management goes a long way towards that.

Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

For more thoughts on schedules, visit At The Well.

Legend of the Candy Cane

2009-12-22T22:03:00.000-05:00

I'm sure many of you have seen this before, but I found it and thought I would reprint it here...

Many years ago, a candymaker wanted to make a candy at Christmas time that would serve as a witness to his Christian faith. He wanted to incorporate several symbols for the birth, ministry and death of Jesus.

He began with a stick of pure white hard candy; white to symbolize the Virgin Birth and the sinless nature of Jesus; hard to symbolize the solid rock, the foundation of the Church; firmness to represent the promise of God.

The candymaker made the candy in the form of a "J" to represent the name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Savior. He thought it could also represent the staff of the Good Shepherd, with which he reached down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who, like all sheep, have gone astray.

Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candymaker stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received, by which we are healed. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.

Unfortunately, the candy became known as a candy cane — a meaningless decoration seen at Christmas time. But the true meaning is still there for those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.

Meaning of Mistletoe

2009-12-22T10:23:00.000-05:00

I had a wonderful girl-day yesterday with a couple friends of mine. Fabulous lunch, movies, "shopping" and a nice treat at Olive Garden to finish off the night. As we were wrapping up to leave the restaurant I overhead the conversation behind me. It was kind of hard to miss because she was so excited reliving a moment to her friends - she just got engaged! He took her to Proof (nice fancy restuarant), and when they came out of the restaurant he had the white horse and buggy there ready to ride around the lit-up town. And as the buggy rounded the Christmas Tree "square," he bent on one knee and proposed - in the buggy with the Christmas tree and millions of other beautiful lights shining around them. It truly was a romantic moment, and even I was transported for the reliving of it.

So on my way home I put on my "Love Me" playlist...full of love songs. I hadn't played that in AWHILE! I usually just get really cynical, but this night I was full of hope for what being in love can be like. I hadn't had that feeling for a long time, and last night I think I was just in love with the idea of being in love. How can you not with songs like "A Kiss To Build A Dream On" sung by Louis Armstrong. I included it here for your enjoyment while you read on about the history of mistletoe, and I wish all kinds of warm fuzzy feelings for everybody during this holiday season! Yes, even in the midst of whatever drama may be going on, I encourage you to find those moments that warm your heart. Kisses y'all!

Kissing under the mistletoe (found from this site):
Kissing under the mistletoe is first found associated with the Greek festival of Saturnalia and later with primitive marriage rites. They probably originated from two beliefs. One belief was that it has power to bestow fertility. It was also believed that the dung from which the mistletoe would also possess "life-giving" power. In Scandinavia, mistletoe was considered a plant of peace, under which enemies could declare a truce or warring spouses kiss and make-up. Later, the eighteenth-century English credited with a certain magical appeal called a kissing ball. At Christmas time a young lady standing under a ball of mistletoe, brightly trimmed with evergreens, ribbons, and ornaments, cannot refuse to be kissed. Such a kiss could mean deep romance or lasting friendship and goodwill. If the girl remained unkissed, she cannot expect not to marry the following year. In some parts of England the Christmas mistletoe is burned on the twelfth night lest all the boys and girls who have kissed under it never marry. Whether we believe it or not, it always makes for fun and frolic at Christmas celebrations. Even if the pagan significance has been long forgotten, the custom of exchanging a kiss under the mistletoe can still be found in many European countries as well as in Canada. Thus if a couple in love exchanges a kiss under the mistletoe, it is interpreted as a promise to marry, as well as a prediction of happiness and long life. In France, the custom linked to mistletoe was reserved for New Year's Day: "Au gui l'An neuf" (Mistletoe for the New Year). Today, kisses can be exchanged under the mistletoe any time during the holiday season.

Friday Fragments!

2009-12-18T09:34:00.001-05:00

} Last night we got a real treat...Chef Jerome! Oh man, our youth pastor is a culinary school graduate (he refuses to be called a chef), and he "whipped-up" a fantastic meal and dessert! HOMEMADE pasta. The freshly cut pasta was still drying on a string ran through their kitchen when we got there. I thought I had arrived in Italy. HOMEMADE Alfredo...yum, simply yum, with blackened grilled chicken. Delicious! Not to mention the special roasted red-pepper bread spread for the garlic bread. And salad, had to be good somewhere because the dessert - bananas flambe - just took up all the calories I had burned during my workout. The picture here (which is just one I found somewhere), doesn't do the live experience justice. As it's on fire, he adds cinnamon that makes sparks fly literally. It's just amazing and scrumptuous! I was honored to be treated to such a fine dining experience!

} I've made it a point to get more disciplined with my time these past couple of weeks. For anyone who knows me (and you'll see now), I'm a planner. I think I have finally devised a way to be structured with my time, but allow for interruptions/changes to flow. It may not look like it from the image here, but I really can go with the flow. The only thing that is non-negotiable, it that 7:00A time-slot...that's my morning meeting with God (or at least the first hour I get out of bed!).

} Christmas is upon us...already! I have not sent out the first Christmas card yet! And gift-giving will be at a minimum this year since I haven't had any sort of steady income. Only my mom gets the fancy gift, everyone else may get homemade goodies. I have to have some sort of excuse to eat sweets while working out every day!

