Not that I would ever attempt this, even if I were the most fearless of souls.

I just thought this photo represents the climb we all face each day if we try to attempt it in our own strength.

Daily trials and compounded struggles can seem utterly insurmountable without the Lord.

I watch and read others out here in the land o' Blog, and I am reminded over and over again that it is only in the strength of our precious Lord and Savior that we can face any of the trials that come our way.

I've come to believe that the Lord looks at trials much like He looks at sin. Sin is all the same to Him. It all separates us from Him, a Holy God.

Trials are all the same to Him as well. He knows they all need to drive us to Him. Each and every trial that comes our way, big or small comes through Him first. Each and every trial needs His fingerprint on it for us to survive it and go on to thrive in our walk with Him.

So, whatever you face today, whatever it is that puts fear in your heart, turn it over to Him. He's waiting on you. He's expecting you, and He is ready to relieve you of that burden you carry.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

"Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging." Psalm 46:2-3

FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real

Labels: fearless friday

Before heading to the filling station this morning, I have a couple of prayer requests to share:

• DP is home sick for the second day in a row with a nasty head cold. He is feeling crummy, and I can treat symptoms but not make him well. Pray that God will quickly heal his body.
• Pray for us as we try to work on a feasible budget for the month of September. I am already seeing how the enemy wants to sabotage our feeble attempts to do the right thing for once.

Now on to filling up the tank. I am thankful this week for:

1. Hope: I have gotten a glimpse of the success the Lord wants to bring our way, and I have a death grip on that hope. The enemy doesn't have a chance!! We WILL be victorious this time!! I can feel it.

2. Shared success: A dear lady in our small group just got a job this week after we'd been praying for her to get one. I share in her success and benefit from seeing God's hand at work in her life.

3. Obedience: What a kick it is to realize how much smoother my life runs when my ear is attuned to the heart of my Lord. I am beginning to reap the benefits of being obedient to Him in areas of past disobedience.

4. Moments of Abandon: You saw the photos from the water balloon fight. That wouldn't have happened with my formerly uptight self.

5. Date Night: Actually the anticipation of a date tomorrow night with our small group. : ) We're getting a baby sitter for everybody's kids and heading over to have a game night at our pastor's house. Can't wait!!

6. Pay Day: After a loooong month of August, the day of exchange is finally here tomorrow. We will get to exchange my DP's pay for some paid bills and groceries. I am grateful.

7. Inspiration: I cannot tell you how many times I am downcast within my soul and go to visit Heather, only to leave inspired and encouraged as she so valiantly walks through this journey of cancer that is her life right now.

8. Truth: I have been struggling this week with hearing lies. God gave me these verses to fight those lies this week:

"Listen, O daughter, consider and give ear:
Forget your people and your father's house.

The king is enthralled by your beauty;
honor him, for he is your lord." Psalm 45:10, 11 (NIV)

9. Forgiveness: My husband reminded me this week that "bitterness is a poison you swallow hoping your enemy will die." Rather than wishing ill on those who have hurt me, I am choosing to forgive and try to move on from the pain inflicted.

10. Iced Tea with a twist: I love Celestial Seasonings teas. I had the thrill of touring their headquarters several years ago on a jaunt to visit a friend who lives near their Boulder warehouse. This week I tried one of my new favorites that I've enjoyed hot as an iced tea. Blueberry Breeze Green Tea with a little lemon is awesome iced!

So, now it's your turn! Head on over to the comments and let me know how God is choosing to fill your tank this week. OR . . . you can take my cute Thanks Tank button to your blog and set up your own list of intentional gratefulness.

Over a year and a half ago this simple choice to be intentionally grateful has changed the look of my weeks. I will never be the same. I pray that intentional gratitude will make a change for you as well.

Labels: blessings, gratitude, thanks tank

For more Wordless Wednesday posts, go here or here.


Also, to make sure you can actually print and share all your pictures that are hiding in your camera or on your hard drive, go enter this contest to win a brand new HP Photosmart Printer here at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Have a great Wednesday!

Labels: photos, Wordless Wednesday

The brainchild of Sweetcheeks, our first water balloon fight in honor of her birthday was a huge success. We definitely plan to do this one again. Next time we just want to fill all 200+ balloons ahead of time so we can blast everyone uninterrupted for more filling sessions.

As you can see, the mama did NOT get immunity for the good hair day I'd been having up to this point. Libbyline nailed me in the first round and that was it for the superb-looking coif I'd been sporting : ) Oh well, I want to be fully engaged and who really cares about my hair anyway!

I am slowly learning that playing with my children is the best way to build a relationship with them and letting go of my agenda is so freeing.

Bring on the balloons. This mama is ready!

Labels: celebrations, happies, summer fun

Part of this post was originally published on a Monday in September 2005. With a few tweaks here and there, it fit my mood for today, too.

