Conflict...1, 2, 3...

When I recently accepted a new ministry position, I did it with much prayer and with the intense feeling that it was God's will and calling for my life.  I recognized that God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called.  I tried to rest in that...while the learning curve and immensity of it sought to overwhelm me.

Along the way, other wise women in this ministry counseled me to prepare myself for a time of testing, trial, and opposition.   I have to admit that it rankled me...quite a bit.  I kind of thought it was wrong to live life waiting for the "other shoe to drop."  Well, let me tell ya...they were right.  Outside of the obvious refiner's fire aspect, I guess it sort of falls under what Job said, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?"

The shocker for me that it wasn't BIG things...it was little things.  Many.  One little conflict threatened to unhinge me.  Which leads me to count out some things...

Number One:

I will freely admit that I am not good at apologizing...and my larger fault is that it takes me a long time to actually get sorry enough to do it.  Over the years this turn around has become a smoother process...but not an altogether painless one.  I felt the Holy Spirit's leading to make this right "as much as it depended on me"...so...I did...I spoke truth...my whole body shook.  Which brings me to...

Number Two:

Yeah, it didn't go so well.  I'm never quite sure what to do when people tell you to "just forget about it"...that yes, they think YOU were indeed wrong...and you should be sorry.  No forgiveness, no reconciliation...But, I can have peace in knowing I did what was right.  I humbled myself...I swallowed all the blame.

Number Three:

I want the changes that come through my problems.  I want to care more about relationships than my own pride.  "Growth and wisdom await you at the solution of each problem, the pain and mess notwithstanding."  ~Chuck Swindoll  

My plan for this situation?..."If your enemy is hungry, give her food to eat; And if she is thirsty, give her water to drink; For you will heap burning coals on her head, And the LORD will reward you." Proverbs 25:21-22  I'm praying for a truly caring, loving spirit...a willingness to put myself in harms way...to do what is right...to risk it all to point the bitter and angry to Christ.  Already, I see my heart is softer...a bit bruised, but softer.

Parenting ala Pinterest

I'm going to share some parenting hilarity from Pinterest...cuz there are serious posts I'm mulling over but can't make myself write...so, this is easier...

Frugal Friday!

I got a HUGE bag, FULL of pockets, at a garage sale for $3. It was perfect for my purposes...except it was missing it's shoulder strap!  I had intentions of just buying plain canvas strapping...but it looked so boring...that I decided to fabric cover it. 

I talked to a gal at my fabric store that makes purses and bags...and she suggested covering the canvas strapping and using fusable fleece...NIFTY stuff!  Then you simply fold your ends in and sew them down!

Fabric, canvas, fleece sandwich!

I was going to make it adjustable...but it's a HUGE bag...I will only sling it over my arm for the short walk from parking lot to building...so, I saved myself a headache and $5 of additional hardware.

I did purchase $5 for clip hardware...for ease of purpose...I could have attached it directly to the bag and saved myself a few bucks but this moves on a swivel and lets the bag ride easier on my shoulder.

There she is all pretty, packed and ready to go...STILL have oodles of space inside.  LOVE IT!

Thrifty Thursday

My lovely bird pillows had seen better days...AND...being garage sale season I had my little blue eyes open for ideas....SO...

NOTE:  Poor Mr. Woodpecker has lost his foot and most of his tail!  His branch has also faded!

When I spotted these three quilted wall hangings for $2 a piece...I brought them home (yes, I paid for them first)...and cut up an old muslin tablecloth that I was saving...and seeeeewwwwedddd me up some new pillows!

The large star pillow is actually hand pieced and quilted...I felt a little guilty making it into a pillow.

That's a thrifty $6 and a room makeover!  WOot--WOot!

Library Biker Hodgepodge!

The Wells' Family in the GPLibrary reading boat!  Dive Into Reading 2012!!

1. What's something you miss about the 1980's? If you're too young to miss the 80's how about the 90's?

I was tickled by my neighbor girl's school outfit today...evidently those suspenders with satin bows are back in style...along with the short ruffled skirts.  HA!  I never had those...But, I did have some really cool zebra leggings which I paired with awesome turquoise scrunchy socks, long sweatshirt and matching hair scrunchy and poofy bangs.

