The Little Man

Fun In The Snow

Well, it has been pretty warm here and most of the snow has melted. On Friday, after the day care kids left,DH and the miss went outside and played in the snow. She threw tons of snowballs at him, made a snowman, and even fell down into the snow and made some snow angels. She loved it.

And it keeps coming

So, here are newer pics taken 5 hours later.








It's still very heavily snowing and very VERY windy. Our neighbor across the street was just outside shoveling his driveway. Who knows why. It's only going to snow alllll day!

Woah the Snow

Well, I admit it...I was skeptical of the whole blizzard thing. Last night, I ran out to the store at 10:00 because I was all out of milk and dish detergent. It was still very nice out and maybe just a little rainy. When DH and I went to bed at 12:00 A.M., it hadn't begun to snow yet. At 5:30 A.M., DH's boss called him to let him know that the base he works at was closed today. We looked out the window, and saw all of the snow. It's snowing a lot and it's very VERY windy. It has definitely gotten worse within the last half hour. I can barely see out of my windows now due to the build up on them. I still got up this morning and got ready for the day care kids, because I wasn't positive if I would have any today or not. I figured that Roinn may come in the afternoon, because I assumed that his mom wouldn't have school this morning. My other two kiddos may not come at all. Their mom is off on Thursdays, but usually brings her kids anyway and runs errands. But, I don't think she will get errands run today.

I took some pictures about 35 minutes ago, but it has definitely changed a bit since then. They aren't the best pics though, because the windows are wet. I did open my front door to take one, which was a silly idea. I didn't use my brain first. As soon as I opened the door, a ton of snow that was piled up against it fell onto my entryway.

Anyway, I will write an actual post later today. I think first I will use this extra time to write my support letter for my Uganda trip.

Okay, here's the pics.

A Prayer for Canon's Family

Lord God-

This morning I lift up to you Canon's family. They are hurting today Lord. They are grieving. I pray that your loving arms would wrap around them and comfort them. Hold them tight Lord God as they cry out to you. With your gentle kindness, show them peace. Bring to them, Lord, those that can help them, comfort them and show them your love.

I pray for Canon's mom, Carla. I honestly couldn't even imagine the intense heartache and emptiness that she is feeling today. Through all the questions of why, God? And through all the hurt and anger, I pray that you continually pour forth your peace on her. Hold her as she weeps to you.

Give Canon's family strength Lord, the strength that at this time can only come from you. They will all be weary Lord. The next days, weeks are going to be so tough Lord God as they have to deal with funeral arrangements and so forth. My heart aches for them. Cradle them in your arms Lord.

Peace, strength and hope Lord...fill their home with peace, strength and hope.

In Jesus' name, Amen

My Passion

So, for this week's Shape Of My Faith, I am to talk about my passions. Here's a little blurb the meme creator wrote in regards to what we shall write about.

Sometimes a passion is related to spiritual gifts, sometimes to experience, sometimes to personality, but always it is God given. Sometimes we get too caught up in it and have to hand it back over to the Lord, He will hand it back at the right time, when you are most prepared to act on it. Sometimes He takes it away (if we use it wrong) and gives us something else in return.

So what’s your passion? What group do you care about so much it hurts? What cause makes your heart beat faster?

Children, Adults, Elderly, Babies, Teens, Men, Women?
Orphaned, Abused, Married, Single, Poor, Rich?
Mental Health, Physical health, Spiritual health, Emotional health?
Evangelism, Education, Discipleship, Prayer, Hospitality?

There are many more and many possible combinations of those listed above. Think about it.
This weeks Faith Shape asks what is YOUR heart’s passion?

So, here goes. First and foremost, I have a very strong passion for kids, primarily those who are hurting or abused, stricken with disease, autistic or orphaned. I long to someday work one on one with these types of children. I have a strong desire to possibly adopt one day, when the time is right. I have also always wanted to go on a mission trip to an orphanage. It looks like I am getting the chance to do that this summer.

I feel tugs on my heart all of the time to help out the children who are hurting. I have a desire to bring happiness and love to children fighting cancer. I want to reach into the world of an autistic child and try to show them God's love. I want to love on the orphaned.

God has ordered us to take care of His children. And I truly feel that as a call on my life.

I love to sing and I have always, ALWAYS enjoyed performing. It is a passion of mine. However, I don't think I am in that place in my walk or relationship with God where I am ready to use it for His work. A friend of mine who is also a Christian and a singer was having a conversation with me in regards to singing and worship. We both struggle with putting too much emphasis on having others hear us and think we are talented. I know that right now, if I was up on a stage worshipping GOd in song, that some of my thoughts would be...hmmmm..I wonder if that person is thinking, wow, she has talent. So, until I can get to a point where my singing is all about God and all for Him, I will not use that passion to its fullest capacity.

