tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57099936884267502142024-03-05T02:36:48.340-05:00PIECES OF MEGrowing in Christ and Surrendering to His WordUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger234125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-7154482700692909802012-09-29T19:18:00.002-04:002012-09-29T19:18:46.108-04:00Lovely Blog AwardIt's been a minute, 3 months to be exact, since I have had a yearning to write. Ironically I had been getting the itch again when I received this lovely blog award from <a href="http://forthosewhoweep.com/">http://forthosewhoweep.com/</a>. It is amazing how one act of generosity has a way of transforming things. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for re-inspiring me and for making me smile:) Thank you <a href="http://forthosewhoweep.com/" target="_blank">For Those Who Weep</a> for your beautiful blog and beautiful heart.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://forthosewhoweep.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/onelovelyblog.jpg?w=500" /><br />
7 Things About Me<br />
<ol>
<li>I have a "Type A" personality which can sometimes work for or against me!</li>
<li>I have a passion for writing and my BIGGEST dream is to one day write a book!!</li>
<li>I think about my brother every single day and when I need help with something that I know he could do I often catch myself thinking of calling him.</li>
<li>My brother's death has changed my life in more ways than I ever imagined.</li>
<li>My daughter's are my world and I pray daily that God will always protect them. </li>
<li>I love reading quotes and scripture. Anything that can teach us or remind us about life. </li>
<li>I am not defined by my past mistakes.</li>
</ol>
<div>
I will humbly pass this award along. </div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.ideasofahousewife.com/">http://www.ideasofahousewife.com/</a>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://lifesbeautynuggets.blogspot.com/">http://lifesbeautynuggets.blogspot.com/</a></div>
<div>
<a href="http://justbreathejanis.blogspot.com/">http://justbreathejanis.blogspot.com/</a>
</div>
<a href="http://mental-health-issues-madison.blogspot.com/">http://mental-health-issues-madison.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://melody-mae.blogspot.com/">http://melody-mae.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<a href="http://www.makemommygosomethingsomething.com/">http://www.makemommygosomethingsomething.com/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/F7C2E13EDE7B21AE94B792B9F2E87DEC.png" style="background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-55956028879716291152012-05-29T00:45:00.000-04:002012-05-29T00:45:54.871-04:00Time CrunchI looked at my blog tonight and was shocked that I hadn't posted since December!! Time goes so fast and you often forget to savor moments that really matter. In the midst of our hectic lives we forget how fragile it really is. Right after you lose someone that is very close and dear to you it always seems to be a wake up call to life, it's meaning, and how we plan on changing for the better. Yet, I know for myself, that some of those things really do matter. You still have to work so you can pay bills, you still have to clean house, do laundry, take kids to sports (because you want them to be involved in something good), you push ahead in your career so you can make even more money, etc., etc. What a liar I was. I changed for a little while but life took over once again and I found myself drowning in daily routines. I like to have time for myself to just think and reflect on things, life, my relationship with Christ, my tasks and deadlines that are due. It is a rare occasion that I actually have the time to do it. That saddens me. I want that time but just don't seem to fit it into my schedule. I feel convicted because of it since I know I could get up earlier in the mornings and hopefully get that time but I LOVE to sleep and the AM is not my favorite time of the day. So the question is how to balance it all?<br />
<br />
If you have any suggestions please send them my way. I could use all the advice I need before I get another "wake up" call.<br />
<i>Matthew 11:28 <span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. </span></span></i><br />
<br />
Blessings,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/F7C2E13EDE7B21AE94B792B9F2E87DEC.png" style="background-color: transparent; border: 0px !important;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-17950747713198304712011-12-19T00:44:00.001-05:002011-12-19T00:44:59.503-05:00Immersed<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; font-family: inherit; height: 199px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; width: 347px;"><img height="212" id="il_fi" src="http://www.carolherrenfoerster.com/quotes/prayers/38.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Immersed...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">immersed in something;</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">if you are immersed in something, you spend most of your time doing it or thinking about it</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">At the end of October the motion hearing for my brother’s trial took place. Ever since my days have been filled with the forethought of what I knew was to come. I was ready this time; it has been almost 2 years. I was growing weary, restless, and anxious. With the daily busyness of working, being a mom, and the holidays I have had no desire to update my blog. Most days I felt like I really didn’t have anything to say. Most things annoyed me and life in general was unstable. We’re going to court next week, no we’re going the next week, we’re going to court tomorrow, no we’re going to court…..awaiting what I didn’t want to face yet wanted so bad seemed like pouring salt on a wound. The wound continued to spread as I yearned for closure. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So I sit here tonight typing and thinking about closure, truth, and consequence. All I wanted was for this to end and for 2012 to begin with a clean slate, without the worry of court dates and an “estimated” trial date. Finally, Friday, December 16<sup>th</sup> my family received the closure yearned for since that dreadful January night. Just as the wound yearns to close, it can only do so layer by layer. As the truth comes out little by little it is just like the pain of the healing wound. For the hardest thing about searching for the truth…Is that sometimes we find it. And when we do it doesn’t always paint a pretty picture. But truth is about freedom. It brings with it joy and peace, though at first it may hurt for a little while. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The man who murdered my brother was sentenced Friday to mandatory life in prison for Felony Murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He will not be eligible for parole for 30 years. The consequence of one man’s actions resulted in immense pain. Not only for my family but for what he has caused for his. He is married and has 2 daughters. My brother will never have the chance for a family. And a man who was given one gave it all away. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every lie holds consequence. In truth we can find closure. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The closure to this part of my family’s story is one of hope, peace, justice, and the significance of knowing that “God is good, all the time, He is good.” Two years I have prayed, my family has prayed, friends prayed and this past week prayers were lifted to our Father from so many. The support that was given to my family, the prayers spoken by each person will touch my heart forever. Because no matter what, God is BIGGER!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Repeatedly this week I sought the words, “The will of God will never lead you where the grace of God will not protect you.” </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>2 Thessalonians 3:3 <span style="color: #001320; font-family: Arial;">But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.</span></em> </strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I came across this poem and find great comfort in its words.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><strong>Will of God</strong></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The will of God will never take you, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where the grace of God cannot keep you,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where the arms of God cannot support you, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where the power of God cannot endow you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The will of God will never take you, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where the army of God cannot protect you, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where the hands of God cannot mold you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The will of God will never take you, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where the love of God cannot enfold you, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The will of God will never take you, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where the Word of God cannot feed you, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Everything happens for a purpose. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We may not see the wisdom of it all now</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">but trust and believe in the Lord </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">that everything is for the best."</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; height: 104px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 186px;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/F7C2E13EDE7B21AE94B792B9F2E87DEC.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-87507457693007665612011-10-19T14:44:00.000-04:002011-10-19T14:44:41.687-04:00Humanity or Habit<br /><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img alt="" class="rg_hi" data-height="202" data-width="250" height="161" id="rg_hi" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRxbc0Es9_5XQ3UTnlg-JlMVoaelL-wXOCOMJlXxcTntsvIg_Yb-A" style="height: 202px; width: 250px;" width="200" />Are we as a society or a follower of Christ too self-indulged with our own daily agenda and to do's that we are blind to those around us? We find it polite to pass a co-worker in the hall, a cashier, a stranger in passing, or a courteous door holder to briefly say "hey, how are you?" But do we ever really mean it when we say it, do you ever hear the answer, or put a face to them? Has this type of "politeness" become merely habit and not a sincere gesture. Do you notice the expression on their face, can you tell if they look like they may be upset about something, extremelly excited about a recent event, or just told you they were on their way to hurt themselves or someone else? Are you too busy with the thoughts of all you have to get done, where you are going, or what has made you upset, sad, or angry?</div>
<br />
<br />
Is a "hey, how are you?" a real act of humanity, a true sense of connection to another, the love for others as a child of God?<br />
These type of "habits" can happen in your prayer life as well. We can find ourselves merely repeating the same words over and over each day, night. Although some repetitive prayer is positive. When they become words without meaning, desire, praise, surrender, faith, guidance seeking; the truth that lies deep within our heart, then we are treating God the same as a passing stranger. Does our relationship with God reflect every part of our lives?<br />
<a class="bibleref" href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A7-8&version=ESV"><span style="color: black;">Matthew 6:7-8</span></a><span class="note"><span style="color: black;"> ESV</span> </span><br />
“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. <br />
For God did not send his Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross only for you. He took up the Cross for us all, all of humanity. <br />
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.<br />
He loves us all, each and every one. Shouldn't we treat others with the same love God pours out for us?<br />
When you get to Heaven, will you recognize the faces of those you uttered a quick "hey, how are you?"<br />
Are our worst habits really the temporary things of this world we put value on or are our worst habits against each other, even those we are being "polite" to?<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Watch your thoughts, for they become words.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Watch your words, for they become actions.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Watch your actions, for they become habits.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Watch your habits, for they become character.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.</strong></span><br />
<div align="center">
<img closure_uid_8fci7z="900" height="480" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaShUoIz45CfVIXjfXkmWwzfO9eN7wa91e_Pu7hqWFJsy1kYdv1a3AZW1-OsyUVtKcwG30x9GTYpyJgEcN3j4KEMTEJ6fVoTy74vazMLCpNKqBB-u-_fCKCE81twXW55p49awM-VgpTvrZ/s480/iphone_photo.jpg" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 480px; left: 285px; top: 16px; width: 320px;" width="320" /></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/F7C2E13EDE7B21AE94B792B9F2E87DEC.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-24358920582173678442011-09-14T11:53:00.000-04:002011-09-14T11:53:04.726-04:00Financial Peace<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 13pt;">Prayer
When in Financial Trouble</span></strong><i><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 13pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Andalus; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But my
God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory.—Philippians
4:19</span></i><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Andalus; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
God, help me to straighten out my financial<br />
problems. Release Your Godly wisdom so that <br />
I may be a good steward over all that <br />
You have given me. If my problems seem beyond repair,<br />
help me find a way, Your way, to meet my obligations.<br />
I place this need before You, knowing that You<br />
will guide me to a good solution. <br />
Please grant me the patience and tolerance <br />
necessary to calm my spirit and help me to <br />
remember that You have everything <br />
under Your control and I have nothing to fear or worry.<br />
Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Andalus; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I found this great prayer on
<a href="http://www.ourprayer.org/financial_worries">Our Prayer</a>. What a great one for the current financial state of most Americans. </span><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Andalus; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My husband and I have just
started the <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/fpu/home/?gclid=CMuWsI_fnKsCFY0s7AodjSbGjw">Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Univ.</a> that our church is offering. </span><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Andalus; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">WOW, it certainly has been a wakeup
call. But I have also found it overwhelming. I am a Type A personality and like
for everything to be in order. Well I have found out our finances are NOT in
order. Cuts in the budget need to be made, difficult choices, and a “new”
perspective on what financial “peace” looks like. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Andalus; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My prayer is for encouragement
and determination to get it done. I tend to give up when frustration sets in.
