Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Christmas Eve

Twas the day before Christmas and all through the house,
I could smell goodness baking that could rouse a mouse.
The air outside was a balmy degree,
No snow to crawl into-no not up to my knee.
Sounds of a movie of holiday fun,
Are playing and singing for everyone.
The tree is lit, and fragrantly smells,
The presents are wrapped in paper with bells.
Family is close to hold and to love,
and I'm thankful this day for my Lord above.
His love is the reason we celebrate today,
And I'm thankful for Him and for every day.
So much to be thankful for,
My list could go on,
But I'll lift up my voice,
For all that He's done.

I am so thankful for Him today. It's such a special fun time of year to celebrate, give gifts, share recipes, and enjoy time with family, but I haven't lost sight of what the reason is- Christ.
Our beloved Saviour is truly the reason we celebrate and I am so thankful for His gift, His sweet precious Son so many years ago. How I celebrate His birth, His life, His death and Resurrection.
He lives and that is enough gift for me.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

getting better eating solid foods

Funny headline for me today. Here I am a few days later. I ended up having oral surgery on Monday which actually worked out as a blessing. Jonah has a student whose dad is an oral surgeon so we called him Sunday night and he said to come in Monday morning first thing. He went out of his way to help me and for that I feel blessed, because I could have wasted my time at my normal dentist (which whom I will never be going to again- time for a new dentist). I really feel like the Lord protected me and directed us as we didn't know who to go to. My problem turned out to be more serious than I thought- but by Monday morning I didn't care what it took as long as someone took care of my pain. It's amazing what you can be capable of and NOT scared of when you are suffering so much pain. I had to have surgery- including laughing gas and a valium and an IV. All of those thing would normally terrify my but I was so ready to jump in the chair. It made me think ahead to when we do have children. I was thinking of the pain of that and realized I would be able (with God's help) to handle it. I know it's so far from giving birth, but suffering pain and overcoming fear is such a blessing. The people at the office were also wonderful and so kind. I love feeling known at a doctors office. My husband too went above and beyond every way he could. I was so out of it on Monday all day and he was there to help me and help me eat and just comforting and loving me. He came home one day this week with a surprise for me too. I just am so thankful for such a loving caring husband that God has given me!! I am on the upward curve now to healing- I can start eating solid foods today which is great for healing. Today I actually feel a little more like myself and I am thankful for that- even though I can't really smile fully yet, just halfway. Halfway is good too :-^
I'm thankful today for God looking out for me in the midst of all of this.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

swelling up

It's been a rough couple of days. I was having really sharp, painful, and pressure headaches on one side of my face and it slowly made it's way down to my jaw yesterday. I went to the allergy doctor because I thought it was sinus allergy related and he though it was TMJ. Yesterday I woke up with swelling in one area of my jaw near one of my teeth. I am lead to believe it could be an absess....so I called my dentist and she put me on an antibiotic and pain reliever to hold me until monday morning. But today I noticed a rash and realized I am probably allergic to the medicine, so after calling again she said to stop taking the medicine and take some benadryl. I just swalled a couple tablets so I am hoping the swelling will go down a bit, this is so not fun. I hate it that doctors and dentists aren't open over the weekends. Isn't that when things happen? Evenings and weekends. I am just praying for healing through this and that the swelling stops until I can get in to see my dentist. Please pray for healing for me as well, if you think of it.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

christmas decor








Here are some pictures of our tree (real of course :), and I have to explain the star... last year we bought a tree with this really tall top (like 14") and normal people trim that down to put the star on top. We stuck our star on top before trimming it down and it made us laugh so hard. It looked so goofy sticking out up there a foot away from the tree, we ended up leaving it there all season. 
This year we again bought a tree with a very tall top, and for laughs we put our star on top of it, and I think I can say it's a tradition now to find the tallest top on a tree, just to make us laugh every time we look at the star. Even now as I look at the tree again it makes me laugh! Oh the little things....sure doesn't take much to make me laugh :)
We also decorate with ornaments that we have collected from places we have visited, as well as annual ornaments with the year on them. We both have some from family as well, married and from childhood. We love putting them all on giving us that finished homespun look and feel you just can't find on a themed tree. 