} I did, however, get myself something for Christmas - a sewing machine. Nothing fancy, just has the basics, but it's a great start to mending stuff and getting creative. I already have a project getting started this weekend! Bill took one look at it and said I should change the name from 'brother' to Mystery Machine. Hmmm...maybe I should paint it green to match the flowers.

Love these Friday Fragments! For more - go see Mrs.4444 @ Half-Past Kissin' Time:

Life is...one big comedy show

2009-12-15T11:00:00.000-05:00

There will be a lot of things I will forget about my former boss, but his taglines will remain embedded in my memory forever. There's one that is so appropriate for this post, "I can't make 'em up, I just report 'em." This is something I just can't make up!

This past Saturday we had an auction for the New Albany Police Department - their regular impound auto auction. Over the years these auctions have become quite a success - events to look forward to - and Saturday was no exception, over $70,000 in sales! It sure helped to have a few garbage trucks in the mix. Yes, I said garbage trucks. Sometimes we auction-off the city's old equipment, and those items can make for entertaining banter. But this particular auction was special indeed.

For every NAPD auction there will be some personal property (stolen or left-behind) that gets sold. Just imagine the delight of the 100+ men in attendance when the backpack full of women's scanty-panties and see-through attire came up for bid. I flashed-back in time to another NAPD auction where a car brought an extra couple hundred dollars simply for the panties hanging from the rearview mirror. I was quickly brought back to the present when the next item for bid was the condem machine! Yes, I said condem machine. Oh, they could barely get through the bidding for all the laughing.

The time to sell the cars came next. Now, when there's men and cars - women barely exist. And during an auction, I'm the most important woman out there (aside from our cashier who takes the money!). It gets hard to squeeze my way through all the people to get to the next vehicle to take bids and write the tickets. I try to be polite, "excuse me, pardon me, excuse me..." But Saturday was classic. I'm not sure if he was trying to be funny, engage in conversation with me, or hit on me, but one guy (in his late 50s/early 60s) replied to my 'excuse me' with, "Why, did ya fart?" I had no time to stop "the look" I gave him.

If you did not laugh at any point through this post, we need to talk. If I add my hand and face motions to it, you get the full effect. This will be one of those moments I save for a speaking engagement somewhere. Or write a script for a show. Or just a book, even. Oh, the stories I could tell...

What Christmas Is All About

2009-12-14T18:59:00.000-05:00

Last night was the Christmas program at Greenville church. For a smaller church, there is an enormous amount of talent there. The kids did a program before the bigger "kids" ensemble (which sounded like angels!). For this program there were a lot of lines to memorize and a bunch of fantastic new songs all with some funky choreography. These little kids (1st-5th grades) were awesome. The proud faces on all the parents and grandparents and flashes from cameras really made it fun. And my biggest warm-and-fuzzy moment came when the kids did a song that included a recitative (talking during the music) of the same section in Luke that Linus does during the Charlie Brown Christmas Special. I've included a media clip for your enjoyment.

And for the big kids ensemble...you guys were amazing! And I missed out big-time not being a part of it.

Friday Fragments!

2009-12-11T10:24:00.000-05:00

} All I can say is that it takes so little to amuse and annoy pets. A brown paper bag, some pipe cleaners and clear tape dispenser rolls are the bulk of the toys. They have a toy box, most of their toys end up under the stove or refrigerator, and so far the tree is still in-tact. How’s that possible? I put jingle bells on the tree as an alarm system for “mom” to come running and they know their day is going to turn bad quick if that happens. But my boy has this aversion for my new slip-ons. The leopard print must freak him out.

} I found out unofficially from a physical therapist friend of mine that I probably have plantar fasciitis in my feet. They’ve hurt off-and-on over the years, and I’ve just chalked it up to dress shoes too many days in a row. But that last warm gorgeous day we had a couple weeks ago I walked around the lake and I could barely make it back to the truck. I couldn’t step on them the next morning at all without screaming. And when your feet kill you your work-outs are limited. So my mom let me borrow her Total Gym. Now I’m back up to doing some Turbo Jam and Total Gym, and if I can make it, some time on the treadmill. I have discovered those long-lost muscles! I just HAVE to keep going with this! I have this dress I am very determined to get into soon.

} Which leads me to the downfall of any weight loss regiment…dessert. We had Mike & Amy over this week to wish them well on their Guatemala mission trip (they leave tomorrow!). Well, I like to try to be a good hostess and asked Amy what her favorite dessert was…pie & ice cream. So I found this easy & delicious recipe for Apple pie. But I don’t have a round pie pan, so I finagled the square 9in. I made a few adjustments to the recipe – you know, a little extra here, little dash of cinnamon for the crusts, and added a caramel icing glaze. And yes, I used fresh apples. So completely homemade. With a little vanilla ice cream (not homemade) on the side. It was delicious beyond words. But I only had one piece! I gave the rest away. I’m proud of me. Missing the pie, but proud.

} I am finally getting around to getting my office totally purged. With two of us using it space is at a minimum. One of my most procrastinated projects has been to get all my shredding done from purged files and receipts for the past “x” years. A total of three hours and four bags later I was caught up! Now for that stack of filing that’s been piling up for months.

