He's Home...

Written this past Friday December 16th, 2011

My Grandpa Bill was one active man;
that's how I remember him.
Running- doing push-ups, going on long trips- always young at heart.
He was the kind of Grandpa that never seemed to age.
So with this; I was completely not ready to hear of his sudden illness that aged him significantly in just a months time.
We all know he didn't like it;
and was completely unprepared for what was happening to him-
When I had my last visit with him just last week; his one wish was to be out of the hospital and at home-
he was not gonna give up til he made it there-
he got his wish and was home with his amazing wife 2 days before going to his final home in Heaven- to be reunited with his sons, mother, father & sister-
A huge welcoming in heaven occured for my Grandpa today- I will never forget the kiss on my cheek; and hearing him say "I love you too hun- see you soon" I said "Your going Home" his reply "You bet I am"! He truly is at home-
"I Love you Grandpa!"
__________________________________________________________________________
This is my Grandpa Bill and Grandma Bonnie with my cousins, in I believe the early to mid 90's-

This was my Grandpa Bill getting one of many awards being in the patrol. He was always very humble about his accomplishments; he's got one awesome resume- That's him in the middle...

Book Wreath Project...

After only 25 minutes of working on my 1st home-made wreath ever!!! - I finished the back side- YAY!!!!

Feeling Crafty...

This is what I've been up to tonight... Feeling Very crafty- I have been wanting to make one of these wreaths FOREVER!!!! Finally tonight I have begun; after 40 minutes of work and a new hot glue gun- wa la`~

I have to say; my friend has one in her living room that my eye is naturally drawn to each and every time I visit her house;now I will soon have one of my own I can stare at. ;)
If you would like a tutorial on how to do this; and see what the finished project will look like- go to this link; you wont be bummed you did; that's for sure.
:)

OH- I FORGOT ONE OF THE BEST PARTS- It Costs about $2.00 !!!! I got a great idea on pinterest to buy foam pipe-lining from the plumbing department at Home Depot. ONLY .95 cents for a six foot long piece; simply cut it to whatever size you'd like and duck tape the two ends together- YAY for another fabulous idea!!!

I miss them already...

My children that is; I miss them already. Today is the last day of their school Thanksgiving break. It went by way too fast; weeks like this I sometimes wish they were home schooled. In 3 weeks they will be off for Christmas Break; I'll have even more time with them then I'm excited to make these:

How cute is that? Got this cute idea off of pinterest.
On another note, today I say goodbye to Fall :(

- Yes I love Christmas but I don't have very many Christmas decorations that I love. I desire that flow thing; you know where everything just flows together?
I have accomplished this in my Fall decor; but not quite Christmas. I hate to say it; but I am not a big fan of reds; never have been- I'm actually quite afraid of color- lol. Therefore; I am dreaming of a white Christmas; and somehow this year or the next I'm gonna try and make some beautiful neutral Christmas decorations. I'll be on pinterest a lot; that's for sure. I would love to create something like this... Crisp- clean and pulled together; this is very classy..

I'll keep you posted! ;)
I'm off to brainstorm some more...

"Expect the Unexpected" Five Minute Friday

"Expect the Unexpected", a phrase often heard.
Sometimes the unexpected details in life are clear blessings,
and sometimes they come disguised,
making everything around you feel like everything's crashing in-
Oh, and you can feel it!!!
In these unexpected moments we need to be reminded that at the end of the heavy burden;
we will find the blessing God has for us tucked safely inside.
So... "Expect the Unexpected".

Now it's your turn click here to participate, or just to read some beautiful entries based on the one word- Unexpected.

October 31st- Time to Dress up and eat lots of candy!!!

This is another one of those posts of mine- with no words just pictures... The kids are growing up so fast- I thank God for them everyday.

Welcoming Fall...

Seasons-
I Love Gods Seasons. Just when one season ends we naturally desire a new ones arrival.

