What's Your Position, Soldier?!

Wow....It's almost been a month since I've posted a blog. To say my life has been hectic is a gross understatement.

We had a very successful VBS where we had a grand total of 15 (FIFTEEN!) salvations! God is so good! It was totally worth all of the running around and stresses I had to deal with.

Hopefully soon I'll make a post of nothing but VBS pictures.

My greatgrandmother, Grandma Fern turned 105 on July 11th. Her health is greatly deteriorating and right now, we are just praying for God's mercy. Please add her to your prayers. She's one of my favorite people in the world, and it's been so difficult to see her in her present state. It truly breaks my heart.

Two of my cousins got married within one week! I love my new cousins-in law. Here they are....

Teila and Joel

Audrey and Andrew

We just got back from Amarillo on Sunday. It was so good to get to see my cousins and I had a blast. Here's a few pics of my family.

My sister Molly and her son, Charlie:

 My Grandma and Grandpa:

Andrew and Audrey danced down the aisle. I am trying to find a good video of the dance. As soon as I find it I'll attach it to this post.

There have been so many other things going on, though there is no need to go into a lot of detail.

Starting today I will be trying to be more faithful in posting to my blog. It's very therapeutic for me. Whether anyone reads or not doesn't make a huge difference (sorry, to my 3 followers! :P) it's just nice to get things out.

Just Pray

Sometimes you just have to cry yourself to sleep, this is one of those nights for me, please pray.

Mountain of God

Of all the times I've heard this song on the radio, it never reached me the way it did just now on my drive home. I've been dealing with a lot in my life. A lot of personal struggles and opportunities to lean on my Heavenly Father! It almost brought me to tears truly hearing what was being said, and I wanted to share this with whoever choses to read this!


Thought that I was all alone
Broken and afraid
But You were there with me
Yes, You were there with me


And I didn't even know
That I had lost my way
But You were there with me
Yes, You were there with me


'Til You opened up my eyes
I never knew
That I couldn't ever make it
Without You

Even though the journey's long
And I know the road is hard
Well, the One who's gone before me
He will help me carry on
After all that I've been through
Now I realize the truth
That I must go through the valley
To stand upon the mountain of God
As I travel on the road
That You have lead me down
You are here with me
Yes, You are here with me
I have need for nothing more
Oh, now that I have found
That You are here with me
Yes, You are here with me

I confess from time to time
I lose my way
But You are always there
To bring me back again
Sometimes I think of where it is I've come from
And the things I've left behind
But of all I've had, what I possessed
Nothing can quite compare
With what's in front of me
With what's in front of me

Clyde Makes New Friends!

One thing I love about Tim, is that he knows just how to make my day. A couple of weeks ago I went to a specialist I've been seeing for a year. The news that every patients dreads to hear was delivered to me. "There's nothing more that we can do" I was a wreck. I called Tim just bawling my eyes out, looking for some sort of comfort. At the same time I was having to drive to my second appointment for the day. Oiy!

At this appointment we discovered the reasons my arms and legs have been going numb is that I had 2 bulging discs. I was almost relieved to hear that, it meant that I'm not crazy. I haven't been imagining this stuff and there is a cause. They told me we can try to correct them with physical therapy. So we went ahead and did a session.

Those silly little "exercises" hurt. It's so embarrassing, there are no weights, no cardio, no sweating.....but ooouuuccchhh! I was beat.

After everything was all said and done for the day I headed over to Tim's house to hang out, maybe rent a movie. When I got there, he said 'Put your shoes back on.'    Huh? I was confused. He proceeded to tell me we were taking Clyde to the DOG PARK!! :O

I've been begging nagging asking Tim to let us go ever since he decided to keep Clyde. One thing you should know about Tim, he's stubborn. Very stubborn. Usually once he makes up his mind, there is no changing it. So when I heard those glorious words come out of his mouth, as painful as it was, I started jumping up and down. It immediately lifted my spirits!

We grabbed my camera and Clyde's leash and headed to the dog park. I wish I had taken more pics, but I was so busy having a blast I forgot. Here's what I did get:

Clyde drinking out of the CLEAN water bucket. There was a dog that kept peeing in the other one. G-ROSS! The water buckets were a popular spot. Some dogs liked to bury their heads in the water and blow bubbles. It was hilarious!

 Clyde made friends with "Q" He was a 12 week old German Shedder Shepard that likes to wrestle as much as him. The white dog is the "Pee-er." Not only did he pee in the water, but also on another dog- GASP! We watched him very closely!

 Clyde also liked to watch all the new dogs come in the park. He was very attentive to all of the happenings.

 He didn't pace himself very well though, so he had to sped a lot of his time catching his breath.

