December 1st! And how are you feeling?

So it has begun, we have turned the calendar page and finally have arrived on December 1st.  How does December make you feel: excited, giddy, awestruck, childlike, stressed, overwhelmed, sad, longing, desperate?

I will tell you a secret, Christmas season has made me feel all of the above.  I have seen Christmas through the eyes of a child, I have celebrated Christmas with a heart that has missed a loved one who is no longer with us, I have gone through the season worried about how I was going to purchase or have time to make gifts, I have felt stressed trying to do it all, trying to do everything.  Well let me tell what I have learned.

1)  Martha Stewart is not still married, & I have never seen an interview done with her & a best friend.   No one relates to perfect and perfect appears to be lonely.

2) Do you remember every gift you received last year?  How about the year before?  It's not all about the gifts.

3)  Honor those who have passed, by being "here now" with those you love
And care about

4)  Focus on why we really celebrate Christmas!  Set time aside to read the scripture, choose to listen to Christian Christmas music, and keep your that in mind when choosing how to decorate your space.

5) Take control of your schedule, plan ahead and make sure you do the things you & your family enjoy doing.  Put it on the calendar, & learn to tell other people "no, we already have plans".

6)  I polled my kids & found out what traditions were important to them & and what to let go of.  DON'T Over schedule you or your family.  Plan in downtime

7)  find a great bible study or book that focuses on the real reason we do Christmas (examples:  shereadstruth.com or Ann Voskamp, & Liz Curtis Higgs has new Christmas books out)  keep your thoughts centered on that! (And I  fast forward through commercial's on TV this time of year.  They can sabotage my sense of contentment)

Hope you enjoy celebrating Advent this December!!

How do you show love?

       How do you show love?  Some people we know how to show love to. Our kids, our husbands, our parents they are the easiest to show love to and we have had the most experience at giving them love.  However, how do you show love to a neighbor, a co-worker, a judgemental in-law, the cranky mom you bump into at your kids practice?

   I believe Love is a verb, an action.  So how do you show love?  I think reading the book "the five love language" helped me not only to understand how I receive love but also understand better how others receive love.  

    A thoughtful gesture of bringing baked goods, sending a card or letter, works for some but so does the gift of having a listening ear, giving a hug to a widow, to letting someone go first in line ahead of you. Offering the gift of forgiveness, or the gift of friendship. 

Sometimes love is just showing up for someone else.  Even if you have nothing really in common.  Has someone surprised you with a gift of love or have you worked on giving someone else love even if they were unlovable?  

Winner of the "God is able" giveaway

Bethany from my Instagram won the giveaway.  Bethany's IG name is: @bschackow congrats Bethany!!!

Here is a pic announcing the winner on Instagram.  Thank you for everyone who entered. I will have another give away coming up soon. 

"God is Able" book review

    Have you had any girl time lately?  Where you have gotten away for some uninterrupted girl talk?  I'm not sure how your "girl talk" time goes, but my favorite time is when I meet my best friend for a cup of coffee or tea and we just talk, listen and laugh.   You leave the encounter feeling refreshed, encouraged and so tankful that you are not the only one who _____________________ (fill in the blank here, some examples might be:  has a kid who has found a sharpie marker, dealt with a 2 year old or maybe is raising a teenager. Whatever it is, you get me).  This time spent with a friend leaves me encouraged & with a warm fuzzy feeling.  This book starts out the same way.  Priscilla writes like she is sitting on your couch, feet tucked up under her, holding a cup a coffee and shares from her heart to you about what you really, really believe, think and trust about God and what he is able to do and willing to do.   

     This book explores and verbalizes the exact same questions about God that you have at least thought about, even if your quickly brushed it from your thoughts or even felt a little guilty for wondering that about God.   This book connects with at & on your most vulnerable level and then after you gasp and think "you to ?!?" This book will change your prayer life and make you not only awe struck of our God but also leave you with the warm fuzzy feeling of knowing you are loved by this amazing God. So go ahead get you that hot cup of coffee or tea and sit down and read this book! 

Give away time:  I am giving away a copy of this book, a starbuck's gift card, 3 flavored of chap sticks (cake batter, candy cane, & gingerbread) 3 coffee cozies (thankful heart for thanksgiving, winter wonderland sparkly white, and an IG cozy), a box of Twining Chai spiced apple tea, and some other goodies as well!!

Just leave a comment here or on IG to be entered for the giveaway, telling me what you are thankful for this November. 

I will announce the winner on Sunday, good luck! 

How much of a good thing is a bad thing?

Our phones have become so smart & there is so much I can do now on my phone, that I confess I find myself more and more on my phone.  