We are already juggling horrible work hours, marriage mentoring, cheerleading,
school, an almost 3 year old, and lack of sleep. These don’t exactly add up to
a place where “peaceful serenity!” I hope to have that one day; I hate drama
and just want to live a quiet, non busy or hectic life. I want to be able to
focus on the non-profit and enjoy what I’m doing in life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now I have to take it so slow doing
anything with it because there is just not enough time. But I see such a need
each and every day on the news, it really breaks my heart.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Andalus; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’ve been pretty depressed the
past couple of weeks which always makes my grief worse. It’s actually getting
harder to bear the more time that passes. The “saying” is that with time it
will get better. But the thought of more time passing seems unbearable to me. I
will admit during these times I grow distant from God and have begun to keep
everything in. Mainly because I don’t talk to anybody lately, there is just not
enough time. I’ve lost connection with family and friends. Once you’ve gone so
long without talking it feels like you need more time to catch up which doesn’t
seem to be happening. I don’t even have time to talk one on one with my husband
which is absolutely awful as we once talked about everything. I feel isolated
from “my life” and trapped in one where all I hear is “complaining and
negativity” at work. There are so many people who have SO many issues. It’s
almost astonishing the way some people behave or talk to others. I guess it’s
easier to be that way when you aren’t face to face. But I try to tell agents
that it’s not personal. That personal has major problems we cannot solve. Just
stick to the issue they have with us and then move on. Not to say that everyone
is like that, there are many reasonable people. Those who are obnoxious just
seem to out rule them and I often wonder how they make it through life. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Andalus; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ephesians 4:29 Do not let unwholesome talk come
out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according
to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<a href="http://www.iongod.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Eph429-150x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" id="il_fi" src="http://www.iongod.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Eph429-150x150.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Andalus; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our marriage mentoring lessons
have been focused on communication and conflict resolution. Maybe I should
email them a lesson or two with tools they can use to become a more effective
person in society! LOL<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/F7C2E13EDE7B21AE94B792B9F2E87DEC.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-3504357294850218122011-08-31T12:09:00.000-04:002011-08-31T12:09:35.072-04:00Beach...Summer Pics<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie96gvxXB0rpw0tjAkdgiKCW5RELloQzjq1GNYivFRMIIfKvlPEdzfTxJXkr9-rXD8i2pGCgANvwW9MqFnzyMFLNpoW0wxTBFsxHmItZA7R4_Q_KOW6HqUhg68jNrKIkWm8ngxYviibvH5/s1600/16.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie96gvxXB0rpw0tjAkdgiKCW5RELloQzjq1GNYivFRMIIfKvlPEdzfTxJXkr9-rXD8i2pGCgANvwW9MqFnzyMFLNpoW0wxTBFsxHmItZA7R4_Q_KOW6HqUhg68jNrKIkWm8ngxYviibvH5/s400/16.jpg" width="551" /></a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvRQK6zlhY9Nr4WT6TwdyRoSz509gu5s9J4obVqogM6FSyJXavnkGvR4G-Sh9gk9UfoTl8iYka4Z30HvFVXizWdkpHueVFJInAsw3DyMul2KZqWGtJKseyDWH27LVK2ng3VxcJ1JhyphenhyphendF3/s1600/Summer+Pics+20111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibvRQK6zlhY9Nr4WT6TwdyRoSz509gu5s9J4obVqogM6FSyJXavnkGvR4G-Sh9gk9UfoTl8iYka4Z30HvFVXizWdkpHueVFJInAsw3DyMul2KZqWGtJKseyDWH27LVK2ng3VxcJ1JhyphenhyphendF3/s400/Summer+Pics+20111.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlieQ6c7m1MJm1B9wCcb5LjoqT2g9RYXw6LEw9U_CGj09b7WosPNGZkgrZHp5zW-3G7Z1_ZVy4kuehTEpvyQgz9wkTAEIhL5lhFVm-zCExyugvNm40unHaltdclW9ZeJNGtxAANsH5a0G/s1600/Collages1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlieQ6c7m1MJm1B9wCcb5LjoqT2g9RYXw6LEw9U_CGj09b7WosPNGZkgrZHp5zW-3G7Z1_ZVy4kuehTEpvyQgz9wkTAEIhL5lhFVm-zCExyugvNm40unHaltdclW9ZeJNGtxAANsH5a0G/s400/Collages1.jpg" width="308" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiCL6k_H4pwo106kYCtDbu-fnct67cCAMQUfbY9p7wrIhIl8akkEHdnirKR3nrKwVFgo70SKk8I-sRtHY6oFOTZVGwmOc1YnKTIt5Eu-lf_I5asbkvYz34NwE61_60UZSyembBLB2ZIIx/s1600/Summer+Pics+20113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifiCL6k_H4pwo106kYCtDbu-fnct67cCAMQUfbY9p7wrIhIl8akkEHdnirKR3nrKwVFgo70SKk8I-sRtHY6oFOTZVGwmOc1YnKTIt5Eu-lf_I5asbkvYz34NwE61_60UZSyembBLB2ZIIx/s320/Summer+Pics+20113.jpg" width="247" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgqMvykWDJgWGwBhVAvjx2jN9egJPCuIaF8mGmH8vti-izUGS5ojPGxdCgDR47o4Jn3J8nNkY_0-UEicWdJhLx_u19AmIXW_8d43uyaxpAdxOlAfsdgVuiWHrmSnW0XKxojZ4GDR-vtH3/s1600/Summer+Pics+20115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBgqMvykWDJgWGwBhVAvjx2jN9egJPCuIaF8mGmH8vti-izUGS5ojPGxdCgDR47o4Jn3J8nNkY_0-UEicWdJhLx_u19AmIXW_8d43uyaxpAdxOlAfsdgVuiWHrmSnW0XKxojZ4GDR-vtH3/s320/Summer+Pics+20115.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_WGkwTskhuDbPjAw_vaCwrh-dR7Fr57AEpTi-fEdsK59OXLoUiT6jBNSN-pImsMfEf3t1XRooTB4nmyD3Z8Ooq4voGPwOYgirZGxmJIdiU-3SOHKwBEi0ukktx6EFAh0qCgUP2POvM-N/s1600/Summer+Pics+20112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF_WGkwTskhuDbPjAw_vaCwrh-dR7Fr57AEpTi-fEdsK59OXLoUiT6jBNSN-pImsMfEf3t1XRooTB4nmyD3Z8Ooq4voGPwOYgirZGxmJIdiU-3SOHKwBEi0ukktx6EFAh0qCgUP2POvM-N/s320/Summer+Pics+20112.jpg" width="247" /></a></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/F7C2E13EDE7B21AE94B792B9F2E87DEC.png" style="border: 0px currentColor;" /></a> <br />
<div style="clear: both;"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img align="middle" alt="Posted by Picasa" border="0" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" style="-moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; background: 0% 50%; border: 0px currentColor; padding: 0px;" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-81526328583773740652011-08-30T14:55:00.000-04:002011-08-30T14:55:42.103-04:00Not Looking Forward to...<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></div><br />
Going to work tonight. It's been pretty cruddy lately and I am praying for a new job to come soon. We have been very busy due to the storms. And right now I am lying on the couch so tired that I am trying to get up some motivation to get dressed. This scripture came to me yesterday and I wanted to share. It gives us such great promise! 2 Peter 3:8-13 <br />
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. <br />
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.<br />
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images5.cpcache.com/product_zoom/199146995v7_480x480_Front_Color-White_padToSquare-true.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" id="il_fi" src="http://images5.cpcache.com/product_zoom/199146995v7_480x480_Front_Color-White_padToSquare-true.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guess I should get moving and figure out what I will do with my day!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/F7C2E13EDE7B21AE94B792B9F2E87DEC.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-49443960748426976962011-08-22T13:05:00.000-04:002011-08-22T13:05:56.212-04:00James and the Obstacle Course<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="141" id="il_fi" src="http://biblestudyforher.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/james112.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="320" /></div><br />
Anyone with kids, grandkids, or even if you just know a kid have all seen those wonderful blow up bounce obstacle courses. They make most kids scream with excitement and utter anticipation (which can make some kids actually shake waiting for their turn.) Other more "timid" or I should say "smart" kids turn from the mere sight of them and run away tucked in between their parents legs. I found this description of the "Mega Obstacle Course" at <a href="http://www.inflatable2000.com/obstacle/megacourse.html">Inflatable 2000.</a> We are proud to present the inflatable 58' Obstacle Course. . The race is on! This course includes items to jump through, a 6' wall to climb over and slide down, holes to jump though and barrels to climb through. Two participants head for the starting line. In front of them stands an inflatable barrier of vinyl. The race is around walls, ramps, through tubes, around inflated pillars and through giant rings. The two racers try desperately to maneuver their way through the course to see who can cross the finish line first. They include climb through wall, biff n bash poles, rope climb and slide. Two sides offer double the capacity, and large size will draw attention from every angle. <br />
While this description may sound appealing to most adrenaline pumped kids, it far too much resembles the way I can feel about life. Always dodging the next wall or barrier, trying to figure out the best way to win today's "race," strategizing for the holes to jump through, barrels to climb, and slides to fall down. Bouncing from one pilar to the next in a whirlwind of dizzyness. <br />
But unlike the obstacle course, life never allows us to know what is up ahead. We face today's challenges and then wait for tomorrow's. <br />
