WORD Filled Wednesday: No yo-yo Ma!

I find it interesting how God works all things together...for the good of those who love Him.  It can be downright funny at times.  At quilt camp I decided I needed a "hand work" project...and I found a quilt pattern that required that I make 500 plus fabric yo-yos.  Even with a nifty tool a loving friend gifted me...it's slow going. 

Yo-yos make me think of that old fashioned toy...that goes up and down...up and down.  AND...so have my emotions lately. 

Happy, sad...Loving, angry...Kind, nasty!  It hasn't been pretty.  Sure, there are reasons.  Loverbrains erratic travel schedule...allergy season...hormones...new school schedules...etc. etc. etc.  BUT...the more I consider it...the more I think God is displeased with this little yo-yo Ma!  (That's a little joke for all you cello lover's out there.) 

If I'm truly walking in the Spirit...I should be steadfast...steady...So, I did a quick study of the word steadfast...and found the verse I shared in the graphic above.  Here are some other goodies too...

Psalm 112:7, "He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD."

1 Cor. 15:58, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain."

Isaiah 26:3, "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."

So, here's hoping the only yo-yos in my house are the fabric kind...NO YO-YO MA!

Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday: Precious or Petulant?

I like to think of myself as God's precious child.  And I am.  But how often am I better described as God's petulant child?  *sigh*...Amid blessings aplenty and blessings galore...I am sulky and bad-tempered.  That's perhaps putting it mildly.

I was in a bit of funk this weekend...and I'm still struggling.  Many of those who love me the best tried to help me put life into perspective...but knowing that others are experiencing much worse did not help straighten out my attitude problems.

Truthfully, I was being God's very petulant child...I wanted His provision in just my own way, my own timing, me me me!

So, Sunday...I finally heard what God was saying.  I wasn't initially thrilled to hear it either...it took some good old conviction, hurty tearful moments.  But oh, the sweet reunion of coming to those "ends of self" and finding Christ.  His forgiveness and love are ready and waiting when we come with truly repentant hearts.

So, what did I learn to turn my heart around?

JEHOVAH JIREH...God's provision is linked to testing.  A test is when your faith is tried and crowned.  This is how God grows me!

James 1:2-4, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

JEHOVAH JIREH...God's provision is always linked to faith.  This faith must be shown in my actions and words.  Oh, how guilty I am of not speaking and acting as if I faithfully expect God's perfect provision for all my needs.  I must do better at modeling faithfulness...in all circumstances...Maybe more than showing it, I need to be fully convinced in my heart.

Gal. 4:3-5, "So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world. But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons."  

JEHOVAH JIREH...God's provision sometimes comes at the last minute.  His timing is not ours!  In Gen. 22:14...Abraham's hand was on the knife...I like to believe it was mere millimeters from full obedience of sacrificing his only son...before JEHOVAH JIREH...God provided a substitute!  He always does you know!

JEHOVAH JIREH...God's provision should always be linked with our thanksgiving and gratitude.  Not just emotional words listed in a journal.   Real recognition of what HE has done for me; directly from His hand to my life!

Do you know God?  Do you know Him as JEHOVAH JIREH?  The LORD my provider!

I have some issues...

Loverbrains returned from yet another trip to China on Wednesday evening.  Thankfully he usually handles jet lag fabulously well...BUT this time he was VERY sick...and tired. 

Before he hit "the wall" he shared his treasures with us...He was given a fancy box of moon cakes by a colleague...and we greatly enjoyed trying them all out.  It led me to realize that our SWEET is a lot sweeter than the Chinese equivalent.  I'm evidently more addicted to SUGAR than I thought.

And...speaking of minor addictions...

We had NO PHONE and NO INTERNET for F.O.U.R days!!  I think I almost went crazy!!  I couldn't find the answers to conversions, recipes, trivia, weather...

...it was awful!