I have a passion for the youth groups at church. The teens, mainly high schoolers. I just know, from experience obviously, how hard it is to be a high schooler. I also know how on fire those kids can get. I would LOVE to work with the youth someday. I hope that one day DH and I could be the youth leaders/pastors at our church. I am sure if there ever is a time for that, that God will put it even more on our hearts.

So, there you have it folks. Since I am behind on this meme. I will be writing another edition on Wednesday about my abilities.

More Than Enough

So, do you ever have a worship song convict you? Last night, the song Enough, sung by Barlow Girl was on. It's a pretty popular worship song and I began singing along.

You are my supply
My breath of life
Still more awesome than I know.
You are my reward
Worth living for
Still more awesome than I know.

Those words so true. God is so awesome. More awesome than I know.
Then I got to the chorus.

And all of you
Is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with your love
And all I have in you is more than enough

And that's when it happened. I realized that I don't allow God to be enough...all I need. I don't let Him satisfy my EVERY need. I like to try to satisfy needs on my own. I like to satisfy some weird addiction to celebrity gossip by spending time reading US, instead of reading the Bible. I haven't done a morning, noon or evening devotion in a couple of weeks. But, I can tell you why Sara Evans is getting a divorce, how much weight Britney Spears has lost, and that Katie Holmes is getting married in Italy.

I spend free time watching junk on television. Yes, junk. A lot of it goes directly against The Word. The Word, which is supposed to be enough, takes the back burner to Grey's Anatomy and weird makeover shows.

I spend time grumbling and complaining because I need new boots, more money and more sleep. I don't pray for God to help me rest. Although He says to come to Him when weary. I instead blame my hubby or my kiddos. It would have nothing to do with the fact that I drink 3 Pepsi's from 6:00 P.M. on.

I have raised my hands in worship to God countless times while singing Enough. And for the most part my heart is genuine and true in singing that song.

You're my sacrifice
Of greatest price
Still more awesome than I know.
You're my coming King
You're my everything
Still more awesome than I know.

And then of course, the chorus comes again and I am left to feel a little unworthy.

And all of you
Is more than enough for
All of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with your love
And all I have in you is more than enough
You are more than enough.

More than all I want
More than all I need
You are more than enough for me.
More than all I know
More than all I can see
You are more than enough for me.

Saturday Photo Hunt

The theme: Dreaming

Audrey and her Pinky Bear dreaming away

Just Showed Up

Sara Groves is one of my favorite Christian recording artists. I was introduced to her in 2002, when she performed at the Christian college I was attending. I love her voice and her lyrics. Back in August she released a documentary, Nomad: Just showed Up. It is a documentary covering two trips she took on a mission to help others. One, to deliver goods to Katrina victims and the other, a missions trip to Rwanda.

I am pretty certain that her dvd will be available at Christian Bookstores. You can also find it Here

Here are some reviews:

SARA GROVES' REALITY FILM "JUST SHOWED UP FOR MY OWN LIFE" HITS MARKET WITH ASTOUNDING RESPONSE from MEDIA, ARTISTS AND MORE:
NASHVILLE, TN8/11/06. INO Records and documentary film-makers from the Nomad Series recently collaborated to release "Sara Groves: Just Showed Up For My Own Life" a music infused, reality style film featuring Groves in all aspects of her life over the past year, and as the project hits the market this week, word about the film and its impact are pouring in from media, fellow artists and more:

"This DVD will truly impact the life of anyone who views it, Sara's gift thru her songwriting has always been her transparency regarding her faith, this film is a natural outgrowth of that transparency and her desire to be a true Christian in a world where Christians find it easy to be phony, take the time and watch it but be careful it may change your life" - Kevin Collard, ABC Radio-Detroit

"There is something deeply satisfying that happens when we are invited into the real-time dialogue and struggle of a person finding redemption in the face of human suffering and violence. And it is a rich and wonderful gift to connect with God and humanity through the experiences and thoughts of someone as articulate, inspiring, and graceful as Sara Groves. " -Dan Haseltine (jarsofclay/Blood:Water Mission)

"Its one thing to face life outside of your comfort zone and to embrace the suffering around you, but to share that journey with the world is nothing short of courageous. This film inspires." - Cara Davis, editor, Radiant magazine

"Be forewarned. By viewing this documentary, your own view of the world may be changed or, at the very least, called into question. And in this case, that can only be a good thing." -Andy Argyrakis for CCM Magazine

Just Showed Up for My Own Life invites the audience to view an artist beyond the studio, beyond backstage and beyond the road life. Travel with Groves to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in Slidell, Louisiana as relief efforts are underway to restore a community ravaged by the storm. See the beautiful country of Rwanda on an emotional trip with Groves and her team to learn about the challenges of reconciliation and economic development 11 years after mass genocide.