There are many sermons on having "unshakeable faith." Knowing that whatever "obstacles" God brings to us we are always prepared knowing he is in control. I wish I had that peace, the peace a child has in knowing that the obstacle course does not waver each time they go through. Having faith that comes in trusting a mere inflatable full of air. When the one we should trust in has much more power than that inflatable. Having a faith that does not waver, can withstand all challenges or obstacles life deals us, and gives us peace to face each day. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1yHqQzBK6KPVjsN9eyPw_axSbM8614BhLodIyhE-9vRZfoFG3_RtJSJ2-VoFzofyTSMcp_ZFivtLcG-Yu-ZArU7xUFJ5qSQLhxpTnUoS956kVyCw672HBVfOQZZD6I6mX4ADXXJrlEJW/s1600/James.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1yHqQzBK6KPVjsN9eyPw_axSbM8614BhLodIyhE-9vRZfoFG3_RtJSJ2-VoFzofyTSMcp_ZFivtLcG-Yu-ZArU7xUFJ5qSQLhxpTnUoS956kVyCw672HBVfOQZZD6I6mX4ADXXJrlEJW/s320/James.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverence. Let perseverence finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. <br />
In James 1:12 Blessed be the man that perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. WOW what hope that brings!<br />
Our obstacle course isn't about "winning" a competition or a race. Our obstacle course gives us the promise of eternal life. But we must have that "unshakeable faith," an unwavering, concrete foundation that is in the Word that our Lord Jesus Christ laid before us through his scarred hands.<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-13908757915606160562011-08-03T03:01:00.000-04:002011-08-03T03:01:35.121-04:00Embarrassed, Humility, and ShameI have been MIA and neglecting my blog lately. I have been busy with Real Life Stories and getting the introduction letter out. Those finally were sent and now I have a meeting Aug. 11th so pray people show up who want to volunteer. Here is the letter I sent...without the letterhead obviously.<br />
<span lang="EN">July 22, 2011<br />
<br />
Dear Friends and Family,<br />
<br />
Losing a loved one is never easy. When the loss is sudden or tragic you are never prepared. And in the many difficult days ahead it is hard to know how to cope and where to turn. <br />
<br />
Real Life Stories (RLS) is founded on the purpose to provide community outreach for the survivors of loved ones lost too soon. The goal is to establish a community where God’s Word provides hope, strength, comfort, peace, and support. <br />
<br />
Real Life Stories will be focused in the South Atlanta area. There are very few resources available to those who are facing one of the hardest or the hardest struggle of their life. At a time when you feel hopeless you need someone who can walk beside you, lend an ear, and give you hope in the face of tragedy. The only answers we will find were written centuries ago and still hold true today. Providing each of us with the way to get through it, the courage to go on, and the place where you will find rest. <br />
<br />
Care Packages, testimonials, meetings, remembrance cards, and support are a few services RLS wishes to provide. Those left to grieve need to know there is a place where they “fit” in, a place where their story matters. <br />
<br />
Life is full of busyness but knowing that you have set aside the time to help someone who is hurting, showing them your passion and care will bring tremendous fulfillment and can bring you comfort in the things you are struggling with. <br />
<br />
If you feel like this may be something you are interested in helping with, volunteering a small part of your time, or become fully committed to I invite you to meet with us August 11, 2011 6:30pm at Dogwood Church </span><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: xx-small;">975 Hwy 74S Tyrone, GA 30290</span></span><span style="font-size: small;">. We need people like you to donate time, energy, and experience in a variety of areas. We plan to discuss ways to start our mission and see how many would like to be involved. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">We are also in need of those who are able and willing to provide some sponsorship to support this ministry with startup costs. Those who can help will receive a Real Life Stories T-Shirt as our thank you.<br />
<br />
The need for this is unfortunately far too big. It’s written on every front page newspaper and on our televisions every night. Together, we hope to make a difference in many lives and in many different ways. <br />
<br />
To contact Real Life Stories with any questions you may have or for help with a donation please contact us by phone, email, or by mail. <br />
<br />
Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you!<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaO6tdEKfIUM7qGZICrQVuTL7PY21rMEpBXVf24jbgSM7PF9m1OSbgxAGJ4DCAFOBlaPYoAe51PyzC-zMX7mGSKr38s6ZZUTfl7lK8KR3b4VFq4EpH_Y5lDkGapjRdFKtH_o21PtnCCke9/s1600/magnet3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaO6tdEKfIUM7qGZICrQVuTL7PY21rMEpBXVf24jbgSM7PF9m1OSbgxAGJ4DCAFOBlaPYoAe51PyzC-zMX7mGSKr38s6ZZUTfl7lK8KR3b4VFq4EpH_Y5lDkGapjRdFKtH_o21PtnCCke9/s200/magnet3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;">Real Life Stories<br />
<br />
Heather Grijalva<br />
<br />
678-588-7594</span><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"></span><a href="mailto:heather@rlsministries.org"><u><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN">heather@rlsministries.org</span></span></span></u><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"></span></span></a><br />
<br />
Thought you might like to check it out and give me any feedback/suggestions.<br />
We also went on family vacation last week to Panama City, FL. The girls had so much fun. I will post some pics later. <br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I have embarrassed myself pretty bad</span>. Its one of those "you can't take back" foot in the mouth things. <br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embarrassment">Wikipedia</a> defines it as "<strong>Embarrassment</strong> is an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emotion" title="Emotion"><span style="color: #0645ad;">emotional</span></a> state experienced upon having a socially or professionally unacceptable act or condition witnessed by or revealed to others. Usually some amount of loss of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honour" title="Honour"><span style="color: #0645ad;">honour</span></a> or dignity is involved, " Which pretty much sums up my embarrassing moment. A huge amount of dignity lost and the unacceptable act was witnessed or shall I say revealed by others.<br />
I've not only embarrassed myself but my husband as well, which hurts the most. It could potentially make others believe that I may or "am" some crazy person who has lost their mind. But in the moment I felt as if I were losing it. Humiliated is more of what the outcome of this has been. I found this prayer on <a href="http://forevernotebook.com/overcoming-humiliation-and-hurt.html">Forever Notebook</a><br />
<strong>Prayer</strong><br />
“Father in Heaven. Help me to rise above my feelings, lay aside my personal plans, and do things Your way. Forgive me for my disobedience and help me to apply Your instruction to every aspect of my life. Help me to love as You love. Help me to forgive as You forgive. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen”<br />
I just might need to pray this one for a while. <br />
Full of humility, embarrassment and shame I will hope for forgiveness and seek God's direction for my faults.<br />
My award for the day!<br />
<img class="rg_hi" data-height="152" data-width="213" height="152" id="rg_hi" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSzyJGcjLmD6tfM-G-36gyHq4seUutpTf6_BBzNjlbCpquIG7kLpQ" style="height: 152px; width: 213px;" width="213" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/F7C2E13EDE7B21AE94B792B9F2E87DEC.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-21627232548981365472011-06-30T09:59:00.000-04:002011-06-30T09:59:40.394-04:00Anything is Possible....Real Life Stories<img src="http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa365/undeservingrace/thankfuls.png" /> <a border="0" href="http://jhlm3.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h448/cburchette/highonlifebuttonforside.jpg" /></a><br />
This week has been an overwhelming and exciting whirlwind in an endeavor I have wanted to embark on for a long time. <br />
Starting two weeks ago I emailed our Pastor and inquired about an idea I had that I felt the Holy Spirit was laying very heavily on my heart. I have been searching and asking for guidance and direction in my life as I felt there was more He wanted for me. <br />
That is where "Real Life Stories" began. I will try to keep the story as short as possible but I am usually a person of many words (especially when I am writing.) My manager says she leaves my emails for last because they are always so detailed. <br />
I put my ideas in a powerpoint, waited a couple of weeks in apprehension, finally emailed the Pastor and he wanted to meet right away. This was delayed a week due to him being at a conference. Last Tuesday we met, he loved the idea and was completely on board. We decided to continue to pray for the "next step" God wanted for it. Saturday morning I received a "mystery" package with all these wonderful things that had "Real Life Stories" on it. The pic is below, I have a sweet sweet friend who thought of me long before I met with the Pastor to get me motivated to go for it. I took it as my "next step" and emailed the Pastor. I now have a meeting next week with a woman who runs a non-profit for our church and is highly involved in all the non-profits in the area. She seemed excited. I have finaly started sharing this with many people as I was hesitant at first due to my insecurities. I have received a lot of reassurance that this is a much needed ministry. I put some of the slides below to show a little of what it is. <br />
I'm trying to get a blog together for it so I don't have a link yet. <br />
It is for those Who Lost Loved Ones too Soon; Sudden and Traumatic losses. Turns out there was a much higher need for this in our area than I had first realized. So many young lives taken and I live in an area that is on the Top 10 Best places to Live. <br />
<br />
In short I pray God will continue providing me with the "next step" and this soon could turn into something more. My passion is intense for it and I hope that gives me enough drive to not give up. <br />