Before you pick on me...take a moment to ponder how you'd have felt!  Overall, it was a good "perspective giving" time.  NOT that I want to repeat it any time soon!  Sorry...no major changes of conviction coming out of this one.

I'm all for monitoring your TIME...making sure you put FIRST THINGS FIRST (GOD, family, work, etc)...but absolutely NO access was brutal.  AND going cold turkey with no choices.  Oh, it was rough...rough!  *Phew! 

Hodgepodge Facebook Returns

1. What is something that bothers you if it's not done perfectly?
Having small children has helped me to mellow in this area.  Initially, how they made beds and set tables sort of irritated me...but now, I see it as their "best" and I'm happy with it.  When I tell them how happy it makes me...it increases my happiness!

2. Do you think a 6th sense exists? Explain.
I think women can have a kind of intuition about situations and people.  I've had "a gut feeling" about something that's proven best to follow.  Maybe that's the Holy Spirit guiding and protecting me...

3. Do you say your goodbyes slowly, quickly, or not at all?
The quicker the better...no crying!!

4. On a scale of 1-10, with ten being hot hot hot, what level of spice do you like in your food? What's your favorite 'spicy' dish?
Loverbrains and I LOVE spicy food...Our favorite places are Yats (Cajun/Creole), Mark Pi's (Asian), and Thai Spice...I probably choose around a 6-7....Loverbrains normally chooses 8-10.

5. What is one of your all time favorite commercial jingles?
"Rice a roni,  The San Francisco treat...*ding *ding!"

6. Plane, train, boat or auto...your preferred method of travel?
Plane...I love airports and air travel...I have never had a really bad flight...Well, there was one in Germany...small plane, fumes, turbulence...sort of scary...I block it out though!

7. What is something you take for granted?
Far too many things, I'm afraid.  "What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?"

8. Insert your own random *rant alert* thought here.
After much thought (and grumbling), I decided to give Facebook another chance.  
*gasp, I know, I know*

I created an entirely new (tricky) identity...and am being VERY selective in my friend selection.  The whole un-friending thing gives me issues...as does the blending of friend/association groups...BUT...it seems that I will be essentially cut out of everyone's life, baby pictures, news and networks if I don't use this social media...so, because I love people and think their babies are cute...*sigh* I hope you're happy.  

My blog is posting directly to it...that's sort of nice...in case I don't feel like checking it for a while.  

I do continue to have some BIG issues with it...Here's a few biggies...

I think married Christians should be careful...getting in touch with "old flames" is just that...playing with FIRE...just don't do it!  

I am NOT interested in a re-cap of "mean girls" from highschool or churches...DUH people!..everyone can read everything so don't talk about things you shouldn't.  Gossip is still gossip whether you type it or say it.  It still hurts!

I have friends from all walks of life...and I will hide some from general view (nice new feature by the way) cuz the groups offend each other.  I find it very interesting that generally it's my "worldly" friends that are crushed by the less than sensitive christian comments.  Don't burn other people's bridges to sharing the gospel with others.  Oui!  FYI--NO people group should be pushed off the face of the earth.  Hate the SIN...not the sinner!  Speak the truth in LOVE!


Thank you...I had to get that out!  I feel better now.  *phew*

Tuneful Tube Tuesday

I just started a study of the gospel of Mark...this song keeps coming to mind...so I thought I'd share it!

Seems I've imagined Him all of my life

As the wisest of all of mankind

But if God's Holy wisdom is foolish to men

He must have seemed out of His mind

For even His family said He was mad

And the priests said a demon's to blame

But God in the form of this angry young man

Could not have seemed perfectly sane

Chorus

When we in our foolishness thought we were wise

He played the fool and He opened our eyes

When we in our weakness believed we were strong

He became helpless to show we were wrong

And so we follow God's own fool

For only the foolish can tell-

Believe the unbelievable

And come be a fool as well

So come lose your life for a carpenter's son

For a madman who died for a dream

And you'll have the faith His first followers had

And you'll feel the weight of the beam

So surrender the hunger to say you must know

Have the courage to say I believe

For the power of paradox opens your eyes

And blinds those who say they can see

Chorus

So we follow God's own Fool

For only the foolish can tell

Believe the unbelievable,

And come be a fool as well

~Michael Card

God cares...

