Not a DIY Life

Flashback and Feel Good Friday - It's All About Hubby

2008-07-18T07:53:00.006-04:00

I missed posting my Thankful Thursday yesterday due to my right eye. The swelling has gone down and I was able to wear my contacts for a little while yesterday. I think it's just a cold in my eye. But I think I should stay off the computer as much as possible today. I'll try to catch up with y'alls blogs over the weekend.

Since I had planned to talk about Hubby for my TT post, today is all about the Hubby!

Flashback Friday at Blogmommas.com is "Your First Date." I want to remember my first "date" with my Hubby. And at Mommy ETC, the Feel Good Friday theme is Song Lyrics, so I'm going to combine the two! Watch how I do this!

Hubby and I met on a Christian singles website around New Years 2002. Our courtship was anything but normal. We e-mailed back and forth until Valentine's Day of that year. I sent him a cute e-card (nothing mushy or sentimental, just a fun e-card) that sparked his interest. He suggested that we talk on the phone sometime.

We both had very busy schedules - I was in full-time church ministry, and he was working full-time plus taking two classes at the local university. (Oh, and we lived 15 hours apart.) So we coordinated our schedules for a Wednesday evening phone call.

The appointed hour came, and my palms were sweaty! The phone rang, the caller ID gave a South Carolina area code! It was HIM! It wasn't an awkward phone call, or maybe it wasn't as awkward as it could have been. We talked for 2 1/2 hours!

One of the questions that he asked during that first phone call sticks in my mind. He asked, "What are you looking for in a man?" I already knew the answer to this, as I had had many conversations with God about my future husband. First of all, he must love God more than he loves me. I don't want to be first in his life. And he needs to be funny, intelligent, and hopefully musically talented. (I could hear Hubby checking the list mentally.)

We didn't talk again on the phone until Saturday evening, as I had a youth lock-in on Friday. Hubby knew this and left a message on my machine while I was at the church with crazy teenagers. I returned his called after I caught up on my sleep! That was not a long conversation, maybe only 1 1/2 hours.

But we talked again the next day. Sundays were always very exhausting for me. Two worship services, plus Sunday school, and just being around 300+ people wore me out. I had lunch, laid on the couch to chill, and the phone rang! Woohoo!

I remember where I was sitting. I had moved from the living room into my sitting room during the phone conversation. We talked about each other's profile on the singles website. This was one of the pics, and I had labeled it "On a Fall Day."

Well, Hubby said that when he saw that caption, it made him think of lyrics from a song by Seal.

With you on a clear day yeah

If tried I don't think I could end it better this way

All I have is a photograph

And if loneliness can hurt as much as being cold

Come over here woman and touch me you look so electric

'Cause all I ask is a second chance

Stroll on lady

Stroll on

Wild laces with diamonds in your hair

When you smile you make my world resolve and you take over

Wild laces with diamonds in your hair

When you smile you make my world resolve and you take over my pain

Oh love

So Hubby started singing those lyrics to me on the phone. My heart melted! I said, "Wow, good looking, smart, AND he can sing!" That was the moment that I first started falling in love with Hubby.

I still request that Hubby sing that song to me every once in a while. And my heart still goes pitter patter when I hear it.

The Eyes Have It, or Not

2008-07-17T08:27:00.002-04:00

I'm not posting my usual Thankful Thursday. Not that I'm not thankful. But my right eye is giving me fits. I woke up this morning with it almost swollen shut. It's better, but I need to stay off the computer today. So I won't be doing my bloggy rounds either. Say a little prayer for my eye - thanks!

Wordless Wednesday - Just Chillin'

2008-07-16T10:31:00.002-04:00

Click here or here for more Wordless Wednesdays.

Anyone Up For a Challenge?

2008-07-15T06:19:00.004-04:00

My new bloggy friend Jenny at Runningamuck was issued a challenge to herself and her readers - to step outside the box and take a risk! Risk what, you ask? Risk trying a new lipstick color!

Ya know how we get stuck in a rut with our hair, make-up, or even our clothes? It's so easy to do. Well, it's time to push ourselves a little past our comfort zone and try a new lipstick shade (or 7)!