2. Do you have a library card? If so, how often do you visit?

I love my library card.  I use it every week...sometimes multiple times, especially if you count e-books.  It's my free fun!!  Well, actually I had to pay for my card this year cuz they figured out their zoning issues ...but I love my Greenwood Public Library...so I don't care.  They could have charged double and I would have paid it without blinking and urged all my friends to do the same!  HA!  We're working on our summer reading program right now.  WOO...lots of reading going on at our house....more than usual even!!

3. What's the secret to success?

"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night."  Psalm 1:1-2 

"There are no secrets to success.  it is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." ~ Colin Powell

"The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary."  ~Anon.

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal:  it is the courage to continue that counts."  ~ Winston Churchill

4. This is National Backyard Games week...what's your favorite backyard game?

In the words of the Queen of Hearts, "Do you play croquet?  I love that game.  Sadly, we probably only play once a year...and my sweet Loverbrains usually trounces us all!

5. If I dropped by today what would I find on your coffee table?

First, you should know that my coffee table is in fact an old steamer trunk!  You would find a few little Longaberger baskets...and a bouquet of fresh flowers...  Currently, pink Denny roses...in all their fragrant glory!  Oh, and probably books...there are always books about!

6. Do you own a bicycle? When was the last time you rode a bicycle? Is that something you enjoy?

I just had my Mom's Cherry Red Bianchi refurbed and it's a truly awesome bike.  The more I ride it the more I love it!  I rode 5 miles yesterday...I need to practice my gear skills.  I really don't understand it...I just click through them until I find one that feels right.  My bike is smarter than me!

7. What's your favorite cheese?

Apple Pie with a few slices of SHARP cheddar....  Yes, please!!!!!  Apple Pie without the cheese, is like the kiss without the squeeze.

8. Insert your own random thought here.
Emma Joy graduated from Kindergarten yesterday.  There is just something about that stupid Pomp and Circumstance song...makes me tear up!  *sniff-sniff*...While most of the kids in her class said they wanted to be doctors, nurses and teachers when they grow up...mine said she wants to be a Princess!  One of the other Moms and I laughed til we cried...I said,"Some of these kids are smart and are already going after the $$."  She said, "Yeah, your kid's just gonna marry it!"  HAHAHA!  Whoever he is he'd better be a prince...I pray he loves the Kings of Kings!

Tune Tuesday

I've used this song before...and probably will again.  It's on a CD I listen to when I struggle (Loverbrains calls it my Best of Christian 80s CD!)...This song always makes me cry...but in a good way!

Oozing Sponge

In hard times we're like a sponge...does peace and trust come out... or doubt and fear?  

1 Peter 1:6-7, "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."

Sometimes I get down...I focus on my own circumstances or the hard times of friends I love...It makes no sense to my mind.  But, it's always good to remind myself of TRUTH (in God's Word)...these trials won't continue forever.  2 Cor. 4:7-12, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you."  There is a purpose; a hope that our faith will be proved genuine.  

James 1:2-4, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

 
For me it's often the overflow of my mouth that is the telling measure.  Both Matthew and Luke say, "Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks."  Even when I think I've been keeping close accounts with God...it takes nothing but a sleepless night with a sick Boobah to show me my heart still needs work.

Thankfully, God is faithful in His pursuit of me.  Philippians 1:6, "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."  He loves me enough to discipline me...and correct my rotten behaviors.  His precious son, Jesus died...so that my dirty heart could be cleansed.  Praise Him for His perfect plan...that when He looks at me...He doesn't see my awfulness...but His own Son's righteousness.  2 Cor. 5:21, "For our sake He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

In all things, every circumstance, I want to be a nice clean sponge.  I want it clearly evident that my eyes are not focused on the circumstances of today...but on Jesus Christ!  May my life bring praise to Jesus Christ alone.

Looking Forward to Redeeming My Time!