 

 With complete childish innocence she asks..."Does God really care about Spelling tests and his bruised knee...and other little things like that?"  "Aren't there bigger problems for Him to take care of than these?"  

"Well, I believe that God is BIG and powerful...so big...that He takes care of the bigger problems and my little ones too.  The Bible tells me that He is all-powerful and all-knowing...He cares about little birds...and numbers all the hairs on our heads.  He loves us so much He sent His Son to die for our sins...so whoever believes in Him can go to heaven..."

"So, my short answer...Yes, He does care about your Spelling tests too!  Let's hurry up and pray before the bus comes!"

You never know what God's gonna use from Sunday...to prepare you for Monday.  Another name of the God...JEHOVAH SABAOTH...Lord of hosts.


Not only does this name show His military might and super-power strength...It shows that He is a God of power in my personal battles.


So, here's to another day of planting seeds and praying at the bus stop.  Cuz, as I say after we've prayed..."It's always good to remember WHO'S in charge of the day!"

"Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God."  Psalm 84:3

God is bigger than my trials...He is in full power and control!!

My brother or sister, there is something about our God that is different, that is beyond us, that is above us—transcendent. We must be humbly willing to throw our hearts open and to plead, "God, shine Thyself into my understanding for I will never find Thee otherwise."

~A.W. Tozer

Radically Faithful in the Little Things

Caffeinated Randomness

For the purpose of peaceful dreams, I usually read my Bible only before I go to bed...but I'm suffering from Loverbrains insomnia (for those of you who can't sleep when your spouse is traveling either...send me your prayers). 

So, in desperation I stayed up to read until I exhausted my brain and caused it to snuff out.  I'm nearing the end of Radical by David Platt.  This man does NOT pull punches.  It hurts my feelings...in a very good way.  I laughed out loud at this next bit...until I almost cried...

"In the middle of a Christian culture asking, "How do I find God's will for my life?" I bring good news.  His will is not lost.  With 1.4 million Bedouins in Algeria who have never even heard the gospel, it makes little sense for us to sit over here asking, "What do you want me to do, God?"  The answer is clear.  The will of God is for you and me to give our lives urgently and recklessly to making the gospel and the glory of God known among all peoples, particularly those who have never even heard of Jesus.  The question, therefore, is not "Can we find God's will?  The question is "Will we obey God's will?"

I think this can be as easy as starting in your "moments by moments."  I'm not saying that a larger radical change isn't on the way.  You should be praying about and considering overseas missions, adoption and drastically down-sizing.  But, for many of us, it would be radical enough to just start looking for opportunities and open doors for the gospel right where we are every day...and then WALKING THROUGH THEM.  

This book has helped renew my zeal to open my heart and arms to the lost.  AND...they are all around (at the library, grocery store, playground, work, play).  Yup...I invited a lady I just met at the library over to teach me to knit...so I can teach her to sew/quilt.  Which is a hoot...cuz I'm just a beginner...but she'll be here in my house...and I'll be scattering seed like a crazy person.  I'm thinking of advertising it...calling it "Bartering Skills"...

No, it's not always comfortable but that's sort of the point.  We weren't called to comfortable...we are called to share in His sufferings.  I say I want to be like Christ...but he suffered and died for the sins of the world!  What are the most terrible things that could happen...embarrassment, upset stomach, angry words.  In our country death is highly unlikely...and you probably won't even lose your job without a warning or five.

...I do get butterflies and knots in my tummy...(and not everything is well-received)...but if I don't start where I am...and be faithful in the small things...Why would I expect God to use me for greater things?

