WWJD or WWIWMDTD?

What kinds of questions do people ask themselves when trying to make hard decisions in life? Is there one you ask yourself? The most common I can think of is, "What would Jesus do?" For me, when I ask myself WWJD, an image of Jesus with His disciples in early AD fashion comes to mind. I totally get the quote, and think it's a good thing, don't get me wrong, but it just doesn't have quite the relevant effect it should for me personally.

The question that I ask myself (only when I want to know the real answer) is, "What would I want my daughters to do?" Sounds like a weird question, but the truth is other than my husband, there is no one on this earth that I love more. I would literally die for them.

"Let her sleep for when she wakes, she will move mountains." That is an amazing quote that I truly believe within the depths of my soul for both of my daughters. God will move mountains through these girls, and He plans to do the same through me.

What would I want my daughters to do when they are my age if they were faced with the same decision?

What question do you ask yourself?

What are Your Dreams?

What are your dreams?

Dreams are such because they are outside the realm of our reality. If it is reality, it's not a dream. Dreams come true, when we proactively go against all odds and pursue them. Pursue your dreams, they will not pursue you. You have to start by running toward them. You will never feel ready! It's in your hands, stop waiting, and make your dreams a reality!

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." Ephesians 4:20

"Dirty" Conversations with Youth

We have been having a lot of "dirty" conversations during Elevate (northviewcc.com's youth group) over the last week!! Now get your mind out of the gutter people!!!! :) We are talking Matthew 13:1-9 & 18-23 soil here!!! Yep, I know that the only reason you are reading this blog was because you weren't thinking actual soil!! ;)

Okay, really, we have been taking an in depth look at "The Sower and the Seed" parable. Click here to read it for yourself.

First of all, we have to remember that Jesus himself actually gave this message, so it must be worth taking a look at. We read his words, and then, during our small groups, asked each other "What soil are you?" and "Where do you want to be spiritually?" It was amazingly refreshing to hear the honest answers of these students. They allowed themselves to be so vulnerable to God and each other. We also asked questions like, "What is choking your spiritual life?" and "What are ways that you can get from where you are to where you want to be spiritually?"

My answers, sparked this post. Here they are:

What soil are you? I feel like I am the good soil. I am growing spiritually, reading my Bible, constantly asking for guidance, BUT....there's always a but... I definitely have thorny soil tendencies!!!

What is choking your spiritual life? My spiritual life tends to drift because of, well mostly, TIME!!! I want to do sooooo much, and there are only so many hours in a day. The overwhelming feeling of trying to conquer the world, combined with the chaos life seems to bring, can really be suffocating to one's spiritual life!!

How can you get from where you are to where you want to be? My answer is FOCUS. First things first, I need to do some weeding. I always fall in this trap of wanting to be all things to all people, and to be honest, I suck at it. For example, it is so hard for me to "go black" because people might need me right away, and I tend to say "yes" to way too much because I sincerely want to help!! When I do say "no," I still find myself worrying that I've upset the person I've said "no" to. Urg, I think this is a battle that I will face my entire life, but it's one worth fighting!!

The second part of my answer to this question is that I connect with God through journaling and writing. I am pretty disciplined when it comes to reading The Word, but when it comes to reflecting and connecting, it's hit or miss for me. He speaks to me through a pen. Seriously, I'm not kooky here people!! Okay, that might be debatable!! :) I'm not only talking about writing my thoughts and prayers out to him, I mean, I feel like he is opening up my mind and showing me things as I am writing this blog. Any visions or dreams that have come to light, from him through me, have been spilled out onto paper through my pen (or keyboard) first.

So....in all of this "dirty" talk, here is what I am challenging myself to do:
-journal every day
-blog twice a week (or more)
-write out my priorities, passions & dreams
-write out a plan to put those priorities, passions, & dreams into action
-put that plan into action

Alright, enough "dirty talk!"

Is My Focus Solely Lateral?

I've been reading "The Story" and it strikes me particularly at how much God uses generations of families to tell His Story! It is so important to invest in our families because it will impact future generations!

I think that when most people feel a calling to positively impact people, we tend to look at our purpose and the world so laterally (the present), but by investing in your own personal family, you are making a huge vertical impact on hundreds and thousands of people ahead, in the future.