 Here's Tim and Clyde. I love the smile on Tim's face and how content Clyde looks here. <3

 This is Tim giving me the infamous, "Really, Marsha?!" face. I had only taken about 20 pictures. So I didn't really feel it was necessary.

All in all, Tim made my day completely better. I was able to forget about the bad report from the doctors and all of the other stuff that's been stressing me out for a few hours and just relax and have some fun. He's the best! 

More Good Times.

Today has been a great day! I was able to go shopping all by myself. I love getting to chance to go shopping alone. Does that make me wierd? Oh well, it was nice and relaxing. I bought a new dress and a new shirt. I also found some suh-weet boots. They are dark brown suede equestrian style boots and I got them for a steal. Love it when that happens!

After I got done with all that I called and chatted with Tim. We decided to go to Ton's for lunch. Do they have Ton's by where you live? If you don't have one near you, you just don't know what your missing! It's like Genghis Grill but sooooooo much better in my opinion. They also give you free ice cream after your meal. Free ice cream = awesome!

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I got a new Mary Kay order today! Still trying to find hostesses for parties. I'm so in love with all of the products. They are fabulous, there's just no other word to describe them. If you read my blog you know that I had chicken pox last week. Gross, I know. But get a load of this; my face barely looks like the rest of my body where I had "breakouts" of the pox. I wash my face with the TimeWise Miracle set in the mornings and at night. The rate at which my face's scars healed is insane! And I know it's becasue of the ingredients in our skin care line.

If it wasn't so gross I'd take pics for you to compare for yourself. But that's so gnarly I just can't bring myself to do it. Instead I'll show you what the Miracle Set looks like. Boy did you get lucky!! My face looks so good, lol, not trying to sound vain. I'm just saying considering I had chicken pox last week, by looking at my face alone you'd never guess.

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Got to chat with lmy grandma in San Antonio for a few minutes today. Man, I love her! I've been blessed with the best grandparents ever!!!! Jealous? :P

Doesn't she just look like a lot of fun to hang out with?!?!
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That's about all I know. I've gotta work on a big post. It's about my first surgery, and it's hard to get through it without becoming a blubbering baby. Mother's Day is a big deal for me because of what my mom has done for me on that special day devoted to moms. Stay tuned and get out your Kleenex!!!

Good Times.

Today was a good day, though I had a rough start. Good news is the chicken pox are gone!

Sing it with me, "Ding dong the pox are gone...dada da da""

Yesterday was rough stuff! I worked from 9 am - 1:30 am Friday and I was pooped! Tim finished the huge job he was working on too, so today was a nice day off for both of us. But getting out of bed this morning...OY! I thnk instead of having a crick in my neck I had a crick in everything else. Moving was rough! Once I got to moving and got a nice hot shower in things started getting better.

I got dressed and all gussied up and headed for casa de la Tim. He had some shopping to do and asked if I wanted to go. Um, hellooooo? Is that even a question that needs to be asked? Of COURSE I'll come shopping with you! There's nothing I love more than giving my unsolicited opinion!!!

After shopping and errands we had a suuuuuper late lunch at Mercado Juarez...nummy nummy nummy! We had the fajitas for two with chicken and beef. We ate til we were miserable and still had tons of left-overs. Score!

Tim is so kind, he bought me a new pair of sunglasses and endured taking me into Petsmart. I'm a big "ooooh and awwwww!"-er. Every other step in that store I found something cute to admire. The whole time he's looking at harnesses for Clyde and talking to me about all the different features he's hearing me act like a 10 year old girl. "Look at the puppy Tim! Did you see the puppy?! Wasn't it cute? .....Yes it was. I don't care what you say it was precious. Did you see that dog go down the slide?!?!"

I guess I should explain that they were holding a Diggie Day Camp today and one of the walls was solid glass where you could peek in. They had a fisher price little plastic play fort the puppies to climb in and there was a little black dog that loved the slide. It was so presh!!!

After Petsmart we headed to Tim's house again for a movie night.

It was a great day and a nice break from being stuck inside all the time and getting away from the stress. I'm so glad he's able to handle me. :p

On another note;  I miss my grandparents. I think I'll call my grandma tomorrow just to chit chat.

RanDUMB Moments

Although most people know that I am the queen of finding good deals, back when I first became a Christian, I had a very well paying job and LOVED splurging on myself. Price was usually an afterthought. Crazy, huh? I'm glad that my attitude about money has been transformed! Thank you, LORD!

I had a super cute pair of shoes made by a fancy designer. The name of which is not important. Possibly because I'm ashamed of the ridiculous price tag these shoes had. I also had an adorable pair of pink heels from Target. Under $30 -holla!!

This story is already getting randumb, huh? Well, that was a little information you needed before I could share with you the actual story.

