Pursuing Love

Week in my heart!

2012-01-27T09:07:00.000-05:00

It’s been a crazy week! Aren’t they all? I often feel like I just can’t get it all done!

Adding moving towards G-free and organic and the extra work that goes into that just adds to the confusion. I’ve been blessed to have some ‘down’ time at home without appointments every day of the week. I’ve started going to a bible study on Wednesday nights, and I absolutely LOVE it. Going deeper into God’s word is always amazing to me, makes my soul leap and move closer to Him. There are things that I carve out of my schedule that don’t move unless it is ABSOLUTELY necessary. Wednesday night Equip is one of them.
I’ve been reading Job starting this week. Doesn’t really make life seem so bad, even when it is hard! I was looking at Job. I have to say that I am a little annoyed that the doctor that was meeting with my daughter ignored her issues, which is EXACTLY why I started going to a new Orthopedic for her. We got the MRI back, it’s not good, but all treatable, and I know God is faithful and He guides us, takes the steps before us, and never leaves us. I find myself clinging to that these days. I hate that my daughter’s body is not full of strength, but we will get through it.

Started praying names of Jesus this week (yesterday). Yesterday was ABBA scripture reference Romans 8:15. I started crying when I read it. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[a] And by him we cry, “Abba,[b] Father.” When I got the news on the MRI, I kind of started to panic, number 1, I had no idea what all those medical terms were… but I didn’t know when she had JRA, but I learned them, and I will learn them again. And how crazy is it that this 19 year old has her whole life ahead of her, but her knees are old. What will become of the future. And then I read that scripture. There is no reason to be afraid. It says that we don’t have to live in fear. And fear robs me of the freedom I have in Christ, and I will NOT live in fear. I TRUST HIM!
Today’s name: ADVOCATE 1 John 2:1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. I was told before that there is a fine line between worry and sin. And because I have so much going on, so much to take care of, I feel like I am always worried about messing it up. But I have an Advocate to go before me, to speak on my behalf. Jesus is my intercessor for everything that comes against me. Again, with Him, what is the reason for fear. I have peace. I know it won’t be easy, but I have no fear, I have peace because He is in me!

And this morning, I was reminded of His faithfulness! I got to see a new muffin in my life! He is absolutely beautiful! I wish I could share more with you, but this morning I saw the most beautiful face. I have been praying for him for so long (and his momma and daddy). It was like a note that came just in time, to remind me of His faithfulness!

Thank You Jesus for this week. Thank You for Your love, Your faithfulness, Your mercy, Your grace, Your Word. I am not worthy to speak Your name, but I am so thankful that I can worship You with my life. Forgive me for my fear when I forget how faithful You are. You are Holy. You are Worthy!

Moving towards Health - Pressure Cooker

2012-01-26T08:40:00.000-05:00

You’ll have to pardon me with all my new talk about going Organic and Gluten Free. I believe in sharing information… What I find out might be helpful to others. My dear friend, Mrs. Mac is a total inspiration to me when it comes to canning and taking care of her family. Honestly I don’t know how she does it!

I ordered a pressure cooker today to get going on canning beans (how great is it that I can do this in the winter instead of waiting till all the harvest comes in the fallish time. I was going to get a Nook Color (which I really wanted!!!) and had the money to get it but instead I bought this SWEET pressure cooker (yes, I know that I could get the ‘old fashioned’ kind for cheaper but let’s not get crazy people!) maybe I will start selling “margie’s organic stuff” eventually if I ever get good at this! LOL (don’t count on it).

I am going to start posting products as I find that we love (and don’t)! I’ve got quite a bit of new things that we are trying. Might as well share the wealth of information, though maybe some peeps will soon tune out, but it’s ok.

Here is a list of things that we have switched over:
Yogurt – I buy Kroger brand organic vanilla yogurt, Phyllis adds her own fruit. No more buying those little convenient full of poison (aspartame) yogurts. BTW, I know that aspartame is NOT a poison, but it’s not good for you!! And I don’t mean to be radical, but if you know me, you know I hate that stuff!
Milk – we buy Organic 2% milk in the half gallon from Kroger
Pamela’s Chocolate Cake (this came from a recommendation of my friend Amanda)– is SUPER yummy! (we are trying the brownie mix soon!)
Let me remind you, I am NO expert, I don’t claim that I will ever be! I am just trying to do what is best for our family! And I also know that I am not the first to go through this and I will be happy to accept wisdom that others have!
Proverbs 31:15-17
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.

Gluten Free and Organic

2012-01-25T22:17:00.000-05:00

The more I watch Dr. Oz and the more I read... I am thinking about taking my family Organic & Gluten Free.

I don't want to get all crazy, I don't want to be a radical, I just want to do what is best for us. To give honor to our bodies that God has given us. We got some health issues that need to be dealt with, and I have been praying about wisdom and discernment.

I am scared when i think about the fungicide (that was banned in the US!) that is in oranges from Brazil, and Tropicana and Minute Maid continue to use these oranges, and they both told the FDA about it... and no recall. So we will buy Florida's Natural from now on, it's a little bit more expensive, but I ask myself, what is the cost to my family if I don't.

The more I read about Gluten Free the more I think it is right for our family. And Organic... all those poisons... yikes!

I went to Whole Foods today, which I love but I began to get overwhelmed by the cost of everything. I have also decided that I am not throwing away what we have, I will use it up, and then go from there. I've gotten a few different kinds of rice noodles to try, a few packages for cakes & brownies that are GF (Gluten Free), I spent quite a bit of time at Kroger this evening checking prices (which I am going to make a matrix for pricing). I am also going to start googling for coupons. Also going to invest in a pressure cooker to start canning my own beans because it's expensive to buy them in a can if they are organic, I can just buy them bulk (organic) and do it myself.

I am transitioning because going cold turkey will make me crazy, though I already don't eat bread (wheat) but Phyllis does, and we've got to get some cereal choices too.

I am going to start Organic with the Dirty Dozen. And go from there.

Yes, I know it's more expensive but again, what is the cost of our health. Also know, we are not going to be those kind of people who show up with food at your house. We will be happy to eat what you make us :)

Margie's Money Saver - Buying a vehicle!

2012-01-24T08:11:00.000-05:00

So I thought I'd share some wisdom with you about buying a car. I am no expert but I've gotten quite a bit of wisdom from others and I thought I'd pass it on.

First, like all decisions, pray. Ask the God to punch you in the gut if the deal is not for you. AND DON'T GO AGAINST THIS! God knows what's best for you!

One owner cars are best! If someone has the mind set that they are keeping a car for a long time, they are most likely to have taken care of it.

Low Mileage. On average, you can figure out what a car mileage should be if it falls between 12-15,000 per year, but remember, there are people out there that don't drive much, so watch for those.

Check for stains in the car. I'll just tell you this... If someone did not take care of the inside of the car, MOST likely, they didn't take care of the things on the outside where they can't see.

Get in touch with your bank. I have my bank practically on speed dial, even though I do finance my cars. I usually put a HUGE down payment on my car, I finance $2-3000 pay it for one year. But your bank can tell you if you are getting a good value. Remember, they know money, and they would not finance something if they could possibly take a loss. And sometimes even just $1-2000 over what you have in cash can get you a better car, that's less than $1-200/month paying off in a year. Might be worth it. That is up to you and your budget and your family needs.

Check your car insurance. I literally called on 8 cars and how much the monthly insurance was going to be (I didn't care if I was annoying, it is more important to make a correct decision than worry if you are being annoying). Remember, small cars like the Focus - they make a lot of them, they have higher theft ratings, they smoosh easier (higher payouts), less safety items (higher chance of injury) so you might get a 'better' deal on a car but pay much more in car insurance. It might be better to pay more for a Fusion or a G6 than a Focus or an Aveo or Cobalt.

Clean title. Make sure that the title is clean. A Salvaged title means that the car was totaled, someone bought it, and cleaned it up. Cars are NEVER the same after an accident. Stuff gets bumped, things like leaks can show up because of misalignment. Unless you're getting a car for a steal, clean titles are best. But remember, you get what you pay for.

This is not an emotional decision. THIS ONE is hard for me to remember. I am all about the emotion. But when buying a car, details and facts are important. I've really had to step away sometimes. I use excel to figure out payments, how much of a deal I am getting. It's about value not emotion. (this coming from someone who names her cars)

Check out KBB.com, they help determine how much you should pay for a car and how much the value is. I'd also advise that you google issues with a certain car. There are MANY websites that tell you what certain things are wrong with cars. For instance, certain minivans in certain years have transmission problems. SO YOU THINK you can tow with it, but you could end up really hurting your vehicle, causing you lots of money.

Take someone with you. This helps because you have someone on your side. Even if they don't say a word. And if you're a female, I suggest you take a male. A mean looking one. Not someone who looks friendly. Someone who is intimidating. I happen to take my dad, who is not intimidating looking, however, he's my dad, so even though I make the decisions, I do the bargaining, just having him there, gives me confidence. I would also recommend taking me. HA! I'm intimidating. I speak with data, and I don't waiver, even if I act like I am :) Plus, I'm a mom, mom's a intimidating. No one messes with the momma bear.

Decisions!

2012-01-23T18:00:00.000-05:00

I hate making decisions. Isn't that funny coming from me? I make decisions at work, at home... I plan a week ahead for dinner so those days... I don't have to make a decision.

I have to tell you, I NEVER EVER regretted buying Patricia our 2002 Toyota Corolla. She was really a great car. Do you know how that came about?? I called two dealerships - a Ford (for a focus) and a Toyota (for a corolla). I told them both, I want a Dark Blue car, intermittent wipers, cruise control, & a CD player. I'd prefer a sunroof. Seriously, that was my criteria.I said whoever gets me the car first is the one I'll buy. READY SET GO! 30 minutes later, a Corolla. And that's how she came into our lives. I've taken a lot of crap about her 'not being American' - my usual reply - get an education - she's 80% US content (more than you could say about that focus) and Toyota was my customer! And then I'd throw in a 'you can tell me what kind of car to drive when you make the payment'. I know not very nice, but I wasn't saved then, however, my answer would still be the same, I'd just be nicer in the way I said it She was a good car for us. Not much in repairs (other than the time the oil change place didn't put oil in her, and even then... I haven't put much $$ in her).

I have been riddled with anxiety until yesterday when I decided that I was/am going to overcome fear in my life, it keeps me from true freedom. This morning was quite a test to that... but joy won!

So today, I went out confidently (or pretended) to find a new car for our fleet, I walked in knowing what I could afford to spend, knowing what I know (and really I know more than I thought I did) and made lots of decisions (quite a few no's but one YES!) and found (what I think to be) a good, reliable, good rated, vehicle for our family.

She's not named yet, but here are her details:

She was born in 2002 by Ford, he named her Escape, but we will give her a proper name
She has driven 78,000 miles
We are her second owner
She is Hunter Green with Gray UV stable bumpers
She has new tires
And she's clean & quiet

I am thankful that I have so many people in my life that pray for me (even in silly things like this), I am thankful that people who have wisdom about cars have passed some of it along to me. I am thankful that I know how to figure out a budget and to think about all the things that go into buying a car (the price, insurance, and maintenance & gas). And I'm thankful to know when to hold em, know when to fold em, and know when to walk away!

So there you go! I'm exhausted! Good thing dinner is planned and pretty much half cooked!

My heart over the last week!

2012-01-22T13:52:00.001-05:00

I haven’t written, not because I haven’t had anything to say, because I ALWAYS have something to say, which is often a hinderence.

It’s been quite a week, and for the most part, I’ve tried to keep my mouth shut because my Aunt Flo was about to visit, and she brings with her nastiness if you know what I am saying… Yesterday while in the D after… losing my license (the card not the privilege to drive) so a trip to the Sec of State on W. Grand and Cass (great service, quick, friendly, well organized, Jesus music – Bebe & Cece Winans – ‘addicted love’ playing in the background), I wasn’t there for more than 10 minutes – how many times can you say ALL that about a SOS – baby –that’s why I love the D!), a trip to the bank, and off to my small group with a bunch of lovely ladies – I was hungry AND I hadn’t had any iced tea (a girl – well at least this girl, gets crabby in those conditions) I stopped at Starbucks and got not 1 but 2 iced teas. I was wound up like a top! Not good. I got to my end destination and drank some tea and read the bible before my friends came!

So back to my week, I know that people think I’m this strong woman, but yesterday, I was sad, tired, angry, and fearful. But I only really have one choice, because it’s the only option I give myself, trust God. Because I know that He works it out for my good (no matter how much I screw it up)

Let’s go to the car situation! I am completely afraid of making the wrong choice in a car. I am thankful that I don’t have $1000 to spend (I have more than that!) but I don’t want to make the wrong choice. I wish God would just have someone call me and say ‘I’ve got this great deal’ and it be in my price range and I will then go on my merry way. This is stressful and as much as I try to make the right decision for our family, it’s stressful.

Phyllis had her MRI this week, I’ve been praying and reading about what this whole knee thing could be… I am still at a loss. Again, fearful of making the wrong decision…

My friend asked us in our small group when you have gone through something, after it’s all over, do you now see the joy and the Glory in it? And when it comes to Phyllis’s health, the arthritis, I can see the Glory, I can see the good, but I don’t see the joy.

In this whole car thing, even though I hate it, I KNOW God is working it out for our good. I prayed that if it was best for the car to be totaled – then total it God, if it’s best for it to be fixed, then have that be that answer God. Whatever it is, I trust You.

I do trust God in all these things. I trust Him in every trial. I was reading about Joseph last week, and through everything (and there was a lot of everything in Joseph’s life) over and over again it said ‘And the Lord was with Joseph’. THROUGH IT ALL! And I remember that.

I was thinking about how many things I am afraid of! Oh it drives me crazy! At the core of most of the issues I have, there is some kind of fear.

DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY TIMES IT SAYS NOT TO FEAR IN THE BIBLE???

A lot!!

I’ve been afraid so much of my life, that sometimes I don’t even know how NOT to be afraid. But I also know that God’s word is true. And for me, worrying is sin, because it means I am not trusting Him. I believe that Jesus OVERCAME sin! And that means He has OVERCOME my fear too. And so today as I was worshipping through song and through tears, I am going to just give this fear to Him. Because He can overcome it!

He’s given me life! He is my God of ALL things in my life, and I will trust Him. And while I may not be completely successful at giving this to Him, I will strive to OVERCOME, through His blood, through His mercy, through His grace, through His love, this stupid fear that keeps me from going forward.

He WILL work it out for my good. I believe that it was no coincidence that my scripture of the week last week was Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Look at The Message Version:

Romans 8:28 That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Meal Planning

2012-01-22T08:50:00.002-05:00

This week is a few make-ahead dinners. We are both really busy, we've got to find a car this week!

Sunday - Tacos, spanish rice
Monday - Chicken Teriyaki Chicken breasts, brown rice, and broccoli and carrots (making rice and marinating Chicken Breasts on Sunday)
Tuesday - Black Bean and Corn Soup (making this Sunday) (BC p 240)
Wednesday - Leftovers
Thursday - Tomato Sauced Ribs (crockpot) (BC p240)
Friday - Lebanese Salad and Hummus
Saturday - Dorrito Casserole and rice (thanks Netta!)

Reflection

2012-01-18T06:16:00.001-05:00

I'm ready for football to be over, not because I don't like the game but quite frankly I'm tired of hearing about Tim Tebow. There I said it. I'm thankful he's a Christian, I am thankful he is speaking out, but jeez louise, he should be the norm!

You see, my issue is that our lives should reflect Jesus. I think of so many men that I admire, now my list could go on and on so don't be offended or hurt if you or your hubby didn't make the list. It doesn't mean I don't admire them, it's just that I don't have all day to list out everyone I admire.

I'd like to start with Adam Dorband. I only know one other person, personally, who has a life that reflects Christ like Adam's does. He is the best Youth Pastor - EVER (but don't ask him, he won't say that - but he is), he is an outstanding husband, friend, (I'm sure) son, dad. He serves and serves and grows and grows Christ. He is wise with his money, though everyone gives him a hard time about his expensive coffee, I'd just like to say it's Starbucks, it's not that expensive. He is an amazing man. And he has great integrity.