We grow tired of the heat and can't wait for the cold- we bring in the breezy chilled air until our bodies are naturally ready to be bundled up in our favorite blanket- with a cup of hot cocoa, held so tightly by both hands, as a fireplace flickers with warmth nearby.

Then we are ready for a break; time to watch beautiful flowers bloom, and begin to enjoy beautiful days outdoors- not too cold- not too hot; and beautiful sights of butterflies everywhere(what I like to think as one of Gods most beautiful creatures)!

Then we find ourselves ready for beach days- at least I am anyway; there is something about escaping the heat and enjoying a beautiful day at the beach; knowing it wont be too cold there.

Seasons- they are a beautiful gift from God.
Truthfully- as I tire from the same-o, same-o- Sometimes toward the end of a ripe season- I find myself ready for the next; not in climate; but in life.

I have found that not every season is enjoyable all the time; but that God gets us ready for a new one; something we cannot yet grasp; without experiencing the season we are in.

I have been in a season recently of just not feeling much connection with God; attempting to get through on my own- only for Him to remind me in that season to start anew with Him.

And for this I am thankful for Gods gift of seasons. There is always a new one right around the corner. Seasons grow our faith; and grow our love and gratitude to the things God has done- and will do.
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him" 1 Corinthians 2:9

Habakkuk 3:17,18 "Even though the fig trees are all destroyed, and their is neither blossom left nor fruit, and though the olive crops all fail, and the fields lie barren; even if the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be happy in the God of my salvation."

Eccl: 3:1 "There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under Heaven".

Catch your Breathe... (Five Minute Friday)

Catch your breathe...
Catch a moment...
Catch laughter; that may have been thrown away...
Catch your blessings- even when you don't quite see them coming.
Catch each other- when we are falling...
Let God catch us when we cannot catch ourselves; let alone each other.
In these moments let us feel the peacefulness in catching Gods love.


Now it's your turn click here to participate, or just to read some beautiful entries based on one word.

5 Minute Friday: Ordinary

You are not ordinary- you are Gods creation.
There is nothing ordinary about that!
This major detail in life takes years to grasp.
He has formed you and I with our very own gifts to offer others.
These unique gifts are designed to speak into others lives,
those with their very own- not at all ordinary personalities!
There is nothing ordinary about Gods creation-
YES- that means you and me-
When we feel ordinary; remember -YOU- are- HIS - NOTHING ORDINARY ABOUT IT CREATION!

Now it's your turn click here to participate, or just to read some beautiful entries based on one word.

Five Minute Friday - "Friends"

It's Saturday- I know. I'm trying to get back into this five minute Friday writing again- because I find it to be so relaxing. Anyway- I'm back- just in time; because I really need to get showered and ready for the day.
Fridays word was "FRIENDS"

Here goes:

We hear it said time and time again that in order to have friends; one must be a good friend. In fact I just saw it on a school classroom door; just yesterday.
It made me think, not just think but take a moment to say a short prayer.

You see I have been so let down by friends that I have become super shy; and worried that I may not ever be someones best friend. Where does this come from?; I ask God. It stems from a horrible word called jealousy- Not jealous of people and their things- but a different kind. Jealous of other woman's friendships. They seem so unattainable to me; that I've found myself in a place of flat out giving up. With a focus on that I cannot realistically be a good friend.

But back to the poster on the door- It isn't about having friends- it really is about being a friend.

- this I do know...

I have a best friend- His name is Jesus- and he is showing me through His example of being my best friend- just how I can do the same for someone else.

And for this...I am grateful.



AND .... STOP.

5 minutes is up. Have a Great Weekend! I thank God for giving me a lot to reflect on.
Now it's your turn click here to participate, or just to read some beautiful entries based on one word.

My 9/11 Story...

Wow what a day! A whole decade later from that tragic day of 9/11. I find it to be so weird how when something this tragic occurs- that 10 years later you can remember it like it just happened. This is my 9/11 story...

