SparkedLife!

BAD GIRLS: Sapphira's Choice

2010-02-16T19:53:00.000-08:00

Here are the themes that jumped out at me as I read this chapter of our study.

(yes, yes, I know...I skipped Delilah on the blog. SORRY! I got behind and figured it was best to pick up where we are right now)

Honesty with ourselves & God
Giving without strings brings the biggest blessing to our lives
Lying is a waste of time
God can handle all your questions...so ASK, SEEK & KNOCK!

In the book of Acts we meet a couple named Ananias & Sapphira. They were a part of the early church led by Paul and some of the other major apostles. It was customary for those who owned land or property to sell it from time to time & donate the profits to the church to provide for those who were in need. I imagine that those who gave were thanked most graciously by everyone. Sapphira & her hubby would have taken note of this. They decided to sell a piece of land that they owned outright. But instead of giving the entire profit to the church, the held back a portion for themselves. They both lied about their intentions to Paul (at separate times) and they both fell dead on the spot.

CRAZY!!!

Because I'm' short for time, I'll just hit you with the biggest points from Sunday's class:

We are called to be observant to the people around us.

We are called to manage our resources well...budgeting, investing & a lifestyle of integrity.

When it comes to tithing, the Lord lets us keep 90% & only requires 10% to support the work of His house. Cool. But for some reason, when we hear the weekly reminder/appeal for the tithe, muscles clench and wallets tighten. Hmm...

During class, the Lord gave me this illustration:

When you visit a store & see an item you've been watching for a few weeks, do you get excited when you see that it's 10% off? No. Usually you're almost insulted that so little would be taken off the top.
Well in church, why does 10% always sound like it's going to bankrupt your pockets??

Truth is, it doesn't bankrupt anything. When you give that blessed amount, the Lord not only returns it to you, He multiplies it in your life in more ways than money. I'm a living witness to that.

In our class, we learned that those who give freely, without strings or expectation ALWAYS receive the biggest blessing. Why? Because they trust God to meet their needs as they help others. That is not to say that we hand out our rent money to strangers...what that means is we are supposed to budget well so that we know just how much "extra" we have to give in a charitable way. Easy.

But, if you're convinced that you never have enough, then you will always feel as if you can't afford to tithe or give any sort of offering or charitable gift. This is a trick of the Enemy to keep your money all tied up in the wrong places.

Oh my online sisters...I wish that you could join us in class. I know that my writing here does not cover even half of the discussions, but I try to share the best points at least.

If you're in the Boston area, consider getting up a little early and joining us for an hour. We meet from 10:00a to 11:00a and you will always leave feeling fulfilled.

I'm signing off now...100% exhausted from this long snowy day.

I love you all & will write more soon!

FINALLY! omg!

2010-02-12T07:17:00.000-08:00

Alright.

I've been dealing with a sick baby, a sick husband, then a sick baby again. And this week we are in our District Conference for the Church of God in Christ. PHEW!

So that I don't leave you totally hanging, here are some fun things to do during next week's school vacation. I hope you enjoy them. Thanks to everyone who sent them to me to share!

Celebrate Valentine's Day at Kings Back Bay!

Great for groups!

Great for couples!

Fun for all!

Call Kings Back Bay at 617.266.2695 to make your priority dinner reservation!

Check out the Kings Back Bay menu!

Spend School Vacation at Kings Back Bay!

Kings will be open at 11:30am every day for School Vacation Week!

Bring the Kids to KINGS for bowling & video games!

Kids menu is available.

Kings is 21+ at 6pm

Kings Boston

50 Dalton St

Boston, MA 02115

P: 617-266-2695

F: 617-266-8146

http://www.backbaykings.com

Boston Natural Areas Network (FRANKLIN PARK ZOO)

Neponset Greenway Event: February Break Snowshoe or Winter Walk - FREE Thursday, February 18, 1:00 p.m. Ryan Playground, River St., Mattapan Ryan Playground Directions The riverside trail just behind Ryan Playground is a lovely place to walk and view the winter landscape of the Neponset. We'll look for signs of wildlife that have left tracks or other evidence. We will snowshoe if there is a good layer of snow on the ground, otherwise, we'll go for a walk. Snowshoes to borrow are limited, registration required. Contact BNAN at 617-542-7696 or info@bostonnatural.org . School Vacation Week at the Zoo offers lots of indoor activities for families:

February 13 - 20 - All free with Zoo Admission

Get in the “love groove” at Franklin Park Zoo during February Vacation Week! Bring a valentine or make one for your favorite animal. The animal who receives the most will be crowned “Zoo Sweetheart 2010.”

One lucky winner will be chosen to receive a Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Zoo for the whole family. Throughout the week, there will be zookeeper encounters and other activities!

Don’t miss a special performance by wildly-popular children’s entertainer Su Eaton! Su will perform in the Hippo Theater inside the Tropical Forest on Sunday, February 14 from 10:30 - 11:15 a.m.

Activity schedule:

10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Make a valentine for your favorite animal! Daily, Tropical Forest

11:00 a.m. - Learn more about the birds that call Bird’s World home and speak with a zookeeper! Daily, meet at the Scrublands exhibit inside the Bird’s World building

11:30 a.m. - Don’t miss storytime! Daily, Hippo Theater (Tropical Forest)

1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Learn more about wildlife and conservation by visiting our special biofacts table! Daily, near the ring-tailed lemur exhibit inside the Tropical Forest

2:00 p.m. - Learn more about gorillas and speak with a zookeeper! Daily at the gorilla exhibit, Tropical Forest

3:00 p.m. - Learn more about the animals that call Franklin Farm home and speak with a zookeeper! Daily at Franklin Farm

On Saturday, February 13 and Saturday, February 20, Catching Joy will host a special craft table for kids to make valentines. This table will be located inside the Tropical Forest. Catching Joy is a 501c3 non-profit that organizes hands-on community service for young children and their families to let them feel the joy of volunteering and giving. Catching Joy channels kids' energy, enthusiasm, care, creativity and idealism to help different causes.

Boston Nature Center - February Vacation Week Program: Winter Works!

Tuesday, February 16 - Friday, February 19, 2010 from 8:30 am - 5:30 pm

The largest snowflake was fifteen inches across. One inch of rain is equal to ten inches of snow. Learn about the amazing science behind winter. How does the water in trees keep from freezing? How do animals survive buried underneath a foot of snow? Children will explore winter nature through hands-on investigations, art projects, games, and more.

Fee is based on a sliding scale. Mass Audubon Members $50-$250, per week, Nonmembers $90-$290, per week. Registration: Visit our website to read the camp and vacation week information and policies, and print out the registration forms: Boston Nature Center.

BAD GIRLS OF THE BIBLE: The Woman At the Well

2010-02-01T17:57:00.000-08:00

Hey Ladies,

How goes it??

If your life is anything like mine, you are probably juggling 3 to 9 different family and personal projects at one time. You may or may not have finished the most recent chapter, but you probably really, really want to.

Lucky for you, if you don't have much time, you can just read the Bible's direct version of the story.

You'll find it in John 4:1-42.

Go read it, I'll wait...

Phew! That was fast...

Hmm...we're gonna have to go by the Honesty Policy here, I guess...

Well, here were find a woman who was clearly avoiding a lot of people. So much that she decided to run out for some water in the blazing sun (most women waited until the cool of the day). But most women hadn't been married to 5 previous men...and thus been related to just about everyone in town at one point or another. I imagine that most of these folks had given her wedding presents too...maybe more than once?

Soo umm...yeeeeah...

I'd probably choose the blazing heat as well.

So our girl is there doing her thing and Jesus (who had been walking for some time & was really thirsty) asked if she'd give him a drink. Technically because they were of different "classes", they shouldn't have been talking. But hey, after 5 husbands, our woman at the well was no shrinking violet.

The two of them dished a little bit and Jesus is back to work. He sees right into her -- through her -- into her past and present. And instantly her thirst became more important than his own. Her true thirst - emotional, physical and spiritual -- was laid bare before him. And worldly as she was, this woman was smart enough to recognize the Messiah and call others to hear him speak. A lot of people in town came to listen to Christ because of her testimony. THEN they ended up believing because the Gospel alone was strong enough to save them.

Amazing!

To be honest, I had a difficult time getting through this chapter in the book. For some reason it just wouldn't hold my interest. Usually when that happens, I know that there is something deeper that I need to find. I decided to go back to the original story. PERFECT!

Once I did this and read the study verses, the lesson themes became clear:

Shame & Forgiveness

Thirst

Spreading the Gospel

Shame & unforgiveness can keep us bound. They can keep us repeating unhealthy patterns as a form of self-punishment. Those emotions leave us hungry and thirsty for something that seems to go nameless for so long. But it's actually a thirst for righteousness and the peace it can bring. Whether we are conscious of it our not, our soul knows it's Creator. And it will always try to find Him and His peace.

If when the Lord presents Himself to us, and we accept His forgiveness, we can be freed from the shame of our past. That freedom frees us to become a living walking witness for His peace -- for His Great Gospel. And then more people are set free as a result of our own freedom. We are able to walk in grace and mercy.

You haven't done anything that surprises Him. But He's got some incredible surprises waiting for YOU.

I hope this blesses you wherever you are today.

You deserve forgiveness...from yourself. From whatever binds your heart.

And there is a living water that never disappoints -- waiting for you in Christ. Check out Psalm 1: 1-6 to see exactly what I mean.

Living in Him and His word brings and abundance of life and strength. Fill my cup Lord!

He is one man who never disappoints.

Bad Girls: LOT'S WIFE -- A Sin and a Shame!

2010-01-26T18:44:00.000-08:00

Hey Ladies!

It's been too long....I know, I know...

The good news is that although this post is late (due to a sick baby, followed by another sick baby..oops, I mean sick husband) you haven't missed much!

Two weeks ago we read and dished about Lot's Wife (another unnamed woman). And this PAST Sunday, we took a break from Bad Girls and had a personal Goal Setting Workshop for an hour. If you'd like a copy of the worksheet, just email me at sparkedlife@gmail.com and let me know you'd like a copy! It was an hour well spent, trust me.

Okay, so without further delay (i.e. before my husband and baby wake up), away we go!

FYI: As soon as I typed that sentence, they both woke up - sigh -

Anyhoo:

The bulk of this story is found in Genesis 19.

There was a man named Lot who was the nephew of a great man of God, Abraham. But Lot wasn't necessarily that great of a Godly man himself. He was a successful business man in the city of Sodom & Gomorrah. Many evil things happened there and God sent 2 angels to check it out and destroy it if it were that bad. It was. But because Abraham had prayed for his nephew & his nephews family, the angels were instructed to get them all out safely BEFORE the WMDs came crashing down. The entire family was rescued (Lot, his wife & 2 daughters) but on the way out, Lot's wife disobeyed a simple order: RUN & DON'T LOOK BACK. Well folks, she looked back. And I think the sheer horror of what she saw gave enough time for her to be consumed and she was turned to a pillar of salt. Lot and the girls kept it moving though.

For the sake of time/space I had to leave out a few details here. But if you read the story and the chapter, you know I left out the juiciest parts.

These are the points our class focused on:

1. Lot's wife was silent. The whole time her husband was offering their virginity to a malicious city of men.
Uhhh...yah. I said "city". The Bad Girls in our class believed that maybe Lot's wife was more concerned with maintaining the status quo in a town where she was comfortable. They also said that maybe this wasn't the first time something like this had happened in their town. But one thing NONE of our Bad Girls could reconcile was how any mother could allow her children to be offered up for abuse. Especially to maintian her own comfort. Ugggh.

Terrible as it sounds, women do it every day. They know their little ones are in harms way, but to keep a man, they turn a blind eye & deaf ear. Others are sold out to drugs and alcohol and offer their innocent babies to the highest bidder to secure their own next high. It's a sad place to be in...for both parties.
2. Lot didn't strike us as the "super spiritual" type. He seemed like the kind of guy who was raised in church and grows up saying things like, "I don't need a church to be spiritual. I have God in my heart. I probably have more of Him here than I would in there!" So when Liz Curtis Higgs presented the question: WHY WOULD GOD GO THROUGH THE TROUBLE OF RESCUING LOT AND HIS FAMILY? (Especially after they hesitated MANY times after they'd been warned of the pending disaster!

The answer is found in 2 places:

Romans 6:23 & 2 Peter 3:9

God doesn't treat us as our sins deserve. WE do a fine job of that alone, don't we? Sometimes TOO fine of a job. But the verse that resonated with all of us was found in 1 Timothy 1:16 (NIV):

"But for that very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his UNLIMITED patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive eternal life."