"We started out making a simple music DVD, with behind the scenes footage in the studio, scenes from our life on the road, and of course some concert footage, but it just failed to capture the essence of the album, recalls Groves. So, we partnered with a documentary film company to tell the larger story. We started to ask what it means to add to the beauty, and that question led us around the world. As production wraps up, I am profoundly grateful that God chose me to be a witness to this span of years. I am excited to be a witness to what God is doing in this, my brief time on earth, and humbled that He has invited me to be a part of His beautiful, restorative work."


Also, here's a little preview for you.

One tough job

Recently a friend of mine out here in Colorado went through one of the hardest things a military wife has to go through, saying goodbye to the hubby before he heads off to war. She is a mommy of a three year old boy and has another baby on the way. It is the holiday season and sadly she'll celebrate them as well as her son's birthday without her husband by her side. She is breaking down inside but has to stay strong for her boy. She'll have to listen to her son tell her how much he misses his daddy and maybe even answer him for the 50th time when he asks her where daddy is. She'll face many sleepless nights as she struggles to fall asleep in her house by herself in a bed that should be holding another warm body in it. She'll spend quiet nights alone at home longing to be able to hear her husband's voice. Things in her house will break, her car will decide not to start one morning, and on days where she is just about to wear herself thin, there won't be another helping hand in her home. She'll smile with pride when she sees a flag waving high, hears the National Anthem or listens to Proud To be an American. She'll be filled with excitement if and when she does get to speak to him on the phone, only to end the conversation bawling for hours once she realizes that it may be a long while before she gets to hear his voice again. She will pray every day and night for his safe return home. And that is all part of being a military wife.

I read a blog post that she wrote last week and it brought me to tears. She gave me permission to share some of it with you.

On Tuesday my husband walked in the door and said......"they are sending us on a year-long tour (possibly longer) to Iraq, this Saturday". Again, I have no idea how to feel. But as time goes on I realize how naive I've been over the past year. These past days I've cried more times then most wives have in a years period. Spending many moments trying to find a way to explain to our 3 year old son why daddy is going. Yet its so beyond his understanding. Trying to stay strong and prepare our son for something yet I can't even cope with it myself. Looking at my husband sleep every night knowing that next week I will be looking at a bare pillow. How does a person deal with this??? I sat at a deployment meeting for families, listening to a man tell us wives how the military goes about telling us, if something bad were to happen to our husbands. The man goes on to tell us about getting the military life-insurance "squared away". I look around knowing that every woman in the room is just as scared, worried, and upset as I was. Something I never imagined feeling as a "civilian". something I never even knew went on. He talked about how important it is for us wives to always be, or at least sound encouraging and positive for our husbands. Reality starts to sink in.......................

We sat in a parking lot watching all the soldiers and there families hug and cry. Just watching them would have made a non-involved person break down. No words shared, we both just wept knowing "this was it". I spent every possible minute in that horrible parking lot, till I was one of the last family members to leave. I could barely watch as my husband hugged our son saying goodbye. I don't think I will ever forget the look on his face and the smell of his uniform. That was it, he gave me his keys to the truck and turned and walked away. I watched his back till I couldn't see him any more................I couldn't stop thinking: "how am I supposed to just start up the truck and drive away???" It physically hurt, when I drove to my "husbandless" home. Here I am, not even a week past, and I don't know how to "just be". Has it even hit me yet? I just keep thinking "He'll be back and it will be soooo wonderful". But then the reality of a year sinks in. This was the hardest, emotional, terrifying, heart-breaking day of my life.

I too am a military wife and have been for 4 years. Thankfully I have only had to move once and have only had to go through one tdy. My hubby was sent to Korea for a year when our now almost three year old was 9 months old. It's a hard job,I must admit. I have so much admiration for all the soldiers and their families. Being in the military is such a sacrifice and all of our troops deserve the utmost respect for all that they do for our country. I am proud of my hubby, of our troops and of all the military spouses out there.

I really don't think other spouses can truly fully understand the life of a military spouse. And I am so thankful that military spouses understand that and take each other under their wings. We all support each other, help each other, cry with each other and it's a great community.

Here are two poems about military wives that I would like to share with you.

THE AVERAGE MILITARY WIFE/GIRLFRIEND


The average age of the military wife/girlfriend is 20 years old.

She isn't old enough to buy a beer, but is old enough to manage the entire household.

She probably never saw herself loving a man who was in the military, but she loves him regardless.

Her penmanship has improved over the last few months, due to excessive letter writing.

She cries alot, because she misses the man she swore to love. Her life isn't complete without him.

She looks very tired, because of her many sleepless nights either waiting for a call that never came or one that did and just because she heard his voice, she is too overjoyed to sleep.

