His Plans!

Please forgive me it has been awhile.  In a past post Plans,  last Spring, I hinted that “his plans also seems to have one very unexpected surprise for us, one made with love. Still waiting for the lines to line up on that one.” Well the lines lined up and 2 lines equalled, positive. Yes, last Spring we found out that we were expecting our 3rd child. Completely unexpected, so unexpected we decided to not move to Louisiana until after the baby. Unfortunately, that meant being apart from my husband.

Fast forward, our 3rd little girl was born in December. She is big and beautiful. With God’s hand carrying me along the way, we made it through being apart. It was hard and I hated every minute of it but we made it through. Often my husband would be the one who had to remind me of faith and that his plans for us maybe hard now but He will continue to take care of us.

Now new plans (loose plans) following the school year the girls and I will finally make the move and our family will once again be whole. I am very excited about the move. I am excited about our family returning to “normal”. Throughout this season I would remind myself to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on my own understanding”. I often find myself drifting to the “why” question and Proverb3:5 brings me back to reality. Little M is now 2 months old. I’ve just returned back to work and juggling kids, home, work as a single parent.  Hopefully if it’s in God’s plan we will be in Louisiana in June. Once we are settled I will be working hard to get to blog more.

I would love to hear how God laughed at your plans and blessed you with something better.

 

PinSpirations

It’s PinSpiration time. You know where we share some of our finds from Pinterest. We attempt to recreate them (often adding our own flair)  rate them and try to help you decide whether or not to Pin it.  It’s part of our sHEmade, where you we use our natural gifts He gave us to create. Here is one  recent PinSpiration: How to Steam Clean your Microwave from Kim at A Real-Life Housewife she has step by step instsructions on how to clean a microwave with just water and lemon juice (her site has some other great tips). This was perfect for me easy and natural:

A Real Housewife's microwave

              • I had a dirty microwave
              • I had all the other materials: microwave safe bowl, water, lemon juice.
              • I had some time and I was curious if it was truly that easy.

So I went to work following her steps. Steamed for 5 minutes opened the door about 8 minutes later (busy doing other cleaning) and  pick up my little wipe and thought I would have to put some force to get all the stuck on mess. Surprise effortless cleaning! It all just wiped off! I did have to wipe the glass tray a little harder and I really didn’t smell the lemon but no cleaning materials were used AT ALL for some reason the white of my microwave looks whiter than usual. I guess when you remove the dirt that tends to happen.

 

My dirty microwave before

It was worse than these picture shows.

Microwave after.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pin or not to Pin: DEFINITE PIN and Try

Appearance: Beautiful clean Microwave

Variations: None needed. It’s perfect unless you really want lemony scent.

Materials: If you have a working microwave you are 90% there.

Planning: None needed! It’s as fast as getting up to get a glass of water.

Instructions: Easy to follow with great pics!

Extra pin: Earth friendly cleaning solution, cheap and safe.

Have you been inspired to Pin, share it and your rates. Send us a shout and we’ll post it.

Shut Up!

I recently celebrated my 36th birthday and took some time to think about how I’ve changed as a person of the years. I asked myself what is one of the most important things I’ve learned?

  • It had to be something that has changed me to be a better person.
  • Something that forced me out of my comfort zone.
  • Something that put others ahead of myself.

It didn’t take long before I realized what it was. Interestingly enough, it’s something I learned in the past year and a half.  One of the most important things I’ve learned was to Shut up!

As much as I hate to admit it, it was my husband who pointed this out to me. It came after I’d learned that my words had a negative impact on some of the people I cared for. It was bought to my attention that my words affected them so much that the option of no longer having a relationship with me was on the table. Apparently these feelings were from words expressed years prior to me finding out. Needless to say I was hurt and quiet confused. I had never told a lie about anyone, I had never set out to be malicious with my words. I was under the impression that our long relationships were at a certain point where truth and candor were expected. I also believed that people knew honest truth is who I was, however, it turned out that it wasn’t what people liked. So, after speaking to my husband about my hurt he explained to me that:

  • Who I was, is not who everyone else is.
  •  everyone wasn’t from a family that “speak your mind” was used excessively by everyone
  • sharing does not equal, someone asking for my opinion or for me to solve their problems
  • people don’t always want to hear the truth as boldly and in your face as I normally gave it.