I've been lucky to serve (since I was saved) under 3 awesome Pastors, they are not perfect, but they their lives reflect Jesus. Pastor Jim, Pastors Jeremy, and Pastor Chilly (he is the other one who has a life that reflects Christ like Adam). These men give and give, and serve and serve, like Christ. They are amazing husbands, and their lives reflect Christ's integrity. I could go on and on about all three of these men.

My friend Drew is the husband of my friend Amanda. He is not just funny and wise, he also has great integrity. His life reflects excellence and is a testimony to how he trusts God, and lives in Christ. He loves his wife like Christ loves the church.

Ron, or fruitcake, boy, when I think of the saying 'excellence is honoring to God and a reflection of His character' I think of Ron. He is not loud or boisterous, but he is of strong character and Christ's love. He doesn't talk a big game, he LIVES it.

And three men that are in my life group, Darryl, EJ, Brian, and Mike. Not perfect, but great great men, their lives reflect Christ. Strong work ethic, smart, loving, servant-hearted.

And there is Cecil. Oh, my facebook gets blown up every morning with inspiration from the Word of God. Some might be annoyed by it, but I LOVE it! It's a great way to start my day! I know parts of his story, and Christ changed him! and his life reflects that!

When I tell you about these men, I thought of one word. REFLECTION. God shines on them, and like a mirror they reflect Christ to their families, to the world. Their lives are full of hard work. These men know and live the saying 'Excellence is honoring to God and a reflection of His character'. They depend on God for provision, and they know that hard work pays off, doing the right thing brings success, the right thing being hard work, prayer, living a life integrity. They seize the opportunities that God has placed before them.

And let me also say that their wives - shine because of the reflection of Christ in their husband's lives and because they are loved like Christ loves the church. They are amazing wives, moms, friends, and I am blessed to have them in my life!!

I can't say much about Tim Tebow, and this isn't a debate, write your own blog, I'm just saying that I know a bunch of men who don't worry about a spotlight, but their lives reflect Christ everyday.

Proverbs 27:19 As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.

This Man! This Love!!

2012-01-17T13:59:00.002-05:00

Let me tell you about this man, His name is Jesus!!!

Yesterday my daughter was in a car accident. She is fine. Car is a little crunched, but she is fine. That’s all I cared about. It’s just a car, and after all, that is why we have car insurance, and full coverage at that.

I knew that this week was going to be a challenge. I was up in the middle of the night, I’ve learned to cure my insomnia with intercession. So, I prayed! Then I was up at 3:30 this morning, I was getting picked up at 6 because of our logistical challenges. I was up so early that I got to spend some time with God, me & Him, snuggled up, eating breakfast together, He was speaking to me. He blew me away with Gen 32 & 33! I was seriously jumping out of my skin in rejoicedment (it’s a word).

Then I get a call from State Farm, but I missed it, I call them back. I’m talking to the lady, she’s got nothing for me and then all of a sudden, she says ‘oh, wait, I can’t talk to you about your claim’ I’m nervous now. What’s wrong? Is something wrong? OH MY WORD! She transfers me. I’m on hold for something like 6 hours (or 6 minutes, not sure) and the whole time I’m nervous! I’m reciting (outloud) ‘The Lord is my Right and Salvation, I am not afraid, I am not afraid, I am not afraid’. It’s even on my facebook! You can check!

So the guy is working on my claim, I’m still a little nervous, I’m praying while he’s typing!! And then he says ‘Iet’s get your car rental hooked up’. Now, I would have bet you money (good money) that I didn’t have car rental insurance, but somehow, some way, God worked it out for my good! I’m hooked up! I pick up the rental!

Let me tell you something about this man named Jesus.

He died on a cross to save me from… myself.

He died on a cross for you.

He has spared my life and my daughter’s life on more than one occasion (just yesterday)!

He blows me away with His love and His word.

All those things (and many many more) are enough.

But car rental insurance, that just takes the cake! He is my provider!!!

Why do I worry? I don’t know. I’m stupid.

PRAISE YOU JESUS FOR LOVING ME!!

I’m still blown away because this week’s scripture verse? Romans 8:28!

Menu Planning Week of 1-16-2012

2012-01-17T09:07:00.000-05:00

Our life kind of feels like a whirlwind… Just trying to keep things together and in order as much as possible. We are going to have some up-heavel, crazy running, extra expenses, etc until the car stuff is worked out. We also have lots of veggies left over from Phyllis's party so I will do my best to use those up!

Monday – Beef Barley soup

Tuesday – Meatloaf (made with a mixture of ground turkey & ground chicken, red potatoes, & cauliflower

Wednesday – Chicken Teriyaki (using chicken breasts, brown rice, broccoli & carrots)

Thursday – Leftovers from Tuesday

Friday – Supposed to go out (but might eat in due to car rental expenses)– going to the DIA to see the Faces of Jesus exhibit.

Saturday – Tacos, Spanish rice (made with brown rice I'll make extra on Wednesday)

Sunday – Chicken Enchilada Soup (was not on the menu plan for the month, but I have everything) Look at me I’m SPONTANEOUS!!! LOL

Worrying for Nothing!

2012-01-17T05:33:00.000-05:00

I read Gen 32

I asked God to speak to me before I started reading. Isn't it crazy... the whole chapter. Jacob, who God promised blessings is still wrestling with God? He's afraid of Esau and sends a whole bunch of peeps and gifts ahead of him.

Don't we do that? don't we try to buy our way out of trouble? but really we can't. We can never do enough!

I am so thankful that in my mess, God is. God is what? He is everything. He was/is the gift that went before me to get me out of my mess!

Just one more reason to praise Him!!

Then Gen 33

Jacob and Esau meet. And here all that worrying that Jacob did was FOR NOTHING! And even though Esau saw favor upon Jacob, Jacob is still trying to say 'here, take it, it's yours, I'm just so glad you spared me'.

Makes me think of serving and our (my) reasons why... I always want my reasons of serving to be pure (worship) not something that I am 'trying to pay back' to Jesus. He doesn't need me. but... HE WANTS ME, HE LOVES ME!!! that's another reason to praise Him.

As part of communion in the Catholic church, they say "Lord, I am not worthy to receive You, but just say the word and I shall be healed". I am not worthy, but how many times God has come into my heart and healed me from my own mess, or something in my past. Nothing I can do will work it out, but He does! So many times He tells us not to worry... It reminds me, once again, that God is working it out for my good. AMAZING!

My heart is rejoicing this morning!

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose

Crazy Day!

2012-01-16T18:45:00.002-05:00

It’s been a crazy day! Our long awaited Orthopedic visit came. The doc seemed concerned about her knee, he said it was warm to the touch (past experience tells me there is some fighting going on in the joint), and was happy to hear that we were going to get an MRI, but we don’t get the results probably for another week. He even wanted a specific reader to do the report. Apparently this guy is ‘the best’. I’m all about that. We need to get into the doctor and get blood work done, because we need to know about her RA factor and I’m still not ruling out Lyme disease until I get the negative on the blood work. Moving healthy food into our diet, eliminating aspertame (it’s in yogurt! So we are moving to the big tubs of yogurt and adding our own fruit – also moving to removing the dirty dozen from our home and buying organic)

On the way to work, Phyllis crunched Patricia (the Corolla). She is fine, and the car is smooshed, but she (Patricia) is already at the doctor (the collision shop) and it might be a logistical nightmare of a day or two (or seven!) we will get through it. That’s why we have insurance.

Here’s the thing, Pastor Chilly asked “What is your Isaac?” What is the thing that if God asked you to sacrifice it, give it back to Him, what would you be like ‘uh, no’. I really thought about it, money.

I don’t want to make decisions based on money. And I don’t mean to wildly make decisions that are stupid. Let’s be a good steward with what He has provided, but at the end of the day, when He calls, we should just say ‘Hello’ not think about what it is going to cost us.

Phyllis is fine, no one else was hurt. My insurance will go up. But oh well, it’s just a car.

We are making strides towards improving our health everyday.

I will go to bed THANKFUL and praying!!

I am able...

2012-01-15T14:59:00.001-05:00

Ever get caught up in the 'I do' mess?

I do this or I do that for someone.

I can assure you for every 'I do' I've dropped the ball somewhere, and I don't like it when people bring that up. No ma'am.

I think that just gets us singing the 'meme' song and makes us feel entitled, gives us justification for whatever. I have been caught singing that song too many times in my own head or out of my mouth. And when I do, that makes it about me, not about Jesus. By myself, I am a big mess. Who would want to follow me? But following Jesus, now that's something!

What if we changed 'I did' to 'I was able'. I think that would change my attitude because truly, anything I am able to do is a pure gift from God and really had nothing to do with me. That's much better. I am so blessed because I am able to do a lot of things, just a few months ago, I couldn't even walk on my own two feet, let alone able to bring someone a meal, or grocery shop, or do the dishes. But thank God I am able.

I choose Him. I choose His strength. I choose his love.

He is able. and in Him, so am I.

Eph 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

I won't lose my mind!

2012-01-15T08:22:00.000-05:00

When Phyllis comes home from school she instinctively puts her coat down on the arm of the couch. It drives me nuts. I don't know why, but it does. I hate hanging up my coat too (in the closet). I don't know why but I do!

So while I was at Target yesterday (for $2.50!!) and they had these cute over the door hangers in a multitude of colors (black, silver, aqua, pink). I needed one from my closet in my room and then I saw the black one and decided that i would put it up in the entry way and then Phyllis could hang her coat up there.

While I realize that this might not be the most attractive thing, I am willing to compromise here. As long as it stays neat looking (it's on the outside of the closet door), and we don't have a ton of coats anyway so I am thinking that would not be a problem, I think it's a good solution. Some battles are not worth fighting!

2 Chron 26:14 Uzziah provided shields, spears, helmets, coats of armor, bows and slingstones for the entire army.

I get by...

2012-01-11T08:29:00.000-05:00

What would you think if I sang out of tune,
Would you stand up and walk out on me?
Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song
And I'll try not to sing out of key.

I was reading Gen 14-15 today. Abram Rescues Lot
Crazy good story.
I have been thinking about my friends. The people in my life that have come and gone. The ones who have been with me for so long. How people in my family have gone from being my cousins to being my friends.
I have also been thinking about how when we don’t reach out to others when we need help (usually because of pride) that our mess is bigger than it needs to be. I am one of those kind of people who try to get themselves out of their own mess. But in that, it takes longer to dig out. Not only that, we need people in our lives to encourage and love us (and kick us in the be-hind sometimes!)

Pastor Chilly posted these scriptures the other day! Wow! So good! This is how we should love our friends!

We are to “build each other up”. Romans 14:19
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification

We are to “serve one another”. Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

We are to “share each other’s burdens”. Galatians 6:1-2
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

We are to be “forgiving one another”. Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

We are to “submit to one another”. Ephesians 5:21
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ

We are to “warn each other”. Hebrews 3:12-13
See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

We are to “motivate one another”. Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

I’m so thankful for friends and family that I can send out prayer requests to, share joy with. It’s funny how as soon as I read the title of my reading I started singing ‘I get by with a little help from my friends’. I can’t imagine my life without all the beautiful people that God has planted in my life. Some annuals and some perennials, each blooming at different times.

I am blessed by the grace of God.

P.S. I also loved the part when Abram said 'I don't even want the straps of your sandals, so that you cannot take credit for my riches. All the glory will go to God for my blessings!' (of course, I paraphrased) How great is that!!!

Love!

2012-01-10T18:07:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I am so overwhelmed by God that I could cry. I am thankful for His goodness. In everything.

Today one of my kids posted something on their fb page, and I could read the hurt in their heart. As I was praying, I thought of the times when I had met that boy.

So many times a student would walk past me and I'd be immediately be called to pray for them.
So many times a student would come to my heart and I'd spend the night praying for them.
Or what about the girls that I was on my face before God because of their hurt.
And the amazing parents I met and the love I brought to them too.

I knew that I was not always the coolest leader. I knew that some (most) of them would really ever know the capacity of love that my heart held for them. I knew it. And I just kept loving them.

There are even times now when they are hurtful or I see them doing something that breaks my heart and I cry. But I love them anyway.

I think of all the smiles and the hugs. In letting them know that they were important to not only me but to God.

I can never go back to those times, I don't think I'd want to. But I can tell you this, I still love my kids even though I don't see them nearly as often as I did before. I think about their sweet faces at check in, the times I had to clean up their puke, the hugs, the laughter.

I'm so thankful. So very thankful.

I was reminded of this song. In our loneliness, in our laughter. In our tears, God is always there.

I feel that it wasn't me who was doing the blessing when I loved those students, I was the one who was blessed.

1 John 4:19 We love because He loved us first

This song reminds of great times! Kids jumping around for Jesus like little Tiggers.

A friendship in the path of Jesus

2012-01-10T06:52:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 16:9 In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.

I met her in 2007. She was leading a bible study. I dropped off the kids as part of our mission trip. The church just happened to be having a bible study lead by her. I was so impressed by her heart that I started following her blog. I also began following her hubby's blog because he's the pastor of the church. You can tell a lot about people about what they write. I love these two because they are not fake, they admit when they fail, but they also tell you exactly what they do when they fail. Go to Jesus.

That seems like such a long time ago.

I have a heart for missions. But God established my steps to walk into that little church with the big heart so many years ago.

I can tell you that I am so thankful.

I serve with this church. We learn there. We love it. It's heartbeat is Jesus.

Now back to my friend. Our kids laugh and joke that we are BFF's. I love her. She's encouraging, and funny, and beautiful, and amazingly talented with a sewing machine, she inspires (she's why I do meal plans), she likes tea, just like me! She will even tell me when I need a little correction. We laugh together, cry together, pray together, we pray for each other, spend our Saturday mornings together, we encourage each other!

I'm so thankful for her! As I was getting ready this morning, praying for her, and thanking God so much for her, I thought I'd share my heart about her.

Thank You Jesus for my fabulous friend, I am forever thankful!!

Thanks Netta for being my friend! I loveyou!

Stepping Out

2012-01-09T12:18:00.000-05:00

I'm behind in my bible reading. That's why i stress out about bible plans, but whatever, I think me being 'behind' was right on time with God.

Decisions Decisions

I always have lots going on. There is always something I have to decide. It almost always means that I have to step out in faith and trust God. A decision is coming up that means I have to step out in faith. Ohmyword. Can't I just stay where I am and be comfortable for just a minute? SHEESH! And then God says.. well then you'll be like you, not like me. Is that what you want? UGH :/ No.

And here I am reading about Noah. There are a lot of lessons in Noah. The one most residing in my heart? Trust God.

I read about Noah in Gen 8:15-21

15 Then God said to Noah,16 "Come out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and their wives.17 Bring out every kind of living creature that is with you—the birds, the animals, and all the creatures that move along the ground—so they can multiply on the earth and be fruitful and increase in number on it."
18 So Noah came out, together with his sons and his wife and his sons' wives.19 All the animals and all the creatures that move along the ground and all the birds—everything that moves on land—came out of the ark, one kind after another.
20 Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it.21 The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: "Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even thought every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done

God doesn't ask me to do crazy things like build this ginormous boat, stick your family on it, and watch all the people you know, drown in a flood. Because of Noah's obedience and God's \love... we have God's promise, and a rainbow as a reminder.

God does ask me to go out and make disciples. He tells me to love Him above all else, to love my neighbors. I am not a hell fire and brimestone kind of person, I know that there is a purpose for those Jesus loving peeps, but for me, it's about love. Which kind of looks different everyday (which makes it harder sometimes for me). I know that more people will come to love and know Jesus because of how I behave than what I say. They will see me stumble and fumble, and tremble in the corner and see His grace better than anything else I could do.

Then why is it so hard? oh I don't know. because I'm an idiot. Today I was having one of those moments, the kind that satan likes to use against me, so I sent out my life line. I called my sisters to pray (they might even think the reasons I ask for prayer are a little kookie - but it's what I need - I figured I've asked people to pray for the delivery of car parts - so if I need help I'm asking!!). I reached out called out, cried out to God, He answered. He doesn't leave me.