The feelings and the emotion all come back so vividly. Like so many others I felt like that day was played in slow motion. I vividly remember working at Marshalls District office in Ontario, CA. when my boss came in to work to tell us a plane had struck one of the twin towers in New York that morning. Of course all I could think was this must be some accident - and oh my how sad! I couldn't even grasp at that very moment what kind of damage that would actually cause. I have to be honest I didn't know how to take it and went on with work as usual- until my boss came out of his office; pale as ever with news of a second plane crashing into the towers- and at that very moment - the world as I knew it was one big blur and in slow motion. We were under attack. Nobody knew what would happen next; I couldn't wait to get home to my baby girl; and my grandmother who was her nanny while I went to work.
We all shared this day- even with those we don't even know.
America shared this day in unity. We all remember where we were; and those exact reactions- even a whole decade later. The lives that were tragically lost; Fathers, Mothers, the children on the planes, Sons and daughters.
The ones that stick closest to my mind were 7 of our companies buyers on flight 11, all women; on a business trip headed to LA; some mothers, one engaged, and others just starting their careers.
The world seemed so so small to me that day.
Lives sure change a lot in a decade- and we remember this day; mainly because some of us are old enough to.
I can't help but think that if we lived when Jesus was crucified; just how much those feelings would be so heavy on our hearts- the cruelty shown to such a beautiful Man - the Son of God. I'm positive that day for His followers and even those who just realized who He really was- their day played in slow motion too. Just wondering what God was going to do next - and remembering His promises while He walked this earth. Not knowing what Gods plan was. Out of this tragic day we see Gods plan revealed in His sacrifice for us; so that we can live for ever and be freed from the grip of sin. That we might be forever grateful and never forget.
Gods Plan was for His Son to affect an entire nation- forever! He Loves us that much! "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will have EVERLASTING LIFE". John 3:16
To me 9/11 is an example and reminder of just that; that through tragedy we remember and are affected forever through those events. To live in unity in Christ and our Country by living a life of love; because "Love covers over a multitude of sins". 1st Peter 4:8
And with this love we can affect an entire nation to live for Jesus Christ- and never forget. I pray for Gods peace to continue to cover the hurts of all those hurting over this past decade, that they may find the best shoulder there ever was to lean on. That through all the confusion they are able to give that to God this very night!
One of my all time favorite verses:
John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Quote Wednesday...

Five Minute Friday: "Older"

Older

AND START:

As I look back on my childhood, I like so many others couldn't wait to get older. I had images in my mind as a little girl as to what I would look like, what I would be doing.

It's weird seeing those images in my head as I play them back, seeing now what I saw then.

For some strange reason I pictured myself as a short blonde college cheerleader. I also pictured myself as a business woman working in an office. I thought I'd travel New York on a taxi cab in the finest business clothes there are (you know like the movies). I thought that those things would make me important.

I had this desire and if I'm really honest - I still catch myself desiring to be important.

Unlike then, now I know as I get older it doesn't require effort to be important.
If I try to be important with material things I would be missing out on what is so precious. Being Real with My Sweet Husband, My sweet children- and my dear Savior.

What makes me important doesn't require any effort - Just being Me- & that is enough!

AND...STOP 5 MINUTES IS UP.

Now it's your turn click here to participate, or just to read some beautiful entries based on one word.

Making Beautiful Memories...

I met a beautiful woman a while back behind me at the bank; with such an evident beautiful heart...She was 85 years old; her name was Millie. I guess I could say I didn't technically meet her but I had the honor to stand in the long line to hear a woman speak to me about just how beautiful her life has been thus far. This conversation began after her taking notice of my daughter Shianne; who she absolutely adored!

You could just see fond memories flashing before her eyes as she looked at & commented on her freckles- at which point she told me she was a teacher her whole life; taught elementary and in her elder years opened up a daycare of her own which she expressed being sad the day she closed her doors.

I just sat there in line listening to her knowing she was an awesome teacher! Not to mention a woman who lived her life well; she spoke of traveling the world with her sweet husband Stan who went to heaven about a year ago. This was a woman who dearly misses her husband- but who could see the good in all. Her treasured memories of her sweet husband glowed through her eyes as she spoke of their memories together.