How much time do you spend on your phone?  Do you have any personal guidelines to keep yourself in check?   Our pastor said a few weeks ago that a study showed that kids are most frustrated about the time their parents spend on their phone.  Hum, good food for thought!

How much of a good thing is a bad thing?  I've notice that some people take off Sunday's from their phone, sorta of a "siesta" off.  Please share what you do!! 

Happy Fall!!

Hello!! I am so excited about my favorite season of the year: Fall!!  I've been busy decorating the front porch, putting out the fall flowers, changing over the bunting to fall colors.

My front porch is one of my favorite places to sip coffee or tea, or Coke Zero & pray, watch the world go by or just visit with a friend.  However, not in high 90 degree temps!! Whew, makes me start to glisten just thinking about being outside today.  

The weatherman is promising that the temps are going to start going down this weekend. Yeah!!! (I feel like the Target  clerk in the SNL skit. "Yippee!"). It's more seemly to drink a pumpkin spice latte in  cooler weather!! 

Happy Fall Y'all!! What are you loving or looking forward to this time of year? 

What! The dictionary must be wrong!

Well after being home for 15 years I have ventured back into the work force working about 24 hours a week.  I am learning the "key" to my sanity is prep, prep & more preparation.

So when I was gathering my thoughts to blog I decided to look at the definition for "preparation", I was shocked.  It is listed as a noun! A noun!!  It really should be a verb!!!  Preparation takes work, time, it's action oriented!

prep·a·ra·tion

\ˌpre-pə-ˈrā-shən\

noun

• 1 : the action or process of makingsomething ready for use or service or of getting ready for some occasion,test, or duty
• 2 : a state of being prepared
• 3 : a preparatory act or measure
• 4 : something that is prepared;specifically : a medicinal substancemade ready for use

For me to be "prepared". I lay out my clothes the night before (just like I have my kids do!). I make a menu for the week.  I've planned crock pot recipes or casseroles that are put together ready to bake for the days I work.  I set my alarm really early so I have time to do my quiet time & eat breakfast, then get around and leave in time where I don't have to rush to get to work.  Peace is key to me enjoying my little job.   

It's been a change, but one I enjoy.  I think as long as I prep and keep it stress free it will be something I really enjoy!   

Self Esteem

Self-esteem: 

• 1 : a confidence and satisfaction inoneself : self-respect
• 2 : self-conceit

We have all known people that have high self esteem, good self esteem, and low self-esteem.   Self-esteem I have learned has nothing to do with how you look on the outside.  

It's odd, I have meet some really beautiful women who have the lowest self esteem.  Then I've meet some ladies, who the world would not classify as beauty's yet their self esteem us good. 

I think part of it is personality type, and Zi think part of it is "what you value" about yourself.  If you "value" is based on "your" looks & "your" deeds.  I think we might all struggle with low self-esteem at times.  However, if we find our value & base our "value" o. Who God says we are. Well then I think we will have healthy  self-esteem.

As a mom of 3 daughters I am constantly reminding them "who they are" in Christ, and what the bible says about them.  Yet in the teen years, and with hormone fluctuations good self esteem tends at time to come and go.  I pray that my girls would not have to struggle so hard with knowing their value.  

Any mom's of girls out there that have any advice? Or seen their own daughter's struggle with this issue? 

Yet, I know as a women it hard to keep good self-esteem being barraged day after day, with what the world says is pretty, competent, and what others say about us.  

Please leave any advice, comment on how you deal with this issue personally or as a parent! 

First times

I've gone back to work part time and that has meant some changes for my family and myself!  In the past, my husband has got up & gone to work & I have got up and got my kids around and took them to school.  Now that I work 3 days, which my starting time is the same time that the girls need to be dropped off.  My husband is taking over those responsibilities on those days.   

Today is the first day of school & it's the first time I have not taken them to school.    Which makes me a little sad.  However, my youngest & myself have had large battles of the will to get her ready in time.  She however does not tend to pull those stunts on her dad.  So, I'm thinking this may be a good thing in the long run.  Here's to first!! 

It's about Him

I have learned so much through "the women of the bible" study through #shereadstruth I've learned it's not about "who" God uses, it's about "Who God is!".  So if you know God, remember "its not about us, it's all about Him!! The bible says: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17 NIVUK)

Legacy

Legacy Webster's dictionary defines it as: 

2 : something transmitted by orreceived from an ancestor orpredecessor or from the past <thelegacy of the ancient philosophers

I had the opportunity to spend time with my sweet grandma this last weekend, as well as time with my mom and Aunt.  What sweet time.  I looked around the table and thought about my grandmothers legacy.  Her love for God that she passed on to her children.  Then looking at my Mom and my Aunt and seeing them loving God and loving their families and those around them.  Sharing with others about God.  I pray I am leaving a legacy of loving God to my children.  After all, what else really matters! 