Man, what I discovered today is that if the mama is having a bad day--everyone has a bad day! We fit that old saying perfectly: "If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!"

I woke up feeling kinda crummy, and once I'd dragged myself from the bed my mood went right along with how I felt.

The day took a rapid spiral downhill during Bible this morning when I was inwardly fighting with my own hurts and disappointments. I was honest with the kids and the Lord about how I knew without His guidance I would just chuck the day altogether and forget about school.

I know my kids may still learn something today. I know that the day is not a loss.

Yet, I worry constantly that my kids are going to fall behind and miss out on something.

I am tired and just feel incredibly distracted today as a result of some things that happened over the weekend. I want to be focused on school, but I also would rather curl up with a good book and forget about the lessons and chores that need to be done today.

Libbyline is not feeling well today. She's had sinus stuff going on for days now. I think we may end up in the doctor's office before it's all said and done.
JD Green is completely and utterly focused on play.
Sweetcheeks is still coming off the excitement of her birthday (more pictures to come later this week), so she is not all that motivated to get into the mode of school today.

Pray for me. My heart is hurting, and I have yet to really take it all before the Lord and leave it with Him. I would like to find time to do that, but alone time is at a premium in my world. I'm not seeing it happen in this 24-hour cycle.

Alas, there's always tomorrow.

Labels: archives, blogging, pity party

Sweetcheeks,

As the mama, I am finding it hard to believe you are already nine years old. It seems like just yesterday that I was waiting until the right day to get up and move from the forced bed rest the doctor prescribed to make sure you were born as healthy as possible.

You were in a hurry to get here, sweet girl, and you have been in a hurry ever since.

You wanted money in an "envewope" at two. Quite the money manager already.
You wanted to wear make up at three.
You wanted to get your ears pierced at four. We waited until you were seven.
You talked grown up from the very beginning. You never used one syllable of baby talk.
You talk about your plans for the future, and you think very deeply about subjects most nine year olds would skate by.

My prayer for you, my precious Sweetcheeks, is that this year you would slow down a little bit and continue to be a little girl for a little longer.

I love it that you still like to play with dolls.
I love it that you still like to listen to me read to you.
I love it that you still like to snuggle up next to me in the mornings when you are the first one up . . . again : )

I know you must grow up, and I want you to be a nine-year-old, but I just don't want either of us to miss what being nine can be at its very best.

So, Happy Birthday, dear Sweetcheeks! May your next year be full of your life verse, darling girl:

"Finally, brothers, (and sisters) whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8

"Do the thing you fear to do and keep on doing it... that is the quickest and surest way ever yet discovered to conquer fear."

-- Dale Carnegie


"In this world there is always danger for those who are afraid of it."

-- George Bernard Shaw

"The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?"

Psalm 27:1

FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real

Labels: brave, fearless friday

Getting a late start here at the old blog, but I've been on the go today.

Considering we are still having temperatures in the 100+ range, it is imperative that we get an early start to get anything done.

So, we took my DP to work and headed to a lovely walking trail by the river, ending up at the local park and playground. The breeze was actually cool, the sounds of the squirrels and birds welcoming. We spent about an hour and a half there, enjoying the company of another mommy and her two children. What a pleasant respite from the hot and sultry days we've been treated to lately.

On to the other ways I'm filling up my tank this week:

1. Prayer: DP and I have resumed our morning times together, and it has been so refreshing. I feel physically bolstered by the words spoken to our Father together. I also draw strength throughout the day as I remember those quiet moments before the bustle of the day begins.

2. Food: Yes, I am always thankful for this! In addition though, this week I am most grateful to be remembering I can feel hunger and know how much less it takes to really cause me to be satisfied.

3. Change: Usually I don't respond too well to change in general, but I am totally liking the changes I see occurring in our household. Part of me wants to hold my breath and wait for the "other shoe to drop", so to speak -- yet I can't help but give God all the glory and eagerly anticipate more changes ahead as we exert obedience in the areas He's pruning.

3. Jesus: My new favorite song we're practicing in choir is Something Happens, and it's all about Jesus. There truly is something about mentioning His name. Jesus.

4. Check Marks: We've devised a new system to "help" our son make good choices throughout the day. I am so glad to see two check marks in a row that indicate good days rather than the big X that identifies a bad one.

5. Reading together: We are reading books together as the "Peachy" (our last name) Lunch Bunch. So far we are really enjoying our trek through The Wind and the Willows together.

6. Ant Traps: I know it isn't exactly a glamorous thanks, but I am grateful for something so small obliterating something even smaller that annoys and invades my home at just about some point during every year.

7. Children's Ministry: Our kids are so loving being involved on Wednesday nights, and now we have more reasons to memorize Scripture. Thanks, Miss Amy!

8. Beauty: It is all around me, yet during the stifling heat of the summer I tend to forget this exists. I'm anticipating more of it soon. May fall come quickly!