I don't always know if I do the 'right' thing. I try to live by the standard of which Christ has put before me. I know I will never reach that standard because I'm a sinner, saved by grace. I do know that I will love Jesus when it's hard, I will obey His commands, I will follow Him, ALL my days. He is my rock and my redeemer, in no one else will I trust! He is the rock I stand on. He is my strength, my love, my joy, and my peace. And I strive to be more like Him, everyday.

Phil 3:13-14 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Dinner Time!

2012-01-08T15:44:00.000-05:00

Lot's of celebrations!!! Well, this is what is for dinner this week. I didn't really make dinner last week, I had no need, I just ate what was around or leftovers, or out. This week I don't get to get away with that! So this week is simple.

Sunday - Pizza - I'm actually going to the Dorband's but I'm too tired to cook today, so we are having PIZZA! And we are bringing cupcakes to celebrate Phyllis!

Monday - Greek Salad

Tuesday - Mom & Pean Night Out - Panera for dinner (I think) and pedi's :)

Wednesday - Tomato Sauced Ribs from Betty Crocker Cookbook pg 233

Thursday - BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, cole slaw, and tator tots

Friday - Leftovers/ Life Group

Saturday - Maierle party

Sunday - Lasagne for Phyllis's B-day Party

Lessons in K-zoo

2012-01-08T09:03:00.000-05:00

I've been blessed to help my Aunt Jan pack up some of her house this week. It's been a crazy four months for her, and I had a 'free' weekend and I know she needed some help. My dad gave me 'the bus' to drive which is his (what seems like very) extended van, without the seats in the back and we filled it full of her Christmas stuff to put in her new home. We also packed beatiful tea cups and crystal, and cleaned out part of my Uncle Vinnie's office.

It's the quiet of the morning, it's me & Pumpkin (the dog) I've just gotten out of the shower and giving my hair a little time to air dry before I blast it with the blow drier.

I've learned a few lessons here. I'd like to share them with you...

Cable. I'm wondering the need for it. I think there may be a reason they call it the 'idiot box'. No, I'm not getting rid of my TV (let's not get crazy people) but I'm thinking once Phyllis goes off to college, I may cancel the cable. I can watch almost anything online. Hulu, Huluplus, hooking your laptop to the TV and watching via internet stream, and you can buy almost any series you like on DVD. Instead of watching TV and wasting time, we got things done, and read. Oh there's a concept for you... reading... I'm not sure, but I'm thinking so... I am going to start checking how much things cost... and track what we watch, how much we watch out of boredom...etc

Things in your house don't have to matchy-matchy. I love my Aunt Jan's house, it's beautiful. I am always intimidated that my house isn't a Better Homes and Gardenes, it is matched because it is all intertwined with things I love. Every room is beautifully decorated in Aunt Jan's house, filled with old and new, from near and afar... I love it. The things in our life that surround us are beautiful, but it is not the things that make our lives beautiful, it is us.

It's just stuff. I am a collector of stuff. For 'somedays' but most of the time I end up donating the stuff because someone else has a need. But really it's just stuff. Don't hold on to it, especially if you know there is a need. People just end up throwing it away, donating it, or selling it at a garage sale. AND especially, if you want someone to have something, give it to them while you are alive. Tell them why, and for sure tell people you love them!! That's way more important than stuff anyway.

Tell people you love them. It's so important but don't just tell them. Show them. Call them. Have dinner, have coffee. Make time. I've said this SO many times, I HATE when people tell me they want to hang out or 'we should get together'. Pick a date. Even if your calender is full right now, pick a date a month out, sometimes things happen and it has to change (don't be mad or upset - just pick a new date). Time goes by... I have a 5th Saturday friend, and my beautiful friend Sheila and I meet once a month to catch up and encourage each other. Otherwise a year goes by... and no time together.

Do love. Let nothing stop you. I think that so many times we get so wrapped up in ourselves that we don't help others. Near or Far. I'm reading Ashley Judd's book All that is Bitter and Sweet. (You can get it on the Kindle, Nook, and pre-order the paperback, might even be available in the library or a store). I'm not nearly through it, but it's not what you think, sure there are stories of her times in acting, and her up-bringing, but a lot of it (the parts I've most enjoyed) is about doing something about social injustice. Amazing. I know that I am called to something far greater than myself. Clean water, helping others. Serving others, encouraging, loving. It's very inspiring. I have to tell you this, the other day someone asked me why I serve in Detroit, "do you think they really want help? if they wanted help, they'd get some" was basically what they said, and nervously, I said "Do you really want to know why?" (yes I was nervous, I have no idea why I was nervous), I said because I believe what the bible says and it says "whatever you do for the least of these, you do for Me and I believe that maybe I can change one life just by loving someone in the name of Jesus, it's worth it." It's not about me. Life if about love.

I am sure more will come in this time in the car on my way home, in the quietness where God whispers to my heart.

Micah 6:8 (I know I post this one a lot, but it's one of my faves, it's a life verse for me)
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[a] with your God.

Insomnia to Intercession

2012-01-07T21:13:00.000-05:00

I've been waking up from 12:30 to 1:30 in the morning. Nothing really on my mind, just can't sleep. One night I woke up thought it was 4:30, imagine my surprise (not a good surprise) that it was 12:30ish. I was NOT happy.

Pastor Chilly had tweeted 'turn your insomnia into intercession' just about the time I woke up. Hmmmm.... a message from God perhaps? There was no reason for me to be awake, and for sure no reason for me to stay awake! I really couldn't sleep so I started praying, I just asked God to put people on my heart to be prayed for, the list was long, but soon, I was sleeping. I never said Amen, just drifted off to dream land loving a loving God.

I have to say that undistracted time was beautiful, but I like my sleep. I'm tired and have long days, but it was a beautiful time.

I hope tonight it's uninterrupted sleep.

Psalm 4:8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety

The week in review

2012-01-07T06:52:00.000-05:00

I never know how the week is going to be when I get back from Christmas. That first day is usually the hardest and I usually need a nap to get through it. I prayed a lot about it, and it went pretty well until yesterday. And then everything went crazy.

I really am tired of being hurt by people. It makes me crazy.

I was so stressed when I left (and I really wasn't feeling well) but I had gotten so much done it was amazing! I worked offsite at a different campus (the customer) uninterrupted so I banged out a lot.
It is really hard for me to unwind after that.

And later I was with some friends and someone asked me how old I was, if I didn't mind, I said 38 LOL, and then I was like 39. I don't really care about how old I am, though a lot of times I think I'm still 32. I don't even think about it, once someone asked me and I said 32. Some people have big celebrations in their lives for their birthdays, I don't. Haven't since I was like... 10. So kind of I feel like 'what does it matter that it's your birthday?' I like to celebrate other's birthdays but mine... eh, it's just a day.

We started talking about our bowling fundraiser for our trip to El Salvador. I'm pretty excited about that, even though, I am not big on asking people for money for stuff I need (which that's exactly what fundraiser are!!), I'm fine when it's someone else - it's totally a pride thing I need to get over. We leave in a little over 8 months!

Done well on the 'diet' which really isn't a diet it, it's changing the way I live for the rest of my life. I've been also blogging at www.itsnotaboutfood.blogspot.com

I hope you had a great week! lovetoyou!

Happy Birthday Pean!

2012-01-05T21:11:00.000-05:00

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.

~ Helen Keller

Today I was telling the story of Phyllis. Today is her birthday you know. The quote above was from today's incourage blog.

I think about my girl and I just can't believe she's mine. Behind every good mom is a great kid! She's not here today, she's with her friends up north. I sent some of her presents with her and kept some back here. all that time ago, I would have never thought that I could love someone as much as I love her. I didn't even think it was possible. And to think God loves us even more than that! That makes me want to cry.

I don't know what I could say about Phyllis that you don't already know. She's beautiful, and funny, and smart, and hard working, she is sweet but she will kick your butt. She's brave. She's artistic, and talented. She's strong. And sometimes shy. She lights up a room like no one else. Her laugh makes me laugh. Her smile makes me smile, when she cries, I cry (and then I want to kick whatever it was that made her cry). I'd never change a decision that put her first. I'd fight to the death for her.

I wonder what she will be when she grows up. I wonder... I know that whatever it is, life with her has been a grand adventure! I know I've messed up so many times, and somehow God's grace has covered us both.

I'm so thankful for her! I know that I didn't deserve her, but God let me borrow one of His children!

Happy Birthday Pean! I loveyou! and am so proud to be your momma!!! You are my greatest earthly blessing!

I loveyou more today, than yesterday! But not as much as tomorrow!

I really do love Detroit

2012-01-04T21:14:00.000-05:00

I have a friend who hates Detroit as much as I love it. He actually told me to go volunteer somewhere else, like Livonia. I'm not saying Livonia doesn't need it, I just know where I am supposed to be. I used to write here about the city, but I have decided to incorporate my love in my regular blog.

Detroit is more than just a cool T-shirt or a cool nickname 'the D' or some really great places to eat and visit to me (though it is those things)

How do I explain the feeling that if Jesus still walked this earth, that I am walking in the places He would walk? Because He came to save the lost. How do I explain my love for people I don't know? How do I explain the way my heart breaks when there is a need? That I see the sadness in their eyes. That when I see graffiti that says 'home is where the hate is' that I want to send more love than is humanly possible for me.

How do I explain a hope and a love that can only be Jesus? If you ask me to explain how I know there is a Jesus? I can only tell you what He has done for me. I just know.

I want the lost to know that they can be found. That home is not where the hate is, it's where the Love is. I want to teach each child that Jesus is not just a guy hanging from a cross or something that they should be afraid of, there is no fear in perfect love.

I went for a walk today, my first in a long time. I thought I'd hear what God had to say, but I didn't. Because I didn't stop talking, there is a season for everything, and the season today was to express my love to Him. I am thankful for a God who listens. And who speaks. I am not sure where He is guiding my steps, I've said my piece (though I am sure there is more to come) and now I will listen. And be obedient.

“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NLT

This song often resonates in my heart. We must go.

I believe

2012-01-03T17:35:00.000-05:00

I believe that 2012 is a year of healing!

I went to the 'Foot and Ankle' specialist today and got cleared! She even said it should be no problem if I train correctly that I can do the marathon in October!!! AHHHHH!!!!!! I can wear my normal shoes now. But I should keep my tennis shoes handy 'just in case'. I think I'm going 50/50 Wedneday/Thursday/Friday :) this week and going to see how it goes.

I will be walking, I don't care how cold it is! that's why there are scarves, gloves and coats! this week, one mile. I know it's not much, but it's a start. And next week I think I will start the couch to 5K next week :)

I'm excited!

Praise the Lord! For He is good!!

Psalm 30:2 LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.

Did God really say?

2012-01-03T14:34:00.000-05:00

Gen 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

I'm nervous about signing up to read the bible in a year but I'm going to strive to complete it! Especially since I have many many days of reading the OT and that is sometimes difficult for me! I don't know why I am so nervous about it, I guess because I really want to... and I don't really like to fail...

But anyway... Before I read today, I asked God to make the words come alive to me, let me see Your heart I prayed. So I start reading today... Gen 3 and I start laughing. I mean outloud.

'Did God really say...'

Do you know how many times I've heard 'God told us to date' by young 'ens?? a ton. And I've heard people say 'God told me to' on things that I think 'I doubt God would ever say that to you' however, God has said some really crazy things to me, things He wants me to do, but it's so ridiculously easy for someone else, but difficult for me.... and so it goes...

But in this case I was laughing because sometimes we know that we are (or are not!) supposed to do (or not) something and we try to justify it by saying 'Did God really say?'.

I know that people think it's nuts that I hear God speak to me, sometimes He whispers and sometimes He about knocks me over. I'm thankful that I can hear His audible voice and I can hear His whispers in my heart.

Last day of vacation!

2012-01-02T17:14:00.000-05:00

I didn't get nearly as much as planned on my vacation done. I read, and relaxed. I celebrated family, had a great birthday.

My house is clean :) I was listening to something on the internet, and something that was being said about soy... and inflammation... Then I found some information that can cause people to have inflammation issues when eating/drinking soy... well... guess what kind of milk my beautiful girl drinks? yeap! soy! I am going to be doing some research on food and inflammation. I prayed for wisdom, and I think that I may have gotten some today!

I got the curtains hung in the office, my dad helped me hang the new brackets, well, the old brackets from a different room. I am going to go to IKEA tomorrow after work to get some new curtain rods, or something for the dining room and living room. I wanted all black trim. And then curtains :) I am going to ask Phyllis to make them once I pick out the fabric. I think it will be a little warmer in here with some 'sturdier' fabric.

So that's it for my exciting day! I hope yours is going well!

Let me leave you with this fabulousness:

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

an unedited letter, straight from my heart...

2012-01-01T20:12:00.000-05:00

Dear God,

Today is my birthday, well, you already know that. You loved me before anyone else. You stitched me into a womb that could have not supported me. You gave me a mother, and a father, who chose to give me life, even though it meant that my mom would die. I’m thankful that you breathed love into my mom’s heart.

I think about this year God. It’s been crazy. And there were times when I was so mad and so angry, I wanted to put down your name for just a minute so I could go back to my old ways, knowing that I could always come back Lord. I am thankful that I have seen your faithfulness in my life Lord, and I didn’t. I walked, and sometimes crawled with your love and your word tightly stitched into my heart.

You’ve taught me to forgive Lord, so that I could forgive others.

You’ve taught me a different love Lord, to love the slow. I know that sounds nuts, but Lord, I’ve seen life from a different view. I’ve been blessed to see the world from the hurting physically Lord. So many times I would plot my way around them, until I was one of them, and now I learn to slow my pace and pray. Pray for the hurting, and their caregivers Lord. Thank You.

It seems that every year you increase my heart Lord, allowing me to love bigger than the year before. Oh Lord, you trust me with so much, and sometimes I flounder and flop it and drop it and mess it up, and each time, I feel your love and see your faithfulness.

It seems that I can seem to love you enough. It seems that sometimes I can’t seem to serve you enough. Lord forgive me for all the times I’ve said ‘what about me?’ let me only say ‘what is it that you want?’ Lord, send those to encourage me when I’m tired so that I can then pour that love and encouragement back out into others.

Lord give me strength each day to love bigger than the day before.

Lord I’m a little nervous about 2012, Lord, we both know I’ve got a knack for screwing things up, but Lord, let me live a life full of you! There are big things that are happening, Phyllis going away to college, Lord, I need your provision. And Lord, PLEASE Lord, heal her body Lord. She’s got a life ahead of her, and I’m asking you, PLEASE heal her. And give me wisdom and discernment to get the help she needs if going to a doctor is the way you are going to heal her. Lord, help me to be compassionate and a loving caregiver to my girl. Lord, I thank You for trusting me with her, we both also know that I didn’t deserve such an amazing girl! She is surely yours, and I thank you for trusting me to be her momma.

Lord, I’m listening. Speak to my heart, guide my footsteps. I’m yours. And I’ll be eternally thankful all of my days!

Love,

Margie

Love in 2012!

2012-01-01T16:11:00.000-05:00

It’s a funny thing when your daughter graduates from high school. You get a chance to look back on the last 18 years, and you hope that there are a lot of good memories.

It’s the same with a new year. I look back on the past year and think ‘wow’.

What’s gonna happen for 2012? I have not sure at all. I know I’m going to El Salvador. I know that in some capacity I will be serving in Detroit, whatever that looks like.

Do I have any resolutions? Oh of course there are many things I’d like to accomplish.

So here’s a list of things I’d like to accomplish. Whether I make or break these things does not define me, just some goals.

I’d like to complete the 2012 Detroit Marathon and raise $2600 for 4-more.org (more will be coming on this in the future!)

I’d like to read the bible everyday.

I’d like to memorize 52 new scriptures.

I’d like to live love bigger than I did – EVER.