} Because of other commitments on Wednesday evenings I wasn’t able to participate with Greenville church’s ensemble for the Christmas program. However, I am getting the opportunity to be a part of Northside’s Family Choir for a weekend of services. We had one practice so far, Titus is the leader. And he rocks! He has a way of getting us to “feel it.” One of our songs is “O Happy Day.” We’ll be sounding like Sister Act in no time! Totally different atmosphere from singing with a choir for The Messiah.

Love these Friday Fragments! For more - go see Mrs.4444 @ Half-Past Kissin' Time:

Valley of Dry Bones

2009-12-10T07:44:00.000-05:00

I've been going through a writing dry spell lately. I want to write, need to write, but have a hard time just starting it. I also have too much going on in my head to focus enough to write clear. So I am gathering tidbits already for a Friday Fragment. Maybe I can purge and refresh at that point. In the meantime...

My morning Bible time is currently spent in a chronological Bible. I love it. Reading the prophets' messages from the Lord then having it matched up with the events from Kings and Chronicles makes sense and the whole story comes together seamlessly. Well, this morning I got to read again one of my favorite prophet passages in Ezekiel 37...the valley of dry bones.

Remember "The Mummy movies" (with that adorable Brandon Frasier that certainly has permission to rescue me any day from impending doom...but I digress)? Throughout the whole movie, the mummy regenerates. The bones come together, then the muscles and ligaments, some skin, and it finishes up as a whole evil person that is bent on taking over the world. Well, in Ezekiel (during the exile period of Isreal's history), the Lord takes Ezekiel to this valley filled with nothing but very dry bones and asks him, "Son of man, can these bones live?" Now, if God asked me a question like that, I would try my best to not be disrespectful in my tone, but reply, "are you kidding me?" Ezekiel's answer, "O Sovereign Lord, you alone know." What a wise answer!

From there the Lord tells Ezekiel to prophesy to the bones, "Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! (notice the exclamation point) This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know I am the Lord."

So Ezekiel prophesies as he was commanded. And in his own words: "as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them."

Imagine that sight! Reliving those Mummy movie clips yet?

Then the Lord said to Ezekiel, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, "'This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.'" So Ezekiel prophesied as he was commanded, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet - a vast army. Can you picture the impact of the wind from all four directions on those empty shells of bodies? There's no magical dust like in Beauty and the Beast when the Beast is turned back into the prince, but there is still that impact of life anew!

This is one of my favorite passages to read, for one because it's just beyond cool, and two, because it's proof for me that even if I perceive something to be dead and dried up (like my dreams in life), God can bring them back to life.

Grace & peace, y'all!

Friday Fragments

2009-11-27T10:29:00.000-05:00

} Thanksgiving day has come and gone - not much excitement this year since the family has gotten into an attitude of "Well, if she doesn't call me then I'm not calling her." So that left three of us to eat Thanksgiving day lunch together. It was nice, but a sad scene truth-be-told.

} The temperature DROPPED yesterday. It's getting into that season where it can look beautiful out, you get all excited to spend some time in it only to have your hopes dashed when you step out and get frost-bite. Time to adjust mentally to ice and snow temps! No walking around the lake for me.

} Took my truck to get looked at this week. He's leaking. Lots. But to his defense, he's got over 280,000 miles on him. It's the power steering pump, O2 sensor, and PCV valve. Basically $700 worth. The service people were almost beaming with pride, "Christy, this truck has been awesome for you! How many more miles do you think he can handle?" I think we're setting some records around there. And as long as the body holds up - he could have a future in truck pulls! (It's a real popular body style to get pimped-out for the truck pulls - he'd be in redneck heaven).

} I have now done something I can say I did at least once in my lief - I joined all the crazy people at 4 AM on Black Friday this morning. My mom wanted a camera and I wanted a sewing machine - so with my circulars in hand, off I went to Kohl's as my first destination. Unbelieveable is all I can say. I thought waiting in the unemployment line was long and arduous - it has nothing on the line I saw at 3:45 a.m.!!!! Not my thing really, so I passed on Kohl's. Then I just went all-out and went to Wal-Mart. KNOWING how crazy people are there. But one store didn't have any sewing machines and with the way they had "lines" set-up I couldn't figure out how to get back to even see the cameras. So I got my few grocery items and went on. I'm hungry at this point - try finding a McDonalds actually open at 4:30 a.m.! I managed to get to another Wal-Mart to get a camera for mom at a really reasonable price, but alas, sewing machines were already gone. Next year, I might get up early just to shop online and go right back to bed. But for now - I need a nap before the rest of the day happens!

Love these Friday Fragments! For more - go see Mrs.4444 @ Half-Past Kissin' Time:

Who Needs Romance?

2009-11-23T08:40:00.000-05:00

We ALL need romance. But I think where things go wrong sometimes is that we look for that romance in the wrong places. I can remember from Waaaayy back being a 'romantic' at heart. You know, the knight in shining armor, holding out for a hero, and all that. Remember the movie, "Pretty Woman?" The ending where he realizes he LOVES her and comes for her? What girl didn't cry and want that to happen to her? But as I've grown up and gained life experience, I've discovered that stuff like that generally only happens in the movies or paperback (I've heard stories, but none of my own). And they always leave off what happens AFTER the rescue and roses.

As I was preparing this post this morning, the song "At Seventeen" by Janis Ian came on and these words stuck with me:

"To those of us who knew the pain
Of valentines that never came
And those whose names were never called
When choosing sides for basketball
It was long ago and far away
the world was younger than today
when dreams were all they gave for free
to ugly duckling girls like me... "

I am the ugly duckling...most days. And this my biggest vulnerable area.

