Never Say Never

Those that know me know very well know that I don't do shorts. Last year I caved in somewhat and bought Bermudas, but those are really shorts, are they? More like shorter capris. For years Steve has given me a hard time about my no-shorts decision. He compliments about how great my legs really look and how I need to get out of my capris pants box.

While we were vacationing in Hawaii, I realized I needed to get off my butt and workout. I wasn't huffing and puffing during our tours and hikes, but every night I was drop dead tired. My muscles a bit sore and my feet weary. It was then I realized I needed to do something and so I did. For a little over three weeks now my workout commitment is still strong and the benefits far outweigh the effort.

So drumroll, please.....

Yesterday I bought shorts. Not Bermudas or "walking shorts", but regular shorts. As I looked into the dressing room's mirror I was proud at what I accomplished. I announced to Mark, who was busy using the hangers as drumsticks, that "mommy's legs look just fine". And if my varicose veins are revealed, which are stamps of love from my two pregnancies, then so be it. They are my testimony of being a mommy! And my no-tan legs are the way God made me and who wants to start an argument with Him? Uh, not me!

When we returned home I brought in my bags and went back outside to kick a ball around with Mark. I wasn't tired from shopping. Or maybe I was still on my shorts-buying high? Either way, I felt great. And you should have witnessed Steve's face when I told him about my recent purchase. "It's about time," he replied.

Today our temperatures will reach 80. I want to walk with Mark to our neighborhood's park. I hope to play football catch with Matt after his homework. And I plan on wearing shorts.

Too Much of a Good Thing

Saturday was Matt's first baseball game. It was a chilly 55 degrees and very windy. Mark and I cuddled underneath a warm fleece blanket while snacking on yogurt covered raisins -- his favorite.

Matt made great hits every time at the plate. A couple shot above the shortstop's head and Matt announced over and over again that he "got a double". His efforts didn't stop there...

On the field he snatched up ball after ball throwing quickly to first. When he played pitcher he even caught a couple behind the back and again, hustled together to aim at first base. He was amazing!

After the game I had parents coming up to me asking his age, how long he's been playing and why we didn't advance him to instructional ball. (And if you must know, we felt Matt needed to be with players his own age. I don't want to push him. He may have talent, but he's still only in first grade. It was a maturity thing.)

One came up calling Matt "the stud player". More approached him saying he's a "true ball player". Steve and I always knew Matt can grasp athletic concepts easily, so this came as no surprise and you can imagine our delight. I mean there was a time when we thought his life would be altered in so many ways because of celiac disease. To see him excel swelled my heart. On the way home we were telling Matt what a great job he did and he was aware of the compliments he received. All of us were beaming.

Then this morning on our way to church Matt says, "I can't wait to play again today. You know, I'm the stud-player."

It hit. Hard. That awful word: PRIDE (with a little arrogance on the side)

I collected my thoughts about Saturday's game. Did I want my son to have this kind of ego? No. Not my son. Most of all Steve and I want our boys to know that God is the giver of life and talents and He should receive the glory, not ourselves. As I started sharing, we all were convicted and allowed humility back in.

Pride can be like a cancer. It starts out small and then grows to deform your mind and spirit. It allows man to think he is above the Lord even when you have the best intentions. Do we want Matt to play well? Sure. But I wasn't about to let the seed of pride be planted in his heart. No one will enjoy being around a bragging boy who only thinks of himself. We are the Body of Christ. No one is better than the other. Each has a position called to by God and each person is an important function; kinda like a team. We need to work together.

At the game today, he hi-fived his teammates. He shouted, "Great job," to all the guys. It wasn't about him, but the team. He wasn't boasting about his double yesterday. He just knew to play his best for the team; not himself. And again, I heard the comments from others. "Thanks," I said and left them at the doorstep.

"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6

Amen.

Out With the Old, In With the New

It's Monday. A fresh start to the unseen week. Baseball practice with a group photo. Flag football practice. Friends to have coffee with. Library storytime. Endless possibilities and at the same time, possible let downs.