I’d like to lose a few pounds (like 30 AT LEAST) without ever finding them again.

I’d like to paint the doors in my house.

I’d like to be a better friend.

Help others with meal planning and budgeting

Send more cards

Be more encouraging

Grow closer to Jesus

Be the definition of this: To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power

1 John 2:5-6

But if anyone obeys his word, love for God[a] is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: 6Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. (NIV)

4-6If someone claims, "I know him well!" but doesn't keep his commandments, he's obviously a liar. His life doesn't match his words. But the one who keeps God's word is the person in whom we see God's mature love. This is the only way to be sure we're in God. Anyone who claims to be intimate with God ought to live the same kind of life Jesus lived (msg)

but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. (ESV)

But he who keeps (treasures) His Word [who bears in mind His precepts, who observes His message in its entirety], truly in him has the love of and for God been perfected (completed, reached maturity). By this we may perceive (know, recognize, and be sure) that we are in Him: 6Whoever says he abides in Him ought [as [a]a personal debt] to walk and conduct himself in the same way in which He walked and conducted Himself. (AMP)

Looking for the lost

2011-12-31T13:49:00.000-05:00

I was driving through the city today. My goal was to get some pictures for my walls. I was crying a lot this morning... but never mind that, I cry a lot.

I was driving around the city. I started thinking about how I'd love the city to be like it once was. Alive and vibrant. And God really spoke to my heart. It shouldn't be like it was. It should be like it needs to be.

You know in our lives when things are good (before Jesus). Those times when we were happy. And then there is a mess. And then Jesus comes and then our lives are amazing! (2 Cor 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!) Detroit was awesome (I might argue that it still is - because even in our mess, God is faithful), and I believe there will be a revival, Detroit will be a new creation! I drove around and took pics, and noticed how many churches there are. Some open, some not. And I wondered 'what happened?' Even in church (I am guilty of this too) sometimes we take our eyes off Jesus and think 'look what we are doing' (I HATE WHEN I DO THIS!). I wonder if that was what happened. Did we take our eyes off Jesus?

I don't want this city to be like it was. I want it to be like Peter. In Matthew 16:18 Jesus says "And I tell you that you are Peter,^[a] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades^[b] will not overcome it"

This city will be nothing if we don't ask, even beg for God to be in the thick of it with us. We need to bring Him and His love to this city. Each one of us has something different they can do.

Our city isn't meant to be the same. When we are found by Christ, when our lives are surrendered over to Him, we look different. I want Detroit to look different. I want a city on fire, on fire for Jesus, so that Detroit can be that city that cannot be hidden!

Matt 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.

We need to be on our faces for this city. Not the buildings or the streets but for the people. They need hope, like we need hope! They need love, like we need love! They need Jesus, like they need Jesus!

I know that God would leave the 99 to go get the one. And we know that we are Jesus to people in a real way, we need to go to our mission fields, wherever God has called us, and go get the one who is lost so that they can be found!

Ready! Set! Go!

Luke 15

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

¹ Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. ² But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” ³ Then Jesus told them this parable: ⁴ “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? ⁵ And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders ⁶ and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ ⁷ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
The Parable of the Lost Coin
    ⁸ “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins^[a] and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? ⁹ And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ ¹⁰ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
The Parable of the Lost Son
¹¹ Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. ¹² The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.   ¹³ “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. ¹⁴ After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. ¹⁵ So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. ¹⁶ He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
   ¹⁷ “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! ¹⁸ I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. ¹⁹ I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ ²⁰ So he got up and went to his father.
   “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
   ²¹ “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
   ²² “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. ²³ Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. ²⁴ For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
   ²⁵ “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. ²⁶ So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ²⁷ ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
   ²⁸ “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. ²⁹ But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. ³⁰ But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
   ³¹ “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. ³² But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

El Salvador 2012!

2011-12-30T08:34:00.000-05:00

I'm going to El Salvador in August with this organization http://www.water.cc/. To dig a well. I'm excited! and a little nervous!

Did I ever tell you that if God called me to an overseas mission trip, I'd hang up? I did say that, but thankfully when He called, I answered.

I've been praying that God prepare my heart to love the peeps I meet in El Salvador and to the love my friends I am going with. I actually already love the people I am going with, I just want to be love to them while we are there. it's a week trip, which doesn't seem really all that long but it can seem long while you are gone. Even though we are going to dig a well, I know that I will be also getting to love on women and children while I am there. Last year when we decided were were going, I started buying stuff... I think I have enough for everyone! I've got 350 tattoos, over 840 silly bands, 3 bubble wands, & 10 packs of crayons.

Image from here.

It crazy that I want to buy more 'stuff'. it's so dumb because in America, we like 'stuff' our kids like 'stuff' and all I really need is 2 arms to give hugs, 2 ears to listen, 1 body to help dig a well, 1 heart to love, and 1 mouth to sing praises to our Lord.

I'm excited about going, we are having a bowling fundraiser in March, which reminds me I need to input my information that I said I would do 'tomorrow' about a month ago :/ ugh.

The cost of my trip is about $1700. We've got some things that as a team we are raising money for, supplies, helping our team. There are 11 of us going.

There are ways to contribute:
Come to our bowling fundraiser
Towards our team goal
Towards me individually (but I'd rather you donate to our team)
Prayer - here are the names so you can pray for us by name: Margie (that's me!), Vicki, Darryl, EJ, Lindsay, Brian, Dawn, Kathy, Rachel, Christy, Cesar.

Matt 25:31-40 ³¹ “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. ³² All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ³³ He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
   ³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
   ³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
   ⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Here are some water Facts from their website:

LIVING WATER INTERNATIONAL KEY FACTS

• 884 million people in the world do not have access to safe water. This is roughly one in eight of the world’s population. (WHO-UNICEF)

• 1.8 million children die every year as a result of diseases caused by unclean water and poor sanitation. This amounts to around 5000 deaths a day. (UNDP)

• LWI projects providing safe water and hygiene education at an average cost of twenty dollars per person, for a generation. (LWI)

• The simple act of washing hands with soap and clean water can reduce diarrheal diseases by over 40%. (UNICEF)

• Providing water and hygiene education reduces the number of deaths caused by diarrhoeal diseases by an average of 65%. (WHO)

• Water-related disease is the second biggest killer of childrenworldwide, after acute respiratory infections like tuberculosis. (UNDP)

• The weight of water that women in Africa and Asia carry on their heads is commonly 40 pounds, the same as the average airport luggage allowance. (UNDP)

• Water and sanitation infrastructure helps people take the first essential step out of the cycle of poverty and disease.

WATER-RELATED DISEASES

• At any given time, half the population of the developing world is suffering from one or more of the main diseases associated with inadequate provision of water and sanitation. (UNDP)

• At any one time, half of the developing world’s hospital beds are occupied by patients suffering from water-related diseases. (UN)

• Around 90% of incidences of water-related diseases are due to unsafe water supply, sanitation and hygiene and is mostly concentrated on children in developing countries. (WHO)

• Intestinal worms infect about 10% of the population of the developing world. Intestinal parasitic infections can lead to malnutrition, anaemia and stunted growth. (WHO)

WATER USE

• The average North American uses 400 liters a day. European uses 200 liters. (UNDP)

• The average person in the developing world uses 10 liters of water every day for their drinking, washing and cooking. (Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC))

• On current trends over the next 20 years humans will use 40% more water than they do now. (UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

• Agriculture accounts for over 80% of the world’s water consumption. (UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

EDUCATION AND ECONOMY

• 443 million school days are lost each year due to water-related diseases. (UNDP)

• 11% more girls attend school when sanitation is available. (DFID)

• 40 billion working hours are spent carrying water each year in Africa. (Cosgrove and Rijsberman 1998)

• Households in rural Africa spend an average of 26% of their time fetching water, and it is generally women who are burdened with the task. (DFID)

As my birthday rolls around.

2011-12-29T10:44:00.000-05:00

In a few days I turn 39.

39

WOW

I might as well be 40, who cares, it’s just a number. I know some people really freak out about numbers. As long as they haven’t stopped, I’m good. Not bad for a woman who didn’t think she’d make it to 32, and to hear my dad tell it, he thought I’d never make it past 16. LOL.

What am I going to do my birthday? Probably not much. I'm going to have cake with my ladies from my Saturday small group, and dinner with the Dorbands on Saturday. On Sunday, we will have lunch (we’re having tacos) and maybe catch a movie, and probably deliver dinner to the Alive Staff at Trillium. But part of me wants to have people over!

I am sitting in my office looking at some new pics I put on the walls. I broke down the collages from Phyllis’s Grad party, put them in better frames, and hung them up. It’s quite obvious that I love my girl. I’m not finished but it’s a start. I’ve actually thought of somethings I’d like to already move. I suck at that stuff, but who cares, it’s MY office.

So I guess when you get old you take a look at your life and you wonder… and so… here’s somethings I’ve been thinking about. A lot of ridiculousness and this is your chance to turn back now (or hit the little X to close out this window).

I have no ‘real’ ministry. Sometimes it bugs me that I am not ‘in charge’ of anything. I don’t really know how I’d do it, but I wish I had a ‘path’ to follow. Instead I listen more intently to what God has for me to do. Doesn’t seem to make as big of an impact as I’d like (oh boy ‘as I’d like’) but I want my life to count for something.

I’m not married. Really, it doesn’t bother me (most days). I know it bothers other people, sometimes they look at me with those ‘oh you poor girl’ makes me feel like a spinster. But I could have been married, and I wonder how that would have turned out, can you imagine, I’d be married 14 years! WOW!

How am I going to afford to send my girl to MSU? Do other parents think about this stuff, or is it that there are two of them so they just pay for it by writing a check? I mean there is no doubt she’s going unless they are stupid and don’t accept her. But that won’t happen. I guess I just depend on God to sell off a few cattle and take care of it (Psalm 50:9-10). But that’s scary. And it’s also weird that I don’t worry about this. I think about it but I don’t worry. That’s weird.

I always wanted to be a teacher, now I want to be a principal. I’d love to go back to school for that, but (see above) that’s a lot of money. And I’m old, but I think I’d be such a great principal. I’m in Sales, I like it, it’s crazy, but I love learning, even if it is about car parts. And I am SUPER thankful for my job!

I’m going on an overseas mission trip! HOLY MOLY! El Salvador to dig a well. So much for hanging up when God called. LOL.

I want to go to Africa. A lot of people are worried. I’m not worried. How come I’m not worried? I don’t know. I really do believe that if anything happens to me while I am there… I died for Christ. I can’t wait to kiss some of those beautiful muffins there! Also can’t figure out what organization I am going with or what I am going to do, but imagine the miles and miles of muffins!

How did I get so fat? I mean, I know how it happened, but why did I let it happen. Gonna do something about it!

I wonder will I run the marathon this year? Will my foot be healed? I want to SO bad!

I wish my house was decorated the way I wanted… I wish I had my new kitchen table, and my new buffet, and my new cute cabinet (that won’t be delivered until March – so no reason to run out and get the other two things from IKEA – I’ll just keep saving).

See above. I found the picture I love to put on my red wall in the living room. There is always hope. And I am going to find/take pictures of Detroit, and put them all around. There is always hope. People will probably think that’s crazy/dumb, but I don’t think so.

See Above again. I think I am going to gut by bathroom and redo it. It is crazy. But I’m starting to think I am a little off my rocker. And I wonder, why does all that decorating stuff matter to me anyway?

And most importantly I’ve been thinking ‘does my life matter?’ do I live a life that is worthy of Christ’s love? Oh probably not. I wonder, in my days, all of them, am I making the most of every opportunity to love others, those I know, and those I don’t. Do I put Him before me, everyday? I am not sure of that answer. And so I must find it.

So as 2012 is coming closer and closer…

I want to read my bible more.
I want to read it with my heart, and the end in mind.
I want to love bigger.

1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us

“Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get - only with what you are expecting to give - which is everything.” ~Katherine Hepburn

Vacation week

2011-12-28T10:26:00.001-05:00

A lot of people take a week off and go on vacation. I love vacations, and I love to travel, however, I love time off that I can spend relaxing and getting my house in order.

Before the holidays came I was a little overwhelmed!

I started to 'decompress' when my tree came down (on Christmas) and I started cleaning my office. Which, by the way, was the storage place for all the Christmas totes. As soon as they were out and back where they belong, I cleaned my office, threw out TONS of papers and 'stuff' (and found a bag of school supplies for Little Dresses for Africa). I rearranged my room and sent the dust bears that were hibernating - packing!

I've rearranged my tupperware cabinet, cleaned, cleaned and cleaned! Even organized my canning jars :). in the next couple days I plan on straightening up the scrapbooking stuff, cleaning/organizing the basement more.

I know it might sound crazy, but a clean, organized house relaxes me. Spending time reading and thinking about the coming year and all it entails with Jesus restores joy to my soul.

““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

OH! And I've cooked dinner without stress or time constraints!

2012 Here we come!

2011-12-27T16:16:00.000-05:00

A lot of people have a lot to say about what will happen in 2012. Here are some of my predictions!

1. The Bible will still have the answers.

2. Prayer will still work.

3. The Holy Spirit will still move.

4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.

5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.

6. There will still be singing of praise.

7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.

8. There will still be room at the Cross.

9. Jesus will still love you.

10. Jesus will still save the lost.

Decorating Brilliance

2011-12-27T08:44:00.000-05:00

Those two words really don't go well together when you're talking about me... however, in November I had a stroke of genius!

My house is REALLY dusty! I need to get my air ducts cleaned out... but alas that isn't happening anytime soon, partner that with the original furnace in my house, and you've got a winning combination for dust bears (5 minutes after you dust).

I didn't want to look at dusty end tables and coffee tables over the holidays, it bugs me, just a little, but it bugs me. SOO... I decided to get some cute fabric that was kind of Christmas-ie but not too Christmas-ie and put it on the entertainment center, the coffee table, and the end table. You can kind of see it in the pic on the left.

I decided I wanted to continue with this idea after Christmas was done, and I had picked up some fabric to make a tree skirt but decided against that since I found out that I already had a tree skirt... I cut the fabric, Phyllis hemmed it and now we have 'fancy dust covers' for our coffee & end table, and entertainment center.

Mark 10:14 If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.

Menu Planning for the week!

2011-12-26T13:11:00.001-05:00

Week 1 of Menu Planning for January!

Monday - White Chicken Chili
Tuesday - Stir-fry
Wednesday - Pasta Rosa w/ veggies
Thursday - chicken parm with pasta rags
Friday - Chicken Teriyaki
Saturday - TBA
Sunday - Tacos with beans & guac AND CUPCAKES!!!!!!!

Pennywise by Margie

2011-12-26T11:00:00.000-05:00

I know a lot of cost savings ideas... I'm no expert. I won't have a ton of followers on a new website. I let the people who are experts be experts! I subscribe to their websites, I use ideas that work for me. But every so often I realize a trick that was taught to me, and I feel the need to pass on that information...

Today I was swiffering my floors in my room (I told you one project a day while I am on vacation) and today I am rearranging my room. I was thinking about Aunt Pat. While we were on our Sisterhood retreat she taught me this very simple yet GENIUS trick about swiffering... now some of you may be ahead of the curve on me with this one... she uses wash clothes instead of swiffers. This won't really work with FAT wash clothes but if you've got some old ones (I use as rags) it is PERFECT!

I also use Cabinet & Wood Magic on my floors to keep them nice and shiny! It's $5.99 for a 17 oz can (at Hood's in Wyandotte but you can get it pretty much anywhere). I typically don't buy tons of cleaning products (and I am not very loyal to many - whatever is on sale or I have a coupon for), but this one, I LOVE! I use it on my kitchen cabinets and my wood floors (but BE CAREFUL) it can make them slippery! If I spray my washcloth it helps to 'attract' the dirt. I think because of it's clean smell :)

So there you go! No more watching for coupons for swiffer refills, or 'store brand' savings. Old school rags/wash clothes will save you some dough! then you can either save it or buy something you really want!