9. The Present: The past is behind me and God holds the future, so I will be grateful for the present. Today is good. Actually, today is great!

10. Hope: I have renewed hope and strength in Him as I see my Jesus at work in my life and the lives of those I love. May He renew your hope this day as well.

". . . those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:31

Now it's your turn. Please feel free to take my little Thanks Tank button and post your own list of gratitude on your site. Or, if you prefer, just leave me a comment here as to what is filling your tank this week. Our God is big, and I know He's doing things in your life as well. Let me know so I can rejoice with you!!

Labels: gratitude, happies, thanks tank

As most of you can probably tell by my header, my life verse is Isaiah 41:10.

We've been taking time to memorize the life verse for each member of our family during Bible class each morning for the past several weeks.

While working on the memorization itself I also like to probe the minds of my children in order to see what they are thinking in regards to each verse. The conversation surrounding my life verse went something like this:

Mama: Ok, can everyone tell me my life verse?

Peaches: Isaiah 41:10 --"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Mama: What does this verse mean to you?

Libbyline: That we don't need to fear.

Sweetcheeks: God is with us.

JD Green: Strong. He makes me strong and helps me.

Mama: What does it mean to "uphold you with my righteous right hand" ?

Libbyline: I'm not sure, but I know what He was doin' with His left hand!

Sweetcheeks: Me, too, Mama! I know what He was doin' with His left hand!

Mama: What?!?!

Together: He was creating the whole world. He is left handed just like us and created the whole world with His creative left hand. (They've been told often how left handers are creative and the only ones in their "right" minds. I guess I've been a bit vigilant about this as a lefty myself.)

I guess I was thinking way too small when I chose to have my children hide God's Word in their hearts. They've got more figured out than I'll ever begin to contemplate.

I'm just glad they are already beginning to live their lives without fear.

Labels: funnies, out of the mouths of babes

As a homeschooling mom there are days when I chide myself greatly for not covering all the material I think we "should" be covering. I beat myself up and wonder if I am jeopardizing my children's education by using the DIY (do-it-yourself) method.

Yesterday was NOT one of those days. Let me run it through with you.

First, I had a head-to-head run in with my almost 9-year-old. I swear sometimes this child has the emotions and hormones of a much older person, but I digress . . .

By 9 am, Sweetcheeks was in tears on the floor and out came spilling her confusion about salvation, her misunderstanding of when, where, and how she could pray, and what she needed to do to know Jesus was close to her at all times.

We talked at great lengths about assurance of salvation, knowing that Jesus means it when He promises to come into your heart, and discussing how praying is just talking to Jesus like with any friend or family member she already sees every day.

After many tears and hugs, we finally came to a place of peace and a joyful outlook for the rest of the day. Sweetcheeks thanked me over and over, right up 'til bedtime for helping her to understand better what it means to talk with Jesus and work on Him being her closest friend.

Sweetcheeks was certainly not to be my only child with a need for focused attention this day.

JD Green spent much of the day pushing the limits on all fronts . . . so much so that by the time his daddy arrived home from work, the mama was horizontal.

Lying, disobedience, and defiance had become the operative words of the day in reference to my young son. Dinner was no exception. So, after being relegated to his room with no dinner and an order to don pajamas for the night, JD was steeped in his bad choices. Sin is no comical companion and JD was sensing the error of his ways.

His downcast eyes and morose countenance were screaming his need for repentance when I entered his room to tuck him in for the night. Knowing from experience how lonely wallowing in my own sin can be, I asked him if he felt lonely after being by himself since dinner.

Well, the dam broke loose and my little boy came face to face with grace and mercy. He cried, asked to be forgiven, and then he prayed and asked Jesus to clean his heart and make it new again.

He also prayed that Satan would be sent far, far away from him so he could be a good boy instead of disobeying.

JD learned yesterday that choosing to ask for forgiveness was far better than staying in his own sin. He learned that the same person that teaches him to count by two's in English and Spanish is the same person who can help him come before the God of the Universe and restore his relationship, bringing about a peace that shone all over his face when we were finished.

So, no math was done at our house -- at least not in workbooks. The problems were dealt with in the hearts, and my children have added to their knowledge of who Jesus is in their every day lives.

I'm not worried at all about what we "should" be doing. We're doing kingdom work that will last a lifetime.

Here are our Homeschooling Key Verses:

Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still;
teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Proverbs 9:9-10 (NIV)

I think we achieved our school goal yesterday.

Labels: God's Word, homeschooling, teachable moments, truth

I saw this music meme a LONG time ago at someone's site . . . don't even remember now whose. It just fit with my lack of great content this morning. So enjoy!

Favorite Song From Childhood: "Pop Goes the Weasel" or "All Around the Mulberry Bush"

Favorite High School Dance Song: "We are Family" by the Pointer Sisters

Senior Class Song: "Friends" by Michael W. Smith

Song That Makes You Think of College: "Power of Love" by Huey Lewis

Favorite Rock & Roll Song: “Jack and Diane” by J.C. Mellencamp or John Cougar, or Mellencamp -- he's gone by all of them in my lifetime.

