Been MIA ~ and it was much needed.

I know I have been a bit missing in action this week, and if you have been around for the last few (eleven) years you knew it was coming! I had spent a good portion of the week in Houston at a preschool teaching conference getting inspired and encouraged for the new year.

While I LOVE LOVE LOVE every time I get to network and gather with like minded people (we preschool teachers really do have a different kind of brain than most people), it is socially and emotionally overwhelming as much as it is encouraging. I often leave the conference for the week with a brain of mush, moody from mental exhaustion, and very withdrawn from continuous social interactions. This year, was no different.

One thing I can say though is it left me M.I.A but not in the way that I started this post. Sure, I didn't schedule any posts ahead, and that was partially my fault as I haven't spent a lot of time prepping ahead. I often do them on the weekend and last weekend was spent with friends and having a good time. It was break I needed, and well I enjoyed every minute of it.

The M.I.A I was talking about was the kind in the picture at the top. "Motivation Inspiring Action". It takes me a few days to process the whole experience of a preschool conference, and this afternoon I am finally beginning to feel much more like myself. It is in these moments that I realize how much inspiration comes from gathering with the staff at the preschool in which I work with and countless other preschool minded people. I would say at least 600 or so. I am one of these people who are like sponges though and take in more than just the average person. I am not saying I am better than anyone, just I am very in tune with people around me even if I don't want to be. Unlike many, I can process people's motives, emotions, and underlying "stuff" even if they do not want me to. I can't help it. Most times even I don't want to!

What I have learned is our motivation inspires action and that can be positive or negative. We do not sit on motivation like a chicken sits on an egg. We do not bury motivation like a turtle will bury it's egg. No! We allow motivation to be birthed into inspiration and to take root deep into our being.

If the motivation is positive this will lead to positive inspiration which then leads to higher energy levels, feeling of goodness, and a brighter vision for what we want to occur. It becomes crystal clear until that inspiration indeed inspires action that is positive and leads you to see that vision become a reality.

On the flip side of that if the motivation we have is negative it will lead to negative inspiration (which sounds like an oxymoron), stress, anxiety, low energy levels. We create negative scenarios on our head, and begin to focus on all the things wrong around us. It sadly becomes crystal clear that we no longer have vision, and things become cloudy and we lose focus. When we do decide to take action it is nothing good. Gossip, slander, greed, etc.

This week I have learned the following things:

1. God has desperately been trying to build my confidence in all that He has called me to do. I have been told several times how much I have inspired, encouraged, led, and motivated others ~ yet I was feeling like I haven't made any impact in this world. That was just a crock of nothing!

2. I was born to be in the preschool arena and my time there isn't complete.

3. I want MORE! I want to be more involved on other levels in our preschool beyond just the classroom. That desire has been building and as often as I might could be discouraged by being turned down for that advancement I realize that my time just hasn't been made available yet. Many times I am told "You are just too good to not take out of the classroom" but my rebuttal is and always will be "how do you know?" I want to do what I can to encourage other teachers, staff members along the way, but I completely am in awe of how highly others think so highly of me and my gift of teaching. Really ~ it is all Him! God leads me every single day in the classroom, even more so when I stay on my knees in that leading. So, instead of being discouraged I will be encouraged to just keep doing what I am doing until the opportunity arises.

4. I don't have to like everyone to respect them.

5. God puts just the right people in your life at the right moment for the simple reason that He loves you (and them) enough to teach you both a few things. Whether it is a blessing or a lesson... it is for His glory!

6. Changes are beautiful! Until we accept that it will be painful. I am so blessed to have been able to get over that hurdle though (for now at least).

Thank you for hanging in there with me while I had a lack of posting this week. I am working diligently to make sure that the daily posting continues this school year! I am also working on something fun too for a few days a week! Ya'll have a GREAT weekend, and I'll "see" ya tomorrow!

S.O.S: A busy mom's guide to setting goals & FREE gift!

No copyright infringement intended.

Ya'll know by now that I have grown in the area of goal setting. It has taken me a year in this particular area and I am far from saying I got this figured out! I am continuing to grow in this area! But I LOVE seeing some of you start to set  your goals and see them being achieved as well. It is exciting to see other people become more comfortable about stepping OUTSIDE of their comfort zone to reach a goal that they set for themselves.

1. I hope you caught that first tip! YOU MUST be willing to step outside of your comfort zone some in order to reach a goal. Do you know why? Because you are going to have to make a change and well let's face it ~ not many people are so willing to change without putting up a fight or having a handful of excuses.

2. Have enough grace to pick yourself up when you fall, but enough determination to not give up. That balance isn't always easy and it takes practice for sure!

3. Be persistent! Sometimes to reach YOUR goal, your going to have to say NO to someone. It happens. But don't make goals that you are not willing to say no to someone to make sure you reach them.

4. Celebrate! Yes I said it! When you reach that goal, celebrate it! You earned it by stepping out of the comfort zone of complacency!

5. Pick a new goal! Don't stop setting goals because you reached one!

NOW! I have a gift for you!!! I created a PDF file for you as a sample of how I go about my goal setting! CLICK HERE for your free copy! You can download it in any format you like or print it!

S.O.S: Holler at Saving a Dollar!

Ya'll know how much I love Summer Vacation. I mean seriously I get to be a full time mommy, wife, and writer! No other responsibilities, though trust me I keep very busy with just those! But during the school year I am a teacher. A paid teacher. I do not get a salary of any kind in the summer, so I used to stress about that.

