Aaaaahhhh, the weekend!
Today is Thursday, but I am not working tomorrow, so it's really like my Friday. And since, my husband doesn't think we need a laptop, I won't be able to blog over the weekend because I am off to the River.
I can't wait! You know how sometimes you just really need a little get-away, well, this is one of those times. There has been a ball tournament for the past 3 weekends and I just want to do nothing! Plus, I think it is going to be pretty, so we can go for a little boat ride. That's always fun.
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
The other day I was reading something, and it got me thinking about accountability.
Is there something in your life that you feel you need to be accountable for? Maybe it's finances, or exercise, Nonny keeps me straight with that, actually she keeps me straight with a lot of my weaknesses. I, personally, think everyone needs someone who will hold you accountable for your actions. Whatever they are. Maybe it is your spouse, or best friend, but I would encourage you to find someone who you feel close enough to that you can confess your struggles.
In Bible study, we talked once about how small groups originated. In that, we learned that people would come together and confess their sins to one another and receive encouragement from each other. I have to confess that their are some people in my church that I would definitely do that with, but, there are others that I would not.
If you know me, I have become a pretty honest, put it all on the table, kind of person because of things that have happened in the past. I don't want secrets to destroy any relationships that I feel are important, so I've learned to go straight to the source, if I have a problem. That tactic helps me to face things head on, no he said, she said, if you know what I mean.
I also try really hard to not be in a situation where I may blatantly gossip about someone. I do admit that this is one of my toughest challenges, because when things aren't going the way I think they should be going, I need to vent. (That's what I do here). Also, if I get called out on something, then I just got caught, admit it and move on.
I think that a lot of people have forgotten about accountability. There are a lot of people who don't feel the need to answer for anything. I personally think it's sad, one day, they will have to answer.
At the last minute the Bible study was changed from Hosea to Colossians.
"In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people. Remember that you will receive your reward from the Lord, which he promised his people. You are serving the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24
Any Thoughts?
I recently subscribed to Proverbs 31 Ministry for the daily newsletter that they send out. It's great I recommend it to everyone. But the last one that I received really got me thinking.
It was about comparing yourself, as a mother, to other mothers. You know the ones, the ones that we see as perfect. Their kids never seem to fight, or get in trouble, they have great grades, the ones that can't seem to do anything wrong. Now, I know there is really no such thing as the "perfect" family, but when you have kids of your own you really want things to be better for them than they were for you.
When I was growing up I really thought things were great, my mom didn't work, she did when I was probably two, but only I think for a summer, because I remember staying at my Grandmothers house. And a few of my cousins stayed there with us. But, when I was in school, my mom was at home, and every morning she got up and made us breakfast. I mean a real breakfast too with sausage and eggs. This was back before they told you that you shouldn't eat eggs everyday. Now, you might think that since my mom did that for me that I too, would make my kids breakfast everyday. You would be wrong. I work, so while I am fortunate enough that I don't work full time in the summer, during the school year, I pretty much do. So cooking sausage or bacon and eggs everyday just isn't happening. There are times when I feel guilty for that. But I do make sure there is something there to eat, it just isn't hot (unless you count the instant grits).
Why do we compare the way we parent to other parents? I do, and I know that I do it too much. I think part of the problem is that our world around us is telling the kids some things are OK, that as a christian I just don't think are OK. A lot of my friends think I am strict. I don't think I'm strict, I just don't want my kids doing things that could easily go astray.
Example: I want to always know where my kids are. Is that so bad? I don't think so. I like to call that being involved with my kids. We do a lot of family stuff together, like camping, vacations as a family, you know, weird stuff like that. My daughter is easily embarrassed, there are times when that hurts my feelings, then I remember she is 14. My son doesn't always want to talk to me when I want to talk to him, then I remember, he is 17. I think I am lucky, my daughter talks of kids in her class that live lives that I can't imagine. I know that my son sees things at school that are so out of the norm for him, but very normal for others.
