Twin birthday Survey!

I love being a mommy to multiples! Multiple Teens I am not so sure of! Ha! Just kidding! So, since they are now 13 and able to"legally" give me permission with  parental permission (haha ~ that's easy right?!) to post their answers I though I would experience the JOY of being a momma to twins and share their candid answers to a Birthday Survey I gave them, and will continue to give to them for as many years as they will allow me to post their answers!

1. If you could give yourself a name instead of the one you were given what would it be?
Peanut= Juan (pronounced hhhwan)
Doodlebug= Frankenstein (I got that off the movie Big Daddy)

2. What was the best thing that happened when  you were twelve?
Peanut = Evelyn (His girlfriend)
Doodlebug = Middle School Football

3. What is it like being a twin?
Peanut = It was fun
Doodlebug = Fun

4. When you are older, married and have kids- do you want twins of your own?
Peanut = NO!
Doodlebug = Yes, one will be crazy!

5. What are you looking forward to happening now that you are 13?
Peanut= PHONE (hint hint!!)
Doodlebug = A wining season

6. What is a piece of advice you would give to someone younger than you?
Peanut= Don't do drugs and stay in school!
Doodlebug = Always be crazy!

7. What is a piece of advice you would give to someone older than you?
Peanut = Don't do drugs and stay in school!
Doodlebug = Always be crazy!

8. If you could be a super hero what would your super powers be?
Peanut = Laser vision and blend in with my surroundings.
Doodlebug = To shoot lightening out of my butt!

9. Who do you admire the most and why?
Peanut = Mom - she makes me food!
Doodlebug = Mommy, she cooks for me!

10. Favorite:
Soda: P= Dr. Pepper   D=Big Red
Candy: P= Sour skittles  D= Skittles
Movie: P= Lets be cops   D= The Fast & The Furious
Song: P= Go hard or go home  D= Down with the sickness
TV Show  P= WWE Raw  D= South Park
Rainy Day Activity: P= Football  D= Video Games
Color = P= Purple  D= Blue
Article of Clothing = P= Basketball shorts  D= Tshirts & shorts
Sport = P= Football!  D= Football
Memory= P= Scoring a 54' Touch Down!  D= Kemah Boardwalk!

These boys of mine I love so much! I am truly blessed to be a momma to them both! Love ya boys!

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".

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!

 

Motivation for your Monday: Even Keeled

There has been LOTS that God Almighty is working on in me lately. I mean like TONS. And while it is so hard, I can tell you this... it is way better than just floating around in this thing called life.

Are you an "all or nothing' kind of person? Either your house is a disaster or it's spotless? Either your cooking all your meals for weeks or your buying take out instead? You either clip coupons or are buying the most expensive items? This is one time of year that we see extremes all around us. Take this past Friday.

In the United States, we have what is called "black friday" where retailers swoon customers with great "you can't miss" deals. Without extra costs, it comes with frenzy, anxiety, depression, greed ~ even though at times very subtle, with a whole plethora of debt, forgotten bills, and fear. I know this from experience you see, because this is only the second year I chose not to participate. And no, it wasn't for a political ~ or consumer stance. See for me it was a spiritual matter.

No where in your traditional "Black Friday" events can you see the actions of an even keeled person.

The man who fears God will avoid ALL extremes. Ecclesiastes 7:18

This is an area that God is really digging deep within me. I have gone through many extremes in various areas of my life and willing have done so. The problem is I am now reaping those consequences and helping to undo those consequences in regards to our children as well. See, what a man reaps not only does he sow but so the children for generations to come. When we see our children effected by our actions it is heartbreaking.

See I helped our children become greedy when it comes to Christmas because I thought the more under the tree was better. For growing up there was always a ton under the tree ~ even on the "light" years. That is what Christmas was to me and I began that same tradition with our children. Now.. I regret every second of that and while they are still home I must undo some damage. For years they went to their grandparents because ... that was the weekend this mom did the bulk of her Christmas shopping filling the back and even center of my Explorer (or minivan).

I was a better parent because I made sure (with the help of my husband) that our kids had a big Christmas every year. I might have had to pay a few bills late but by golly they had a good Christmas. I really wasn't a better parent ~ for I was greedy, prideful, wanted selfish gain (attention and to be recognized for doing so much), in fact it was downright sick! Right now I am completely disgusted.