“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much."  Luke 16:10

* Just so you don't think I was saying we shouldn't risk death...Even death, to the believer, should not be a deterrent to sharing the gospel.  "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell."  Matthew 10:28

Imaginary Duct Tape?

Tis the season when I dump the fiction and plunge headlong into non-fiction.  It's a pre-hibernation thang.  I also tend to organize drawers and closets...something that's supposed to be done in the Spring.  I'm a bit behind...

So, what am I reading, you ask?  Well, maybe you didn't ask but I'm telling you anyway.

I'm STILL reading Spiritual Depression by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones...not cuz I'm a slow reader or that it's uber deep either; He's very understandable.  It's just a lot to chew on and swallow down.  It might surprise those of you that consider me a bubbly, optimistic extrovert...but I do hit my walls of spiritual depression from time to time.  It's good to be brought to the end of yourself...God has a purpose for all things...and this book is a great teaching tool.  It's so closely paired with God's Word, the end all and be all of instruction.

Here's one bit that came like a stick *whack* between the eyes...He's speaking of temperaments and feelings..."We all know the person who says: "I always speak my mind.  I always say what I think."  They say: "I am that sort of person".  The answer to them is that they should not be!  That does not mean that they can change their temperament, but it does mean that they should control it.  In other words, temperament is a gift of God, but as the result of the Fall, and of sin, temperament is to be kept in its place.  It is a wonderful gift, but to be controlled.  It is the same with feelings." 

Yeah, that's pretty much a big ouch to me!  So, I've been trying to control it...As my Dad has often told me..."You don't need to tell everyone everything that you know about every subject; It's a real mark of maturity to know that."  And God is blessing my efforts.  I'm "imaginary duct taping" my mouth in various arenas...and seeing unexpected doors of opportunity fly open.

Anyone who wants to buy me that T-shirt that says "Silence is Golden, Duct Tape is Silver" be my guest. *smile*

I had other books to share...but this is long enough for one day.  Anyone wanting to borrow my imaginary duct tape is welcome to share it...I hope it helps you too!

Hodgepodge Fab 40!

Volume 40

1. Using what's in your frig right now what sort of meal would you be able to make for guests who are knocking at the front door this very minute?

Vegetables with Ranch Dip and Fruit salad...iced tea, water.

2. What is something about yourself that you hope will change but that probably never will?
That I grow in height to pass 5'!  My feet have grown since having babies...so, ya never know.

3. What's something about yourself that you hope will never change?
My heart's desire to grow closer to God each day!

4. Do you usually send serious or funny greeting cards? Why?
They are generally bright and optimistic...I love Dayspring Wooly cards.

5. Bird watching, shell gathering, or star gazing- your choice for whiling away the hours?
Bird watching...hands down.  I've had several nests of Bluebirds all this year.  It was fabulous.  Right now I have a bunch of Goldfinches eating my Black-eyed Susans and Coneflowers.

6. Do you double or triple check things? If so, what?
When we're leaving for vacation...I check the trashes and the toilets...I don't like to return to yucky smells.  I also check for the Sweet Boobahs lovies and that all lights are off.  Usually twice.

7. What's your favorite place for people watching?
Bible Study.  This is a recent development for 'lil talkative me.  I'm trying to be a better listener...so I watch people before and after their responses.  You learn a lot...about who you can comfort and encourage later.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Today was Emmer-bean's second day of school.  I'm putting my neighbor's two kids on the bus too.  I had the opportunity to pray with everyone at the bus stop today...and it was really neat.  

I told them I was going to pray for Emma...and just being quiet was all I asked.  But when Emma asked me to pray for her bugbite...others started requesting for things to be mentioned...like Spelling tests and nervousness...so I prayed for them all by name.  And I had a small chance to say why I think prayer is SO important.


Planting the seed...one day at a time!  Who knows what God will do...

Shepherding my children...