This year? Not so much! Do you know why? Every year we have proved to get by just fine. Yes, the husband works hard and sometimes harder in the summer to compensate but our bills are all paid, there is food on the table, and more than a time or two we are on an excursion to have fun in the sun!

With that said, this is one of those slim and trim weeks and for just a spit second I got a bit concerned about what and how I was going to feed the family. Sure, we have savings ~ no big deal, but we really do not like using it unless we need to. Guess what!? This week we do not need to!

I sat down yesterday morning and began to begin listing the "fixings" for meals that I already had on hand. For the moment, it was not my intention to go to the grocery store until Monday. As I began listing things I was able to come up with a tasty dinner menu that included some new recipes as well as some old (and simple) favorites. I made the grocery list for the few things I would need and decided what the heck, I would go to a discount grocery store that I do not often frequent and see how good we could come out. Who knew?! I did fantastic!

Here is what I bought from our local Joe V's:

Frozen Chicken Strips (kid's lunches) 2.97
4 Pack Totinos Frozen Cheese Pizzas 4.17
1 shredded cheddar cheese (2 cup bag) 1.77
Hickory Bacon (1 lb) 2.97
1 1/2 pound sirloin tip (for stir fry) 5.44
Oscar Meyer Chopped ham 2.37
Green onions .50
18 ct Eggs 3.42
Grands Biscuits 8 ct 1.38
Grands Biscuits 8 ct 1.38
Blueberry Muffin Mix .58
Blueberry Muffin Mix .58
1 Gallon Whole Milk 1.98
Family size Rice A Roni chicken Rice 1.68
Red Lobster Biscuit Mix 1.97
Red Lobster Biscuit Mix 1.97
4lb bag of sugar 1.84
Whataburger Spicy Ketchup 2.00
HEB Splenda 100ct 1.88
1 8 oz can of Mushroom pieces 1.08
Baking Cups 1.28
1 lb rice 1.08
Rotel Diced Tomatoes .88
Rotel Diced Tomatoes .88
1 lb bag of Shell pasta .58
Zipper Freezer Bags Gallon Size (40 ct) 1.88
10 lb bag of potatoes 2.74
Canned green beans .62
Canned green beans .62
Folgers Classic Coffee 3.47
5 lb All Purpose Flour 1.48
Honey Wheat Bread 1.85
White Bread 1.78
24 ct Ozarka Water 3.33
8 ct Powerade 3.78

Total: 68.75 (without tax 68.18)

Here is our dinner menu for the week:
Friday:Bacon grilled Cheese  & Ramen Noodles (or Tomato Soup)
Saturday: Chicken Fried Steak, French Fries, Gravy, Salad, Biscuits, and Gravy
Sunday: Roasted Chicken Thighs w/ roasted veggies, Chicken Rice, salad, and "The Best" ever rolls
Monday: Beef & Broccoli over Spicy Noodles or left over rice from night before
Tuesday: Goulash & Cornbread
Wednesday: Hamburger Steak w/ gravy over mashed potatoes, corn and green beans.
Thursday: Homemade Cheeseburger macaroni (shells really) & garlic knots

For dessert this week I will be making:
Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
Chocolate Chip & Peanut Butter Chip cookies
Smores

As you see my family is NOT going to go hungry. In fact, they will be eating very well and really will have no clue that they are eating on a slim grocery budget. We did already have some of the meat in our freezer (burger meat, chicken thighs, hamburger steaks), and staples on hand and this is why I do that! It is easy to pull together a menu when you keep a set amount of regularly used items in your pantry and freezer. This was also a week I did not need any pet supplies, cleaning supplies, nor paper goods.

Greatness vs Average: Who wins? The one who is strongest!

This morning I was challenged with a thought. Do I want to live an average life or do I want to live a life of greatness. As I began preparing my husband's breakfast and lunch I made the statement "I don't want to go to work. Maybe I should just call in." Well, he and I both chuckled because we both knew that wasn't going to happen. Do you know why? I am not your "average" working woman ~ and for me, calling in just because I wanted to is not an option. No matter if I even feel crummy ~ if I am not running a fever ~ or on my death bed, then yes I go to work. Now that the kids are older I can at least go in for a few hours, and  handle a portion of my shift unless they are indeed really ill. I realize that not everyone is on this level and in no way is directed towards anyone ~ just sharing where my thought process was.

Greatness is often defined as being something/someone that is exceptionally high quality.

Average is defined as ordinary or nothing of special value.

That alone should make one desire to be found to be in the mind frame of greatness. Barely getting by isn't even average. Doing just enough is. The thing is, more people would rather be "stuck" in the mindset of lifestyle of just enough. Average. Can I tell you something? We were made to be more.

How do I know this? Just the fact that you were born is nothing more than a miracle. In fact it is one in 400 trillion! Do you understand the depth of that?  Do you get the fact that you even being alive today is proof that your life has meaning beyond just getting by?! Do you get the fact that maybe JUST maybe you are here because you were born to be GREAT?!

Do you want to know what is even worse then living a "just good enough" kind of lifestyle? Teaching it to our children, and in turn generations to come. Do you not know that the way we live our lives either inspires our children to do more than us, or in the very least gives them the guideline in which they try to reach and be satisfied by living the same lifestyle. Think about it. Do you want your children to be carbon copies of yourself living the same lifestyle you are right now? Well... I hope you like the answer because unless you get up and choose to live for greatness.... that is EXACTLY what is going to happen.

I am going to give you three tips to choose how to achieve greatness in your everyday life. After reading this if you choose that it's not for you ~ I just hope your ready to live an average lifestyle because greatness does not come without effort.