So, I've decided to stop comparing myself with what some might call the "in" mom, I will just be obedient to the word, do the best I can, and stay centered in Christ. Will I screw up? Definitely. But I am not too proud to say when I screw up, apologize about it and go on. When I look at my kids I see good kids, they genuinely like doing family things, they are pretty responsible, and if I weren't their mom I would still say that.
This weekend we will be in Reidsville for yet another ball tournament, as a family. This will probably be one of those times when it may not be exactly what they want to be doing, but we will make the best of it.
Have a great Holiday weekend!!
Just a while ago, Mr. Wonderful had an eye appointment. He has been having some problems and we've (meaning he) has been to his regular Dr., so he decided that maybe he should get his eyes checked.
He goes to the eye Dr., and he stops by on his way back to work. You know, just so he can tell me how much it cost and that they said he needs glasses. While he's standing there I say, Man, your eyes are really glassy, did the dilate them? He proceeds to tell me that they did indeed dilate them and they look really red.
Meanwhile, he looks toward the back of the office, where me and my lovely co-worker sit, and he starts waving. (Snicker)
I turn around, looking into my office.
I start laughing, I mean really cracking up, almost to the point of bladder loss.
Then, I look at Mr. Wonderful and say, she's not here, she's in PA.
That even got a chuckle out of him, since I KNOW he has heard me say many times this week that she isn't here.
Men, they are funny!
Tonight we start a new Bible study on Colossians. I had thought we were doing Hosea, so I am a little disappointed since I just read the book "Redeeming Love". Man, that was a great book! It is based on the book of Hosea, so I was kind of looking forward to that one, but I guess I'll have to wait.
Colossians was written by Paul and Timothy I think so I know I will enjoy it, it's just that sometimes when you look forward to something, then what you get ends up being a little bit of a let down.
Even though I know I won't be disappointed.
I don't know how this EVER happened, my favorite show of all time, must have been coming on when I wasn't looking. 
I can tell you that I would not have missed it for any amount of money, I just love it that much people!!!
Look at those faces, what is not to love? Aaaahhh, anyway, it use to come on Monday nights', but then there was that writers strike and it stopped coming on so I waited, patiently. I never saw that it was coming back on, no previews, nothing.
So I did what any normal person would do, I started watching 24, which I also love because with all Jack's faults, he should definitely run for president. He could so turn this country around.
So, I am sitting on my couch Friday night, trying to relax, wine in hand, flipping the channels and I stumble across Lincoln and Michael. I can't stop telling my daughter how glad I am that I found it when a commercial comes on and I realize this is the finale. Not just the season finale, but the finale! The last one ever!!! I almost cried. No more Michael Scofield, no more Sucrose, no more T-Bag (even though I didn't like him because he was a REALLY BAD guy). And Lincoln,oh I will miss Lincoln. I was super glad to see him with the chick who saved him last season. But the real shocker, the real season show stopper was at the very end, when Sara has her little boy, and they all get together one last time, to go to Michael's grave. AAAAARRRRGGGHHHH!!!!!
How could they do it, kill off Michael like that? Sure he had a brain tumor or something but come on, this is TV, I am assuming there will be no more Prison Break, so that means that I HAVE to go by all the DVD's so I can keep Michael alive, in my house anyway.
Today, I started level 2 of the 30 Day Shred.
Whew!! It was tough. I have been having some knee issues so I was a little apprehensive about starting it but I really felt like I should, so I just did it.
Yesterday, I watched it, you know just so I could see what it would be like for Anita, (the beginner), and Jillian actually said if you are having some knee trouble then just don't get so far into the movement. So this morning, I did mostly what Ms. Advanced did, (I can never remember her name) but when my knee would start hurting I would do what Anita did. It hurt when I got through, but it doesn't really hurt now so I hope I'm not messing myself up by advancing to Level 2.
My girls came in 2nd at the tournament this weekend. They only lost one game out of three. The first team they played looked like it was made up of only 6 ft. girls. But they did very well against them, they lost by 6, 46 to 40. I have some pictures to put on but I just haven't had the time yet.