Face it. We have been fed a line of crap from Hollywood about romance. Our perception of it has been tainted. We've been trained to view romance as actual love - and you deserve it if your beautiful, but if not you can be the quirky sidekick. And when we don't receive romance we equate it to not being loved. We place too much romantic expectation on someone else and when they fall short it breaks our hearts. We all need true love first, and romance is a natural by-product from that love that fuels the flame in a relationship.

I'm sure 99% of you are familiar with John 3:16, "For God so LOVED the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall have everlasting life..." God loves us, no doubt about that. But does he romance us?

(Adapted from "Captivating.") God's version of flowers and chocolates and candlelight dinners comes in the form of sunsets and falling stars, moonlight on lakes and cricket symphonies; warm wind, swaying trees, lush gardens and fierce devotion. This romancing is immensely personal-as if scripted for your heart alone. We have missed many of his notes simple because we shut our hearts down in order to endure the pain of life. Open your heart again to hear His whispers and receive His kisses. "...He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

Have you ever noticed God's romancing of you? Have you ever stopped to truly smell the roses, or watch a sunset (or sunrise)? Ever watched puppies at play or butterflies floating in mid-air? Ever seen a spider's web glistening with morning dew or smelled the freshness of a crisp Autumn morning? What about your favorite song? Did it touch your heart this morning? Have you let the sun warm you outside-in? Or what about the ripples of water the geese make in a lake. God just gave you moments of romance. Take a moment to thank and praise Him for it and rejoice that the Creator of the universe knows how to love you like you want to be loved.

Friday Fragments

2009-11-20T11:35:00.000-05:00

} I worked out yesterday - for reals. The Turbo Jam lady told me I would be feeling it today, she was right. I was doing real good last week, I would walk the mile+ around the lake then come home and do 20 minute Turbo Jam workout. I actually love it. Then I just didn't do it for a few days - got lazy, busy, whatever. But yesterday jumped back on the wagon. Man, it was kicking my butt! But I did choose the more intense workout that time.

} I love my cats, don't get me wrong. But they are puke factories some days. I've researched and talked with other cat owners and the consensus is that when I cat does that, they're eating too fast. Kinda like a kid who stuffs himself with candy and food then gets on the wildest roller coaster he can find, then upchucks half-way through. I've tried various tricks: tennis ball in the food bowl - Maestro just grabs them, moves them out of the way, then starts playing with the ball, goes back to eat too much food, then throws up on the ball; giving them only a spoonful of food at a time - then they just gobble it up apparently thinking it will be their last meal ever then throw it back up; give them so much food it would take days to eat it all - they assume it's a feast, eat too much...you know the rest. So I've looked at auto-feeders. BUT - I have two cats - they can share a split bowl, but not the "same" bowl. Siblings, go figure. So I got creative! I took a Parmesan cheese container - with the flip-top lid - and wired it to their bowl so it will feed into both sides of their bowls in a smaller amount than a store-bought feeder. It took the boy less than 5 seconds to figure out if he moved the food from the feeder more would appear! Guys. This is just day 1 - so hopefully this will work!

} I'm singing in choir again! For the past four years I have been joining with a couple friends from church in a choral group to sing Handel's Messiah. I love it! I sing alto in this one because the notes that the sopranos have to hit would shatter glass! But every time we get to the Hallelujah Chorus it's as if the angels themselves are joining in.

} Has anyone seen this show, Tabatha's Salon Takeover? Oh my, what a lady! She hardly ever smiles, but she knows her stuff and doesn't take crap off anyone. She'll come into a flailing salon - take it over for a week - and get it back to flourishing. She takes charge of every part of it: business management, employees, customer service, marketing, and finally design on studio itself - it gets a makeover. It's kind of like Super Nanny and Extreme Home Makeover rolled into one for beauty salons. Oh, the drama! I think I just had it on while getting ready to leave for somewhere, but I think I'd like to see one all the way through!

} Been getting a lot of good out of getting up early and starting my day in the Bible. I ask God to join me in it, to show me something new, and He never fails to be there and teach me. I highly encourage everyone else to do the same.

} I've been staying pretty busy since I lost my day job back in July. I've gained a new marketing client and doing all kinds of other things. I heard a segment on the radio this morning about being purposeful - that life is permeated with purpose (Ephesians 2:10). Which fills me with encouragement. I may be busy - but I know in these things I do it's filled with God's work, and He will provide what I need in the process of doing His work.

Love these Friday Fragments! For more - go see Mrs.4444 @ Half-Past Kissin' Time:

Yummies!

2009-11-18T22:13:00.001-05:00

Last night was one of my home Bible study groups - and I made dessert. I've decided making desserts is one of my cooking specialties - pizza's the other (I have a few FABulous gourmet pizzas that I SO enjoy).

These little button beauties pictured here were a hit, and has quickly risen to the one of my top slots on sugar highs. And it's so easy to make! I made these with a different flavor and added strawberries for the women's study one night. These are pinneapple-cheesecake-sugar cookies with blueberries on top. Yum!