One Sunday I woke up in a frenzy. I slept in. LATE. I don't do late. I HATE being late, especially for church! I jumped out of bed and sped through my morning routine. I slapped on my make up. Arranged my hair in some sort of quick up-do. Got dressed into the first outfit I saw in my closet. Hopped into my shoes. Swung my purse over my shoulder, snatched up my Bible and flew out the door.   { I'm sure I brushed my teeth somewhere in there. :/ }

By some miracle I managed to catch all green lights on the way to church. Whew! I pulled up to the church at 9:59 a.m. BAM! I'd be taking my seat juuust in time for the start of worship service. I opened my car door and swung my leg out to climb out of my car...Ohhhhhmigoodness!!! I'm wearing two different shoes!!!! How did this happen?! It's not like it was two black shoes that looked similar. No. This was a cute, expensive, sleek black pump that cost a small fortune and a cheap, hot pink peep-toe shoe! Whaaaa? The only similarity between them wehre that the heels were the same height.

I was so amused with myself. I thought it was hilarious! But then I got to thinking, I've only known these people for a month or two....what will they think? You know how us women get. Whatever. I just shrugged it off, pulled my shoulders back, held my head high and marched into that church like nothing was wrong.

I think was the first glimpse everyone got of the real me. It was funny, and I got ribbed about it for a few months, but it was all in good fun.


What got to me was this one question: How could I not feel the difference between a $27 pair of shoes from target and a high end pair of heels?!

Things that make ya go hmmmmm....

Tuesday Ten List

Wow! What a crazy week I've had. Super long story short, I have chicken pox! Eeek! For the 2ND TIME!!! D: So I've been on the mend for a week. This week's list will be 10 things you may not know about me.

Soooo hold on to your hat....here we go!

1. I craft. A lot. I'm planning on posting some of the stuff I am making soon.
2. I am super clumsy, I really do trip or fall over something at least once a day.
3. I haven't always had a snort when I laugh. It's actually a result from some surgery I had when I was 15.
4. Until I needed emergency surgery in 10th grade, I NEVER missed a day of school in my life.
5. I do not own anything yellow. Strange, huh?
6. I'm addicted to Diet Coke and can't stand Dr. Pepper
7. I own an insane amount of blankets. If you ever need a gift idea for me...you can never go wrong with blankets! {My birthday is in 28 days...hint hint*}
8. I have never been out of the country. But I do want to go to Israel super bad after hearing all about Tim's trip.
9. I love to read. Really. I'd rather stay at home and read than go out.
10. I'm VERY sensitive. My skin isn't very thick at all, I'm working on it though!

Here's a couple of pictures of how I found Clyde when I came over yesterday. There was a shirt left on top of his kennel that he decided would make a nice snack before trying it on himself. HA!

Please leave me a comment sharing some things people may not know about you! I'd love to learn more about you!

A Different Kind of Birthday

It's my birthday next month. I try hard and show great restraint by not rolling my eyes at women my age complaining about getting "older." Huh?!?!? I will be 27! That is not old at allllll! And like my grandfather taught me about getting older....it sure beats the alternative! So, I'm going to go against the grain for my birthday this year. Instead of complaining about getting older and having a pity party, I am going to celebrate! I am going to be sharing the joy of being 27 by performing 27 random acts of kindness. I'm so excited to do this and would love it if you have any ideas you'd like to share. I will be posting what I do as time goes by. The deadline is my birthday, May 31st.

I'm so excited to get this started!!

It's a dogs life!

I don't have children. Which is pretty evident by the amount of pictures I take of my puppy. But I love this little guy and probably treat him a little too much like a baby. But, shhhhh, don't tell anyone I said that...It'll be our little secret, ok?

This is Clyde with one of my mom's dogs. Her name is Toots and she must have been so stinkin tired to have shared the pillow with Clyde. He's a litte too rowdy for her sometimes so she tends to steer clear of him. But once he's all tuckered out he's all cuddles, how could she resist?!

 They started off on seperate ends....but every few minutes Clyde would scooch over a little bit until they looked like this:

Say it with me, "AWWWW!"

Tuesday's Ten List

I'm going to try to do something new to motivate me to keep up with my blog. So, from now on {fingers crossed} every Tuesday I'll post a "Ten List" on whatever topic comes to mind. This week it's...dun dada dunnnn;

Top 10 Things I'm Planning Right Now

1. Tonight is my first Mary Kay party! EEEeeeek! I'm so excited and nervous! Right now I'm making last minute adjustments.

2. Vacation Bible School, it is going to be here before I know it!! Right now trying to tackle as much as possible and recruiting people that want to serve!! You, maybe? ;)

3. My birthday is next month and I've got something awesome in mind, I'll post more about that tomorrow. Eh, who are we kidding....I'll be lucky if I even get it in this week. :P Just stay tuned, it's coming soon, I promise.