You can read Jenny's full challenge post here. She even has a cute button that you can put on your blog!

My regular readers know that I do not promote my Mary Kay business here on the blog, mainly because I don't want to be pushy. So this is me not being pushy.

I am offering any of my readers (female, preferably) their choice of seven (7) samples of Mary Kay lipstick. One for each day of the week. (You don't have to choose seven, just "up to" seven.) Click here to look at the shades. Then leave me a message here with the shades that you would like to try. Please make sure I have your e-mail address so that I can contact you to get your snail mail address.

Once you get your samples in the mail, then try a new shade each day. And take a picture with your new color! And if you dare (gasp!), post your pictures on your blog! (if you have one) This is open to bloggers and non-bloggers. If you don't have a blog, you can e-mail your pictures to me and I'll post them for you.

Won't you join me in this fun challenge? And to make it even more enticing, I'll give away one FREE Mary Kay lipstick to someone who leaves a comment on this post with their color choices.

(Did I mention that the samples are FREE? All it will "cost" you is sharing your e-mail and snail mail addresses with me. And I promise to not sign you up for anything or send you spam, okay?)

The Not-So-Cold Shoulder

2008-07-15T01:40:00.000-04:00

I am the kind of person who buys appliances and expects them to work properly for twenty years or so. Is that wrong?

In 2005, we replaced our fridge with one given to us by friends who were moving and didn't need it. A relatively new appliance, although I cannot remember exactly how old it was. In August of 2005, that fridge decided to die. Two days after a hot water pipe burst in the bathroom and we woke up to 2 inches of water in every room except the kitchen. (I guess the carpet pad kept if from going that far.)

So, we were out of our house for several days for the carpet to be pulled, the HUGE dehumidifiers and blowers to be brought in. During all of that, the new-to-us fridge died. Can we say stress?

Through a good friend we got a BRAND NEW Kenmore refrigerator. I expect no more fridge problems until I'm well into my 50s.

Over the weekend, Hubby noticed that the milk wasn't quite as cold as usual. So we investigate. The freezer is still cold, although the ice cream isn't the solid BRICK that it was two days before.

Sunday morning after church, we call a 24 hour appliance repair service. Several hours later, there is still no return phone call to us, so we call a 2nd appliance repair service. We made an appointment for them to come to the house first thing Monday morning.

In the meantime, we got some ice, filled the cooler with our perishables, and prayed the freezer wouldn't go out too.

Monday morning finds me in the kitchen baking muffins to use up some of the milk, eggs, and apples. The freezer is still holding its own, but the fridge is feeling less like a fridge should.

The appointed hour for the repairman to arrive was between 9:00 and 10:00 (at least it wasn't 8am-noon!), and I received about three phone calls between 9:20 and 9:45 to confirm the time and clarify directions. We're not hard to find, but there is a newer subdivision nearby that has a similar name.

The repairmen (yes, two of them!) arrive around 9:50. The older of the two diagnoses the problem as a burnt out fan. Cost=$166, plus labor, for a grand total of $271. Well, that's better than having to buy a brand new fridge. Most likely the problem was caused by a power surge or lightening strike.

Within 30 minutes, the new fan was installed, we were $271 poorer, and I was minus a few muffins. But, my fridge was working! And the servicemen were wonderfully polite and courteous. Of course, they left a fridge magnet with their company name and phone number, and a reminder that the new part had a five year warranty.

As nice as the repairmen were, I hope I don't have to call them for a LONG time!

Hurry Scurry - More of Him Monday

2008-07-14T00:37:00.000-04:00

Welcome to More of Him Monday! This is a weekly carnival in which we can share encouragement with fellow Christian bloggers. Please read here for participation guidelines.

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Life has been speeding by these days. Days melt into weeks, weeks into months. The summer is half over. I had planned to do so many things with Ladybug, and with Hubby, but it seems like we're running out of summer!

I don't like it when time rushes by without taking the time to reflect and savor. I want to relish the days, stop and smell the roses, enjoy every moment with my family. But the world sweeps in and pushes us forward.

Must do. Must go. Hurry now. Don't stop. Don't wait. Hurry, hurry.