BAM!!

Say whaaaat???

Ladies: you might think that what you've done or experienced is worse than anyone else. And you may think that those things disqualify you from a life of peace and power in Christ. But the opposite is true. YOU (with alll you Badness) were allowed to experience things to show God's UNLIMITED patience to those who watch you life in Christ unfold. YOU and all your pain and issues have been designed to be a walking, talking example of what God's redemption looks like.

The free gift of God is salvation. Receive it where you are and let him have His way!

You've got work to to, Bad Girl!!

Goodness Gracious!

2010-01-20T19:39:00.000-08:00

This week has been so strange for me!

I have not been able to post anything because my 11 month old has been very, very sick :(.

Saturday & Sunday I probably slept about 4 hours total? It's a blur now. But after a trip to the E.R., pediatrician and drugstore...and two days (so far) home from work, the baby has a double ear infection & virus (thank you, Daycare).

I am not complaining - just explaining!

If I get a few minutes tomorrow, then I shall post the notes for those of you following along with us remotely.

Thanks for your love & patience with me.

Besos!

Bad Girls: Potiphar's Wife - Genesis 37 & 39

2010-01-12T05:34:00.000-08:00

Howdy!!

I haven't been able to post the usual 3 times a week. We are very busy at RFC developing family programming and it takes a lot of time and energy. So, until things slow down a little for me, I'll be blogging about once a week to post the notes from the Sunday Morning Book Club at Rhema Fellowship, mmkay??

In our time together on Sunday mornings, we get a chance to really dig in to the stories in the Bible and our own lives. It's become such an introspective time -- and a big blessing to us all.

This week, I also thought it would be fun to share the thoughts of one of our Resident Bad Girls. I asked if I could share her thoughts anonymously and she graciously agreed. I don't want anyone to feel like they don't know enough to participate and have fun. If you're open to learn, then you're open to grow with us.

I'll give you a brief synopsis of the story and then we'll move!

*This post is pretty long -- but I tried to break it up for ya. Enjoy!!

THE STORY

So! Joseph was the youngest child of a man named Jacob. He was the baby and the favorite and his brothers hated him & his confidence. Their hatred caused them to sell him as a slave to get rid of him (ouch). But the Lord was with Joseph and favored him wherever he was. He was bought by the head security guard of the king. While working for this guy, Potiphar, Joseph was the MAN! And the lonely, bored, desperate housewife of Potiphar started to notice -- Joseph. She invited him to sleep with her, but he refused (but this lady liked a challenge). She finally set him up with no one around and when he rejected her, she lied and claimed rape. Joseph was thrown in jail and we hear of Potiphar's wife no more.

HOTTEST POINTS FOR YOU

Yes...Mrs. P. was quite trifling. Some of the ladies on Sunday called her a hot mess, desperate, etc.! In the class we talked about idle time and how it can lead to fantasies about illicit sex and even fantasies about having arguments and being angry (for those of us whom are rage-a-holics).

DAYDREAMING

Some fantasies can jack up the relationship you already have in reality. 'Cause no regular man/woman can live up to the images/acts in films and romance novels. They get your head & expectations all twisted. And then you end up mad because hubby can't do it like what you saw on...or get you excited like...and you don't know how to relay/communicate, so it gets all tangled up & can hinder the connection you have with your spouse (or future spouse). We discussed having realistic expectations for the men in our lives. So it might be time to get rid of the romance novels, ladies!!

Oooh we also talked about "souveniers" from old relationships that need to be thrown away. When Potiphar's wife ripped Joseph's coat, she kept it next to her all day...as a souvenier. And those things not only stay in our homes, but they stay in our hearts -- until we break free and get rid of them. Jewelry, CD's, pictures, clothes from old relationships....whew!!

Trash Day anyone??

TRIGGERS

We learned that hurt is the root of quick tempers. And we can fight them by learning to be slow to speak, quick to listen & avoid giving the devil any foothold in our hearts. Give him an inch and he'll take a mile!!

The anger/bitterness in Potiphar's wife was really a symptom of her real sickness: hurt. rejection. And how those things in US cause us to lash out at people, cussing and swearing. Fantasizing about revenge. And if someone pulls the right trigger to that old wound, it sets off a rage that seems to come out of nowhere. But it's from "somewhere" alright!

PRAYER & PEACE

So we discussed how to start surrendering yourself in prayer, asking God to take you to the hurt for Healing in His presence --- so that you can be free. So the triggers don't work anymore. And the devil has NO foothold in your life. But the spirit of God can come in -- the Bible says that where the spirit of the Lord is, there is LIBERTY. Freedom.

Our Homework this Week:
Using a Post-It or Index Card, write down the verse found in Ephesians 4:26-27. Put it at your desk and look at this week. A lot. And ask the Lord to develop those qualities in you. No Bible on hand? No problem...online, go to http://www.biblegateway.com/. You can view ANY Bible verse in just about ANY translation or language. Yah.

COMMENTS ABOUT THIS CLASS FROM ONE BAD GIRL...

"I did finish the chapter on Potiphar's wife one word for her NASTY.....I also started the new chapter.

What I'm getting out of this class already is not only am I learning about the women in the Bible, but I'm really looking at the events in the scripture and cross referencing them to my life. AND getting to know the other people in the stories.

Example: I have read and heard the story of Adam and Eve many times before..But reading the book, re-reading the scripture and having the discussion in class. I just realized that Adam & Eve were married and having sex long before they ate from the forbidden tree. I always thought God made Eve as a best friend/sisterly companion. And that AFTER they ate the fruit, they saw each other as more than sister/brother relationship. DUH!!

I don't see Eve as a Bad girl (not like Potiphar's wife). I do have a new view as to how we as women are supposed to call on our husbands for support and guidance. And I saw how the serpent really snaked all in Eve's mind. I learned more about how he works on me and how to run.....

Thank you for having this class I am truly learning new things about me and my walk. I will be there this Sunday."

Reader, if YOU are free on Sundays at 10:00 a.m., you should join us too. Even if you don't have the book. It's worth it. And we're done by 11:00 a.m.!

Are You Bored??

2010-01-06T12:04:00.000-08:00

Maybe you're bored or maybe you just have a bit of "Cabin Fever".

Whatever the case, http://www.boston.com/ just published an amazing list of running things to do that are F.R.E.E.!!

Check out the master list by clicking here and go try something out of the norm! It won't cost you anything & you might find a new hobby or interest.

I love BOSTON & I love learning new things...and FREE never hurts...so maybe we'll bump into each other at something? :)

Classical music, food, games, movies...it's all there. Stuff for singles, people with kids, couples and anyone looking for fun!

Enjoy...

Self-Defense Class for Girls

2010-01-06T10:12:00.000-08:00

Every now and then I pass along great programs that I'm told about. This is one of them!

GIRLS LEAP is a free, self-defense program taught to young girls.

There is a class being taught at Madison Park Community Center & it begins next week.

Mondays & Wednesdays

January 11th - February 10th

Time: 6-8 pm

Location: Madison Park Community Center - 55 Malcolm X Blvd, Roxbury

Accessible via Dudley Square & Roxbury Crossing T Stop

Girls' LEAP Self-Defense Program partners physical self-defense skills with reflective activities about conflict resolution and de-escalation, setting boundaries, healthy relationships and other topics. The program is free for participants. This program starts next week.

To register, please visit our website for registration forms or contact Tracey Westgate, Program Director - 617-787-2112; tracey@girlsleap.org for more information.

Girls' LEAP Self-Defense

971 Commonwealth Avenue

Boston, Massachusetts 02215

Get At Me, Bad Girls!

2010-01-05T14:27:00.000-08:00

****Dislaimer: Study Notes are taken from the Workbook: Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis Higgs. I will be posting notes from her study to aid those reading along from home. I am in no way presenting this info as my own creation. My personal thoughts are clearly noted as such.****

Okay, so that title is a little 'hood! I just like that Usher song...

Aaaaaanyhooo.....

Sunday morning was the first session to discuss, "Bad Girls of the Bible" at Rhema Fellowship Church. We had a group of about 11 or 12? And boy did we have a blessed time. For those of you who were unable to join us, here are some of our notes!

BAD GIRL #1: EVE

The main part of our story can be found in Genesis 3. Eve thought that doing one thing HER way would be better than listening to the command of God. She was fooled into thinking that He was withholding something good for her.

On page 39 of the book, Liz (the author) points out 4 lessons that we can learn from Eve in this story:

1. DON'T GET INTO A DEBATE WITH SATAN - GET OUT (avoid foolish arguments)
2. KNOW GOD'S WORD SO YOU WON'T BE FOOLED (if you're not sure what the Bible says, pipe down until you find out!)
3. WATCH OUT FOR THE BIG THREE (Emotions, Physical Bodies, Spiritual Bodies)
4. LET'S AVOID THE BLAME GAME (YOU are in control. No one else.)

Prov 30-5-6, Luke 11:28 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All tell us how we are to handle situations where we are not quite sure what the Bible has to say about them.

Liz suggests that Eve allowed her eyes to "wander" in the wrong place. She wandered so long, she never went back to God or her husband to see what they thought. Or even to see if she had been correct in her quote of what God told she & Adam to stay away from! My personal thought is that in addition to this, the serpent's words sparked a sort of jealousy in her heart. I think Eve was surprised that the God she was so close to would withhold something so great from her. How could He??

The truth is, God never withholds anything good from his children. Check out Psalm 84:11 & Matt 7:9-11.

We learned to sit down with short verses and re-write them in the first person to help us learn to pray the Word of God more effectively.

Finally, we ended with a reading of Psalm 51 --

This chapter in Psalms is powerful. It was written after David had a woman's husband killed just so that he could sleep with her. It's his prayer of repentance and restoration.

We learned to trust God, to be content with what we have (instead of letting our hunger for MORE always drive us). And we learned not to be so hard on ourselves for our shortcomings. None of us are really THAT bad. No matter how awful our past(s) might be.

No fun pics today.

But they're on the way!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2009-12-23T06:25:00.000-08:00

I am in love with Christmas.

Christmas songs. Christmas cheer. Christmas miracles.

You know, that sort of thing.

This week I am working on making it a sweet time for my little family.

It's fun spending time with friends, mailing cards & sending texts of love.

Last night I was even ambitious enough to bake a dozen mini poundcakes for my bosses & co-workers.

Crazy much?

So, I may not post very much this week.

But you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

I'm wishing you an incredible holiday season - filled with love, peace & joy.

Talk to you soon...

Because I'm Obsessed. That's Why.

2009-12-21T12:09:00.000-08:00

The GAP is running a holiday commercial called "Talk to the Moose" -- a mini Christmas revolt of little girls who love GAP boots & sweaters so much they'll tell their parents to "Talk to the Moose (aka 'the hand')" if they try to put them in frilly dresses.

Since I can't get the commercial out of my head because it's SO STINKING CUTE, I shall share.

This link will show you a video of the song.

If you need the lyrics to sing along & partake in my obsession, they are given below.

I know them by heart.

Oh yes I do.

P.S. There is one little girl who takes the CAKE in the video. She's the blonde in the middle of the line & she sort of bends when they say, "1, 2, 3, 4!"

Check her out. She is too sassy for me - and I just can't stand it! LOL

Talk to the Moose Lyrics

Formal Attire

Officially Retired

Hey Mom and Dad Guess What?

1,2,3,4

Not Gonna Wear it Anymore

I Love My Comfy Sweater x2

How Cute Are These Boots x2

Forget Those Frilly Dresses x2 (Scream)

Or Talk to the Moose

Moose-ah-ah-ah-Moose

And if you're asking yourself if I really just posted the lyrics & a link to a GAP ad?

Yes. Yes I did.

Don't you look at me that way.

Talk to the Moose.

***Update***

Okay, 5 minutes after I posted this, I found a HILARIOUS Spoof. It's not at all trite, but it will make you laugh out loud.

Peep it here. I have no idea who made it, so sorry, I can't give you credit!

Easy Lovin'

2009-12-17T04:29:00.000-08:00

I'm not quite sure what it is about homemade Chicken Soup that works. But it does the trick.

A few years ago, my friend MaryAnn made a simple dinner of soup and bread in her little apartment. At the time, I was still new to cooking and found the process alone simply amazing!

Mary was kind enough to share the recipe with me and I've been making it ever since. And now I can't go back to canned chicken soup. Not even Progresso!