Another week. Possibly the week I finally remove Oprah from my Tivo schedule. Her grey-colored Christianity isn't working for me anymore. Some may disagree, but in my opinion she is causing lots of confusion in the Body of Christ. I don't think I can stand her "God accepts all ways to salvation" any longer.

A new week. Maybe I'll replace that hour of Oprah with some sort of workout show? Oh how I need to stop being a slug and get moving. Or maybe the root is from cabin fever and dealing with 40-degree temperatures again? I just love taking walks with my boys and chatting with neighbors. Whatever the reason, I need to get off my butt!

A week of trying something new. I just got word that Rice Chex cereal is gluten free. Its on my grocery list. Here's to hoping more companies jump on the bandwagon and cater to those with dietary needs.

This week I anticipate Thursday when we attend our school's art show and see two pieces Matt created. I thought he was the logical-type and less creative. Boy, was I wrong!

An overall week of change. My parents gave our family a children's devotional book (shown here), which we started this morning. It's easy to read and the concepts are on a child's level. I pray with each day my boys desire to know Jesus and walk like Him. (And maybe us parents will learn a thing or two as well!)

Little Things That Make a BIG Difference

• Clear nail polish. Chipping color is hidden and it really does make my nails appear healthier.
  
  
• Flaxseed meal. I add it to practically everything without the boys detecting it. Very healthy!
  
  
• Speed dial.



• Morning cup of coffee -- or "Mommy's happy juice" as Steve calls it.



• Foaming hand soap



• Wipes (wet wipes, Clorox wipes, glass wipes, furniture wipes....just all wipes in general)



• Hair clips for non-washed hair days -- like today!



• Mascara for weary eyes -- again, like today!



• And most of all, a quieted voice to hear GOD more and me less. What a difference that would make, but why is it so hard to do?

Before You Eat That Paczki....THINK!

WARNING: This post is opinionated. The words expressed are from my thoughts and my thoughts alone. But I just had to say something!

As I was driving down our main highway this morning I saw a sign in front of a bar blinking: "FAT TUESDAY! COME AND CELEBRATE!"

What is it about today that gives people the right to indulge in gluttony, which is sin? It screams, "Let's live it up because soon we have to live upright and start lent, so let's have a big drunken fest with the world while we can!" This attitude sickens me, not to mention how it makes God feel. To allow such behavior every year prior to lent is a slap to our Savior's face. So hypocritical. So abusive of his grace, which Jesus freely gave to all. I was stewing in my minivan as I read and then reread the sign's message in my mind. I guess I will let The Gospel According to Matthew have the last word:

"You're hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You burnish the surface of your cups and bowls so they sparkle in the sun, while the insides are maggoty with your greed and gluttony. Stupid Pharisee! Scour the insides, and then the gleaming surface will mean something." Matthew 23:25-26 (The Message)

Emotional Detox

Those words popped into my mind after I got off the phone with my mom this morning. She gave me a needed pep talk and reminded me that even thought I "needed" God these last several days doesn't mean He ever left me to begin with. I never lost my mind even though it seemed like it. I stayed focused and pulled through. To know that God stands with me, by me and for me daily is comforting. And God bless Arianne who commented that God is "closer than breathing" -- what confirmation! God knew what I needed to hear and He poured His love on me.

I told my mom that I never want to become that apathetic Christian when life is good. When I am coasting I tend to forget that I need God. I pray less. Read His Word less. Off He goes to the backseat as I drive off taking my days for granted until **BAM** God reminds me that He is above all and in all and totally in control. It's never about me, but Him! I can't do life on my own even when life seems content and peaceful. I still need Him to guide my attitudes and tongue. Even on good days, I stumble.

At this moment I feel my emotional baggage draining and I will refill this vessel with joy, peace, love and kindness. Let the healing begin!

A Daily New Year

Are you a New Year's resolution maker? Every December do you make a list of areas that need tweaking? Fixing? Or possibly need a complete overhaul?