It's also cool to see how God used the most messed up families possible! When you start shaking your head at your back-stabbing, murderous, cheating brother, remember the grace that God had on murderers like David and Moses. Not only did He have grace, but He fulfilled His purpose in miraculous ways through their lives.

So, I need to figure out if I am doing everything I can for those that I love and influence the very most in this world!! My family!!!

"Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz..."

So...why did I start this blog in the first place? I think I started it more out of frustration than anything else. I am always on the move, I was literally stuck in my chair because of my broken ankle with no outlet. This blog was a creative outlet I needed to get through that time in my life.

So...here I am again, finding myself frustrated. My foot is not literally propped up anymore, but I can feel that squirmy or unsettled feeling in the depths of my soul that my "foot is propped up!" I'm really wanting to get up off that couch!! The problem is, I don't know what couch I'm on, and how, when, or where I'm supposed to get up and go if I come to a standing position.

So...all of that to say that I think these unsettled feelings disguise themselves as frustration because I have no way to express them. I'm lonely in my ideas and thoughts. What I'm hoping, is that by creatively expressing myself, I'll be able to figure things out in a creative and positive way.

So...I really don't care if this is even read by another human being, it just feels good to throw up on my computer monitor, and heck, maybe someone will read this and understand what I mean. Maybe, just maybe, I am not completely crazy and someone else gets me!! Bonus!!!

So...Over the next few days and weeks, I am going to throw up on this screen and figure things out. All of these thoughts that are constantly swimming in my brain will be puked on my computer monitor.

And...My prayer and hope is that I'll be singing "Plop, plop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief it is" at the top of my lungs at some point in this blogging journey!!!

Work Hard, Step Back, and FOCUS!!!

I found a new slogan for the phase of life I am headed into, so it's made me sit back and reflect on the last 5 years of slogans and what they mean to me. When I actually sit down and look at these, it's interesting how they pretty much sum up parts of my life... Mostly big and life changing events... I adopted my new slogan yesterday.... Here is the last 5 years of my life in a nut shell.... You'll start to notice a recurring theme.

Keep it simple stupid! - 2004/2005
-I had Grace in 2004. Jake and I sat down and asked ourselves what was really important to us in life. Family and our relationship. We had to focus on our family, and literally simplify our lives in just about every area. I needed to work hard, step back, and FOCUS!!!


The simplest solution is the best! (Ocaam's Razor)- 2006/2007
-Jake and I were being called to a new church. I started serving and really getting into ministry. I was so passionate about so many different aspects of my life, I began to run wild and started making things a lot more complicated than they needed to be. I read the book "Simple Church," which was actually a life changing book for me. I know it was specifically written for the church, but I have been attempting to apply those same concepts into every area of my life. I also had my very long and drawn out miscarriage during this phase, which of course was incredibly difficult. I fortunately healed and grew from that experience. I had to ask myself during this phase: What is my purpose here in life? What do I need to stop doing that has nothing to do with why I am here? I needed to work hard, step back, and FOCUS!!!

Life is a roller coaster, hang on for dear life and enjoy the ride!2008/2009
-These were the best years, and worst years of my life. The best being that I had my baby girl, Faith. I was also being used by God more than ever. I was passionate about what I was doing and excited! Jake and I bought our first house, which we still love! The worst because I was going through more spiritual warfare than I ever had in my life. Faith was suffering from major asthma, allergies, and eczema and was EXTREMELY sick (I'm sure we hit 15+ ER visits those years)!!! Grace was getting strep at least once a month. I lost a close friend, and broke my ankle which left me sitting on the couch for what seemed like forever! I needed to work hard, step back and FOCUS!!!

Life is like a marathon-although often times we live it like a sprint. 2010/....
-I read this yesterday in my devo. and thought it was perfect for what I am headed into in this phase of my life.... So far, Grace got her tonsils out and Faith is making TREMENDOUS progress in her health... Hopefully during this phase, I will literally train for and run a marathon which will represent my life as a whole. Besides the fact that it is on my bucket list, and I'm not getting any younger, it could really help me to connect to the symbolic meaning of this slogan in a concrete way. I guess another phrase that could work here is "slow and steady wins the race." I have to "keep my eye on the goal" of living my life with passion and purpose, and teach my children how to do the same. The key to this phase is training. That is the hard part for me. I want to just jump up and run the 26 miles. I'm expecting a full dose of "TESTING MY PATIENCE" in this part of life... All in all, I have to work hard, step back and FOCUS!!!!!

FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS

"These are the times you'll always remember..."

My whole family was in the living room watching American Idol. Judging the contestants and enjoying Simon's remarks. Grace was on the floor, Jake was on one side of the couch, Faith in the middle, and I was on the other side.

Faith scooted over really close to me, put her arm around me, laid her head down and started cuddling with me. It was so sweet! Jake looked over and said to me, "These are the times you'll always remember!"

I wish the story ended there, but oh boy, there was more truth to that than Jake knew. At the moment that Jake finished his statement, Faith started projectile vomiting all over me, at least 4 times! Ha! Ha! We laughed, which was a good distraction, because I so would have thrown up all over Jake, and then probably cried!! LOL!

That was definitely a time I'll always remember!!!

GREAT DEALS - Couponing, My New Obsession!!

Okay, so my friend Heather introduced me to the world of coupons and, I am now obsessed. I guess there could be worse things for me to obsess about... This is right up my alley... BARGAINS BARGAINS BARGAINS.... Anyway, here are some little bargains I found today...


FREE FOOD

*IHOP Shortstack, Free Today, they just ask that you think about making a donation to the Children's Miracle Network, the box is located at the front of the store to drop a donation in

*Free Fresco Taco Coupon from Taco Bell http://static.tacobell.com/drivethrudiet/coupon.html



Homeland (double coupons with card)

*$1/2 Nexcare Bandaids... the Disney Princess and Handy Manny ones were on sale for $.51 making it $.02 for 2
http://coupons2.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=5S2ZUA6PWPEPO

*$1/1 Premium Crackers and Any Can of Chili.. Crackers on sale for $2.49 bought can of hot dog Chili for $.99 making it $1.48 for both crackers and chili (this is on a tearpad in front of the crackers)

*$.50/1 Kids Oral B Stages or Kids Crest Toothpaste, when I went to Homeland today, the High School Musical Oral B Stages was on sale for $1.41 making it $.41 http://www.couponclippingcrew.com/

**not sure if the toothpaste and bandaids are on sale at every store, or just the one on 122nd and MacArthur...



Crest

*$1/1 Quaker Oatmeal on sale at crest for 2/$4 (only have to purchase one) making the oatmeal $1 (can use more than one coupon) http://www.quakeroats.com/products/product-offers-and-promotions.aspx

*$1/6 Dannon Light and Fit 6 oz. yogurt, on sale for $.33 per container making it $.98 for 6 http://coupons2.smartsource.com/smartsource/index.jsp?Link=5S2ZUA6PWPEPO

*$.55/1 Ziploc Slider Bags on sale for $1 making them $.45 http://www.couponclippingcrew.com/

*$1.50/2 Ziploc Containers Small Ziploc Containers like pictured on coupons are $1 making it $.50 for 2 sets of small containers http://www.couponclippingcrew.com/

*$1/1 kelloggs fruit flavored snacks (can print up to 4) at Crest 2 for $3 (only have to by one)... making them $.50 (they are $2.89 a piece at homeland) ... http://www.snackpicks.com/

*$.50/1 Minute Rice on sale for 2/$3 (can buy one for $1.50) making it $1.00 per box
http://www.couponclippingcrew.com/




Walmart

*Yo Baby Yogurt (single cups) are at walmart for $1.01 making it $.01.. I used 2 coupons and it worked... (granted I just tasted it and it is disgusting, but hey worth trying if it's free...) http://www.stonyfield.com/promotions/?promoid=DOTXB8&prod=yobaby&j=8386657&e=

*$2/1 Land O Frost Premium Lunchmeat $3 at walmart, making it $1 (it is $2.99 at Crest making it $.99) http://www.landomoms.com/



Walgreens

*$2/2 Right Guard Deodarant plus is BOGO free at Walgreens, I got the kind Jake uses 2/$2.87 http://print.coupons.com/couponweb/Offers.aspx?pid=14602&zid=yf73&nid=10&bid=alk0223100210bc8402cf712314

*Printer Cartridge Refill for $5.99 on Friday (2/26) Coupon is on black and white print out at the photo desk

*Free 8X10 on Thursday (2/25) Coupon is on black and white print out at the photo desk



Couponing Lesson - Coupons can't be used/scanned if the barcode is printed in red... I learned this the hard way at the cashier because my printer ran out of black ink and printed in red... Going to Walgreens on Friday to get my ink refilled, then I've gotta reprint my coupon and go get those bandaids!!! :)

AND DON'T FORGET TO GET YOUR FREE SHORTSTACK AT IHOP TODAY!!!!!