1. Let go of things you don't want to be! 
Do you want to be more? Guess what. If you want to be more your going to have to do more. At one point you may not have to do as much but if you are like a captain on a boat it takes a ton of effort to completely take a different course. He has to get he map out, check weather, and plan the new course. I mean sure if he wants to fly by the seat of his pants and just go he can but .... does he have enough fuel if he gets stuck in the  middle of nowhere? What if a storm is coming?! The captain HAS TO LET GO of the old path to embrace the new one or he may become confused about which direction he is going. Every heard of someone who just "couldn't make up their mind"? Yeah ` that was a captain who held onto two different paths and got the two twisted and then in turn ran out of fuel (motivation, ideas, resources). If you know where you WANT to go, you need to determine if your on track or of it's time for a reboot. Don't be alarmed if this means letting go of a job, relationships, your home.

2. GET OUT of your comfort zone! 
Being stuck in your comfort zone (even if it is cozy and comfortable) is only a good way to remain average. Those who are defined as being GREAT always, always, always are moved OUT of their comfort zone and often put in uncomfortable situations. If you are not able to do this, your not ready for greatness of any kind. Just as Jesus told the man who couldn't' walk ~ "GET UP AND WALK".... he was putting the man out of his comfort zone. Do you think Steve Jobs was in his comfort zone when he became CEO of Apple let alone co-founded the company? Of course not. But I can tell you what. He believed in what he was doing, and if it meant stepping out of his comfort zone to chase a dream (and goal) then he was going to do it. Many of you (all of us really even if we don't use apple products) would not be where we are today in technology. If you choose to remain in your comfort zone then your dreams are NOT worth fighting for, chasing after, even thinking of. Just stop it now and click off this post.

3. Stop giving excuses! 
The only thing HOLDING you back from being in the realm of GREATNESS is YOU! No one else, so stop trying to blame them! It's not the lack of money. If you want it bad enough, you will find the money just like you do for internet, satellite tv, getting your nails done, etc. IT's not the lack of time. We all have 24 hours in a day ~ some of us just choose to stop wasting time on things that keep us from greatness. Some of us get up HOURS before others. That doesn't come without sacrifice because we go to bed early and sometimes miss out on social things. It's a choice. Not an excuse.

4. Be grateful 
No matter where you on your journey to greatness be grateful for where you are! Find gratitude in the little things in your life! Running water is amazing! Coffee every single morning?! Are you kidding me?! THAT is worth dancing over! A fire in the fireplace on a cold night?! Sheer joy! The teenager loves me, and even when I tell her no ~ she gets it. The twins are so close yet so different that I can just imagine how their adult hood is going to be! Love between me and my husband grows so much every single day. Guess what!? None of that relied on lack of sleep, lack or abuandance of money, and I am so thankful for it all. See if you live a life of gratitude you just might realize you are living a life of GREATNESS ~ more than you realized!

I really do hope you have chosen to use this post as motivation to discover whether you want to continue living an average life, or start taking the steps to greatness. Either way ~ it's your story, your journey, and ... yes, your choice.

God bless, and until next time.. let's start to THRIVE!


**Pictures from google images, and not used with the intent of copyright infringement.

* This post was also posted on Thrive Camp's Blog post! www.thrivecamp.blogspot.com

The Morning Time Perspective

"Sleep on it" used to be a term that was used often. Now, it is probably considered an old fashioned term. We live in a society that is rush, rush, rush and "do now, think later". The worst decision that one could make is indeed a quick decision.

Lets say you have one of those days that just feels like it will never end soon enough. It is often on days (or nights) like those that we tend to make rash decisions because they are made on feelings. As a tough day goes on and on and on, feelings increase and if we allow them to control us we would probably make some big life altering decisions that we would regret later.

It never fails most times, the next morning you have a whole other perspective arise. Depending on how open minded you are,  you can usually even discover why things happened the way they did. If the very least - you can gain some kind of perspective of the way you don't want to live your life.

That is the lesson I learned this morning. I realized that a certain negative behavior was being indeed being redirected to something more productive that brings me one step closer to my dreams.

I learned to make it known how I will not be treated and I also learned a bit ab out a few people in my life that I have contact with. I learned more about who to respect with what feelings I share and who I shouldn't waste my time on. More importantly I learned that there is a reason I am being more forthcoming with  the dreams and goals I have set for myself. The outcome of those coming into fruition effects a great deal of people. Right now, I am being tested at which of those take priorities both today and later on. A couple of weeks ago, I would have had a difficult time but not today. those priority lines have closed in drastically and because they have I know that I must push through any walls that may arise between now and then. I also finally realized I am bold, courageous, and strong enough to say "Screw that" when the time comes.

I believe it was a Jack Canfield video on YouTube that I had jotted down some notes from and one of the things that stood out was to ask yourself "Is this really what you want?" The answer needed to be either "Hell yes!" or "Hell No!". If it wasn't a resounding "Hell yes!" it wasn't worth the focus at this time.

When I first heard that I was "pretty sure" my answer was "HELL YES!" but not  until yesterday did I feel like screaming it from the top of my lungs in a crowded place.

Please understand that no time ever is spent wasted. If you spend eleven years of your life doing something and it has become more of a chore than a choice, it's time to evaluate. Those eleven years are not wasted years. They were at some point investment years.

Every experience we have is a lesson. No matter if it is positive or negative ~ it is a lesson. A life lesson.