And it's not cheesecake like you would think cheesecake. It's cheesecake flavored Jello pudding mix with crushed pinneapple and Cool Whip. LOW FAT!!!! The sugar cookies - not so much, but you can just eat the "icing" alone or on graham crakers even. But for this batch I found this fantastic recipe for sugar cookies on All Recipes.com so I made my own. And now I have extra cookies - the "icing" batch wasn't enough for all the cookies!

So, what to do to remedy this situation? I found a great caramel icing recipe and made my own caramel icing to go on top the rest of the cookies (if we want icing). But I've discovered this caramel icing would be delicious on top of an apple pie - with ice cream and caramel drizzle of course.

My belly already hurts from even thinking about all this sugar!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Angel Lush" Icing

1 package of instant Jello Pudding (flavor of your choice, I've used vanilla, banana and cheesecake so far and they're all very good)
1 can crushed pinneapple - drained
1/2 small bowl of Cool Whip

~ Drain the can of pinneapple
~ Mix pudding mix and pinneapple together
~ Mix in cool whip until all blended together - refrigerate until ready to use.

I haven't tried to freeze it yet, but it should be freezable with the Cool Whip - make frozen "lush" cookies.

I've pulled out the Imperial Cookbook from 1892 - can't wait to try some of these antique treasures! Like homemade perfume and homemade sorbet, and even soap (had to include that one for Lynn!).

Enjoy!

Life is...one big to-do list

2009-11-17T07:04:00.000-05:00

Again, it's been awhile since I've last posted. There's just been so much going on!

The 175th (+1) celebration concert at church consumed me for about three weeks. But it was a success! I just hate that I didn't get any pictures, but there is video! As soon as I get a chance to work on that, I'll share some bits here.

The church youth's Amazing Race before that. That took some organizing time, but well worth it. The kids had a blast and the stories we got to hear at the end!

Auctions and all that entails.

Odd-jobs, and trying to drum-up business as well as cheering Bill on for a career-change.

Friends' and family drama.

Church goings-on.

Pro-bono wedding video and pictures to still be done.

Crocheting a baby blanket plus three other projects.

Reading about 5 books - combination of business and Christian, plus one biography on Eleanor of Aquitaine (ancient royal history).

Housecleaning - lots of purging going on with closets.

Bible study groups - I'm a part of one mixed group, one women's group, and I think we're going to another mixed group this week.

Personal God-time. I've made the change to starting my day with God. I sit at my kitchen table with all the windows around me and just ask God to teach me something new in His word, and He does! I get to watch the sun come up and just start the day right and that sticks with me for a long time through the day.

Support group night - can't really count it as Bible study, but it still amazes me how real people can be in there versus in church.

Got to have my facebook game-time.

Then there's eating, although I can play games on the computer while I eat, or read.

And finally - sleeping! During those weeks of working on the concert I didn't get much sleep, maybe 4 or 5 hours a night. I can proudly say I am making up for it now!

And through all that - which is nothing compared to anyone who has children - I am trying to be intentional with ministry. Basically, ministering to anyone who has a need, and that could be you. Bill and I have been given opportunities to just be servants wherever God places us, and that it simply awesome. Have you ever been in a place where you just feel blessings and "enlarging of territory" coming your way?

I'll be writing more soon enough. Thanks for visiting!

Grace & Peace to y'all!

No Exceptions

2009-10-20T09:38:00.001-04:00

I was waiting to get the gray taken out of my hair when I looked over at the magazine rack and saw this intriguing little book - The exception to the Ten Commandments. I was curious to see what someone thought would be an exception to the Ten Commandments and this is what I saw...

I laughed out loud!

God is Great, (Root) Beer is good, and People are Crazy...

2009-10-18T18:11:00.000-04:00

That's how the lyrics go to the country song anyway. And you know what - it's true! I've seen it for myself today - all day long it seems like. The people who run stop signs to get in front of you (and you're the ONLY car coming), that's bad enough on the way to a church service. We went to church this morning already rebuking Satan for trying to get on our nerves.

Then at Tom's football game there was a domestic dispute going on behind us between a mom and the stepmom. Needless to say there were plenty of expletives being thrown around. The school-teacher-mom-of-a-Steeler in front of me turned on a dime and started yelling at the two of them to take that trash language off our field. Did they listen? Nope. They continued on for another few minutes till the husband finally got involved to take the stepmom home I guess.

The bummer of the day is that the Steelers lost their game to the Bears. BUT....I know see why parents can get so wrapped-up in these games. Those little guys look so professional at this point in the season. They've learned the form, rules, strategies, and teamwork - they look like they know what they're doing! And it gets exciting. They all did so well! There's always next year.

So then Bill and I go get the elements for him to make us some chili and head home. I still needed to go to my mom's to get good drinking water (I have the hardest water in the whole area so I don't drink the tap). On the way to mom's I pull up to this crazy sight: this mostly naked guy (had on his undies) in the middle of the road, his clothes scattered all over the road, yelling at the four fully clothed guys in the yard. He had a bloody nose and was completely oblivious to the truck coming at him (that'd be me). I pull up and roll down my window, one of the clothed guys comes over and I ask if it's okay to go around him and he asks me to call the police because the guy (no clothes, bloody nose, in the road), is threatening their lives. O...k....

After I refuse the naked guy's request for a "lift," I proceed to mom's and call the sheriff's office. I said, "I live 'out here' and there's this guy...," "And he's naked?" "I take it I'm not the first to call!" We laughed a bit and she assured me help was on the way. Crazy - and sad at the same time.