As a wife, she is classified as a dependent, but she is completely independent.

She tends to her household, her kids, her school work, and her job, all without her husband.

She manages a smile, even though inside she's crying.

She understands that the man she loves has to go far away.

She understand that he can be taken from her in a moments notice.

She feels a great sense of pride and probably cries whenever she hears the National Anthem, sees a flag blowing in the breeze, or watches the news and hears about another death in Iraq, worrying that it might be him.

She goes weeks without a call or a letter, but she writes him whenever she gets a free moment.

She knows how to convert civilian time into military time.

She knows how to iron his clothes and how to get the creases just right.

Before he left she used to complain if she didn't see him for a day or two, but now she gets annoyed when she hears someone complaining about not seeing their boyfriends.

She may not have seen him for months but she remembers everything about him, every scar he has, the way he smells, the sound of him sleeping.

She has every picture of him and them out and in frames, she stares at them for hours on end and has read every letter he's written at least 40 times.

Even though her man is a half a world away, she manages to go on with her life, as he would want her to.

You may not know what she looks like, but as soon as you see her you'll know that her husband is a world away without even having to speak to her.

She's the one who's half frowning half smiling, she has at least one Support out Troops pin that she wears and one displayed on her car.

Half her wardrobe is based on his military branch. She never knew that could love the color camouflage, green, tan, navy blue, red or black so much.

Next time you see her, thank her for what her and the man she loves is doing. She will greatly appreciate it and she will smile the rest of the day!
 


The Model of The Military Wife

The Good Lord was creating a model for military wives and was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared. She said, "Lord, you seem to be having a lot of trouble with this one. What's wrong with the standard model?"

The Lord replied, "Have you seen the specs on this order? She has to be completely independent, possess the qualities of both father and mother, be a perfect hostess to 4 or 40 with an hour's notice, run on black coffee, handle every emergency imaginable without a manual, be able to carry on cheerfully, even if she is pregnant and has the flu, and she must be willing to move to a new location 10 times in 17 years. And oh yes, she must have six pairs of hands." The angel shook her head, "Six pair of hands? No way!"

The Lord continued, "Don't worry, we will make other military wives to help her. And we will give her an unusually strong heart so it can swell with pride in her husband's achievements, sustain the pain of separations, beat soundly when it is overworked and tired, and be large enough to say "I understand" when she doesn't and say, 'I love you' regardless".

"Lord," said the angel, touching his arm gently "Go to bed and get some rest. You can finish this tomorrow". "I can't stop now", said the Lord "I am so close to creating something unique. Already this model heals herself when she is sick, can put up six unexpected guests for the weekend, wave goodbye to her husband from a depot, pier or runway and understand why it's important that he leave."

The angel circled the model of the military wife, looked at it closely and sighed, "It looks fine, but it's too soft." "She might look soft", replied the Lord, "but she has the strength of a lion. You would not believe what she can endure."
 
Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Lord's creation. "There's a leak", she announced. "Something is wrong with the construction. You are trying to put too much into this model."
The Lord appeared offended at the angel's lack of confidence. "What you see is not a leak", he said, "It's a tear." "A tear? What is it there for?", asked the angel. The Lord replied, "It's for joy, sadness, pain, disappointment, loneliness, pride and a dedication to all the values that she and her husband hold dear." "You are a genius!" exclaimed the angel.
The Lord looked puzzled and replied, "I didn't put it there".

Thursday Thirteen

As some of you know, I run a day care out of the house. I do a curriculum with the kids that I found online called Letter Of The Week. I am responsible for coming up with their activities and crafts, although the curriculum makes great suggestions. I wanted to share with you 13 sites I have found for some great, fun and free crafts, templates and coloring sheets.

1. Brightly Beaming Resources
This is the site where I found the free curriculum that I use with the kids at my in home day care.
It was designed by a home schooling mom. The one I am using introduces one letter each week and incorporates math science, music, social studies and a Bible lesson.

2. First School This has great crafts and coloring sheets

3. Danielle's Place
Tons of crafts and activities. Also a huge section of themed Bible lessons along with crafts. There are even Bible lessons associated with each letter of the alphabet and each one comes with a handwriting practice sheet for the letter. Some of the printable templates and things are free. For others, you can pay a small fee to become a member and receive access.