This is why I love old couples, and the wisdom they have gained together- by living selflessly, the true joy they have found in accepting each other, and building one another up through the years. It shows in the way they look at each other. It was as if that day, she was looking into her sweet Stans' eyes as she spoke of all their joyful memories.
You could tell it was enough...just enough to get her through that day.

So today I am reminded as we head into our 10th year of marriage to make memories. Make memories that will last forever- and treasure that Man I love so dearly, the same way I did when I first fell in love.
To hold onto those precious memories and feelings I had when we met, went on our 1st date, spoke the words "I Love You", shared our first kiss, committed our lives to each other, began our family, and strengthened our faith in God through the trials we have shared.

As I think on these things and the many more memories that are yet to come- I don't ever want to forget to "GLOW" in love the way Millie did that fine day.

Happy Anniversary to Us...and to many more beautiful memories together!
I Love You Jay Arthur! :)

Five Minute Friday: New

As I head out onto the highway, bags packed, ready for that 1st step away from home completely on my own. Just me, my green geo, and a few bags in the back of my tiny little car. How in the world am I supposed to fill up a new apartment? I am going to be surrounded by emptiness.
Little did I know that it would take some time for what at one time seemed empty, to be full of New life! My New life with my New baby girl about 2 years later. During this time God was transforming me into something New, for her, and for everything else He was planning to place in my path.
These are just a few small moments in which He made me New- from that girl who traveled alone on that highway, feeling so alone...to a new embrace of my Almighty Father,expecting new life in more ways than one- never to be alone again.


Today was five minute Friday...and I love it!!! It's a chance to just write, or paint a picture with your words using one word given from the gypsy mama website. Click on the link and check it out for yourself. If you don't feel like writing you can read all the other posts that linked up.

Harvest Crusade '2011= Girls Weekend!!!

We had such a fun weekend! I spent it with Shianne, my Mom, and Aunt Heidi at the Harvest Crusade '2011. It's been a long time since I went to Harvest almost 18 years!!! It was such a blessing to see a stadium packed with so many people to hear the word of God and be part of one of the best worship services ever!!!
We had a blast!!!





We spent the next morning after a long night with Coffee delivered by my fabulous Dad and stayed in our jammies til about noon-

Girls Weekend Rocks!!!
And..to top it off my Mom made us this fabulous lunch. Homemade hearty tomato soup with Lemon & Rosemary, and a Turkey meatloaf with Feta and Sundried Tomatoes. -DELICIOUS!!!

Five Minute Friday: Beauty

BEAUTY: (5 minutes) START:

Beauty...

Beauty is the way my husband and I laugh together at the wake of day just before the busyness takes over.

Beauty is the refreshed smiling faces of our children when they spurt out their crazy dreams they had through the night.

I love the way they jump into bed with us and we all laugh together.
This is Beautiful.

Beauty is the gift of the family God gave to me- without them who knows where I would be.

Beauty is the fresh morning air ready to start a new day- forgiven- and filled with Faith in He who loves us all.

He who wants us to keep laughing.

He who is beautiful-

and He who calls us beautiful.


AND...STOP

Want to take five minutes with me and share what you found? Want to just write without worrying if it’s just right or not. Here’s how we do it:

1. Write for 5 minutes flat with no editing, tweaking or self critiquing.

2. Click Here to link up with the website that provides such a free writing experience.

3. Go and tell the person who linked up before you on the site what their words meant to you. Every writer longs to feel heard.

OK, are you ready? Give me your best five minutes for the prompt:
Beauty…

Realness Journey...

August 5, 2011

What do you want your family to look like in ten years?

My Family in 10 years. Wow this is a lot to think about! I read today on Marybeth Whalens blog that she is a big fan of intentional living. She’s not kidding. These questions really leave no choice but to be intentional.

Who we are now is a stepping stone to what we will become.