busy busy

I know I am not being very faithful in updating this lately. We have been so busy this month. Starting right after Thanksgiving when we stayed up all night long going midnight shopping at the outlets- yes we were those crazy people. It was a new experience that's for sure and I learned that after staying up and fighting sleep you don't even feel sleepy anymore. It's funny how you can trick your body (or confuse it!). Overall we did get some much needed shopping done and we had fun together. I don't know if I will do it again next year though...
And this month has been full of activity. For some reason thanksgiving was later this year which made the break between Christmas not very long. So I have been Christmas shopping when I can including online orders which are great when you both work full time and can't find much time to go to stores. But I think we are almost done with our shopping (yeah!!) It was fun this year, we drew names which made it easier on both sides of the family.
Sunday night we were able to go see a Christmas concert. It was pretty and a new experience for both of us since we haven't gone to 'concerts'. But last night we had our annual staff party at work. It's so nice to both work at the same place and be able to attend things together!
We have what two more weekends until Christmas? Wow, there is so much to do at work still until break. But I am enjoying our Christmas holiday season so much. Tonight we are planning on taking pics of our Christmas tree which has been up since the day after Thanksgiving! It's so pretty as usual.
Well til tonight have a great day.

Monday, December 1, 2008

December days

December already! I hope everyone had a special Thanksgiving break. We did! After sharing a meal with friends, we went home for a nap and later went midnight shopping! Craziness at the outlets. We were shocked at how many people got up in the middle of the night to shop for deals. But overall it was a great weekend that passed all too quickly. We also picked up our tree Friday night, mmmm a really fragrant real one. We pick out a real one every year. I don't think we have ever gone quite this early, but we are both feeling so much more festive this year. Maybe because it's been really cold here in Ga. Last year it was so warm and tropical, and really hard to feel 'Christmasy'.
But I can't believe we are in December now! I am thinking ahead to how quickly and busy these next few weeks are. I can't help but go down the list of things to do.....I don't want to miss out on making memories, starting traditions, doing things for others, Christmas shopping, cards....on and on. How I love this time of year! I almost wish I had another 3 days off just to catch up from our Thanksgiving break. Our tree is sitting amidst boxes of christmas decor right now, tonight should be the night to put the lights on!!! Yeah!
I just want to slow down and really enjoy each special thing about this time of year. I am really praying that I keep my heart and focus on the very special reason for Christmas. Our beloved Lord sending His precious Son. What a tremendous gift! I am thinking what exactly can I give Him this year?

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Celebrate

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Have a blessed and wonderful day!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

thanks

I feel like I have so much more to be thankful for this year. My heart is full and I am loved. Is that enough? It is, but I wanted to take the time to think through what I am thankful for on an everyday basis that I just don't think about. I take so much for granted and I think it's important to just step back and realize how much I truly have.
• how Jonah loves me in all the little ways, like washing out our coffee cups so I don't have them waiting for me in the sink.
• the luxury of a super walmart every 5-10 miles.
• having skype (free!) to be able to call anywhere to my family.
• a washer and dryer in our apartment- we live on the top floor.
• a sunny apartment with big windows.
• finding cortland apples at Harry's 
• quiet mornings with all the time in the world, no rush to work
• German coffee everyday
• emails from friends and family
• the Nikon camera we use......
• our Mac computer always :)
• my paints and paper
• creative inspiration
• all of our books, filled up on our shelf
• Jonah's kisses and creep up behind me hugs
• family- all of them, I love them all
• my slippers- I think I have about 5 pairs
• God- always there, always loving
How much more I have to be thankful for but for now this makes me smile as we enter into the holiday, with so very much.

Monday, November 24, 2008

think think think

That title is one of my favorite things from good ole Winnie the Pooh. 
I just finished a delicious bowl of homeade applesauce. It was warm and wonderful, truly a comfort food. I've been pondering a lot lately. There is alot going on in our lives that keep us so busy, but busy in a good way. I guess I'm trying to just keep my focus where it needs to be. There are several new things I am pursuing in my life and I'm generally a-get-distracted-too-easily kind of gal, and in certain situations I really don't want to be like that.
Whatever am I talking about? Well, different things that I believe God has placed on my heart, areas of service. That can be scary too. Stepping out and trusting God to walk you down a new path has it's areas of insecurities. I'm all too quick to doubt. 
I know that God already knows what I am capable of and His standards are so much higher than my own! Ah, faith. I am so grateful for faith in God. He is truly life and every reason for living. 
And serving Him is truly a joy. Why don't more people realize that? Just step out and do something for Him. It's an amazing feeling and one of the most rewarding things a human can do. Hmm, guess I just need to trust Him in this one too. I will post more in time. Just for now I am praying through what I need to do now.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Has it been a week?