Does that mean I won't go buy Christmas gifts for our children? No. I love being able to give to them. But it does mean we won't have a ton under the tree ~ simply because we can. The last few years with the adults I really put a lot of time and thought into each gift purchase I make. I don't pick up something because it is cheap. I don't pick up something because what I already have gotten them wasn't enough. Even though I do put a lot of time and thought into some of the kids gifts, I was in the habit of providing a TON under the tree so I would fill in with things I got really cheap. Gift giving was indeed ALL of the all or nothing mentality. Then I couldn't afford to get much for them for months afterward.

Black Friday often had me grabbing things just because it was a good deal. I love this verse: "Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:9" I was indeed quickly provoked by those sales, and often did get angry afterward when I realized how much I spent.

9 What do workers gain from their toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him. Ecclesiastes 3:9-14

So I challenge you this Monday to start striving to live more even keeled than ever before! I know even though some of these notes were jotted down weeks ago... they ring so true for me today. 

 

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?

I walked away Wednesday!

Yesterday was no ordinary Tuesday. Sure it was a hot summer day and yes the twins and I went to the wave pool. Both of which are some of our current "normal" conditions. However.... well let me share what I shared on Facebook and then I can explain a bit later.

Indeed I did start this summer just needing to be refreshed and renewed. I knew I needed to be changed from the inside out. To be completely open and honest I have been struggling since Christmas. I have gained weight since then and I couldn't understand why. I was given some clarity. The biggest reason is because I had tons of chaos in my mind, in my heart and I couldn't focus very long one thing. Sadly, for most of the summer that has been the case as well. UNTIL..... gosh I don't know yesterday. Well the process has been going and I know that God's hands have been in this the whole time but I realize now that He has given me so much and has been so patient.

Photo credit Unknown

I thought this summer's mission would solely be "weight' related. Wrong. In fact that is why I shared that I have gained weight. I have struggled with facing the fact that there are some things that I really truly need to let go of. One of them is a false sense of who God is and what He wants of me. He doesn't want a legalistic walk. He doesn't want me to be entrapped in any ministry that says I MUST follow their rules and their rules only. He doesn't want me to think that my life has no value. In fact, by feeling that way or even falsely humbling myself I not only devalue my life in my own eyes, or the eyes of those around me, but in a way I am telling God my life is not what He calls it it to be ` special, unique and amazing. Do you get that?! God thinks I am amazing and He created me to live an undefeated amazing life. Not because of anything I can do on my own, but because of what He is doing within me. Not my pastor, not a deacon, not even my own mother ` but in ME!

At the beginning of the summer I started to find little snippets of a few people I have come to love. People that God prepared ahead of time not to become useless and of no value but to become GREATER than I could ever imagine. I have come out of FOUR years of listening to how horrible I am, how i can't make good decisions, and how I have to become NOTHING yet ... being told at the same time that leadership was wonderful, pure, and something I should try to become. I was told that I shouldn't listen to anyone on the outside because they would not tell me of anything of value that I had to only listen to one voice, one leadership yet ... God made us all. HE made us all so unique and so divine.

Yesterday at the wave-pool I was humbled. Not in a way that I was nothing but instead in a way of God telling me and showing me just how GREAT HE wants me to be ~ t hat He created me to be. Yesterday I took a stand. Walked away. And began go allow God to HEAL areas in me that others wanted to die. The areas that made me ME. Sheila. HIS chosen one to be the author of One pretty little box. The one whom he is doing great things in every single moment of the day. And because I am GREAT.... HE is GREATER! Because I am whole ~ HE can shine through me!

Photo Credit : Unknown

I have BIG dreams and BIG goals! HUGE! Ones that will make you think "What the heck is she thinking" yet finally for once ... I can see them as real! Why? Because I let go of this thinking that I am NOTHING in God's eyes and seeing just how excited God is when we follow HIS lead! Can you imagine how excited God gets when we actually accomplish something He set forth for us? I know how excited I get when I finally do something that I have always wanted to do. Now I understand why. Because HE put it there!

Fantastic Friday: Thirty days to live

Yesterday on Facebook I asked this question:

"You have thirty days left to live. What will you do in the time you have left? GO!!!!"