I want our family to have been led. Led by our heavenly Father I want us to all be earnestly seeking His will for our lives. I want us to have developed a strong sense of unity- and openness to speak to one another without fear of any of us thinking the other will ever love them less. That we can feel content knowing we traveled this road together and are so proud of the outcome. Realizing we are never complete- but that God continues to work in us and will carry His plans to completion.

I want to know I know my husband and children as best as I ever could- My hearts desire is that their lives be full of joy with the same peace my sweet Jesus gives to me. I want to know they will think twice before stepping into their decisions- and always ask God to show them the way. I want us to all be REAL that we all spent our lives REAL. I began a realness journey just today (read previous post) and the Lord has opened up my heart to just see my family for who they are- helping me to look into their hearts with a genuine –REAL desire; not distracted by the outside world but focused on the goal He has and that I want for my precious family. I pray in 10 years I will never forget it! He is reshaping me into a Mother He calls beautiful- and beautiful where it counts the most.

Saying Goodbye to that Fear...

August 4, 2011 Journal Entry
What kind of personality do you want to have in ten years? How might you work on developing that between now and then? Question from Marybeth Whalens August Challenge- click on her name to check out what it's all about.

I have to admit; I have this almost crippling fear of comparisons, and worry over what everyone thinks. No matter how many times I try to keep my kids from doing this same thing amongst their peers; I am reminded it is where I struggle- and I feel quite hypocritish- (lol I just made that up). I hate that honestly I go to my childrens events and am too concerned with me and the people that surround me. People who might see me. I do not know why this is other than some form of insecurity- which I hate having. When my children were born I was confident in my job, the people I spoke to- I think somewhere along the lines the world took over me. What people were wearing, how old or young I look, my hair, my face, how much I lost or didn’t lose after my babies were born. I became a slave to the comparison trap and feel stuck in it every time I am in a crowd. Sometimes I am scared to go to a crowded event- that is sad. I spend a lot of time thinking people around me are better Moms than me, that they may not like me, that I may not be able to start any form of conversation- let alone keep one going. It stems from being so worried about what people think of me that I have become crippled by my comparisons and insecurities- I got sucked into the way the world wants me to think so I’ll buy more- and try more things all with the purpose to please people.

Journaling this today really makes me see just how big of an issue this has become. I just spent the other day at my childrens’ elementary school to do a meet and greet with the teachers. Here I ran into so many people I remember from last year- and I literally felt myself act as if I didn’t know them because I was too afraid to get too close- too afraid of looking like a fool- too afraid of being called the one who has absolutely zero personality. I fear I have no personality compared to others and am deathly afraid to be labeled as that girl- so I stay away. If I really look at it- it is my fear that makes me unapproachable- because I make myself this way- now how am I going to change this exactly?

Well…I’m certainly not gonna go it alone- that definitely doesn’t work. I’m praying for Gods guidance to rid me of this fear- I can’t truly enjoy every single one of my childrens events if I’m solely focused on me and everyone else around me- so scared other people are watching me and forming opinions. – Who cares what they think! I want to truly feel that down to my core. I’m praying that more and more each day the Lord will set me free of this. This entry is about personality – and the personality I want to have in ten years is to be “ME” who God has made “ME” to be; not worried about what others think; but only what He thinks of me. Because this I do know… He loves me very much and that is one promise I know I can ALWAYS stand on. He knows the desires of my heart and that is to be the best wife & mother to my family that I can be. My fear has the potential to hold me back- and today as I get ready to take my boys to their first day of school- I say goodbye to that fear, grab hold of my Fathers hand and enjoy this day to the fullest. Everyday is a gift from God; I don’t want to take advantage of such a special Gift.
Thank you Lord for this realization today!

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22

My Grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9

“My business is not to remake myself, but to make the absolute best of what God has made”
-Robert Browning

When I am Scattered...

It's 5 minute Friday again and the word is - "WHOLE"


The first thought that comes to mind is pieces, because we need pieces to make us whole.

Not all my pieces are perfect but my Jesus is.