Last week, the hubby & I were fighting "Starter Colds". Ugh.

You know the kind...

You wake up stuffy and congested. Ears, nose, both blocked. Or maybe while you're at work, your sinuses begin to burn. Your throat gets an instant rasp or cough that you just can't shake.

I was feeling ALL of the symptoms. And as I sat on the couch one night, I felt "The Starter Cold" crawl over my body. You know that feeling when the "yuck" washes all over you and through your very bones?? Oh it was a ride. Believe me, honey.

And my Boo wasn't doing much better.

In my head, I plucked through the ingredients needed vs. what I knew I had on hand:

Chicken Breast? In the freezer.
Onion? Maybe. Some dried minced onion might do.
Parsley? Definitely.
Egg Noodles? In the cabinet!
Carrots & Celery? Uhh...we never ate that veggie tray I just bought...so Yes!
Chicken Boullion? Just enough left after Thanksgiving.
Fresh Lemon? Naturally.

It was ON like Donkey Kong.

I sent the Husband out for some Airborne tablets & got to work on the soup.

While I prepped all the ingredients I found myself thanking God for the ability to do this for the two of us.
It felt good to create something that would make both of us feel a little better. Chicken soup, however you make it, is liquid love, stirred in a pot, warmed on the stove. It fills the heart and the tummy. Does it get any better than that??

I think not.

Two days and ump-teen bowls of soup later, the sniffles were all gone from the house. And thank God for that! I didn't have to miss work or church and our little baby didn't get sick. CRISIS AVERTED.

No sooner were we on the mend, did I see the latest magazine from Martha Stewart Living. There was a whole 3 pages dedicated to the scientifically based merits of Chicken Soup:

Inside, were 3 different versions of Chicken Soup: Standard American, Indian (with hot chilis) & Columbian (with yucca). The pictures of the Standard American made me want to make a whole new pot!!

Mama.

I love that picture of Chicken Soup right there!

Anyhoo....what do you make with your hands that always makes your family feel loved? Soup? Stew? Cake? ;)

If you've never tried showing your love through cooking, you should give it a shot. It's like giving someone a big hug from the inside out!!

THE SACRED

2009-12-16T08:29:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday my husband preached a great message. It was about "Unlocking Uncommon Blessings/Favor" in one's life.

Many lines in that sermon have stuck with me this week, but one in particular keeps echoing. He said, "Touch your heart & say this to yourself outloud: I Am Sacred. What's Inside Me Is Sacred. And I Need to Treat it That Way."

That one line has rocked my world this week.

I am Sacred.
What's inside me is Sacred.
And I need to treat it That Way.

Have you been wasting the best parts of yourself on things, situations and people who STILL don't understand the value of who you really are?

Pause for a moment and remember: your body is a temple.

If you are a Christian, then it's a temple of the Holy Spirit. It is a sacred thing FULL of sacred things.

Treat it that way.

And treat others with the same honor & respect.

Get Your Bloggy Fix!

2009-12-15T07:24:00.000-08:00

Did you know....?

If you have an email account with a free provider (like Gmail or Yahoo), you can subscribe to blogs like mine to see all the updates all in one location?? Sort of like an INBOX for blog posts.

It's true!

In GMAIL, when you login, look at the top of your screen and click on the word, "READER". It will pull up a new screen for you. On the top left, click the grey button that says, "ADD SUBSCRIPTION".

In the open space, type in the URL: sparkedlife.blogspot.com

And hit ENTER.

The screen will look sort of like this. I couldn't find a better one for ya...sorry!

Now, every time you log in to your account & click READER, you'll see each new post from the blogs you follow. It saves you time from remembering where to find blogs if you like a few of them.

Once you're in the READER, if you're viewing the updates for a particular blog and want to visit the actual site, just double click the blog TITLE at the top of the page and voila! You'll be there!

If It's FREE, it's for ME!

2009-12-15T06:57:00.001-08:00

Who doesn't like free stuff??

I was browsing the web the other day and came across a VERY cool blog.

It's the kind of thing you should save to your Favorites or Subscribe to in your Reader of choice.

Blog Giveaways is a fun place to enter for free prizes all over the web.

Oh what a wonderful web we weave!!

Enjoy...

Just a Bunch of Bad Girls

2009-12-15T06:09:00.000-08:00

I love my church. Have I said that lately? Rhema Fellowship Church (aka "RFC") is the church started by my family and two others this year.

We've been busy planning for 2010 and one of my favorite new things is the Women's Bible Study we're beginning in January! G'yeah!! It's like a Sunday Morning Book Club (Hmm....that might be a great name, actually! What do you think?)

Almost two years ago, I started a little Book Club out of my home. I was hungry for a chance to meet with women of faith & talk & learn something! My heart ached for it much like it aches for it now!

So, I invited a few friends & that Book Club became one of the richest joys I've ever experienced. I think there were about six of us who met once each month to discuss the books we read. The Lord met us in those little meetings and changed us all.

Now, to have the opportunity to do something similar in my own church is...is...well, it's indescribable, actually.

We're going to read a book called, "Bad Girls of the Bible: And What We Can Learn From Them" by Liz Curtis Higgs.

Ever heard of it??

Liz is a funny and inspiring writer.

I'll be spending the last weeks of 2009 studying, praying & preparing to lead the class. Some people love the wonder of sunsets. Some love to see children being born. I love seeing people grow. New life within a life is amazing to me. When God suddenly becomes relevant to a person, it is a life-changing, destiny-altering experience.

((I'm rambling a bit, but I want you to know how excited I am to share this with you!))

I realize that for various reasons, not all of you can attend each of our 10 week sessions on Sunday mornings.

For you, we'll post discussion notes HERE on the blog. You can comment, ask questions and stay connected that way. Sound good?? That way, no one is left out!

If you purchase the book on your own, you can read along with us: ONE CHAPTER EACH WEEK BEGINNING JANUARY 3, 2010.

As you read, I encourage you to buy a journal to keep with you as you read. Write down anything that strikes you personally in the book. Anything that really makes you think! I also encourage you to read with a pen or highlighter to underline, make notes in the margins & flag insightful points. Doing so makes reading the book more of a STUDY so it can STICK in your mind.

Winter is always a great time to snuggle up with a great book & do some soul searching. Give up one television program each week to do this study with us. It will change your life forever. I promise!

Family

2009-12-03T05:43:00.000-08:00

The day before Thanksgiving I was trolling TJMaxx for any last minute finds that could help make the house more beautiful for the holiday.

I walked past the Clearance rack two things caught my eye.

The first, an adorable little bunny that matched my new dish set & candlesticks

I put him on the table that greets you when you first come into the apartment.

We call him "Crackles"

Okay.

My husband calls him Crackles. And apparently they are arch enemies?

Hubby hates the bunny. Just doesn't "get it".

But I love him!

I wanted to call him "Whiskers" or "Crackers"....but the hubs kept saying, "Where's Crackles now?"

So it stuck. And Crackles stays.

The other thing that caught my eye (and my throat) was this little milk bottle. It screamed to go home with me.

Do you see that?

RIGHT near my thumb is a chip. A Big one. Because of it, the bottle was marked down to .70 cents!

Oh yeah!

Anyhoo...

Take another peek at that milk bottle with the chip.

For some reason, it spoke to me that day. It seemed to represent everything that is wrong and right with family.

Understated, kind of messed up, and kind of beautiful & sweet.

Maybe that's not a big thing to you, but family is beautiful -- even more so because of it's flaws.

I'm happy to live in a home where I'm free to be my imperfect self. And it doesn't make me less of a person. It makes me better.

Love is a Safe Place. Or at least, it's supposed to be.

Others can relax around me more when they see that there are chips and dents in me too.

Those flaws don't mean I can't hold someone when they are broken or fill them up when they feel empty.

By God's grace, I'm here...full of love, ready to serve.

Is that how you see family?

Random Pieces of My Fall

2009-11-30T20:49:00.000-08:00

Okay...so "we" lost our camera recently....hence the lack of pictures lately. But like I said before...I'm baaack!

I'll walk you through some of them...

Remember that "Stunt Turkey"?

This is what he looked like at the start of roasting him:

This is what he looked like AFTER

YUM! And yes, I stole a piece to check it out - Delicious!

Let's see what else I found going on on that memory card of mine...

I found some cuute Christmas garland at the Dollar Tree. However, I needed a FALL centerpiece.

So you know what I did...Mama worked it out!

I remembered this pre-made arrangement that I haven't used in forever...

Pulled off all the poinsettias and holly leaves and berries (they can easily be re-attached)

And in about 20 minutes, I had my fall centerpiece all ready!

And since we lost our camera shortly after this picture was taken, I have no "feast" photographs to show you!! (insert angry face).

On to brighter things!

Oh yeah! I tried my hand at different "tablescapes".

I don't have a traditional mantle in the apartment, but I do have an old piano that works just fine.

I kept taking pictures to think about what I liked/didn't like/etc.

The first one was cool, but I wanted something more colorful and dramatic and layered.

Gotta take chances, right?

Speaking of "chances"...

I made my very first pie crust from scratch.

Funny cause it looks like a cat scratched the crap out of it.

No cat though.

Just me.

Whoops.

The pie itself (pecan) actually came out great.

And this is my Chicken Little. My Suga Booga.

She is as sweet as pie.

I told you these were random!

Okay, so this particular day, my Chicken Little was a Screaming Banshee. For a good hour or so, at least.

To quiet her down, I gave her a favorite toy: a paper napkin.

I turned away for a few seconds and turned backed when I noticed how quiet the room got.

She'd shredded the thing & fell right to sleep on the floor.

The floor!

Random pieces of my fall.

Days and moments of a life I never could quite imagine in my teen years (or even early 20's).

But it's mine and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Are you grateful for your random pieces?

M.I.A.

2009-11-30T05:59:00.000-08:00

Hello Loves!

I was away last week (from the blog, I mean).

The Thanksgiving holiday & family matters took all of my attention. It has been overwhelming, at best.

But each of you were in my thoughts and prayers.

This week I shall return with pictures & the thoughts that I've been mulling over for the last few days!

I hope you all had a blessed holiday.

I'm still trying to catch up on my sleep!

How To Save Your Family

2009-11-20T06:22:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love listening to the radio program "Focus on the Family" with Dr. James Dobson.

He is The Man!!

I can remember riding around in the car with my parents as a little girl, listening to the show. I learned a lot about what a healthy family should look like from that ministry. God bless that man & his family!

To this day, I listen almost daily to the program on 590 AM (it comes on twice each day).

I can't tell you how many times I've listened to the show, driving to work with tears streaming down my face (in a good way). I've laughed, I've cried and I've learned. One day, I hope to visit the headquarters in Colorado. It's probably a pipe dream for me to wish to meet Dr. Dobson, but I could site & listen to him for hours.

Daydream over!!

Earlier this week, Dr. Dobson had a guest on the show named, Rebecca Hagelin (former VP of the Heritage Foundation). She is an amazing woman who served well in the professional world & now serves at home and through a website called How To Save Your Family. You can take a listen to her on the show by using the links below:

Day 1 - http://listen.family.org/daily/A000002306.cfm

Day 2 - http://listen.family.org/daily/A000002307.cfm

Rebecca has recently written a book called "30 days/30 ways to Save Your Family". It might sound cheesy, but her thought process is realistic and up-to-date with the times. Look at her cute little family:

Anyhoo, if you visit her website you can sign up to receive her weekly e-newsletter. Each Wednesday, she sends out Godly parenting tips on how to communicate your faith and values with your children.

I received my first one & it's really good. She discussed Carrie Prejean and the current state of young women in today's culture.

You should sign up too!!

Turkey Giveaway ~ Cambridge ~ Nov 24, 2009

2009-11-19T09:43:00.000-08:00

The EastEnd House in Cambridge is hosting a Thanksgiving Turkey Basket Giveaway on Tuesday, November 24th 2009.

If you need help, you must fill out an application at the center. Details are with the link below.

And if you're able to GIVE some help, please don't hesitate to donate your time or even some food..

See the link for more information here. If you can donate one hour of your time to help pack or distribute the baskets, please contact Emily Bullen. Her information is in the link above.

TURKEY GIVEAWAY! This Saturday, Nov 21, 2009

2009-11-19T09:24:00.000-08:00

Hello Ladies!

The following information was just sent to me. If you know of a family in need (or ARE the family in need) & you live near the inner city, this is for YOU:

“Working Together…Succeeding Together”

Nexus Alliance Thanksgiving Celebration

~ Date ~

Saturday, November 21st, 2009

~ Time ~

Noon-6pm (or until we run out of turkeys)*

~ Location ~

Boys and Girls Club Located on 15 Talbot Ave and Blue Hill Ave.