That is a lot of night time mistakes and morning perspectives. That's a lot of growth both personal, social, mental, and relation-ally. It's a lot of life experiences that could not have been taught any other way.  The next time your feelings are trying to control a situation remember they are only steered by two emotions. Did you know we only have two emotions yet we have a ton of feelings that come from them.

Pain and Pleasure

Pain can cause sadness, hurt, depression, frustration, stress, feelings of un-apprecation, being taken advantage of, etc.

Pleasure can cause feelings of joy, love, acceptance, peace, happiness, feeling sexy, etc.

So, when you are stuck in the day that never ends and only gets worse, you also find that the reactions (or feelings) have derived from pain. If  you had an emotion of pleasure you would be able to take one of those days and eventually just die laughing because of the craziness of it all. I am sure the character of Lucy from I love Lucy couldn't' figure out why others were always laughing at her silly and crazy antics of misfortune while she sat and cried.

The one thing I can guarantee you is that if you were open minded enough, there would be some lesson in all of it specifically for you to learn.

This! This post specifically is why I know I was born to write! Please know that it is not in any cocky way I say that. It is not arrogance. It is in a confidence that I FINALLY FINALLY can walk in. It is a dream/goal/desire that I can completely say "HELL YES!" to!

I will take t hose tough days with a little bit more insight now. I know they have to do with digging something I have buried deep down out to the surface. The way I used to cover up the way I felt about a situation is no longer in my capabilities. I will tell you how I feel, and I won't bury down those feelings.

As I end this post, and another one of those "are you freaking kidding me" days I am ever grateful this moment of now. If this post has encouraged you, inspired you, motivated you in any way or in the least bit let you realize that you are not in this journey of life alone ~ please leave a comment below!



*Stay tuned for information coming on my latest novel "A Time To Thrive".

Motivation for your Monday: Endurance

Endurance: Endurance is the ability of an organism to exert itself and remain active for a long period of time, as well as its ability to resist, withstand, recover from, and have immunity to trauma, wounds, or fatigue (Thanks Wikipedia!)


Do you know what traits you have? Is endurance one of them? One thing I know that I personally possess in my character is indeed endurance. I find that those long tedious tasks that most people dread I find satisfaction from completing. I have a motto in my classroom that I teach the three (and four) year olds that are in my care. "We finish what we start!". That's right. They are learning at this young age, that at least at school we are going to finish what we start even if it means that we don't start all the projects we needed to that day. Why? Because we are living in a society that likes to do things half way through. I was listening to a YouTube video by Jack Canfield and I wrote down one thing that caught my attention.

"How you do anything is how you will do everything."

 T. Harv Eker

Instantly I changed the meaning of this when I wrote it down. I wrote it down as "If you half ass one thing, you will half ass everything." Why? Because to me it put it in perspective. If you only put half the effort you should into something you cannot expect to get all of the rewards/satisfaction/ whatever the outcome should be. If I only put half the effort into my marriage then I should, than you can expect my marriage to fail. If I only put half the effort into my parenting then I should, than I can expect my children to grow up in a failure type mentality. If I only cook half of a meal, I cannot expect a whole meal to be served.

If you do not have endurance, there is no way  you can put a decent amount of effort into anything. Every time I think about having endurance I am taken back to the time we lost a huge portion of one of our oak trees at our former house. It took from sun up to sun down to get it cut up and moved to the street for pick up. But guess what. Even when my husband said "Let's just finish this tomorrow" I made it very clear that I couldn't do that. I couldn't leave it. Yes I was tired. Yes my body hurt. But the job wasn't done. I would not be able to go to bed knowing I had more to give and there was more to be done.

That is how I am right this minute as I am writing my new book. See, I was working on Thrive Camp back in the fall and was asked by God to take a step back. I didn't understand, but today I do. Today I have the endurance to push through the old fears and doubts that like to linger. I have enough faith, confidence, and trust that the time is now to put that endurance to work even if others do not believe that I can do it.

Remember it doesn't matter if your washing dishes, filing papers, or like me, writing a book ~ how you do anything is how you will do everything. It's up to you to find the endurance to push through it and do it with all your might!

Sunday Sweetness: Confidence vs Hope & Brownie Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

I have almost been waiting a week to share this with you! A whole week! Well.. since I arose on Monday. As it resonated with me that whole day (and through the week) I began to see other's speaking on confidence too. So I know that I know deep within that this is an area that many people struggle with. I can say I used to be one of them, and lately I can truly feel like I can say I have began to step into confidence like no other time in my life.

Why?

Because I am learning who I am, why I am on this earth, and above that ... that I matter just as much as you, and those yet to be born. That's right. We all have something to give the world! We all have something within us to change the world not only around us but for generations to come. That doesn't come with fear though. It doesn't come with hope alone either.

Hope, in the way most people see it and use is leaves room for doubt. It leaves a crack in the window for fear to breeze it's way in. Hope is not all we allow it to be. Think about it... How many times have you said "I hope so.". That is WAY different than "I Know so". See. to say you know something means you have confidence in it. To say you hope something means that you really would like to see it happen but you don't want to either commit to it, or there is something hindering your thought process. Hope, is not the same as faith. See you can have faith with confidence, but faith with hope ... leaves a door open for "what might not be".

I know many of you might be shaking your head at me wondering what the heck is wrong with me. But let that sink in! The words you use have power. The intention you use those words ... has just a LOT more power. Be careful. Allow yourself to hear yourself and the words your using. Allow yourself to feel the intention behind the words. You might just be shocked.