It is because of Him I am made whole- and not lost just scattered in pieces everywhere.

I know that in His wholeness He will bring whatever messy pieces I have- to not be ashamed of, but to be real, to be seen as a sinner like everyone else who walks this earth today.

Because of His wholeness I am made whole- FORGIVEN- in Him - even when I feel scattered- He reminds me which direction to turn my heart and soul to-

and it is NEVER NOT HIM.


Link over to GypsyMamas Blog be part of this beautiful 5-minute, one word,stress free writing. If you don't feel like writing- link over there to read all the beautiful entries. You will not be disappointed.

"Like a Tree Planted by the Water"...

August 3, 2011

Today’s journal entry is In ten years what do I want to be known for? In ten years I want to be known for writing. Someone who learned the quality of painting a picture with her words, and can encourage others in sharing what God has taught me; whether that be in struggles or victories. In my school age years I always loved to be given a topic in English to write on; which is why I think this August Project is so neat. Not to mention with years of continuous practice I can’t get worse; I can only improve right?

What I want to be known as ten years from now sure sets up a pretty big platform to purposely live- and really take a moment to focus on where God is leading me. I think aside from writing, first and foremost I want to be known as a Christian who is not afraid to share my faith in the Savior who changed, and continues to change my life. That my story will be shared in a way that is so real to others that they will know they are not alone and can experience the same joy I have. I want to be known as faithful to walk the course He’s laid before me- no matter what He purposes me to do. Known for the girl who didn’t miss her calling even though I am probably one of the most shy girls EVER! With that in mind I want to be known for the Confidence I have in Him.

Jeremiah 17:7-8
“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out it’s root by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; it’s leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

10 Years from now...

The August Challenge
I am doing a August Challenge this month with topics being coordinated by Author Marybeth Whalen from Proverbs 31 Ministries. I really love the idea- I wont be posting everyday; some I will keep to myself. This one; however I wanted to post here. If you want to try this too as a personal journal, or for a blog go to Marybeth Whalen.com where she will give you a new topic every day for the month of August! Have fun- I find that journaling teaches me a lot about myself and I Love it!

August 2nd, 2011

Today’s journal entry will be about how I want to be seen in 10 years. Hmmmmm haven’t exactly thought that far ahead yet. Right at this moment I am 32 years old, the wife of the Man I was meant for, and the mother of a breathtaking beautiful girl, and 2 extremely handsome boys; all of which have different hair colors- not that that matters in regards to 10 years from now, unless of course I sometimes wonder what their hair color will be as adults. I mean; mine changed and now I have to dye it all the time. 

Okay, okay all of this aside, I’m just getting myself set up for being able to answer this very intriguing question. 10 years from now…

Well My husband will be 52, and I will be 42- so I will pretty much be him and he will be…well…older & of course we’ll both be wiser. *wink wink* I pray that every year that passes, and each day that goes by teaches us to change together with God as our guide. To be there for each other in whatever life brings- for both of us to be done with self and live for God and each other. I’d like to travel the world with my husband- just to say I’ve done it; and even if we never get the chance to travel the world that we will have traveled each others’ world. That we really over the years can smile so big knowing we know what it’s like to walk in one another’s steps. That over the years we have encouraged and been encouraged by one another to live a life & marriage that pleases our Heavenly Father. That we can look at each other and say “that was some ride…I’m so happy I’ve got you”!

Socially we’ll still have the same friends. Of course they’ll be older too! ;) We’ll have made some really good new friends also, that we can relate to, encourage & pray for.

Our Children.

Let’s see Shianne will be 21…and I’m sure we would have spent a lot of years chasing those boys away. Most importantly praying that The Lord protect her heart.

Brenden will be 18… and I’m sure I would have spent a lot of years; taking every opportunity, teaching Him to be a good man. Praying even more, because by now, he will be even faster on a motorcycle. Most importantly that He follows Gods lead in His life.

Jimmy will be 17… and I’m sure he’ll still be chatting away (or at least I hope so). Most importantly that He follow Gods lead in his life too.