~ Key Sponsors ~

Blue Cross Blue Shield Norfolk Auto Body

The Men of Nexus Alliance Big City 101.3

Global View Communications Edible Arrangements- South Boston Store

New York Life US Census

Sovereign Bank Weeks and Devenish Insurance

Ocean Spray West Insurance Agency

Pepsi Pit Stop BBQ

Dela Cruz Communications Bioanswers, Inc.

Touch 106.1 FM JN Phillips Glass

Edward Scribner CPA Terence Lynn Public Insurance Adjusters

* Limit of one turkey bag per family

Be Blessed! Pass it on...

Jack Frost is Nipping...

2009-11-19T04:52:00.000-08:00

This morning my car windows were covered in frost.

FROST!

It's not even Thanksgiving yet.

(In all fairness, this is a random pic I found on Google. I should have thought of this!!)

As I was scraping away, I thought, "Lord, this is just what you do to my heart from time to time, huh?"

When the everyday elements of life cause parts of me to cloud over, the Lord comes in and removes what's in the way so that I can see clearly to navigate without causing more harm to myself or others. He is an Excellent God.

He comes in because I let Him. I give Him room to work -- even though sometimes I try to handle some things on my own. I'm learning that He actually knows what He's doing.

Huh.

For me, Winter is always the time of year for introspection. Not intentionally, it just works out that way. I'm stuck indoors for the most part, and stuck with myself! So maybe that's why?

In any case, if there are some cloudy/frosty areas of your heart that you have been afraid to touch or even fully acknowledge, consider yielding that part to the Lord today.

Ask Him to give you the courage to let Him heal you & set things right.

There is such peace that comes with clarity.

It passes understanding (Philippians 4:7) and sometimes it passes explanation!

He does a better job than we do anyway. I speak from experience.

Stunt Turkey

2009-11-18T04:48:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is almost here, can you believe it?!

I've been preparing by cooking "test runs" for the recipes I plan to use that day. It worked for me last year. Some dishes I only cook at Thanksgiving, so I have to make sure that it comes out RIGHT.

Last year was my first turkey experience. It was actually fun because I bought a fresh bird. AND because it was only 1/2 of a turkey. Who knew the grocery stores even SOLD fresh half turkeys?? It was perfect for the small group that gathered with us.

And did I mention that it was perfectly cooked in 2 1/2 hours?? Mhmm....

I sort of used a hybrid recipe.

Martha Stewart has an awesome dry brine recipe that I combine with another from AllRecipes.com. Some kind of way it comes out delish, and I'm pleased!

A dry brine is when you cover a bird with salt for a number of hours, then rinse it & prep it to cook. It does WONDERS on a turkey. You will NEVER have a dry meat doing it this way. Someone online did a tutorial on Martha's method here.

Last week I found a fresh half on sale for $10 (WooHoo)!! This would be my Stunt Turkey -- if it came out bad, no big deal. I could tweak the recipes later.

Sadly, I was slightly distracted by a television show and over-salted the bird. Gaaack!

Tasty with a twang --

I've also made stunt pies, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, gravy, etc. By the time Thanksgiving is here, I'll be grateful to not have to eat the same thing, I think!

Oh ~ if you're wondering about the whole "stunt" thing. It comes from some of my college friends. I can remember hanging out with them & wondering why they always had extra shirts, shoes, belts in the back of their car. One of them told me, "Oh that's my stunt shirt. With my luck, something is always gonna go wrong, so I'm prepared with an extra one."

At the time, I found it a hilarious concept. These friends were GUYS!

But alas, I have copied and mastered the STUNT WORLD of the kitchen.

Stunt Turkey & Stunt Pies...you have served me well.

I'm Ready for Turkey Day!! :)

So So Daily.

2009-11-10T04:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I heard Pastor Chuck Swindoll tell a story of his youth. He said one day a family friend said to him:

"Young Charles, the trouble with life is that it's so daily."

Kind of true, isn't it?

We get in our patterns and routines and within what feels like a few days, a few YEARS have passed. Where did they go? What did we spend them on?

I'm not always the most eager to go to work in the morning. But I am grateful to have a job to slightly dread each day. I love the work, but my heart is always thinking of my family and my church.

In an effort to become more diligent and intentional about my time, I am putting myself on a bedtime routine. Taking care of a few things each night -- last night was Day One and it was pretty good! Tidying the house, prayer, t.v., nap, prepping clothes & food for work, prepping baby bottles and some time in the Word. I cut out a few shows that I normally watch to get these things done. Plus with the holidays coming, I have more recipes to test drive ahead of time! I've gotta stay on the ball!

I want to stick to this new routine. Not extra strictly, but generally. I MUST have time in His presence daily -- more than the prayers on the go or when I can steal a few "Mommy Moments".

Do you have a daily routine that keeps your life healthy and balanced? Have you been telling yourself that you'll start it tomorrow? Oh I know I'm not the only one! Start it today and leave the procrastination behind you.

I Can't Eat It

2009-11-04T06:33:00.000-08:00

Last night I was running on about 60% of energy. But like all busy women, I went straight to the grocery store after work with my list and went shopping. When I got home, I started cooking almost immediately. I knew that if I sat down for too long, we'd be eating dry cereal by 7:00p.

I purposely decided to cook shrimp scampi for dinner. Fast, easy, whatever.

I also found a recipe for these babies....look familiar?

If you've ever been to Red Lobster, you've had their AMAZING biscuits. Well I found a recipe that w/a few modifications (thanks to other reviewers) tastes Pretty Darn Close! I was quite proud of myself :). These Cheddar Bay Biscuits turned out so yummy and soft....melted cheese all throughout with just enough salt sprinkled on top....

When I finally sat down to eat with my hubby, I took about 4 bites of everything and gave up. (Okay, 4 tiny shrimp and almost 2 biscuits and I was full).

AND tired.

I'd been smelling food for hours in the grocery store and then the kitchen and couldn't bear to eat what I'd made!

Don't you hate when that happens??

You spend time cooking and preparing and you can't even enjoy it.

If life were this way in general, I'd be miserable. Thank God I'm able to work AND enjoy my life!

Just not my food all the time. Oh well...I tried! :)

Downloading

2009-11-02T05:36:00.000-08:00

In a perfect world, I'm sure there would be a rule that if you serve in a Sunday worship service somewhere, are a Pastor or are married to a Pastor you'd automatically have every Monday OFF!

*sigh*

But alas....

I live in Boston.

For me, Mondays are usually pretty quiet.

Mondays I use to meditate on the words of encouragement and challenge heard during the Sunday sermon (or "sermons", depending on how many services we attend).

Mondays are when my mind slows down to backup each bit of information I received on the day before. I can turn over the nuggets of truth and hold them closely to specific areas of my life to see where I need to yield to the Lord some more.

This is the best thing about Mondays. For me, anyway.

I'm usually kind of tired. I just barely throw together a work outfit. My throat might be a little sore...

But my heart is always glad and my spirit feels FULL.

This Monday, how are you feeling?

Did the Lord inspire you or redirect your steps yesterday? Are you still downloading and backing up all the great truth you heard in church?

Be glad for the chance to feel this way.

His Word is ALWAYS a blessing.

Be glad for THAT on this Monday morning.

Baby Brain

2009-10-30T04:55:00.000-07:00

My memory is not what it used to be.

It wasn't stellar to begin with, but boy oh boy has it gotten worse! I now live by two or three calendars (electronic, paper and a dry erase board) and I constantly forget punchlines mid-joke. I find myself making lists, answering a question, then forgetting what else I needed to write down!

Thankfully my husband steals my material and delivers it better than I ever could.

Yesterday I told my friend that when I pushed out my baby 9 months ago, I swear half my brains fell out with her.
SHE said nothing fell out, just more important concerns were shoved into my head.

(I think it's a little of both.)

I never forget to come home.
I never forget to be grateful for the love in my life.
I remember to kiss and snuggle the baby every chance I get. She is clothed, fed, sang to, read to and happy.
I remember that life has never been so full for me until now.

Now what was I talking about??

Our Space

2009-10-29T04:55:00.000-07:00

Our 9 month old daughter is beginning to crawl around the house.

We've made room for her by eliminating dangerous clutter and trying to hide electrical cords (which she likes to find and chew --- oh my NERVES!!).

Last night, we watched her crawl around coffee table as if she were on some major journey. Picking up socks along the way...stopping to watch television...giggling a little.

And my husband looked at her laughing and said, "Wow! This is a tiny space for us, but she must feel like she's got all the room in the world going around and around the table!"

I can imagine that with her tiny self, the room MUST feel big!

And I immediately thought to myself: That must be how we look to God sometimes. Happy in our little circles, when there is a great big world out there to explore! It's not always a bad thing. We need a certain amount of space as we continue to grow. Much a like a small plant in a large pot. But once we mature to a certain point, we need more room -- more space to thrive!

Wherever you are today, in your personal and spiritual life: Are You Thriving?? Are you getting all the space and air and nutrition you need to remain healthy?

Or are you a big plant in a small pot? Choking at the roots and ever so slowly losing oxygen?

I hope that you are reaching out for more. Challenging yourself to find good ground to let your roots grow deep. Break out of the old and into the NEW!

I Can't Afford That

2009-10-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

For the last two years, every six months I've seen my dentist & hygienist. And at each cleaning appointment, the hygienist asks me the same question: "Have you ever considered buying an electric toothbrush?"

(I'm going somewhere with this, just stay with me)

Anyhoo, my answer has always been some variation of, "No, I forgot."

I really would! I would promise to buy one when I was in the chair and would think of reasons why I couldn't afford to buy one as I drove away. To me, my regular toothbrush was just fine. And the last time I checked, my hands weren't broken. I could handle this.

The hygienist insisted that I buy one because she said that I was brushing too hard, which was causing my teeth to become hypersensitive because my gums were hurting.

To be honest, I didn't think it was that bad. I wasn't bleeding, I wasn't sore...things were as they had always been for me.

Well...this week I saw an electric toothbrush on sale and decided to finally give in. All the Sensodyne toothpaste in the WORLD hasn't been helping my sensitive teeth! Cold drinks, hot drinks, everything hurt. I'd even starting chewing on one side to avoid the other!

This morning I followed the instructions feeling quite ridiculous with this buzzing contraption in my mouth. But whatever...I did it.

And do you know, I noticed a difference right away?? My teeth felt cleaner than normal and my gums were just fine. I never noticed it before, but they usually ARE a little irritated after normal brushing. I couldn't tell until there was NO sensation after the fact. I thought my gums were supposed to feel kind of...invigorated? (I don't know...)

Okay, okay -- so my point:

God has placed around each of us...wherever we are...people who know what they are talking about. Pastors, ministers, seasoned friends who have seen things that we have not in life. And there are times when listening to them can do us the most good. No matter how "right" our way seems to be.

Healing is a CHOICE. It's a sincere submission of yourself to God & His process. It's when you begin to trust His guidance for every area of your life.

In my case, I didn't trust that my dentist folks knew that I couldn't afford an "electric" brush...so I didn't really need it. But I should have trusted their care and stepped out to do something different to achieve different results!

It sounds simple...A,B,C...1,2,3 -- but trusting God & His voice that comes through our Godly friends can be a challenge at times.

Today, consider something that keeps "coming up" in your life. Some sort of advice or word of direction that you have been ignoring or swatting away because you're too busy or just can't commit. Something that maybe one of your seasoned friends has confronted you about gently & you brushed it aside.

By NOT being obedient, you could be doing more damage with each day that you stick to the old routine. Just like I was!

You CAN commit and when you do, your heart & mind will be FREE!

Free of things you don't even realize are weighing you down.

STILL HERE!!

2009-10-26T04:53:00.000-07:00

Ladies,

I hope you are well today!

I just wanted to say that I'm SO sorry for not posting more last week. I had a TERRIBLE cold and sinus infection which kept me out of work for a full week!!

Unfortunately, now my baby and husband have the same cold and are suffering at home. :(

My mind was a scrambled MESS last week. I didn't know if I was coming or going most days. So please forgive me!

I am getting back on track and will have FRESH BLOGGY POSTS for YOU this week!

As a Side Note:

I have to say that I am grateful for a praying husband. I was such a mess last week, I could barely focus TO pray. And one morning, my husband told me that he was praying for me and for some specific areas of my life. I could not help but start crying.