4. New curriculum for the kids at my church. We just started a new series on Wednesdays nights, but I'm looking into and praying about what to cover next. God is doing AMAZING things with

5. New study material for my Connect Group that I lead. Right now there are three different things we are looking at to do after what is planned next. I'm super excited!

6. My financial future- no explanation needed.

7. Organizing and making myself a little "office" area. I NEED my own little space to set up and organize all of my things. Between my cake business, Mary Kay and the children's ministry if I don't do this I won't be very effective at anyhting.

8. A new wardrobe...YEAAA! It's just about that time.

9. Summer Camp ideas for the kiddos at my church.

10. A trip to San Antonio! Weee!!!! I love going to see my grandparents!!!


So, what are you planning in your neck of the woods? Leave me a comment, I'd love to hear from you!

I Heart Deliveriesl!

Espcially when it's my Mary Kay Starter Kit that was delivered a day early! SWEET!!!

After speaking with my director on Saturday morning, she told to to expect my starter kit to be delivered on Tuesday. {bummer!} I have this thing where as soon as I order something online, I want it NOW! I know, I'm like a kid waiting for Santa Claus. So, in the middle of all my, "busy work" on Monday I went outside to get something out of my car and....:

 WAHOO!!!! It's here and it was early! Boomshaka-laka! I couldn't wait to rip it open and play with learn about all my new products.

 Look at all the cool stuff!!!

  Clyde however could care less, he's pouting on his bed next to his towel since I gave him a bath.

I've already scheduled my debut party and can't wait! Right now I'm waiting for the RSVPs. So far I have one. My Aunt Becky. I'm glad my she'll be there, I miss her so much and I know she'll love Mary Kay! I'm hoping to get a lot of people in. I'm so excited to be starting this! I'll keep yall posted. { all 3 subscribers :P }

Cake!

This week I got a rush order on a cake from an old friend of mine. I've known her since elementary and hadn't seen her since high school. God is so good to bring me in new business and an opportunity to see an old friend!

Here are some pics of the cake she ordered. It's a Lamborghini Gallardo for her husband's birthday party.

I also shot a little video to get the full 360 view. Please pardon the wonkiness of the video, I've had some back problems and this particular day I had a little bit of a limp going on. Also, the sound in the background is the oven vent....forgot to turn it off. :/

It's Official!

I am now a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant! After much prayer and consideration I made the decision to jump in. I'm very excited about where God is leading me and pray that he will bless my business beyond measure. I had my first conference call this morning at 8am and am working on a list of goals I want to will reach in my first year. My starter kit has been ordered and is on it's way. I should have all of my "goodies" by Tuesday. This is when I'll get to organize everything and start testing the product. {wahoo!}

Now, I will need as many faces as I can get ahold of to practice facials. If you are interested in helping me out, please let me know! My goal is to do 30 faces in 30 days so I can get a routine down and so I won't stammer when I speak.

There are so many great opportunities with this company. One thing I love is their list of priorities:
God first. Family second. Business third.

Not only do they say this, they actually live it out! If you want anymore information about possible becoming a fellow consultant, let me know!

How to drive in Down Town Fort Worth....Especially Near the Hospitals

Over the past 11 years I've been to each of the major hospitals there more times than I'd like to count. Throughout that time I've learned some things that driver's ed and momma just didn't cover.  So, I've put together a few simple rules/guidelines for you to follow so that you too can fit in with the locals. Here ya go:


•Keep to the right on a one-way street.

•Take the first parking space you see. There will not be another.

•Don’t get in the way of a car that needs extensive bodywork.

•Always look both ways when running a red light.

•Never signal a lane change. It only gives other drivers a chance to speed up and not let you in.

•Never make eye contact. It revokes your right of way.

Now, that being said, I MUST share with you the countryside manner of driving in Texas. {my favorite!}

•Tractors always have the right of way.

•If someone behind you wants to go faster than you, pull over into the shoulder and allow them to pass.
      Proper ettiquette also requires the car that passed to either give a wave to say thanks
      OR flash the emergency lights

•People in the country are friendly, everyone waves at each other. However don't wave like a monkey! A simple lift of the pointer finger will do just fine.

Beacuase I Said I Would....

I know I've been neglectful of this blog lately. I'm just so busy, and frankly on some days I'm just frazzled. I've tried to think of something to talk about that won't ential me writing a small novel.

I’ve got nothing.



Zip.

Zero.

Nada.

At night, I'm either doing laundry, cooking supper, and working on things for my Connect Group, Children's Church Curriculum and Vacation Bible School stuff. Sometimes I like to take a break to and just chill. That, and get crafty. I have been making a lot of greeting cards lately. Maybe I'll post about that soon.

But alas, right now I have no stunning posts on any of these subjects. All the deep stuff isn’t for public consumption right now.