I have so many things that I want to get done but just haven't fit them in my schedule yet. This weekend will be a long one with the holiday coming up so maybe I can do some stuff then. Like clean the house, or mow the yard (I don't really do that, my son does, but I have to tell him to.)
It's Friday, once again. The weeks seem to fly by lately, I guess my age is showing.
I remember when I was little, it felt like time just crept by. Now, not so much.
Momma told me this would happen.
Anyway, another ball tournament this weekend, just one day, but I was really looking forward to having a day off. Maybe next week. This tournament is only one day, and it's a little closer than Mt. Airy.
Although, I have to say I really enjoyed it. The area is beautiful, and we actually stayed in Hillsville, VA, that's where the hotel was. It was a good choice, great scenery, and the weather was actually good.
So, I hope everyone has a great weekend.
Peace!
OK, I want to start off by saying I've been in church all my life. I grew up in church, always felt like I was a "good" person. As a teenager I drifted, and I went back, but I have to say that I had a "me" attitude.
You know, everything was about me and what was in it for me. So when I finally realized it wasn't about me. At all.
Once I began living for the Lord, I could see all the ways he was working in my life, even when I didn't realize it. There were friends who guided me towards him, the faith of my family, just so many things that looking back, all brought me to the Lord.
Now I know that God wants a RELATIONSHIP with me, a real, live, relationship. And I have to work at that relationship just like I do any relationship that I want to succeed.
I have learned so much from Bible studies, the more I learn, the more I want to learn. It really is a good book. I know that God's grace and mercy are for everyone. His love is unconditional. He knows we are not perfect, yet he sent his son to die on the cross for us. ALL of us!
I still have struggles, but I know I can trust the Lord to be there with me. I know he will not leave me. Even though I sin, he forgives me and loves me.
Someone once said "Don't be afraid of what God can do in your life." There is so much God wants for us if we will just accept it. He only asks us to love him and be obedient to him. All you need to do is ask Jesus to come into your heart, believe that he sent his son to die on the cross for us, and know that he is the way, the truth, and the light.
Tonight is our last night of The Purpose Driven Life bible study.
I am kind of ready to move on to something else, only because this one took what seems to me like a long time but I really did enjoy it. It was pretty humbling to go through it slowly, and talk with everyone about their thoughts on it.
Last week, we were all given an assignment to write down our testimonies, and he may call on us to ready them. (Of course he will.) I have to say that was a little difficult for me because I have had so many times when people have definitely showed up at just the right time, or said exactly what I needed to hear, and I know all of that was part of God's plan for me.
There were a lot of times when I truly felt the Lord was there with me. The death of my sister, the death of my father. Especially then, because he died suddenly, where my sister was sick for a long time. My family is so important to me, we have had a lot of bad things happen but we have always managed to work through them. It has definitely not been easy. But it has been worth it.
Anyway, tomorrow, I am going to share my testimony with all of you. That will give you something to look forward to now won't it.
Yesterday, I took my son to get his after 9's. (That is so he can drive after 9 for any one who doesn't know that, because back in the day when I got my license, once you got them you could drive all night if you wanted to but now they put limits on the kids, which is actually a good thing.)
Anyway, we didn't have a lot of time so I was glad to see that there were only two people ahead of us.
So we walk in the door, and we get in line, and the man at the desk calls us up and asks us what we are there for. So I kind of push the boy forward, because I am trying to get him to speak to adults and authority figures on his own. He's shy.
Anyhow, he reluctantly edges forward. The man (who was super nice), says "Come on up here, nobody's going to bite you." Well, the boy gets a little flustered and embarrassed by this. Which, it probably didn't help that I found humor in the mans statement. (I mean who wouldn't, it was funny!)
So, the boy is trying as hard as he can to get his license out of his wallet, and naturally, it gets stuck.
So he stands there fiddling with it until it comes out, and then, he didn't even need it, the man just gave him a number and told him to wait to be called.