This week I am literally "High on Life" and soooooo "Thankful."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Q6REf7IXiTVHJPilHVPf0pVvUeWPNyj-Iage9FVC4_3hYnUvGEdF00GzOIpucluCU0_L3IHOsTCDBBHptKGzOzPfyI6NiI4V6Po0gewK5XXIvY7L6gdKXWVF9jlpFxBk0M53jX_F7OY2/s1600/Real+Life+Goodies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Q6REf7IXiTVHJPilHVPf0pVvUeWPNyj-Iage9FVC4_3hYnUvGEdF00GzOIpucluCU0_L3IHOsTCDBBHptKGzOzPfyI6NiI4V6Po0gewK5XXIvY7L6gdKXWVF9jlpFxBk0M53jX_F7OY2/s320/Real+Life+Goodies.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNa2nakBJsRw10nHRunOskI2pQsO0fAUdQIoSnv6LkzeZTcT_4CtJBgdM5xlv84NNZNoO8eSwJR_4_54fWhCFOXYvSRj_bjf15jsjI7dijRIYkiM-oZeTUUTGze6IhXtl6IE-ZnxkNa4mW/s1600/Slide1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNa2nakBJsRw10nHRunOskI2pQsO0fAUdQIoSnv6LkzeZTcT_4CtJBgdM5xlv84NNZNoO8eSwJR_4_54fWhCFOXYvSRj_bjf15jsjI7dijRIYkiM-oZeTUUTGze6IhXtl6IE-ZnxkNa4mW/s320/Slide1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPxu6chxOY-kjoAYHWDJKlBV9qr-_7XYstIbWfmSVpRRziXhrHiWgY2JA1LhCpkYHInoN5oIdyTxVyFQbcSVrbTT3o4TwEjY6S36sdz36Omyj32yLIFmRZ8O35e_OjyqQEoXdvv5taqmy/s1600/Slide2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPxu6chxOY-kjoAYHWDJKlBV9qr-_7XYstIbWfmSVpRRziXhrHiWgY2JA1LhCpkYHInoN5oIdyTxVyFQbcSVrbTT3o4TwEjY6S36sdz36Omyj32yLIFmRZ8O35e_OjyqQEoXdvv5taqmy/s320/Slide2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxA0XAfRiHpZtR-hQUh80iL_Ljfx7047zY4RKnjdOBAloSTmX5q_mrZqv8uZWu_g-4XKSk7JimUY-DyX-HyT34Q1H9DRaHBklKvOOxiC2XcUBT8dRFm-TkMS_oGKU7D-sZpNq-JvhHfbT3/s1600/Slide3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxA0XAfRiHpZtR-hQUh80iL_Ljfx7047zY4RKnjdOBAloSTmX5q_mrZqv8uZWu_g-4XKSk7JimUY-DyX-HyT34Q1H9DRaHBklKvOOxiC2XcUBT8dRFm-TkMS_oGKU7D-sZpNq-JvhHfbT3/s320/Slide3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJRnVIIAnguuFhQbqIkNCXhi9nCkdp2CSieAZdq6Ngr5UnWc85S5Mf_4gXmN009pM-OMX-Gq57x3psjOs5KABz8Kz0fsWOOVOHCTwi7v0Ud5bEQqeC8sxHb63X5A1wxDCLeIpSLWKIcYd/s1600/Slide4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJRnVIIAnguuFhQbqIkNCXhi9nCkdp2CSieAZdq6Ngr5UnWc85S5Mf_4gXmN009pM-OMX-Gq57x3psjOs5KABz8Kz0fsWOOVOHCTwi7v0Ud5bEQqeC8sxHb63X5A1wxDCLeIpSLWKIcYd/s320/Slide4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYG8jhDRtytSLCvzZAegAAp1iwOKFIJ2501WPVPLx6NLeSw393f3U1ZS2UiHIvNbyZHqv9hgV2maO65Xj51GKXrgzlFzV1amRLMJH-GzluAhlYBX7g6ub6zVY41Z1VFnBoUw6eOpQ-VLF/s1600/Slide5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYG8jhDRtytSLCvzZAegAAp1iwOKFIJ2501WPVPLx6NLeSw393f3U1ZS2UiHIvNbyZHqv9hgV2maO65Xj51GKXrgzlFzV1amRLMJH-GzluAhlYBX7g6ub6zVY41Z1VFnBoUw6eOpQ-VLF/s320/Slide5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCw9VKrh4RcbR0AvvyDkCmNIJRjcJ1rNP3uoVJ1yC55DC7M971XOI1CBrXvgcMDneBtMjJRYQ6bG-AZFxwpAdX_Oyzl-9z7Swzue6l8JOlpLpHWXa5l6xPwfxiLkY3AZdWNrTCwO2F7WEi/s1600/Slide6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCw9VKrh4RcbR0AvvyDkCmNIJRjcJ1rNP3uoVJ1yC55DC7M971XOI1CBrXvgcMDneBtMjJRYQ6bG-AZFxwpAdX_Oyzl-9z7Swzue6l8JOlpLpHWXa5l6xPwfxiLkY3AZdWNrTCwO2F7WEi/s320/Slide6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Habakkuk 2:3 "But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. It seems slow, be patient! For it will surely take place. It will not be late by a single day."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">PATIENCE, PATIENCE, PATIENCE I keep telling myself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With Love, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Weekend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-52696111485664742392011-06-29T12:55:00.000-04:002011-06-29T12:55:51.885-04:00<img alt="Women of Faith Daily Inspiration" src="http://womenoffaith.com/images/daily-inspiration.png" title="Women of Faith Daily Inspiration" /><br />
<br />
I found this quote on the <a href="http://www.womenoffaith.com/blog/2011/06/the-battle/">Women of Faith</a> blog yesterday and just had to share. <br />
During the battle the Lord isn’t watching us, cheering us on; He’s the One fighting. That’s enough hope to face any tomorrow. ―Karen Kingsbury<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.deviantart.com/download/209970185/we_have_a_big_god_by_chibinuyasha-d3h0e15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" id="il_fi" src="http://www.deviantart.com/download/209970185/we_have_a_big_god_by_chibinuyasha-d3h0e15.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400" /></a></div><br />
With Love,<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/F7C2E13EDE7B21AE94B792B9F2E87DEC.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-47687488406026282002011-06-27T15:15:00.000-04:002011-06-27T15:15:38.614-04:00Letting GoLast night I heard a radio show host say he once heard, "life is a bunch of seasons filled with letting go." <br />
"Letting go" if googled has a lot of meanings. Letting go of a broken relationship, letting go of a loved one, letting go of a job, letting go of your financial situation, letting go of love, and more and more things to let go. <br />
I thought about the different situations that "letting go" may involve; like letting go of the cord to bunjee jump, letting go to deep sea dive, letting go into a cage to swim with the sharks. <br />
<a href="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRkQi7X2kmwYMf4CMuC6GYN8xdBCBKbrnWDx_RhSzvfIyRiFMfZww&t=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" id="il_fi" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRkQi7X2kmwYMf4CMuC6GYN8xdBCBKbrnWDx_RhSzvfIyRiFMfZww&t=1" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="225" /></a>I realized that all of these meanings or situations involved giving up of self. Trusting someone or something that could put you in a state of uncontrollable feelings. Whether pain, anger, resentment, fear, sorrow, or suffering. <br />
But the true and most important part of life is giving up of self, selfish desires, and worldy ways in surrender to the Lord. Ultimate sacrifice and "letting go." Once we can fully trust in God and his plans the other "letting go" stuff will not seem so hard because you have the most powerful tool at your side. So start "letting go," not for the secular world but for the non-secular reward given by God. <br />
Release yourself and you will find that you are falling into his arms.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/F7C2E13EDE7B21AE94B792B9F2E87DEC.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-25143093241662525222011-06-21T15:57:00.000-04:002011-06-21T15:57:26.521-04:00<center><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" www.onlyparentchronicles.com?="">http://www.onlyparentchronicles.com</a>" target="_blank"><img alt="Only Parent Chronicles" src="<a href='http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad202/That_One_Mom/Only%20Parent%20Chronicles%20Blog%20Design/PostItNoteTuesday-OnlyParentChronicles-FINALcopy.png" />http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad202/That_One_Mom/Only%20Parent%20Chronicles%20Blog%20Design/PostItNoteTuesday-OnlyParentChronicles-FINALcopy.png"/>><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYI7MHSqLOGCBbCy5gO-mHkusJS9udxhFy2LGU5dsR2t0-yNxEX1fkSHwdrF4_7sGQniOWUUaehKTJP40HLEh8Hc82kUPh6aQGvkthvl0kxvCe4Td-31pvwioqPs8-vS3EIQ-pGZ4s-rYI/s1600/superstickies.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYI7MHSqLOGCBbCy5gO-mHkusJS9udxhFy2LGU5dsR2t0-yNxEX1fkSHwdrF4_7sGQniOWUUaehKTJP40HLEh8Hc82kUPh6aQGvkthvl0kxvCe4Td-31pvwioqPs8-vS3EIQ-pGZ4s-rYI/s1600/superstickies.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7_0HI483-2XhjoXVXg_LG5zQ-L9W6WMXjXYVro_baS7uIu9aiiNi5YN2hysLGwqXgSgiGGxbJhlFclNaggH-aeRUoWZVFxfHuQfv7AAOn_k9eqe6DerKIjxWd4pbFi2P5C6L0z5hrQCK/s1600/superstickies11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7_0HI483-2XhjoXVXg_LG5zQ-L9W6WMXjXYVro_baS7uIu9aiiNi5YN2hysLGwqXgSgiGGxbJhlFclNaggH-aeRUoWZVFxfHuQfv7AAOn_k9eqe6DerKIjxWd4pbFi2P5C6L0z5hrQCK/s1600/superstickies11.png" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwL5GfYqDvre-7sP4dgCqvMv3toh7BKwtZz_XwJKa2EV884a6MPRORLg7j9TgkccDKQWy9PR1opP6mrf5gjTZGhGPOADVza1epVJqdPye24JNDqvD_EybL5gB4Wi4Mca3-d2KkRg02MW5/s1600/superstickies12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNwL5GfYqDvre-7sP4dgCqvMv3toh7BKwtZz_XwJKa2EV884a6MPRORLg7j9TgkccDKQWy9PR1opP6mrf5gjTZGhGPOADVza1epVJqdPye24JNDqvD_EybL5gB4Wi4Mca3-d2KkRg02MW5/s1600/superstickies12.png" /></a></div><br />
<strong><span style="color: purple;"> I SHOULD SAY "POSSIBLY" LEADING ME!!!</span></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4frJDwDKjeLaYqsPDX0HKxIiiEcKueG5Z5mR1QzCeSvWaclqqUTOGCEvITeNfO82QGO_fI5c59vkNFVaRc8iIOUBNZap_Ca26LH4APUvlzsuJ3XYxsamhAAW9N-3hyphenhyphen_Z-Bgmam-itDhFu/s1600/superstickies14.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4frJDwDKjeLaYqsPDX0HKxIiiEcKueG5Z5mR1QzCeSvWaclqqUTOGCEvITeNfO82QGO_fI5c59vkNFVaRc8iIOUBNZap_Ca26LH4APUvlzsuJ3XYxsamhAAW9N-3hyphenhyphen_Z-Bgmam-itDhFu/s1600/superstickies14.png" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4frJDwDKjeLaYqsPDX0HKxIiiEcKueG5Z5mR1QzCeSvWaclqqUTOGCEvITeNfO82QGO_fI5c59vkNFVaRc8iIOUBNZap_Ca26LH4APUvlzsuJ3XYxsamhAAW9N-3hyphenhyphen_Z-Bgmam-itDhFu/s1600/superstickies14.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><div style="text-align: left;" unselectable="on"> </div></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqR48KsqVt8CbPaMzhHrqy-Vb7Rp8_IGupGaQMx8zfO3wNrYlxImc9Ho7tynaUEm2MHYRtOtCE2G1RVHKRLYuZw5ARxCCO_YpMIlBzF3J3nlm9QW-3mXhfwZ8q7gIvxY1JBS4p_XwZCff4/s1600/superstickies13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqR48KsqVt8CbPaMzhHrqy-Vb7Rp8_IGupGaQMx8zfO3wNrYlxImc9Ho7tynaUEm2MHYRtOtCE2G1RVHKRLYuZw5ARxCCO_YpMIlBzF3J3nlm9QW-3mXhfwZ8q7gIvxY1JBS4p_XwZCff4/s1600/superstickies13.png" /><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjpaJYCGHW9zbxCsxKyZhK-O9GE8P9nCDWEh3OkBe0FUyRnQ5AJL5WP2ofMMwCSSVcXRsqdwh2HfW50caCT5PSFM40OQZgGvTEdqzPsW9vQNzYUBMOKEeT-K4tRnrtVUzTGKeZDHAE_pH/s1600/superstickies16.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRjpaJYCGHW9zbxCsxKyZhK-O9GE8P9nCDWEh3OkBe0FUyRnQ5AJL5WP2ofMMwCSSVcXRsqdwh2HfW50caCT5PSFM40OQZgGvTEdqzPsW9vQNzYUBMOKEeT-K4tRnrtVUzTGKeZDHAE_pH/s1600/superstickies16.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0b_fQPlqjbj6J1_WiTVCLfjvdB48q9AalKMYE9Y8clyzARd-kFoWbRPcVAAQXIktkIub1QX3h2ZsciS5iy-6ZOgi68iMnB8TlIoOXaumWSkH46e6mz9doaQRmRnIwO-pkKjKB29DyAnNB/s1600/superstickies15.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0b_fQPlqjbj6J1_WiTVCLfjvdB48q9AalKMYE9Y8clyzARd-kFoWbRPcVAAQXIktkIub1QX3h2ZsciS5iy-6ZOgi68iMnB8TlIoOXaumWSkH46e6mz9doaQRmRnIwO-pkKjKB29DyAnNB/s1600/superstickies15.png" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/F7C2E13EDE7B21AE94B792B9F2E87DEC.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a><br />