Okay so the idea of their ages only 10 years from now just brought tears to my eyes.

Do I know how to do this? How can I not waste a moment? Will I have really gotten to know them, to the depths of their innermost being? Will I know how to give them great advice, like the really top of the line Mamas do?

In 10 years from now I want to be known by my children as the Mom who didn’t have all the answers; but when she didn’t she looked to God for the best answers out there!

In 10 years from now I want to be known by my children as the Mom who always made time, because she realized one day how fast time would fly- and she didn’t want to miss a moment.

In 10 years I want to be known as the Mom who accepts them for who they were created to be, and even if that was different from her; that she never got too busy to get to know what makes “them” happy, sad or how “they” tick.

In 10 years from now I want to be known as the Mom who prayed for them every single day- whether tired or not, she was there never giving up on the power of our Almighty Father.

In 10 years from now, I want to be known as the Mom who put her family first and with the guidance of God it was made possible to be that kind of Mama.

In 10 years from now, I want to be known as the Mom who set goals, prayed over them, and never gave up hope even when they seemed unattainable.

In 10 years from now I want to be known as the Mom who loves their Daddy dearly, and was one of the best wives she knew how to be.

In 10 years from now- I cannot be fully prepared as of yet to know- but I pray God will prepare me daily, and shape me into something He can put His stamp on.

An Aunt who is just like a Mother to me...

While I have an amazing Mother; I have to say I have an amazing second Mama-
my Aunt Heidi.
She was the Aunt that loved to do my hair, let me wear her wedding dress for fun, play with beautiful decorative hats, was never afraid to get messy with crafts.
I will always remember her interest, and I mean genuine interest in watching every single show, dance, song, and play that my cousins and I worked so hard to create, and she always knew how hard we worked- because she was always there watching.
I swear she never lost interest or ever had anything better to do; she gave every childs' deep wish "undivided attention". She always payed such special attention to my sister and I even before her very own children; (my sweet cousins) were born.
She loved everything I did- down to the way I danced, the way I sang, every single piece of me- and I knew that!
What an amazing gift to have an Aunt like her. She gave me the nickname Heather Feather; and still calls me that to this day; I could just hear her voice saying my nickname even though we are miles apart.

I didn't always see her this way- I hit the age of adolescents, and things changed; while she was still the Aunt (like a Mother) I all of a sudden pulled away from the Aunt who cared so deeply about me.
She never changed... however...I did- I changed my view of her to work around my lifestyle and make the things I was doing or thinking about seem okay; all of a sudden I just didn't go to her anymore the way I once did as a little girl.
Why Exactly?
Well lets just say God gave her a strong gift of discernment- and I knew whatever I did she would soooo find out.
Back then I thought that was a bad thing- I thought she was an enemy holding me back from the things I wanted to do -
so I just flat out didn't communicate with her anymore.
How sad... that entire time she just loved me while I pushed away and turned all her bold comments that she made to me into thinking she was just being mean.
Those bold comments were truth- and I see that now, I just didn't like what I heard because I knew I was wrong.
When I take a look back she cared so much for me and was never going to give up.
It is people like her, and my actual birth Mother that brought me to where I am today. With all their prayers- never ceasing
Not just her and my Mother, but my daughters life as well...
my daughter was Gods gift to me.
A beautiful instrument to place me back in the loving arms of my Savior.
I was faced with having a child out of wedlock, and becoming a single Mother. The first person I turned to was my first love- Jesus Christ.
After all those years wanting to do things my way I remembered Him and His love for me. I will never forget that night I cried out to Him, when he forgave me- showed me that "I should not fear, because He is with me & He will uphold me with His righteous right hand", & not just mine, but my daughters as well.
I will never forget it- I felt His hand- and I still feel it when I am afraid-
He will never let go- He made a promise and I believe His promise, because He has literally turned my life around-
I'm telling you- Night and Day!
Back to my Beautiful Aunt Heidi; I am so thankful for her, and her continuous prayers over my life- never ceasing.
The enemy was never her,
it was the real enemy who wanted to distort my thinking-
and now God has given me the wisdom to see My Aunt Heidi's discernment as a gift to be admired and taken to heart,
because my Aunt Heidi has a heart of Gold and I love her to pieces.