"And those who are happy to be sheep, and who hear the voice of the Great Shepherd calling them, and who follow him as their only hope, and trust in his sacrifice on their behalf—those sheep are now, and always will be, more than sheep. They are children of God (1 John 3:1), heirs of the universe (Romans 8:16; 1 Corinthians 3:20-23), co-rulers with the King of kings (Revelation 3:21), the bride of Christ (John 3:29; Revelation 21:9), shining like the sun in the kingdom of their Father (Matthew 13:43)." ~John Piper...Desiring God

I'm a "lover of details."  This sounds much nicer than some of the other adjective available...perfectionist, control freak, worrier...

I usually find it very UN funny that I am now raising a little "lover of details"...Yes, my sweet Emmer-bean doesn't just look like her MomE...she is very much like me in temperment as well.  Poor child.

As I strive to raise her in "the discipline and instruction of the Lord." Eph.6:4....I find my own heart growing and changing too.  As I've said before...I never expected the incredible spiritual lessons I would be given through child rearing.

So, my ears perked up when I heard my Pastor explain a certain part of Psalm 23 yesterday.  We are working through the many names of God...and I mean MANY!  This series could be LOOONNG!

The Lord is my....SHEPHERD!  Some things were obvious...pastures green are the provision for physical needs and wants; what is needed and necessary.  He provides spiritual growth and direction by leading us on good paths.

But when Pastor explained vs. 4...the shadow of death...he said, "we can want all the details but we know His desire is for our growth...for us to move towards righteousness...to be more like Christ."  I must stop to smirk at this point...cuz it was one of those times where you feel like your Pastor is really talking about just you...and it's embarassing.  LOL...of course he's not necessarily...but he does know my control tendancies so I guess it's possible...

So, those of us who are "lovers of details" can keep wishing and hoping but there are certain things we know about God's plans.  He knows what He has planned for us..."For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jer. 29:11

...and He is with us.  "The LORD is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."  Duet. 31:8

He might need to use his rod and staff to correct and keep me on the path...but it's out of His great LOVE...and even if I don't know the details I can just stick close to Him ...through prayer and His Word...and He will comfort and lead me in the way I should go!

Hopefully, I can teach my daughter these things about this GREAT SHEPHERD that I love...

Home from camp!

I spent the last several days enjoying the warmth and acceptance of a small group of quilters in Ohio.  I also completely quilted and bound the baby quilt.  Phew.

I was able to reconnect and spend HOURS with my childhood friend, Charity.  We hadn't seen each other since her wedding 11 years ago.  We might have only gotten 3 hours of sleep the first night because of this...hahaha!

My Aunt Bev helps lead this group of quilters...and was able to extend us a gracious welcome.  She is my Aunt by adoption.  I'm not sure if I adopted her, or she adopted me...but it doesn't much matter!  Although she sees and talks to my Mom often...she hadn't seen me for almost 8 years...since my wedding.  She gives the best hugs! 

My Mom and I had a lot of fun!  I mean A LOT.  I was a bit nervous about going to join a group of women I didn't know.  You know me and my slight phobia in this area...the cliques, the cattiness, etc. BUT THIS GROUP...they were warm and wonderful....gracious and generous with ideas, information and materials...

SO, I worked...and learned...and added "wonky" to the group's vocabulary.  Wonky- to skew a geometric shape on purpose.  Dancing around and singing the "wonky" song is optional.

...and auditioned my ideas...."Yup, she's gonna be gorgeous"...

...played quilt "I spy"...the all time best question dealt with an airplane.  Because this was my Mom's quilt, I had an unfair advantage.  The fabric was from an ugly skirt I used to wear.  HAHA!

...and I was inspired and encouraged.  I can't wait for next year!!  I have about 500 yo-yos to make and about three quilts to finish before then...but don't bother me with trifles...I'm excited...

...and probably just a bit exhausted too.  Looonnnggg drive...with storms and wobbly wheels...It's good to be home!