My how the time has flown by. I haven't posted in over a week or so. Sorry. I have been busy at work. I am a graphic designer so my days are spent on the computer which makes it hard to be on the computer yet again when I get home. But today I took off! I was home which was marvelous. I was able to catch up on cleaning, laundry, a little baking (two loaves of cinnamon bread mmm), and I also did a little painting. I wrote a little story/poem again and I can see the illustrations in my mind- it's always a challenge to translate that onto paper. If your an artist I'm sure you understand. My favorite source of inspiration is an illustrator named David Shannon. Perhaps you have heard of him. His illustrations are so colorful and inspiring! 
I'm enjoying some hot chocolate now and waiting for my sweetheart to come home, he should be here any minute. We are traveling to my in-laws tonight to stay over for the night. It should be a good weekend, filled with catching up, visiting and relaxing. 
I love weekends like this- especially when we get to look forward to a short week at work next week with the upcoming holiday! Such a fun time of year!

Friday, November 14, 2008

A poem I found

I read this online and found it to be so true to my own desires.

God, give each true good woman 
Her own small house to keep,
No heart should ache with longing,
No hurt should go too deep...
Grant her age-old desire;
A house to love and sweep.
Give her a man beside her,
A kind man,  and a true,
And let them work together
And love, a lifetime through,
And let her mother children
As gentle women do.
Give her a shelf for dishes,
And a shining box for bread,
A white cloth for her table, 
And a white spread for her bed,
A shaded lamp at nightfall, 
And a row of books much read.
God, let her work with laughter,
And let her rest with sleep.
No life can truly offer
A peace more sure and deep...
God, give each true woman
Her own small house to keep.
–Grace Noll Crowell–1934

tag after tag


Well I woke up pretty tired today.
There is a sale at school today- you can bring your own goods and sell your own products. I thought it would be a good opportunity to really market my children's gift tags. I knew it would take time to have them printed, hand trim them and thread them with string. I have never made such a large quantity of them either. I didn't realize how labor intensive they are when they are in a huge quantity! I am so thankful for the help of my husband. He was right there next to me trimming and pain stakingly hole punching them to the point of making his hand bleed! What a loving man to work so hard with me. I ended up finishing nearly all of the tags I had printed. They look great too.
My hope is that today I do sell some, but also drum up business for future sales. Any extras I will post and sell on my etsy site.
Someone asked me when and why I had decided to do them. A few months ago when I was in between jobs I had time to work on something I love- illustrating. I had seen Etsy due to a mutual friend that had posted her goods to sell on the site. It started me thinking about my own illustrations and what I could do to sell them- to see how it went.
I feel like the Lord was leading in me in a small way, because it was literally within a few days after I had posted some items that I had someone contact me for a custom order. It may not have been a HUGE amount of money that I made from that order, but it was so gratifying to make and sell my own goods- and to be able to add income to our household. What a rewarding feeling. Someday when we start our own family I would love to be able to be with our kids at home. I feel like this is a way I could produce income and also be so gratifying. I don't know what the future holds or if this is the direction I will someday go- I am trusting God to lead me along the way, and praying for Him to bless my efforts for trying so hard!
It's so exciting to find something you are passionate about, enjoy doing, and also find it to be rewarding. I'm thankful for what God has allowed me to learn to get to this point-as an artist and creative thinker. Who knows where it will go from here? I only pray not to lose my passion, as it's easy to lose your way as you get older and busy.
Meanwhile I will keep on painting, drawing, and reading and studying children's books.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

haircut


I took the plunge and decided to get some bangs.....I haven't had them since my junior high days. Wow that was a long time ago. Why do we never really feel older? I still feel like a teenager in some respect, but I'm getting to be an old lady :)

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Time to think

Well, yesterday I posted a blog about our new president that wasn't the kindest. This morning has brought new feelings and emotions to our President-elect. While I do not agree with what he stands for, I will not allow Satan to use feelings as an attempt to cause disagreement, and conflict in my life. I find that where I am right now is a hard place....not fully agreeing with our newest leader, not feeling supportive. He is a figure of authority and we are taught as Christians to respect the authority God has placed over us.
My hearts prayer will be for the White House, for the men that are helping direct and lead our country. But I know that I am not going to allow any kind of predjudice, hate, or disrespect to give room for a victory for Satan. I know Satan has set up a lot of pieces right now to give room for destruction and chaos in America.
I won't allow him the victory. I will pray for our country and our leaders, and for God to give me a burden to continue to do so. This country was originally built on God and with God, and I won't push Him out of it now....It's important to show others how a true child of God should act, with love and compassion for others. Just some thoughts this morning as I go through the day.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Hope in Christ