Favorite Disco Song: Not much of a Disco chick . at. all.

Favorite Country Western Song: "My Town" by Montgomery Gentry, "Would You Go With Me" by Josh Turner and many others I won't take time to list.

Favorite Pop Song: This hit the pop charts, and I love it . . . "I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me

Favorite All Time Love Song: "Now That I've Found You" by Michael Bolton (That man's songs can make me turn into a puddle in a heart beat) Favorite for now . . . "Un Dia Llegara" by Josh Groban

Favorite Break Up Song: “Hard Habit to Break” by Chicago.

Favorite Slow Dance Song: Anything by Josh Groban

Song That Always Makes You Cry: "Silent Night", because I sang it to my sweeties every night in the rocker of our nursery.

Songs About Your Kid/s: We have special songs that we made up for each of our children that mean a ton to us but wouldn't probably sound all that great to anyone else.

Song That Reminds You Of Your Husband: I have a whole mental library, but the one that stands out more than any other is "Man You Would Write About" by 4Him.

Favorite Christmas Song: Not room enough for all of them here, but I do love "Merry Christmas" by Third Day and "Christmas Lullaby" by Mannheim Steamroller

Favorite Gospel/Praise Song: "God is Here" by Karen Clark Sheard

Favorite Ringtone on Cellphone: "How Can I Keep From Singing" by Chris Tomlin

I'm not tagging anyone, but if you've not done it and want to . . . let me know in the comments!

Labels: meme, music, randomness

"Ultimately we know deeply that the other side of every fear is a freedom."

Marilyn Ferguson

Labels: brave, faith, fearless friday, flowers, freedom

Good Morning, Ladies! (and the couple of guys who read)

Though the temperatures around here threaten to keep me lying in a recliner fanning myself continually, I will attempt to focus my eyes on what God is doing that is bigger than the weather.

Here is my list to chronicle my gratitude this week. I am thankful for:

1. Church: I'm not just saying this because my husband outed me and now people from my church read my blog. For the first time in a long time I am feeling connected, as well as hopeful that we are at home in this family of believers.

2. A cool house: Yes, my house is "cool", but right now I am just super-thankful for the air conditioner that keeps it at least 15 -20 degrees cooler than it is outside. When it's 101 outside, the relief is immeasurable.

3. Hair color: Not only does it make me feel like I'm winning the battle against the "tinsel" that keeps invading my coif, but it allows me the privilege of not having to wash my hair daily. : )

4. Accountability: Our Dave Ramsey class is going to provide this and much more.

5. Anticipation: How this emotion fills my soul as I watch God at work in my life and in the lives of others around me.

6. My Sweet MIL"ove": I was reminded again the other day of how incredibly fortunate I am to have a precious relationship with this woman who came into my life only 14 short years ago.
She is a model I plan to follow one day when I have married children. Auggh! That day is coming sooner than I'd like to admit.

7. Library "Expotitions" ala Pooh Bear: We went to this, our favorite place, yesterday. We are able to take out 200 books at a time if we load up all four library card in our possession. As we dragged back to the van, I felt sure we'd maxed out each card to its very limit! Guess what we'll be doing today : )

8. Bible time: I am so enjoying this time each day with my children. I have been praying for more teachable moments, and Guess What!! God is giving them to me.

9. Home schooling: I am ultimately grateful for this privilege. I never want to take it for granted.

10. Intimacy with Jesus: His heart beats within me. I want to remind myself that He is always as close as my next breath. He holds me close and wants my very best. Glory be to Him today!

Ok, now it is your turn . . . you know the drill if you've visited here for any length of time. Comment and leave me the ways God is filling up your tank or take my cute, little banner and head on over to your own site. Let me know, and I'll come visit YOU.

Have a fantabulous thanks-filled day.

Labels: gratitude, thanks tank

I thought in honor of my second birthday out here in bloggityville I would share the very beginning of this here journey, way back when things were called "Homeschooling in the Peach State":

August 15, 2005
My very first post ever!

Introduction to "ME"

I am not new to reading blogs, but this is my first attempt at putting my thoughts out there for public consumption. I have been a SAHM for 9 years, ever since we brought our beautiful Libbyline home from the hospital. Sweetcheeks followed after almost three years, and John Deere Green speedily followed 16 months later.

I've done a few part-time freelancing jobs over the years, in addition to a stint recently at a local novelties shop where my kids referred to me as the "Candy Lady". Now, I am certifiably taking the plunge into "at-homeness" as my husband and I have chosen to bring our children home to school.

We are both college graduates, one of us with multiple degrees, and we have researched the topic of homeschooling exhaustively. Little did I know when this whole idea began to germinate in my head months ago that the world of homeschooling was so extensive. I have been pleasantly surprised as well as completely overwhelmed at all that is available for homeschoolers.