And do you see these pictures? This is my big ol' maple tree. It's an over-achiever this year!

Six Word Saturday

2009-10-17T20:22:00.000-04:00

Freezing Butts On The Road Again...

It still surprises me how little time I have to blog since I've been "off-work." We've been running all over the place trying to get stuff done, and church-stuff, and of course, Tom's flag football practices & games.

Today started PLAYOFFS! No surprise - Tom's team, the Steelers, won! But we all were so unprepared for the weather! It was freezing - literally. I don't think any of us had enough layers on. It wouldn't have been quite so bad if it hadn't been for the wind. I'm just now thawing out hours later. But it was worth it! Tom's 8th birthday was yesterday, win today, another game tomorrow after church & a meeting. I'm confident they'll win tomorrow and that means the final game next week. And from now on I'm taking blankets, coats, heaters, mittens, whatever will keep me warm!

So I guess tomorrow's blog header might read: Butt thawed yesterday, freezing again today. Oh well, still worth it!

Friday fragments

2009-10-16T23:27:00.000-04:00

} So I'm late on writing tonight...it's barely still Friday!

} My planner is back in order - I'm up to color-coding with seven, yes count 'em, 7 colors. A different color for different categories of course. Does that mean I'm busy - yep. Getting myself back to being the me I know me to be!

} Got confirmation for starting my own business this week - one job to submit a proposal for and another to give a scope of work. And this is from simple word-of-mouth. Always ready for more business! I'd love to do a video project for someone for Christmas - those are my favorites.

} One of my churches, Greenville Christian Church, is 176 years old this year. In 1983 some members created a time capsule which we will be opening Sunday night, November 8 in a big celebration concert. All kinds of stuff will be going on that night. And since the capsule was done in the 80's - it's only appropriate to have an 80s theme in there somewhere! Still got LOTS of work to do on this, but going through the history of this church is amazing. See these faces to the right? These kids would be our "seasoned saints" today. I just wish I had names to go with these faces!

} Ok, I couldn't resist joining in the book fun! I signed-up to be a reviewer like Rebecca and Joe! I started my first book today, Max Lucado's "Fearless." I need to come up with a rating system like Rebecca has - that's cool...

} I'm missed at my old job. My friend, Sheree, and I had lunch this week. She's such an encourager anyway, but she did make me feel better about my role at my previous workplace. Just felt a little lighter this week :-) .

Have a great weekend y'all! Try to stay dry!

Love these Friday Fragments! For more - go see Mrs.4444 @ Half-Past Kissin' Time:

Or even Sara's Friday Freewrite:

Is it Prideful to Desire Greatness?

2009-10-14T17:16:00.001-04:00

Is it Prideful to Desire Greatness?

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Monday Madness!

2009-10-12T10:29:00.001-04:00

I have to tell you, the more I get into doing this business plan, the more excited I get about starting a new business! I know it's going to be rough to start - all new businesses are - but still, the benefits of being on my own will be priceless.

This new business idea is kinda crazy, really. How do I target a network of specialists (handymen, house cleaners, strategic planners, video producers, bookkeepers, knitters, jewelry makers, organizers, etc., etc., etc.) to a specific target? I can't easily. So the business itself will be marketed in three parts: Home, Business, and Life.

Factotum by definition means "jack-of-all-trades," which is who I am personally. So why not build on that? With this kind of business, I will be able to connect people to others, which energizes me. Not only can it help meet needs, but make connections with those "specialists" that love what they do (and are good at it!) and build lasting relationships.

I'm still working out the business plan, but basically Factotum Home would provide services for your home inside & out like electrical, lighting design, general handyman, landscaping, pressure washing, gutter cleaning, yard work/clean-up, house cleaning with steam, and home organizing. Factotum Business can focus on your small business needs like secretarial, bookkeeping, copywriting, graphic design, marketing, event planning, and strategic planning to name a few. And Factotum Life is where it gets FUN! Do you want to learn how to crochet or knit? Need a video of home movies and pictures for a gift to others or yourself? Want to start scrapbooking but don't know where to begin? We have specialists that are willing to meet with you on a one-to-one basis to get you started or take you to the next level.

So that's the overall gist of it. And marketing? When someone comes to Factotum for housecleaning services and learns they can get a video done as well...well, then the concept is working.

Six Word Saturday

2009-10-10T11:51:00.000-04:00

Losing Sight Because He's Too Focused

So I'm jumping on the Six Word Saturday bandwagon this week! I couldn't resist...

Do you see this handsome dog to the right? Well, I have a story to tell that I'm sure we can all relate to.

Needless to say, I woke up irritated this morning. I even started the day with reading the Bible, praying for peace...anything to help - and help did not seem to come. So I went ahead and started the rest of the day to get as much as possible done before leaving for Tom's football afternoon. I went to mom's early to pick-up a couple of elephant ears to bring in for the cold seasons. As I drove down her driveway, I see this sweet boy, Preacher, digging in the field - after a mole I'm sure. He's looks up, with his mud & dirt covered face that left no room for white fur anywhere, and acknowledges my arrival with a wagging of the tail and raised ears. But that acknowledgement would have to do since he was not leaving his digging - he might miss catching the mole!