<br />
</center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-47498165455664545802011-06-20T10:36:00.002-04:002011-06-20T11:07:39.164-04:00Even if it is a Monday...<center><center><a href="http://forblogs.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2785/5805604904_833016da2a_m.jpg" /></a></center> </center><br />
Head over to <a href="http://forblogs.blogspot.com/2011/06/monday-moos_20.html">For the Love of Blogs</a> and link up!<br />
Welcome back friends. This weeks edition of <a href="http://forblogs.blogspot.com/search/label/Monday%20Moo%27s"><span style="color: #057188;">Monday Moo's</span></a> is going to be a couple questions about Summer Time! <br />
<div>Do you take more breaks from blogging because I notice a huge difference in these months as far as commenting goes, posts, stats, etc. What keeps you busy throughout the summer besides the obvious {warm weather}?</div>To answer:<br />
<ul><li>I don't "intentionally" take breaks from blogging but I need a sufficient amount of time to do it because I am such a freak that I revise, edit, and checking everything over and over before I actually post it. (I think that may be OCD)!</li>
<li>I've been a slacker!-no, actually pretty busy with both girls at home, not that we really go ANYWHERE because I am too tired during the day to even endure the thought of getting them ready to go somewhere. I have been working on something very dear to my heart. I don't want to say much more right now but I am meeting with my Pastor tomorrow morning so all I can ask is for your prayers that it is God's will for my life because I am extremelly passionate about!</li>
</ul><strong>Which is why my verse for the day is....</strong><br />
<strong>2 Corinthians 1:4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.</strong> <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since I haven't done any blog hops recently I am going to join in this morning!</span></strong> <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://ftmommyferg.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="The Not-So-Secret Confessions of a First Time Mom" border="0" src="http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m335/kayedani/newmondaybutton.jpg" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.kdbuggieboutique.com/"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1044.photobucket.com/albums/b441/kshisley/th_minglemondaybutton-1.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
<div align="center"><a href="http://www.measuringflower.com/search/label/MondayMingle" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="125px" src="http://i1202.photobucket.com/albums/bb374/MeasuringFlower/bloghopbtn.png" width="125px" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.time4mommy.ning.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k153/oldcityreds/brownbutton150x150.jpg" /></a>.jpg" /> <br />
Every Monday I'll add three questions, the first one will always be the same.<br />
1. What did you do this week to take time for yourself? Nothing last week as I was under the weather however, this week my girls are going to stay at Grandma's!!! So I'm hoping for some time to myself this week.<br />
2. What is your favorite outdoors activity? I have horrible allergies so not a big FAN of the outdoors unless I am in a swimming pool<br />
3. What is your favorite breakfast? Publix bakery Cinnamon Rolls Hands Down!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/F7C2E13EDE7B21AE94B792B9F2E87DEC.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-48230599184999976712011-06-15T13:11:00.000-04:002011-06-15T13:11:45.838-04:00It's Summertime!!<div align="center">It has been 3 weeks since school got out for the Summer!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">Oh how I wish Summer break meant the same as it did 12 years ago. Carefree, warm nights, hanging out with friends, being able to leave the house in a minutes time, laying out soaking up the rays, lake boats rides where you could actually fall asleep with the breeze blowing against your face, I could go on and on. </div><div align="center">I miss those days. Now its been replaced with constant whines, fighting, trying to make toys do things they really can't do.</div><div align="center">My head is pounding by 9 o'clock. I want to treasure this time in their lives so much but I feel like I'm battling a brick wall. </div><div align="center">Now I look forward to the radio stations "90s" music weekends. </div><div align="center">Thank you for the weekend rendezvous!!!</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="200px" id="il_fi" src="http://www.naughtybettyinc.com/images/products/coasters/coasters_mommy_lrg.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200px" /> Here's to Wishful Thinking!!!</div><br />
<br />
With Love,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/F7C2E13EDE7B21AE94B792B9F2E87DEC.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-33779431535428592212011-05-31T11:41:00.000-04:002011-05-31T11:41:21.664-04:00The What If'sWe can't help but sometimes drift into the "what if's" in life.<br />
What if the very thing you want to do seems impossible?<br />
What if the things you try to protect your children from become the things that consume them?<br />
What if everything you worked for was lost instantly?<br />
What if you had decided to choose a different career path in college?<br />
What if you had just a little more money?<br />
What if you just found out I have a terminal disease?<br />
What if a friend betrays you?<br />
What if your friend is going through a difficult time and you want to be there but just can't?<br />
<br />
There are thousands of "what if's" we find drifting into our minds as if the life we have could have been something else? We often question "why did this happen to me?"<br />
<br />
I've been struggling with what I want for my life, asking God to give me direction as to what I should be doing, where can I make the biggest impact, etc. I spent last week sick with my stomach again. I need to have a procedure called ERCP as they believe I have a <a href="http://www.hopkins-gi.org/GDL_Disease.aspx?CurrentUDV=31&GDL_Disease_ID=7AB086B0-AB01-446E-B011-2E67CAFEF96D&GDL_DC_ID=320F4EDD-0021-4952-83D7-8B0C67B47BFF">Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction</a>. ERCP is a high risk procedure that can cause chronic pancreatitis, especially among younger women. But the time has come to bite the bullet and get this cured because it is very dabilitating and put me out of work for a week and in the hospital. It happens mostly when I get stressed and tired. And with the 4 hours of sleep a night it's no wonder it came on so quickly. While out of work, my work did something that was quite unfair to me (punishment I imagine) which set me off into a tissy of frustration for what I am doing with my life.<br />
<br />
I have been wanting to do a small program that will hopefully lead into a non-profit organization in the south Atlanta area for those who have been affected by violent crime among those who were taken too soon. Violent crime has a pretty narrow definition but I want to include the victims of drunk driving and suicide. I've made the presentation I want to speak with our pastor about (hopefully to get some start up help) but sit here and doubt myself and contemplate actually calling him or constantly thinking it is something I want to do but can't.<br />
We also had a small house fire on the outside corner of my house. Thankfully a neighbor was coming down the street and actually stopped to help. He thought it was a grill because all of our wood chips were flaming. But he was a savior and helped minimize the damage and put most of the fire out. As much as that was a "why me" moment, I had to see how lucky we were to have been blessed with his timing and reaching out.<br />
Ava got nipped by the dog (complete accident) and has a stitch on her cheek. Rob had to take her to the doctor and thankfully he did because I would NOT have been able to handle it.<br />
Summer has "OFFICIALLY" began and by 9am I thought I was not going to make it. Another reason my job is just not suitable for me anymore. But what do you do when you need the money to provide for your family yet are in an environment that is unhealthy and wearing me out. I know only God can answer that so I've been praying God, can you pass a little sign my way, actually a BIG sign because like I said, I am a self doubter. I see the glass half empty which I wish could be different but it's one of those things that "is what it is."<br />
<br />
I didn't really want this post to be a downer but it appears it has gone south. I wish I had some exciting wonderful things to share but unfortunately reality are the events of last week.<br />
<img src="http://x2d.xanga.com/012f852548132275094173/z218869137.jpg" /><br />