That touches on another topic (information/choice-overloaded Americans), but I'll save that for another blog. Goodness knows I can't touch on everything today. (Still haven't gotten back to this two years later!)

I am hoping this will be a place for me to spill my thoughts, musings, and experiences on a variety of subjects. Yet, because it is what drives me primarily, this space will be overflowing with my faith, my journey of homeschooling, and my family.

I love being a mom, and I am privileged to live in a country and a state that gives me the freedom of teaching my own children in my own home in my own way. A way that will take into account their interests, their learning styles, and their natural bent that God uniquely gave to each of them.

Hope to hear from other homeschoolers, as I know I am not a lone ranger out here on my own. I need and welcome support and encouragement from those who have walked this path ahead of me.

Labels: archives, homeschooling, randomness

I am finally re-surfacing after the incredible couple of days I spent at the Women of Faith Amazing Freedom Conference in Atlanta.

The group of 59 ladies from our church headed down to the "big" city at 6 am Friday. We left none too early as our bus driver, George, found himself in miles and miles of bumper-to-bumper traffic that just seemed to rattle his otherwise stoic demeanor. Having never really driven in Atlanta, poor George was indoctrinated into the fray by fire.

I think he was especially glad to drop us off and go hide under a bridge for the rest of the day.

We had a fabulous time, beginning with Travis Cottrell leading worship. Wow! That boy (I'm probably at least old enough to be a much older sister, if not mama) was fantastic. I've heard him on CD or via Beth's studies, but live! He can't be contained in a mere CD.

Then, the part I've been waiting for since I heard about her being at the conference back in April -- Beth took the stage, looking better than anyone should have a right to after returning from Africa. She was beautiful -- inside and out.

She immediately set the tone, and we were off and racing through the topic of the day -- Comfort. I was pretty much spellbound, as so much of what she said penetrated my heart. I've been longing for a word from the Lord, and I was not disappointed one little bit.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer.

And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort. We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia.

We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.

He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us . . ." 2 Corinthians 1:3-10

We pursue comfort. Our culture drives this desire. Bottom line . . . we are afraid God is going to hurt us.

Labels: Beth Moore, blessings, comfort, conference, wisdom

This came from a devotional I occasionally read:

"When you look at your circumstances until you become afraid it is always a mistake -- yet that is just what many people do.

"The more you focus your eyes and your mouth on the problem, the more fearful you become. Instead you should focus on God who is able to handle anything you will ever have to face. He has promised to strengthen you and to harden you to difficulties.

"No matter how great and important or small and insignificant your fears may be, God is saying to you, 'Fear not; I will help you!'"

Labels: fearless friday

What a week so far!

I have thoroughly enjoyed being with my children, and we are getting back into the routine of school without them noticing it.

Onto filling up that thank, I am thankful this week for:

1. A self-aware son: Last night after returning home from our children's ministry at church everyone was sharing about what they'd learned and done. JD Green pipes up and says, "I didn't join in on the singing, because that is just NOT my talent." That boy just makes me smile : )

2. A Getaway: I am going to the Women of Faith conference in Atlanta tomorrow and Saturday with a group of ladies from our church. Woo Hoo!!

3. Beth Moore: Cannot wait to hear what she has to say all day tomorrow. She is the special pre-conference speaker. She really is my friend, you know. At least in my little mind. ; )

4. Reading: I've been trying to finish this before the conference. Probably not going to happen.

5. Opportunities: God has given me several of them this week in the area of homeschooling. Just when I was questioning my own confidence in this arena, God allows me to articulate my passion and my desires for my children to others -- thereby reassuring myself of His presence on this journey.

6. Financial Peace University: Yes, we are joining after five years of owning the curriculum by Dave Ramsey. That fact actually saved us a $50 fee for the current class at our church. Pray with me that this will be a life-changing class for me and DP. We are finally both ready to make a change, and that is essential for success in this class.

7. Air conditioning: Though our town set a record this week for the most mega-watts used, I am so glad we have the ability to keep cool on these scorcher days of summer. The forecast for the next couple of days is above 100 degrees, too. You'd think I was back in Texas!

8. Music: A respite for the soul. A balm to my spirit. Unless it is from the Barbie video game my Sweetcheeks is currently playing. Auggh!!

9. Friendships Reconnecting: A friend of mine from another place we lived recently moved to this area. I am so glad she is close by again.

10. Sharing burdens: A dear friend is struggling right now, and I am privileged to share her burden. It always helps me to get the focus off of me and intercede for someone else.

Well, that's the tip of the iceberg for me, and I still have many more ways to be grateful.

How about you? What's filling your tank this week?

Leave your list in the comments or grab the Thanks Tank header and take it to your place. Just let me know, and I'll be glad to hop on over and visit.