Wow, all that from my husband (it sounded as if  he’d been wanting to share those thoughts with me for awhile). I can honestly say my ears were open and my mouth was shut. There was some soul searching to do and it wouldn’t be easy.

What is one to do now? Do I change who I am, the person I actually love just to have others like me? Do I just ignore the very real feelings those whom I cared about shared with me? Do I just end these long term relationships?  After long tearful discussions with my loved ones I realized my husband was right. It all boils down to sometimes I just need to:

  •  ”shut up!”  Don’t give advice
  • don’t ask for more details than someone wants to share
  • don’t respond to my gut instinct to share my opinions
  •  Just “shut up” listen and pray for others.

I hated the idea. To me real relationships were open. I should be able to tell you what you’re wearing is horrible. Yes, maybe I could soften my words a little but honesty is honesty. If my loved ones shared that with me yeah it may bother me but knowing that, that person loves and cares for me would surpass those feelings and the relationship would go on, but everyone is not like me.

So, as much as I didn’t want to, part of me had to change. Not just to save my relationships but to become a better person. I prayed and The bible told me:

My dear brothers and sisters,take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry… James 1:19 NIV

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18 NIV

It had finally dawned on me that I was going directly against what my Father asked of me, to be slow to speak to not be reckless and use my words as swords. It didn’t matter whether or not I thought I was being truthful. What mattered was that people were hurt by my words. By nature I am a communicator by training I am a communication specialist and I had allowed my human nature and my worldly training to take over my spiritual commandment to think of others.

As I blew out the candles and the flames were gone, I was pleased with the person starting this new season. It wasn’t easy. Prayer, devotion, self check and reading helped.  I read “Resolution for Women” by Pricilla Shrier (a must read) and one resolutions is to “be a woman who is quick to listen and slow to speak”. When I read that it was as if she wrote it just for me. I didn’t have a clue that, that resolution was in there. It said that if you always have an opinion it was because you craved attention, wow that was a dose of reality I wasn’t ready for. I prayed about my change and asked God to change me to a person he would like and I know he has.

I now think of others before I speak and I don’t share my thoughts and ideas as much. I think over a lot of what I have to say to people and about people. I find sometimes I feel as if I’m not being a true friend by holding back but I know that being a friend who doesn’t hurt others is more important. Yes, sometimes I forget but I’ve changed and  it has helped me:

  • become a better person by listening more
  • take attention from me and what I think to listen and pray for others
  • stop and listen to my husband more and allow him to speak
  • to live the word not just read it
  • learn that everyone won’t like who I am and that’s ok
  • to not think that I’m always right and that I have all the answers
The experience humbled me and shed light on who I was and who I would like to be. I am not sure others have noticed but I think I’ve done well. So well that I’ve even started the “shut up club” and invited some of my family members and they accepted. Those two words from my husband blessed me. They improved my relationships with my friends, my husband, my Savior and myself and I am thankful to him for his honesty and helping me take another step on this Joyful Walk.
What important lessons have you learned? Do you need to be part of the “Shut Up Club”? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Plans

Proverbs 3:5-6 was written for me. See I have this small problem, I am a planner and a person who has to understand why something is happening. Before I do anything I will ask a million questions and play a zillion scenerios in my head before. This personality tends to give me some trouble when God speaks.  I hate to admit it but when the Lord speaks, at times, I am still that believer whose response is more along the lines of “really God, is this what you really want”? Translation, God this is not what I want. I am working on one day having a response closer to “Yes, Lord I trust you”. No questions, no doubt no second thought. Instead this planner, thinker, me of little faith has the nerves to question His plans for me, as if I could come up with something better. My God understands me so well he sent me Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. NIV

Oh, how this verse has helped me. Whenever my mind begins to race, sticky notes start to pile up and the lists get longer and longer. I recite this bible verse. I recite it over and over and over and it is what has helped me get through 3 moves,  3 cities, 2 states, 3 jobs, 2 kids a husband who usually moves before we do. I find myself not leaning but standing on this verse Proverbs will get me  through the new plans he has for us this year.