Kiss me quick...I'm off...Goodbye!

I carefully gave my children extra lovin' and affection....wrote out instructions for Loverbrains...

...packed all my sewing duds...

...and sprinted off to QUILT CAMP!  I'll be finishing this baby quilt...among many other fun things...*cartwheels of happiness*

Many pictures of quilt camp (and the Sweet Boobahs Campout with DadE) coming Monday!

School Time Hodgepodge!

Emmer-bean met her Kindergarten teacher last night at the Open House!  We liked Miss Rausch!

1. If you could work for any one government agency which would you choose and why? (if you're in the US here's a helpful list)

I'd work with Advance America.  We greatly appreciate them now...and I'd gladly give them my time because I'm sure of their Biblical values based work within government.

2. How difficult is it for you to forgive someone who refuses to apologize?

Very...I'm doing better than I used to...but I wish that turn around was faster in my own heart.

3. What is your favorite meatless supper?

Zucchini Combo...It has fresh yellow squash, zucchini, tomatoes and motz. and parmesan cheese.  SO good!!  Hmm...maybe that should go on the menu again soon?  I don't generally make cheesed dishes (due to Lubby's allergy) but I could make this a side, right?

4. Wednesday August 10th is National Lazy Day...will you be celebrating? If so, tell us how so we can be lazy too.

Nope...I have ALOT to do today!  Sorry...but I don't think that MomEs can get by with that...plus, laziness isn't something I'd like to promote.

5. As a child did you have any special back to school traditions and if so, what were they? If you're a parent did you carry on those traditions with your own children?

I remember my parents praying with me before school started...especially when there was a test I was worried about or something.  I'm going to pray with my kids daily...to remind them that God's in charge of each day!

6. Write a summer tongue twister.

Big Blue Butterflies Bring Big Black Bugs Back (Yeah, this was harder than I thought!)

7. Would you be interested in observing a surgery or do you turn away when the nurse brings out the needle?

I used to watch the surgery channel at my grandparents house when I was a teenager.  TOO cool!  If I felt more confident in my Math and Science skills I might have tried the medical field.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

You'll NEVER guess where I'm going tomorrow...leaving Loverbrains alone with the Sweet Boobahs until Saturday night!  Go ahead...guess!  I'll post ya the answer tomorrow.  (Those who know are NOT allowed to answer, duh...that's cheating!)Here's your clue:

Kelly's baby quilt

 

FORGIVENESS or I've told you a thousand times....

Here's a picture of one of our NY mornings.  Pretty and peaceful!

When I think of FORGIVENESS, and my issues with it, I usually think of my marriage or adult relationships.  So, it came as a bit of shock to hear several parenting applications yesterday morning.

"Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him" 

Luke 17:3

My working definition of forgiveness is "choosing to forget the offense as Christ forgave (completely, as far as east is from west)" But, do I treat my kids that way?  When they misbehave and are disciplined...The next time they do it (and we all know there's a next time)...do I say, "I've told you 15 times to STOP doing that..!"  Or...is it really forgiven and do I handle it with love and full forgiveness AGAIN...and again...

Honestly, my husband and I chewed on this a bit after church...and I'm not saying that punishment shouldn't increase or there isn't a point where you say, "Dearest Child, you seem to be having a problem with X behavior and continue to do it repeatedly...I want you to understand that being truly sorry means that you will try to correct your behavior in this area.  If you can't, your consequences will increase!"

I guess, this touched my heart because I'm feeling tender to it.  I know the potential I have towards a critical spirit...to be an impatient and unkind MomE.  So, this is good for me to think about and focus on...It'll hopefully balance me out a bit.  I'm working towards a kinder, gentler MomE.  Don't worry, there's no real worries that I'll turn into one of those spineless mothers that "reasons" with her children instead of disciplining/parenting them.  I simply see the need for a bit of balance in my own heart.