Now! How about a quick and yummy thing to pop in the oven to greet friends for the game, or perhaps to have for the kids when they come  home from school.

Before Christmas vacation started a sweet student's mother gave our whole staff a brownie mix with an oven mitt and spoon. I tucked it away to play with and I was glad I did! Last week I shared the peppermint cheesecake and I had some candy cane hershey kisses and well.. I wanted to play! One of our favorite Christmas cookies is the "Peanut Blossoms" and this is my tweak and take on that.

Ingredients 
1 package of brownie mix
1/4 cup oil
2 -3 Tbs water
1 egg
12 - 16 Candy Cane Kisses

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375*
2. Mix all ingredients together (except for candy) until combined. Will be thick.
3. Using a table spoon measuring spoon, scoop out cookie dough into a ball and drop onto lined and sprayed cookie sheet. Do not put more than 9 on a cookie sheet.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 8 minutes or so.
5. Take out of oven and let cool for a minute or so, then add one candy kiss in the center of cookie. If you add it too soon ` this candy will melt!
6. Scoop out onto cooling rack and allow to completely cool. (If you want you could put them in the fridge to help make sure the candy kiss keeps it's shape.





P.S I know there are biblical verses on hope and most them lead with confidence. YOU MUST have confidence for there to be no doubt in hope.

Hello 2015!

Happy Birthday 2015! I am so blessed and honored to be alive today to share in the birth of the greatest year in HISTORY!

Can I let you in on a little secret? I know that there may be people struggling out there in their life whether it be via finances, relationships, overwhelming hopelessness, whatever. But do you know that you have the power within you to change that all around?!  You have to stop playing the victim and stop giving that power away to someone else/something else. Stop whining and actually DO something about it. I am so sick of hearing people whine and complain and yet sit around doing the same old thing wondering why things aren't changing. Yesterday I put this post up on Facebook, and I seriously meant every word of it.

I seriously need a circle of friends who are goal driven, and ready to shut up and put up. Whoa! Okay ... so 2015 is definitely bringing out my boldness a bit LOL. But I love this quote by Jim Rohn that says "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." Uhm.. that says a LOT! And I can tell you that sadly .... that also says that I need to be a bit more careful where and how I am spending my time and energy. With that being said, no matter who you hang out with there is only ONE person you are responsible for. YOU. You are the only one who can control how you act/react/live... no one else. If you choose to live the same right now as you always have, your going to get and live what you have always gotten/lived. Live in lack, you will remain in lack. Live in need, you remain in need, and become even needier. Choose to live in abundance, you will find abundance in everything you have/are/touch. And ... that leads into my word of the year:

Yep! That is right. I am telling you now that our family is going to be living in Abundance this year, like we have never experienced before. Walls of resistance are breaking down, and we are quickly and abundantly discovering our every need, want, and desire being met in such amazing and creative ways.

While I truly, honestly believe in the law of attraction and that "like attracts like" I also know that there are changes that I am going to have to make to see my dreams and goals for the year to come to fruition.

1. Leaders are Readers

Harry S. Truman said "Not all readers are leaders but all leaders are readers." Are you a leader? I am. Think about that before you answer. But because all leaders are readers, and I want to become a better leader, I am setting a goal of reading a minimum of 24 books this year. (6 of which will be non fiction and related to bettering myself as a goal setter, writer, or self publisher.)

"You must know that in any moment a decision

you make can change the course of your life

forever... the very next movie you see or book

you read or page you turn could be the one single

thing that causes the floodgates to open, and all

of the things that you've been waiting for to fall

into place." ~ Tony Robbins

“If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”
― Stephen King

2. Launch Thrive Camp before Spring 2015

I have spent some time creating a six week program for those who really are tired of barely making it day to day only to wake up and do it all over again. I didn't understand why I took a break from it completely, but today I can honestly say I "get it'. I had to have a hiatus because it was lacking something very profound in it. It was lacking a LOT! OOOH wee I am so excited and ready to dig in deep! It will be an investment of time, energy, and resources for all involved, but really anything worth doing right usually is. You can keep up to date at www.thrivecamp.net

3. Write book #2 and #3 in the Ladies of Cotton Lake Series

This past year I wrote and self published book #1 in the series. This year, I will write the next two. The story wasn't finished being told. There is more. There is always more.

4. Blog daily

Here at www.oneprettylittlebox.com it is my goal to offer new and fresh content daily through the entire year of 2015. It may follow the schedule that is posted on the "blogging schedule" page that you can find at the top of this post (in the upper tabs), or it may not. Sometimes life offers more than what can be scheduled or planned. If your a fan of this blog, that should bring you happy feelings!

5. YouTube Vlogs

This year I would like to expand what I share here on the blog to YouTube. I would like to share in some of the fun family moments that happen around here on a regular basis. Our family is unique, and full of so much that would make the world smile. Who can't use a smile?! If you are interested in keeping up with those then you can check out my channel at: https://www.youtube.com/user/sheilachristine

6. Using my Erin Condren planner every day

I will be sharing more on this planner and why I chose to go with it in the next week or so. But when you invest in something it is important that a) it work for you and b) you work it. Period. So, I will be utilizing and sharing how it is keeping me focused on these goals, and keeping  my little family organized.

I know. Not your typical New Year Goal list is it?! But .... I keep my house clean and for the most part clutter free. I tend to take on projects often to change things up, clean things up, or shake things up. Weight? I am at a good place with not putting it as a main focus anymore, though this will be the year i return to my all time adult low weight but I finally feel like I don't HAVE to or even want to share about the details, the what, or the why. It is happening so I am not focusing on it. My marriage is always a priority and we have learned together that we have to make time for one another.