Now I got a few answers but not as many replies as I had personally hoped for, yet I get why. Who wants to think about only 30 days left to live?! But at one point we have to stop going through life like we have all the time in the world. If we are spending every single day of our life simply surviving we are not living! Who wants to go through life just living the motions?! Even the most boring person I can think of surely there is something deep within them that they would want to accomplish.  

Photo courtesy: Unknown

Thirty days is not a long time. Let's break it down. 

30 days ..or

720 hours .. or

43,200 minutes

If you sleep say 8 hours a night that will leave you with ONLY 480 hours. If you spend say 20 minutes eating three times a day that will leave you with ONLY 450 hours. That is not very long. In fact it is equivalent to only 18 days and 18 hours. Whoa!

Photo courtesy: Unknown

So... let's ask this question again but putting in that new equation." You have 18 days and 18 hours to live. What will you do with the time left?"

I get that some of the first instincts we have is to share the gospel. But ... if we share the gospel out of fear rather than love it is learned in fear and will always be associated with fear. If we share it in love and a heart for God, it is learned in love and will always be associated with love. If we are confident in our faith, and our salvation then we should be able to share God's goodness with love and in action not just words. But ... our lives should already be showing this now ~ even if we have more than those 18 days and 18 hours. Living the gospel is more than just speaking the gospel. Sometimes living a life of the gospel is speaks more than any word can say. Yes, Romans 10:17 says "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." but I don't think that deaf people are not going to have faith because they can't listen. Do you know why? Sometimes that "listening" is more of an experience than the actual act of hearing/listening.

So, let me challenge you deeper. What ELSE would you  do?

I would want to spend time with family that I may be distant from. Why? Because I would LOVE to leave them with words that will impact them for the rest of their lives, as well as my own.

I would spend a day with those friends from high school that we always say "we need to get together" yet life gets in the way. Why? Because they still have a piece of my heart and I want them to know they can keep it and how much they have impacted me even in my adult life. How much the time we spent together helped me to nurture my own children in their friendships. 

I would go hiking in the mountains. Why? Because God's nature and beautiful creation has always inspired me and brought me closer to Him. Yes we are supposed to help lead others in their salvation but above all we cannot leave our own relationship with Him out. Even Jesus pulled away, often in nature to get close to him. 

I would sell my Explorer and buy my husband the boat he desires. Why? I wont need that vehicle and hubby loves to fish. It gets him in nature, and that is where he feels close to God. Why wouldn't I nurture that?!

I would go on a Mommy and me date with each of my children individually. Why? I would tell them how much they have taught me, and how much I love them. I would let them ask me whatever questions they would want to and I would answer them honestly. 

I would take my entire closet to an area in Houston and give them to the homeless community. Why? In those thirty days I won't need much clothing. 

I would spend a whole day at a food bank. Why? I would give them all of my energy and time because if I ever missed a meal ~ it was by choice. 

I would sit up and pound out one last book ~ an  open love letter to my husband retelling of all the wonderful memories we have had. Why? Because I know him. He would sit and wonder and I would not want him to have any doubt of my love and devotion. 

These are just a few on my list. Yes they are very personal but I did ask a personal question! There is a difference from being told you have 30 days to live and be perfectly healthy and being told the same fate and being critically ill. Why wait?! Why not start doing some of those things now! 

Psalms 63:5-7 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.

Let  me challenge you again.... what will you do with the last 30 days of your life?

Whose at the door Wednesday : Never be taken by surprise

We have all been there. When the phone rings. And this is what you hear.
"Hey I am in the area and decided I would pop in and visit ya. Are ya busy?!"

In half of us, that would evoke panic as we look around the house. In the other half of us we joyfully say sure knowing we have about five power minutes and that is all we need.

That scenario seriously happened to me yesterday. And three four years ago it might would have set me into a panic. I would have avoided the visit and simply said that I was heading out the door or whatever. Now? Here was my reply

"Yay! Sure! Come on over"

And as soon as I hung up the phone this is what I did:
*Light the candles
*Put the basket of folded clothes into the washroom. I would put those away later.

That's it. Why? Because I now believe in keeping our home "company ready" at any given time. Sometimes there may be a few things of the kids out but they are getting better about being responsible for their own belongings and they too have come to the realization that we can have visitors at anytime. Their friends drop in all the time. Now.. as far as the teenager's room? I just shut the door!