I know that God calls us to wait on Him. To meditate on His Word. Waiting and meditating not only take time, but they take unhurried time. I have not been good at taking unhurried time for anything lately, let alone waiting on the Lord.

As I was driving around town on Friday, I was talking with the Lord about this. I know that He wants my unhurried, undivided attention. And I have not given that to Him. He deserves my best! One hundred per cent!

From experience, I know that when I do give God the unhurried time that He deserves, the rest of my life slows down. I don't want Ladybug's toddler days to melt one into another. I want to enjoy them and enjoy her. I want to take time to care for the people around me. I want to show the love of Christ to the strangers that I meet. I don't want to be in so much of a hurry, stuck in my own world, to notice the hurting souls around me.

I also know that waiting on the Lord is refreshing to the soul. Refreshment, like ice cold lemonade on a hot summer day. Like dipping your toes into the kiddie pool. Like sitting down to family suppers. I like that kind of refreshment!

Lord, slow me down. Help me to find the unhurried, undistracted time to give to You and You alone. Order my days. Bring refreshment to my soul so I can cherish all that You have given me.

But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind. (Isaiah 40:31, The Message)

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Your Turn. Where have you seen More of Him in your life?

Flashback Friday - Sixth Grade

2008-07-11T15:33:00.004-04:00

Flashback Friday is a new weekly carnival hosted by BlogMommas.com.

I don't whether I have blocked out or repressed memories of my childhood, but coming up with a specific memory from 6th grade was hard!

I grew up in the sticks, so our elementary school was K-6, and the high school was 7-12. So as a sixth grader, I was a BMOC (Big Man On Campus). Yeah, I thought I was "the stuff."

Sixth grade was the year that I was allowed to get my ears pierced. My older sister had her's first pierced at age 12, so that was when I got mine done. I was pretty proud to show off my new bling. (Although we didn't call it bling back then. This was in the early 80s, after all!)

A few weeks after I showed of my new earrings, my home room teacher, Mrs. S., showed me that she got her ears pierced too, because I had inspired her, or something like that. At the time, I thought it was pretty lame that my teacher wanted to be like me. (What a great kid I was!)

When I was in college taking my education courses to become a teacher, I realized that Mrs. S. was just trying to engage me and help me know that I fit in. Sixth grade is an awkward time in a kid's life! Mrs. S. was really a great teacher.

Random Recipes Today

2008-07-11T08:05:00.003-04:00

Stop by Random Thoughts today for Random Recipes! Here's my Crockpot Chicken n Dumplings recipe!

Thankful Thursday

2008-07-10T06:15:00.005-04:00

I know I talk about my Ladybug a lot, not only for Thankful Thursday, but in general. But she is the joy of my life and I know how blessed I am to be her momma!

Ladybug is just over 13 months old. She has learned three new signs this week: JESUS (we were singing/signing "Jesus Loves Me"), KITTY, and SLEEP. I am trying to learn more signs as we go along so I can stay ahead of her - that's going to be hard! (Oh, and she just signed BALL for the first time while I'm typing this post!)

She has also started walking!!!! She started taking 2-3 unassisted steps the day before Father's Day. Then on July 4th, she started walking for real! She would walk across the room to Hubby, then turn and come back to me, all without falling!

Along with the newfound skill of walking, the toddler temperament has appeared. Ladybug is definitely expressing her wants and needs. I spend LOTS of time in prayer each day! This is testing me!

But of course, she also has such a sweet personality that shines through. She will hide behind something then duck her head out and wave. She is (learning to be) gentle with Ruthie, our Siamese, and will even lay her head down on the kitty to show affection.

Even though she hasn't started talking "for real," she babbles constantly. She will babble in complete sentences. It is so darn cute!! Like she's having a real conversation!

Our Ladybug amazes me day in and day out, and I'm so thankful that she is healthy, happy, active, growing and learning!

For more Thankful Thursday posts, please visit Iris at Sting My Heart.

And for more feel-good-keeping-it-positive posts, please visit Mrs. Fussypants.