It's the day after elections and we have our new president. Last night as we were watching the results roll in our hearts were heavy and sick over the prospect of having this liberal, socialist take the place as our leader.
It's happened, and we can take peace as Christians that God is in control. He always has been and I rejoice in that. I can understand why America made the choice it did. God has been left out of decision after decision for years now. When you turn your back on God there is a wickedness that comes out....like a rust corrupting metal.
My prayer now is for the hearts of all those that don't know Christ. They don't have the precious hope of having Life everlasting in Christ.
Rise up and pray Christians, trust in God He is always always faithful. How wonderful is that!
The verse that has been on my heart and mind since last night,
"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 1Timothy 1:7

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

election day

Just wanted to put a quick post on here. I'm praying for the elections as they continue to roll in. God is in control.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Sunday, November 2, 2008

november already?

This morning Jonah said 'hey it's November!' and I realized it's already the 2nd of the month. Wow are we almost into another year? Where does the time go? It's been a great weekend- especially with the extra hour we had by turning our clocks back. This day just felt so long which has been great! We woke up earlier this morning because it felt like 8:30, even though it was 7:30 which made the whole morning so productive before we left for church. We even got there early. When does that happen? I even made muffins this morning! They were great too- coffee cake muffins, a recipe I swiped from the internet....I think through a blog somewhere. 
I'm proud to say that we have voted too! We mailed in absentee ballots this year, and I'm so glad we did considering the lines are expected to be very long this year. While I am not one to talk politics I do encourage everyone to vote. I am praying for the election as it is only a day away, and resting in the knowledge that God reigns no matter who our president is. I have peace that He is in control. In service this morning our pastor spoke of voting and how important it is to do that.  I know the candidates this year are not that great on either side. I know one is more of a socialist. Okay maybe that was saying too much? I just don't want to get started. Pray about your choices as you vote. Look to the Bible as your measuring stick- who comes closer to what the Bible says about different issues?
Ultimately it's in God's hands- aren't you thankful we get to serve a God who is so great?

Thursday, October 30, 2008

crayons




I can hardly believe it's almost the weekend again! It's been a busy week as usual. Last night in church (youth group) it was dress up night for our version of  halloween- but not
really halloween. I am really not into halloween at all, fall yes, halloween no. But in the spirit of the occasion, and also because Jonah really wanted to get dressed up we decided to make our own costumes. We decided to go as crayons! I thought it would be a simple costume- one color add a hat and your done. Well we spent most of the night on Tuesday shopping at a thrift store- to which we had no luck- and ended up at Walmart. Did you know you can find every color in the crayon box (not the big daddy box with like 96 colors) in sweatsuits at Walmart? It was really enlightening, especially considering the fact that we don't wear sweats....we don't even own sweats. But there we were surrounded by every color and hopeful that we could be crayons after all. We wore our one color sweatsuits and bought black felt. Jonah diligently cut out the crayon part that we wore on our stomach, and the other curvy pieces. All these felt pieces were pinned because we didn't want to ruin our beautiful sweatsuits (I swear we will wear them again!) We also found these buckets that look just like a sharp crayon and wore those on our heads. Jonah actually painted his to match the color to his suit. Yes, we are grateful we are artists because who else would color match a bucket to their sweatsuit?
So the finished product turned out great, and everyone got a smile at our expense, so it was worth the work. But next year....I think we're gonna go in with friends and be the whole eight pack box.

Monday, October 27, 2008

Monday Monday

The weekend just flew by it seems....but it was fun! I did make my luscious apple pie- which we are still enjoying. We also spent most of Saturday back at school (we love it so much we can't stay away :)) hardee har har. We actually spent the day and evening back stage photographing the high school production. Which was awesome. It was my first time backstage the whole play and Jonah's second or third or fourth. He helped 'direct' me with lighting and such. It was a lot of fun watching them switch out in between scenes and run back and forth. I never really 'watched' the actual performance because we were so busy avoiding curtains coming down, scene changes, performers running back to change, while adjusting our camera's lighting, aperature, shutterspeed just racing to keep up with light changes on stage. It was a lot of fun and in the end I think I gained some experience with theatre shooting and ended up with some great shots- very dramatic. I love photography and my favorite shooting will always be candid of people, but this was a new experience to add depth to my abilities.
I also had a lot of fun with Jonah- it was another side of him that he is passionate about and knowledgeable as well. I just love that man.
We spent Sunday at church and in the afternoon I did get to work on more of my children's tags for the holidays. Of course everytime I finish one I sit back and think hmmm I don't really like it. So I will keep workin on it. I plan to schedule time since my deadline to finish and have everything printed, packaged and priced is November 13. I have a little time left. I plan on posting the good ones on Etsy too.
Voting is also right around the corner.....we are mailing in absentee ballots to avoid the crazy mile long lines. We sure do need to pray for our president as the days roll by.
That's all for now, just another windy Monday, mmm breathing in the crisp beautiful air.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Windy Wet Friday