Any sensible family has a budget that lays out how much will be spent for household and other purposes. Without such planning, things would quickly go awry. ~Walter Ulbricht

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T22:40:00.000-05:00

Our silly holiday picture

I know that most people don’t get why I take down my tree on Christmas, those who really know me, completely understand… It started that I used to take it down 12-26 because Phyllis’s birthday follows close behind Christmas and we lived in small apartments, and our current estate isn’t exactly palatial, so I’d take the tree down because we needed room for a birthday party. Then a couple years back, I decided to take down the tree on Christmas night. I feel like life needs to get back to ‘normal’, whatever that is… I personally have had enough hussle and bussle to last me until next year. I want to enjoy my vacation. Clean my house, finish a couple projects, and truly enjoy my vacation.

Today I took down the tree and cleaned the office (There is a brief moment when you’re cleaning up a room, such as your office that has been kind of storage/catch all for a month or so when it actually looks worse than when you started… ). Tomorrow I will put up pictures, and work on the living room and my room. The floors are in need of some cabinet magic. The dining room just has a few things that need to be run down the stairs to be put away, the kitchen also has a few things that need to be returned to their homes… and if I do a little everyday it won’t seem like much work at all. Also going to paint the doors to our rooms and closets… they are still just primered.

I hope you enjoyed your Christmas, I know I sure did.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! I think!

2011-12-24T07:22:00.000-05:00

I 'm ready to put my tree away, I've got boxes in my office for the ornaments! I am ready for the next 'season' even if it is winter! I love this season but with all the added stuff... I miss my Friday night life group... and my Saturday morning Ladies group! I want my life to be the normal not the crazy! I know that sounds nuts... but keep reading...

I love Jesus! I love that He came to save me! I love that He could have come all high and righteous but He came as a little muffin, all swaddled up in a garage.

I am just ready to spend some time with my family tonight (who both chose to have it at the same time this year! which is hard for us because we don't want to choose - we will do both, just be late for one), and tomorrow more family. Little do they know, unless they read this, I'm coming in jeans. Yeah, it's true. They are my most comfortable pants, and so I've decided instead of being uncomfortable, I'm wearing jeans (I think I'd show up in sweats if I was allowed!). I don't think there is a dress code for Christmas (at least I hope not - because I'm toast).

All the presents are purchased, under the tree or in their designated bags/boxes to go wherever they are going. I blew it on someone's gift and put it in the cart to order... and never purchased it, so they will get theirs later. what can I say - I'm an idiot!

I'm looking forward to tonight and tomorrow. I just want Jesus to be in my heart! I'm looking forward to some much needed time off!

Merry Christmas!!!

Luke 2:1-21 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while^[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register.

⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

²¹ On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Meal Planning for January

2011-12-22T21:49:00.001-05:00

I stated that this month I did not do as well meal planning as I would have liked… I’ve learned that I have had to adapt a little… so this month, I will plan around what we have in the house and meals that can be switched up a little. There are less events in January to cook for like no Christmas parties (hard to believe no Christmas parties in January)

So… here is my meal planning list (and each week after reviewing our schedules I will plan from this list. Also... you must know... I reserve the right to add TONS more veggies into everything, cut back on fat when I can, I typically only use chicken & ground turkey, and lean cuts of pork, and cook with whole grain noodles, & brown rice... but sometimes... there is cream cheese and bread!

You can meal plan anyway you want... I encourage you to do some research and find a plan that works for you... and sometimes, you find things that work... and things that don't! My friend Netta just switched it up and she's a meal planning queen... she is who inspired me!

Crock Pot Meals

Tomato Sauced Pork Ribs

Betty Crocker Cookbook – pg. 233

Black Bean & Corn Soup

Betty Crocker Cookbook – pg. 240

Stuffed Pepper Soup (this is always a go-to in our house!)

Chicken, potatoes, carrots, & cream of mushroom or chicken soup

Chicken Teriyaki

White Chicken Chili

Non-Crockpot meals

Chicken Parm with Pasta rags

Chicken Alfredo with broccoli

Spaghetti (will buy enough to make twice) with homemade garlic bread

Tacos (will have enough to make 3x)

Dorito Casserole

Ham, Broccoli, rice Casserole

Italian Sausage soup

Family Feasts fro under $75 week pg. 191

Chicken & Dumplin’s

Sloppy Joes (this will also be an Alive dinner)

Tamales

BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, cole slaw, & tator tots

Meatloaf, mashed taters

Proverbs 31:10-31

¹⁰ ^[b]A wife of noble character who can find?
   She is worth far more than rubies.
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
   and lacks nothing of value.
¹² She brings him good, not harm,
   all the days of her life.
¹³ She selects wool and flax
   and works with eager hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
   bringing her food from afar.
¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night;
   she provides food for her family
   and portions for her female servants.
¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
   out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
   her arms are strong for her tasks.
¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
   and her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
   and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
   and extends her hands to the needy.
²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
   for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
²² She makes coverings for her bed;
   she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
   where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
   and supplies the merchants with sashes.
²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
   she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
   and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
   and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
   her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
   but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
   but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,
   and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Restless

2011-12-20T21:25:00.000-05:00

I'm super restless.

You know the meltdown that kids have when they are just over tired? That is me. In my old age I've learned the signs that it's coming, and I can hear God whispering... 'be still child, I am God.'. Well, God, can You please stop the hurricane that I call life?

It's no surprise to you that I'm busy. I love my busy life. But even I know that sometimes I just need a break. You know how many dozen cookies I've baked this year?? NONE!

My favorite oven (the one of the first floor) is broken, also my stove is off because I had to flip the breaker. New part will be ordered, in the mean time I bought an electric skillet, and we use the one from 1978 that we were blessed with! I know that I am super blessed to have an awesome back up and the ability to fix my stove/oven!

I haven't seen and hung out with my Alive girls in MONTHS and that is such a source of joy for me, I miss them a lot.

I can't work out... I had to put the boot back on today, my foot was really hurting and even though I didn't really feel like hearing people say 'what happened?' I knew it was the right thing to do. My pants are too tight!!

My friend's mom died... when Mom's die it's hard for me. It reminds me how much I miss my momma.

My friend is in the hospital, and I have no time (really, I don't!) to go see her until Thursday morning. My heart aches because I love her and want to support her.

Christmas is almost here! I've got a few things left to get, mostly gift cards and money.

Also both families that I see are meeting at 4 on Christmas Eve! Oye! I don't know how to choose, and quite frankly, I don't want to, so I'll be at one til 5:30ish and then off to the other house.

I'm ready for my house to resume it's normal 'no theme' decorations, filled with people and things I love that have meaning to me. I love my Christmas Tree, but Christmas night, down it comes.

I have some stuff at work, some tedious things, that I just am having a hard time finishing... but it's almost done! I can't wait!

My basement sewer needs to be snaked... during the break I'm going to try to get it done!

I'm so super blessed, don't think for one minute that I think I'm not... I just need some rest! I'm no energizer bunny! I need a nap!

Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth

My cup overflows!

2011-12-18T07:51:00.000-05:00

My heart seems to be over flowing right now! I spent some awesome time with my friend, and my 'nieces' Ava and Lana last night. We had so much fun, and who knew two little girls could love the Cosby Show as much as Phyllis! We had dinner and made gingerbread houses and they opened their presents (which they loved - Aunt Margie is a good gift-giver).

And I'm blessed enough to have dinner with Amanda and Katie tonight and see the Holiday 'Cirque de Soleil' tonight.

As the Gma in Hope Floats says 'my cup overflows'.

This morning while getting ready... I was reflecting on my childhood, telling stories on Friday night reminded me of what a crazy and awesome childhood I had. Spending summers on a boat, surrounded by people who loved and cared about me, it was AMAZING! Thinking back about how they even taught me how to cook over a campfire! But also how funny it is that I don't camp unless there's shelter, none of that tent stuff for me! I was even laughing about how I was never really sheltered from crazy bad stuff, so I learned how to deal with it... One time there was some guy on the loose, Olten Coleman if I remember correctly, and there was a man hunt out for him, and he was in the vicinity of our marina... Helicopters, police... from an early age, I always learned to be aware of my surroundings. A lesson I'm thankful for to this day. Doesn't it sound crazy though that as a pretty young kid I was exposed to that, and am thankful for it! LOL. I'm a weirdo!

I have seen and done some amazing things in my lifetime. Surrounded by people who love me and whisper 'you can do it, I love you' into my heart... then... and now. I'm so thankful!

Psalm 23:5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows

Big Plans

2011-12-17T07:24:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was my dad’s annual Christmas Party. It’s always such a great time to see people that I’ve loved my whole life, to hear what’s going on in their lives and for them to catch up with me.

This year something happened that normally doesn’t happen… about 6 people asked me if there was someone special in my life, and they didn’t mean Jesus. They meant a boyfriend… Nope. Not that I don’t go on dates once in awhile, but no one that really has stolen my heart in a good way. I know they are a little disappointed. They want me to have someone fabulous to spend my life with.

I’ve said before that I spent my life taking care of Phyllis, and that really didn’t leave room for much else. I NEVER EVER will regret that decision. She was the light of my life and I was her mom, and I took that very seriously.

Would I love to have a great man in my life? OF COURSE! But I often wonder ‘how would it work?’ He has to love Jesus, he will have to serve Jesus…

They say this life is just a vapor. I don’t know, somedays seem so long that they seem like an eternity. I would love a boyfriend, eventually a husband, but not at the cost of being able to serve God. God has huge plans for me. Things written on my heart. And I know that there is a husband written there too, however, I am not sure when he’s coming into my life, I know though, that when he does, he will be perfect for me, not perfect, but perfect for me.

Until then, I’ll keep doing what I’m doing. Knowing. Believing. In the plans God has for me.

Jer 29:11-13 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart

P.S. I'm so thankful for the work that God has done in my heart because years past... I would have been crying my eyes out with all those questions about a husband...

No lovin' from my oven...

2011-12-16T17:41:00.001-05:00

So, I'm minding my own business, baking some cookies that my stepmom asked me to bake (from a tub) and ALL OF A SUDDEN I hear this ridiculous beeping noise... only to find smoke, burnt cookies, and this ridiculous F1 code on my oven AND IT WON'T TURN OFF! It's plugged in behind the stove... and it's hot back there, so I did what any smart, innovative woman would do! I ran downstairs and hit the breaker! HA! Now my house won't catch on fire!

I started to freak out... I have my moments you know... thinking 'what are we going to do without a stove and an oven... I can feel panic set in... thinking about how it will be February before I am getting a new stove... how will I stick to meal planning! OHMYWORD! that was all in about 30 seconds... and then all of a sudden a regained composure. Hey Dummy, you've got two ovens downstairs and a STOVE! DUH! and people trust me with their children... oh boy!

AND THEN a little while later, I look up the code, it just needs a new control panel, I am sure I can do that. Or I can find someone to help me! They are only about $150 but I am sure I can find one cheaper!

So there you go people. Don't panic!

And isn't it funny that the oven in my basement is like 100 years old (at least 30!!) and it works fine... the one that's all fancy... only 9 years old pukes on me! They sure don't make things like they used to!

I think it's because the oven didn't like having tub cookies in it, my oven likes homemade apparently!

Hold your applause though... it's not fixed yet!

I'm here!!

2011-12-14T19:58:00.000-05:00

I was at the gym today and wondered ‘how did you get here?’ Not like how did I arrive, because I drove Gertie, but how did I get to this weight, I am a little over a year away from being 40 and I am not at the weight or in love with myself as I think I should be.

Let me tell you about this young woman who at the age of 31 decided that she would no longer look in the mirror and hate what she saw. So she worked really hard, 8 workouts a week – I worked out 5 days – 3 of the days two a days. Cardio 5 mornings, and weights and strength training and more cardio the 3 days. I look back at the those pictures and think ‘wow’ but at the time, I wasn’t getting it. I wasn’t liking myself.

I was looking for value in so many wrong places. In the mirror, in men, in my work, and none of those really turned out very well for me, except for maybe the work part because I really did learn a lot.

And then one day, a story for another day, it all seemed to have crashed around me. It wasn’t like this big ‘BOOM’ but more like things just seemed to come crashing down.

And that’s where I met God. A mess.

It has taken years to get out of this mess I created based on misconceptions and wrong choices.

And I find myself somewhere that if you would have asked me when I was 32… a place I thought I’d never be again… FAT.

It’s taken a lot of work to undo thoughts and feelings.

But I’m fat. And I hate being fat. As I work on fitness and eating well, I slowly start to remember what it felt like to feel ‘good’. I want to run. I want to eat well.

And then sometimes the stress of life seems so crazy and hard, that I just want a piece of pizza or some mashed potatoes.

But the last time I worked on getting fit AND thin, I didn’t have something. I was missing something.

I was missing a life fully surrendered to God. I was missing a Love that I never thought possible.

I am sure of the twists and turns that have gotten me to where I am today, a lot of missteps and mistakes.

But those days are gone. They are a part of who I once was, not who I am today.

Everyday I am a little closer to who God really created me to be.

A woman who loves and is loved.

Gal 4:1-7 1 What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2 The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3 So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces[a]of the world. 4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.[b] 6Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[c] Father.” 7So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

Meal Planning

2011-12-13T08:49:00.001-05:00

I haven't done as well this month as I did last month with meal planning... and it's only the 13th... even just this week I've not done well, we are having yesterday's meal today, and we might not even have today's meal until I am off! This is nothing that matters in the scheme of things... but this is what I decided for January...

I will make a list of 20 meals, I will buy the groceries for those 20 meals, but depending on the week is what we will have. So I will plan a month's worth of meals, but plan weekly when we will eat them.

The biggest issue has been that our schedule is nuts, Phyllis works different hours every week, and I know it sounds completely ridiculous (but it's not to me!) that she have a good something to eat before she goes to work. Making crockpot meals on the days she works at 4 is perfect because it is done by the time she can eat, and still hot (I have one of those crockpots that has a timer) when I get home for dinner. One the days when I don't make dinner until I get home, it means not such a great meal for her before she goes to work. Yes, I realize she's almost 19 but I love her and so it's a small thing to work around. And... wouldn't you want someone to do that for you?

So instead of feeling like a failure when I don't 'hit the mark' every day or things don't go as planned, I will just change the way I plan :)

Also going to plan my fruits and veggies better... just joined WW yesterday! What kind of weirdo joins WW 2 weeks before Christmas and her birthday? The kind of weirdo who doesn't want to buy bigger pants!

Phil 2:3-4 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Busy Busy Busy!

2011-12-11T18:03:00.000-05:00

The last few weeks have been insanely busy! It's been long days at work - and tons of stuff after work. On the days I don't have anything, I come home to try to make some order around here. There have been a lot of meals cooked lately for others! And let me just say, it's been crazy... even for me!

It is in these kind of times when I tend to get crabby. I start to produce an overabundance of word vomit - and all those great things that I do... I undo them like a frayed ribbon in the wind.

I knew that things were going to be crazy! And so this time, I kept my eyes focused on one thing - Jesus! I read my bible study about Christmas! I've listened to worship music, stayed plugged in with friends who love Jesus to their core, and did 'thankfuls' in my head everyday! And I even scheduled in a little fun! A trip to the DIA (Chase & I won the scavenger hunt! woot!) and a Wings game!

Today I showed up at church a little crazy, a couple trips up the stairs with presents and paper for Joy to the D. I was a little harried. I had taken my eyes off the prize for just a second. Took me a minute to refocus.

The rest of my day is going to be relaxing! Some wrapping of presents, making lunch for my favorite girl, running the dishwasher, and we are going to see Wicked at the Detroit Opera House.

I'm learning to find 'Sabbath' time. It may not look like what someone might consider 'normal' Sabbath but everyone recharges in different ways. I have found my ways, and each day it is not even the same. And then... I will be back to FULL STEAM AHEAD! It is important to make the most of every opportunity!

Loved this scripture today! It knocked me off my seat!

Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

Marathons

2011-12-07T18:51:00.000-05:00

I was watching the Biggest Loser from last night and it was ‘marathon’ day! I have to tell you that there are not any words that I can use to tell you how much I want to run a marathon!