With Love,<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_2034647893"></span><span id="goog_2034647894"></span><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/F7C2E13EDE7B21AE94B792B9F2E87DEC.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-90049922546211049372011-05-31T11:39:00.000-04:002011-05-31T11:39:38.367-04:00Field Day & the end of pre-kMy little baby AVA is officially a 2011-2012 Kindergartener!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilW4VWgwoi43pkdeBRbEJkISJnGEhDJFMMFtioKSHM4-FGG0IyL7l2xPCcMPCecTB55rM4Rm0rId2tJ5vIfbR9NQdLC80TPY0DbAvClu8R1NP2pv7cK2dcjt3XcWYTvj_4DwItVZpGd3sg/s1600/FIELD+DAY+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilW4VWgwoi43pkdeBRbEJkISJnGEhDJFMMFtioKSHM4-FGG0IyL7l2xPCcMPCecTB55rM4Rm0rId2tJ5vIfbR9NQdLC80TPY0DbAvClu8R1NP2pv7cK2dcjt3XcWYTvj_4DwItVZpGd3sg/s320/FIELD+DAY+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyi9aErPCnAdtPKg4PBiCdRM_r9M6DS398GRv1DS13GRUatJJHPrFd_EllIR6sDnoaO3PhqwEKl4i__6YGzuxWqP-QR0szAyrk1No7yhbXwLH_czz_X2bblXRnTtvSCrqQJ9c5xb1xJWLU/s1600/last+day+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyi9aErPCnAdtPKg4PBiCdRM_r9M6DS398GRv1DS13GRUatJJHPrFd_EllIR6sDnoaO3PhqwEKl4i__6YGzuxWqP-QR0szAyrk1No7yhbXwLH_czz_X2bblXRnTtvSCrqQJ9c5xb1xJWLU/s320/last+day+2011.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/F7C2E13EDE7B21AE94B792B9F2E87DEC.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-12784295701827154872011-05-31T11:27:00.000-04:002011-05-31T11:27:18.023-04:00Hubby's Prom Photshoot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVLE81bQxrGuiJ9BLbA3hy2Vxsl4pEpQueOH5i7YYceXT1qdATDrRI4yd4EaB7z_HJ-7TRnddworX3Zd2rBGSAyopd703mqpbHoj3qI_ZgO83qwFSPaTlw7V0e_zfcVBEFzg-aAb9LnZm/s1600/Denise+CD1hg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVLE81bQxrGuiJ9BLbA3hy2Vxsl4pEpQueOH5i7YYceXT1qdATDrRI4yd4EaB7z_HJ-7TRnddworX3Zd2rBGSAyopd703mqpbHoj3qI_ZgO83qwFSPaTlw7V0e_zfcVBEFzg-aAb9LnZm/s320/Denise+CD1hg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Hubs did a photoshoot for a friend's daughter and her friend. I think they turned out wonderful but they are such gorgeous girls!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq83aGX5s927k5aMiYnZ6UK2LWClhkZOdDZUfiQAJlwrLi_LXdGMIgPVo81Mw6c9Om_Pq5a2Sjf-HIiTDTnmiqy2n-26l6dMv1ZoBdsdoRR0iVNNAcy70T29vFtU1A-yUu6JEUcd0dzgAo/s1600/Denise+CD3hg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq83aGX5s927k5aMiYnZ6UK2LWClhkZOdDZUfiQAJlwrLi_LXdGMIgPVo81Mw6c9Om_Pq5a2Sjf-HIiTDTnmiqy2n-26l6dMv1ZoBdsdoRR0iVNNAcy70T29vFtU1A-yUu6JEUcd0dzgAo/s320/Denise+CD3hg.jpg" width="247" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0UXEPzw8tHZUwwUaVkFV7hOduFvBXDRsa9ttYesyAxCu5wDu-iQcsW0cdudBaVwVxSC6uEvq6PqJGK5mhi7sGdo4jJLTJT1lXf6RVUvUIQh0DxLkM4O7jzUxMxIVxzipS4DWsA34NLaR/s1600/Denise+CD2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0UXEPzw8tHZUwwUaVkFV7hOduFvBXDRsa9ttYesyAxCu5wDu-iQcsW0cdudBaVwVxSC6uEvq6PqJGK5mhi7sGdo4jJLTJT1lXf6RVUvUIQh0DxLkM4O7jzUxMxIVxzipS4DWsA34NLaR/s320/Denise+CD2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/F7C2E13EDE7B21AE94B792B9F2E87DEC.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-79741004991682070372011-05-17T12:16:00.001-04:002011-05-17T12:17:42.620-04:00Majorly WeakRob & I have been studying the Holy Spirit in our Marriage Mentoring book. I had been having a pretty bad couple of weeks. Zoe was taken out of daycare and I have been getting up with her at 7am when I only get about 4 hours of sleep a night, sometimes less. And some people may be able to run on 4 hours of sleep but NOT me, I require at least 9, seriously I could sleep for a full 24 hours. Even my child put on the Mother's Day card she made at school when asked to answers questions about me that "sleep" was my favorite thing to do. Oh an the best thing my mommy cooks for me, "Ramen Noodles." Mom of the Year award definetly not headed my direction! The point is that my lack of sleep has caused me to almost lose it. I forget stuff for my daughter's school, am always late for field trips, late for work, disorganized (which I absolutely HATE to be), feeling like I'm not pulling my weight with the household duties, stressed about finances (we had everything break at just about the same time i.e. we need a lawnmower (I live on 2 acres and have NO lawnmower,) our TV takes about 15 minutes to come on before you can see the picture or hear sound and when it does well let's just say Dora's water is green, our dryer stopped working, and we need new living room furniture pretty badly. I know these things are only monetary but it still gets overwhelming when you work all the time and don't have the extra money to do anything. I am an emotional wreck that I don't get to spend as much time as I want to with my girls (I try to catch up on some sleep on the weekends when my husband is home) which leads me to not seeing them in the small opportunity I can which is Saturday mornings. I work every weekend so family time just doesn't happen anymore :( I do spend most of the day with Zoe and she is the type of child you CANNOT leave unattended for more than a minute; it's hard to even go to the bathroom. I was putting my makeup on yesterday in my bathroom and Ava was in there with me when all of a sudden Ava came running in there screaming about a black sharpie. Oh yes, black sharpie everywhere (and this is the second occurrance). This morning she fed the dog a whole thing of the bakery cinnamon rolls. She is very destructive, much unlike Ava was. <br />
Last Friday I was almost at a breaking point, I cried all day, missed my brother, and just had myself a little pity party. That's when I opened up the marriage book and came upon the verse from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. I had heard of verse 9 but never read verse 10. Verse 10 was exactly what I needed to hear right at that time. <br />
9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 <span style="background-color: yellow;">That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. </span><br />
<br />
For when I am weak, THEN I am strong. The THEN part really made me think. It was like an enlightenment on what we see as weaknesses, let downs, dissapointments, unworthyness, and bitterness; he finds as <strong>strength. </strong><br />
That day I was not feeling strong at all. I felt worthless and that made me angry. Not to say reading this verse miraculously cured my feelings but it has given me a lot to think about and has helped me going into this week as I am facing a difficult challenge at work. Actually dealing with a difficult person and the difficulties with my schedule. I have been doing a lot of soul searching trying to find out where God wants me to be. I trust that I am exactly where he wants me to be for now and trust that he will put me where I need to be when I need it. I just wish that time would come sooner than later. Someone said to me the other day, "be careful what you wish for." Funny how you could actually think your prayers were used by God for bad. God's will is what it is and we will never be able to change it. <br />
I did get to go get my hair done which of course makes me feel better, it was long overdue. Here is a pic of the new style. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippKeeAW6H4E8gf0O9N2vFA7htW129AhgJbTmY8UwlXmdvWtog4XTO_5bYUR0vmog5O1-Y2oOPdukaKcTLZmWcHp3Xbw7CuVy2dlccR6hQuassBYkeoR3OYBj48Kjaxafxj7sv-mAulmt5/s1600/photonewhair.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEippKeeAW6H4E8gf0O9N2vFA7htW129AhgJbTmY8UwlXmdvWtog4XTO_5bYUR0vmog5O1-Y2oOPdukaKcTLZmWcHp3Xbw7CuVy2dlccR6hQuassBYkeoR3OYBj48Kjaxafxj7sv-mAulmt5/s320/photonewhair.JPG" width="235px" /></a></div>For now I will consider my weakness as an opportunity to be strong. <br />
With Love,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/F7C2E13EDE7B21AE94B792B9F2E87DEC.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-75817017486438885202011-05-09T11:38:00.001-04:002011-05-09T11:46:21.484-04:00Scripture for Mommies<strong>When you are concerned about your family’s future…</strong><br />
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the lord, plans for welfare [peace] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11<br />
<strong>When you need wisdom…</strong><br />
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5<br />
<strong>When you are worried…</strong><br />
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7<br />
<strong>When you need assurance…</strong><br />
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. John 5:24<br />
<strong>When you can’t make ends meet…</strong><br />
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19<br />
<strong>When you’ve had a rough day…</strong><br />
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10<br />
<strong>When you face difficult problems…</strong><br />
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16<br />
<strong>When you want your husband to follow the Lord…</strong><br />
Wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 1 Peter 3:1-2<br />
<strong>When there are family tensions…</strong><br />
Put on then… compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14<br />
<strong>When God doesn’t seem real to you…</strong><br />
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD. Jeremiah 29:13-14<br />
<strong>When you wonder if God loves you…</strong><br />
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8<br />
<strong>When you need forgiveness…</strong><br />
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9<br />
<strong>When no one seems to understand you…</strong><br />
O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. Psalms 139:1-2<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>When you feel like giving up…</strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/F7C2E13EDE7B21AE94B792B9F2E87DEC.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a><a href="http://rlv.zcache.com/the_joys_of_parenting_card-p137457397915317092q0yk_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400px" id="il_fi" src="http://rlv.zcache.com/the_joys_of_parenting_card-p137457397915317092q0yk_400.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="400px" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-64078706539357541102011-05-08T00:01:00.001-04:002011-05-08T00:01:02.536-04:00Happy Mother's Day<span style="color: #a64d79;">HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MOM!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsp4yH1pFiQh1nExGLGxAGkc5kwEZX7latySArHJ8S-RBee74R8wDMT8y6yx35p9OsgkLHxnQlVvZLIadoCZdMeoItEMv119wqmytmfGdPp_zqyQqppq4PNOiOiT5GfXDM10CUqBpzuOgS/s1600/happy-mothers-day1-218x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsp4yH1pFiQh1nExGLGxAGkc5kwEZX7latySArHJ8S-RBee74R8wDMT8y6yx35p9OsgkLHxnQlVvZLIadoCZdMeoItEMv119wqmytmfGdPp_zqyQqppq4PNOiOiT5GfXDM10CUqBpzuOgS/s1600/happy-mothers-day1-218x300.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">If I could give you diamonds<br />