It's Friday!!! I always get excited when the weekends arrive. I have visions of so many things I get to do over the next couple days- baking, cleaning, artwork, spending time with my hubby, staying toasty warm and dry. It's actually COLD here in Ga. The rain and wind today are making it even more so. I have a pie crust sitting in the fridge right now waiting for me to fill it with apples. I made it a couple days ago, hoping I could finish it sooner- but maybe tonight! The apples aren't my very favorite northern cortlands, but they will do. I love pie! Especially apple. It's also one of Jonah's favorites. There is something really comforting about baking too very warm and fragrant.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

happy Wednesday

Wow a lot of time has gone by since I posted. How crazy and busy our lives are! The older I get the more I realize time never slows down, you never find more time for things or someone, you have to make it. God has been so good and so faithful to me no matter how much time I waste on myself, and what I choose to do. 
Today was Wednesday, our busy day. On top of a hectic run-around day at work, we both drive over to church to work with our youth group. Teenagers are a lot of fun, a lot of energy and they can teach you a lot about yourself. I remember when we first started helping out in the youth group...it wasn't my idea. But I gave it a try and here we are a couple years later getting to know these kids more and more, and also getting to know ourselves as well. Suddenly what we said or how we acted carried so much more weight in the presence of teenagers. How influential we are I may never know, but I pray we provide that level of trust and love I know I longed for in my own teen years, somehow I'm pretty sure you never lose that feeling of wanting to belong, to be understood and to be loved. My job also allows me to be around young people- pretty ironic considering I was intimidated by them a couple years ago. I sometimes feel like God is trying to teach me a lot about myself....and I think I fail a lot of the tests. I really don't want to turn into that crochety mean adult that everyone gets quiet around! Love is a definite gift from God, a daily choice! 
But tonights message focused on being still. Hearing God. Renewal. I needed to hear it. I run and run until I finally slow down at night and end up falling asleep on the couch next to my husband....sigh. I feel so old when that happens! How important it is to take moments alone with God to hear only Him, no t.v. or radio, no chitter chatter, or cars, just silent blessed peace where you can close your eyes and just spend moments talking and listening to the One who so desperately wants to talk. My Best Friend. How do we remain best friends when I don't spend time together with Him? 
Good thoughts, pushing me to get back on track in my own devotions.

Monday, October 13, 2008

our nephew Pearson






What a great weekend! We stayed over at my in-laws all weekend. The whole family was there and it was so nice to catch up with everyone and just really enjoy the time together. It was refreshing and filling to be with family and to meet the newest little member only a little over a month old-Pearson Cole.What a sweet little one! His warm little body radiated so much heat- I forget how warm infants are! It was fun to hold him and watch him observe everyone. I just leaned over and whispered to Jonah- don't you want one? :) All in time......

Friday, October 10, 2008

something I read

I read different blogs that I have bookmarked throughout my random searches and rabbit trails I tend to get on when I'm on the computer. I read this story this morning and found it to be so encouraging. It reminded me of a very important point-how we are used by God.
Check it out if you feel like it :)
http://avirtuouswoman.ning.com/profiles/blog/show?id=2152926%3ABlogPost%3A31533

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

women in the workforce

We just walked through the door tonight after a pretty long day. Wednesdays are always long days because we go straight to church after work. I was thinking how exhausted I was and I still had things that needed to be put away, cleaned, folded ect. The thought crossed my mind 'would if we had children too?' and that lead me to think "How in the world do women work all day 5 days a week and take care of a family with 2+ children as well?" It is so exhausting physically and mentally working all day, there is a lot of effort that goes into talking and interacting with other people all day and juggling your workload, then coming home to tackle what needs to be done there- dinner, cleaning, togetherness with your husband....so throw in having kids too and it leaves me to wonder, how in this day and age women balance EVERYTHING. Granted you do come home and finish what has to be done, then you do what is needed for everyone else, where is there that time of renewal, to help you feel like you are ready to go again the next day.
I don't know... a small revelation to me tonight. Do I want to have kids? Oh yes, I'm excited about our future family, but at the same time I feel so strongly about staying home to raise them. Maybe I am just weak for feeling I don't have the energy to work all week and have the same amount of work at home. I want to be able to really be there for our kids without feeling so drained and short from being with so many other people all day. 
Just random thoughts I am thinking, but also something that makes me pray all the more for the future and for God to work out a way for us to be able to have me at home. 