My favorite Bible Study Fellowship has opened up some tough questions lately...Those who follow my blog will know that I have a strong evangelistic bent...but I go through my periods of playing the chicken.  You see, I fall into thinking it's all about my power and ability...and because I'm not depending on the Holy Spirit's leading...I wimp out and remain silent.  Even when the opportunities are glaring.

Remembering what we are taught and living by it results in Divine power!  I need to ask myself...Who am I?  And what am I doing here??  If His Holy Spirit truly lives in me I'm imbued with His power...I need to appropriate it...whether it's asking patience with my children or boldness for the gospel.  My focus can be His...my ability to love can be His...my impact can be His!!

So, I started by confessing some time stealers.  I'll admit a top two were Facebook and Pinterest...and although I haven't made a choice to cancel...I have sent some prayerful boundaries of their usage in my life.  For now.  So, after getting rid of some of the Yuck...I prayed and went out to buy a kiddie pool.

Now, before I share this story...I want you to know that although I was going out with a willingness to be used for the gospel...the words that came out of my mouth were ALL GOD!  I'm telling this to encourage you...if God can use a little blabbermouth like me...Who knows what He can do with you.  

When I got to Wally World...all the pools were outside, filled with water.  I had to wait for assistance...and man, they had to work to help me!  Those things are HEAVY when filled with water, ya'll.  As one of the nice gentlemen helped me shove it in my van...I said, "You know, I really appreciate your help today.  Water is so heavy...it just makes me think how amazing my God is...that He puts the waters of the oceans in and out each day...and I can't even haul my kid's pool across the yard."  The man looked startled.  My heart POUNDED!  He leaned in and whispered, "And HE tells them right where to stop on the shore!  Our God is amazing.  I don't know what I'd do if He hadn't saved me!"  WOW...we each had tears in our eyes.  It sure made my day...(not every opportunity brings you face to face with a believer let me tell ya!)  I hope it encouraged him too.

So, later that night...I tell my sweet Loverbrains, I joined the ranks of the super Jesus Freaks!  But again, it wasn't me...it was GOD.  I was behind a sweet older lady at the grocery store.  It's a store where you can only use cash or debit...and she was about $20 short.  She was holding up the line...and it was getting tense.  She was blushing and looked on the verge of tears.  I argued with God in my head for a good 22 seconds... felt like hours....and then out of my mouth popped, "Mame, how much are short?  Here...I have $20...please take it!"  The cashier (who I've been trying to talk to for YEARS) looked at me bug eyed.  The lady asked me, "Why would you do that for me?"  And I was able to share how much God has blessed me...and how paying for her groceries was a tiny picture of how Jesus paid for ALL my sins.  It was AWESOME!

I will probably never see these two people again...maybe, but I live in a city...it's not super likely.  But I want to live with this life principle in mind...God's people are to be ready for the day of the Lord!  Outreach should become habitual!!  I want my life to show that I am God's...that what He has gifted and equipped me with I will live out by His Divine Power.  I've heard this quote...don't know who said it, "We aren't looking for something to happen...we are looking for someONE to come!"

"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land."  2 Chronicles 7:14

Toothless Hodgepodge

1. What is a pet peeve you have when vacationing?

It's a tie...between cell phones going off (I've threatened to throw my husband's in the lake)...and having too many places to go and do.  I spend my life going and doing...I want to SIT...and absorb my family...good reads...peace and quiet!!

2. Would you describe yourself as a light packer or do you need everything in your closet plus the kitchen sink?

I'm an organized packer.  Not light per se...but efficient.  All days are thought out individually.  I'm a really good packer too (I know, tooting my own horn here!)...I learned some really cool things about rolling clothing and hiding socks in tiny spots, etc.  I think part of this has to do with being a small person.  I cannot physically haul a huge suitcase...even on wheels.  Especially with Sweet Boobahs to watch and assist.  Making it fit in a smaller suitcase is necessary!!

3. What's the best lesson a child ever taught you?

My own selfishness...they take so much time...and giving over of self.  I think in many ways my kids have helped me see a truer picture of my relationship with my heavenly Father.  Of course, he's the perfect parent...and that's humbling indeed!

4. Share one piece of advice you'd give a recent graduate as they attempt to enter the job market?

Patience...PRAY PRAY PRAY...Perseverance....