3. DLTK'S
Lots of awesome crafts and coloring sheets for all sorts of themes

4. Sesame Street Coloring Pages

5. Coloring Book Fun
Many licensed character coloring pages

6. Free Printables
85 free printables with all sorts of themes ranging from weather to Paul Bunyan

7. Everything Preschool
Many themes and each one includes Songs, Books, Art, Games, Science, Coloring Pages and more.

8. Fingerplays
Tons of finger plays that you can do with the kiddos

9. Alphabites
Tons of activities to do for each letter of the alphabet.

10. Little People Coloring sheets

12. Little Mermaid coloring pages
Will be in high demand since the movie just came out.

13. Best Book Alphabet
Tons of crafts and printables for each letter of the alphabet

Snow, Snow, Snow

Well, here are some pictures of the snow we got yesterday afternoon/evening.

Sing Praises

So, do you know what is wonderful? Having a radio. Really and truly. This afternoon the day got a tad stressful. Two kiddos were at each other for quite awhile and it was getting a bit frustrating. So, I took a few deep breaths and turned on one of the local Christian stations. And you know what? When you are listening to great Christian music and singing along to some of your favorite worship songs, it's pretty hard to be stressed or grumpy.

One of the stations out here, WayFM, can be listened to online here

Two other favorites of mine that sadly aren't out here are
Air 1
and Effect Radio

So, listen and be in a joyful mood!

Oh, real quick here is a new pic of my hair cut.

The Shape of My Faith

I have begun another meme called What's the shape of your faith?
Each week, I will be asked to share a bit about myself, my personality, my passions, my life experiences and then analyze them as far as how those things are affected by my faith or how my faith affects those things. I am starting a tad late in the game. But only by a week. So I will try to do one today and one midweek to catch up.
For the first week, we were asked to share our testimony. I have already done that previously in my blog. You can find my testimony story here.
I apologize I do have some coding issues with my blog I am trying to figure out and so it may look a little funny.

My next assignment was to take a Keirsey Temperament like test to learn about my personality type. I was then to apply it in some or all of these ways....

How does your specific personality affect how you relate to those around you?
How does it affect how you relate to other Christians?
Non-Christians?
How does it affect your ministry?
Did you recognize anyone else’s personality when looking over the types?
How might this affect how you relate to them?
How does you personality affect your relationship to the Lord?

So, first of all...here is a little about me, an ESFJ (Extroverted feeling with introverted sensing)

As an ESFJ, your primary mode of living is focused externally, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit in with your personal value system.

ESFJs are people persons - they love people. They are warmly interested in others. They want to like people, and have a special skill at bringing out the best in others. They are extremely good at reading others, and understanding their point of view. The ESFJ's strong desire to be liked and for everything to be pleasant makes them highly supportive of others. People like to be around ESFJs, because the ESFJ has a special gift of invariably making people feel good about themselves. They have a strong need to be liked, and to be in control. They often change their own manner to be more pleasing to whoever they're with at the moment.

The ESFJ takes their responsibilities very seriously, and is very dependable. They value security and stability, and have a strong focus on the details of life. They see before others do what needs to be done, and do whatever it takes to make sure that it gets done. They enjoy these types of tasks, and are extremely good at them.

ESFJs are warm and energetic. They need approval from others to feel good about themselves. They are hurt by indifference and don't understand unkindness. They are very giving people, who get a lot of their personal satisfaction from the happiness of others. They want to be appreciated for who they are, and what they give. They're very sensitive to others, and freely give practical care. ESFJs are such caring individuals, that they sometimes have a hard time seeing or accepting a difficult truth about someone they care about.

All ESFJs have a natural tendency to want to control their environment. Their dominant function demands structure and organization, and seeks closure. ESFJs are most comfortable with structured environments.

ESFJs respect and believe in the laws and rules of authority, and believe that others should do so as well. They're traditional, and prefer to do things in the established way, rather than venturing into unchartered territory. Their need for security drives their ready acceptance and adherence to the policies of the established system. This tendency may cause them to sometimes blindly accept rules without questioning or understanding them.

ESFJs at their best are warm, sympathetic, helpful, cooperative, tactful, down-to-earth, practical, thorough, consistent, organized, enthusiastic, and energetic. They enjoy tradition and security, and will seek stable lives that are rich in contact with friends and family.

ESFJs are easily wounded. And when wounded, their emotions will not be contained. They by nature "wear their hearts on their sleeves," often exuding warmth and bonhomie, but not infrequently boiling over with the vexation of their souls. Some ESFJs channel these vibrant emotions into moving dramatic performances on stage and screen.

An ESFJ at odds with self is a remarkable sight. When a decision must be made, especially one involving the risk of conflict (abhorrent to ESFJs), there ensues an in-house wrestling match between the aforementioned black-and-white Values and the Nemesis of Discord. The contender pits self against self, once firmly deciding with the Right, then switching to Prudence to forestall hostilities, countered by unswerving Values, ad exhaustium, winner take all.


That was all so long, wasn't it? Sorry about that. If you actually read it all, I am impressed. It's funny, if you asked me to describe myself, I may have said a lot of that. I know who I am and what my strengths and weaknesses are. Okay, now for the fun part.