submission

I will admit that I can be bull-headed sometimes. Well quite often actually. I get set in my ways, in my mind and in my heart and it can take a lot for me to change. Usually after I am mad about something and I give it a little time, my heart will change and start to feel tender about what I shouldn't have said or done. I have kind of been feeling like that when it comes to a few issues going on in my life. I have felt like my husband is moving one direction and not my direction. Even as I write that I feel the self-centeredness of it all. I struggle with being selfish, I always have....maybe it's that last child-baby-complex of being spoiled. Which I have continually denied to all of my sisters!
But whatever the case God has a way of reaching down and speaking to me, which He did this morning through Ruth 1:16,17. I'm sure everyone is familiar with these verses, but today I really needed to be reminded of them: And Ruth said, intreat me not to leave thee,or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.
I know that these verses are used in weddings, but they are reminder to me of whole hearted submission and love. How often I fail in those areas, Ruth is such a good example to me, to each of us as to how we can show devotion, love and submission to not only our husbands, but to our Lord. Laying down our lives to follow Him as He leads.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Jonah's birthday!































































































































































































































so excited about his camelbak, pretending to drink on the couch.












I believe Jonah had a good birthday! It
was an early start in the morning on a school day, but his students surprised him with a little party during class, and brought a cookie cake! After school we went out to eat at his favorite restaurant, and later in the night he opened presents, and had cake. His favorite present? The camelbak you see him wearing, in which he immediately put it on and went into the bathroom to check it out :)
I love this man, what a fun day.

Saturday, October 4, 2008

weekend

I'm so excited that it's finally the weekend, and that my dear husband is home again. I missed him so much this week and I'm happy he is back safe and sound. I'm planning on making no plans this weekend and just really enjoying time together, switching out our winter clothes, and catching up on a little art....maybe. I love weekends.

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

It's Tuesday! Yeah Monday is over! I don't know why but Monday's always feel long and tiring. I'm happy it's the next day in the week.
This morning I read a verse that really applies to the here and now:
"Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." Deuteronomy 31:6
It's a scary time in our economy right now, with the home market so unstable, our financial institutions crumbling, elections coming ever closer...there is so much going on with so much uncertainty. It's easy to feel scared and unsure, but this verse is like a warm blanket in the cold. How reassuring that God is always with us. Even if the world crumbles and falls God is there to hold us up and help us stand. I'm thankful for our God that is faithful, with so many promises for us, it makes me wonder why don't I spend more time reading about those promises instead of watching the news that seems to change by the minute.
This week is kind of a challenge, the gas shortage is definitely scary since I can honestly say I have never been in this kind of situation before, where we ran out of something. I find myself thinking about people that truly go without vital things like food or water and it's a humbling experience to say the least. Trust in the Lord comes to mind and I know it's these times we really get to see God's faithfulness.
But it's sure to be an interesting week as Jonah is out of town for a few days, I get to putter around at home filling my time :) I'm looking forward to working on some artwork, it is always a treat to sit down and paint. Jonah's birthday is coming up Monday so I get to plan a lavish dessert for him! I love celebrating with Jonah!
Have a good Tuesday, whatever may come.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Airfare