How do I know it is God’s plan, because the places he has taken us and is taking us would’ve never been on my “to live list”. In Goodbye Summer I wrote that I felt as if this year was going to be the year of change. Boy was I right. As I type my husband is living in Baton Rouge, LA where the girls and I hope to move to in June. I asked for guidance and he answered loudly. Would we have chosen Baton Rouge? Absolutely NOT, but nevertheless we will be on our way. He provided and we are thankful. His plans also seems to have one very unexpected surprise for us, one made with love. Still waiting for the lines to line up on that one.

So, now the “to dos” are growing the list is longer my mind is racing and there is not a single box packed in my house. In fact I’ve added pictures to the walls! It’s quiet obvious that now instead of questioning his plans for me I’m procrastinating on his directive to move! So, instead of sending me a push he sent me another verse specific for me.

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. NIV

My response, “yes, Lord I trust you. Now, is there anyway you can send me some movers to pack these boxes”.  Hey, I’m trying I’m half way there. If you haven’t noticed I’ll be the only person in heaven with a timeout corner. I don’t think He ever intended for this life to be easy. If it were we wouldn’t have a reason to listen and obey him. That’s what I’m working on listening and obeying and believing that His plans are to set my paths straight.

I would love to hear what do you do to help you faithfully follow His plans?

Party Time

Ultimate Blog Party 2012

There’s a Party going on! I stumbled upon The Ultimate Blog Party being thrown by  5minutes for mom.com This is a wonderful opportunity for bloggers to connect and share their passions. If anyone is visiting from UBP then WELCOME! I am so happy you are here where I attempt to live the life God intended.

A little about me: I’m a :

  • Follower of Christ
  • Wife married to a football coach (getting ready to move again) who I don’t always like but love with all my heart.
  • Mother of two beautiful, intelligent, sweet, active girls.
  •  Speech-language pathologist I also blog about that at Shout Speech-Language Therapy.com  where children are encouraged to be seen and heard.
  •  New blogger trying to balance it all.

I enjoy my family, friends, cooking from scratch, crafts with the girls, learning new things and  so much more. While you are here read one of my Quick Shouts. I’ll give you a reason to shout, JOY.

Please join me while I Celebrate Life. Believe. Laugh and Shout, JOY! Well this week I’ll be shouting PARTY!

Scroll back up and leave me a comment about how you celebrate life. Love to hear from you.

PinSpirations

Follow Me on Pinterest

You all know I’ve been loving Pinterest. If you haven’t visited then you must put it on your todo list. Pinterest is a visual book mark. It allows you to organize and share wonderful things you find on the internet. The best part is you don’t have to worry about trying to remember page addresses, blog names because you get to post what you like on your own boards and organize them the way you want to. While on Pinterest if you have a favorite site, blog, friend you can follow their pins as well. What makes Pinterest even better is that there is a large amount of items created, made, cooked, simplified and perfected by regular people and you can do it as well.

Creating things with your hands is another way of living the way He intended. We were created with an extraordinary brain that is full with creativity. Some of us use our creative gifts better than others but I’m here to let you all know it’s easier than you think. A little time making something for someone you love is worth a whole lot, once it’s done. Creating also allows us to be that really hard working woman you know, the Proverbs 31 woman. She does it all and praises His name in turn she is worthy to be praised. Who doean’t want that?

Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Proverbs 31:31

So, my compulsion fascination with Pinterest is in lined with living well. It’s so bad whenever I make something new my husband says, “let me guess, Pinterest”. Yes, it is that bad. Checking Pins is now part of my social routine, you know Youversion email, FB, Pinterest, Twitter. Again if you haven’t visited, go now (hurry back here of course). If you are not a member and try to sign up it will more than likely say that you are on a waiting list. If you would like to become a member just send me an email and I’ll be more than happy to send you an invitation. The invitation allows you direct access to your new page and boards.

Well, 507 pins later Dawnia and I  have actually created some of our pins and here we will feature our Pinspirations and rate the level of difficulty, results, ways we modify it for expense, ease and materials. If you are a Pinner and want to submit a rate PLEASE do, the more the merrier.

Here are some of my pinspirations.

 This pin is a variation of the Monogram Crayon teacher gift on Pinterest (left). There are many variations and I couldn’t find the initial crafter who pinned this. I did find a good tutorial Well, How Nice (best step by step tutorial) on Pinterest. Well, I love the crayon monogram but once I started planning it out I quickly figured out that I would have to cut crayons to exact size and that seemed tedious. I needed three and wanted the girls to be involved so I used buttons and my quote:

    • My teacher took my hand, buttoned my mouth, opened my mind and touched my heart. This was personal because my little ones are social communicators (sorry their mom is a Speech-Language Pathologist) so the buttoned mouth worked well.
The buttons made it easier for my girls to stick on. They also added all the scrap sticker on the frame (they insisted and I’m trying to relinquish creative control). I think the crayons are much cuter and will probably do it one year when the girls are older.

 

My Pin Rate: Monogram Crayon

 

Appearance: Beautiful

Variations: You can do it anyway you like and it will still be beautiful

Materials: Easily accessible and cheap

Planning: Must plan ahead need crayons, freeze crayons, cut crayons etc.

Construction:  Time Consuming (but worth it if you have time) and may not be too easy for kids. If it’s for a teacher kids should be involved.

Pin or Not:   PIN 

This is so beautiful trying it or changing it will be an awesome gift for a teacher. Our teachers loved them and the girls enjoyed making them. Three pins only because of the Plan time and kid construction. If someone else would cut the crayons for me it would be great. Thanks Well, How Nice for the instructions. Have you tried this Pin? If so what did you think?


What’s for breakfast?

My girls love homemade breakfast. In our house cereal for breakfast is not a good morning. Even on school days they would prefer a hot breakfast.  I can’t say I blame them. One of our favorite breakfast meal is my Honey Whole Wheat Pancakes. The first time I posted about this awesome recipe it was because I was amazed that I had finally found a whole wheat recipe that was great and fluffy!  The base of my recipe came from Simple Bites (great real recipes). I since have added to this recipe and it’s even better. This recipe is so good that my oldest refers to it as the “good brown pancakes”. It is so good that my very skeptical family member finally gave me my props and unanimously agreed that it’s worth ditching the box. They even asked for the recipe (reason for post). This recipe is simple, delicious and truly deserves an encore post.

If I did it so can you! Eat real food God’s way, homemade, handmade, love made.

Recipe:

  • 2 cups whole-wheat flour
  • 2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon of Almond Extract
  • Honey Butter Recipe: Extra
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • 1 teaspoon of honey
  • sprinkle of cinnamon
1. add flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl
2. add buttermilk, eggs in separate bowl and whisk
3. melt butter and mix in honey. Make sure it’s mixed well and that the butter is not too hot. I like to add a couple of tablespoons of my buttermilk in my honey mixture to cool it down. If not you will end up with clumps of butter that doesn’t mix in well.
4. whisk wet, dry ingredients and almond extract until combined. Note: If mix is too thick-you may add more buttermilk or regular milk, don’t add too much.
5. Heat griddle (what I use) I don’t butter my griddle.
6. In the bowl you melted your butter add your extras (honey, butter) and melt. Mix the two and add cinnamon.  Set aside for later.
7. Spoon 1/3 cup of batter. Wait until they set or bottom side is brown and flip.
8. After flipping use a pastry brush and brush honey butter mixture on brown side.
9. Remove, stack, add real maple syrup, fresh fruit, whipped cream (my husband’s choice), nuts, chocolate
10. Share and enjoy.
*Tips:
-chop fresh fruit and place pieces in after step 7. Some people add it in their batter. I prefer this way I get the right amount of fruit in.
-if you are adding fruit after they are done, you may also add them on the grill with some cinnamon and extract, yummy.
-combinations we like:  strawberries and banana, banana and walnuts, blueberries and white chocolate,  cranberries and white chocolate, peaches and bananas, apples and walnuts, fruit salad (anything you like).
-Freeze leftovers: stack, separate with wax paper and slide in ziplock into freezer. The wax paper helps them separate easily after being frozen.
-Don’t forget to bring the kids in the kitchen to help!
Try it let me know what you think!

Goodbye Summer!

 

End of Summer water celebration.

I know I’ve been gone for awhile and believe me I have not been sitting still. I haven’t been posting but I have been walking.  We (well I) usually become the crafter, homeschool teacher, chef, baker, traveler, party planner, vacation planner, domestic engineer, and so much more. It is a lot of work but I really do enjoy and love Summer, not just because I’m off but because the family gets to spend so much time together before the dreaded “Football Season” where we rarely get to see my husband (that will be an entirely different post).

This Summer my husband took an entire week off and did not once go to his office, not once. I made sure that he knew how much I loved him being home and how much I enjoyed having him home. That has been the best part of Summer and I thank God for it.

The girls and I had “school” most days. We really worked on building on what they already had. My cupcake is extremely smart and creative but her confidence in what she knows is not as grounded as I think it should be. I do know that I make her nervous. It’s hard teaching your own child. My expectations are just so high and my patience unfortunately is not (my daily prayer).

Our last birthday for the summer.

Every summer we enjoy celebrating 4 birthday parties, the pool, beach, park and everything in between. This summer we  Crafted more than ever made picture frames, dresses, sun catchers, pom poms, felt stuffed bears, muffins, cookies and our Summer craft box is still full.  The girls went to tumbling class and are flipping EVERYWHERE! I think it’s safe to say we’ve enjoyed our Summer.  I am really excited about all the great sites I found with awesome ideas for food, academics and crafts. I had know idea that there are so many Sites from Christian mother’s loving God, marriage and their kids.

So, yes we have been busy. We’ve just completed our 1st week of school and 1 football game down. I am anticipating being just a little busier. I’ve even added a new job (more about that later). I’ve written down my prayers and I’m very excited about this year. I hope you all have enjoyed your Summer and have been able to take some time to enjoy some of God’s creations. Now on to Fall (a Florida fall). I have a feeling this will be a season of change for my family. Walking with the word:

13 So if you faithfully obey the commands I am giving you today—to love the LORD your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul— 14 then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil.

Deuteronomy 11:13-14

It’s just a number!

Celebrating Life.

My 35th with the family. It's not a party until someone cries.

I know I’ve been gone for awhile and believe me I have not been sitting still. I haven’t been posting but I have been walking. I’ve been very busy with Summer. We (well I) usually become the crafter, homeschool teacher, chef, baker, traveler, party planner, vacation planner, domestic engineer, and so much more. It is a lot of work but I really do enjoy and love Summer, not just because I’m off but because the family gets to spend so much time together before the dreaded “Football Season”  (that will be an entirely different post) and not to mention the Jackson 4 all celebrate birthdays in the Summer.

This past week I celebrated my 35th birthday. Yes, I am 35 and don’t mind. I’ve never been the kind to lie about my age. I have been known to forget my age but not on purpose, the years just seem to fly by. Nope, I don’t care about the number (not yet) I do care about whether or not I look and feel older than 35! So, this Summer I’ve also been working out, running to be specific. I found a great app Couch to 5K. It helps train you to run a 5k marathon in 8-9 weeks. It also has a great Facebook community. The people on there will congratulate and encourage you on your journey.  Nothing feels better than a stranger showing you some love. I haven’t decided whether or not I’ll run a 5k but I do want to be a runner. Please note it is painful, but no pain no gain (well hoping no gain but loss).