How do I relate to others, Christians and non-Christians? How does this affect my ministry?

Well, I am a good reader of people, I can tell you that. And I am usually able to sense how someone is feeling. I love to serve others and to make others around me comfortable. I do know that that does affect how I interact with non-Christians. I am sometimes very reserved about sharing my faith or trying to bring others to Jesus, because I am concerned about offending others. Not that sharing Christ is an offense, but some may see me as attacking them and their beliefs and I know that it would not only anger them, but it may possibly offend them as well. So, I do know from experience that I will hold back. However, I think if a non-Christian came to me with a problem they were having in their life and I could sense in a way they were asking for guidance or asking to know more about my faith, I would be able to share it with them and explain it with such passion and heart.

With Christians, I sometimes find myself judging of them. I know I shouldn't be and I know I have a huge plank in my own eye. But I do have strong beliefs as to how we should live our lives and interact with others. I get bothered easily when I see a Christian treating another person in a way that I feel is not loving, gentle or kind. I, of course, find it hard to approach the person about how I am bothered though, because of that fear of them not accepting me. But if it is something that bothers me, I may go talk to someone else about it, instead of the person involved. And that usually backfires on me and makes things worse.

Because I am an open person and genuinely interested in the feelings of others, I do know or at least hope that I am a person that Christians and non-Christians could feel they could come to with problems. I love to help.

Other than being held back in evangelism, another way I could see my personality affecting my ministry, is by possibly taking on too much. This has not been an issue as of yet, mainly because I have two young kids, but I could see this as a possible problem in the future. I like to do many things at once, am a hard worker and can't seem to sit still. I could see myself getting involved in too many different activities within the church and end up getting burnt out. This would affect how I interacted with others, in that when that happens I tend to be less social because I am just too focused on all I have to do. People may see that as being stuck up or reserved. But it's just that I have to shut down something, and usually socializing is what I shut down.

How does my personality affect my relationship with the Lord?

First and foremost, I am run by emotions. And sometimes my emotions can be contradictory to what the Lord would have me do in a situation. I can also be impulsive with my emotions and I usually have to tell myself to slow down and wait on the Lord.
Also, at times, I can be brought down easily and I find it hard to want to spend time in the word if I am feeling down or blue.

I like expressing my love to the Lord in worship. I love lifting my head up, with my eyes closed and hand up, singing just to Him. I, in that moment feel like I am in communion with Him.

I enjoy spending quiet time by doing a Bible Study or workbook. I like the structure of it and usually find it difficult to just sit and read the Bible in quiet time. I have to have an assigned reading or questions to ponder. Although at times, I do try to venture out of what's comfy for me to just sporadically read the Word, because I know He may need to speak to me through it.

I can easily be affected by things around me like music, television and the company I keep. Those things can pry on my emotions and I have to be careful as to what I let in or don't let it. When I get down or in a rut, I can be very influenced by music and television. I tend to start listening to music with lyrics that fit how I am feeling, which only brings me down more. In those times, I really need to be focused on God and reading His word. But I instead get lost in the secular music and the television shows that I know I really shouldn't watch. I may let non-Christian friends affect me too, by taking their input into consideration in such a way, that I may listen to it more than I should. I know it comes from a worldly context, but I start listening to it and it begins to sometimes take over what I know God would want me to do.

You know the portion above where it talked about how it is interesting to watch me in a debate with myself, it is so very true. I can have a war going on inside myself, with one part of me wanting to go one way and usually my emotional state wanting another. It is during those times again, where I know I need to turn off the music, unless it's worship music, turn off the TV and stay attuned to God and His Word.

This was all very fun. I hoped you enjoyed learning a bit more about me. I enjoyed looking at myself. Next time I will be talking about my passions.

My Saturday Photo Hunt Story

So, this week's theme is lost. I was half tempted to have my hubby take a picture of me in my car, because when I drive, I get lost A LOT! My friend, Susie, calls me directionally challenged. Instead I thought of a time I got lost and it was quite embarrassing. So, here's the story.......

This is me and my friend, Charity. We met while attending Huntington College, now University, in Indiana.


At least once a week, we would go with our friend, Jen (she would drive), to a

small candy store


in Downtown Huntington


to buy Jones Sodas. We loved them. And the candy store had our favorite flavors, Pink and Happy. We collected the labels and saved them.


One afternoon, I drove Charity and myself downtown for our Jones fix. Downtown had to be only a five minute drive. And we got lost on our way back with all the darn one way streets. We had stopped at the library too, but that was only a few minutes from the candy store. Anyway, It seriously took us an hour to get back to the school. An HOUR! I am not exaggerating. We were so lost and so embarrassed for ourselves. We were so frustrated trying to get back to the school. It was quite sad!