Baby Signing - How To

2008-07-09T07:32:00.005-04:00

Yesterday, I wrote a post about why a parent should consider teaching their baby/toddler sign language. Today, I'd like to talk about the "how to's."

First of all, if you do not know any sign language at all, you need to learn a few signs! You are the teacher for your little one. Here is a great starter list. (There is also a great downloadable file linked on that same page.)

You want to focus on signs that mean something to your child, things that are important or special. MILK, MORE, EAT, MOMMY, DADDY, etc.

Next, start using the sign every time you say the word (I'll capitalize the signed word for clarification). "Baby, do you want some MILK?" "Do you want MORE bananas?"

You can begin signing with your baby/toddler as soon as you know the signs. We began signing with Ladybug at birth, realizing that she may not re-create a sign for 6-9 months. Every baby is different, and just like with every other milestone, your baby will catch on at different rate than other babies. Ladybug first signed MORE at 4.5 months - we were thrilled! She didn't re-create another sign for 2 more months, but we were consistent and kept signing with her.

Consistency is key in teaching your baby sign. If they do not sign back to you within a week, or even a month, don't get discouraged. And keep in mind that babies don't have the fine motor development that you do, so baby's signs may be approximations, or close similarities, to the real sign. Just keep showing baby the correct sign and give lots of praise and affirmation for their attempts.

Decide what your goals are with using sign language. Is it lay the foundation of teaching a second language? Do you want your baby to know a few basic signs so that can communicate their needs before verbal speech develops?

We want to teach Ladybug American Sign Language as a second language, so Hubby and I are continually learning new signs to teach her. You can use a variety of sources. We are primarily self-taught, using on-line resources and books. I also belong to a Yahoo! discussion group, and I continually get new ideas for signing with Ladybug.

Teaching your baby sign language is a rewarding endeavor. Ladybug is now 13 months old, and she is learning new signs all the time. It's fun to watch her learn, and I love being able to communicate with my daughter.

Here are a few pictures of Ladybug signing: the first one is ALL DONE and the second is her approximation of MORE.

Happy Signing!

Baby Signing - Why?

2008-07-08T06:19:00.005-04:00

I have mentioned in previous posts that Ladybug is learning sign language. While I am not an expert on the subject, I wanted to share the "Why" behind teaching baby sign language.

Even before I became a mom, I knew that I wanted to teach my babies sign language. I had the privilege of being around the children of friends who learned signs to communicate before they learned to speak. These children were precocious, expressive, and (to me) had less temper tantrums.

Babies show an understanding of spoken language long before they are able to speak themselves. Signing allows the child to communicate basic needs and wants before they learn spoken words. This lessens the frustration that babies/toddlers feel when their needs and wants are not being understood.

All babies learn to use gestures - waving, pointing, etc. Teaching a baby signs that are part of an already established language makes sense to me. We use American Sign Language. I started learning a few signs when I was in college for use with our worship team. Through the years, I have learned more ASL signs to use with worship songs. I have also picked up a few books along the way - two ASL dictionaries, and a baby signing book.

Here are few of the on-line resources that I have used:

http://www.signingbaby.com/main/
http://www.weehands.com/
http://www.mybabycantalk.com/index.aspx

I also love Signing Times, a video series for children that has aired on PBS and is also available on DVD. Ladybug and I watch some of the Signing Time video clips on YouTube. I'd like to share one of favorites.

Tomorrow, I will talk about the "How To's" of teaching your baby or toddler to sign.

Remembering - More of Him Monday

2008-07-07T03:46:00.000-04:00

Welcome to More of Him Monday! This is a weekly carnival in which we can share encouragement with fellow Christian bloggers. Please read here for participation guidelines.

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These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, 2 and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the Lord your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. (Deuteronomy 6:1-2)

On Saturday, July 5, 2008, my paternal grandfather went to be with the Lord. He was 97 years old. He was my last grandparent.

My memories of my grandfather are of a man who loved the Lord, taught Sunday school, sang in the church choir, and led an active life in his retirement. I know that he was not a perfect man, as I've heard "the stories." But I do know that, especially in his later years, he honored the Lord.