Living with someone (even with a Pastor or Pastor's Wife), doesn't mean that they always know what you're thinking or struggling with. And on this particular matter, I had not told him how I felt. But the Lord did. And my husband was wise enough to pray and lovingly encourage me in the right direction.

If you are waiting for the Lord to send you a spouse, KEEP WAITING. Stay busy in the Lord while you wait, but WAIT I say, on the Lord. You need someone who can help lift you when you are down. And encourage you after you've spent yourself everywhere else.

Wait on Him! I'm so glad that I did. I have not been disappointed at all.

God is Good!

Talk to you this week, Girlies!!!

Through Faith

2009-10-18T08:54:00.000-07:00

For those of you who return regularly, you know that I promised to share some fun pics from our trip to Maine earlier this month. We visited with our daughter's godparents whom have been blessed with a beautiful house.

This isn't the greatest picture, but it's one of my favorites.

I stood in the kitchen watching Nate & Mary play in the yard with their puppy. I stood there remembering the four of us a few years earlier -- dreaming & sharing our faith over dinner in a tiny apartment. They wanted a home of their own and believed God would provide one soon. Not only did he give them a home, but he expanded their ministry, brought them through difficulties and gave them more reasons to laugh than to cry.

It might seem silly, but this picture reminds me that when we pray in faith, we "look through the glass darkly" (1Corinthians 13:12). Meaning, we have moments where we know without a doubt that we are destined for a certain place or thing. But in prayer, the details aren't always clear. However, our faith provides a window where can see ourselves "there"...thriving and happy...

Looking through the screen, I remembered our original prayers - and to me they felt just like this moment:

On the other side, not too far away there was something more. And I'm glad that our friends didn't give up hope. They let their faith encourage their hearts all the way to where God wanted them. In their own home. Pursuing their ministries even more than before with hands completely untied.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

My heart is glad today. Because if Nate & Mary's faith & obedience can bring them to just one of their great promises, mine can do the very same thing here.

BRING IT!!!!

Daydreaming

2009-10-14T05:25:00.000-07:00

It's a bit early for daydreaming, I'll admit. But I'm trolling Craigslist this morning for Parson's chairs. I want something simple and classy. Some of these things posted for ungodly amounts of money are just not worth it.

EXHIBIT A (Booo)

Not really ugly, just boring. I could reupholster the thing, but I don't feel like doing that. So the "Booo" sticks.

EXHIBIT B (Double Booo)

These don't even look COMFORTABLE! Would you pay $120 for 6 of these??

There really isn't anything I'm in looove with online today. But these are cool. If they were less than $75 each, I might consider them. I'm not being cheap, I just have a set budget to work with here.

NICE CHAIR #1

I love the fabric on these chairs!!

So classy...

NICE CHAIR #2

Notice the detail around the seat? Two of these would be lovely.

NICE CHAIR #3

I love the skirts!

I wonder where else I could look? Marshalls sells these sometimes, but they are almost (if not) $100 each!

I decided that I'm not going to settle for anything less than elegance & quality. So I guess that means I'll have to be a little more patient as I hunt for the perfect chairs. Aaargh!

Need Some Cover Up?

2009-10-13T05:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'll be honest.

I haven't just been looking for a new cell phone (which I did find last week BTW). I've been a little distracted trying to tidy up the last few areas of my house as we prepare for the latest development with our church:

SMALL GROUP MEETINGS!

We are so excited to finally have a Bible study that is family-friendly and doesn't take all night. These meetings (held twice a month) are going to be an awesome time of getting to know one another & learning how to better apply God's word to our lives. I can't wait!

So if you were expecting a few random folks in your house, you'd clean up too, right??

I'm not going crazy to impress anybody. That's for one. But this is a great chance for me to simplify the "hot spots" that seem to attract clutter in my house.

Using a method I got from the Nester (of course):

She calls this little thing here a FANCY MISTREATMENT. Room "treatments" are usually expensive displays of fabric. But a "mistreatment" is a lovely display that was cheap and easy to do. Look closely ---all that's under this pretty skirt is a boring storage frame!

Do you see where I'm going with this kids...?

Stay with me.

I wasn't smart enough to take a "before" pic. But my tv stand is filled with equipment and all sorts of things that kids would love to pull & toss. So...in an effort to be proactive and classy, I bought some fabric and some hot glue sticks.

Nester does a great show of how this works. These next three pictures are from her blog:

My kinda girl. See all that junk? We ALL have it somewhere.

We all manage it differently.

And so you don't think I'm the only person stalking The Nester, ANOTHER blogger named, Mandie did a table similar to this too -- her tutorial is awesome, look here!

How cute is this business??

So MY table looks like this -- simple and it does the trick!

Not bad for a first try, huh? :) It's nothing fancy, but it works. It took me about 2 hours because I hate math & measuring things. So I just eyeballed most of it.

(After stepping back now, I'm reminded that I have to get rid of that annoying CD tower in the background.)

And so you know I don't have everything "just so"...here's a peek at the clutter underneath...

Yeah, yeah. So what? One day, when I have time, I'll get to organizing all that. For now, let's rest on this pretty fabric...

Ahhh....feels like home. I wish my little pleats showed up better on camera, but they are sweet in person!

Listen, if the Lord is smart enough to work on ME one area at a time, then I should take a hint and work on my house the same way. Bring in the solution, step back -- appreciate how good it looks. Then move on to what comes next. That way, I don't feel so overwhelmed with what's still wrong. I can study what's right.

I think I like this.

Where I Am

2009-10-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

In case you're wondering where I am these days, I am here. I promise. My "to do" list has been growing and changing and pulling up a seat to most meals with me.

Right now I'm on the hunt for a new cell phone. 2 years ago my dear husband bought me an HTC Sprint Mogul. I think I wanted something much simpler, but he always tries to give me the best (HEART him!!).

I got used to this ugly thing because it's basically a laptop...in a phone. Seriously. It's even controlled like a desktop computer with a Mobile Windows.

Lately, my phone has been on the fritz...yelling at me with random memory pop ups, folding it's arms and refusing to send my texts. Sometimes it even oversleeps and refuses to ring the daily a.m. alarm that I keep set. Bah!

The final straw came last night: I asked my husband to see what he could do to fix my dilemma. Trying his best, he accidentally reset the phone. Deleting everything.

EVERYTHING YA'LL -- contacts, newborn baby pics, the whole shebang.

Surprisingly though, I wasn't pissed. I just sort of thought: Well, I guess I need to send some emails to friends (because who memorizes telephone numbers anymore?) & get a new phone.

I am NOT a gadget girl, I just like to make sure I'm going to be happy with such a big purchase! So after much research & a trip to the Sprint store here are the two finalists:

The Sprint RECLAIM

This little thing is so darn CAH-UTE! But with my current phone, I can browse the web just like I can on my desktop. This phone takes some finagling (sp?) to get on the internet. Hmm...

The Sprint PALM PRE is finalist number two:

Now this puppy is nice! It's basically a cutesy cousin of the iPhone. I'm not really an iPhone fan...but the sliding keyboard on the Pre (and big viewing screen) might change my mind.

I just want something great for texting and internet useage.

Oh yeah, and maybe the phone should sound nice & clear too.

Today

2009-10-06T12:11:00.000-07:00

I don't have much to say today. But I have been reading some things. One in particular that I'd like to share with you.

Heather @ EspeciallyHeather is a woman who has survived cancer. Even one of her children has battled with sickness. But Heather's faith is amazing. I read one of her posts today called, "It's Not About the Hair" and immediately fell quiet in my heart. Most days, I feel like so much of who I am is connected with my hair! Even my emotions & self confidence.

So, if you have a second (which you do, because you are here), check it out & tell me what you think.

Enjoy your day!

Three Things for Your Weekend

2009-10-02T06:15:00.000-07:00

BE JOYFUL IN HOPE,

PATIENT IN AFFLICTION,

AND FAITHFUL IN PRAYER.

Romans 12:12

Now really, does it get any more simple than that?? Mediate on His word this weekend, and how you can do these three things.

I promise to share my fun fall photos with you next week!

Trusting Directions

2009-09-30T04:58:00.000-07:00

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

-- Proverbs 3:5

We spent yesterday in Maine while my husband preached at a Theology school. I got to spend some much needed time with my daughter & a good friend who lives up there. I'll share more about this tomorrow with you.

In the meantime, please reflect on the verse above.

Trust Him, Acknowledge Him, Let Him do His thing in your life. Every day. No matter how tough it may seem -- just give him ROOM. We serve a mighty God with a GREAT resume (as one friend puts it). When you step aside, you let the Almighty be just that. And you can take refuge in knowing He is fighting and working on your behalf. He is bringing you to an expected end. So get on OUT of the way, and let the Lord work!!

In my mind I think of it this way:

If you are going on a road trip to a new place, you need directions to get there. So either you ask a friend, use MapQuest or a GPS system. If you have NEVER been to your destination before, it's probably not a good idea to drive half way there and toss out your directions to "wing it". Right?

You'd likely end up SOMEWHERE...but not where you wanted to be. So you have to TRUST the directions to take you there.

It is the same with the Lord and using His word (the Bible)as a guide. As a lamp to your feet and light to your path.

Trust that HIS word is true. That it won't lead you wrong.

If you follow it all the way, it can take you to the best places you have ever been.

Or you can "wing it" and spend too many years upset about what you could have been, done or seen.

TRUST Him today. He will never let you down. LOVE never fails. And God is love.

GIVEAWAY DAY at The Nest!

2009-09-28T09:07:00.000-07:00

That's right, ladies...

The Nester is hosting her annual Giveaway Day today. Providing someting something different every hour, on the hour!! :)

If you like cute & free, head on over by clicking here.

You have GOT to see how nice this stuff is.

Scroll through her postings today & comment on the items you'd like. That's all you have to do to enter.

HAVE FUN....

Family Fun in Boston this Weekend!

2009-09-25T11:44:00.000-07:00

This event is FREE and looks super cute!

Disney's Christmas Carol Train Tour

This weekend only, the Disney Christmas Carol Train Tour will be at South Station (9/25 -9/27). This is a free event & it is a non-moving, 3-D museum like event from what I have read. This would be an amazing outing for you & your kids!! The tour is open from 9am-7pm on Friday & Saturday & from 9am-2pm on Sunday.

For more info, please visit www.christmascaroltraintour.com

Take the kids and have a ball!

Happy Weekending to you all :)

Just Because

2009-09-25T06:01:00.000-07:00

And just because it’s the weekend and I’m declaring my heart for the Lord, I GOTTA post these FRED HAMMOND lyrics (from his FREE TO WORSHIP album). If you have never heard this jam, you MUST download it from iTunes or just buy the CD. It’s amazing…

There are a lot of lyrics, but this is one of the best worship songs ever.

Enjoy!

“MORE OF YOU”

I’m standing, I’m waiting
I’m calling, I’m listening
I’m yearning, I’m wanting
Wanting more of You
I’m ready, I’m willing,
I’m stretching, I’m reaching
I’m desperately seeking
Wanting more of

Your tender touch
Your gentle ways
Always on my mind
And it makes me say

Chorus
Lord Your love for me
Gives me everything I need
And it keeps me
Wanting more of You
Are my delight
And with you I’m satisfied
Your love keeps me
Wanting more of…

Forever and always
Throughout all of my days
In skies blue or skies gray
I’ll be wanting You
Here’s my heart and the key
Cause Lord You complete me
Count on it I will be
Wanting more of

Your presence near
Your voice so clear
Calling out to me
To show me love

Chorus

Bridge
You, I can’t stop loving You
Need so much more of You
My heart cries out for You
Lord all I want is You
(I need You more Jesus)
You (I need You so much Savior)
You (Please hear my prayer)

Pre-Vamp
Lord, oh Lord, I need You more
I need You more and more and more
And more and more and more and more and…

I need more of You
More than the air I need to breathe
I need more of You
More than the water that I drink
More of You
I need You so much Jesus
You I need much more of You
You I need much more of You

I need more of You
More than my eyes I use to see
I need more of You
More than my heart that needs to beat
More of You
I need the Risen Savior
You- I need the Lord of Lords
You- I need Him more and more

Oh Lord, I’m chasing
My soul is thirsty
Oh Lord, please fill me
And when You have filled to the top
Please give me some more
And I’ll still want more
Can’t get enough Lord

I need more of You
More than the earth beneath my feet
I need more of You
I need you more than anything
More of You- I need the Lord of all
You- I need Him most of all
You- I need Him more

A Little More Conversation

2009-09-25T04:48:00.000-07:00

THIS WEEK has been a productive one for the church. But I definitely feel the need to watch less t.v. This week, I sort of relaxed a little. This week was perfect to do so because all the best shows were premiering (Hello, Grey's Anatomy?!).