So my first challenge this week for you is to look around your home. Do you want visitors? Then allow your home to also become visitor ready. We didn't used to have people drop in a lot. Do you know why? My home wasn't visitor ready and because of that ~ neither was I. I was horrible to be around because I was too worried about someone finding clutter that I hid. So my second tip to you is to allow yourself to become visitor ready. Now mind you ~ in the Summer I do not wear makeup everyday. I simply don't. Too many times we are either outside and it will sweat off ( I am not a girl who is afraid to sweat!) or we are planning on some sort of water activity.


 

Stuck in a rut Saturday

Happy Saturday! This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice in it! (  ) Are you rejoicing this Saturday, or are feeling like your stuck in a rut? Have you ever been stuck in a rut? To me that is one of the WORST feelings ever! Why? Well, let me explain! Go getcha (yeah the Texas slang is coming out in this post so getter ready!) a cup of coffee, tea, a glass of cold iced tea, or lemonade and come back so we can chat! This may be a long one.

First you have to know what being 'stuck in a rut' means. It is an idom that simply means "doing the same thing all the time". Do not get this confused with keeping a schedule, it is not the same thing. Here is another example of the meaning that really made it clear to me to understand what "stuck in a rut" is. "The literal meaning comes from the act of a car tire being stuck in a rut in the road. You can go a couple of inches forward or backward but, basically, you are not able to get the car out of the deep groove in the road." That came from yahoo answers and I LOVED it.

I have been there, stuck in the rut before. Sometimes too often. You? This week however has been different. If I am to be honest, I haven't been this energized and full of purpose in a VERY LONG time! As God is giving me new instructions for how to use my time, my days, my energy ~ He is giving me a new vision! And that is some exciting stuff. No ruts are allowed when your given a vision. Well, let's clarify that thought. No ruts should be evident if we are given a vision and we are working/living towards that.

Then the Lord said "Write the vision, make it plain on tablets, 

That he may run who reads it." Habakkuk 2:2

What vision has God given you today for your life? Write it down so that you will then be able to run to it! Now, pray and ask God what is it that you should do to begin to prepare to walk that vision out! Can I tell you that is just the first step of getting out of a rut. People who get into ruts do so because they have lost their vision, dreams and goals. If your just going through the motions of the days your not really living. You are only surviving. How fun is that?! Did you know life was created to be enjoyed?! God wants you to enjoy your days ~ and praise HIM for each day, not just go through the motions and dread every day. Whatever gets in your mind and stays there, will eventually show up in your life. You dread your days, then the days are going to be dreadful! You Praise God for your days and look for new and exciting things, then your days will be exciting.

Last night, as I am preparing dinner I hear this voice. Yes, THAT voice ~ the quiet one that we all know to be the voice of God. While I love that God wants to speak to me ~ I knew it would be a tough one to choose. Why? Because he has already given me vision this week, and He has already began showing me many things. Heck He is providing many tools for this vision to come to fruition. So as this sweet voice starts to speak, I am almost brought to my knees. Want to know what He said?

"You can't just begin to prepare for this vision ~ you have to dress and act like it is already happening!" OH my! Mind you I had on a pair of shorts and a rugged t shirt. I felt like a sloppy mess all day, yet never more than at that moment. If these dreams I have ~ that now go beyond just writing a novel but to speaking to many many women about living a life of purpose rather than just surviving I need to being dressing like I already am. I am indeed dressing lately like I am in a rut! My life may not feel like it ~ but it surely looks like it.

Remember, today is a new day. If your reading this in the morning, then I pray God uses it to encourage you to gather a vision and start walking towards it. If it is in the evening, I pray God will open your heart to a new beginning even before your eyes close. Whenever you read this, be reminded that your alive and it's not too late to get out of that rut, start dreaming and reach for your goals! It can be done!

So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locusts have eaten, the crawling locusts, 

the consuming locusts, and the chewing locusts, 

My great army which I have sent among you. Joel 2:25 

Motivation for your Monday: Institute the List!

Happy Monday! It's that time again! Time to get you motivated to not only survive your Monday, but to live it and appreciate it! Let's recap a few things from last week!

* Today is clean sheet day! Get that bedding off and into the washer!
* What's for dessert? Let's make something sweet for those sweets of ours!
* What's tonight's dinner plan? Make sure it is something that everyone in the house will enjoy!