For me, part of living the way God intended is being healthy. I want to be able to represent God to the best of my ability, mind, body, and spirit. I’m not sure which is the hardest keeping evil out of my mind or my body.  At 35 years and 3 days old I can proudly say that I am truly content with where God has placed me. I never thought I would be living in my husbands small hometown, owning a home in NC and living in Fl; owning a private practice; watching every penny we have; making plans to live debt free, still driving my ’97 Civic (230K+ miles) and working on being a more submissive encouraging wife. No, didn’t have any of this on my “where I would be when I’m 35″ list, I don’t know how I got here or why but I do know that God doesn’t make mistakes.

What I do know is that:

  • at 35 I will continue to work towards having a Godly spirit, body and mind.
  • Everything I struggle with today, The Good Book has a word about it for me to hear.
  • Letting go and letting God allows me to enjoy the special moments that make every passing year special and every year gives me a reason to shout, JOY!

I maybe getting older but I know that I'm not old enough to be considered for this AARP card they sent me.

Yes, I am getting older and I don’t enjoy the body pains (oh so  many), but I am learning to enjoy the growing pains that have shaped who this young lady is today and I welcome the growing pains that will make me the lady  I will be tomorrow.

How do you feel about getting older?

  • Birthday Verse: For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, Colossians 1:9-10 NIV
  • Read my Quick Shout: 1976 I wrote last year. It still fits for today.

 

What Mothers Really Want!

What do moms really want on Mother’s Day? Is it candy, clothes, jewelry, diamonds nope, I don’t dream of having these things (at least not on Mother’s Day). If I could plan my own Mother’s Day weekend (yes, I deserve a weekend) it would go like this.

Friday I would be showered with wonderful school-made gifts (I truly love them). After dinner and putting kids to bed I would have my choice of several movies in a row. Then turn in for a good nights rest. Saturday, I would be awakened with kisses, and shouts of “mommy we love you” while dad ushers them out to the kitchen to make breakfast. I would sleep in a little longer and wake up to breakfast in bed. I would later head out to get a massage (a need) and later meet with the family for a light lunch. Myron would then take the girls to Mother’s day shop (flowers, card) while I go home and just do whatever I feel like. The family would come home we would hang around the house while my husband makes dinner. I would have a peaceful nights rest and wake up to kisses and cheers of “Happy Mother’s Day” and homemade cards. Daddy would hand me flowers and say “today is your day and you don’t have to worry about a thing.

We would head out to church and I would come home and enjoy my day not having to worry about a thing. No, grocery shopping for the week, no combing hair, no worries about dinner, no breaking up fights and vacuuming, no husband asleep on the couch (which he is doing as I type). No, no, none of that just a two day mommy break. That’s all I want for my day, a break (and massage).

Back to realty, Friday I received wonderful school made gifts, girls made an original song just for me (hilarious). We made homemade pizza and the girls watched a movie. Saturday, I was given the gift of sleeping in and watching TV in bed. I did unfortunately, have to vacuum, unbraided hair and had to remind Myron that the kids hadn’t had dinner at 8:30 pm. Sunday, I slept in (and I confess I skipped church), had breakfast in bed, was showered with kisses by little girls in princess gowns, flowers (Tulips), cards, massage gift card and Myron is planning dinner! I didn’t get my two days off (what I wanted) but that just reminds me how much I do to keep this family sane! My wonderful family may not know what I want but they do know what I need, for two days I am praised and feel blessed to be a mother!

Thank you girls and Myron, for a wonderful Mother’s Day Weekend! Praying that all you wonderful mothers get everything you need.

My mommy Verse:
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Proverbs 31:28-31

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...