I am not that person. One day I seem to be on top of things and in one moment all can change. Maybe that's why I never make resolution commitments because eventually I won't live up to most of them. All that pressure hanging over my head to be more organized, eat healthier, manage my time better or becoming closer connected with friends makes my head spin. I guess that's what life is all about: FLEXIBILITY!! I know my life is known for curve balls and circumstances, isn't it?

Every day I strive to be the best wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, which I hate to admit I fall short of from time to time. But what about my character? Do I ooze Christ in my daily life? Do I aim to please others or God? Do I put gain in earthly idols or the fruits of the Spirit? This shouldn't be a yearly reflection when December 31st rolls around, but a daily conviction and renewal. If my goal was to become more like Christ wouldn't other areas naturally do a 180 and improve?

What about you? Have you made any resolution plans? Need to refine an area in your life? (And just because it's typed with black/white in my comments section doesn't mean I'll beat you up if you don't live up to your promise -- we're human!)

Here's to a New Year in my journey with the Lord!

I Can't Turn Back the Clock

I am suffering from guilt. For those of you that read I was frantically looking for the mini-DV with Mark's birth on it, rest assure -- it was found!

The other day Mark was interested in seeing home movies. I grabbed our not-so-organized stack of DVs in our computer desk's cabinet and started one up. All I did was open up a can of worms! I ended up playing each one to finally label and put them in a basket. Let me also admit that these videos were from 2003. I know! If any major disaster happened yesterday, I missed it.

To watch Matt turn three and witness my pregnant belly holding Mark was special. But as I also watched it hit me that we had much more of Matt's life than Mark's. I started to feel, well, bad.

Honestly, there are some areas of Mark's first year I would like to forget. Maybe it was this or this. Or quite possibly I was preoccupied with this. Like I posted in My Purpose, this specific time in my life was rough and maybe I just wanted to bury it. But now I am regretting I didn't capture enough. Even though that time seemed low and hopeless, I can still grab certain moments that filled me with happiness and contentment.

So I will work through these feelings and know I can grab our digital video camera and make new memories last.

Prayer Warriors

In 2000 my mom decided to start up a bible study. I was pregnant with Matt and already I knew this group of ladies would play an important part in my life as a wife and mother. After Matt was born I was fortunate to have free babysitting services from my dad and I enjoyed attending for many years. The community of prayer. Supporting one another. And most of all, my relationship with the Lord grew stronger and my heart was challenged often. We all learned how to reflect Christ more in our daily living.

But in February 2006 my mom had quit. Circumstances changed our family's course of action and priorities shifted. The bible study soon ceased.

Thursday we had a reunion luncheon. What is a ladies' gathering without food, right? It was as if we were still meeting weekly all over again. And one thing we realized: we've witnessed God's work in many valleys. The praise reports are too numerous to mention and God is still working miracles in the midst of trials today. And through it all we give the glory back to the One who saw us through. We all deserve a group of individuals like this.

Some of these ladies lurk here every now and then, so if one of you are reading this I want you to know I thank God for your prayers, faith, endurance, encouragement and strength. Many blessings back!

And on the subject of women's groups, today was MOPS and during our craft time we made an Autumn centerpiece for our table. For those that know me well would expect me to come up with another way to use this seasonal decoration.....

Remembering the Purpose

When I started this blog my life was faced with many challenges: At 7-months old Mark was on his 3+ ear infection and we also found out a simple cold virus easily throws him into a croup/asthma attack. Matt was bringing home every stomach flu known to man. Either he was licking his preschool's bathroom floor or that awful bug kept finding a way to creep back into our home. Then we were faced with my dad's esophageal cancer battle. It seemed everything was piling on top of each other.

In a few more months we then found out Steve needed his gall bladder out, my dad was recovering from his major esophagectomy surgery and Mark was in need of ear tubes. I felt on my own. Alone. I was caught between meeting my family's needs, my dad's needs and then my own needs. I was torn.