Have a great thanks-filled day!

Labels: blessings, gratitude, thanks tank

I did this long ago in a land far away that has been lost to me forever. I was searching through my archives for my first 100 Things post, but alas, no dice.

So, I decided in keeping with tradition, as I am somewhere around my 200th post . . .

I would share a bunch of things about myself to let some of you new readers get to know me.

Here goes:

1. I am originally from the North.
2. I know, shocking that the Peach is not really a Southern belle. I am originally from Canton, Ohio. Yet, my heart has always been tied to the south. I attribute it to my great grandmother who hailed from Chattanooga, TN. That blood runs thick, y'all.
3. I came to my true home in the South in 1990.
4. In five years, I will have spent half of my life below the Mason-Dixon Line.
5. I knew in 1981 that I'd not spend my life in the North. Don't ask me how, I just knew.
6. I love just about everything about the South.
7. I especially love the beach.
8. The ocean energizes me.
9. My DP (Darling Prince) is not energized by the beach.
10. He loves the mountains.
11. We're thinking California might be a great compromise.
12. I've lived in five states.
13. I love something about all of them.
14. My favorite was Tennessee.
15. I had two children there.
16. My other was born in Texas.
17. She is still a die-hard, native Texan. I'm thinkin' they put something special in that first baby wash at the hospital.
18. I miss the Tex-Mex.
19. Salsa and chips are some of my favorite foods. Yum!
20. I'm a spicy girl.
21. My first car was a 1974 African Red Superbeetle.
22. I wrapped up in a quilt to drive that car in the winter.
23. I drove that car to my first "real" job at . . . McDonald's.
24. I love that sweet tea is a given here in the South.
25. Adding sugar to unsweetened iced tea is a futile practice.
26. I found Jesus at age 14 on a UMYF (United Methodist Youth Fellowship) winter retreat.
27. I asked Him in my heart but changed very little about my life for about four or five years.
28. I re-committed my life to Christ at a Russ Taff concert my freshman year in college.
29. My life has forever been changed for the better.
30. I've been singing in choral groups since second grade.
31. I kept thinking I'd be "discovered" (part of me still wishes I had been).
32. I've been writing in "diaries" or journals since 1978. Blogging is my most recent outlet.
33. My eyes are an interesting shade of green that my DP has likened to summer wheat.
34. I find that so much more romantic than the "hazel" I was stuck with growing up.
35. I have a brother who is five years younger than I am.
36. He still lives in Ohio, seven miles from my parents.
37. He and his wife made me an aunt and will do so again in January.
38. We are not geographically or emotionally close.
39. That makes me sad sometimes.
40. Neither of us is sad enough to make a relationship work.
41. I love pink in just about every shade.
42. Except mauve. The name of that color just makes my nose turn up.
43. Birds are not my friends.
44. I think birds are filthy creatures.
45. I only like birds after they've been dipped in coating and delivered to the drive-thru window as nuggets at Mrs. Winners.
46. I am a tea lady.
47. I collect teapots and assorted tea cups.
48. I can always unwind with a steaming cup of tea.
49. Tea parties house some of my favorite memories.
50. My dearest friend lives in Iowa.
51. We've been friends for almost 29 years.
52. We've not lived in the same state since 1990.
53. We both have three children.
54. We both have two girls and one boy.
55. We are like Anne and Diana.
56. I am Anne and she is Diana.
57. I spent four years coloring my hair different shades of red.
58. I often looked a bit like her.
59. This frightened my potential husband.
60. He didn't like the "Wynonna" red.
61. I toned it down for him.
62. He married me December 18, 1993.
63. We had a Christmas wedding, complete with Christmas carols and poinsettias.
64. I don't even really like poinsettias.
65. They were free decorations at the church.
66. I like free.
67. I am a bargain hunter.
68. I love flea markets and thrift stores.
69. I once bought a nice canvas bag for 10 cents. It lasted us eight years.
70. I recently bought a terrible pair of roller blades for way too much. They lasted 10 minutes.
71. I love to rubber stamp greeting cards and scrapbooks.
72. I don't scrapbook nearly often enough.
73. Maybe when I am a grandma.
74. I always thought I would wear lots of gold jewelry once my man bought me some.
75. Now I wear almost all silver.
76. My favorite pen color is purple.
77. It's my signature color, because I always write my signature with it. : )
78. I love music.
79. I listen to everything from Josh Groban to Journey to Jeremy Camp to Third Day to George Strait and tons more.
80. I listen to Christmas music every month but January.
81. My favorite classic Christmas song is Silent Night.
82. My favorite contemporary Christmas song is a toss up between "Merry Christmas" and "Born in Bethlehem", both by Third Day.
83. I read avidly.
84. I've read more than 30 full-length novels just this spring and summer.
85. I used to live eight blocks from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
86. I only went there AFTER I got married and came back for a visit. My DP insisted.
87. I do like football -- pro football, not so much.
88. I like college football.
89. I am a Vol fan. I know. I know. Girl from Ohio, blood running orange -- just does NOT compute.
90. Rocky Top will always have a piece of my heart after my seven years there.
