Profound

"Criticism can consume our lives to the point of emotional paralysis, or we can set our hearts to serve God faithfully undeterred by that criticism and put our God on display. When we do that, we won’t need to answer our critics with words—our lives will say all that is needed. " — Bill Crowder


Wow....I think I needed to hear this today. Not that I'm facing any criticism in my life right at this moment, but this put it all in perspective for me today. My prayer is that I commit everything that I do to God......every word, every thought, and every action. So that He gets all the honor and all the glory.

Find Myself

Ok...so...I find myself today in such a better mood than as of late. Not that I've been in a bad mood, just been kind of feeling like I've been floating through life kinda humdrum. Make sense?? Anyway, I read in my devotions today and I'm amazed at the unconditional love of God. Time after time, after time, the Israelites continue to do wrong and God continued to lift them up, dust them off and allow them to try again. Somedays, I feel like that.....like I need picked up, dusted off, clean up my bumps, bruises and scrapes, and then put back up on my feet to try again. So, I find myself AMAZED that God would love someone that He has to constantly pick up. Someone that continues to mess up. Wouldn't you think that He would get tired of doing this and at one point and say..."ok that's enough, I'm not picking you up anymore....you're to much of a hassle." Not a chance. He's SO MUCH BIGGER THAN THAT !! He's a God of a BAZILLION chances. All that He asks is that you love and worship only Him. IT'S COMPLETELY AMAZING !! That is what I strive to do daily.....love and worship only HIM. Whether it is through listening to music on the way to work or whether it's through all my daily duties. Sitting here at work at my desk, meeting the people on the phone and coming through the door. I try to be Jesus to everyone I meet. God never promised it would be easy. He just promises to be there to pick you up when ever you fall. NEVER TO LEAVE YOU.....ALWAYS BY MY SIDE !!. So, thank you Father for picking me up.....for giving musicians words that speak to me on my way to work or wherever while in my car.

My prayer has always and will continue to be......"May YOU increase and I decrease". May others see Jesus when they see me......and not ME.

Losing Sleep

I found myself losing sleep last night and I have no idea why. As I laid there awake, I thought...."Ok Father, what do you want to tell me?" I love times like this. Although, most times I find my mind very wonderous. Going from one situation to another and so on. Does this make sense?? Everything is fine with us here at home although, I want a deeper relationship with Christ and I'm trying very hard to make time for that. Our children are growing and doing well in school and spiritually. I know that they need to deepen their relationships with Christ as well, which I pray for daily. Doug is content with his job which is really COOL. We've waited so long for a job that he could be happy with. So, I'm still at a loss for why the loss of sleep.

I miss my friends that I used to be able to bounce my life's situations off of, and I find myself hurting for one of my best friends and her life's situation right now. I long for her to be able to heal and to be spiritually whole right now. So, that's what I used my sleeplessness for, to pray for my friends that I miss so much.


Sooooo......On a totally different subject......I find myself so frustrated with a couple of fellow employees, both of which were in a one year relationship together. Anyway, I'm frustrated because the gentleman that works here has all but decided that he in no way can work in an enviornment that his ex-girlfriend works in, and the ex-girlfriend has decided she is not leaving her job for anyone. Now with that being said.....this is his full-time job and he has a 4 year old little girl that he must support. The woman that works here is a full time TEACHER and has a dog, she only works here on SATURDAYS. Now I find myself in the middle of these two because for whatever reason they have both decided that I am their counselor!! I'm am wanting this guy to GROW UP and STAND UP for his daughter's well being, and I would love for this woman to GROW UP as well. It's to the point that it's affecting everyone here at work. The management seems to think that they cannot do without the woman, when the guy makes this place SO MUCH MONEY. So what's up with this???

Doug and I are trying to counsel the guy, because he is a "new believer".....trying to explain to a new believer that God's strength is only given one day at a time is very hard. (I don't even have this one down yet....some days I do) I have resolved myself to PRAYER alone.....NO MORE ADVICE to give. Prayer alone does so much and I need to step out of the way and let God do what He does best !! This trying to be Jesus to a dying world is hard work and draining sometimes. Wow.


SO MUCH RAMBLING......My apologies for my mind being in so many different directions.

Much love

Our Kids

Oh my goodness....

It has been so long since I posted anything. Life is to busy. We've been through so much in the last 3 months that I don't even know where to begin. God has been so good to us. He has provided 2 vehicles to replace one that was pretty worn out (blazer) and one that was hit and totaled by the insurance company. I'll have to give all the detailed stories later ..... (I'm sitting at my desk at work and don't have the time). Anyway, Doug is enjoying his new job IMMENSELY....Roman is in summer school making up an English credit. Syrena is still working at The Daily Grind but has applied at Union Hospital. CJ and Manny are enjoying the summer playing outside and inside when it's raining. Paintballing is huge with our boys right now. Roman has a friend whose family owns 76-78 acres .... so they hold paintball wars there almost every night it seems. ..... g2g for now.