I did tell myself at the beginning of the year that I was going to follow through with this whole blog thing. So even though there's no "meat" in this post, it's still going up...Because I said I would!

What’s happening at your place this week?

It's "Clyde Day" !!!!!

What?! YOU haven't heard of this day?! Today is the one year anniversary of when Clyde went to Tim's house "for just two days." I guess this requires a little back story for those of you that don't know the story. For those of you that know the story, scroll down for pictures! 

A year ago on March 17th I was driving home late from Tim's house. We had watched some Redbox movie, so I was going to stop on the way home to drop it off. There are two places RIGHT next to my house. Anyone that knows me can testify to the fact that I'm a creature of habit. Every time I go to a certain restaurant I order the same thing. I only drink Diet Coke when I order my soda. I never change the way I do things. I always drive home the same exact way. This drives Tim crazy :P

However, this night for some reason my mind kept thinking of all the different ways to get home. Instead of taking my usual exit, I drove an extra 1.5 miles to another exit. I felt like such a rebel. {Yes, I know I'm lame.} As I'm driving down this snaky road I have to decide to take a left or go straight...I actually struggled with this decision...Oy vey! I finally made a last minute decision as the light approached. The car turned right. I was all over the place this night. I was out of control!

I quickly changed my mind again and turned immediately into the Walgreen's parking lot. That is where I found this little guy:

Say it with me, "AWWWWWW!"

How could I leave this sweet little scared puppy? I couldn't!!! He came right up to me, looking very timid and hungry. He had no collar on and he was emaciated. You could see all his little ribs. I gently approached him and pet him a little bit. He was very sweet, but cautious. I ran inside the store to ask if anyone knew anything about the dog, and they said he'd been hanging around and they'd be calling the pound to come get him.

BAM! HOOK LINE AND SINKER....This little guy is coming home with ME!

I called him over to me, picked him up and put him in my car. The next day we were driving to San Antonio to come see my grandparents and great grandma. I couldn't leave him at my house. I have three of my own dogs, and we didn't even know if this little guy was sick or not.

In the morning I was able to take a better look at him and saw that he was a purebred brindle Boxer. His tail was clipped and he was fixed. I thought that surely he would have a microchip. Some one obviously spent A LOT of money on him. I ran to my vet, they checked him a few times. No dice.

My neighbor has a Boxer that is his shadow. Max goes everywhere my neighbor goes. So I went three doors down and knocked on his door, told him the whole story and he decided to come take a look. By this time, the puppy and I were buddies, so when we came to the gate on the side of the house we were greeted with the "hula." That's how he wags his tail since he only has a nubbin. My neighbor fell in love. However, he too, had three dogs at home and couldn't take another one. But man did he want this little guy.

Ok, time to make some other arrangements that don't include the pound. I called the local Boxer rescues. They were all full and wanted me to leave him at the pound and if they had a spot open they'd come get him. I DON'T THINK SO!!!

Alright, I'm getting desperate. Last resort. I shoot Tim a text asking him if he knows anyone that may want a Boxer puppy. He actually texted me back asking for details about the little guy. YES! I immediately called him and practically begged him to watch the puppy at least for two days til I came home and would figure out what to do with him. {While secretly praying Tim would fall in love and keep him} Tim agreed to puppy sit for the weekend!!!

After I dropped off the little guy I ran back to my house to load up the car and leave. Before driving 2 miles from my house Tim called and while we were talking he said the dog's name was Clyde. SUCCESS!!!!

One year and 30 lbs later, this is Mr. Clyde Wiggle-Nubbin ***** (You don't really need his last name, do ya?):



He's such a nutty dog. He always wants to play and is always keeping us laughing. I love this dog and can't imagine not having a Boxer as a future pet. Here are some other pictures of Clyde:

Being nosy:

 Being lazy:

 Missing his daddy:

 Scared of a big bug:

 Prancing around and playing:

 Happy face:

And that is the story of Mr. Clyde. The most wicked-awesome Boxer in the world!



You Don't HAVE to Like It, Just Eat It!

I NEVER wanted to finish what was on my plate as a child and would be forced to spend what felt like hours at the dinner table staring at my plate. Even if I liked what was on the table, I just didn't want to eat it all. The rule was, you had to, "clean your plate." I would sit there and just pray that it would *poof* disappear, but it never happened. Over and over again I would hear this: “You don’t have to like it, you just have to eat it.”

This is a basic principle I feel all children need to learn because they’re going to need it when they’re adults, and if they don’t learn it, they won’t really become adults.

Life is full of duties, and a duty is something we have to do whether we like it or not. Duty is something that one is expected or required to do by moral or legal obligation i.e., the respectful and obedient conduct due a parent, spouse, superior, elder, etc.