It was only two years ago that I couldn’t run a mile. I could not finish running one mile. I realize that many people say that. I can say that I have run 10 without stopping, and I have completed a half marathon. I didn’t run the whole thing, but I completed it.

I got cleared from my boot yesterday. First thing the doc said was ‘no running, yet’.

There are many things in my life that I thought I could never do. I want to run a marathon. Not only do I want to run a marathon, I want to raise money for orphans. I want my life to count for something. Not anything about me, but I want my life to be about something much bigger than me!

I’m celebrating that I no longer have a boot, but I am also celebrating that I am one step closer to finishing a marathon.

Phil 3:13-14 ¹³ Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Christmas Holidays...

2011-12-07T08:29:00.000-05:00

We get the week between Christmas and New Year's off every year. It is something I am super thankful for!! Every year I try to use my time wisely, a good mixture of fun, relaxation, and a little bit of work.

I super want to redo my bathroom. It doesn't blend well with the rest of my house. There are other things I need to do in my house... so I have to put the bathroom off until the Spring. I am going to try to get the doors (closet & door way) that were put up for Phyllis's party.

Put up some new pictures, Rearrange some pictures. I got a new one, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it but can't decide where it should go. I don't have any real themes in my house, because let's face it, I suck at decorating. But I love 'love' and 'hope' so I guess that's my theme. I don't need to be in Better Homes and Gardens.

Touch up some painting. There are a few spots that got nicked up, so I am going to work on that.

Caulk Phyllis's shower. It never got caulked when it was installed. I have no idea why it didn't but it didn't, so... I'll do it. I got the instructions on what to do. Speaking of Phyllis's bathroom, I'd like to get some of that ugly bathroom fuzzy carpeting for in there until I get up the motivation to redo the bathroom and get some tile in there.

Clean off the ledge in the kitchen and decide what will stay and what will go. I've got some pictures there, thinking about actually tacking them up.

I also plan on finishing at least one book! And getting to the gym!

A good house cleaning!!! I might start over the 31 Days to Clean... I'll be off 10 days and they don't take long, I could easily do 3 a day while I am off (note: my tree comes down on Christmas Night)

Also note, I still get up early while I am off (just NOT as early) I try to be up and moving by 6AM everyday. I use my mornings to get the work done so I can enjoy the rest of the day!

I see a trip to the DIA, The Detroit Historical Museum, maybe the zoo, in our future! And maybe a movie and lunch at Roma's!!!!

Happy HOLIDAYS! whichever ones you celebrate! Mine include Christmas, New Year's, and MY BIRTHDAY (it's a National Holiday you know...)

A note to JRA

2011-12-06T10:15:00.000-05:00

Dear JRA,

It's been a long time, I've still got some unfinished business with you. A few things I'd like to get off my chest. First of all, when referring to things, I like use my words wisely. So here's a word for you... HATE. I hate you. I wish that you were never born into existance. I wish that you didn't try to immobilize children. I wish that I had lived my life never hearing about you or from you.

On 12-5-97 you decided to join our happy family. You decided that you were going to try to scare me to death. You thought that you could make me crazy. Here's news for you, I was already crazy. Crazy in love with a little girl named Phyllis, and I would, and did everything I could to take care of her. I decided at that moment, that this was a battle I could not fight alone, so I enlisted an Army. An Army in the Lord. I called everyone I knew, and I had them call everyone they knew. And leading our battle, was God.

There were many rough days, but you didn't know who you were messing with! You decided to go after what you thought was a sweet little girl! HA! She was a sweet little girl, but what you didn't realize is that you took on a fighter, and to boot, a fighter with a mother who never lets anything beat her. And so 5 years later, we beat you, and you've been in remission for quite a long time now. God did a good work in her!

You did your best to continue to scare me over the years. You've even decided to leave some remnants of yourself and damaged my daughter's joints, enlisting your friend 'Osteo'. I don't care for him either. You both suck as far as I'm concerned.

I'd like to tell you, that I will not give up. I've got an army of peeps out there, I've got a God bigger than you, and He can beat you both, and it won't take much effort bigger than blinking His eye, and I am not only hoping that He brings healing to my daughter, but I AM BELIEVING it!

While you may never be out of my mind completely, you are beaten. You suck. And I hate you. how about that?

So while yesterday was the day that I met you, an anniversary marked on our calender. We remember it because it is the day that you sent me running towards God, and while I will never be thankful for you, I am thankful for that. It marks the day to remember what God has done in our lives, how far we've come, and how strong we are.

In Him - Always,

Margie

Things on my personal prayer list

2011-12-06T06:31:00.000-05:00

I feel like I swallowed a tornado... My internal is a mess! There are many things I find myself praying for throughout the day. They more like 'Please God!' kind of things.

1. Phyllis gets into MSU
2. God sells a few cattle so we don't have to take out student loans
3. My foot no longer requires a boot
4. That I continue to feed the needs of others
5. That somehow my work load becomes manageable
6. That I would no longer be sick
7. That Phyllis's arthritis would be healed
8. That I follow through with getting a personal trainer and do something about my weight (#3 would be a start)
9. That I could continue to be a doer of the word.

I'm the lucky one!

2011-12-02T20:05:00.000-05:00

At the Christmas party

Today I had a date with my two favorite guys (the other one is just too little to go out yet!). I had big plans to take them to my FABULOUS work party… well, we tried, but it was a little overwhelming for them (I can totally understand – it’s overwhelming for me too, and I’m big) so… we decided to have dinner at a very fine establishment with great waitstaff… wait for it… ARBY’S! Phyllis was working and so we headed there for mac&cheese and chicken tenders. (note: Judah dipped his nuggets in Yogurt, Ranch, AND Ketchup and said they were good)

Enjoying our fabulous dinner

We even had chocolate milk… and ICE CREAM (they split a shake and ate it with a spoon). I taught them a new dance, it’s sure to be the latest craze… the chocolate milk dance.

A couple was there and asked if they were twins, normally I just say ‘yes’ but for some reason I told them the boys story. He was so sweet, he said ‘they are so lucky you all got them out of there’ (like I really had anything to do with it… I just prayed, their mom&dad did the hard stuff) – my reply is heart felt ‘we are the lucky ones’.

I cannot tell you how much I love those little boys. I prayed for them so much. Their little lives were stitched in my heart long before I ever met them. Their sweet chocolate faces and their eyes the color of onyx melt my heart. Their laugh makes me laugh. Their smiles make me smile. There are many days I just look at their pictures at my desk and think I’m the luckiest Auntie in the world!

Their mom thanked me for taking them today... but as I left with a 'bye Chica' I know that I am the lucky one!

It is NOT about me...

2011-12-01T17:31:00.000-05:00

So… I was sick this morning… apparently I slept with my mouth open and someone poured razor blades down my throat. Ugh :/ I am feeling better. MUCH BETTER!!! But I was totally out of my new routine… Gym/Bible/Get on with my day!

I found myself ‘snittin’ You know when you start blahblah deetdeet and you just work yourself up in a tizzy… over NOTHING! I don’t even remember why I was snittin’ and then I remembered… no bible reading today!

My friend Katie has a saying at her house “f your bible is falling apart chances are your life is staying together”. I LOVE IT!!! It is SOO true.

So I finally sat down and read today’s assigned reading. LOL!!!!!!!! Mark 9:33-37!!!!!!!

I was probably snittin’ about something about me and how what I do doesn’t matter (even though I know it does!)… And often when I have these moments… When I feel like the person who just makes sure the water is there, doesn’t necessarily plant seeds, or water them, or even see them bloom, I make sure the water is there! That person is important! When I have those moments, I pull out this piece of paper, it was an email from Adam (and he probably has no idea that I still have that email or that it meant that much to me) that said ‘thanks for doing what you do’ but it was longer than that… when I feel like I don’t matter, I pull out that email to remind me that what I do matters and keep striving for the prize! The prize of God getting ALL the glory!

In the pic, this is actually my pic… is my bible (the funny part is that it is pink - I don't like pink! and it's my favorite bible!), it’s very worn, and written in, doodled in, the pages are starting to fall out, there are pictures, and drawings, notes… stuff that matters to me, and also in the pic, is that note, and one of my favorite scriptures, I bought it and LOVED it, but I had to find a place for it (and finally! I did)

Mark 9:33-37

33 They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?”34 But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.
35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”
36 He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

November Meal Planning Update

2011-12-01T08:50:00.000-05:00

So... my goal for the month of November was $150 in groceries. I must admit... I did go over my goal... by about $100!

I think that my goal of $150 was just a little to aggressive. Besides feeding us, I fed Alive leaders (I try to cook for 25ish) twice, I cooked 3 or 4 meals for one of my favorite families... I also purchased some things to feed 40 people at a meeting. I bought a few items for a housewarming gift in that budget.

I have to say, I don't think that $250 was too bad for most of our meals & the extra meals.

Some accomplishments:
I didn't buy breakfast out once since I started! (I often stop 2-3 (or 4) times a week)
I set a goal of only eating out lunch once a week (one week I went twice!)
We didn't eat any additional dinners out (meaning some were planned)
I froze a couple things for next month
I didn't make 'special meals' for others. If I planned something for us, I made extra for Alive meetings or others. There have been times when I didn't do that, and it's cost me more money.

All in all, I feel pretty good about how I did. It wasn't perfect, but neither am I, and I feel pretty good about it! Decembers meals are planned. My goal for the month is $200 (I think that $150 was too aggressive).
I've got 1 meal for Metro, a housewarming, 2 meals for Alive, 2 meals for RC, and I'm going to try to make a few (2 or 3) meals for one of my fave fams.

I'll take it! And call it a win!

Floods and Bible reading

2011-11-30T06:50:00.000-05:00

This the exact spot I turned away from, just earlier in the day!

Yesterday, if you were in this part of the country… it was raining and raining and RAINING! So much so that it closed Southfield (a local freeway). If you didn’t know this about me, I am severely scared of driving through water. I’ve never been stuck, but I’ve had a few times when I’ve said “I’ll never take that chance again” and I don’t.

Last night after I was coming home from JoAnn Fabrics I took outer drive home. Not usually any problems, HOWEVER, last night the underpass was flooded, and I tried to turn down a street, that wasn’t actually a street, but an entrance to a building (I was panicking, what can I say) so I decided that I was NOT going to go through that water, there was already one car stuck and I was not going to be the second, and even if I didn’t get stuck, it is not good for your brakes to go through that, or my carpet in my car could have gotten ruined if the water came through the door. No thank you!

So what did I do… I decided to be the trendsetter (almost every car followed my lead) and go north on the southbound side (don’t know what direction I was actually going because Outer Drive winds around so much).

I tell you, there is a lesson in this. If you see a mess. Don’t try to go through it. Going back to a safer route may be a little rough for a minute, people may scoff at you, may give you the finger (this happened to me yesterday), but just go in the right direction, God guides our path, just smile, wave, and hopefully people will follow you to higher ground.

As for my reading this morning… Luke 2:1-20

I’ve read it a million (ok 50) times, I can probably recite parts of it…

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

There were a couple things that stood out to me this morning…
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. v10
Good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Not some of the people. Not a couple of the people. Not whether you are rich or poor. Doesn’t matter. He came to be bring us great joy! Doesn’t that make your heart sing with gladness!! God doesn’t always change our circumstances, but it is up to us to change our hearts, and worship Him! Again… we live by faith not by feelings!!!!

But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart v19
In the midst of all that was going on, it is noted that Mary treasured up everything and pondered them in her heart. If Mary was one of those crazy people who writes all the things she is thankful for on her facebook (e-em) couldn’t you just see her blowing it up? Her heart must have been overflowing!!! She was the vessel that God used to bring JESUS! Light of the World! Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6). What a blessing to bring the King!

It makes me think, how many times I have the opportunity to bring Jesus to people, maybe not in the way that Mary did, but I do have the opportunity. But I have to remember to get out of the way! Let Him do the talking! Let Him do the loving! Let Him!

Trust

2011-11-29T08:29:00.000-05:00

I was reading Matthew 1 today as part of my YouVersion Rediscovering Christmas, and to be honest when it comes to all that geneology stuff, I usually skip over it. But today I read it, and I was kind of excited (I realized I am a dork) that I actually understood the order and I GOT IT! That was pretty cool… I thought about that… (as a side note, I always ask God to reveal something to me)… and then I kept reading about Jesus and Joseph. Could you imagine back in that time, as a male, you were supposed to marry someone and then she gets pregnant ‘by the Holy spirit’, however NO ONE TOLD THEM ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT before that time!!!! And here’s this guy Joseph who is going to quietly divorce her (v 19)… Crazy! But he changes his mind/heart because the Holy Spirit came… this is going to fulfill the prophecy (v22).
And I wonder, did he waver? How many times God tells me to do something, and I just kind of wrestle with Him… ‘Really God? You want me to do WHAT?!’ And I KNOW that what He asks me is for my own good and His glory… I know about the Holy Spirit… I KNOW! So what does that say to me? TRUST GOD NO MATTER WHAT! We live by faith, not be feelings. It is not by our knowledge but by His wisdom that we should live.
Let the Word of God speak to me, and may I always listen, and obey.
Matthew 1
The Genealogy of Jesus the Messiah
1 This is the genealogy[a] of Jesus the Messiah[b] the son of David, the son of Abraham:
2 Abraham was the father of Isaac,
Isaac the father of Jacob,
Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers,
3 Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar,
Perez the father of Hezron,
Hezron the father of Ram,
4 Ram the father of Amminadab,
Amminadab the father of Nahshon,
Nahshon the father of Salmon,
5 Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab,
Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth,
Obed the father of Jesse,
6 and Jesse the father of King David.
David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife,
7 Solomon the father of Rehoboam,
Rehoboam the father of Abijah,
Abijah the father of Asa,
8 Asa the father of Jehoshaphat,
Jehoshaphat the father of Jehoram,
Jehoram the father of Uzziah,
9 Uzziah the father of Jotham,
Jotham the father of Ahaz,
Ahaz the father of Hezekiah,
10 Hezekiah the father of Manasseh,
Manasseh the father of Amon,
Amon the father of Josiah,
11 and Josiah the father of Jeconiah[c] and his brothers at the time of the exile to Babylon.
12 After the exile to Babylon:
Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel,
Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,
13 Zerubbabel the father of Abihud,
Abihud the father of Eliakim,
Eliakim the father of Azor,
14 Azor the father of Zadok,
Zadok the father of Akim,
Akim the father of Elihud,
15 Elihud the father of Eleazar,
Eleazar the father of Matthan,
Matthan the father of Jacob,
16 and Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary, and Mary was the mother of Jesus who is called the Messiah.
17 Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.
Joseph Accepts Jesus as His Son
18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about[d]: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet[e] did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,[f] because he will save his people from their sins.”
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”[g] (which means “God with us”).
24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Christmas List

2011-11-28T20:44:00.000-05:00

I was about to start putting up my Christmas decorations and it's been a crazy kind of day! The kind of day when in the middle of it all I wonder 'what is the point of today?' and then at lunch a read a post like this.

I go to the gym and inspired by my friend Becky, I start the You Version Rediscovering Christmas Plan. I started it at the gym (no point in waiting until tomorrow), and I read about an old lady who worshipped God in the temple... she never left (Luke 2:37). And even though I can't spend all day, every day in the temple, I know that I am the church, and how I long to bring Jesus to others, to my mission field, sometimes it is work, sometimes it is someone's house, Target... wherever God has called me. I fail so much! I wish I was so much better at living out His love....

When I got home, I pulled out this one Santa/Reindeer moving thing... Anyone who tells me that God isn't in Santa & Reindeer just might get a 'what for'... because I see God in that Santa & that silly reindeer. You see, Phyllis got that when she was in the hospital in 1997. She was 4, diagnosed with JRA. December 5, 1997 to be exact. That was a rough few days... and the days ahead. I can't even put it into words. My dad got it for her while she was in hospital. I only left once in the days we were there, to go take a shower. That was such a long time ago... and in the middle of those days, I don't know how I made it... And in that time I wondered... what is the point of all this?