for each tear you cried for me.<br />
if I could give you sapphires<br />
for each truth you’ve helped me see.<br />
If I could give you rubies<br />
for the heartache that you’ve known<br />
If I could give you pearls<br />
for the wisdom that you’ve shown. </span><em><span style="color: #a64d79;">Then you’ll have a treasure, mother,<br />
that would mount up to the skies<br />
That would almost match<br />
the sparkle in your kind and loving eyes. </span></em><em><span style="color: #a64d79;">But I have no pearls, no diamonds,<br />
As I’m sure you’re well aware<br />
So I’ll give you gifts more precious<br />
My devotion, love and care.</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><em><span style="color: #a64d79;">I LOVE YOU MOM AND HOPE YOU HAVE A HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, I KNOW IT IS HARD FOR YOU WITHOUT HIM HERE. BUT I KNOW HE'S UP THERE WATCHING AND SMILING FOR YOU TODAY.~I LOVE YOU VERY, VERY MUCH</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">Found this great little poem for all the Grandmother's too!!! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY MAMAW!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">While we honor all our mothers</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">with words of love and praise</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">While we tell about their goodness</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And their kind and loving ways</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We should also think of Grandma,</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">she's a mother too you see,</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">For she mothered my dear mother</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">as my mother mother's me!!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">~Author Unknown</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em><span style="color: #a64d79;">Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.</span></em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">REAL MOTHERS</div><div aptureproxy="58">Real Mothers don't eat quiche; </div>They don’t have time to make it.<br />
Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils<br />
Are probably in the sandbox.<br />
Real Mothers often have sticky floors,<br />
Filthy ovens and happy kids.<br />
Real Mothers know that dried play dough<br />
Doesn't come out of carpets.<br />
Real Mothers don't want to know what<br />
The vacuum just sucked up...<br />
Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?'<br />
And get their answer when a little<br />
Voice says, 'Because I love you best.'<br />
Real Mothers know that a child’s growth<br />
Is not measured by height or years or grade...<br />
It is marked by the progression of Mommy to<br />
Mom to Mother.....<br />
<strong>The Images of Mother </strong><br />
4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!<br />
8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!<br />
12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't know everything!<br />
14 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother? She wouldn't have a clue. <br />
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's so five minutes ago<br />
18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!<br />
25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it!<br />
35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.<br />
45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?<br />
65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>The beauty of a woman </strong>is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Because that is the doorway to her heart, </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The place where love resides. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">But true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows,</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">And the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Wishing you all a Happy Mother's Day!!!!</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">With Love,</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/F7C2E13EDE7B21AE94B792B9F2E87DEC.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-19845176028804890362011-05-07T19:52:00.003-04:002011-05-07T20:23:43.659-04:00Happy Mothers Day from your sonMom,<br />
For all the things I didn't say,<br />
About how I felt along the way--<br />
For the love you gave and the work you've done,<br />
Here's appreciation from your admiring son.<br />
You cared for me as a little tot,<br />
When all I did was cry a lot, <br />
And as I grew your work did too-- <br />
I ran and fell and got black and blue.<br />
I grew some more and it didn't stop; <br />
Now you had to become a cop,<br />
To worry about mistakes I'd make; <br />
You kept me in line for my own sake.<br />
I got older, and the story repeated; <br />
You were always there whenever I needed. <br />
You guided me and wished me the best, <br />
I became wiser and knew I was blessed.<br />
So, for all the times I didn't say, <br />
The love I felt for you each day, <br />
Mom, read this so you can always see<br />
Just how much you mean to me.<br />
Mom, Thanks for everything!<br />
By Karl Fuchs<br />
Love RichardUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-1333868687464948442011-04-28T13:24:00.000-04:002011-04-28T13:24:53.282-04:00Thankful Thursday<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.undeservingrace.com/" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Undeserving Grace" border="0" src="http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa365/undeservingrace/thankfuls.png" /></a>This week has come with a lot of scares so I am in need of prayer for my 2 year old Zoe. She has been sick off and since the beginning of April spikeing high fevers and becoming very lethargic and refusing to eat or drink. </div> <br />
Monday it started again and I just had a feeling something was not right. So Tuesday when she woke up again with the fever I took her to the doctor and I am very Thankful that I did. <br />
<br />
Her urine and blood work show some signs of possible kidney problems. We will hopefully receive more answers today from another test she had done yesterday. They could never get enough urine to culture so my poor baby had to be cathed. I am thankful that my husband took her as I don't know if I would have handled it. I needed to go to work so we o parted from the hospital and he took her back to the doctor for the cath. Her fever got up to 105.7 on Tuesday which is very scary for a mommy, as most of you know. We have spent much of the week at the doctor and hospital. I am Thankful she is feeling better. Please pray for good results and treatment to help her get well. <br />
<ul><li><strong><em>So first thing I am Thankful for is Mother's instinct</em></strong></li>
<li><strong><em>Zoe is finally started to feel better</em></strong></li>
</ul>Last night we have severe storms here in Georgia. At work we were evacuated into the Emergency Shelter a couple of times due to the tornado sirens. On my way home from work at 1:30A I could not get down the road toward my house, a HUGE tornado hit there and leveled houses, had trees in the street and power lines just hanging there. I talked to some people in the road and they said one couple who's house was leveled were inside the home but were safe. <br />
I had to turn around and adjust my route. But as I went a different direction I found the tornado path again and there were power lines all over the road, telephone poles broken in pieces in the road, and more trees down. The tornado went right over the Fire Dept. I was able to get home but it ended up taking me 1 1/2 hours. A tornado hit my friends lake house and it is gone and their boat turned upside down in the water. <br />
<ul><li><strong><em>I am extremely Thankful my family was safe. And I pray for all those who lost their homes. There were 2 fatalities in the city next to ours. I could not believe the devastation that storm left. </em></strong></li>
<li><strong><em>I am Thankful for my mom letting Ava spend the night so she could take her to the movies today. The poor thing has been on Spring Break and has spent it at doctors. We had so much planned this week for her and I. We weren't able to do any of it. She is going to see "Hop!"</em></strong></li>
</ul>I also added some Easter pictures below because the Resurrection has been the GREATEST thing I am Thankful for this week.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxPP8NGKkBvmM-J1g4QHpSy4Rgi1kCo6qM7W4OvmfAQjzjGL9BrxJ2u89kpTalguY8-YsZbCna7YvHTqw5QneazT2OgkoeByKkwwEic6iUsQJgQ9D5hyphenhyphenomE8lSccPbRWXSHhOqx2YK5X7/s1600/zoe+easter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLxPP8NGKkBvmM-J1g4QHpSy4Rgi1kCo6qM7W4OvmfAQjzjGL9BrxJ2u89kpTalguY8-YsZbCna7YvHTqw5QneazT2OgkoeByKkwwEic6iUsQJgQ9D5hyphenhyphenomE8lSccPbRWXSHhOqx2YK5X7/s320/zoe+easter.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVZu26Cy3WvhqoQU9jQecx9_6lZunlbFrWvi7qahMvrA8iz3y9-md20vQ41r2gvmbVhXLnNvqbz9_fW_YqepUbXgfxbc6tHITt0AiPiXMm_oOHduyfPgjvcDXjFTK9FAvyacjMmrWL9G6/s1600/easter+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVZu26Cy3WvhqoQU9jQecx9_6lZunlbFrWvi7qahMvrA8iz3y9-md20vQ41r2gvmbVhXLnNvqbz9_fW_YqepUbXgfxbc6tHITt0AiPiXMm_oOHduyfPgjvcDXjFTK9FAvyacjMmrWL9G6/s320/easter+2011.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I hope you all had a wonderful Easter! Blessings to you all this coming week. <br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/F7C2E13EDE7B21AE94B792B9F2E87DEC.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a><img height="96px" src="http://i1194.photobucket.com/albums/aa365/undeservingrace/thankfuls.png" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 135px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 201px; visibility: hidden;" width="96px" /> <div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-69986872931746701642011-04-28T13:06:00.000-04:002011-04-28T13:06:03.310-04:00CVAC Memorial Service<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #351c75;">What broke in a man when he could bring himself to kill another? ~Alan Paton</span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">The moment a man claims a right to control the will of a fellow being by physical force, he is at heart a slaveholder. ~Henry C. Wright, The Liberator, 7 April 1837</span></em></strong></div><br />