So there you have it. As we walk daily towards a life of Abundance, I wish you the best year of your life!

Motivation for your Monday Focusing on 2015

I know many of you like to make New year's Resolutions, and many of you do not. Despite your previous thoughts on them let's make one thing clear. If you do not like where your life is going the only one who has the power to change it is you. That's it. Yes you can pray. Yes, you can do whatever your church leader may tell you, but in reality the only one responsible for the choices YOU make is YOU. I don't know about you but 2014 for me was amazing. With that said I want 2015 to top that!

Here are a few suggestions from me:
1. Pick a word that has been resonating within you for the last few weeks.
Is it rest? Is it budget? Is it compassion? I for a while was thinking "commitment" was  my word but realized last week that it is not. I will share on my own personal "plan" for 2015 on Wednesday!

2.I challenge you to make ONE goal for each of the following areas of your life. Do not simply focus on one and please for your own good.... make it specific and detailed.
a. Relationships
b. Finance and Money
c. Job & Career
d. Health & Fitness
e. Fun & Recreation
f. Personal (Spiritual, Material, etc)
g. Contribution to the world and/ or your community

3. Break down each goal into mini monthly goals.

4. Break each monthly goal down into weekly goals.

5. Break each weekly goal down into a daily goal.

Why? Why am I having you break these down? Because sometimes we make these lofty goals and instead of tackling them through the year we think ... "oh well.. I will get to it this summer" then summer comes and we think "Oh well.. I can do it in the fall" and blah blah blah. Here is an example I will share of you from one of my actual goals.

1. Personal Goal
What is it? Reading more.
How much? A minimum of 24 books this year.
HOW can I get that done? 2 books a month.
What can I do to ensure that I actually do that? One book every two weeks. Order via Amazon ahead of time, keeping an ear/eye out for something that catches my eye or heart. Checking them out at the library on a lunch break from work.

Now because I work full time, write full time, and have a family and marriage that I work diligently to sustain, reading gives me a bit of "down" time AND did you know that "Leaders are readers?" I am a leader. Are you? I first had a larger goal  that I would honestly put at a higher level but I want to be realistic in goal making yet make it challenging enough to push me further. That higher goal was 2 fiction and 1 non fiction book a month ... but let's be honest. I want to enjoy reading and don't want it to become a chore.

So, now that you have gotten a peek at this plan, do you think it is doable? Please don't let another year go by where you just "go with the flow". You have the capabilities in you to make this your best year yet. Leaving it to chance is sure to guarantee one thing. Your life will never change. The world around you will. Relationships will. But your life will not ~ and in reality that leaves you behind the pack.




Resources to encourage you on your quest:
Jack Canfield's Starting the New Year Right Video
Terri Savelle Foy ~ The Greatest Investment You Can Make
Tony Robbins ~ New year New Life

Touch My Heart Tuesday: A Rudolf Tale

Last Thursday at preschool, during chapel time we sang a few songs with the music minister of the church in which I work at. He was singing child friendly Christmas songs that the kids would know, and Rudolf The Red Nose Reindeer was one of them.

We all know the song but let me lay down the lyrics for you:

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen,

you know Comet and Cupid and Donner and Blitzen,

But do you recall?

The most famous reindeer of all?

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Has a very shiny nose

And if you ever saw it

You would even say it glows.

All of the other reindeer's

Used to laugh and call him names

They never let poor Rudolph

Join in any reindeer games

Then one foggy Christmas Eve,

Santa came to say,

Rudolph with your nose so bright,

Won't you guide my sleigh tonight?

Then all the reindeer's loved him,

As they shouted out with glee,

Rudolph the red-nose Reindeer

You'll go down in history!

Now, let me tell you..God began to work in my Spirit and used this song to teach me something about His love, favor, and blessings. He also used it to teach me about pushing through testing, trials and persecution.

Yep. See, Rudolf faced a lot of persecution for his "gift" that God created in him. That "shiny red nose that glows" wasn't a mistake, a fluke, or an error. God doesn't make mistakes! Rudolf LOOKED different for a purpose. Even if it was just recognized in a time of desperation. Before it was recognized though he faced lots of name calling, rumors, false testimony. He was made to feel like an outcast. BUT...... when "Santa" needed him and praised him, all of a sudden he became not only accepted, but liked and wanted by the others. 

How many times are those with a gift from God, are persecuted for being "different" or having "different" ideas/agendas/thoughts/ways of living that were obviously lined up by God Almighty himself yet wasn't accepted by peers or even family? UNTIL.... they are used by God in a time of desperation (for whatever/however that may be).... then they are accepted and wanted. 

Perhaps the gift is a kind word of encouragement. 

Perhaps the gift is the way they handle a crisis. 

Perhaps the gift is the simple way of just trusting that God will make it all work out. 

Perhaps the gift is just what YOU need, but before you realized it you would have thrown that person to the wolves. 

Amazing! 

Yet when God's favor is on them, it becomes something that is not ONLY accepted but desired. 

That Rudolf! He was used by God to help Santa and to teach about God's favor on those who push through and not give in to peer pressure but instead face persecution with grace, peace and kindness. AMAZING!

 

Still Giving Thanks!

This morning as I reflect back on our Thanksgiving celebration I am brought to my knees in gratitude. We did enjoy a good meal, and a few family moments of laughter and sharing. This was the first Holiday that didn't feel so strained. The first one I didn't have tears in the preparation and I am giving God that glory! There was peace in our home and in our hearts. There wasn't any disputes, angry words, or harsh comments.