So we sit down, and we are suppose to be at my daughters school picking her up from tutoring, but I just text her and tell her we will be there shortly. And in a few short minutes we are called in, this time around we didn't get THE MAN, and I have to say I was looking forward to having him, he was so witty. This time we got Misses Hair. (We'll call her that because she looked like she just left the salon. It was pretty, ummm, big.) So Miss Hair, says to him, are you 18? The boy quietly says, No, and I mean quietly. That's one of the reasons I have to stay on him, SPEAK UP so people can hear you already. Miss Hair wants to know if he has an adult to sign for him, I walk up and let her know that I am there and ready to sign.
For someone with such nice hair, she must have had a long day, because her personality was lacking.
She asks him which background he wants. He quietly replies, so quietly in fact that I couldn't hear what he said.
I am telling you, he is cute, but he is so quiet!
So, after about 5 minutes we get out of there and are off to pick up The Daughter from tutoring.
So, the boy can officially drive after 9.
I also made a cake with my mixer. I LOVE IT!!!!!!
I don't know why I was ever worried!
Guilt can definitely be used to your advantage on certain occasions!
It's Friday!!!
Woo Hoo!!!
This weekend we're off to a ball tournament in Mt. Airy.
I hope we do good. We have had a pretty good season so far, but this tournament is usually a tough one. Any way, I'll take my camera, so I can show the scores.
Wish us luck!
* I can't wait to show you guys what I get for Mothers Day. I am taking a picture of it, because I know you will be chomping at the bit to see what it is.
OK, this is going to be one of those stories that just makes you shake your head and say "Amen, sister!"
Maybe, or maybe you will be one of those people with the "Perfect" husband.
Just let me know at the end, will you, I'd like to know if I should go ahead and start looking now.
Anyway, last night, while it was raining and storming, I decided to go to Bible study like I do most Wednesday nights.
Mr. Wonderful hadn't been home from work for very long when I said I was leaving so we didn't really get to talk that much to each other before I left.
Bible study was great by the way, we are finishing up the Purpose Driven Life, which is what I was going to talk about until this came up.
OK, let me set the scene here. I have been asking for a Kitchenaid Mixer for a while now, (that means for at least 6 months.) So when we were out shopping for new dishes for my kitchen, (I've had the same set for a long time, they were chipped, etc.) I saw a refurbished Kitchenaid mixer.
It was $189. I know that isn't cheap, but again, I have wanted one for a LONG time. So, in the store, I told Mr. Wonderful, get me one of those for Mothers Day.
I even picked out the color I wanted. Black, or Grey, in case you were wondering.
So, that's it, the other day he says "Do you really want a mixer for Mothers Day?"
Me: Yes! (Notice the exclamation, that means I really want it.)
So last night I get in from Bible study, begin to fix my plate for supper, and Mr. Wonderful looks at me and says, "Can we wait on the mixer?"
Did you hear that?
I think I stood there for a minute shocked, and ticked off, then I said, "Sure."
Sure, I mean it's only Mothers Day!
Well, after that, I am sure because he knew what a stupid thing he just did, he wanted to do a little arguing. I mean as long as he's just told me I'm not getting what I want let's just see how mad he can make me, right?
So, he gets mad, (like it's my fault), and says "I'll just go buy 10 of them tomorrow!"
Then he proceeds to rant and rave about all he does!
He cooks! Well, that's because he likes to cook.
The kids don't talk to me! They are teenagers. Listen to you!
He can't do everything! Welcome to my world!!!!!!
Meanwhile, I am thinking, what are we waiting for? Is there some BIG thing coming up that I don't know about? I'm not aware of any big thing going on, but sometimes, he has a tendency to plan things that I may not find out about until a later date.
Also, keep in mind, if there is something HE wants, he pretty much gets it.
We usually discuss purchases. We began doing this after a purchase he made without discussing it with me.
You're going to love this, guess what his purchase was that he just had to have!
Ready? Flowmasters.
For anyone who isn't familiar with Flowmasters, they are mufflers! That's right people, and not just any muffler.
$700 mufflers!
Because on a truck, you really, really need those. To be cool!!!