I know that all of us make mistakes (dare I say that we sin?). But I think the sum of a person's life should be remembered in how they served the Lord. Was it with selfish motivations, or with a heart that truly sought the Lord? What kind of legacy did the person leave for their family?

No, Grandpa wasn't perfect. Neither am I. But as the saying goes, he has "gone on to the Great Reward." I pray that his reward is great, that he now has peace in his spirit and body, and that he is in the presence of the One who died to make him whole.

I know that especially these last few years have been difficult for him. His overall health has been declining. My grandmother passed away in 2001. And their oldest son (my uncle) passed away in 2005. But he has two sons, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, one of whom preceded him in death (our Susie). A wonderful legacy.

Grandpa was tired, he was missing his wife, he wanted to go home. On Saturday, he looked at the nurse and said, "I'm tired. I think I'll go home now." And he passed away in his sleep.

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Your turn. Where have you seen More of Him in your life?

Fight the Frump - Energy Boosters

2008-07-04T06:57:00.005-04:00

Any other tired mommies out there? I found some more energy boosters this week!

Don't forget to visit Mrs. Fussypants for more great FTF posts.

14 QUICK ENERGY BOOSTERS - Written by Gretchen Rubin

It’s hard to feel happy when your energy level is low. The simplest tasks feel overwhelming, people seem demanding, and even activities that you’d ordinarily enjoy seem like too much trouble. On the other hand, when you have plenty of energy, life seems more fun — you’re also more likely to feel good about yourself. Not only that, being viewed as an “energizer” makes you far more likely to win a positive work evaluation.

When you’re feeling low-energy, plunking down in front of the TV or digging into a tub of ice cream can seem like an appealing fix. However, research shows (and you know it’s true) that these aren’t good routes to feeling better. Try some of the fast-fix choices below. If you can’t tackle a big task, do something small. Even a little step in the right direction will give you a lift.

1. Get enough sleep. If you never wake up before the alarm blasts, you need to go to bed earlier. People become accustomed to the feeling of being sleep deprived, but they don’t really adapt to it. Make getting enough sleep a top priority.

2. Go for a brisk walk. One study found that even a 10-minute walk was enough to supply a feeling of energy and decreased tension.

3. Listen to your favorite upbeat song. Hearing stimulating music gives an instant lift. Along the same lines…

4. Sing out loud. It’s hard to feel grouchy when you’re singing — and the goofier the song, the better.

5. Take a short nap, if you’re the napping type. Many people find them very energizing. My father has been known to take three naps in one day.

6. Act energetic. Research shows that when people move faster, their metabolism speeds up. Acting energetic will make you feel more energetic.

7. Along the same lines, spend time with energetic people. People catch the moods of other people, and energy (or lack of energy) is highly contagious.

8. Talk to friends. I’ve noticed that if I’m feeling low, and I run into a friend on the street, I walk away feeling much more energetic. Reach out if you need a boost.

9. Cross a nagging chore off your to-do list to get a big rush of energy. Unfinished tasks drag us down, so force yourself to tackle one thing that’s nagging you to get a huge rush of energy.

10. Make your bed. It doesn’t take much time or thought, and it provides a feeling of serenity and control when you come home at night.

11. Make something right. Apologize, confess, repair, replace, or return something you borrowed.
12. Go outside into the sunlight. Light deprivation is one reason why people feel tired. Research suggests that light stimulates brain chemicals that improve mood.

13. Clean up. I’m not sure why tidying makes such a huge difference, but when I feel like I can’t face the day, I just tidy up my desk, and I perk right up.

14. Drink some coffee! Coffee gets a bad rap, but the fact is, it really does boost alertness, energy, and ability to focus. (Plus, it’s a great source of antioxidants and it contains a high
level of soluble dietary fiber.)

Gretchen Rubin blogs about happiness, among other topics, for Real Simple’s Simply Stated.
http://simplystated.realsimple.com/life/gretchen.html

Thankful Thursday

2008-07-03T06:18:00.004-04:00

26 Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us....” 27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

What an amazing thought - to know that we (little us!) are made in the image of God! Have you paused recently to think about what that means?