A Work in Progress

God is continually at work in my heart on many issues. I'm constantly amazed with the things that He's been bringing to light for me. I've really been praying lately that God brings up any un repentent sin or any issues that could fester and turn into building blocks .... you know those blocks that stack themselves up until there's a wall between you and God .... the wall that you sometimes try to yell over to get His attention?? How can I expect God to see me through a BIG BRICK WALL that I have built with MY hands?? Well you see .... I don't want that in between God and I. I never want to even have one block on the ground that I could possibly kick around. Does this make any sense to anyone?? One block is too much !! I want to be a work in progress. I never ever want to think that "I have arrived". I want God to continue to teach me, try me and through all of that strengthen me. I want Him to fill me with His wisdom and understanding so much that when other's look at me there will never be any mistake .... I am HIS child. I want to live my life as a princess of the King !! I once told my best friends that "I want to be an INTOXICATING christian".... (not an intoxicated christian ha,ha,ha) A christian that other's are drawn to because of Jesus in me. One that non-believers are drawn to and have no idea why they are drawn .... so that God can use my experiences to show them .... it's not me that they are drawn to .... it Christ in me that they need. INTOXICATING HOPE, FAITH AND LOVE THAT ONLY GOD CAN GIVE !!!

The Pit

Ok so I've been reading this book "Get out of the Pit" by Beth Moore. Gotta tell you it's an AMAZING book. It's helping me so much !!

Also, I unloaded yesterday. Meaning I unloaded so much baggage yesterday at church. Gave it all to The One who is in control anyway. Why do I continue trying to do things myself thinking I can do a better job???? NO MORE !!! I feel so free today......THANK YOU LORD.

Pray for me on this journey of NO MORE BAGGAGE !!!

Love you all so much !!!

Guitar Hero 3

Ok so if you haven't played the video game Guitar Hero you don't know what you're missing. If you don't have it your welcome to come here and play !! I've had so much fun over the last few days of due to holidays.....just playing this game with our sons and daughter. Even Manny rocks and can KICK MY BUTT !!! It's hilarious !! Hope you all are doing well. Love you all so much !!

New Job

So.....I'm happy to announce that Doug will be starting a new job on January 14th. He will be working at Union Hospital in their Bio Medical Maintenance department. We are so excited. The hours are great (7am-330pm) and no more traveling away from home. This is the job that his dad retired from so many years ago, and the job Doug has wanted pretty much since we've been married. So, it's been a long time coming ...... God is so good !! Thanks to all of you who have been prayer warriors along side us for this request . Love you all so very much !!

Ok so....I've always loved the Drummer Boy Christmas song. I can remember one of my favorite movies at Christmas time to this day is "The Little Drummer Boy". You remember.....the claymation version. Well, when you're sons grow up to be drummers, it give this song a WHOLE NEW MEANING. I've found myself recently singing this song with my sons in mind and CRYING !! The words are so awesome !! God has blessed them with this incredible gift of music through drums and I'm so AMAZED everytime I watch them and listen to them playing their drumset here at home. I watched them last night offer their gifts up to their God and it ROCKED. I cried like a proud MAMA.....I'm allowed to do that. Ha, ha, ha. (they even asked before I watched if I was gonna cry.... I was like .... "of course, that's what I do". But, not only because I am a proud parent but because their hearts were giving their gifts back to the one who gave it to them, GOD !!

P.S. Our sons are on the drums that are lit with pink....and Doug is completely to the right on a 55 gallon drum.

Healing and a Merry Christmas

Ok so the healing process is coming along well. I'm out of my sling YEEEAAAHHHH!!!!! Some movements still send shock waves of pain but we'll work through that no problem !!

So here I sit thinking about all my friends and family that are away from OHIO....I miss you all so much. Wish you the best Christmas ever !! Love you all so very much !!!

Ouchies

So, if you haven't already heard I put my bike down 2 weeks ago, Nov 20th. Rain+loose gravel+left turn=disaster. Anyway, I fractured my right Scapula (right shoulder blade) and a few ribs. NOT FUN.....painful of course. But, I'm ok and am healing. My pride is a bit hurt but, that is healing to. Sometimes I think I'm physically invincible. Hopefully my bike will be fixed within the next 2 weeks. Not that I will ride in the COLD !!! But, hey maybe God will bring on a 60 degree, dry day again in the middle of January.....this is Ohio you know.....it could happen. So do the holidays have you all in a frantic pace as much as they do me?? Where did the summer go??? I love Christmas....the family times....the food....the FUN, FUN, FUN !!!! Oh yea and.....THE FOOD !!! I'm looking forward to the relaxing times that the holiday brings. It's just this frantic....running around like a chicken with it's head cut off that drives me nuts. (yes I've seen a chicken run around with it's head cut off.....it's not a pretty sight, especially if it's chasing your little brother around your grandma's back yard) Well, anyway I hope that your Christmas Holiday finds you all in good health and in good spirits. Love you all so much !!!