Be Still- Be Reminded...

Still... Be still in Him
He who knows what is to come,
He who has crafted us with such unique life stories,
these not just being our "stories", but something that one day
becomes our testimony.
Just the right testimony-hand crafted and designed for just the right person,
to remind us how to really-really-really be still in Him, and Him alone.
A still moment to really see His beauty unfold through us like a butterfly that spreads it's wings. To fly and flutter about with such contagious joy.
Be Still- and Be Reminded- He keeps his promises...and He knew best all along,
and always will.
Therefore I will be still- and know that He is God...
I am ever so grateful.

What in the world is a Minion?

"I like to think that we are like Gods Minions"! This statement coming straight out of the mouths of babes!!!

This coming from my youngest son; who is 7, after a disagreement with his big sister over respecting each others wishes.
Jimmy was asked to please stop drumming by his older sister- his human reaction was not to listen- her human reaction was to get upset & I mean really upset. And well you know where this went-
straight to both of them being in trouble!
Neither one of them wanted to let go.

God was showing me that this was one of those times to use what happened as an opportunity to teach a life lesson- one that would go deeper than the usual "because I said so"- and the "don't do that because it's just mean & not nice"!

Nope this was an opportunity to let God show me what they needed to hear, and not just hear- but learn and live out. We talked together about how important it is to be people who help one another- and sometimes that means letting go of our own desires-and respecting others wishes.

We talked about how there is a real enemy that wants to try his best using even the littlest things like banging a drum and annoying your big sister. How he uses these little things that turn into big things to cause division in a family.

Gods whole purpose of family is to be united- and to help each other so we can live out His plan & "good" will in the world. I did tell them that God doesn't expect us to be perfect by any means; only one person walked this earth in perfection- and His name is Jesus! Instead because He loves us sooooooo much he wants us to be aware of what the enemy tries to use to cause division from each other, and even in our relationship with our Father in heaven. We need to be aware- be on the same team; because that is Gods will in our life- and it is for our GOOD!

This is where Jimmy just sat so deep in thought on our top step; and said
"I like to think that we are like Gods Minions"!

"Gods Minions?- lol What are minions"? I ask.- "You know people who help people. We are Gods minions and we help Him to show goodness to others"- WOWZA!!! Did my son just preach to me? Did he just relate to what God was trying to show him? He sure did! So of course I had to look up the definition of a minion because I am by no means a Star Wars know it all like my son.

The Definition of a minion:
"A minion is a follower devoted to serving his master relentlessly."

That is completely what we are here on earth to do. I felt so blessed to have been taught something myself; in the process of teaching my children. "LIGHTBULB GOING OFF" -
And "THAT" is why a "because I said so" and "don't do that because it's just mean & not nice" would not have been nearly as rewarding; we did our job as Gods Minions that day and kicked that enemy right out of our home by speaking such beautiful truths.
Last month I focused on Faith- this month I have been focusing on Goodness. And God definitely is GOOD- so GOOD to me, and so GOOD to us! He wants us to keep our eyes open, and avoid the things that distract us from His loving care.

"Make every effort to live in peace with all men and be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many." Hebrews 12:14-15

By the way this is also a minion in cartoon form from the movie "Despicable Me"

I'd like to think that we are cuter minions than him. :) Although he is kinda cute!

"The Whippy Cake!!!" -( a name for an Up-do)

The funniest name I've ever heard to describe an up-do; but then again I'm not usually into up-dos because I can't ever get them right.
This one is super cute and super easy- perfect for long hair- usually it's so hard to get mine all the way up.
Yes it's called the "Whippy Cake" and here's the link to the how to video shared on Becky Higgins facebook page...

If you decide to try it- Have fun! I did! :)