After visiting and venting to mom about the world and its ways, we put the plants in the back of the truck and look up in the field where Preacher is still digging and has added howling to the activity. Apparently, he's not got the mole out of the 6 foot ditch he's dug. Then all of a sudden, this deer comes out of the treeline into Preacher's field. This beautiful young buck is just prancing across the field in his best "tra-la-la, la-la" impression. Does Preacher notice? Nope. He's way too focused and concerned about digging out the mole.

Needless to say, mom & I laughed so hard and my whole mood changed. I realized I had been too focused on what was irritating me. There's too much other great things going on that I miss out on because I get too focused on the negative. And you know what? The mole wasn't even still in there! The problem that I thought I was seeing had gone away - wasn't really there anymore. And I missed out on the great moments happening all around me.

Deep for a Saturday morning? Not near as deep as that hole Preacher is still digging!

Grace & peace to y'all!

2009-10-07T15:53:00.001-04:00

Wooo-hooo! Ok, so for the first time in months I am honestly excited about something. This new business idea is starting to really fire me up.

I went with a friend to a Career Networking Event at Southeast Christian Church today. It was great and sad at the same time. There were over 200 people at this event. Which means, everyone that was there has either been laid-off/let-go, or is looking for a new job from their old one they have begun to hate. A statistic was given that over 80% of people work at jobs that do not utilize even a small portion of their talents (of which I was the poster-child!). And just as many work at jobs they hate just to earn money.

What would happen if people were able to enjoy their work and really feel like they are using their talents? How would you feel hiring someone for your project (household-inside or out-personal or small business), that truly loves what they do? Do you think their level of excellence would be higher? If you were hired to do a project that involves what you love to do - wouldn't you jump in with excitement?

"Hide not your talents. They for use were made. What's a sundial in the shade?"-- Benjamin Franklin

I have so much to prepare for - off to work!

G&P!

Life is...full of decisions

2009-10-06T13:00:00.000-04:00

So when you are faced with multiple windows - do you open one at a time or all at once? What kind of breeze do you get? What about the view? Do you close 'em the instant a storm hits? How do you know which window to open? What is the deciding factor?

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.

That's what I'm doing right now. There's a lot of opportunities of projects to work on - I just don't know where to start sometimes! But one decision I've made lately is to start my own business. I have a business concept, name, and logo idea. I am continuing to work out the details, but we are ready to get started! Factotum (definiton is "jack of all trades") will be a business that is a network of independent contractors that can do just about anything you need done.

For example, I can do great video work. So if you wanted to turn your home movies into a professionally edited dvd, you could call Factotum and I would do the work. If you have cleaning needs (business or home) call Factotum and I have a contractor that can do it. If you need extra office work: bookkeeping, typing, presentation design, etc., call Factotum and we can get it done. And so on and so on. That's why I'm working out the details.

So please, spread the word and put this on your prayer lists! And I'll keep you posted!

Life is...Beautiful even when messy

2009-09-29T11:15:00.000-04:00

Life is a lot of things, and I've been trying to back in the swing of things lately - like blogging. So when I walked in the house yesterday and saw this poor hosta I was thinking how time flies and the season is changing again already. But then I looked closer - this weather-beaten-ready-to-give-up-for-the-year hosta is blooming!

It amazed me. The whole rest of the plant is ready to die for winter, but it's giving it one last bloom for the year. It's blooming even though I think it's died. It's giving life when I percieve it to be dead. It's beautiful even though I thought the rest of it was ugly.

The placement of this bloom is not in an obvious spot - it was under a dead leaf on the backside of the plant. I had only caught a glimpse. I moved the dead part to see the full bloom.

Is any of this sounding familiar? Don't we feel that way sometimes - that we are dead, ready to give up for the winter, but there's this small glimpse of a bloom that "someone" sees (that would be God). And only God can move the dead parts so the full bloom can be seen. Don't be afraid to bloom, dear ones. God will help remove the dead parts so everyone can see the beauty!

...proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. (Isaiah 61:2,3)

Friday Fragments - on Saturday

2009-09-26T11:13:00.000-04:00

} So what if I haven't posted in awhile? I'm posting now.

} I FINALLY finished the book, "Follow the River," by James Alexander Thom. It's this amazing real-life story of Mary Ingles who was taken captive by Shawnee indians in 1755. Her whole life was destroyed - the whole community was killed, including her mother. She, her sons & sister-in-law, and one other man were taken across the teritory hundreds of miles from home. Pregnant on the journey, she had to give up her baby, see her boys and sister taken away, and herself given into slavery. She escapes with a fellow captive and makes her way back home with no shelter, loss of tools, loss of sanity in her fellow traveler, and no food in sight for weeks. This woman had such strength and determination. I could never have done what she did. Even George Washington admitted she was more courageous than he. I love history - especially when the stories are real - and I highly recommend this one!

} Last Friday, we had visitors. I had to call and tell that to Bill specifically since Tom is wanting a dog REAL bad out "in the country." This little fella just showed up. I knew he had to be the neighbor's, and sure enough, the "babysitter" showed up a few minutes later. (for more pics - go to Thru The Lens) His name is Pistol - and that's certainly what he is! I see him and Joy (the babysitter) exploring the field across the road. I wonder if I should warn the cows.