Now. I am going to talk about making a list! I get that some people do not like making a to do list, but let me encourage you to try it! Now, if your reading this in the morning simply jot down five things that first come to the top of your mind ~ that would roll off your tongue that needs to be done to make your house "look" cleaner. If you happen to be a stay at home mom/wife than maybe list one that might take a good bit of time that you have been neglecting. If you work away from home, and will be gone a big chunk of the day make special care not to list a bunch of time consuming things. I will share what my entire list looks like for today:

As you can see I even go as far as putting whether it is something I want to do in the morning or after work. It matters to me, and my family to walk into a clean and organized home. As the kids are getting older it is easier, and they appreciate a clean house more. Now, below is my entire list for the day including a scripture that God has placed on my heart for the day and other things I am wanting to get accomplished.

On the back of this paper I will reverse my strategy! I will then add the same scripture to the top of the paper because it is proven that if you write something many times it helps you remember it. I will then begin writing a list of "tada's" ~ or in other words things that I got accomplished that day. I also like to, if I have room, jot a few special moments from that day.

Now remember, whether you have a GOOD Monday or a Not so good one is completely up to you! What are you going to choose?

Are you weary? Words to encourage you through to the weekend!

Sometimes by Fridays, I am weary. Tired. Just plum give out. This week, it hit me on Thursday! I didn't sleep well both Tues and Wed nights and I am sure that just added to the weight of the week. But ... it shouldn't stop us from pushing forward and continuing on with the good things in life.

Our sweet "girl" one morning as I went in to wake her up before school! 

Do you like a clean house? Me too. Wednesdays and Thursdays I am often home earlier than Monday, Tuesday, or Friday. Those are the days I like to get caught up on blog posts, comments, and the like as well as try to get ahead on the housework. There are somethings that I do daily, some I do every other day, but then there are some deep cleaning that I do once a week. I don't mind spending time daily cleaning ~ I like a clean and orderly home. Is my house spotless? Not by any means, but I am not usually embarrassed by a mess if friends or neighbors just happen to drop by.

But when I am tired, I don't always have a good attitude. I am learning on those day's it is better to be more quiet than normal rather than take it out on those around me. What energy I can scrounge up is usually spent in the classroom, and then in the home. If I wake up ... and feel weariness set in I know to plan an easier meal rather than a complicated one or new recipe.

The Bible tells us to be careful when we are tired. Here are a few examples of a quick search that I found:

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30-31

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

Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. Proverbs 25:25

17 Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. 18 When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and attacked all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God. 19 When the Lord your God gives you rest from all the enemies around you in the land he is giving you to possess as an inheritance, you shall blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven. Do not forget! Deuteronomy 25:17 - 19

I am thankful for this "weary" feeling. It is a GREAT reminder that I can't do this on my own. I can't be the wife I desire to be alone. I can't be the mother my heart instructs me to be alone. I can't teach a room of 4 year olds alone. Guess what. I can't even blog here on the blog alone. EVERY single post I have shared has truly been God inspired! I need HIS leading every moment of the day, and it is painful to be weary and feel like I do not have His guiding hand! 

It's okay to be tired. It's okay to admit that you didn't get enough rest, need to find better balance. It's okay to say "HEY! I NEED time to do nothing!" But .... before getting out of control with a poor attitude, or this "poor me, I have to do all this work and no one works as hard as me" kind of mentality ~ go to God first! He will give you enough! It may be just enough for the day, but really that is all you need right?! On days that I know I am weary ~ like yesterday I make sure that dinner is done and cleaned up early, and that I am tucked into bed at a better time than the night before. Especially if I truly feel tired! I believe in philosophy "Eat when your hungry, stop when your satisfied. Sleep when your sleepy. Drink when your thirsty". There is a reason God gives us those cues! We need to heed to them!

A Marriage Moment: Not a place for Selfishness

One of the most selfless relationships in our lives should be our marriage. I can't honestly say that I believed this from the beginning. Sure, I loved my husband but I thought we "owed" each other something.  We "owed" one another our attention, devotion, and well.... I "deserved" more. It probably wasn't until the last few years that God really began working on me deeply. I LOVE my husband, and am ever grateful he has stuck with me for this long. I used to be really moody, and judgmental. Wow. How sad that we spent so much of our early marriage years like babies.... looking out for more of ourselves, then one another. 