When you have to keep going, going, going you get tired fast. So this week I allowed myself to rest. But with the week over, I realize that I am really just hungry for the Word of God -- because resting with Him not only leaves you restored and revived! You come away full and settled like after a perfect dinner.

What the Lord shows me about life and myself in His Word is what gives my life that spark. It reminds me of who I am in Him and who He is to me. HE is my Life Spark! And I need more of Him everyday - although I don't always make time for more of Him every day.

Last month I didn't watch television at all. I felt the Lord wanted me to have some quiet time with Him and my family. Today, I don't necessarily feel the need to fast again, but I am feeling the need for more quiet. It's like, my thoughts become much clearer when I am not in front of the t.v. for a few hours. Time even passes differently!

Maybe, going forward, what I'll do is take one or two days each week and either:

a.) Keep the television off.

OR

b.) Stay in rooms where I can do something else instead of watching it.

Yes, I can do that! Quiet time allows more space in my schedule to read, play with my daughter and have thoughtful conversations with my husband and friends.

So I ask you today:

Have you been trying different ways of relaxing, but find they only leave you temporarily satisfied? Could it be that you need to dedicate one day for quiet in your house?

Random Spark for Today...

2009-09-24T12:12:00.001-07:00

1 Peter 5:7

Let Him have all your worries and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.

FALL IS HERE, STOP ON BY...

2009-09-23T05:50:00.000-07:00

Hey Ladies,

One of my favorite bloggers , Thrifty Decor Chick has a cute little posting on fall decorating.

Take a peek by clicking right here and see if you can try any of these ideas in your home. Her block is a great place to visit for crafty ideas that you can do yourself. Super cute!

I haven't had much time for Fall decorating yet. I'm still trying to do REGULAR decorating in my house! HA!

Baby Steps, people.

Baby Steps.

What's to Eat?

2009-09-22T09:36:00.001-07:00

I love cooking. But I rarely have the time or energy to make the meals that
I want.

Quick, slow, whatever.

Sometimes I am so inconsistent. But I never give up. I keep trying.

I find myself on kicks where I'll cook up a storm, then take a break for a
week or two.

Or I'll buy a ton of fresh veggies...determined to make something delicious.
Then I'll get busy with something else. And to weeks later I find the potato
and peppers at the bottom of the fridge growing beards and dreadlocks.
Waitin' on me, mon.

I'd love to try adding more fruits & vegetables to our diet. But I tend to
buy frozen because our schedule can be unpredictable. And I hate to see food
go to waste.

So I'm curious...what do you ladies eat when you don't feel like cooking??
Or do you just cook anyway?

Where in the World are YOU?

2009-09-21T15:06:00.000-07:00

I've noticed that many people frequent this blog. And for that, I am so grateful!
People from all over the world are checking in from time ~~to time to laugh at something silly I've done~~ for a little encouragement!

That's pretty dern cool. :)

IF you are visiting from someplace other than Massachusetts OR from another country, comment the page or email me and let me know what brought you by!

I am super curious.

Where in the world are YOU??

Night of Comedy

2009-09-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

I know it's Monday, but for those of you looking for fun this weekend, a friend of mine just sent me this ad:

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 @ 8:00 PM

Come and enjoy a NIGHT OF COMEDY with Comedian Jonathan Gates!
Tickets: $10 in advance & $12 at the door
**Fish & Chip Dinner is Included

For more information call: 781-857-2820

Event Hosted by:
Lively Stones Christian Center
127 North Quincy Street
Abington, MA 02351
www.livelystones.com

Oh Snap!!

2009-09-18T12:22:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay...I'll admit that I've been trying to find some lame excuse to say "Oh Snap!" on the blog.

It's not a particularly Sparked (aka "enlightened") phrase, but:

a) It makes me laugh.
b) It's soo 90's - indulge me.
c) I loved hearing it on That's So Raven! (Yes, at my age I am a fan. Stop judging me.)
d) Anytime Joy from My Name is Earl says it, I'm tickled.

Anyhoo...

What made me say "Oh Snap!" this afternoon was a post from an incredible woman named, Lysa TerKeurst on her blog (I can NOT pronounce her name). This sucker is on ENVY and my sistahs, you simply must see it. Take a second and read it here.

Let me know what you think of it (email me directly or comment me here).

And for the heck of it, make up an excuse to say, "Oh Snap!"...however random..it'll make you & someone else giggle.

IT'S ALL GOOD, Playa.

2009-09-18T07:03:00.000-07:00

Hellooooo Lovelies!!

I wanted to share a picture with you today from my kitchen.

DISCLAIMER: Now, I do not live in a model home. It's not all fancy like a magazine, but I AM LEARNING how to make it more and more beautiful. I am making it my own.

The process is deep & usually leaves me reflecting on my life and things that still need fixin'.

I am learning how to take what I have & make it better. How to appreciate the foundation in my life & build something that is useful and comforting on top of it.

That said, this is my new kitchen sink area...

If you know me, you know that I love The Nester and I definitely stole the "Mirror Over the Sink" idea from her (click there and scroll down).

I've never kept anything nice in the kitchen. It was so BARE! But these little pieces are the start of something wonderful in our home. This little space feels so warm to me now! I love standing here wiping things down, making bottles and praying for my family. Inside the little greenery basket, I put a tiny nest so that I'm reminded to pray: #1 for the The Nester who sparked me on this journey and then #2 for everyone that I love.

You can't see the nest unless you're standing at the sink. Soo cute!!

I don't know why, but just seeing the words, "Love" and "Laugh" always draw me in.

And those things are what I'd like the atmosphere of our family to be full of. I love the jute mirror because it's rugged, but it's tightly wound together...kind of like a family.

It took me a little time (and very few dollars) in the Christmas Tree Shop, but I found the colors and textures that I ADORE as themes in this room. I'm still hunting for the perfect table. And in this picture, you can't even tell that an entire WALL on the left side is totally blank. When you walk into the kitchen, you don't even notice it. Your eye is drawn to what is right in the room. Not what is wrong.

And at this stage of my life, something similar is happening with me.

Building a church with my husband and our members is a step by step process. I am forced to consciously slow myself down to accomplish One.Thing.At.A.Time.

For a Recovering Perfectionist, this is HAAAARD. In my mind, I can see the whole picture. And I want it Right - all at once. But I am learning to finish one project and step back and admire it.

WHOA.

I just realized something. Isn't that what God did during Creation? My goodness, yes.

After each section he completed, He'd step back, check it out and say, "Now that's Good."

Then He'd do more -- and when it was all over, He rested.

The beauty of going step by step is that you get to enjoy the journey of your life and the people around you better. Living this way is teaching me how to ENJOY my faith.

Who knew??

So, I'm sort of rambling today --- but I want to encourage you: in all your errands and "doing", step back. Take a mental picture (or a real one like my little kitchen pic, tee hee). And ENJOY where you are. You'll be able to look over your life...mistakes and all...and say, "Now THAT is Good."

Fun at Franklin Park

2009-09-17T11:21:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine forwarded this information to me. If you live in the area, it sounds like a fun day!

Dear Franklin Park Friends:

Don't miss the Fall Forest Festival this Saturday, September 19th from 10:00 - 4:00. You can come for one or all of the activities.

Here's the schedule:

10-Noon: Volunteer in the woodlands, pulling invasives, and clearing gutters to prevent erosion. Volunteers welcome to stay for lunch, thanks to REI, wilderness adventure store, our co-sponsor.

12:00-2:00 pm: Landscape watercolor painting on Schoolmaster Hill - all levels welcome, materials provided.

1:00 - 4:00 pm: Play games in the woods (Capture the Flag and more!), go on family nature walks with an expert, and climb a (really big) tree with Andrew Joslin and his ropes and equipment.

It's going to be a beautiful day!

Coming up:
- Woodlands Volunteer Team: plant saplings & clear invasives - Saturday, September 26th 2:00-4:00pm
- Discover Roxbury Bike Ride: tour the Main Street districts around Franklin Park - Saturday, October 17th 10am - Noon
- At-large City Council Candidates' Debate on Parks & Open Space - Thursday, October 22nd 6:30-8:00pm - join the group of organizations sponsoring the debate - does your church, neighborhood association, health center, or child's sports league care about parks? All they have to do is lend their name and spread the word to their constituency. Send a message to mail@bostonparks.org to learn more.

Wish List:
If you're cleaning out your tool shed, we'd love any under-used loppers, clippers, rakes, shovels, push brooms, or a lawn mower!

--
Franklin Park Coalition
617-442-4141
www.franklinparkcoalition.org

Salted!!

2009-09-15T09:42:00.000-07:00

Don't ask me how I'm able to post this...the machine wasn't working before!

No more wait!!

Have you ever been so tired that on your way to work you close your eyes for a few steps? Just needing those last 5 seconds of peace before you go inside?

sigh

It's been one of those weeks for me.

But yesterday I was reminded by a good friend of mine:

If women don't take care of themselves regularly, they either implode (caving under the pressure) or they explode (blowing up because of the pressure). Either way, they fall apart.

I was cleaning up the house & fussing about a mess when I heard the Holy Spirit say one word to me: Martha.

No, not THE Martha who makes everything from crafts to pies "just perfect". I'm talking about Martha from in the Bible.

I remembered the story in LUKE 10 of when Jesus visited the sisters, Mary & Martha. Mary welcomed Jesus in, stopped everything and immediately plopped down to chat with him. Martha saw everything that still wasn't done and hustled.

Hellooo?? JESUS - aka "Master of the Universe" aka "Son of the Living God" aka "THE MAN" was in the room! I'd be lighting candles and hiding dust bunnies too!

When Mary didn't get up to help Martha, the pressure built up and Martha exploded. I'm sure she wiped the sweat from her forehead before saying to Jesus, "Umm...Can you tell this chick to help me?! 'Cause I'm doing all the work here and there is a LOT to be done!"

I can imagine Mary rolling her eyes at Martha, waiting to hear Jesus' response. I'm sure He was in the middle of a great story before the interruption.

So do you know what Jesus said to Martha?? He was so smooth -- He replies, "Martha...Martha! You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better..."

Dang. Salted.

There is always so much to be done. And women wait our whole lives to be surrounded by loved ones that we can nurture and take care of.

But that rhythm can be easy disturbed when we are off our game.

I want to encourage you today, just like I was encouraged yesterday:

PLEASE MAKE REGULAR TIME FOR YOU ~
AND MAKE A REGULAR APPOINTMENT WITH THE LORD ~

That is the ONE THING that is needed.

When you are looking and feeling your best, you can give to those around you out of an abundant heart. Not out of your depleted supply. If you take time...even just a few minutes....each week for yourself, your family & friends will benefit from the best of you.

"Me Time" looks different to all of us.

It can be a nap, an undisturbed bubble bath or hair appointment, or a long overdue mani & pedi.

Whatever it is for you, write it in your little book as a priority. If you don't take care of you, you can't take care of anyone else.
And if you don't take time to visit with the Master, how else can you keep your priorities straight?

I guess my dust bunnies can wait...I can hear Jesus knocking at the door of my heart now, telling me to slow down. Visit for a while. He's got something He'd like to say...

Hey There!

2009-09-15T09:07:00.000-07:00

There I was, all geeked to enter today's post...and then we experienced some technical difficulties.

BAH!!

So how exactly am I sending this little note?? Oh, Vee Haff Our Vays...Yes Vee Doo...

I promise I shall post something quite sparky for you tonight!

Until then, Luke 10 might give you some hints ;).

A New Look!

2009-09-14T12:15:00.000-07:00

As you can see, I am trying a new layout for the blog.

Slowly but surely, I'm learning how to work with HTML code to make this site better and better.

Check it out and tell me what you think! Your feedback is really important...

xoxo,

Me

The Last Minute

2009-09-13T10:48:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting at the computer, procrastinating.

Just a little.

This is one of my greatest vices.

I manage it by pushing myself to meet realistic dead-lines (via Outlook, FranklinCovey, DayRunners and all that). Oh yeah, and I usually have a purse FULL of tiny "TO DO" lists.

Heh heh...

Today's issue is not that I haven't gotten anything done. I suppose it's the amount of time I've lingered on each task...and the 'extra' ~~two projects~~ project I added last minute.