91. I am a writer/editor by trade.
92. I still dream of writing more than blog entries.
93. I know there is a book in there somewhere waiting to be written.
94. I would like to try my hand at young adult fiction.
95. I am a night owl and don't usually find mornings all that agreeable.
96. I love all kinds of flowers.
97. I consider myself an amateur photographer. I love to photograph flowers. I sure can't grow them.
98. I would love to have a new digital SLR camera.
99. I can't afford to buy that camera any time soon.
100. My DP is adopted.
101. We've talked about adopting since before we had any biological children.
102. We still regularly pray and hope that one day we'll adopt.
103. God has not yet opened that door in our lives.
104. He also hasn't closed that door yet.
105. I still have a desire to travel internationally.
106. Asia is calling my name, but I'd also be willing to follow that calling to Africa.
107. I love shoes.
108. I lost 46 pairs of shoes when I was pregnant the first time.
109. My feet grew half a size with each of my pregnancies.
110. I went from a size 5 1/2 to a 7.
111. I can find lots more shoes in a size 7.
112. I now own about 30 pairs of shoes.
113. That includes a pair of red cowboy boots.
114. I've always wanted to go dancing in red cowboy boots.
115. I have a premonition that I will do that someday in Texas.
116. I love bracelets.
117. I rarely wear necklaces at all.
118. I also love wearing rings.
119. My favorite ring is now a celtic braid that I got for my birthday seven years ago.
120. I wear it more than I wear my wedding ring.
121. I'm a girly girl.
122. I run like a girl.
123. I like fru fru stuff like ribbons and silk.
124. I surround myself with none of that stuff, because I am also quite practical.
125. I am a PBS junkie.
126. I love shows like Colonial House or Frontier House.
127. We haven't had TV now for almost four months.
128. I don't really miss it.
129. Except for Paula Deen. I love that woman ; )
130. I've found lots of other ways to fill up that time I used to spend on TV.
131. I started making cards again.
132. I love it when the creative juices are flowing.
133. Netflix has been a great substitute for TV.
134. We can control what we watch as a family.
135. I love a good hot dog with ketchup, mustard and relish.
136. I also enjoy the slaw dog here.
137. Anne of Green Gables is one of my favorite movies.
138. When I get tired, my life is all doom and gloom.
139. My DP has learned to insist I go to bed when I get like that.
140. We are learning we need to do the same thing with Sweetcheeks.
141. She really is my "mini-me" in more ways than just looks.
142. I can’t think quickly on my feet.
143. I was once on a debate team.
144. I was good at it then.
145. I am the most loyal friend you will ever have.
146. Unless you betray me, then I might as well have never known you.
147. I cut people from my Christmas card list every year.
148. I still send out almost 100 Christmas cards.
149. I still always forget someone until it is too late to send a card.
150. I put off getting in touch with people.
151. Then I think it is too late, so I don't call at all.
152. Then I wonder why I am lonely.
153. I am neurotic about getting bargains.
154. I agonized over the square footage available in multi-pack toilet paper.
155. I finally decided Angel Soft is the brand for me, regardless of square footage or price. It rarely clogs our toilet, and that is more important.
156. I am completely and utterly afraid of cock roaches.
157. Though we moved from the coast where they were regular visitors at my house, I still imagine I am going to find one somewhere in my house here.
158. Instead we have crickets.
159. They don't scare me.
160. They just annoy me.
161. I love moving.
162. I just don't like starting over someplace new.
163. It gets harder every time we move.
164. I am starting to feel at home here.
165. My DP has been discussing our next move.
166. My parents just don't get that.
167. They haven't moved anywhere since 1976.
168. My Dad plans to stay where he is until he dies.
169. I've been thinking a lot more about death lately.
170. I wanted to become a famous musician.
172. I once played the clarinet.
173. I wanted to play the flute.
174. The clarinet was free from my cousin.
175. I then played the cymbals in high school.
176. I wasn't very good.
177. I hate to iron.
178. I avoid it at all costs.
179. Downy Wrinkle Release is one of my favorite products.
180. I rarely plan meals ahead of time.
181. I wish I were more organized.
182. Usually I am too tired to pull it together any better than I do.
183. Being a mom has caused me to relax a good bit.
184. I am still too uptight about more than I'd like to admit.
185. I try to unload a little guilt every day.
186. Otherwise I'd never get out of bed each day.
187. I want to go to Scotland someday.
188. These books made that even more of a desire.
189. I love listening to celtic music.
190. I thoroughly enjoyed the Scottish/Irish influence present on Prince Edward Island when I visited there in 1999.
191. I hope to go back there with DP some day.
192. I always wear Daily Conditioning Treatment under my lipstick.
193. I am a certifiable Beth Moore junkie.
194. God has used her Bible studies to change. my. life.
195. Get Out of That Pit is currently changing my life.
196. The older I get, the less I know.
197. The older I get, the more I want to learn.
198. The older I get, the less I fear.
199. I am not afraid to die.
200. I am more afraid to have died, having been truly afraid to have lived.