I sit in amazement day after day at the daily achievements of our 13 month old Ladybug. She is amazing! (I know, all parents say that.) To watch her develop physically, emotionally, mentally is truly amazing.

Her imagination is just starting to develop, and I love observing her while she plays by herself. She has a Fisher Price Little People set and loves to move the people and animals around. She chatters to herself all the while.

I've taken time to show her what imaginative play looks like, and while I cannot say what is going on in the scene, she is truly amazing to watch! She pushes buttons to make the sounds. She moves the people from one place to another.

And to know that she, my wonderful, beautiful daughter, is made in the image of God is astounding! As much as she looks like her Momma and Daddy, she resembles her Heavenly Father more. What a blessing!

For more thankful hearts, please visit Iris at Sting My Heart. (I'm not sure if Mrs. Fussypants has internet where she is, so she may or may not be hosting her Happy Thursday carnival today. But I put the link in, just in case!)

WFMW - Microwave Cupcake

2008-07-02T13:50:00.003-04:00

I was scratchin' my head today for a post topic, then I saw that Shannon has a theme for today's WFMW carnival. Five ingredients or less. I can do that!

This recipe is from one of my favorite websites, Hungry Girl. HG takes regular recipes and switches out ingredients so that they not only healthier, but have less calories, less fat, less sugar, etc, etc.

I like this recipe because it's one serving, it's quick, and it can calm a sweet tooth easily.

Peaches 'n Cream Microwave Cupcake

PER SERVING (entire recipe): 120 calories, 2g fat, 190mg sodium, 25g carbs, 1g fiber, 10g sugars, 1g protein -- POINTS® value 2*

Ingredients:

2 1/2 tbsp. Pillsbury Moist Supreme Reduced Sugar Cake Mix, Classic Yellow

4 tsp. Gerber Peaches (or another brand of pureed peaches, found in the baby food aisle)

2 tbsp. Fat Free Reddi-wip

Directions: In a small microwave-safe dish (like a ramekin or custard dish), combine cake mix and peaches. Gently stir un til completely blended. (Don't worry if it seems like a small amount. Your cake will puff up -- we promise!) Microwave for 1 minute, and then let sit in the microwave to set for a full 5 minutes. Once cool enough to handle, run a knife along the sides of the dish to release the cake and pop it onto a plate (or you could just leave it in the dish to be consumed!). Then top your cupcake off with the Reddi-wip, and enjoy! MAKES 1 SERVING

Thirteen Months

2008-07-01T08:01:00.004-04:00

We celebrated Ladybug's 13 month "birthday" yesterday. No big celebration, but I wanted to record a few of things that she's doing right now.

~ She is doing the "drunken toddler" walk. She'll toddle about 5-6 steps in a drunken looking way before toppling over.

~ She has 5 teeth now. The last two came in within two days of each other.

~ She shows affection to Mommy, Daddy, her stuffed animals, and a few select people.

~ She signed "Jesus" the other day while we were singing "Jesus Loves Me." That made my mommy heart melt!

~ She likes to drink water out of a cup (with assistance), but of course she still loves her mommy's milk.

~ We went out to eat with Ladybug's godparents on Sunday, and she charmed the pants off all the waiters. Plus she was flirting with her godfather in the cutest way by turning her head sideways and grinning at him.

~ She loves to play in the water. Whether it's bathtime, the big pool, or our little wading pool.

~ She still is waking up most days before 6 am. So she and I will get up and start our day and let Daddy sleep in, unless he has to go to work early that day. He's been staying up late to get his studying done.

~ She is starting to display a sense of humor. She knows when things are funny and will look to us for appropriate laughter. But she also knows when she's doing wrong and looks at us with an impish grin.

2008-06-30T12:45:00.002-04:00

This will be my last post of the day, I promise! I don't want someone's reader to blow up!

I am guest posting over at Desperately Seeking Sanity today. Heather is on vacation, and she let me babysit her blog for a day.

What? You don't read Heather's blog? You should! We have a lot in common. Besides having the best name, we both love Jesus, and we're both funny. At least, I think I'm funny. But one thing we do not have in common is cooking. I love to cook, hence my recipe blog. Heather, well, you'll have to go read my guest post to find out more!