And he is so cool!
So after that fiasco, you can bet he didn't do anything like that again.
OK, so I have been thinking about it, stewing over it really, and deciding, what should I do?
Should I go and get it myself if he doesn't get it, or just let it go.
I am thinking about getting it, and any freaking thing else I want!!!
Leave it to a man to ruin a perfectly fine evening. I mean I was trying to be as nice as possible, remember I just got home from church.
Believe me, I could have put up just as good a fight as he did. But I was trying to be a christian about it.
Quit laughing!!!!
So what would you do?
It's been 7 days. I am determined to stick with it. I have to say I'm not as sore as when I first started but my pains are less severe and changing.The first few days it was difficult to walk, sit, stand, breathe, you know, just your usual every day pains. Now, I am feeling it more in my arms and back.
I wonder where that pain will be moving next week, hmmmm.
When I start looking at all of the amazing things that people do with yard sale finds, and spray paint, and other peoples trash. It really makes me feel quite inadequate.
I mean, who would have thought to take a plate, a sundae cup, and a can of paint and it turns into a cake stand. I have to say that seeing that made me think, man how stupid am I that I never thought of that? Freaky, huh?
So, I am setting a few goals for myself. (Because I am not that "inadequate.")
First of all, I have already bought my spray paint for a rocking chair project that I am determined to do.
Second, I really want to do one of those cake plates. I like the way they paint those, but I also like the way some of those older plates look, so I'll decide on that when I get a plate.
Who knows, maybe something will just jump out at me when I go to the Goodwill store.
Third, I really want to put new floors in my kitchen and living room. I really, really, really want brick tiles. I absolutely love them! LOVE EM!!
But we have also talked about knocking down a kitchen wall, to make the dining room open to the kitchen so I don't know when this will happen. I am trying to convince Mr. Wonderful that we can knock the wall out ourselves. I mean hey, demolition, how hard can it be?
So, if we do that, then we'll do the floors when that little project is complete.
Of course, I do want a bar going into the dining room, but again, I think we can handle that too.
Any suggestions?
I know, I know!
I have missed Bible study a few nights due to my world travels and field trips.
But I'm back.
Last night was about having the heart of a Servant. I have to admit that most of the time this isn't really a problem for me. I am pretty easy, ask me to do something and I almost always say "Sure".
My problem lies is that I sometimes don't have a "real" servants' heart because I am too worried about what everyone else is doing.
Now I am sure that none of you are the least bit like that. I bet you never compare yourselves to anyone, right?
In going over the Chapters slowly it really helps me to see where I need to focus my attention.
I definitely need to focus on my attitude. I do, believe it or not, have a good attitude. But sometimes, when someone isn't doing what I think they should be doing, or maybe they don't show up when I think they should, well, I guess I get a little upset about it.
Sometimes more than others..
I know I have to focus more on the Lord. I pray every day that I will have a Servants heart.
I really do!
Then that little devil pops up on my shoulder, and start filling my head with all kinds of bad thoughts.
That mean old devil!
So, to make things easier on myself, I will only focus on what I am doing.
I will pray everyday that the Lord will help me with that fault.
Our society makes serving more difficult than it should be. We define ourselves by what we have. Keeping up with the Jones', so to speak. Where Jesus says we should store our treasures in heaven.
Another thing that I absolutely love is when you start reading the Bible and you learn about the people God used to his glory, you will be amazed at how human they are.
Let's look at Noah, a drinker. Yet he was a friend of God.
Paul, began persecuting Christians, one of the greatest Apostles, constantly trying to know God.
David, an adulterer and murderer. Also, a friend to God.
If God can use them, surely I am good for something.
That tells me God loves me right where I am at, his Grace is amazing, he loves even me!!!
Our weaknesses don't always have to be a bad thing, that is where God can truly show you what he can do if you just let him.
There is a great Give Away going on over at Nesting Place!
You have to check it out.
She's giving away a beautiful platter from Dayspring's new line.
You have nothing to lose, so check it out!!