That time seems like a lifetime ago.

I think about this Christmas season and why God has given me such a giving heart. Anyone who knows me knows I'd much rather give than receive. It's because I know what it is to be in want and in need. I know what it is to have and have not. I know. I know what it's like to have a sick child, and a healthy one. I know how our lives can change in an instant.

I also know the love and grace of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. I know it because I've lived all those things. Pastor Chilly asked what was on our lists... Really... nothing. I don't need anything. And that makes me so happy, it fills my heart with joy!

I turned on Pandora to play 'CHRISTmas music' which just was the Hillsong United Channel. Mighty to Save... My God is mighty to save. I don't need a thing. A Lord, A Savior, He came! He came to give us live, to give us peace, to give us Joy. He came so that we could know the greatness of True Love.

It's a crazy thing this holiday season, I see His provision all over it. I see it in coffee mugs, in Santa& Reindeer lighty things, I see it in face, I see it in my life, in my meals, in the daughter that I never deserved. I see it in my home, and plastic window stuff, I see it all over the place. I see it in my friends that I don't deserve. I see Him.

I want to be like that woman. I want to worship all the time. I want to love God so much, that He is all I see!

Join me in the reading plan. Tell me how He's changed your life. Whisper to me a story of His amazing grace and love in your life!

Luke 2:21-40

On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

Jesus Presented in the Temple

22 When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"t),24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."t

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah.27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required,28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

29 "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you may now dismisst your servant in peace.

30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,

31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:

32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of your people Israel."

33 The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him.34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."

36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.t She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth.40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

Some very fascinating things about me

2011-11-28T12:14:00.001-05:00

So... since I've got so much on my mind...I thought I'd share with you... aren't you lucky?

When too much starts to happen in my life (like this Saturday) - I want to crawl under a rock. I am a pretty busy person, life is usually on High with me, but the moment it gets to 'Extreme' I want to die... I get so overwhelmed that I forget... one bite at a time, it all gets done... so you show up a few minutes late... but I'll get there. I have to say that 5 things (nails, small group, RC meal, niece's b-day, a house warming) scheduled (nothing I want to cancel!!!!) on Saturday may be a bit much... add in that I am making dinner for Metro AND Alive on Sunday - oh brother! Calgon take me away! Knowing this is coming I will be diligent in my bible reading. Jesus will be the only thing that saves me!

I love my job but I believe I really will die at my desk. Brain anuersym, heart attack.... probably going to happen. I am not kidding either.

I need to get my plastic on my windows done. That big window is haunting me!

I always get my tree up (and decorated) the week BEFORE Thanksgiving, everything comes down Christmas night (true story!) or the 26th at the LATEST! I feel overwhelmed that I am late! only my tree is up. Today I will bring everything up and get started!

I think people should act honestly.

I am thankful for my life. As crazy as it is (including the high blood pressure, spots in my vision, and blurry vision), I wouldn't change it. I love all my extended family, my nieces and nephews that God gave me through Love.

I love that Jesus is the captain of my ship... I love that He can calm any crazy sea that comes my way. I love that while I am in the mission field, and people throw grenades at me, He is my shield!

Psalm 3:3 But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the one who lifts my head high

so there you go... pray for me...

Random thoughts

2011-11-25T16:34:00.000-05:00

Here’s some random thoughts…

So here’s my thoughts on black Friday… how about that… I love shopping, I love getting a good deal, but I will not do it at the expense of being a jerk, losing sleep, or being crabby. I went out this morning with my sister in law at 6:30, there wasn’t anything that we would have killed anyone over, but some good deals were to be had. I got a bunch of toys for Joy to the D, and a couple things for Phyllis… The good thing about having a daughter that is almost 19 is that she can go shopping with you… and so you know what you get her she will like. Yes, it does take out some of the surprise, but whatever… I did get some good deals and was sure to say ‘Hi, how are you?’ without needing anything.

I do love giving at Christmas. Yes, I know it is not about the gifts… I know that Santa Claus is not real, I know He is not the reason for the season… but remember… God GAVE His Son. Acts 20:35… I would rather give a gift than get a gift…

Also all you peeps who freak out about ‘Merry Christmas’ or Happy Holidays… Relax a little will you… You can say Merry Christmas, and in the interest of not offending anyone, they may say ‘Happy Holidays’… there is Hannakah, Christmas, Kwanza, my birthday (which is a National Holiday… also know as New Year’s Day). I hate when people write ‘X-mas’ but I don’t bring a full on debate about it, I choose not to write it. Say what you like and allow people the latitude to say what they need to or want to… life is a lot easier without a bunch of crabby Patty’s.

Did you know that you are not supposed to drive on the spare tire aka ‘donut’ and you especially shouldn’t do it for long periods of time, on one of the front tires.

TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It’s the light that tells you if your air pressure is low in your car. It’s a great invention.

Reuben dip might just be one of the greatest things on the planet earth.

Walked outside last night, and I wanted to throw on a pair of running pants, a sweatshirt, and running shoes and RUN! I miss it so much!

The new Muppet movie was pretty good, kind of corny but good, not really sure why it got PG instead of G. but it was good. Glad I got to see it… they played some stupid Toy story thing before it… dumb.

I have been posting a lot the things I am thankful for lately… it’s made my heart sing!

Thankful for my niece and nephew (s) who did the gingerbread houses this weekend. We had fun!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2011-11-24T17:17:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

He came...

2011-11-22T09:30:00.000-05:00

I had a whole different post for today, I’ll post it later…

I was listening to the song ‘Winter Snow’ by Chris Tomlin, it’s one of my favorite Christmas songs… I am having weird chest thing going on… and I’m listening to it… really listening to it, letting it sink into the depths of my soul. The Christ Child. Amazing. I’m fighting back tears…

He could have come…

He came so that we could have life. And to the fullest. Don’t be fooled by things that steal your joy, or your life ,or your love.

My life is crazy, it’s busy, and last night I had this amazing overwhelming need to go be with my friend and her baby. I could have given you a list of things that needed to be done… but only one thing seemed important. Loving my friend. So when there seems to be so much to do, loving seems the most important to do. I spent some sweet time smooching my sleeping nephew. Snuggling up. Nothing seemed more important than that. I imagine that sometimes when I am all crazy inside, that God knows that I just need some snuggle time. It does wonders for my soul.

I never doubt God’s love for me. I never doubt that when He tells me to go do something, it is for His good, and mine.

God could have come like a storm, like a fire, He came like a baby (just as promised in Isaiah 9), He came so that we could have peace, joy, and love. Does that blow you away like it does me?

Isaiah 9:6-7
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.

Could've come like a mighty storm
With all the strength of a hurricane
You could've come like a forest fire
With the power of heaven in Your flame

But You came like a winter snow
Quiet and soft and slow
Falling from the sky in the night
To the earth below

You could've swept in like a tidal wave
Or an ocean to ravish our hearts
You could have come through like a roaring flood
To wipe away the things we've scarred

But You came like a winter snow
(Yes, You did)
You were quiet
You were soft and slow
Falling from the sky in the night
To the earth below

Oh, no, Your voice wasn't in a bush burning
No, Your voice wasn't in a rushing wind
It was still
It was small
It was hidden

You came like a winter snow
Quiet and soft and slow
Falling from the sky in the night
To the earth below

Falling
To the earth below
You came falling
From the sky in the night
To the earth below

Thankful heart!

2011-11-21T06:49:00.000-05:00

Even when I go to the gym, while getting ready I ‘watch’ TV. Typically the shows I DVR’d I watch in the morning. ‘Watch’ is used loosely since I don’t actually sit down for most of it. However, yesterday I discovered the Pandora Hillsong United channel. Now, please don’t get all ‘how could you not know that’ on me. I had no idea such a thing existed, just like most you don’t know that you can freeze bananas when they start to turn and then thaw them, and cut the end off, and swoosh right into your banana bread. There, now we’re even J

One of my very favorite songs is Savior King. It was the first song I heard this morning. Instantly I started praying for Jon Whaley, Katie, and the Alive Band… and then soon the Alive Staff. I feel so greatful to be able to pray. Even outloud if I want to…

Yesterday I went off the deep end with posting all the things I was thankful for, and I could have kept going (just so you know!).

Normally I go into the holiday season with a list of ‘to-dos’ and a lot of stress. There is some stress right now… but I have to say that my to-dos seem so much easier because God is writing my list. And with each ta-done I’m more thankful!

I plan on enjoying this holiday season with all the things I’m thankful for. Jesus being at the top of the list.

Col 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Crazy Thankful!

2011-11-20T14:32:00.001-05:00

I don’t know what happened to me today… I have been a crying fool since I walked into the Magic Stick today! Thankfully I was on time because… I didn’t stop at Starbucks… I got a little bit of a late start and so I would have been late had I not planned on bringing my own tea! Dropped off some of my Joy to the D gifts… And then the Worship (singing) started… All day and instantly I was in time travel back to Fuel, Dave Buckenberger and the Fuel Band… and awesome Jr High Students… and I prayed for those students and those that are far from God... tears. But He is faithful in His pursuit.

And then ‘Famous One’ oh man there went the tears thinking about a time when Phyllis and I sang that song at the top of our lungs… now if you know me… the Psalm ‘Joyful Noise’ is the truth, I don’t really sing all that well. And I just kept thinking about how good, how GREAT God is, and how He gives and gives and gives! His faithfulness… And then we sang a song I never had heard before, so it gave me a chance to listen to the song and the words, to listen God whisper how much He loves me! And how thankful I am to love Him! As always, Chilly ‘brought it’. And then baby dedications… oh, I was crying then too! LIFE! And then I become super crazy with posting all the things I am thankful for!

And I came home to the TV playing Pandora 'Hillsong United Station'.

God is indeed good, and faithful!

And I am THANKFUL!

“Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.” Psalm 95:1-2 NIV

Crazy and ridiculous

2011-11-20T07:31:00.000-05:00

I was finishing up the ‘sauce’ of the sloppy joes when I found myself thankful and full of joy. Yes, I got up at 6:30 after going to be late to make dinner (I could have slept in later). The bible says that Jesus went to a quiet place to pray, and I know that it is important however, my favorite place to pray? My kitchen (it's my fig tree - John 1:48-50)), because it is the most peaceful place in my house, even when it seems like chaos. It is a place where I have constant memories, so and so likes this, so and so DOESN'T like that being in my kitchen reminds me of those I love - and then I pray)... My kitchen is the hub of our house.

Last week I had the worst migraine, none of ‘my tricks’ were working, and I’ve had migraines since I was about 6 so I usually know what works and what doesn’t. I had offered to cook lasagna for a couple of my peeps and since Wednesday was the only day I could make it… I didn’t have a choice. Well, I always have the choice of not doing it, however, that didn’t really seem like a choice. While in the middle of putting it together, I realized, I no longer had a headache! Yippee. Peace.

This morning while making sloppy joes, I was praying for the leaders, and students. I was praying for them as a group and as individuals, I was praising God for them. For the gifts and talents they have. I was thinking about how I could make tonight better… didn’t really come up with much, but I was praying. I began to pray for their lives.

I know that to some, it might sound completely ridiculous that I love being a mom, I guess more like an Auntie, to these people or that I like to be their friends, and cook for them and pray for them. It might sound crazy that I find peace in serving others through food. It might sound ridiculous and crazy that I love taking care of others in small and probably insignificant ways…

I know that it all seems small (and maybe insignificant), crazy and ridiculous that my heart finds such peace & joy in these things… I pray that someday, you know how great it is to find peace & joy in small (and maybe insignificant) things too! For then, you will have discovered your gifts and talents from a God who loves you so much!

How much does it cost?

2011-11-15T10:56:00.002-05:00

When I am ‘on top of my game’, there isn’t a dollar that gets spent without thinking of the long term effects of my purchase. I’d be lying if I said I’m always on top of my game. I do believe that when I am faithful in small things God trusts me with larger things.

I was explaining to a teenager the ‘cost’ of something. It was McDonald’s soda. $1. If you go to McDonald’s 15 times a month, and you buy $1 soda with someone else… the cost is $30/month or $360 per year.

If you add flaming hot cheetos snack size bags at the grocery store at $1 a bag – buying 2 when you go… 2 time a week that’s $16 per month… $192 per year.

That’s $552 PER YEAR on stuff that you don’t even need… She was talking about wanting a $200 camera... she could almost buy 3 cameras...

And if you don't think it's 'that much'... you can write me a check...

In our house, we don’t really drink pop, never been big pop drinkers, thankfully, but there are other things that I do spend our money on… and I am evaluating that ‘stuff’. We don’t eat chips… but we do love Nutella… or cereal… or… you get the point.

We also love to eat out… I LOVE it! LOVE IT! I love walking in after a long stressful day, and ordering food, relaxing/chatting a bit, eating, and not cleaning up. But I also know that comes with a price. It costs me not being able to go on more vacations, it means less in my savings accounts, it means less to give. Or getting a lump in my throat when I think about buying tires for my van. It means more stress than needed when think about college…

So while I help others, I don’t point out things without thinking about how what I spend my money effects us, what does it cost us?

Yesterday I ran late for a meeting… I thought about stopping and just grabbing something… quick Arby’s Wendy’s, McDonald’s subway, but I had spaghetti left over from lunch… but I thought about it… one meal out a week… That is not the meal I would choose if I only allow myself one meal out a week. So I ate cold spaghetti. I did. Because it might have not been my first choice, but it was the best choice.

There is a book by Andy Stanley ‘The greatest question ever’. And in the book it says that you should ask yourself when making a decision…

Is this a wise decision based on my past experiences, my current circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams?

WOW! Think about that for a minute or an hour… or a week. And start thinking about the decisions you make…

So back to my question… what does it cost you?

For me… spending money when I shouldn’t does cost me money, it costs me not being able to give, it costs me vacations, it costs me stress, but most importantly and really the only thing that truly matters…

It costs me a closer relationship with Jesus.

When I am stressing out and begging for Him to rescue me out of my current circumstances… When I am worried… When I KNOW what His word says, and I made the wrong choice, it makes me sin, it means that in order for me to get right, it’s an apology and repentance. All the while, we (me & Jesus) could have been laughing and making a difference for His Kingdom.

How much does it cost me?

More than I like to admit. And more than I'm willing to sacrifice.

Two thoughts rolling around my heart

2011-11-14T10:38:00.003-05:00

My daughter and I are thick as thieves. I love her, we’ve always been close. Why? I think it’s always because I’ve taken interest in whatever she does and it’s kind of always just been us. We are close to our family, however, at the end of the day, when the doors are locked, it’s us.
I’ve always been the mom that for the most part made one meal (there is always the offer of PB&J if she didn’t like dinner and at one point, when she was sick, I let her eat endless amount of spaghetti’os that didn’t last too long)… I’ve been the mom who didn’t pay for doing chores and expected help around the house. She’s the one who does the laundry for the most part (I do too but she keeps it going) and she’s the bathroom cleaner. She can cook, clean, do the dishes.
We both are very busy, we’ve always been very busy. Because we believe in striving for excellence, there is often a lot of stress in our house. And sometimes we get a little crabby with each other. We appreciate each other, but as the mom, when I notice that things get a little snippy in our house, I know that it is time for some ‘mom&Phyllis time’. Sometimes it’s just dinner at Panera, this weekend it was 2 hours each way to Lansing, catching up, and enjoying each other’s company. It doesn’t have to be fancy, it just needs to be us. It doesn’t take long for us to get back to our normal selves.

I cannot express to anyone how much I love my girl. I don’t just love her because she’s my daughter, I love her for who she is. I love hearing about her interests, her goals, I love just listening to her.

Last night before I went to bed I asked her to do some ‘darks’ and I hung them up this morning. We make a good team. And we’ve got clean clothes for the week.

As a mom, I’ve learned a lot about relationships. I’ve learned a lot about talking about how things make me feel, and asking when I need help. I’ve learned how to love more than I ever thought possible. And in that, I’ve raised a girl who is appreciative and a proverbs 31 young lady.