Therefore 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^[a] 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^[b] 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! Philippians 2:1-8 NIV

I am so thankful that God has been alive and working in my heart and my life every day. I am not perfect, nor am I close. But ... I am NOT where I once was! I am here, not there! (Sorry ~ the Dr. Suess influence never leaves!) I am more interested in learning more about my husband, and his interests. It's not so important to me to find MY time for MY interests. Let's take this past December. Do you know what I did the weekend before Christmas? It had nothing to do with Christmas prep, wrapping gifts, baking, holiday parties. It had everything to do with my husband. I went to the hunting lease with him! I LOVED it! He always goes to a cattle ranch here in Texas, and every other time I went I stayed home with the kids. This time? The kids went to grandma's and I went with the husband! Guess what!? I realized my husband is pretty amazing! I learned new things about him, and I can say that on the 5 1/2 hour ride up there and the 5 1/2 hour ride back down was fun! If he would have asked me to go three years ago i would have sadly laughed in his face. To think of how many amazing trips I have missed out on ~ is so heartbreaking to me yet it fuels me to push forward and to seek out those opportunities to get more!

Jesus did not seek out equality with God ~ that is a LOT in it's own to teach us! Women, wives, we must stop looking for equality in our marriages with our husbands! (Woah! I can hear a pin drop!) I know that I just cleared a room full of women who were raised with feministic values. I was born in the early 70's and I grew up hearing (from the world) women "rule". It always made me cringe, and still does. Why? I WANT my husband to be over me ~ his protection and leadership are always welcomed. Yes, I am a strong woman, but I am also a  God fearing woman. I know that God has called me to be the help-meet to my husband not the other way around. I know that he created Joel THEN decided what mate would "complete" him but I never have and never will say that I am good on my own. I LOVE being the wife that I am ~ because I can humbly say that my husband is the leader in our home ~ in all areas!

An Encouraging Word Wednesday

Photo Credit: Takes you to an ETSY store to purchase your own! 

I have a collection of coffee cups, most of which were given as gifts that i could choose from every morning. (Remember that goodbye coffee post, yeah it didn't last!) While I have my favorites, I don't always use the same mug. They all do the job, and if I only relied on one what would I do if it broke? Would I never drink coffee again? Uhm no! That's not going to happen. I could just use another one. Why? The coffee cup is just a tool, a vessel to get the coffee from the pot to my lips! Besides of the reminder of the season in my life or particular person who gave me the mug there is no value beyond sentiment. I like having a variety to choose from. It keeps coffee time from becoming mundane.

God has given the gift of sharing His word, His voice with many different sources as well. Aren't we all just a vessel being used just like a coffee cup? Getting his goodness deep down, His aroma into the nostrils of those who seek Him?

Monday morning I was putting clean sheets on the bed in the master bedroom when a song came on that just grabbed my heart. I began singing along in genuine prayerful worship when I felt this wave of sadness come over me.

I can honestly tell you God's heart breaks every time you put someone other than him on a pedestal. It's easy to do. Just begin only sharing with everyone you know only about one person or one sports start, one author, singer, actor, etc.

I have personally witnessed true adoration and infatuation over one person to the point that they do not ever share about someone else. Imagine only watching movies with only one actor and nothing else. Almost to the point of not even allowing people you know to not even talk about anyone but that actor because in your eyes it diminishes their value. Or perhaps a professor who teaches in a certain field, and after having instruct you during one class you decide that "Okay, from now on I will only take classes that Mr. Soandso teaches and that's it."

God created variety in things for a reason. God created each of us to complete a cycle and when we do not allow that in others or even ourselves we not only lose a part of our individuality but we end up worshiping something or someone other than God himself.

God's heart must also be broken also by those who shun, disconnect or dismember spiritually from the body of the church ~ God's people. I've seen this. I've heard of this. And sadly, in some ways I have personally experienced it. There is no one living today that is above another. You may have your act together on the outside, but let's be honest. We all struggle and yes, we all fall short of the glory of God. A sin is a sin. There is not one sin better than the other. We have to enter into a spirit of true repentance to find forgiveness from God ~ but that is a personal journey. There is not one person outside of yourself that can do this. Not one.