Remembering back when I was pregnant with Mark I had this idea having a second child would be a laid-back experience since I've "been there done that" with Matt. Everyone tells you that. However, life's circumstances threw me a curve ball and I found myself suffering from bouts of PPD and constant anxiety. I was so ashamed to admit these feelings to anyone. I felt that maybe I wasn't measuring up to most normal moms. Don't get me wrong, I love being a mother and my boys are the most important treasures in my life, but all these attacks came against me and I was ready to give up. I needed support and for someone to tell me everything was going to be ok.

I knew I had to confide in close, trustworthy friends and most of all, Jesus had to heal my heart and mind. Thanks to people like Kristi, Stephanie and most of all, my mom, I was able admit my true heart, which was full of guilt and pain, and finally allow my spirit to be restored. Funny how in the midst of my roller coaster ride God taught me how I should value others and be there when they are in need. Isn't that just like our Father to do that? I wanted to make sure I was available when another person is faced with a crossroad. A battle. Or just a plain old cruddy day. No one really knows what happens behind close doors, so I decided to make myself available to others and bring a sense of hope.

At the end of this experience I found out most moms don't have it all together. Just when you think a mom is gliding through life with a smile on her face, you realize she has the same feelings you do. Those emotions of fear and worry. She is trying get through the day without breaking apart just like you. Why did I pass judgement on these women and think they were so much better than me? I couldn't answer that then, but now I think part of it was feeling sorry for myself and the other was just being too weary to even think positively anymore.

So when I entitled this blog Glass Half Full, I wanted moms to realize that life has its ups and downs. We all go through valleys and trials. We all have moments of joy and contentment. We need to be honest with each other. Support one another by being real and not hiding our emotions when life decides to shake us up a bit. And most of all to know that through it all, God is there every step of the way to lead and guide us. All we have to do is take His hand.

(To this day my dad is still cancer free!!!)

Sabbath

[sab-uhth] n. A period of rest and worship

During my blogging break I've had time to reflect and examine my heart as well as rethink my priorities. I enjoy everything about blogging. I've met new friends and it's great to know there are individuals out there battling the same challenges of being a mom. I haven't regretted one day of sharing my heart and spreading the joys about my family. An added bonus is reading about your family’s journeys and ventures in return.

Putting all that aside, I've also realized there is more to my life than blogging. Some days I feel like I am posting just to post. Do any of you feel like you have to keep up with the Blogging Jones? I admit comparing my blog with others. Some have the coolest graphics, while I am still stuck with the usual Blogger template. As I start to work on mine to be as cool as others I know, I close off what’s going on at home, but what I really need to do is turn off my computer and spend time with my boys or tackle needs in this house. I guess the question is: what is coming first? I hate to admit this, but after I put Mark to bed I find myself up here in our office working on frivolous computer stuff and not going straight downstairs to spend time with my hubby. Before I know it it’s almost 10:30pm and I'm ready for bed -- missing the opportunity to spend quality time with my husband. I never want my family to feel second-best and I don’t plan on starting now.

Does this sound familiar? You decide to quickly check emails and then find yourself browsing this or that and before you know it, the bathroom you were supposed to clean is still grimy the next day...and the next...and the next...

Or how about when my kids ask for something and I’ll shout out, “I’ll be right there,” to then have my boys wait another 10 or 15 minutes in order to finish a sentence or edit this one page and then I have to remind my children again, “Coming...” This happened a lot and lately it’s been more frequent.

How many comments did I average today? 5, 10, 20? If this makes or breaks my day, then I need to reevaluate my goals. If my kids are clothed, fed healthy meals, sheltered and happy because they feel loved in this house, then I should be satisfied with that. I never want pride to creep into my life and I was beginning to gloat about my number of comments. Wearing my opinions with a self righteous nose in the air. ICK! When you get all puffed up you have to prepare for the burst to come. Our human opinions will pass, but God’s Word will always remain the same.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

Good grief, I am not saying blogging is a sin, but this verse proved something: that I need to prioritize. If blogging is hindering my other duties, then I must obey what God is speaking to my heart. Know that I can be online, but maintain a sense of balance with the whole thing. Use my free time towards something that refreshes my soul and enriches the life of my family. Conviction brings change!