Over the years, I've learned that procrastination is an accessory of perfectionism, which is usually the dress my fear likes to wear.

Yeah, I tend to think that "perfectionism" is just a fancy way of saying, "I'm scared to screw things up!"

And I don't want to mess things up, I want them just right. So I get scared to try. Because I'M not perfect. And that fear alone can keep me stuck in one place.

IF I LET IT.

So...I guess I'd better face the final "TO DO" list of the day.

And remind myself that:

What I'm doing doesn't have to be perfect to bless someone else.

What I bring to the table is enough.

Fear has NO PLACE living where my FAITH resides.

If I don't do it now I'll be late for church.

Get Cookin'

2009-09-11T04:33:00.000-07:00

I haven't been cooking. I've been trying to keep the house clean, throw clutter in the trash and keep all the books balanced. And work a job & have a life.

Last week was full of quick, throw-em-together pantry meals. SO VERY thrown together, I don't remember what they were!!

But it seems that the crockpot was made for times like this.

The other day, I made beef stroganoff in le crockpot and was able to enjoy my baby girl AND the premiere of America's Next Top Model Le Cycle 13. Once it was done, I dated and froze half of it & put the rest in the fridge.

Over the weekend, I'd made my first Jambalaya in the crockpot too. DEE-lish! But I've never had it before, so what do I know?

Neither of us got sick, so I was happy.

I'm not so great at making UP recipes, but I am wonderful at following them! I mean, when you think of it, the Bible is just one big recipe book for life, ain't it?

(heh heh, anyone? anyone? ...is this thing on?)

Crickets.

Soooowwww....my personal "mothership" (as one friend calls it) is Allrecipes.com.
Until I got married, I never knew how to cook. But this website (and PBS and Everyday Food and Jaques Pepin) taught me how. There is even an INGREDIENT feature where you type in what you have and it will suggest recipes for those things.

Last night I made the EASY BEEF STROGANOFF and tweaked it just a tad. It simmered for 5 hours and was great!
Even better? I don't have to cook for a few days.

Now if I could just get to that laundry...

My Water Broke!!

2009-09-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

There is never enough time in the weekend. Especially when you have a church
to manage - you automatically lose one day out of the two! But one
enjoyable stop I made this Saturday was a baby shower for an old friend.
The best game provided each attendee with an ice cube that had a tiny
plastic baby inside. Once the ice melted, you had to yell, "My water broke!"
to win a prize.

And OH the things women did to "induce" their labor...

One dumped a salt shaker into her glass because she said,"salt melts ice!" A
few ladies squeezed the babies until their hands went numb - it got a little
crazy. My own baby decided to moon me slowly from my glass. I considered
biting the ice, but got caught. Alas, no cheating for me. The baby came when
it was ready. Not when I wanted.

LIKE THEY ALWAYS DO.

I personally love a great baby shower with fun games, good food and
enjoyable people. There is nothing worse than being stuck with The Resident
Sour-Puss at your table. I have been stuck there before and personally hate
that sort of bad luck. I'm also super annoyed when guests don't pay
attention to the gift opening portion of a shower. Rudeness!!

Rant Over.

Thankfully, my best friend's mom was also at the shower! My BF lives far
away, so sometimes I borrow her mom & hug her as proxy :).

Carmen is some kinda NewYor-Rican angel -- I can't tell you how awesome she
is. You'll just have to take my word for it. God has given her such a
gracefulness, she just melts your heart with her everyday wisdom. And she's
really funny!

I used to think that becoming a woman of wisdom meant that I had to be super
deep & have all the answers ready at the drop of a hat. Like, I thought I'd
have to become a major spookfest.

But instead, I now know that true wisdom is found in Proverbs -- AND NOT
JUST PROVERBS 31, guys....geez -- and that those truths will nestle deep
within your heart if you read them daily.

Truth that involves not being super witty and perfect everyday. Truth that
directs when to be still & quiet. Truth that bends it's knee at the feet of
God & gives HIM room to prove who is right in a disagreement. Truth that
cries with the broken hearted and laughs with the merry. Truth that lets me
be ME and you be YOU (faults included) -- wherever we are, so that Christ
can be seen in my life. Truth that is 100% authentic.

CONTROL ISSUES?

2009-09-09T12:24:00.001-07:00

Here's a little quote that stopped me in my tracks today:

"Fear can turn you into a control freak..eventually sucking the joy out of your life."

-Max Lucado

Being Grown Ups

2009-09-08T08:09:00.000-07:00

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

I'll post something fresh and fun for you either tonight or first thing tomorrow morning.

Today, hubby and I are taking care of Grown Up Stuff. We are signing our Health Care Proxies, Durable Power of Attorneys and our Living Wills. In January, I decided that we needed to get our Estate Plans in order before the close of the year.

I have seen what happens when someone dies without a Will in place. It's not pretty. And it's not cheap for those who are left to clean up the mess.

Even if you don't think you own anything of value, it's always better to have your Estate Planning documents completed. YOU get to direct what happens to your body, your children and property in the event of your "untimely demise". And since we don't come with expiration dates stamped on our bottoms, I think that none of us know the exact time we will be "no more".

It is a scary thing to write out plans for your children if you (and your spouse, if you're married) are dead. My stomach turns at the thought! But I feel comforted knowing that a plan is IN PLACE. My children will not become wards of the state or some strange custody battle. Why? Because I handled my business ahead of time. Because I pushed past my fear to do what I needed to do.

Bite the bullet and make this happen, ladies.

For those of us with "control" issues...it's a super fun experience! You get to boss everyone around on paper! And they MUST do what you say.

Love It!

P.S. Happy Birthday to my BF Alina and my other sistah Lady Scott. I love you both like I love chocolate!!

Not So....Courageous Yet

2009-09-03T15:06:00.000-07:00

In my quest to become a great and thrifty homemaker (ooh la LA), I keep reading about all these great finds at yard sales and even curbside that can be rehabbed. Uh huh...the day before trash day.

Until I started reading these blogs, I never really noticed what people set out in front of their homes. You know, the stuff NEXT to the garbage bags?

Online, I keep seeing all these great pieces that women re-paint and gloriously use in their homes. I've been hunting on Craigslist for THE PERFECT table. You know, something I can work with! And I'm the type, I'll try almost anything at least once.

And last night it happened.

Well, sort of...

After dark, I was driving home alone through a really cute neighborhood. My eye caught an awesome table perched on the curb with a few living room chairs. In seconds my mind said, "Yes? NO! Yes? Eeep! Maybe? It's dark! It's the curb!!"

I backed up the Corolla a little bit to see if the table is what I've been browsing online...couldn't tell. So I parked on the opposite side of the street and sat there for two seconds thinking, "Am I about to do this??" I got my answer as I sprinted across the street to look at the table up close. Almost perfect...a little small for my needs. I wasn't even sure it would fit in the car (which last night was crammed with church supplies). I NEED AN SUV!!.

Anyway.

Of COURSE as I was sizing up the table, I saw headlights coming. SHOOT!

"Fight or Flight" kicked in and I ran. I ran back across the street to my car. Except I ran so fast, I got to the passenger's door first. SSSSHOOOOT!! Did I forget who was driving??

So what did I do?

I jumped into the passenger's side to scramble into the driver's seat. Naturally. Because doing so makes me invisible. Besides, I was just in the neighborhood and that wasn't me looking at the pretty trash.

But I decided to sit there and watch the car go by in my rear view mirrors...ya know, "just in case".

The headlights turned out to be a minivan. It slowed down (like I had) but with the back hatch open!

"What the heck?"

Within seconds, a man jumped out of said van, inspected the chairs and scurried off into the night with them under both arms!

What the--??

He ran back just as fast for the table (which, by the way, was in perfect condition).

And I was left alone. With my Corolla. And my cowardice.

I need an SUV. And some freaking courage, apparently.

Slightly Damaged Goods

2009-09-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

My favorite blogger, the Nester has a saying worth repeating (and I repeat it many times a day) "It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect to Be Beautiful."

Is that the most liberating statement or what??

And today, as I was scribbling out some decor ideas for the apartment, I thought to myself:

"This will be great. It's not perfect, but it's beautiful. And you know what? So am I. I don't have to be perfect to be beautiful."

So I say this to you as well:

Let your aspirations of perfection go, please? When you embrace your beautiful imperfections it puts everyone else at ease.

I don't have to be perfect to be beautiful.

(And thank God for that)

Try saying that to yourself a few times a day...and go a little easier on yourself.

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(I sooo heart the Nester. Sheesh.)

I'm Certifiable.

2009-09-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

I know I'm not the only woman whom has had NO CLUE about how to make my home LOOK like a magazine, but FEEL like one big, cozy sofa.

My apartment hasn't been a mess. It just hasn't been fabulous.

For three years I have been afraid to mess up the house, put holes in the walls and take any risks. I just didn't want it to be ugly or old-fashioned looking, you know?

Then I complained because I didn't have the money for new furniture and pictures and where was I supposed to hang all that stuff anyway? I wanted it to be perfect.

So since I couldn't have perfection, I settled for nothing at all.

But out of frustration one day, I started looking for a solution. Some kind of instruction to learn something new.

Side Note: Isn't that how fear keeps us trapped, usually? It paralyzes us in one boring, familiar place. Not only does it make us afraid to TRY something new, it makes us afraid to even LOOK.

I'm telling you today to STOP being so scary and LOOK for something new. When you find something that you love, GO AFTER IT and MAKE IT YOUR OWN!

OK.

With that said, I am in LOVE.

And by IN LOVE, I mean: I am obsessed.

I cannot stop looking at easy & cheap home decorating blogs. It might be the easy and it might be the cheap. I don't know.

But I'll share:

I've gotten a TON of inspiration from The Nester, and perusing similar blogs like: Southern Hospitality and Thrifty Decor Chick. These women are amazing.

I've redecorated the front hallway and guest bathroom within two weeks & almost NO budget. I've learned to "shop the house" for things that I already have, but could be MOVED. And if I need a new piece, I can find it cheap:

For example, I picked up these lovelies for $10 last night (thank you, Craigslist)!

(Once I finish the living room, I MIGHT have the courage to show you pics!)

While I'm spending time getting over my fears, maybe there's something you need to actively tackle in your house?

JUST BE DONE WITH IT. FOR GOOD.

2009-08-31T06:57:00.000-07:00

I hope that everyone had an awesome weekend. I was busy with a few projects and Sunday took our family to preach in Rhode Island and then back to Somerville , MA for our own church service. I am exhausted today!!

It's Monday. I'm sitting at my desk itching out of my MIND.

While folding laundry this weekend (a pile that has been taunting me for two weeks), I came across a top that I'd forgotten about. I remember loving the cut and color when I bought it, so I was even happier to find it again!

This morning I got dressed and was quite pleased with the final look - wearing the cute top, of course.

But now that I've been wearing it for a few hours, I remember why I'd put it to the side in the FIRST place. Something in the fabric along the neck makes me itch really bad. So now I'm trying to work and type and pull at my shirt. Great way to NOT look crazy (insert sarcasm here).

I should have just gotten rid of the darn thing, instead of hiding it from myself however long ago!

I'm telling you, if you let Him, God can speak to you through anything.

Today, I'm reminded by the Lord that some things and some people are better left alone. If I knew that this thing would irritate my neck and almost cause a rash, why oh WHY would I put it back on again?? Why wouldn't I just get rid of the shirt instead of saving it?

Why?? Because we have short memories.

And sometimes if we don't get rid of the things (or remove ourselves from situations) that cause us harm, they can entrap us again. If the Lord has made you free from something, cut your ties to that thing. And don't pick it up again. Stop "saving" it in case you might need to use one part of it later. Get rid of the clutter in your life. Even if it's just once piece at a time.

And yes, I'm talking about habits and even sometimes other people who are not good for your growth.

Enjoy your Monday. I will spend the next few hours being prickled about the neck and face. Waiting for the chance to go home and throw this thing AWAY!!

What are some things YOU could stand to de-clutter this week?

SI SE PUEDE! (did I say that right?)

2009-08-27T11:37:00.000-07:00

Good morning!

Yesterday, I'd planned to post, but things got a little hectic. We just bought a new desk for the home office and I ended up having to orchestrate the WORST MOVERS EVER!
I haven't figured out my new camera yet (sorry), so here's an example of what the desk looks like. The sucker is HEAVY.

And seriously, I wanted my money back. BEFORE the move occured. You know how you just get the feeling in your stomach that things are just NOT gonna go well? Well that was me all day. I was locked in to the deal, but it worked out, I guess. I got my stuff. (deep sigh)

Anyway...in between all the stressed emails and phone calls, you were on my mind.