I am also so humbled to realize how much  my heart has changed, and is changing as I think about what past "the day afters" were like. I was one of the many out shopping at 2, 3, and 4 am. (Really it got earlier and earlier every year but now.. it seems to be starting on Thanksgiving Day.) It was always a girls day, and I did get the majority of our Christmas shopping done. But inside... I was feeling fearful, prideful, and extremely greedy! Greed is ugly. Pride is ugly. Fear is ugly. When you put them all together, it is downright disgraceful. My husband and I are raising teenagers now, and to know that my actions are being watched and in subtle ways modeled is enough to stop me in my tracks, repent, and ask God to lead me to be more wise in these life changing decisions. Up until the last few weeks I forgot how every decision is a life changing one ~ whether it changes mine or someone else's.

This morning, I slept in. This morning, I am thankful as I sit here in the quiet of the moment and realize just how blessed I am. I am being taught things that the world will go against and to me that is beautiful, not lonely. Because the way the world is going right now I don't want to be a part of it. I want the simple life. There is no simplicity in chasing sales at 2, 3, and 4 o'clock in the morning.  There is no simplicity in worrying how one will buy gifts and or even have enough left over for groceries. There is no simplicity in getting frustrated because you are worried there isn't' enough under the tree. Where is the Thankfulness that is experienced on Thanksgiving the day after?

I want our children to rest in the peace that comes from living a life of gratitude. I want our children to reap the benefits from learning to fully trust God with everything! I can tell you this ~ as much as I say I trust God ~ He is completely and wholly testing me in this in every area of my life where I once put trust in other people/things.

Putting God first in your everyday life doesn't seem so hard ~ and it looks easy if your watching someone do it from the outside looking in but let me tell you. It isn't. Do you know why? The world makes living in the world look easy and tempting. And it is, yet it is also so void, dark, lonely and cruel. There is hopelessness, fear, pain, and ugliness. But .... fighting with all you have to put trust in God and live your life trusting HIM alone is peaceful, loving, joyful, and there is always a surprise waiting for you! There is an amazing sense of security that can't come from anything one does or gets from the world.

As a woman who is 41, I feel like a child yet it is the best feeling EVER! Do you know why? The world will fail you! Relationships WILL at some point fail you. But God ... oh my goodness, God Almighty will NEVER fail you! THIS is what I want our children to know. Not that mom and dad worry whether they will like the gifts we have chosen. Not what is for dinner. Not even about their relationships with friends... I want them to trust in GOD alone and above the husband and I. Why? We may fail our children, but God will NEVER fail them!

As I sit here, I am just in awe! I am sitting still in my pj's, and completely at peace with that. I am sitting looking at the beautiful Autumn decorations that are soon to be replaced with lights, Christmas trees, and things that bring joy to the room. And I am content. God is good!

The next time you see a flood of "black friday commercials" ( or big "get them now before they are gone" commercials) for the umpteenth time today (this month).... and your home to see them and not in the hustle ~ know that I too am looking at them shaking my head and muttering a prayer of praise and thanks for I know that God is good and this world and it's greed is sure to catch up to someone who may stumble upon this post and realize that HE is what truly matters no matter what day of the year it is. I am done running/shopping/spending in the rat race. Are you?

Motivation for your Monday: Sausage, Tortellini and Spinach Soup

I have a recipe to share with you! This soup recipe is one that is loved by my family, especially my  husband who loves spinach.

Ingredients
1 pound of spicy breakfast sausage
2 cans diced Italian tomatoes
1 8oz package cream cheese
1 bag of frozen cheese tortellini
10 oz fresh baby spinach
4 cups chicken broth
Celery Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Directions
In a large soup pot, brown sausage. Add tomatoes, sprinkle celery salt and a good amount of black pepper. Allow to simmer on low for about 15 minutes to infuse flavors together. Add in Cream cheese and allow to melt into tomato and sausage mixture. Add in frozen tortellini and spinach. Turn off heat (there will be enough heat in the soup to cook the pasta and wilt the spinach) and allow the soup to sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This is amazing served with garlic toast!

Shake it up Saturday: When your world turns and the seasons hurt

There are many times in our lives when it seems like we go through these seasons, or as some would call lessons of life. The one thing that life doesn't teach you is that not everyone will be happy for you as you grow in your life. Even friends that you have had for years, heck even family will sometimes pull away.

Why is it that when things are going good in your life, people tend to fall to the sidelines? Why is it that when your having troubles everyone is there trying to comfort you, or maybe even encourage you? I am not only seeing this in my own circle of those whom I associate with, but I am seeing it in my daughter's relationships as well. It wasn't until this morning that this connection really came forth coming even though I posted the following two status' on social media yesterday.

This morning as I was running errands I was listening to a podcast and just thinking. Yes at the same time. While driving. Scary I know. Anyway, I feel so blessed to know that when Joel and I moved to Cove, it was God's plan for our family. It's a nice feeling to KNOW with all that you are.... that you are right where God desires you to be. Sadly... not everyone has seemed to happy for us, but that is not our burden to hold. We have met many neighbors that are more than friends now. In fact, they are family.

You can't control the way people treat you....but you can choose to not allow it to continue. This is the lesson of the week folks. There will be a test but it will be a pop quiz. Will you pass or fail?