Does this mean I am hanging up the blogging towel for good? No. I will post when thoughts arise. I will visit others when time allows. Again, it’s a game of balance. But as of now I need to step back and breathe. I felt it necessary to open my heart and share with those that have been so faithful to visit here often. You deserve it! I may be absent here and there, but know you are blessed and thought of. Many thanks....

Bribes

There was a time when Matt would approach me for a hug or kiss. Without a word from me he would snuggle up and stay there for a good amount of time. He was always willing to show me affection.

Times have changed. Mr. Independent and Cool prefers to watch "Pokemon" on the couch with s p a c e. I try to sit next to him, but the other day he said, "Mom, your breathing is bugging me." (I KNOW!) He wakes me in the morning with "Mom, can I go watch TV?" No morning kiss. No welcome. Just something he wants. Sometimes I'll grab him and he'll push away and go back to the main question, "Mom, can I watch TV?"

This morning when he asked for more Trix, I replied, "Can you give me a kiss for more milk?" He did and I soaked in every moment! Then he went back to the main question, "Can I have my Trix now?"

So this what our relationship has boiled down to? Bribes! Seems like the only way to gain his affection. Don't get me wrong. I get a kiss when I tuck him in at night. We have conversations about our day. About sports. About friends and life. About which Power Ranger is stronger: green or red????? (Even I am lost with that one!!) I love that part of our relationship. But there areas in our relationship that are slowly starting to disappear. Seems like I have to find the exact time to ask about Matt's day in order to get a full answer. I thank God I have the opportunity to rediscover these moments with Mark, but it's not the same. Mark isn't Matt. I just love my son and pray when he's graduating high school he takes a few seconds to hug me and say: "Mom, thanks for everything. I love you."

This got me thinking: Do I exercise my relationship with my Lord on a daily basis? Do I only give Him time when He offers something in return? Do I aprroach His throne when things are going well or only when I am in need? Oh boy, did I have a heart check with this one!

As I long for these moments with Matt, I pray they remind me to pick up God's Word and learn more and more about His character. To stay in relationship with Him. Consistently. No matter how my life's journey is at the moment.

COMING FRIDAY: "The Family Table"!! Where does your family frequently eat their meals? Is it a regular table? An island w. barstools? The living room couch? Get your cameras ready and snap a shot of your "family table". I can't wait to see and share!!

Light

I don't know what it is about summer, but my mood is enhanced. Every sunny day brings joy. Even though my boys quarrel, it seems like we have more space during these warm months. When moments are tense, just open the back door and let them out. They can run wild without messing the house.

The ease of going on a simple errand. No coats. No boots. Just slip on a pair of flip flops or Crocs and we are off. From our church's parking lot to the building is a hike. I prefer a warm breeze than cold gusts of wind during our stroll up the sidewalk, wouldn't you?

I can go on and on. Trips to the park. Evening family walks. Going out for ice cream. Ordering an iced coffee. The warm sun can be calming. No matter what is going on in my house, I can step out and instantly be cheered up by it.

As I gazed at the sun this morning, it reminded me of God's light and dwelling in it.

"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." 1John 1:5-7

Thank you, God, for allowing the door to be opened. To be free. To be with You in Your light. It covers me. Gives me peace. I pray I listen to it. Obey it. And that Your light, through me, attracts others to the giver of life: JESUS

Recalling the Days

A couple weeks ago I received a call from my parents’ Pastor asking if my mom and I would be interested in giving the Mother’s Day message that Sunday morning. In the middle of my addictions and reckless living before knowing Christ as a teenager, my parents prayed that I would one day give my life to Jesus and make him Lord. The bible's promises pierced their hearts and they knew only God could grab me out of the pit. My relationship with my family was strained, especially between my mother and me. I was angry and bitter. They grieved, but hoped. It was a time in my life that I wish never happened. To be erased. But call it what you want: any sin is still SIN! The end result was God's hand rescuing me and calling Him Lord. After speaking with Steve and my mom, I emailed back Pastor Jerry and accepted the offer. So my mom and I have been breaking down our message. Talking about where our focus should be. Where do we feel God is leading us? (to be announced of course)

We did a similar mother-daughter message at a church about a decade ago and it ministered to several. However, our family is at a different place spiritually. When we first shared our testimony I was married to Steve for only a couple years. We did not have children yet. Since then I now understand sacrificial love by having kids of my own. I pray one day my boys will know God and accept Him as Savior. I can finally put myself in my mother’s shoes and understand how sorrowful it must have been experiencing me running from God.