So there you have it!

Thank Goodness It's Friday

This was a long week and I feel that it went very slowly. I am feeling much better..although not 100%. I only got about 4 hours of sleep last night. Hopefully I can sleep in a bit tomorrow. We'll see. Steve found out that he has really bad muscle spasms in his neck. They gave him a shot and then prescriptions for percoset, valium, a steroid and two different muscle relaxers. So hopefully he will feel better soon.

I thought I'd share some pictures I have taken over the past two weeks.















I am going to try to post more ramblings later. For now, I have to run

It's Thursday Thirteen Time but......

I don't have one today. I actually have one I have been working on...I was going to do it, but I will save it for next week. However, my friend, faeryland Mom, has an incredible TT today. We are both doing the Beth Moore Bible Study, Living Beyond Yourself. It is about the fruit of the Spirit. Today, she wrote her TT about the fruit, joy. She shares bits and pieces of the study as well as how it has helped her this week. I really encourage all of you to read it, especially if you feel like you could use some joy right now. Joy's Here

A ground of white

Well, when we awoke this morning, this is what we saw out our window.



The miss was so excited. "Look mommy, snow on ground." I am sure it will all be melted and gone by this afternoon. It is supposed to snow Thursday too. But, this weekend it is forecasted to be sunny and in the 60's.

yawn-stretch-arm around the girl

It's moments like these where I am glad that I am the nut who never leaves home without the digital camera.

Saturday Photo Hunt

Grab the Scavenger Hunt code. Photo Theme. Join the blogroll. Visit participants.

Okay, so this week's theme is Sleeping. Last night, Audrey fell asleep watching a movie. Do you see her clutching the dvd case for The Little Mermaid? She loves that movie. Steve told me to come look at how cute she looked, and I was like..I have to take a pic for the hunt. The theme is sleeping.



Well, later that night, I fell asleep watching a movie. Steve remembered the photo hunt thing and woke me up when a flash went off. He said that he had to get a pic of me sleeping too. So, here it is.

Videos I urge you to watch

INVISIBLE CHILDREN

THE CAUSE:





THE COMMERCIAL





THE OUTCOME





A WAY YOU CAN HELP
-Please note some may be turned off from this video by how it starts, but please watch.




MORE WAYS TO HELP
MAKE MORE NOISE!

The power of your voice at the Global Night Commute was like nothing we've seen or heard before. After meeting with senators to discuss the effects of the Global Night Commute we realized one thing - we've only just begun. With thousands dying everyday in Uganda, we want you to let your senators know that change needs to happen NOW.

Be a part of the 2006 Northern Uganda Lobby Day and Symposium and make noise to end a war. Sharpie-art your calendar and save the date, because on October 9th-10th, you will be in Washington, D.C. with Invisible Children.

If you live in the area or can catch a ride to the Hill, come join Invisible Children and more than 15 other organizations to make more noise to help the people of Northern Uganda. You will hear from the world's leading experts, including Betty Bigombe and John Prendergast, the filmmakers of Invisible Children, and then meet with your elected representative's staff to urge more effective U.S. involvement in the crisis. You'll go home with the knowledge and tools to keep advocating for the invisible children. It's a field trip worth 20 gold stars.

For more information and to register online, go to: www.ugandalobbyday.com

If you can't play hooky or your car won't make it around the D.C. Beltway, don't fret. Call your senators and representatives on the lobby days to be a voice to the voiceless. Imagine what would happen if all of the phones rang off the hook for the invisible children.

Click here for phone numbers to contact both of your state's senators in Washington, DC: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Click here to connect to your Representative in the House: http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW.shtml


Official Invisible Children Website Find out here how to order a dvd to host a party. Ask your pastor to show it at your church. Buy the video or a bracelet

Donate

They have a myspace page too

THIS HAS ALL MOVED ME TO TAKE ACTION....what's on your agenda for the evening? laughter over dinner with the family, TV shows to watch and then children to safely and soundly tuck into bed? While you put those covers over your precious children, think about Africa and how you can help. PLEASE!!!!

Quick apology to my readers

Okay, sometimes I read over my blog posts and am embarrassed by my numerous typos....and grammatical errors. Maybe, hopefully you don't notice them, but I do. Like, I write then instead of than. I've even caught myself using to instead of too. Please note, this is not a reflection of my intelligence. I love to blog, but sometimes have to do it quickly in the midst of distractions or late at night or early in the morning when I am very very tired. So, I am sorry for words not flowing well and horrid punctuation errors. I would go back and fix it all, but who has time for such things. Just try to pretend you don't see them..okay?!?