One Flaw In Women

One Flaw In Women

By the time the Lord made woman, He was into his sixth day of working overtime. An angel appeared and said, 'Why are you spending so much time on this one?' And the Lord answered, 'Have you seen my spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but not plastic, have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable and able to run on diet coke and leftovers, have a lap that can hold four children atone time, have a kiss that can cure anything from scraped knee to a broken heart -and she will do everything with only two hands.' The angel was astounded at the requirements.'Only two hands!? No way! And that's just on the standard model? That's too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish.' 'But I won't,' the Lord protested. 'I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days.' The angel moved closer and touched the woman. 'But you have made her so soft, Lord.' 'She is soft,' the Lord agreed, 'but I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish.' 'Will she be able to think?', asked the angel. The Lord replied, 'Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate.' The angel then noticed something, and reaching out, touched the woman's cheek.'Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one.' 'That's not a leak,' the Lord corrected, 'that's a tear!' 'What's the tear for?' the angel asked. The Lord said, 'The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment,her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride.' The angel was impressed. 'You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything! Woman is truly amazing.' And she is! Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don't take 'no' for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love. They have compassion and ideals. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give. HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

WOOOHOOO !!!!

2005 Kawasaki Ninja EX500R


MY NEW RIDE !!! Can you believe it ?? It's so much fun !!!

Why is Life so Busy??

Why is life so busy?? I don't remember being this busy when I was growing up....I mean my parents were always home. My mom never had to have a job. My dad's job allowed him to be home by 4pm every evening. It was great....bible time around the dining room table at 8pm every night. You know....a great amount of family time with your parents and your siblings. I'm very fortunate to have grown up with great christian parents that led me to the Lord at an early age. I'm trying my best to do that as well. I guess I get a little discouraged when those times seem to be few and far between, due to the business of life. A life where both parents have to work just to make ends meet, and even then it's hard to keep food on the table. God never promised our life to be an easy one. For that I am grateful, because it forces me to be dependent on God for EVERYTHING !! Even producing the time that you get to spend with your family. I'm finding out as our kids get older (3 are teenagers) that they all start going their seperate ways with their friends. Making those special family times even more few and far between. I have found myself praying for that Godly hedge of protection around our family more now than ever before. I was once told that Satan keeps you busy so that you have less time with God. I hate that part of life. But, I also look at it as a time to plant my feet firm on the foundation of Jesus Christ and press on towards that mark that He has set before me. So I find myself sitting here, thanking God for the times that I do have with my family and friends. You know, the times when your children wrap their arms around you and say "I love you Mom." The times when Doug wraps his arms around me and tells me "I love you Babe" Those times my friends call or email and tell me "Hey I was just thinking about you and miss you." Those times are so precious to me. Those are the little gifts from God I love so much !!!

Update

Ok...I'm officially a Motorcycle Babe. I got my endorsement over the weekend. Now just gotta save some money for the ride. Ha, Ha

Teddy Bear Run Part 2

Here's what I'm talking about......All these bikes and the ones around the corner. They circled all the way around the building. What a fantastic sound when they are all running at the same time !!

Then of course you need someone crazy enough to be a cheerleader to get them all pumped up and ready to go ....... REALLY LOUD !!! Me and Beth opted for that job. One of the HOG members lent me a scarf to swing around to help out. What a fun time. Wish you all could have been there with me !!!

Teddy Bear Run

Ok so....I don't usually have to work on Sundays, but today was an exception. All I have to say about today is WOW... If you have never heard or seen 500+ Harley Davidson motorcycles (there were other makes as well not only Harleys) all in one gathering, it's something to behold !!! Especially when they start them all up at the same time

WOOOOOOHOOOOOOO !!!!!!
IT'S TOTALLY AWESOME !!!!!!

So, it's definitely something all my fellow Harley enthusiaists have to see and experience.....if you haven't already.

More to come later........

Update

Ok all my blogger friends. Here's what's happening with me. Working 40+ hours at the dealership. Coming home to make dinner, go to bed and get up and do it all over again !! So, there's my life in a nut shell.

Our Labor Day weekend was fun. Did alot of eating with family. FUN TIMES !!

Got to sing in KidStuf the weekend of Sept. 1st. That was fun. Looking forward to the next time.

Not much else happening. I'll blog again as soon as I can.