My spiritual journey has gone through twists and turns too – learning as I walk through life’s valleys, meadows and mountains. I’ve come to a place where I judge others less and desire to be more Christ-like. I've learned how to be a servant of the Lord. There have been times when Steve and I had to trust wholly in the Lord and He’s come through – maybe not how we planned, but God is sovereign and His ways are not always ours. And I’ve experienced God’s wonders and He’s always revealing more of Himself as I dwell in the Word.

I have forgotten most of my past through the renewing of my mind. Right now it’s hazier than ever. But lately I’ve been asking God to help recall areas that need to be shared. To remind me of my darkness during such an unpleasant time. Not that I need to relive the moment, but it would help me share what was in my heart at that particular time. It’s funny how God comes through because I’ve been in many situations these last couple weeks where He’s done just that - reminded me of His love for me even though I didn't deserve it. (And my local church’s series on God’s grace was an added bonus.) What timing!

So I ask you to think of my mom and me until Mother’s Day. Please pray that God touches lives that morning. That my family’s journey will minister hope to those who have given up. That relationships are restored. Renewed. That the message of forgiveness takes over. And most of all - that God is glorified!

Taken Thanksgiving 2002

We All Fail

“They enjoyed the sweet taste of wickedness, letting it melt under their tongue. They savored it, holding it long in their mouths. But suddenly the food in their bellies turns sour, a poisonous venom in their stomach. They will vomit the wealth they swallowed. God won’t let them keep it down. They will suck the poison of cobras. The viper will kill them." Job 20:12-16

From Alec Baldwin's harsh cell phone message to Imus being labeled a racist to NBC getting flack for airing the VT's mass murderer's manifesto (which all other media tapped into as well), America is getting stirred up. A sick decline in our society? Well, our nation focuses more on celebrity gossip than our world's hunger problem. Our selfish desires matter more than how God calls us to live. We talk about treating others with kindness but are quick to roll our eyes and get bent outta shape when we wait too long in a check-out line. I try to maintain a good attitude towards my kids, but fall short when I lose my temper. I try to view humanity as equal but sometimes get snatched into a sterotyping trap. Instead of pointing fingers, let's evaluate our own character and allow God to be the Potter. Our actions can cause a postitive reaction in our neighborhood, church, community and worldwide!

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." Philippians 4:8

Heal My Wounds

**Please scroll down to the previous post to read Matt's ordeal if you haven't yet**

Other than some swelling which makes Matt resemble Rocky Balboa, he is doing well. I have to remind him not to touch his stitches. He likes the prickly feeling or something! I thought about taking another photo but I figure why beat a dead horse. What's done is done and let's move on and let the healing begin.....

So we are looking forward to another busy week. Matt has two days of baseball practice and then his team photo on Thursday -- perfect timing, I know! What a memory shot that will make. I hope he gets back on the saddle and plays without fear. We'll see.

"But you, O Sovereign LORD, deal well with me for Your name's sake; out of the goodness of Your love, deliver me. For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me. " Psalm 109:21-22

No Matter What

"Be good to your servant, God;
be as good as your Word.
Train me in good common sense;
I'm thoroughly committed to living your way.
Before I learned to answer you, I wandered all over the place,
but now I'm in step with your Word.
You are good, and the source of good;
train me in your goodness.
The godless spread lies about me,
but I focus my attention on what you are saying;
They're bland as a bucket of lard,
while I dance to the tune of your revelation.
My troubles turned out all for the best—
they forced me to learn from your textbook.
Truth from your mouth means more to me
than striking it rich in a gold mine."