I love the many tools God has used over the years to teach me what I have learned. There have been many. Many teachers, preachers, musicians, books, and quiet moments that God has used to to teach me, mold me, and bring my heart close to his.

Please do not EVER minimize the worthiness of the many vessels that God uses in your life. Even after the death of Jesus, God did not just speak through one of disciples, he spoke to many.

Motivation for your Monday: Attitudes can make or break you!

¹⁴ Do everything without grumbling or arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”^[a] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky ¹⁶ as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. ¹⁷ But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. ¹⁸ So you too should be glad and rejoice with me. Philippians 2:14-18 NIV

This has to be one of the BEST lessons we can learn in taking care of our homes and families taken straight from God's Holy Word! I get so excited and encouraged with reading this because really .... we want to become blameless and pure do we not?! We want to shine like stars in the sky! We want to be able to say that we did not labor in vain. Can I tell you something? Sometimes our very own attitudes keep us from getting into that blameless and pure phase. Sometimes our grumbling/complaining/griping (even so quietly or privately to ourselves) keep us from shining like stars, and makes us indeed labor in vain! 

Can I tell you something? When I have a good attitude about taking care of our home and even have myself a nice little to do list ready to go, I am not only productive, but I am content. I find that having things done makes me feel better ~ not only about our home, but about everything! The same goes for our kids too. When they feel GOOD about cleaning their room, helping with house hold blessings, or yard work ~ not only do they take pride in what they are doing and finish it their very best, but they feel good about just doing it! 

Being a voice in social media (as anyone who has an active Facebook/twitter/etc account) we have an obligation do we not, to inspire one another. To encourage one another. To uplift one another. I can honestly tell you when I see homemakers/wives/friends complaining about cooking dinner, cleaning, laundry, etc it literally breaks my heart. It humbles me because I too once felt like that ~ but I give God the glory because He has given me new hope in even the smallest thing such as cleaning the cat box, unloading the dishwasher, etc. Call me crazy ~ it's okay! 

It is my hope that on Mondays for the next few weeks to not only come here and encourage you in the keeping of your homes, but to also maybe give you a bit of direction on how to go about changing the whole attitude that our society has AGAINST the work that goes behind having a clean home and a clean heart! Do you struggle in this area? Are Monday's hard for you? That is where I am going to start! The whole concept that "Monday's are horrible". 

I LOVE Mondays! I have for a LONG time! While I love the weekends, and even today the first day after Spring break, I am looking forward to the JOY that I find in Monday. While many start a new week on Sunday I like to think of Monday as the first day of the week. It's a fresh beginning. A new day! A TREAT because we have been gifted that wonderful "newness". You may already be thinking "This girl has lost her ever loving mind!"

Here a few things I LOVE to do on Mondays:

• Clean sheet day! (Because in reality all of our laundry is caught up, and all we have left to do is sheets!)
• Special Dessert (Sometimes it is leftovers of dessert made for Sunday Supper, but we always have dessert on Monday!)
• Dinner worth waiting for! (Dinner on Mondays is something that everyone will love. )
• NO chores for the kids! (I will explain below)

I not only want to look forward to Mondays I want my family to look forward to them to! Who doesn't love clean sheets? It's one of my favorite things to do at the end of a busy day ~ to climb into bed and feel those soft, crisp, clean sheets against my skin! By ensuring a dinner everyone will love and dessert too ~ it means there will be no grumbling when the kids are told to either come in and take showers so we can enjoy family dinner OR to put away any techie stuff so they can have dinner. Monday evenings are usually one night that they actually are glad it's time to sit and eat! And I like to have no chores on Monday for the kids because sometimes they have homework overload and I LOVE for them to have time to get outside and have time with their friends before we are thrown into prepping for Tuesday. 

Yes I clean house every single day of the week. I do not see it as work. For me it is a JOY and a priority to have a clean house. Your home and the way you keep it is indeed a reflection of you, your attitude, and the way you value these things. Taking time to organize yourself and get a routine down, also keeps you from feeling like it is tedious work. We will talk more about that NEXT Monday! For today, I pray this posts leaves you with a new love for Monday, and a new look on that verse in Philippians. Look it over, memorize it as your "Monday" verse and allow God to use it to bless you as you find a way to bless others through the way you choose to celebrate Monday along with me!