The CVAC (Crime Victims Advocacy Council) annual memorial event on 4/10 had to be one of the most heart wrenching things to be a part of. So many people who have lost loved one's to violent crime; whether DUI, murder, or teen violence they all have suffered tremendous losses. Family members can line up and walk up to a microphone and say who they were here for. To look into the eyes of other's who are hurting, there just aren't any words. In the Atlanta area alone 176 murders took place in 2010. With 365 days in the year every other day in Atlanta someone lost a loved one to a selfish act of violence. <br />
We all lit candles in memory of those lost. I think I cried out a lot that I had been holding in for so long. <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The 2010 Murder Wall was revealed. I looked at all the names on the wall and none of them were personal to me except my brother's. But all of those people have a story, family who mourn their loss. They have now become a statistic, just like my brother. I think that hurt the most at that time. I had to leave the room, I couldn't stand the sight of my brother's name etched in granite for so many to see not knowing who he was, his smile, his generosity, and all of the things that made him, "HIM."</div> His Birthday was 4-14 and we went to the grave and sat for a while together with a few family and friends who would drop by. He is missed by many and has made a mark in a lot of lives; he will never be forgotten. I love you and miss you like crazy Brother.<br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #351c75;">A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble. ~Charles H. Spurgeon</span></em></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguiLwkhaeSFMlIkU4sdfTSWnWJipgzxUfBjCemG0WLkeOgNEyTZYPvdBO8x9dXiJbr-Vk_jHZy0gRiSg5YJIeAQdAQ6WqlxFkcrVfBg30jKVOfHs8R40UmjBTdv3CtYT0f8482-MQfeGz/s1600/Pictures.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgguiLwkhaeSFMlIkU4sdfTSWnWJipgzxUfBjCemG0WLkeOgNEyTZYPvdBO8x9dXiJbr-Vk_jHZy0gRiSg5YJIeAQdAQ6WqlxFkcrVfBg30jKVOfHs8R40UmjBTdv3CtYT0f8482-MQfeGz/s400/Pictures.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/F7C2E13EDE7B21AE94B792B9F2E87DEC.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5709993688426750214.post-74962861464543195752011-04-26T03:49:00.000-04:002011-04-26T03:49:59.973-04:00Humbling, Honesty, I got Awards~na na na na, & One Silly Girl *Post It Note Tuesday*<center><a href="http://www.onlyparentchronicles.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Only Parent Chronicles" src="http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad202/That_One_Mom/Only%20Parent%20Chronicles%20Blog%20Design/PostItNoteTuesday-OnlyParentChronicles-FINALcopy.png" /></a></center><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnz-kFwqGMDLhkDlY0azaAcDElMdJNWNthZd5Li95EmwyrODFWwjwzolt2fIiMkW62nsxDKTOIQ1CSnTe7T2zkfxB4YpH8290l3X-OA79qyhyIRRxhNwQPKPKMCNqtvpif3F8DZmpvmR74/s1600/14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnz-kFwqGMDLhkDlY0azaAcDElMdJNWNthZd5Li95EmwyrODFWwjwzolt2fIiMkW62nsxDKTOIQ1CSnTe7T2zkfxB4YpH8290l3X-OA79qyhyIRRxhNwQPKPKMCNqtvpif3F8DZmpvmR74/s1600/14.png" /></a><img border="0" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXk8Ol-drJFD_7X5BPZCb4CSiyVSnMufSNtCanBAOyljE5_wSPn8qLRMaRASfhYOaPFE31K6STGZkUsQpmeSsW4D5AoeEPByjNbWzT6UtFJe17Z2hg1M50qB_4ykRTmDXVNslkEsE8_fSo/s1600/superstickies13.png" /></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIX1JgRhKscmt_Mp2_mA3ElmcByW8_azgMjIlNAwX9mFhUKpEim6IsqOsB04_Dsbv7HrPYDunG5NWiK8LUUZVA4v59J17xKl5sc2wodkpgMDbScPK5oj8e_Lc1KfHalwdPYQ_fqU6n8xO/s1600/superstickies12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmIX1JgRhKscmt_Mp2_mA3ElmcByW8_azgMjIlNAwX9mFhUKpEim6IsqOsB04_Dsbv7HrPYDunG5NWiK8LUUZVA4v59J17xKl5sc2wodkpgMDbScPK5oj8e_Lc1KfHalwdPYQ_fqU6n8xO/s1600/superstickies12.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXUFalLFUf-Qdceo2Np83JmpdsZLgHh8yXcYU1PkE0zT6iHA3xfRz6RzOWgPIjrGqiDRaeqDJH5dwxoit9hlwngWUeSbvscTkjzyiQWqi6cHkIEOJLdubOydMhMwl9qBNrraBMuQ28yPS/s1600/superstickies11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNXUFalLFUf-Qdceo2Np83JmpdsZLgHh8yXcYU1PkE0zT6iHA3xfRz6RzOWgPIjrGqiDRaeqDJH5dwxoit9hlwngWUeSbvscTkjzyiQWqi6cHkIEOJLdubOydMhMwl9qBNrraBMuQ28yPS/s1600/superstickies11.png" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2l63drNE05lvpW3t9_5iCZLYFkQadnXAys3iKviiqIldS7Q4qqy5kAYI2IEl6cIKbui3rYWx0pdg-4WsXeDH6kofNPiy7JdrwIt-rxzL8xN2HCO_cWRbk9TWhP32pB0ZQE_KqtbKHf0G/s1600/superstickies16.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2l63drNE05lvpW3t9_5iCZLYFkQadnXAys3iKviiqIldS7Q4qqy5kAYI2IEl6cIKbui3rYWx0pdg-4WsXeDH6kofNPiy7JdrwIt-rxzL8xN2HCO_cWRbk9TWhP32pB0ZQE_KqtbKHf0G/s1600/superstickies16.png" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> MY LOVELY AWARDS FROM A SWEETHEART AT <a href="http://melody-mae.blogspot.com/">MELODY MAE</a>! THANK YOU FOR MAKING MY DAY~HUGS</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRG4-gRV39Q0JTrxW28g2CoxJimhswUcZGAUPNgezlFBs9QJfqikxK3gUp-nar-y_WiIAadLzqwN7KDY1o5VRM2mGS3D-BF9kG7NzB2mmssrp2ZyZFvENBUx4GS8arE6xr5rcTXjaK-0P/s1600/from+katie+at+chicken+noodle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimRG4-gRV39Q0JTrxW28g2CoxJimhswUcZGAUPNgezlFBs9QJfqikxK3gUp-nar-y_WiIAadLzqwN7KDY1o5VRM2mGS3D-BF9kG7NzB2mmssrp2ZyZFvENBUx4GS8arE6xr5rcTXjaK-0P/s200/from+katie+at+chicken+noodle.jpg" width="146px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSQSmlTWKXU2UD-R6QNfENdHJMqSMNSVxJirm9vdTwJMLVVVD7xLOYoeMS2H4p5YOYTaQiHlJ09jTuENK1i9-7zhae6embHI1dKKDl0waXhi0N698GS560fYwEWzQOfqLso_lC-_SwWwL/s1600/from+beth+and+katie+chicken+noodle.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSQSmlTWKXU2UD-R6QNfENdHJMqSMNSVxJirm9vdTwJMLVVVD7xLOYoeMS2H4p5YOYTaQiHlJ09jTuENK1i9-7zhae6embHI1dKKDl0waXhi0N698GS560fYwEWzQOfqLso_lC-_SwWwL/s200/from+beth+and+katie+chicken+noodle.png" width="200px" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rHgRzB0zQT9fU90vSSoMrkL9JtnwuaLxqHyAb8SC7_q4Pnfi-qERAjBpORenc1zexSYVESWzYCRjJZ4x45VDw3VRqn3EWUIT9QUMKv3Xy3CL8ORJ6S80Tz8_gPRSprliJTmu_atrKcVC/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rHgRzB0zQT9fU90vSSoMrkL9JtnwuaLxqHyAb8SC7_q4Pnfi-qERAjBpORenc1zexSYVESWzYCRjJZ4x45VDw3VRqn3EWUIT9QUMKv3Xy3CL8ORJ6S80Tz8_gPRSprliJTmu_atrKcVC/s1600/untitled.bmp" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">OK SO I AM SUPPOSED TO TELL YOU 5 THINGS YOU WOULDN'T KNOW ABOUT ME. PRETTY EASY SINCE I HAVEN'T EVER MET ANYONE OF MY BLOGGING FRIENDS, MY LIFE FRIENDS MAY ALREADY KNOW BUT THIS GOES OUT TO THE WORLD OF BLOGGERS!</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">1. Being Tan and a new Hairdo make my day;especially the one's where I am down in the dumps</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">2. I paint my girls toes and nails almost everyday (literally)</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">3. My brother has given me a HUGE payback in my 2 year old, Zoe. Just too much alike; I am very scared. Did I mention how SCARED, Very, which could really be very x 100,000,000</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">4. I have a terrible habit of picking at my hair; been like that since coming out of the womb.</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">5. I don't believe I have actually started the "grieving process" and that frightens me</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Now it's time to pass along these tremendously fantastic and utterly special awards...</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">1. <a href="http://pineapples-n-pickles.blogspot.com/">Pineapples n Pickles</a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">2. <a href="http://www.makemommygosomethingsomething.com/">All Work and No Play Makes Mommy go Something Something</a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">3. <a href="http://jhlm3.blogspot.com/">Some Kind of Wonderful</a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">4. <a href="http://loveiseverywhere.blogspot.com/">Love is Everywhere</a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">5. <a href="http://www.undeservingrace.com/">Undeserving Grace</a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">To all these beautiful ladies and their blogs I thank you for your inspiration.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">One last thing I want to add: SNIPETS FROM AVA(5 yrs of age) </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Ava: Mommy do you know that woman over there in the white shorts *at church on Saturday*?</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Mommy: I don't know Ava I can't see that far, mommy has bad eyes</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Ava: You should eat more carrots then mommy</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/35/F7C2E13EDE7B21AE94B792B9F2E87DEC.png" style="background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXk8Ol-drJFD_7X5BPZCb4CSiyVSnMufSNtCanBAOyljE5_wSPn8qLRMaRASfhYOaPFE31K6STGZkUsQpmeSsW4D5AoeEPByjNbWzT6UtFJe17Z2hg1M50qB_4ykRTmDXVNslkEsE8_fSo/s1600/superstickies13.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxoYkdZ9iMQJyRYAX6e23RLohm2gKwHHpaAhPl99qIM5Gg4HD1GUD95ZEOhyphenhyphenVN17sWBJgA0MfVdPZx_5CFFrhKTBE0mdrn8k8j51cTBCM5p1z05m1PtJJUFfWsEcKPVoqv2nzm3Qtes_Vk/s1600/superstickies14.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div align="left"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5