Psalm 119:65-72

If my day is good. If my day turns bad. If life is going well, but then throws a curveball. My kids are healthy, then one turns ill. I am treated with kindness, then slapped by rudeness. My marriage is full of contentment, then struck with arguments.

No matter what my circumstance I know that God is good. It is His nature. Mercy overflows on His creation. He loves me and I am His -- no matter what!

Who do you put your trust in?

That is a good question. In light of the events surrounding Ted Haggard’s recent resignation as president of National Association of Evangelicals and dismissal as New Life Church’s senior pastor, I have been grieving not only for his family, but for the many people Haggard has influenced. The press is running wild with the recent allegations and I pray not only for truth, but for reconciliation.

I cannot deny that if I were part of their church’s board I would have come to the same resolution with what Haggard has admitted thus far. Leaders of a church need to live above reproach. Respected by a community. Live in integrity. Be an example.

However in light of this heartbreaking news I had to examine my own life. Is my sin worse than what Haggard did? Do I have hidden issues that I need to bring to the cross? I think all of us have an area in our hearts that need tweaking....plucking....weeding....

“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 8-10

Sin is sin.

Adultery. Gossip. Slander. Pride. Loving money. Murder. Idolatry. Lust. Jealousy. Lying.

Call is what you want, but it is all the same: SIN!

As we pray and think about the many that will be affected by Haggard’s actions, let us remember not to put our trust in man, but the Lord. Let us prune our own hearts and rid any area that is not pleasing to Him. God redeems, renews, and forgives.

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:7

A Slap and a Soap Box

Give me a time out. Sit me in the corner for 5 minutes. I did a bad thing: I didn’t comment back to most of my Wordless Wednesday comments!!!

Have you had one of those days when you want to accomplish tasks around the house? I am talking major things like making the bed, taking a shower, or even making a meal for yourself besides eating the kids’ scraps??? The list was enormous! Yesterday was one of those days for me. I willingly posted my WW, but hardly visited others. Slap my hand and give me “a look”! The day refreshed me and put a smile on my face so I will give you “my hand” back. **hee hee**

llllll

All this talk about Reese and Ryan splitting.....Madonna’s adoption.....John Kerry’s disrespectful comments towards Republicans.....Bill O’Reilly v. David Letterman.....the list goes on and on.....

Seems like Hollywood divorce is as common as dirt is on my boys. Should we be upset that a boy from Malawi is being cared for by a celebrity and probably having a better life than if he were sick in Africa? Should Senator Kerry have put a sock in it? And should I even mention the word Iraq? Lots to think about!!!

In the middle of all the controversy, arguments, and debate anyone can get on their soap box and be quick with their opinions. However, there is one thing that stands out among all that: WHAT GOD SAYS!!!

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because our anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” James 1:19-21

We should be more concerned about how we are living our own lives! Are we testifying the name of Jesus? Are we drawing people to know Him more? Are we living the faith we speak of? Do we judge in love or for our own glory?

“...God opposes the proud, but favors the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5

Let the light of Jesus spill out onto others. We need to pray for our country. Kick your soap box to the curb and replace it with the washing of God’s Word. If we all acted more like Jesus it would be a huge domino effect!!!

Everyday Pumpkins

"...For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." Philippians 4:11

Fleece

So warm. So cozy. Works great with a mug of hot chocolate, coffee, or chai.

Fleece

I own 3+ Old Navy Performance Fleece tops in my closet. Perfect on a crisp fall day at the park or pumpkin patch.

Fleece

It keeps my children warm. Whether its pants, sweatshirts, sleepers, jackets, hats, or gloves.....it works!

Fleece

In our family room I have a basket full of blankets by the fireplace. Some are green. Some have ducks on it. Some show off my hubby’s high school. They are used frequently.

Fleece

It works on sick days. To cuddle with and hide under while sleeping.

Fleece. It’s a beautiful thing and an Everyday Pumpkin through fall and winter seasons!!!