We also heard a neat quote/definition of forgiveness that a couple was using...I looked it up and found out David Augsburger wrote these three really goodies...

-"forgiveness is not holy amnesia that erases the past---instead, it is the experience of healing that draws the poison out.  You may recall that hurt, but you will not relive the hurt."
-"the hornet of memory may fly again, but forgiveness has drawn out the sting."
-"the grease of forgiving love can reduce the friction and salve the irritation."

Obviously, I need to get my hands on his two books... The Freedom of Forgiveness and Caring Enough to Forgive/ Caring Enough Not to Forgive.

God loved us when we were SINNERS...not after he saved and cleansed us.

"For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.  For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die.  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." 

Romans 5:6-8

BLT anyone??

Five Minute Friday: STILL??

After typing this post on the STILL prompt, I realized that I had the wrong week.  Oops...and my 5 minutes are up!  I'm linking it anyway...thought it might give some other poor flustered soul out there a chuckle too! 

 For directions on Five Minute Friday go HERE today!
Write for 5 minutes flat for pure unedited love of the written word on the prompt, “Still.”

READY, SET, GO!

This picture is from a STILL moment during vacation.  A moment where I was taking pictures of everyone's cuteness and looked down at my vacationing feet and snapped a memory.

It's a good thing to have these memories to look back on...because those first few weeks back can be a doozy!  Today, I feel anything but STILL.  In fact, the whole reason I chose 5 Minute Friday was because that's all the time I had to spare to blog today.

Yes, I'm not STILL today...Just a living BLUR!  I've been running about doing errands, cleaning house for company, making birthday cake, quilting baby quilts and planning baby showers.  I'm caring for a very allergic Loverbrains too.  Does that count?  Personally, I find him harder to care for than my children.  I struggle for full sympathy and love...imagine that!  *sigh*

God knew about today though.  He knew that I needed to take 5 minutes to focus on STILL.  To remember that if I am STILL and remember HE is God...I will have the peace and grace I need to finish this day well.  Just like looking down at my happy feet during vacation...I need to look into my heart for the WORD that sustains me!

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”  Ps. 46:10

Musical Hodgepodge

1. Share a favorite song lyric.

"Sing, sing a song...sing out loud....sing out strong.  Sing of good things, not bad.  Sing of happy, not sad.  Sing, sing a song.  Make it simple to last your whole life long.  Don't worry that it's not good enough...for anyone else to hear.  Just sing.  Sing a song!"  ~The Carpenters

2. When was the last time someone yelled at you?

A few months ago...Made me mad too...but we dealt with it...We're past it now.  I think.

3. Money, fame, happiness...are they mutually exclusive?

Mutually exclusive...meaning they cannot occur at the same time?  Hmmm?  Probably not. 

4. What is your favorite dish to prepare for family and friends that doesn't require turning on the stove, oven or an outdoor grill?

No cooking/ No heat?  Um...I have serious carnivores to nourish so, nothing...we AT LEAST must use the outdoor grill.  I can think of a side dish...fruit salad.  Sorry...that's it.  I have mayo haters and egg/milk allergy people to feed.

5. The first week of August is National Simplify Your Life Week. What is one thing you could do this week to simplify your life? Will you do it?

Nothing comes to mind...If it did...I'd DO IT!  HA!  I probably could learn to say NO...that'd probably help!  HAHAHA!  Already got myself in stuff up to my eyeballs and there's no backing out now.

6. On a scale of 1-10 (with 10 being 100% and 1 being not at all) how tuned in are you to your country's national political scene?

I'm about a 5...I read the news but not often.  I can't handle the stress.  I tend to put issues in my own hands and yank it out of God's hands.  I've blogged about this before so I won't bore you with the sermon!

7. What are your final parting words to the month of July?

Bye bye July...Too HOT...WAY too HOT...next year...more rain, please!  Okay...K!?

8. Insert your own random thought here.  Another good one...