Amazing to me that God was beginning to work through some things in me this week as I took a break from writing, to reveal to me the one hurdle that is holding me back from moving forward. The simple fact that I do not have but a handful of people (My husband, children, mom and a couple of neighbors and maybe two friends from work) that would actually be happy for me if I was able to be successful in my ventures. Yet, when I struggle ..... there are people all around me. That isn't' necessarily a good thing though. See this is the whisper I heard. "When you are moving up to the next level people feel threatened, scared, and sadly they want to hold you back so you won't leave them behind so they leave you first."

I am TEARS now as I sit in this revelation because I almost did just forget my vision and was allowing their reaction to be the death of that vision and goal. Sad isn't it?! When I thought I had a clear and strong support system I realize that it isn't as large as I once thought, but in the same breath it is pretty darn strong!

I don't often request for my teenage daughter to read my blog because she hear's Mom's thoughts all the time and she would mostly either say "I already know that" or give a classic eye roll. This time however, I am going to have her sit down and read this for herself when she gets home from drill team practice. Why? Because she too is facing one of these same seasons in her life ~ where she is growing in an amazing pace to become such a beautiful young woman inside and out and there have been people she thought were her friends either speak ill of her or treat her down right ugly. The thing is... I know without a shadow of a doubt that it is because she has grown, she does have vision for her life, and above that... she is learning to NOT need their support and encouragement to reach those goals. This girl is always teaching me something. I think that is why God allows us to become parents ~ so we can learn things we never would have learned without them.

So.. for my own benefit let me share MY vision with you once again.

Thrive Camp: I see thrive camp being in 25 venues in a year ~ bringing strength to women to live their life the way God intended it to be and taking a stand to simply stop JUST surviving! I see homes being transformed into the safe havens they should be because of this change in the way they look at their lives and embrace each day as the gift it was intended. I see marriages restored. I see children being raised in ways that bring out their God given gifts and talents with a vision of their own from early young ages.

The Ladies of Cotton Lake: I already have planned 4 books in this series with ONE already published. This series is derived to give a spin on the principles of Thrive Camp in lives of four women who came together by accident but now cant' imagine being separated. Together they face things like health issues, pregnancy both adult and teenage, career struggles and victories, ministry leadership as well as everyday relationships such as marriage, friendship, etc.

One Pretty Little Box: I also see this blog growing to thousands upon thousands of regular readers and Facebook Fans  who are touched by the hand of God in my life ~ and encouraged and inspired by the things I post. Not because of who I am ... but because who I am in Christ!

So, there you have it. In the midst of a broken heart and tears I found revelation that sometimes God calls us to do things that are not understood by others. I also NOW understand the statement from Terri Savelle Foy that we must be careful who we spend our time with as that is what we become. I am an encourager, but if I am surrounded by those who want others NOT to thrive in their lives, it's not going to work well. I thank God for removing those from my life who do not support growth, thriving, and strength that He has given me. Yes, I realize that is a strong statement but I am sure Noah had a few of those statements of his own. Even Jesus upset some who once called him friends when HE began to stand for the vision that God gave Him. I am not saying I am a god or Jesus but I am saying that I am no longer going to turn my back on the vision he clearly gave me to hold onto people who would rather see me fail than succeed.

It only takes time!

Over the last few months I have come to the realization for what my heart really desires to accomplish outside of home and family. I love teaching preschool, and while this is my eleventh year in doing so I can honestly say that I will always love being with kiddos, especially at the preschool level. They are so much fun and even tough days usually end on an enjoyable moment.

Time is all you have!
Photo Courtesy: Unknown

With that said, my hearts desire is to truly minister to women through writing, speaking and leading them to enjoy this life that God has given us ... not just survive it! I see a lot of weary faces morning after morning ~ both parents, teacher friends, passer by's and it just breaks my heart! I am sure it breaks His too!

Now I don't know about you but when God puts something so heavy on your heart, and it becomes a desire so deep, I want to do it right now! Problem is.. I can't! Why? I am in the prep stages. Not only am I creating the content to go with this message, but God is also creating and preparing ME for such a task. We live in such a "I want it now" society that we become too used to instant gratification, and things happening quickly. Of course unless you are doing an overhaul on your life or buying a house which has it's bumps in the roads, and takes more time than one can imagine.

Is it discouraging? Well I guess it could be and I will tell you I was a bit discouraged for a good week until I heard a sweet little message yesterday of understanding that just because I want it now.. doesn't mean I am ready for it! God surely still has a lot to accomplish in me to prepare me for such a life. The good news? It only takes time! As long as I am alive guess what I have? TIME!

As soon as I let go of this feeling of "I have to do this now" I began to feel free and no longer overwhelmed. I am excited about every day again, knowing that I will be just one day closer to reaching my dream! The thing is.. I am in a way already living it and have been for many years! Do you know how? This blog! Facebook posts!

Amazing stuff I tell you!!!

So... what are you doing to reach your goals and dreams? Do you know what you want to do? I run into mother's everywhere I go and I often hear "My  job is to take care of my home and my family." I love that! And the wonderful thing is I can honestly say so is mine!! We have that in common. But we must remember our children are not going to be in our homes forever. There will be less to tend to. What are you going to do with you time and energy? Please say that you plan to do more with your life then just sit around and watch the days go by! That is NOT what we were created to do. I truly think that is why many of us begin to feel t his struggle of wanting more to our lives then barely making it day to day. To spur us on to doing *something*.

It only takes time to figure out what it is that your heart and soul long to do. It only takes time to transition your life into making that happen. It only takes time and what more do you need?





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