Mommy Daughter Day is Crucial to Our Survival

I have 2 smart, beautiful daughters. They both have completely different personalities, but I have to admit, I really have it EASY as far as raising them goes!!! I get to stay home with Audree and spend lots of time with her. Emily is in full day K during most of the day... But, about once every 6 weeks or so, my sweet Emily, well isn't so sweet...

During this time, Jake and I can't figure out what in the world is wrong with her. Is someone hurting her feelings at school, is she going through a stage, is her personality changing, what??? I think I pull out most of my hair then too!! :) And then, about 2 weeks later, it hits us, oh she needs "mommy time!"

I feel like I spend lots of time with her, but when I think about it, it's with Audree, the family... someone. She just needs about half a day of alone time with me, and she is good to go for a while!! Today we went to IHOP, went to the hair salon, mall, and then the nail salon. She was on cloud 9!!!!! And I have to admit, I was too!!!!

After our extremely girlie alone time together, she will hang the moon for me if I ask her to!! I just need to remember.... MOMMY TIME!!!!

Austin "Suicide Letter" - My Opinion

Here is my opinion concerning the Austin Suicide guy's "suicide letter".... People are giving the guy WAY TOO MUCH CREDIT!!!

Whether his claims are valid, not valid... whatever.... His "creative thinking" was to fly a plane into an IRS building and commit suicide... Wow! That's original...

Oh, and violence, I mean all of the right people are gonna take him seriously now! Ha!

And does he realize that now I AM GOING TO HAVE TO PAY for the investigation, rebuilding, extra security, body scans, etc., etc., that HE CAUSED!?!?!? Not sure, but I thought that was part of what he was fighting...

Ya, let's not attribute too much praise and intelligence to this guy!!

If his purpose was to expose the IRS, he could have lived out the rest of his life figuring out ways to do it... The fact is, HE GAVE UP, cost the people he is trying to defend (every day Americans like us) money, and he won't ever be taken seriously by the "proper authorities."

If you believe in his cause, GET CREATIVE and don't use violence. Be an MLK Jr and die at the hands of others in peace, instead of copping out in violence and suicide!!!!

Random Joys

Geek Out Monday
Yes, I said it. Jake and I have embraced the geek inside of us. Every Monday night we have a geek fest after we put the kids down to bed. He works on our home finances and music spreadsheets, and I work on stuff for the kids at church, and facebook of course! We look forward to it and really enjoy what we are doing for some bizzare reason. Well, that is probably because we allow our inner geekiness to come out!!! :)

Dates, Dates, and More Dates!!!!
Am I in college again??? Seriously thanks to our good friends, Amy and Andy, our church, Northview Community Church, and Jake's sister, Katie, we have gone out 3 times this week!!!! The first date we went to Poblano's (my favorite) and Barnes and Noble, the second Taco Cabana and saw "The Book of Eli," and the third we went to the OKC Thunder game with Amy and Andy!!! I mean, we have been totally spoiled. This is like college all over again.. Movies, bookstores, dinner, and a game....with another couple... Who says I have to grow up? Well, I can live in denial for a little while anyway! :)

Girls Love Flowers
Beautiful Red Tiger Striped roses for me and single pink roses for the girls....I don't know what it is about a girl getting flowers, but it has the same effect on my 5 year old that it does for me. A bright smile where your eyes light up...Flowers just make you feel like a princess, it is romantic, and honestly just makes love that much sweeter!!! Thanks Jake for putting smiles on your princesses' faces!!!!

Walking on My Back
Now, I know this sounds strange, but ahhhh it was great!!! Emily walked up and down my back and helped Audree do the same. It was wonderful for us all. The girls felt like they were on a "moon bounce" (guess I've gotta lotta fluff), my back was being popped, and well, there's nothing like spending time with your kids on the floor!!! We all get the mutual feeling that says... I would rather be here playing on the floor with you than be anywhere else in the world. When I look back after my kids are grown, those are the moments that will mean the most.