It's that time of year again, to start thinking about traveling plans.....ugh. I miss my family and it's sad that we can't afford the airfare to fly to NY more often, but it's just ridiculous how much of a ripoff the flights are. If we were rich and had our own plane that would be one thing. I think paying the price to travel is always going to be something I dislike. Maybe I am being cheap? I don't know I just can't justify the $100's of $'s it takes to get from point A to B. I guess it doesn't help that we have driven the last two years to NY. In fact now that I think about it, the overall cost of driving and hotel was probably getting close to what we are spending now on airfare.hmm.
I did enjoy our road trips though. They are always fun because you get to watch the world pass you by through the car window, and you have the luxury to stop and take in sights if you have the whim to do so.
Flights are a different experience altogether.
Arrive at the airport, find parking, drag your suitcase and overly-stuffed-shoved-together-at-the-last-minute-carryon-that leaves a nice welt on your shoulder, into the long line of restless holiday travelors, sure to be with their family full of small children that are just as grumpy (but much more antsy) as their parents. Then you proceed to check in your baggage (after dragging it through the security line to be checked) and then you start your trek to the gate. Finally when your plane starts to board, if your fortunate enough for it leave on time(which does manage to happen sometimes) you may be the lucky one to receive a nice pat down from security similar to a frisking from an officer :) Then it's onto the plane to locate your seat which hopefully isn't lodged between two very large people. Okay so it does sound like a negative experience, but it's not the worst. It is certainly a lot faster than driving! And you get to see others in a light you don't normally have! Yes flying is enlightening.
Seriously though, I miss my family and it's sad it is so far and few that we get to see them! I'm looking forward to visiting and meeting the 'new members'-my parents animals they have adopted. I'm looking forward to Mom's cooking, Laura making me laugh, Dad picking on me :) and just normal events in the household. I know Jonah is hoping to see some snow too, and looking at the old telephone booth my dad has stored in the barn, perhaps to think of some antic to getting it home to our little abode...
It will be wonderful to be in the country again, it may be the last time in that old house, at least Lord willing if it is to be sold in the future (which I know mom and dad would love).
So I plan to really enjoy the time with family because memories are more and more precious the older I get. And as far as airfare goes, yeah it's worth it.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

gas shortage in ga



Because of the hurricane that hit Texas we are suffering from a gas shortage here in ga. It's kind of crazy to have to search for a station that actually has gas. Thankfully we found a station that had some pumps still working with gas! We got in line and filled up! Praise the Lord we made it to a station that is still running.

favorite things


One of my favorite things, horses.
These were some beautiful horses we would watch feed in the wee hours of the morning at the ranch in Utah....

just another Tuesday

Is it only Tuesday? It's sad that the weekend is so far off in the future right now. This day has been a terrible Tuesday. And I like to be optimistic. It just started off late- we both slept in and woke up 10 minutes after we should have already left. From there it was doomed to be a late starting day. Work today feels more like babysitting, and I'm still having a sugar crash from the sweet pastry breakfast we ate in the car. It's days like this we would rather go back to bed and start all over again. But it's a day to learn new lessons about patience, gratitude, appreciation. Like patience with others no matter how petty the situation, gratitude for what I have because it does come from God, and appreciation which actually is the same as gratitude now that I think about it. But these moments make life fun and really help you look forward to the right days, when you get up on time.

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Favorite things


There is nothing as good as fresh, home-made apple danish to welcome in the fall season.
What's funny is that two of my sister's made the same favorite dessert in the same week- although we live miles and miles apart. I'm so thankful mom taught us how to cook and bake from scratch!

Friday, September 19, 2008

Fall is in the air

I have faithfully used my new Fluidity machine twice this week. What a good feeling to exercise but also do what I had planned! My muscles are a little angry at me for making them move, but I do feel better and more stretched out.
A good week overall, and now here it is Friday, and we are so excited the weekend is here!! The weather has been changing here too, which I love, because it is turning to fall. Mmm, I love this time of year when the leaves change, the air is crisp, apples are in season, hot chocolate is on the grocery list, and hints of Christmas are popping up. It's the season for photography that is for sure, I love capturing color and it's bareable to be outside now, without feeling too hot and muggy.

Georgia sure is a beautiful state with warm weather, but I do miss the crispness of the north at this time of year. All the apple orchards too! Fortunately I found Harry's Wholefoods store that sells seasonal produce from all over, so I am able to buy my much beloved Courtland apples, to turn into danish, and homeade applesauce. I'm such a country girl at heart and it's funny because we live in such a metro area compared to where I grew up. The older I get the more I realize how much I appreciate where I grew up. Sure it was out in the middle of nowhere in the country, but it sure was beautiful and green. Here it's a bit of a fight in traffic wherever you go, but we have really learned to love having everything so close, walmart, grocery stores, gas stations, theatre's, the mall. Even our church is 5 minutes up the road. It sure is nice not to have to drive far. But my heart still misses the country...maybe someday we will have that horse ranch and a cute cottage with my own little garden, and a few little kiddos....mmm someday!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Pray for your husband!