CPR Teddy Jr. Giveaway!

2008-06-30T06:28:00.003-04:00

My bloggy friend onemotherslove is giving away a CPR Teddy Jr! I think these teddies are ingenious! You'll have to go check out her giveaway post to read all the details.

In the interest of full disclosure, I'm a shoo-in to win. The very first (and only) bloggy giveaway that I've won was from onemotherslove. And she won my very first giveaway that I hosted here. So I just don't know how any of y'all are going to win. ;-)

Anyway, go check out her giveaway post and enter to win before July 11th!

Obligation - More of Him Monday

2008-06-30T06:04:00.003-04:00

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:3 (NLT)

I read a devotional reading this past week, and it has stayed with me all week. The title of the reading was "Your Primary Obligation."

Obligation means: –noun
1. something by which a person is bound or obliged to do certain things, and which arises out of a sense of duty or results from custom, law, etc.
2. something that is done or is to be done for such reasons: to fulfill one's obligations.
3. a binding promise, contract, sense of duty, etc.
4. the act of binding or obliging oneself by a promise, contract, etc.

As Christians, what is our primary obligation? In other words, who do we try to please on a daily basis? And if we are trying to please God, is it out of a sense of duty or because of our love for Him? And how do we please God?

I think these are great questions to ask ourselves at the beginning of each day. Especially that last one. How do we please God? Refer to 2 Peter 1:3 - live a godly life.

I don't know about you, but sometimes that is a very lofty goal that seems so out of reach. Live a godly life? Me? With my temper? I don't see that happening.

Too often I forget that I don't have to try to live a godly life by my own power. It is by God's power and grace that we are enabled to fulfill this obligation in our lives.

What a great reminder to me this week that I don't have to try to be perfect to please God. I just have to allow His power to guide me in living a godly life. Whew. I'm so thankful I don't have to do this alone.

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Your turn. Where have you seen More of Him in your life?

Busy Day Reflections

2008-06-28T06:34:00.005-04:00

Yesterday was B-U-S-Y! Hence, my lack of a post. I'm sure my readers (all 2 of you) missed me!

We here hanging out with friends whom we haven't seen for three years, as they live halfway across the country. C & D have two beautiful daughters. While Hubby and C played golf, Ladybug and I hung out with D and the girls.

We played on a playground. Ladybug got to go down the slide. And she learned that climbing back up the slide (with help) is just as fun as sliding down.

The older girls (G and K) got to run through a fountain. At first they were unsure, but once that water came down on their heads unexpectedly, they had a blast and got totally soaked.

Then we went swimming, then back to our house to change clothes. Then lunch at Chik-fil-a. The girls remarked on what good table manners Ladybug has.

By the time we got back to our house, the guys had finished with golf and called to say they were going to get lunch before coming back. So we played with Ladybug's toys. I'm so glad to know that toys for a one-year-old will occupy a 5 and 7 year old. (Well, 7 and 3/4, according to G.) Does that mean I won't need to buy any new toys for the next 6 years? I wish!

The guys had to play with the musical gadgets before our friends got back on the road. And that was entertainment for all. Hubby shared some of his favorite worship songs, and C played The Cartoon Song (by Chris Rice), much to G and K's enjoyment.

The best part of the whole day? Being able to reconnect with friends and pick up like no time had passed. Last time we saw them was shortly after Susie died. Their girls were 2 and 4.

Time has passed. We've all gotten older. A new family member has been added. But yet, so much is the same. We are all in ministry and share a love for the Lord. We're raising our children to know and love the Lord too. Hubby and C share a love of golf, music, and quoting silly movies. D and I share a passion for teaching.

So it was a busy day, wonderful and tiring. Thank you, Lord, for these wonderful friends and the time spend together. I pray it won't be three more years before we see each other again.

Thankful Thursday

2008-06-26T07:28:00.004-04:00

Again this week, I'm combining my Thankful Thursday post with the new feel-happy carnival at Mrs. Fussypants' blog. I'm not breaking any bloggy rules, am I?

This week I am thankful for our church. We have been on staff there for almost three years as the contemporary worship leaders. It's a job that both Hubby and I share, which I know may sound weird, but we really make a good team. We've always enjoyed working together. And having a ministry together is bonus!