So, for example, a child is not required to like his beets, but he is required to eat it if that is what his parent told him to do. The parent is in a position of authority and sees what is good for the child regarding the nutrition of beets; the child, not appreciating this truth, complains, “I don’t like beets.” The parent in turn responds, “You don’t have to like it, you just have eat it.” When the child eats it he does his duty, obeying his parent. He also reaps the nutritional benefits. Perhaps, later, he will also come to like beets. For the record, I HATE do not enjoy beets.

A person who has learned to do their duty, and not simply to follow the impulses of their likes and dislikes, has not only learned to see beyond the moment, they have learned to trust God who has given authority to others over them. A person who cannot submit to others cannot submit to God. Like a child, their short-sighted desires dictate their behavior. Moreover, like spoiled and indulged children, these “grown-ups” are no fun to be around.

I am a Follower of Christ...

Here are five things that I've been thinking about that I believe we should work on if we are going to call ourselves Christ followers.


We Need To Learn To Listen Better
Talk Less. Keep your opinions silent. Everyone has an opinion, but it doesn't mean all opinions are meant to be spoken.

Don’t Label
Using terms to put people into boxes is generally offensive to people. We are all people, let’s stop making neat little categories for each other. It's stupid and pointless.

Don’t Be So Smart
No body loves a know it all. These people personally drive me nuts. Don’t pretend to have all the answers. If you are not sure, just say so. We have a saying around here “We don’t have all the answers, but we believe in a God who does."

Put Yourself In Other Peoples Shoes
People generally just want other people to understand what they have gone through. This allows for a better connection point.

Fight The Three Second Rule
Within 3 seconds people form their first impressions and don't give a fare chance to get to know the person who we are looking at.

The Next Right Thing

Panic. Stress. Mayhem. Confusion. Insecurity.

We've all been there. It's never our proudest moments in life, but they can turn into defining moments. I'm only 26 years old and I've already had my fair share of crisis'. There are many different kinds; a poor health diagnoses, a family emergency, getting pulled into sticky situations by your, "friends." The possibilities are endless.

The usual first reaction is shock, panic and a repeating question in your mind, "What am I going to do?!" Your mind scatters to a million different directions. When the happens to me, I always tend to try to jump from point A to point Z. Start to finish. Pronto. I want to get to the solution ASAP. Don't we all? The whole, 'let's just get it over with' mentality. This thought pattern leads to even more frustration because you can't just wiggle your nose and solve whatever is going on.

The way you react can show your character or lack thereof. Do you stay calm and collected, looking at all possible solutions before taking the next step? Or, do you get upset, allowing your mind and temper to take control? All of my life I've been the latter. I've never handled stressful situations well. My mother says I'm the queen of worrying and panic. But I've had a revelation lately. It's not about who can fix it first and get it over with the fastest...it's about how you respond.

Something I've learned to ask myself when these situations arise and my mind tries to race in 37 different directions is, "What is the right next thing to do?" You always have the choice to react a million different ways, but usually there is only one right way. I ask myself this question every step of the way. I pray about it each step. And it works!

I also try to keep in mind that at all times there is at least one person watching you. Noticing how you act and react. The language you use. It all affects your witness to them. And that's something I take very seriously, don't you?

Got Hope?

Hope is a funny feeling isn't it? The word has four letters, yet the feeling has such an immense power. A recent situation compelled me to write a little bit about hope. 2010 has been a tough year for a ton of people, me included. Think about all the struggles you've heard about over this past year.

Here are a couple categories that I'm sure you've heard a ton about this last year; health, finances, business, lack of faith, family issues, depression... the list goes on and on. Most of the time, hope is all we have, and if a person loses hope, what is left? Last month  was the begining of a new year. It's the one time it seems that everyone sets out to try to "start over fresh." If your hope tank is empty, then take the next few days to fill it. It doesn't have to be the new year.

The Bible tells us that:

“Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each day.” -Lamentations 3:23

EACH DAY!!! Praise God!  I am praying for you. I don't know you, but I am praying that 2011 is an awesome year for you! I pray that your plans succeed, and friendships improve. I am praying for supernatural healings for you and your family.. I am praying that you find the job of your dreams, or the man/woman of your dreams. I am praying that relationships/marriages are everything God made them to be. I'll leave you with this:

"As long as we have hope,

we have direction,

the energy to move,

and the map to move by.

We have a hundred alternatives,

a thousand paths and infinity of dreams.

Hopeful, we are halfway to where we want to go;

Hopeless, we are lost forever."

-Hong Kong Proverb

These are a Few of My Favorite Things...