I found this online devotional last week that I really thought had some good information in it. It's taken from a book that is writtten about praying for your husband. I think it's so important to really pray for your husband because there are so many battles he has to face in the world. Marriage is really not the norm nowadays as sad as that is. Satan has really worked his way into this precious relationship meant to symbolize our own relationship with Christ. With the rise of divorce and homosexual sin marriage is somehow being smothered out. I won't stand for that. I love my husband too much. It really makes me angry how much Satan has prevailed and also fills me with a fierceness to do what I can to protect our marriage, our relationship, our love.
One day when we have children that look to us as their example, I want to be able to show them what real love is. I don't want them looking to the world for an example, I can only imagine how it will be years down the road.
Here is the link, take a look and pray for God to teach you how to do maybe just one more thing to protect your marriage: http://www.crosswalk.com/marriage/11581371/

Monday, September 15, 2008

My fluidity!



I am not one to watch those cheesy telemarketing commercials, but for some reason one day I was flipping through channels over my bowl of cereal and I came across this fabulous exercise machine called the Fluidity. It's basically a dancers bar that comes with dvd's and other trinkets to help you work your body into a 'dancers body'. How fabulous is that? And the examples of course were like: "before I used my fluidity I was so blah blah blah, and now I can't believe the difference! " yes I know very typical. And normally I just breeze on by channels like that.

When I was a little girl I used to put on my tights and body suit, flip on a record of classical music (wow records are so old now) and pretend that I was performing ballet for a grand audience of whoever happened to be there- my sisters, our cats.
But I always dreamed about ballet, and how graceful it is. Even though I am not taking up ballet, I still thought it would be neat to learn how to stretch and exercise with flexibility and strength. Plus I can get a good workout too!
I saw that dance bar and thought hmm I would like to have one. And the price they advertise it for is so lowww...or so I thought, until I looked it up online and saw how expensive it was. So I have been diligently searching Craig's List for my very own fluidity. And I found one nearby! Yesterday we drove over and picked it up and I got it for almost half the price! My husband is so sweet and supportive of my semi-online-telemarketing-purchase.
I'm so excited. It's sitting in our little apartment now taking up entirely too much space but it folds down so it can fit under the bed. I just have it sitting out waiting for me.
I can't wait to try the first dvd and see if it really gives you that 'dancers body'. It will be a good workout at least!
I will post a picture of my lovely fluidity. And it's now my goal to work out twice a week. I wrote it here so in some way I can be held accountable for it. Tuesday and Thursday sound good.....and so my progress will begin tomorrow.

what a good quote

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.
~e.e. cummings

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Timing

It's been a long week of waiting. Waiting for the agent selling the home to get in touch with our agent, but finally we received our much prayed for answer. Some one else put a contract on the house, so as disappointing as it was at the moment I felt a peace about the whole situation. Sometimes it takes a stubborn closed door to show us that God is saying no in a not so subtle way. I have been reading Phillipians this week and 4:6,7 has stuck out to me: Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
What a true verse this in my own life, it is so applicable. But I just wanted to post an update here. In the meantime we will keep praying for the right house to open up and I know God will provide something so great for us.

Friday, September 5, 2008

for the little babes in my life

So I have had this random phrase running in my mind all day. It's been a while since I felt a poem in me. Today I did. I haven't written a poem since I was a teenager. I used to love poetry and it would come so easily to me to rhyme together phrases and use descriptive words. I can see pictures in my mind with words. It's funny but that is how I remember things, places, names- all by pictures in my mind. Maybe that is why I am an artist, because I am so visually oriented. Maybe that is why I love coloring books, childrens books, fun and colorful design. I'm so visual it's kind of ridiculous, but it's what inspires me and drives me and gives me passion. That is why my photography is unique, because pictures tell a story. They tell the story your telling. I think that is why I love beautiful and descriptive Bible verses. God the most awesome Artist of all, felt that way too. That's a cool thought.

Steps

Pitter patter, tip toe,
watching, hearing, learning,
grow.

pitter patter, tip toe,
almost standing,
here I go.

pitter patter, tip toe,
running, racing,
never slow.

pitter patter, tip toe,
taller taller,
where did you go?

pitter patter, tip toe,
years fly by, 
where did time go?

pitter patter, tip toe
all grown up, and on your own,
always always in my heart,
my pitter patter, tip toe.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Welcome to the world!




Our new little nephew was born yesterday evening, and I am so excited about his arrival. It was a long wait, as we thought he would be born last Friday, but he had different plans.
His name is Pearson, and already he looks like his mom with her eyes and mouth. I can't wait to really see him in person when we make the drive to KY.
Babies are such a blessing from God, every one is a miracle.