Away we go!!

Along the lines of ENCOURAGEMENT (which I guess the Lord has made my theme for the week), another verse hits home. Check it out:

Isaiah 50:4,5

"The Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning. Wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. The Sovereign LORD has opened my ears, and I have not been rebellious. I have not drawn back."

Is that amazing or what??

Even when we feel inadequate, the Lord will give us just the right thing to say to help someone else keep going! If we'd learn to listen...to slow down just a little bit here and there, He's able to download His instructions to us for the day.

And who knew that if we DIDN'T take the time to listen, it's a form of rebellion?

Yikes. I thought it was just a little laziness that He'd overlook...

For some reason, the word "rebellion" always makes me think of teenagers. Probably because that's whom the word gets thrown at most times!

Rebellion is simply defined as "opposition to one in authority or dominance". So anyone can be rebellious. Go easy on the teens.

And yes, rebellion usually gives little or no thought to consequences.

Our choices have a direct effect on the course of our lives. Think of it this way: each YES and NO is a turn in one direction or another. Either you are choosing the "narrow way" which leads to life. Or you are taking the "broad road" which leads to destruction.

Funny, I didn't think that the whole "ENCOURAGEMENT" theme would lead me here....

I warmly encourage you to say YES to the Lord today.

In the small ways.

In the little "yes" that listens to Him while you wash your hands. The little "yes" that makes you close your eyes for an instant to pray for someone who comes across your mind. The little "yes" that holds your tongue when you get a juuuuicy piece of office gossip.

And say "no" to turning away from the Lord today. Say "no" to rebellion and childish ways. It makes saying "yes" to the Lord a bit easier. You'll be so glad you did. The people around you will be glad too. Although they might not realize why...

But YOU will.

Hey, Sweetness! Yes, I Mean YOU...(part deux)

2009-08-25T07:46:00.000-07:00

Hey There! In my earlier post, I neglected to say that "Good Mail" can also come in the form a text.

A brief hand-written note (even just on a Post-It) sent via Regular Mail is best. Sometimes texting is lazy...and sometimes it's helpful!

But if you take a second to let someone know how you feel about them, the vehicle really doesn't matter.

(Wives, that goes for you too)

The sentiment of the message counts.

Quick, quick! Send one now!!

Make somebody smile this week :)

Be (IN)couraged!

2009-08-25T07:03:00.000-07:00

I'm not the smartest person in the world.

Chances are, neither are you.

Tee hee...just kidding.

Buuut if you're like me, you ARE probably smart enough to be resourceful.

A Resourceful Woman is a powerful one. She knows that she doesn't have to make everything by hand & be everyone's e-v-e-r-y thing. A Resourceful Woman knows when to let someone do her hair, so that she has more time to spend with loved ones. A Resourceful Woman doesn't have to be born a great cook; she can turn herself into one by studying the Food Network and WORKING IT OUT!

That said, you don't always have to come up with your own inspiration. You CAN -- but sometimes, it's okay to let others refresh you.

Take a moment today and double-click the WHITE BUTTON found on the right side of this page. It says "(in)courage".

This little spot is where women from all over the country come together to share stories and devotionals to help you right where you are. They are from different cultures and walks of life, but their FAITH is the same.

Poke around and check it out ~ read from someone different than yourself & let the Lord uplift your heart.

You'll be glad you did...

If you see something you enjoyed over there, let me know!

Besos!

Rockin' a Mullet!

2009-08-24T11:22:00.000-07:00

First let me say that I have an amazing hairdresser.**

I haven't seen her in a few weeks because one of our cars needed an alternator and new battery in the same week (OUCH)! Family first, I guess...I can remember being single and putting my Rent on the backburner for a new pair of shoes or full weave.

**flashback! sorry!**

Anyway, Kristyn will probably yell at me in a high-pitched voice for sharing this note with you.

But I can't help myself.

I have long hair and the front is a modern page boy sort of deal.

FYI: This is Bjork. This is not me.

This cut is great, except when the outdoor humidity is at 100%, you just washed your own hair & all the moisture from outside AND a great church service completely ZAP all of your curls.

In the back.

Now, at 6:18 a.m., in a half-lit bathroom mirror, I thought I looked great. Cute sweater, slacks, heels, loose hair-do.

But hours later, I just looked at myself in the bathroom mirror and thought, "When did 1986 get here??"

The back of my hair is almost totally straight and my little bangs are curled. And swept back! :(

Instead of looking like Bjorkie-Boo up there, I look like Cousin Ned.

Darnit.

This is NEVER a good look.

P.S. This is also not a picture of me.

P.P.S. No offense to anyone named or married to a "Ned".

P.P.P.S. I look TERRIBLE!!

Note to self:

WAKE UP 100% - THEN do hair.

**Kristyn Wells (stylist) IS accepting new clients, and NO, I don't get any discounts for referring you. If you live in Boston and would like her number, shoot me an email at: sparkedlife@gmail.com. She is awesome, saved, single, gorgeous and affordable. Did I mention she also does FanTASmic makeup?? Love Her!!

Hey, Sweetness! Yes, I Mean YOU.

2009-08-24T04:49:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long delay in today's post. Hectic Monday morning.

In my devotional reading today (2 weeks straight -- woohoo!), there were a few great scriptures that I read.

Let's start with this one today:

Proverbs 16:24
"Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."

Reading this, I was thought of how nice it is to get "good mail" --- for me these days (post maternity visit), that's anything without an "Amount Due" box written on it somewhere.

Good Mail pieces are the sweet nothings sent by lovers, friends, family members...things that just say hello and make you smile.

SO: When was the last time you mailed a note or little card "just because" to a friend? Have you ever?? Send one out this week via USPS ~ it can make all the difference to someone. You never know.

And yes, even if you talk to/see this person everyday, mail something to them anyway. From your heart. And surprise them good.

Reading this verse also made me consider my choice of words. I could probably use a few more "pleasantries" in my speech...even more sweetness in my thoughts.

A word that comes to mind is, "ENCOURAGEMENT".

Women talk a lot.

We talk to think and think to talk.

This is often touted as a bad thing, but only because we don't usually know when to stop!

Science says we use more than double the words of men on a daily basis. And even our vocal cords vibrate at a rate twice the speed of male vocal cords.

Does this mean I'm a bit of a nerd? Yes.

Does this mean I overpaid a 4-Year Institution to say this with confidence? Absolutely.

But it also means that women have double the opportunity to really make or break someone's day (including our own) with our words.

"Pleasant words are...sweet to the soul and health to the bones."

Women are blessed to give life in so many ways. I don't think we've been given the gift of gab for nothing. I think we're designed to speak life and sweetness into the souls of the lives around us. Our babies, our husbands, our girlfriends and our co-workers.

LISTEN: WE can make or break the very bones of people with our words. YOU know this is true if you've ever been REAAAALLLY insulted or abused by someone's words. So why not turn it around and see what could happen?

Situations can get catty with some women because of deep needs & wounds that go unhealed for a long time.

I think it's time we started taking responsibility for ourselves and what we say. To bring more healing and less hurt. According the Word (in the verse above) doing so can make us healthy, strong...and sweeter.

Who knew?

Holy Moley!

2009-08-24T04:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I don't know what happened...but I could NOT access the blog temporarily.

On a whim, I decided to check it again and voila! Success!

I have some new pics of fun things for you guys this week...and some thoughtful points to consider.

I'll see you in a few....right here!

Family Fun

2009-08-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

So a co-worker of mine told me about a place in New Hampshire that's great for families and kids and what-not.

My baby isn't big enough for such a place yet, but maybe yours is? It's open year-round. Check it out: www.campberea.com.

Now, it might sound a little corny off the bat...but if you really read about what they offer, it seems well worth the trip. And the pictures of Family Night look like a ton of fun.

Enjoy!

Save Now

Pink is the New Blue?

2009-08-19T19:40:00.000-07:00

I've noticed a trend of late...

I'm out in public with my baby, she's dressed in some sort of pink outfit with bows and bibs that say things like, "Diamonds are a GIRL'S Best Friend" and she's chewing a pink toy.

Without fail, every once and a while, someone says, "Aww...lovely baby. How old is he?"

HE??

Granted, at 7 months, her ears are not pierced. They most-likely will remain that way until we're moved to do otherwise.

But are we so gender-blurred these days that an infant SWADDLED in pink indicates nothing?! (sigh)

For the first two older folks who said this, I politely smiled and figured it wasn't worth correcting. I let it go.

Sort of.

But when the fourth person in one month said, "What a precious boy." I almost lost it.

After my husband gently said that she was a girl, the person was sort of sorry...

Unable to resist, I smiled and said, "It's okay...no one notices pink clothes anymore."

This was Proooooobably one of those times I should have resisted & kept my mouth shut!

I can't be the only new mom who's dealt with this.

Oh Self-Control...

Mental note: Do better next time.

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2009-08-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

You know, I'm not sure where I read this, but recently I heard a woman say that she was extremely busy. So busy in fact, that she didn't have time to sit down each day to be still in prayer and read a few verses. I could relate.

THEN she said, "but I always find enough time for hair and makeup."

Ouch.

Gulity.

So today, I tried something a little different. Just a little less primping (OK, maybe it was just faster strokes with the mascara wand) and then a moment to read a quick devotional, the three verses attached to it and another moment to let it sink in. It didn't take much and it blessed me.

In those few moments I was reminded of the verse: "He restoreth my soul..." Psalm 23

He really does.

Those minutes were great food for thought on my way to work. And it felt good to prioritize something that I always SAY I will, and then have a hard time doing because I'm......yeah, you guessed it: so busy.

We make time for the grocery store, for fun CVS runs (is that just me?), the ATM and of course, gasoline for the car! But when do we make time to refuel our hearts and renew our minds --other than on Sundays?

And maybe we aren't supposed to have the same "routine" for Bible study and prayer everyday.

Maybe, just like in our relationships, we're supposed to switch things up and keep it fresh?

Maybe we're supposed to pray and find creative ways to spend time with the Lord and show our gratitude?

Hmm....

I wonder what daily habits you could afford to shave a few moments off of to make quiet time with the Lord a priority?

Comment or email me and let me know? I'd love to post some ideas to help other folks out ;).

Family

2009-08-14T08:40:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I was really touched by a verse in Psalms that I'd never read before. Thanks to Amy Beth, author of one of my favorite blogs (www.ministrysofabulous.com). Wanna see it?

"God sets the lonely in families..." Psa 68:6 ~ NIV

Whoa.

When I first read this, I thought about it for days...and the Lord showed me something: There is a real difference between "relatives" and "family." Maybe you already knew this, but I guess I needed HIM to break it down for me.

Relatives are the people you have a blood or legal connection to. Whether you like it or not, you are connected to them. It is not by choice. And sometimes we're lucky enough to even like these people!

Family members, though, are the people who love you unconditionally and always make you feel at home. They are the people that embrace your weaknesses with your strengths. They are the ones you can call at inconvenient hours of the day or night and they don't think twice about talking to you.

"God sets the lonely in families..."

Have you ever felt closer to folks that you weren't related to??

I don't think that's always a bad thing. Sometimes it's the BEST thing.

Please don't feel sad if you aren't close with all of your relatives. Why? Because there are relatives (some, not all) who will use that very connection to use and manipulate you. They know that you won't say "no" because you don't want to hurt their feelings because...they're FAMILY.
And in the end, YOU end up hurt and they walk away as if nothing happened. In those cases, a healthy boundary is needed to protect your heart.

There are also some of us who are blessed to have relatives who are also family. If that's you, then you've hit the Jackpot, baby!! I am jealous....;)

Whatever category YOU seem it fit into, know that with this new definition of "family" God knows the people who will draw out the best in you.

He'll introduce you to them as you walk through life. You'll meet them at work, at little league, at church, in a class, anywhere! And you will always feel at home with them.

There IS a place for you wherever you are. You are not forgotten!!

Why Not??

2009-08-14T08:12:00.000-07:00

Today begins a new chapter of life ~ I am officially entering the "Blogosphere"...

I've trolled it for some time (as you can tell by the amount I follow). But I wanted to create a place that is as diverse, and sometimes random, as I am. The sort of place that adds sparks of color to my life.

So...I hope that you're blessed and inspired and occasionally amused. Feel free to comment on the posts that move you. You can also email me your thoughts at: sparkedlife@gmail.com.

Ciao Bellas!