Everyone has a mental list of certain things they just like. You know, just like the song! Here's a bit of my list:

the smell of soap
especially Dove or Caress! Mmmmm.


warm hugs
Does this need an explaination?! But only from people I know, I don't like random hugs from people I don't know, that's just creepy.

rainy days
I love the smell, the sound and the calmness I feel from it.  Perfect day to curl up in a blanket and read!

blankets
I ALWAYS have a blanket nearby, even in the 110* Texas summers.

buttons
I don't know if I can explain this, I just like them.

anything with pocket
 I just like 'em.

storage containers
my mom jokes that I'm like a squirrel. I love everything having a place to go and organizing.

getting a letter or card in the mail
It's so easy to email or text someone, but to take the time to write a note and mail it says you care!

old bookstores
There's nothing more charming that an independantly owned bookstore. They are so cozy and hold so many hidden treasures, not just what's popular at the moment.

naps
Ahhhhh! So relaxing and peaceful, what's not to love?!

new makeup
It's probably the artist in me, it's so fun to play with and come up with new ways of putting it on.

getting my hair done
What girl doesn't love this? Anything from a shampoo and style to a cut and dye job....sign me up!

my black sweatpants
Anyone that knows me knows that I own a ton of these and practically live in them.

Apple products
Nuff said!

the smell of a clean house
Freshly laundered drapes, Windex on the windows, Pledge on the furniture....ahhh! Nothing better.

Diet Coke
Growing up that's all that my mom drank, I was allowed to have one soda a week once I was 9, I always looked forward to whichever day it was that my mom would let me have one.

What are a few of your favorite things?

Gluten Free Eeeeek!

So over this past year I've had some mysterious medical issues. In attempt to try to solve certain issues, my GI doctor recommended me to go on a gluten-free diet. For those of you that don't know, gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Some people have certain conditions where their body can't process gluten and having even the slightest contact with it can make you violently ill. Gluten is in everything, from food to lotions to shampoos and conditioners, even instant tea.  It's what makes food taste GOOD!

Here is an example of a gluten free frozen dinner:

Looks terrible, right? This is actually one of the better looking g-free meals. Just so you know, those little chunks on the green spinach is cheese. Yep, that's right....cheese. Go ahead and look at the box again, I didn't believe it myself. Now, have a peek of what's on the inside:

Ah Ha ha! Oh the thoughts that went through my head when I pulled this out of the box. But, I'm a Christian lady and quickly corrected myself. Suddenly I wasn't so hungry-HA! But, I thought to myself, "It'll look better once it's cooked and ready to serve."

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right?

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I mean

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How bad could it be?!

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The answer is

.

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BAD

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VERY BAD:

Oy vey! All I can say is PRAISE THE LORD that I don't have to eat gluten free any longer!!!!

Just thought I'd share my little pointless blurb. Hope you're having a blessed week!

SNOW!

YeeeHaw!!

Now, THAT'S what I'm talkin' about! In my part of Texas, we almost never see snow. Although my blog title says, "SNOW!," the word ice is probably more truthful.

Here's the thing, if it falls out of the sky and leaves a white puddle, we call it snow around here. Even though 99%  of the time it's just ice. It's still fun as long as you don't have to drive through it. It seems like where I live, no one can handle any sort of precipitation while driving. Rain, sleet, snow....none of that. It causes a mass panic. Here's a pic of our "snow"

Surprise Gifts for the Girls

Here's the pics of the packages I put together for Tim's nieces along with pics of the card I made them. I've really been enjoying getting back in the swing of crafting!

Here's the front of their card:

 

And the inside:

 Here's a more detailed picture of the wrapped packages. I LOVE the way they look! I just wraped the boxes in hemp cording made for jewelry. I strung the hemp through one button hole until it was halfway in. Then I "cross-stitched" through all the holes then wrapped the cord around the box and knotted it in the back. I think it looks kinda charming.

Here's a close up view of those nail things I was telling you about. I originally had just a set of pink and a set of red, but, after some thinking I decided they needed something with a little more pizzazz. Since everything was already wrapped I just threw these in a Target sack and told Tim to give it to the girls after they open their boxes.

After Tim gave them to his nieces, his sister Facebooked me telling me how much the girls loved them...wahoo! Turns out that one absolutely loves owls and the other adores houndstooth. Boy did I get lucky!

Thank you, thank you, thank you pt. 2

Yesterday I got a letter in the mail at Tim's house from his nieces. It was a thank you note they wrote me for making their Christmas gifts from Tim. It was a pleasant surprise, and very sweet. On Sunday their family is going on a trip which will include a 12 (TWELVE!!) hour flight. WOW! That's a really, really long time to be stuck in one chair!

So, as something neat to do, I'm making each of them a little "anti-boredom" kit for Tim to take to them. It'll have these:

Have you heard of these?! They are AMAZING! You just peel off the decal thing, rub it on your nail and you're done. No dry time and no funky nail polish smell!

It'll also have a few manicure items. I'll wrap them each up and try to make it look cute. Hope they like them! If I can, I'll try to post some pics of what all I put in each package and then the final wrapped gifts.