New job

I started a new part time job this week after being home with my kids for 15 years.  In starting this new job I am learning new things, meeting new people, encountering people in different stages & seasons of life.  It is fun to brush shoulders with so many different types of people.  

The main change is that I have decided that I have way under use my crockpot in the past.  It is now my best friend!  I will post some of my favorite recipes in upcoming post.  Hope that everyone is having a good week!

Writing

I love pens, colored pencils, new journals, postcards etc..  It makes my heart skip a beat & my mind thinks of all the things I could write, doodle & create. I have always enjoyed the thrill of the written word.  I confess I have notes that are 20 years old that my husband wrote me when we were dating. 

I have been surprised in some ways that God has opened up a letter writing ministry for me.  However, in other ways looking back it seems like such an inevitable path for me. One I enjoy, adds to my prayer life, and God is teaching me about mercy through it.  Seeking justice is another lesson I am learning.  I find it curious that God would soften my heart and give my eyes a softer vision for mercy, before he fired my heart for justice.  I guess you can't really know what is justice or what is revenge if your not seeing it through the lens of mercy.

That is all I am comfortable sharing about such a service really done for God's eyes.  The verse/word for this year 2013 was "mercy" and my verse was:

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8 NIVUK)

God is so good at making beautiful quilts of our lives, when we give it to Him to sew, piece and finally bind it all together 

With an eternally binding.  Thank you Jesus! 

She Reads Truth 1 Year Anniversary Congrats!!!

My first "vlog" & I get caught with my mouth open....I guess I can't hide it, yes it's true I'm a talker!!!   

Happy Anniversary to all the ladies of #shereadstruth!!!

Small town Oklahoma

Oklahoma is a landlocked state located above the state of Texas. Our history is that the land prior to statehood used to be Indian territory & cattle trails. Our state tree is the beautiful redbud tree.

I live in a small town in Oklahoma. It's considered a suburb. There are neighborhoods with homes that are 2-4 bedrooms. Some are single level and others are two stories.

People are friendly and wave at one another. However, there is not much interaction between neighbors unless bad weather hits. Oklahoma is in "tornado alley" which the National weather service. Due to the high number of tornadoes we experience. When bad weather strikes everyone turns on the TV set and listens to the news but we also keep one eye on the sky. It is because of this sky watching that the neighbors come out of all our air conditioned & heating homes and begin to talk to one another while watching the sky for signs of tornadoes. I think it must be what people did prior to having TV, iPods, and kindles to entertain them. They had to rely on real interaction with people to learn the latest news, or be entertained by a funny story. In fact bad weather, before or after a storm surveying the damage is sometimes the only real conversation we ever have. Do you have interaction with neighbors where you live? Does it come easily? What things do you find bring you all together?

Happy Easter

He is Risen!!!!

Insecure & not perfect

I was looking back at throwback thurs pictures. Laughing at the high school me, all worried about how I looked, what I was wearing had the right labels, or the right look.

Am I now 43 and finally able to admit, I don't have it all together! Yes, I like to look the best that I can look. Labels are not my focus now days. i find myself consumed by how good a mom, housecleaner, cook, etc... I am. But to be honest yes, somedays I am super mom! The laundry is all done, the living room is picked up, dusted & vacuumed. Even fresh flowers in a vase on the dining room table. Booyah!!

However, lets be real. Authentically real! Somedays I have the laundry done, but it's all folded & stacked just waiting for the energizer bunny to come by and put it up. Somedays (one ever 6 weeks) there is a thing called "early release" days. Yes, I did forget it about it & I had to walk 20 minutes late the "walk of shame" into the school to get my daughter. (Insert deep sigh here!). I also got frustrated at the dr office receptionist for wanting to book me an appt before they could tell me what type of dr I should see Even though I have an PPO & don't need a referral. (Yes, I apologized for demanding my own way)

Why, is it important to admit defeat and imperfectness & even failure. It reminds us that we need God, and that non of us are perfect. Also that we can acknowledge that we too sometimes have the same struggles and can connect with each other. Anyone else out there not perfect? Just working on making improvements & growing closer to God daily? I think keep my focus on Him helps me feel complete & accepted.

Lightening has striked!

Well lightening does strike twice! I am back on the road to lose weight. I even darkened the door of the gym (Sky gym) and survived 40 minutes of spin class & a yoga class (completing maybe 1/2 of the "flow" part of class) and managed to walk out to my car afterwards. Whew! We shall see!!! I'm off to soak in a hot bath, hope you have a good week!!