In the summer, we change our worship schedule to one "family" service. And that allows us to share music responsibilities with the choir/traditional music. Which means that we have several Sundays off during the summer. For anyone in church ministry, that is a HUGE blessing!

We use our Sundays off to refresh our souls and renew our commitment to the call that God has for us to serve Him. We also try to visit other churches to gather new ideas for our ministry.

For more thankful hearts, please visit Iris as Sting My Heart. And also visit Mrs. Fussypants for more happy thoughts.

Tender Moment

2008-06-25T10:21:00.000-04:00

Another mommy moment that I want to write down and remember:

The other night I was nursing Ladybug at bedtime. I usually talk or sing to her to help her settle down. I was whispering "sweet nothings" to her and said, "I love you." She popped off and said, "La la la." It sounded too much like "I love you" to be a coincidence. At least, I want to remember it that way.

Ten Inventions That Have Made Life Easier

2008-06-24T05:44:00.004-04:00

Let's see what I can come up with for today's Ten on Tuesday prompt. Some of these just make life a little more enjoyable!

1. Movable type - we wouldn't have books or magazines without it!

2. Disposable diapers - I know, not very green of me, but they definitely make my life easier!

3. Crock pots - I have two, and I used them both - A LOT. Makes cooking with a toddler around much easier and much safer. I realized over the weekend that Ladybug is tall enough to reach the edge of the stove. Yikes!

4. Flushing toilets - one of my favorite modern conveniences! And a companion invention...

5. Two-ply toilet paper!

6. Mini-vans - We only have one child to tote around, but we have lots of musical equipment that needs hauled from place to place.

7. DirecTv - Especially in the fall. We love to watch our football teams on the NFL Ticket, since neither are considered "local" teams.

8. Central air - it makes life a bit more comfortable.

9. Laptop computers - for blogging addicts, do I need to explain this one?

10. Down pillows and comforters - so snuggable!

How about you? What inventions make your life easier or more comfortable?

Taking Time - More of Him Monday

2008-06-23T05:48:00.002-04:00

Welcome to More of Him Monday! This is a weekly carnival in which we can share encouragement with fellow Christian bloggers. Please read here for participation guidelines.

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I love it when inspiration comes while blog hopping. I shouldn't be surprised, because I know that God has motivated me before using the internet.

Over at Runningamok's Weblog World, I read a post about misconceptions we have about God's Truth. The main point is that in order to know what is really Truth, we must spend time in God's Word and spend time with God in prayer.

It's too easy to believe that because I'm a busy mom, with a child and husband to care for, and with other obligations, that it's okay if I'm too busy for my quiet time with God. It's not okay! This time should be a TOP priority in our lives as Christians, no matter what other things we have going on.

I could give lots of excuses why my daily quiet time is hit or miss, but I won't. I want to focus on the positive!

I do have an area set up with all the supplies that I need for my quiet time. Chair, table, Bible, pencil, journal, Book of Common prayer, devotional reading.

This past week, I did make my quiet time more of priority, in spite of everything else going on. And I felt the difference! I felt quieter in my soul, less anxious, more grounded. Even with just a few days.

With an active woddler (baby-toddler - she hasn't yet graduated to toddling yet!), I have to be willing to squeeze those moments in when I can. (I need to to teach her the joy of sleeping in past 6 am!)

So, thanks to Runningamuck for allowing God to inspire me through the words that she wrote!

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Your turn. Where have you seen More of Him in your life?

Observation

2008-06-21T06:50:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, Ladybug's godparents dropped in for a short visit. We don't get to see them often enough.

They had with them little D who is eight months old, as they were babysitting for the afternoon. D is not yet crawling. But after watching Ladybug motoring around, he seemed a little more inclined to try to crawl.

I had noticed this before Ladybug started crawling too. When she was around other babies who were more mobile, she was more inclined to try harder for the rest of the day.

Are we like that in our grown-up lives as well? Are we motivated by someone else's success, or do we start moving more because we're jealous and we want what they have?

13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.

15Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.

16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-18