} So I've been unemployed for a couple of months now. And no unemployment checks. I would check and the system would say I have credits - but no checks. What? How does that work? And since you can't get a live person on the phone, I went down to the office. This was the scene at 7:30 in the morning! Needless to say, the wait is the hardest part. I took a book - and my crochet project. (Rebecca, admit it - you're proud!) The guy behind the counter scared me when he disappeared inthe back for a few minutes. But when he came back he told me I would have all my checks in a couple of days! Praise the Lord - and a big "I love you!" to that guy. And let me tell you, this place can give the people of WalMart a run for their money!

} Bill went with me to take the garbage and old nasty stuff to the dump last week. We're just enjoying the afternoon - windows down on the truck - gorgeous day really. Then all of a sudden - POW! I hear this huge POP sound, Bill yells and starts beating at his back, and I instinctly slow the truck down to help pull his shirt away from his back. Turns out, this evil not-so-little hornet hit his hand, made a "bee-line" down the back of his shirt and stung him square in the back. And he was just telling me about his one-and-only other nightmare experience of going to the dump when he was a teenager. I foresee never getting help going to the dump again.

} So why have I not been posting? Have I been real busy? No. Have I been going in another life direction? No. Have I gotten lazy? Ding-ding-ding! We have a winner! Side-effect of getting used to being at home and too much facebook-game time. Time to get out of that mode! I've been praying hard for direction. Should I go into full-time ministry? Should I go back to school? Should I start my own business? Should I work two jobs? So many options...just looking for a confirmation from God on a direction at this point.

Love these Friday Fragments! For more - go see Mrs.4444 @ Half-Past Kissin' Time:

Or even Sara's Friday Freewrite:

Grace & Peace to you all!

Total BOY weekend.

2009-09-14T18:32:00.000-04:00

See this bow? I had purchased it when I got home from my trip to Ireland 5 years ago totally thinking I would practice and then bump-up to the real model like I used in Ireland. Well, this one was still in the package when the guys found it in the barn. It's the perfect size for Tom, Mr. Robin Hood in-the-making.

There was a lot of father-son bonding with this thing. The first lesson - never shoot at someone. Boy, the first experience with the bow lasted all of 2 minutes when Tom shot an arrow over Bill's head while Bill was getting the hay bale out of the car.

The next day proved Tom to be a much better student. Good thing too - he hit the bale 90% of the time - AND made some bullseyes!

Saturday we had lunch with friends and Tom got to play on this great playground, and shoot hoops and all sorts of other stuff with Lynn's son, Michael. And there was more bow & arrow fun when we got back home. He also found a new pet, Toader. You guessed it - a frog. He spent an hour trying to find it again after he made it a new "home" out of a shoebox filled with grass, twigs, rocks and a lid filled with water. Toader apparently was winning at hide-and-seek since Tom did not get to take him home with him.

Sunday was his first real football (flag) game. It was crazy! All these little guys (and gals) running around in their uniforms and mouthpieces, practicing on the sidelines, and the fans in the stands all in their respective teams' colors. Even family dogs were getting in on the cheering spirit. Tom asked me to come, and I was honored to be there.

So the weekend was full of testosterone! Hmm...gonna need some princess time soon I believe!

grace & peace y'all!

Friday Fragments

2009-09-11T12:59:00.000-04:00

} I am so thankful for Mrs.4444 for starting this concept of just dumping tidbits into one place so the whole thing doesn't have to make sense. It's just a perfect image of my life right now!

} This week's been kind of a blur. My days are starting to all run together. I'm now "browsing" for a job. Unemployment checks have not kicked-in yet, but I'm still ok for now.

} Had dinner last night with an older couple from our church. Bob is a Korean War Veteran, and Delva has had a lot of tragedy in her life. but to get to spend a few hours with them, sharing stories and life was just priceless. Bob is actually Delva's 2nd hubby. Her first died young of a massive heart attack. And after hearing about her own tragic childhood, family cancer stories, then that - I didn't know what to say! I stumbled out, "Well, now you have Bob!" Her reply? "Oh, I didn't like him to begin with." Oh man, the story that ensued. Poor Bob! But he didn't give up and now they've been married 20+ years. Everyone has a story unfolding.

} Ok, ok...I've finally gotten on-board! I'm using my own grocery bags instead of plastic! I've been influenced by friends over the years, and I've been recycling everything I can for months now. Well, I finally made the leap today. I bought my first two bags - insulated even! I never imagined those bags would hold so much. And I even tested them out - I made two other stops before heading home, and my ice cream wasn't all melted! Now if I will just remember to take them with me when I get groceries!

} It's finally happening! We're having a concert celebration at Greenville Christian Church to celebrate the church's 175th anniversary...just a year late. There's a time capsule that will be opened and history to be told, but the overall theme of the night? Wait for it........The 80s! Since the time capsule was closed 26 years ago - 1983 - that makes for a night filled with plenty of fun material to have a concert with! Not only that, but it will be interactive. All I can say right now is - check your closet for your best 80s attire!

} The new season of shows is almost here! YipppEEEE!!! I only get 5 channels (8 if you count the 2 weather channels and one old B-movie station), so my options are limited. Plus, I need a really good excuse to be crocheting/knitting more!

Love these Friday Fragments! For more - go see Mrs.4444 @ Half-Past Kissin' Time:

Or even Sara's Friday Freewrite:

Grace & Peace to you all!