Diet Root Beer and TV
I have a definite addiction to TV. I used to be embarassed to admit that I spend that much time watching TV, but I am soooo passed that. I just thoroughly enjoy it! Let me name all of the shows I like to watch....Lost, The Bachelor, Modern Family, The Middle, Medium, Big Love, Frasier, 30 Rock, Parks and Recreation, Community, ghost shows, AFV, Extreme Home Makeover... Can't even name them all!!!! I love them because, Jake and I get to sit for a couple of hours together, on the couch alone, sipping on a long neck diet rootbeer and watch these shows together. I can't explain how much we enjoy this down time together, but I do know that it has been crucial to Jake and I's ability to stay connected as a couple with all the craziness around us....

Pallets, Extreme Home Makeover, and AFV
A thick pallet using all availabe comforters and blankets, with all of the pillows in the house piled on top, coupled with Extreme Home Makeover and AFV describes our family somehow. ah... its just us... on a pallet, cuddled together, enjoying the show... family memories are made on that pallet!!!

It's these random things that make my life full, joyful, and rich. We all know that the day to day battles, strains, stresses, fights, sass, drama, etc... is weaved in and out of those random things, but the random and simple things that happen daily are where I find joy!!!

Back in the Blogging Spirit

Nothing like leg pain to get me back in the blogging spirit!! I have come a loooong way since I last posted... I think I was still in physical therapy thinking I'll never be able to walk correctly again no less run!! Well, I know this is a surprise to anyone who knows me, but I'm a little stubborn.

I decided to R U N again... Yep, that's right!! I am running!! Well, I have injured myself, so I'm on a temporary break, but only for a few days I hope!!! I used to run in High School... Wasn't that good, but I loved distance running.... I have to go all or none, so I thought....I need to get movin' so I've gotta run!!!

It's been sooo fun! (Once I get started....) I've been going after I put the girls down to bed and it's been my own personal oasis of quiet kid free time!!! My friend Amy, invited me to do a 10K leg of the Memorial Marathon in April, so I have upped the miles and pace a little too quickly... Nursing a little runner's knee and shin splints now, but I'm determined to get back on the road, slowly, and get myself into gear!!! Now, I won't mention that when I run, I am now having to wear 2 knee braces, an ankle brace, and have hardware in my ankle!!!! I can't and won't take the hint though!!! LOL!!

Until next time....

Now I Know My ABC's

Audree is sick with (look on H)
Back from camping and had a BLAST!
Crutches are a thing of the past
Daylight is less and less which means winter is coming :(
Emily told a story about a weeny, but meant genie, FUNNY
Family is the best! Thank you mom, Penny, and everyone else for taking such great care of the girls and me!
Gwen, my mom is the BEST and has been taking incredible care of me and the girls for almost 3 months!
Herpeangina
Indian camping with the family was so fun!!!!!!!!
Jake and I are officially minivan owners
Kids are the best and make life so interesting and fun
Late night reruns are the best
Midnight Hike was hard on crutches, I made it all the way to the trailhead :)
Northview's Grand Opening was last weekend and it was AMAZING!
Overeating and sitting still for 3 1/2 months means + 32 pounds (not looking forward to Jan. 1)
Physical Therapy is something I will start soon
Quiet at 4 am is desirable these days
Ribs at the campout were DELICIOUS - Thanks Dad
Scooters, especially knee scooters, are fun! Except when you fall off of them!
Thanksgiving Day parade is coming up! Yahoo!
Understanding and completely planning out your life almost never works out like you think it will
Vomit all over me from Audree
Withdrawals from percocet are not fun at all
Xmas is coming! (Sorry if I offend some of you with the X, but X actually means Christ in Greek.)
Yes, this has been a rough year, and I'm looking forward to starting a new one!
Zebra print wrapping paper is what I will be using this year

New Post

K, I have been so bad lately. I have so much to post about, yet haven't. I'll have to tell you all about my adventures soon.......

Put One Foot in Front of the Other

I had my dr. appt. today and guess what.... I will be fully walking in 2 weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAHOO!!!!!!! I will be joining the ranks of the walking and am so excited!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I14YHnzVhQ