Opposite Day!

So today is opposite day. I do these occasionally to prevent a funk from settling in. All day I do the opposite of my first instinct.


So today I did not stay in bed, I did wash my hair and I did not have cookie dough for breakfast.

I got up and went to my GI doctor, even though I don't like her very much.

I had a good attitude and smiled when I felt like crying.

I took a step back to look at the big picture rather than dwell on my "little crisis." 

Instead of letting my migraine drag me down, I claimed victory and am trying to funcion as best as possible.

And when I felt like complaining, I praised God out loud.

Today WILL be a great opposite day!

Goodbye, Dear Friend.

This past Tuesday afternoon, a man I've known my whole life went on to Glory. His name is Mike Salters and he will be dearly missed by so many people. Though he and his wife never had children, he still left quite a legacy.

Mike and Irene lived four doors down from me my whole life. I grew up in the all-American neighborhood. Everyone knows everyone else, every one waves at you when you drive by, and we always had block parties where everyone on the street would get together. We are all friends, and I love it.

Mike grew up in Michigan, and loved the cold weather.No matter what time of year it was, even in icy weather, he was always sitting in the garage watching his little tv and waving as you passed by. Growing up, I'd always go to see him and play with his dogs. It was nice, as a child, to have someone like Mike around. He'd tease all the neighborhood kids and cut up with us.

Last Wednesday he was rushed out of his home in an ambulance. A few days later he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that had spread to his bones. Two days later, God called him to come home. He'll certainly be missed. I'm just glad I had the honor of getting to have him in my life growing up.

Single White Female

Hi, my name is Marsha. I'm 26 years old, no children, never married and content!!! There isn't a week that goes by that people don't act surprised by my 'status.' Don't get me wrong the idea of marriage sounds fabulous, but is it the end of the world if it doesn't happen for me? Absolutely not! What's wrong with my age? I don't have to be married by a certain age and then start having children right after. I'd much rather wait on the man that God has in store for me. Besides, who says marriage is even in my future?

EVERY....and I mean every time I speak to my precious grandmother, she likes to remind me of my age and that I'm not getting any younger. Asking me, "Don't you want to get married?" It also gets suggested that they'd love more great-grandchildren...OY!

Of course I get lonely sometimes, but wouldn't it be much lonelier being married to the wrong person? Periods of loneliness can define us by the way we react to them. Do we whine and gripe to our friends about our life or do we draw even closer to God? Being single is a very special time in your life! It's when you get to spend your time the way you want to. Spending your money where you want to without needing to consult your spouse. It's when I get to watch whatever shows I want on tv. It's when you get to have all the blankets to yourself at night! It's when you get to have control of the remote!!!!

I see so often girls my age just freaking out that they haven't met, "the one," or that they aren't even dating anyone. I think we need to learn to be happy with whatever circumstances God has given us. Nothing escapes His attention. He's aware of every single emotion we have on a daily and even hourly basis. Every time I "freak out" about whatever circumstances may be getting to me at the moment, I can always picture God calmly reassuring me, "I've got this!" Because He does! I've given Him my entire life, I know it's in His hands...so why stress?! That would be doubting God!

I don't really know what the point of this blog is. Just something that's been on my mind and now I feel better by getting it out of my system.

Let's get crafty!

I've been aching to break out my glue gun and get crafty lately. Only problem I had was that I didn't really have anything practical to make. All until Sunday after church, when me and the rest of the "Kidz Live" team was piled up in our office. There really was no way of us separating each person's work from everyone else's. This could really create a lot of confusion disorganization! So, I decided I'd make my own little box. It will stay on our big desk and anything that anyone has for me can go into my new box. Genius!

I got my inspiration from all the recycled paper bins I've seen at Pier 1, like this:

Here are the supplies I started with:

I started by covering the inside edges and bottom of the box with magazine pages using my glue stick. I just chose what I thought would look cool.  When covering the inside edges, I let a little of the page wrap over the top and bottom of the box so that there wouldn't be an unfinished edge.

Next, I cut several strips of old magazine pages. I made the width of the strips equal to the height of the box. Now I took my paintbrush and started wrapping a strip around the handle to form a roll. It's important to make sure that when you start wrapping that it's pretty snug. When there's about an inch left to roll, you're almost ready to glue it in place. But first, you must straighten out the edges. Once they are straight, run your glue stick along your 1" flap and roll the paintbrush forward to glue the strip to itself.  Push on the edges to make sure it sticks, then slide off the roll and do it again.

Sometimes the roll gets wound up pretty tightly and it's hard to get the roll off, that's where the pliers come in handy! Use them to coax off the stubborn rolls.

Once you've made about 638 rolls, {maybe that's a slight exaggeration} it's time to fire up the old glue gun!!

....still finishing it all up, stay tuned for update!