5. What's your favorite lemon something?

Oooo...lemon bars....ooo...sound so good on a hot day!  Cooled but not cold...perfect!!

6. Flat sandal, wedge, heel...your favorite footwear?

I enjoy my Clarks...they are a stylish, flat leather sandal.  My wise husband encouraged me to buy both black and brown when I found them...and I'm so glad he did!!

7. What do you like best about a beach holiday? If you're not a beach lover (GASP!!) what do you dislike the least?

The sounds...ocean waves, seagulls, splashing, wind in palm trees...

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

Guess what happened at our house this week??  You can check out the details here if you're interested!!!

Tunes on Tuesday

I noticed this song on the radio while I drove home into the majesty of a thunderstorm the other night...and it's very interesting musically...with the bridge and chorus blending and the almost African clapping at the end. But, it really hits me in my heart too. I realize, probably more when I work through physical weakness and adversity, that God is doing a mighty work in me.  This makes me think of Philippians 1:6, "I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

All this pain..

I wonder if I'll ever find my way.

I wonder if my life could really change, at all.

All this earth..

Could all that is lost ever be found?

Could a garden come up from this ground, at all?

[chorus:]

You make beautiful things,

You make beautiful things out of dust.

You make beautiful things,

You make beautiful things out of us.

All around,

Hope is springin up from this old ground.

Out of chaos, life is being found in You.

[chorus:] 2x

[bridge:]

You make me new,

You are making me new.

You make me new,

You are making me new. (making me new.)

[bridge & chorus together]3x

Beauty for your Monday!

The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the LORD blows on it;

 surely the people are grass.  

Is. 40:7

Caffeinated Randomness: Absolutely Bonkers!

 

Well, I had great plans to write something of substance today...but instead, early this morning, I learned that my blog was telling everyone that the graphics group I used (shabbyblogs) was sending viruses and malicious content to ya'll.  Sorry, I really had no idea...and I'm still not sure what that was all about...

BUT I spent the better part of the afternoon switching over to a new graphics group (dottydotdot) and then fighting with Blogger over header issues.  SO, no I wasn't really planning for a new updated CLEAN summer look...but that's what I've got right now.  And...hopefully it's also been CLEANED of anything that you, my sweet readers, might catch.

Ain't technology grand?  I have to say that, once again, my most wonderful, Father helped me out.  Reading HTML is like GREEK to me...and since he knows the difference between those specific two...it was most helpful.

Finally, just to make this post truly Caffeinated (cuz it's plenty random)...I've got a womping headache!  I've been trying to cut out that afternoon cup of joe...but I'm thinking today's not the day...Between the squinting at HTML code and the thunderclouds approaching, this little barometric sensitive gal is going to make some iced coffee!

*Mwah!

Weekly Wednesday Hodgepodge

 

1. My daughter2 is graduating from university this month and plans to teach elementary school. What are three qualities you most want to see evidenced in a teacher?

1. A personal love for learning...all things...great and small.

2. A love for all types of people...cuz your students will be unique and so will their parents.

3. Untiring drive to come up with a different way (and another and another) to explain the same thing...until the lights come on and the aha moment comes!

2. You can tell a lot about a person by_____________________.

How they hold a book.

3. What song makes you think spring?

A tiskit a tasket a green and yellow basket.

4. May 1st is Mother Goose Day...share your favorite nursery rhyme.

In an effort to not pick the same one as everybody else...

The north wind doth blow, 

And we shall have snow,

And what will the robin do then,

Poor thing?

He'll sit in the barn

And keep himself warm,

And hide his head under his wing,

Poor thing!

5. What makes someone unforgettable?

A personal connection...true LOVE or caring.
John 13:35, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

6. Should music and/or art be part of a well rounded education?

Yes!  Well rounded means learning a bit of everything, right?

7. What social situations make you flustered or nervous?

Interviews or Performances...Situations where you are being evaluated and there is the possibility of not making the grade, cut or approval. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I shared some frugal fun times with my little science guy over at my other blog...MomE & Loving It today!  Isn't he cute!?