Top 10 signs that you need to go on a diet

10. You haven't had a veggie in month unless it was in a casserole.

9. Water? You mean it's for more than bathing?

8. The only dead-lifts you do daily is emptying the dishwasher

7. When you inputted your "today's weight" on "lose it" app, you swear you heard your iPhone gasp!

6. You may or may not have outgrown the last pair of jeans you have.

5. You can't find one picture of you taken over the holidays that you liked.

4. You don't remember where you put your sports bra at or what color it was

3. The only squat you do during the day is getting out of bed

2. There is dust on your scale

1. You have almost outgrown your yoga pants!!!!!!!!

So yes I weighed in yesterday, and I am beginning to try to lose weight and get health. I refuse to be depressed or discouraged. It's ok, I'm just a work in progress!

A little warning would have been nice!

I'm a mom of 3 girls. I remember when I first found out I was pregnant with our oldest. I could not wait to get my hands on the book "What to expect while your expecting". I poured over this book reading every page for the remaining of my pregnancy.

I was prepared! Ha! Yes, for a lot of what happened to my body when I was pregnant, yes I was prepared. The book even warned about postpartum depression.

The book however did not not to warn me of the following(nor did any other book that I have read):

*the wonderful feeling of being able to "retire" the diaper bag & resume carrying that thing called a purse again

*how my heart with swell with pride. When my little one's eyes meet mine & their face broke into a huge grin


*How you get that little nudge in your heart when your ready to have another one.

* how even when you know your done having babies. Your family is complete, there's a part of you that gets a little depressed that you will never again feel the flutter of a little baby kicking inside you.

*how great it is when you can holler "let's go!" And everyone can go get in the car & buckle themselves-yes!

* how you a sane, calm, we'll adjusted grown up can feel such rage rush through your bones when one of your daughter's is crying & in emotional pain from bullying. (How can you feel that much anger towards a 6 year old little girl! Momma bears understand, who knew!)

* how old you would feel to go shopping with a teen in a poorly lighted, loudly playing music, over priced store would make you feel

* you will one day have to "teach" your daughters all the things you do without thinking (washing your hair, shaving your legs, waxing your eyebrows,applying eye liner )

* or the realization that all your babies have outgrown the "kid sized" hangers! (Seriously, this felt like an elbow to the rib cage)

*how as a mom of 3 girls I would constantly be hunting down my stuff! (Where's my____________? Feel free to insert nail polish remover, hair spray, earrings, etc...)

*or how weird it is to teach your kid to drive.

*how you pray for children throughout the day no matter how old they get.

*how you will be a chauffeur, a geography expert, explain how you vote & why, you thought your parents asked a lot of questions (where are you going? With who? What time do you plan on being back? It was really training for all the questions that your kids one day would ask you)

Now those are the things I wish that someone had warned me about!!!

Who am I?

Who am I? What do I enjoy doing? What am I doing? Sometimes those answers come so quickly to my mind. At other times they cause me to pause. What I enjoy doing, is changing. I have always enjoyed crafting but I am currently enjoying learning some new skills! As well as picking up some old ones again. I have started crocheting which is completely new! As well as embroidering (which my grandma taught me when I was a young teen) and smashing! A version of art journal, scrap booking combined. A new hobby sorta of, but very fun!

I am trying to learn to enjoy life. For the simple pleasures that are offered each day, not necessarily for marking off my to do list.

I have gained the weight back that I worked so hard to lose. It was a frustrating time. I went through depression over the summer and did not even care that I was putting it back on. However I have started some anti depressant and am feeling like my old self again. So like the saying goes. If your unhappy about something, your not a tree- get up & do something about it. So tomorrow on e again I renew my commitment to exercise and eat better. We shall see if good health follows. I hope so!

Dementia sucks!

Dementia sucks! There I said it. It is horrible for the person forgetting stuff when they are aware they are forgetting. It's awful when they reach the next stage and grow confused and scared by people telling them what they are not aware they have now forgotten.

It sucks for the family trying to provide care, giving the family member their respect and helping them keep their dignity while keeping them safe. There is no clear way to proceed since dementia can present itself differently in each person. There is not a "Emily Post" manners & etiquette book written for helping your loved ones with dementia.

It really, really sucks when the person having dementia grows paranoid and confused by the care provided by the family when the persons body is still capable but the mind is losing ground quickly with chunks of daily routine memory slipping from their mind like pieces if loose dirt falling from a road.

It is such a painful hurt that makes my heart ache each day as I see my grandma struggling with this. My mom and my aunt making tough decisions. I cry, & wonder how God will use this. What purpose will this bring about. Though I struggle to grasp and see the bigger picture, that for now, is not in my view. I will trust what I know to be true. God is good! God is love! And God is in control even in my grandma's confusion & pain. God is good! So I stand & praise you My Lord! I'm in awe of you & cling to you in my pain. You are my shelter!


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