***That is why I remind myself daily to live each and every moment

Without Fear.

If you have made it to the end of this enormously long list, bless your heart. I'd love to read your list, too, so direct me to it by leaving a comment.

Labels: All about me, blessings, blogging

Me: JD Green, change your shirt.

JD: But I really like this stain!


Now, what kind of commentary is that on my laundry skills?

Labels: funnies, out of the mouths of babes

"The LORD your God in your midst,
The Mighty One, will save;
He will rejoice over you with gladness,
He will quiet you with His love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17 (NKJV)

Labels: God's Word, mighty, Scripture, truth

I, along with a couple other folks I think are pretty great, just received the Thoughtful Blogger award from GiBee, one of the most thoughtful people I've met out here in Blogland.
Here is how GiBee described us:

"These women are compassionate, sympathetic, caring and hospitable bloggers, and I am honored to call them friend. They are always willing to listen, and always willing to pray for you and with you when needed. Their thoughtfulness goes deep, whether through the written word on their blog, or through an email, or through a wonderful note that pops into your mailbox when you least expect it, but most need it."

I am humbled and truly appreciative of such an award. GiBee, you are a treasure, and I am grateful to call you friend.

I have decided to pass this award on to:

Kate, because I see her thoughtful spirit through the lens of her camera as well as the window of her homeschool classroom.

and,

Jane Anne, at Gravity of Motion, who is a new friend who encourages and inspires me through her posts about family and thankfulness.


You are both dear ladies who make this blogging circle a better place ; )

Labels: awards, friends, inspiration

"You are better off to have a friend than to be all alone, because then you will get more enjoyment out of what you earn.

"If you fall, your friend can help you up. But if you fall without having a friend nearby, you are really in trouble.

" As the saying goes, 'A rope made from three strands of cord is hard to break.'"

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12 (CEV)

Labels: fearless friday, friends, God's Word

Now I remember why I try to do this exercise Wednesday nights . . . as I sit here bleary-eyed, trying to gather my thoughts this morning.

Anyway, here we go . . .

Maybe the juices will begin to flow as I move in to a mode of thankfulness.

Here's how God has chosen to fill my tank this week:

1. Old things that become new again: My children discovered a computer treasure hunt from Adventures in Odyssey yesterday that they'd not played since we moved here last year. They spent hours in cooperative fun, attempting to solve the mystery of The Treasure of the Incas.

2. Routine: We are far more scheduled when the daddy is at work. It has been refreshing to return to some "normalcy" this week as DP's school year begins.

3. Contacts out of the blue: Last night I was watching a video at choir and saw someone on the screen that reminded me of a long ago friend . I shot up a quick prayer that someday we'd connect again. Amazingly my DP got an e-mail from her husband last night! Can't wait to talk with them and catch up on all that's happened over the last four + years.

4. Grocery Shopping: This task filled me up this week because July decided to drag on far longer than the money wanted to hold out. What a blessing to go and begin re-filling our pantry yesterday.

5. Library Resources: Just found out this week that the foreign language program that I have wanted to purchase for our children for a couple years is available online for free through our local library. How cool is that! Se habla Espanol . . . soon and very soon.

6. New Music: I know I mentioned this when I received the CD free, but these guys sure are ministering to my heart. Go check them out!

7. Clean Kitchen: My DP is fabulous about doing this task for me. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate finding my kitchen glowing when I get up in the morning. Thank you, Honey!!

8. Paid Bills: I know this is utterly mundane, but the freedom that it brings is huge!

9. Mac Powell: This guy is an instrument from God. God Himself uses this man's voice to reach down and grab me by the heart in a way that few others can. If you've not ever heard the music of Third Day, you must, must, must go visit them.

10. Drama: In the very best way. Our girls have both been cast for a local theatre production of "The Hobbit". I'm sure I'll have updates frequently on the activities of my "dwarf" and my "goblin." The first read-through is tomorrow.

Ok, the juices began to flow, and now I have to stop.

Now, it is your turn! Let me know how God's filling your tank this week. Leave a comment, or better yet -- take the button to your site and make your own Thanks Tank! Have a great, grateful day.

Labels: gratitude, thanks tank

This is a themed week at Shannon's place, so be sure to head on over and check out all the tips related to parenting in the Great Parenting Advice Edition.

Our family has a motto. We probably don't remind our children of it as often as we should, but when we do it always yields immediate results in behavior and attitude. It is simply this:

Labels: meme, tips, Works-for-Me Wednesday