Eze 16:44 “‘Everyone who quotes proverbs will quote this proverb about you: “Like mother, like daughter.”

My second thought of the day… is about a sermon I heard yesterday. Generousity.

Yesterday I touched on it a little, but today, I actually had to live it. You see, a lot of people that that I am a great ‘giver’ but sometimes I am so stingy with my blessings, especially if someone is getting on my nerves. Today, I really wanted to ‘pass ‘ someone on a blessing I could have given them. It wasn’t some magical thing, but a small gesture. I mean my flesh was like ‘blah blah blah’ but then I thought back to a verse that one of my girls had sent me…

Proverbs 3:3
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.

Now, I am not going to lie, when she sent it to me I wanted to send that scripture about spec/plank thing… But instead I used it as a time to really reflect on my heart. I knew she was right.

When I woke up this morning, emptied the dishwasher, hung up laundry (see above), packed lunch, and all the other things I did this morning, I was praying. And as I prayed on my way into work… ‘Give me ways to live generously Lord’ was my prayer. And it’s easy to make Katie & Adam and the boys food, I love them and they don’t get on my nerves (LOL), and it’s easy to get Bobby Starbucks when I am there getting my tea (IT’S NOT SUNDAY SO IT’S ALLOWED!), but when someone hurts me or gets on my nerves, then it’s NOT easy. But I remember reading in the book Crazy Love, it’s easy to love your family, but the people who you find it hardest to love are the ones who need it the most. Man, that’s good I remember thinking after I read that.

So as I set out this holiday season… I don’t just want to give generously of my time and money, I want to LIVE generously with my time, money, AND my heart. May everything I do reflect Jesus.

Meals and a relaxing weekend!

2011-11-13T20:27:00.000-05:00

So I’ve got my meals planned out for the week. This is what it was supposed to be:

Sunday – Spaghetti
Monday – Keilbasa & Scalloped potatoes (from Family Feasts cookbook)
Tuesday – Chicken Pot Pie
Wednesday – Leftovers
Thursday – Lasagne
Friday – LG (so out to dinner)
Saturday – Crockpot Chicken Enchiladas

HOWEVER, we have leftovers from Friday that can be eaten tomorrow… And half a box of Whole Grain Penne Noodles… and so in the interest of not wasting money… This is our new menu (we have all the stuff to make this menu):

Sunday – Spaghetti

Monday – Chicken Tacos
Tuesday – Keilbasa & Scalloped potatoes (from Family Feasts cookbook)
Wednesday – Chicken ALfredo
Thursday – Lasagne
Friday – Leftovers
Saturday – Not sure…

It actually didn’t change too much, just a little rearranging… no point in wasting the tacos, and it actually works out better to have the kielbasa and potatoes on Tuesday… Don’t want to lose sight of the end goal… feed my family good meals, at a good price, and honor God.

And this weekend, now that it is over… was fabulous. I went to church in Lansing, and it was so great… It was a teaching on generosity, and I thought when I walked in it was going to be about giving… but it was not about generously giving, it was about generously living.

I never really thought about it too much… the difference. But it made me think about making the most of every opportunity to serve others. Whether it is a needed meal or something else. Whether soone needs food, or love, or money. Depends on the need but whatever it is, I am sure God will provide.

GO!

2011-11-11T06:44:00.000-05:00

The things that get me thinking… a long post on FB about song lyrics. So I wondered, what is one song that gets me everytime?

Now that I have seen, I am responsible… faith without deeds is dead.

Albertine by Brooke Fraser

Nations…

people ask me about heaven they ask me about the scripture, John 14:6 I am the way the truth and the life. No one gets to the Father except through me.

The question they usually ask me, even Christians, if they never heard about Jesus, do they go to heaven? I really don’t know the answer to that. I know that I love and serve a loving God, but I don’t know. But this I do know. We are CALLED to go make disciples of all nations. Maybe I am not called to a certain place, but someone in my life may be, or someone they know. And it’s a avalanche effect. One snow flake decides he wants to go down the hill, he takes his friend and before you know it… a party erupts and the world has never been the same.

Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

I know that I am called to go dig a well in El Salvador, I know that Rosie is called to Haiti, I know Kevin has a heart for missions, Colombia. I also know that I am called to spend time in Africa. But I also know that Detroit is my home. I know that I am called to make a difference, maybe a small difference everyday, but a difference nonetheless. I don’t know the impact of my deeds, but I know that I am to be obedient.

People say things about Detroit that are true. Drugs, corruption. I know. But there is hope. There is Jesus. I don’t believe He left. I don’t believe it. He says SURELY I am with you ALWAYS to the very end of the age. Maybe some started their own avalanche effect, only it was destructive. Clean up takes time, but it can be done.

I know that once I have seen, I AM responsible. That without Christ I am nothing, and with Him, my life is everything. It matters.

I don’t know the answer to the question that is often asked of me, but I do know, I am called, we are all called. Go and make disciples. It is indeed scary sometimes but He is with you.

I'm going, how about you?

Here's the lyrics to Albertine by Brooke Fraser

I am sitting still
I think of Angelique
her mothers voice over me
And the bullets in the wall where it fell silent
And on a thousandth hill, I think of Albertine
there in her eyes what I don't see with my own
rwanda

now that I have seen, I am responsible
Faith without deeds is dead
now that I have held you in my own arms, I cannot let go till you are

I am on a plane across a distant sea
But I carry you in me
and the dust on, the dust on, the dust on my feet
Rwanda

I will tell the world, I will tell them where I've been
I will keep my word
I will tell them Albertine

I am on a stage, a thousand eyes on me
I will tell them, Albertine
I will tell them, Albertine

The Joy is in the giving!

2011-11-10T08:44:00.000-05:00

John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

I was thinking this morning about making some homemade gifts. I was actually not thinking about cookie mixes or hot chocolate, I was thinking about taco seasoning. I know, crazy, but I know how much we love it (I don’t buy taco seasoning anymore!) which got me thinking about giving.

For the month of November (7-30), our food bill is estimated for $150 for two people 3 meals a day. I will report at the end of the month how we actually did (My original food bill was $350). I’ve spent $82 so far. This $150 includes our meals + two meals for the Alive staff and 5 meals for additional families (and our bs taco meal tomorrow). I do have a pretty well stocked pantry so that has really helped!

I’ve decided that for the month of November no coffee/tea will be bought on Sundays and the money will be donated to Joy to the D. It’s $50, not going to change the world with $50 but it might change someone’s world so I am going for it! (that’s 5 toys – maybe more depending on the deal!)

I started to do the math with all the eating out that was done while I was on crutches… this is only for breakfast and lunch. ($7 per day for breakfast & ~$9 per day for lunch). I couldn’t really make either of those meals and really that’s just an excuse… I probably could have figured out a better choice… That’s $80. That $80 could buy 8 toys (again, maybe more depending on the deal) for families… and since I’m not buying EITHER of those meals now, that money too will go to Joy to the D.

I love giving. I love that in some small way, I make a difference! Those families will never know me, but sending Glory to the Kingdom makes me joyful! I guess thus bring joy to LP too!

I love seeing smiles of people that get a blessing. I love getting hugs! I do! I love making a difference. It’s completely selfish! I know that it blesses others, but it blesses me too. The blessing is in the blessing!

I’m not going to say that my ‘wanter’ isn’t on, there are things that I WANT… I WANT an Iphone 4s, I WANT an Kindle fire. I WANT to eat out. I WANT a new microwave (a black one!). As soon as Phyllis gets her acceptance letter, I will WANT a MSU sweatshirt (LOL). I WANT I WANT I WANT… But I can remember when I want I want I want was filled with I NEED I NEED I NEED. When we really did go without, when being broke meant we didn’t have to nickels to rub together and now it’s two twenties. I remember. I think of how many times people blessed me (and I certainly didn’t deserve it) and I consider myself very blessed!! And so I know how thankful I was in those times, and so I am going to take my wants and transfer it over to someone else’s need.

I love giving. I know that Christmas is NOT about gifts. It’s about giving. It’s about a God who loved so much that He GAVE His Son so that we would not just have joy, but we would have LIFE! If He only GAVE us life, that would be enough! It would be more than enough! But He not only gives us eternal life, He GIVES us JOY, PEACE, and LOVE! And so I will give, because He gave. I’ll love because He loved.

1 John 4:19 We love because he first loved us.

Menu Plan for the Month of November

2011-11-09T18:03:00.000-05:00

I did have meals planned for the 6th, & 7th but when I filled this out, it was the 7th... so I didn't bother :)

Light of the World

2011-11-09T08:55:00.002-05:00

Most people wouldn’t know when my life is a mess. I tend to keep my arms around my mess, I try to hold it in. I don’t often tell people what is really bothering, to my core. They don’t see my heart. You could probably see the symptoms that when you ask me how I am I say “ok” or “fine” or “good”. It is my way of holding in the bad crap in my life because if I start to tell you, I’d start blubbering. There is also the symptom that I eat out too much. I feel like it’s easier… but sooner or later I have to count the cost, and it’s usually in my checkbook. It’s not that I am going or in the poor house, but I then have to buckle down a little more, turn off ‘my wanter’. My sleep pattern is disturbed and when I wake up, I find it hard to fall asleep. For the last week, I have slept like crap. I have awaken to not be able to fall asleep. Last night was about all I could take. I said “this is it Lord, I need to sleep, give me peace, this will all work out, help me”. I prayed and fell asleep.

I’ve got to scratch some more money out of the budget. A bigger college bill is coming, and I’d like to not have my daughter do student loans. I’ll be honest, I am not sure how to achieve this, I heard myself say ‘I’ but I know that if it is His will, it will come, I don’t know how I will do it, but I know He is able (Eph 3:20). But it will happen.

I’m doing what I can do. I’ve tried to plan meals for the week. Now because of my friend Nicole (who I inspired to meal plan) I’ve planned the meals for the rest of November, it’s only really 3 weeks but it’s a start! I actually did almost all the shopping for the meals last night ($80). One stop at Aldi and I should be good to go(maybe $30)! I will have to make a couple stops at Trentwood for some fruits and veggies but I am going to be disciplined enough to stay with just a few things, whatever is seasonal and on sale.

Another thing is that when things are not right for me, I do not give people the benefit of the doubt. God really kicked my tail on this yesterday. If someone mentions something to me, I will assume they want something from me. And usually we are just talking… it’s my heart that is being selfish, if I see a need, I should just know that they may (or not) need help, but I should always be so willing to give that it shouldn’t matter.

Lessons. Keep your heart in check.

Not a great picture, but the actual sunrise from my van

So today when I left for work, I saw this amazing sunrise. And my good friend said to me “His mercies are new every morning” (Lam 3:21-23) I just looked it up. It makes me want to cry! I mean really, if I let go of all I am holding back, I’d be sobbing. Read it:

21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

When I saw this sunset I thought about the verse, a light on a hill cannot be hidden.

Matthew 5:14-15

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.

I did think, oh this reminder. Something might come my way, let me by a light for You Lord, I belong to you. Confrontation. My flesh wanted to just blow up. I made my point, and just kept thinking ‘Jesus, Jesus, Jesus’. It wasn’t easy, and I wanted to eat 10 bags of peanut M&Ms when I got back to my desk. I wanted to, but I didn’t. I am a light that cannot be hidden, not because of me, but because HIS light is in me, and it cannot be estinguised. Last week my bible study read John 1:1-18. About 6 months ago, I was blown away by John 1:5 (we read it in 3 or 5 - I can’t remember - versions)

(NIV)The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it
(NLT) The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
(NJKV) And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it
(AMP) And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it].

Am I the only one blown away by this? I am just amazed. Sometimes we don’t hear God, sometimes we don’t feel God. But in the last couple weeks, He has blown my socks off!

Whatever comes my way… He’s there. He is the light. It is in me, and it can’t be overcome, extinguished, overpowered, and did you read NKJV- darkness cannot even COMPREHEND it! That is something worth celebrating!

So hear I go… confident in Him, who is able!

Eph 3:20-21 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Do something!

2011-11-08T06:48:00.000-05:00

A beautiful young woman posted yesterday (last night) “We can't feed the poor but we can fund a war?” (thank you huney for inspiring me, and getting me to pray about my part in this equation)

I don’t believe it’s the government’s job to feed the poor. Welfare was established to be temporary. To help people get on their feet. People have taken advantage of it. We’ve become a nation of people who expect. And really that doesn’t matter because as I was praying about this and think there is so much that can be done, and I’m a giver, I give and give because God gave me the gift of giving, and I’m thankful. But there are things that I can do in addition to what I do already. I just have to think about others instead of me!

It is the church’s job to feed the poor. Jesus Himself said ‘Whatever you do for the least of these you do for me”.

When we go to RealChurch we stop at Starbucks. Why? Because we like it and we are spoiled! But God really convicted me that $5-7 per day give it to Joy to the D. There are 7 Sundays between now and Christmas, and even though I won’t be going there all 7 Sundays, I am going to donate my ‘coffee/tea’ money to presents ($50) in addition to what I was going to donate. I hate when God says ‘really? What should THEY do? What should YOU do?’ Well, I love it, but sometimes it’s hard.

The moment that we say ‘they should’ or ‘why don’t they?’ or ‘why doesn’t someone do something?’. Remember this. You are someone else’s someone else. They are waiting for YOU. And think, you might inspire THEM.

God gave you a passion, whatever it is. Speaking, kids, cooking, cleaning, making stuff, fixing cars… I don’t know. But if you think ‘I can’t do it all on my own’, you won’t. God didn’t give you a passion to leave you. He’s with you. I know that sometimes the cupboards may get a little thin, but I’m called to cook, so money shows up, or creativity to make a great meal.

One time, all I had was rice, broccoli, ham, and cream cheese to make a meal, but I really felt called to make a meal at the ‘old’ building. So I went on allrecipes.com put those ingredients in and someone told me that was the best meal I made! LOL! He doesn’t leave us. He makes us His hands and feet and PROVIDES us with shoes and gloves.

Here’s some things you can help with (and I just know a few that are close to my heart) you can contact me about any or all of these:

Hopeworks – Bringing hope to Detroit

Joy to the D – Brings joy and Christmas to the peeps of Detroit and Hamtramck

7 for 7 – I think it feeds like 30 families for 30 days

Shoes for a mental hospital (they will take your gently used or new shoes) for their patients who don’t have any.

Grace Centers of Hope – they do Christmas big for their kids and peeps

There are many more!

Acts 20:35 In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Matt 25:31-46

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

   34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
   37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
   40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
   41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’
   44 “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
   45 “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’
   46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Better together!

2011-11-07T08:17:00.000-05:00

Ecc 4:9-12
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
10 If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

I know that this verse is often associated with weddings and marriage, but it seems that it is resonating in my heart in everyday life.
I’ve been thinking about doing things alone these days, I have friends who are going through ‘stuff’ and I honestly don’t know what the stuff is I just know that I wish I could be there for them. I am old and wise enough to know that I probably can’t do anything to help the situation, but I can be a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on, or someone to laugh with.
I know that when I’m going through something, I tend to retreat inside, which makes me crazy, I don’t really realize that I am going crazy, until someone says to me ‘hey, time to come out and play’. I have one friend who knows to say to me ‘I can’t help you if you don’t let me’. I’m thankful for that friend.
I also know that everyday life – just regular life, no issues, just life isn’t meant to ‘do’ alone. I know how hard it is to do it on your own, and God made it abundantly clear to me that life can’t be done alone. When I had that cast, I couldn’t do anything alone! I needed our window air-conditioners out, I had NO choice but to call someone. I couldn’t even wheel the garbage cans. I couldn’t do laundry, heck, I couldn’t have even cooked dinner. I couldn’t open the door, get water, nothing. It sucked. I think God took away my independence to remind me that He did not create me to live in a bubble of me. I also think that He made me more aware of needs so that I would fill them when they arise. To remember Phil 2:1-8
1Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!

I think about how I need friends to encourage me and live life with me. I am thankful that God has put amazing people in my life, and I can’t even begin to tell you how thankful I am for my family, especially my dad and Cheryl!