Emma Grace

Please pray for Emma

Quick thought for the day #2-Refine Me

Refine:
1. To make or become clear by the removal of impurities: clarify, clean, cleanse, purify.
2. To bring to perfection or completion

Awhile back while doing my Beth Moore Bible Study, Living Beyond Yourself, I was immersed in the story of Job. Of course it is one we all know very well. Job went through so much. So many horrible things happened to him and his family. Yet look at his attitude in Job 23:10, "He knows the way that I take. When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold."

Even though Job couldn't find God at those times of heartache and pain. Even though he felt like God was a million miles away from him, He knew that God had been there and that God was with him. He was sure that God knew every moment of his agony. And Job held onto the hope that all that he was going through was in place for a reason----to polish him so that he could come forth as gold.

During the process of refining gold, the gold is placed over great heat so that it melts, bringing the impurities to the top. The refiner then scrapes off the impurities and continues the refining process until the gold has been purified. The refiner's job is to bring gold to its point of greatest reflection.

Our hardships, our struggles happen for a reason. It is through them that we learn and grow. It is those times when we lean not on our own understanding, that we emerge with lambency.

Everything we go through prepares us, helps us to get to our greatest point of reflection. So that we can become the reflection of our refiner.

Are you reflecting your father's love today in your actions and words? Are you still holding onto the hope in Him even in the midst of chaos? Are you faithful? Are you letting him refine you? Are you allowing him to bring your impurities to the surface to be dealt with so that you can shine?

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." 1 Peter 1:6-7

Quick thought for the day on patience

Romans 14:13 states...."Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way."

We cannot judge others and be patient toward them.

"If we are going to become vessels of God's power toward others, we must also learn to be void of judgment toward others."
-Beth Moore

Wish I could think of creative titles

Hello all....the weekend is over and it's back to the hustle and bustle of the week. We had a pretty nice weekend. All day Friday I told the miss about the paci-fairy. She would get a little sad, but nothing too bad. That evening, we looked all over for her pacifiers, but could only find 2. I think we had lost many along the way. So, we put one on her windowsill and I told her she could sleep that night with the other one...but that I'd take it away after she fell asleep and put it on the windowsill. Then, I ran to Toys R' Us to get the special toy from the fairy. The miss loves the Backyardigans. They do a whole pirate episode and she loves talking like a pirate. She walks around many times saying, "arrrrr...matey." So, they have this one Backyardigan toy that is dressed like a pirate and when you push on her tummy she says various phrases like, "walk the plank." She also sings a really cute song about saying arrrrrrr. So, I wrapped it up in pretty pink paper with ribbon and put it on her bedroom floor. I then went to take the pacifiers. The one on her windowsill had disappeared. My smart cookie must have jumped out of bed the second I left the room to take it and hide it. It was hidden in her bed with her, but I finally found it.

That morning when she woke up, oh my goodness, she was sooooo excited to see her present. And, she loved it....Loved it. In fact she hasn't really parted with it all weekend.

Now, I really was expecting it to be a tough weekend without her pacifier. This girl has always whined and screamed for it in the past. But all weekend long, she'd ask for it every now and then and Steve and I would just remind her that the fairy took them and left her her pirate toy. She would get sad for a second, but then start talking about something else.
And at bedtime, she has gone RIGHT TO SLEEP. Tonight she didn't even mention her pacifier.

Now, yesterday a pacifier turned up. She had found one and was very excited. She saw it on the floor, but hadn't gone over to it yet. So, I distracted her by asking her to get me something from her room. While she was in her room, I took the pacifier and cut the nipple off of it and then put it back where she found it. I know, I'm so mean. So, when she walked over to it and found it broken, she started saying, "Oh no, mommy. Some kid broke my babi(bah-bee)." She has always called her pacifiers babi's. I have no clue why. She then kept saying, "No kid, you don't do that. Don't break my babi." It was cute. We ended up throwing it away since it wasn't useable.

Anyway, I am very proud of my little girl. I thought she was going to scream bloody murder for the first few nights. But, nope...she's been fine.

On Saturday, a toy store out here was having a grand opening. I had received an email about it and decided to take Audrey. There was going to be crafts, toys out to play with, small carnival type games, magicians, face painting and an appearance by Curious George. It was all free. I wanted to take the miss because I knew she'd love seeing Curious George. She had so much fun. They had a bunch of toys out that the kids could play with and she spent the majority of the time playing with the trains. I really need to buy that girl one of those train tables. Too bad they cost a fortune. Anyway, I took some pictures to share on this here blog.




When she first saw George...who she calls, monkey George, she had the biggest smile on her face. She kept looking at him with such awe. It was very cute.






So, that was our weekend. We were going to try to go this afternoon to an amusement park out here sincefaeryland mom gave us free passes to it. But we were lazy bums today. But I enjoyed having a lazy day. It isn't called the day of rest for nothing.