Trying Something New

Today I started something new with the boys. They each have a little journal that was given out by Army recruiters somewhere- maybe when we were in Baltimore. Anyway, they are very "boyish" looking and have been laying around forever.

Today as I was straightening up their rooms (actually just piling their stuff on their beds so THEY can put everything up) I decided to put those journals to use.

I wrote a short note to each of them. Telling them I love them and then something positive. I told Luke how great it has been that he is getting up on his own with his alarm clock every school day. And how much I appreciate his good attitude (believe me mornings used to be UGLY around here). For Mark I wrote about how great I think he is handling the transition into middle school and how proud I am of him for dealing with all of the changes in such a positive manner.

Then I wrote in each that if they ever have any questions or anything they want to talk to me or Lewis about they can write about it in the journal and put it under our pillows. We'll write back and put it under their pillows. They are each sitting on their pillows now.

I hope this works. I'm sure it's tough for boys to come right out in the open about certain situations, so maybe they'll feel more at ease writing it instead of saying it. We'll see!

Anything to keep the lines of communication open.

Thanks to Julie from The Diva Cast for the idea!!!

Our God is an Awesome God!

Man oh man. What a weekend I had. I spent part of Friday, all day Saturday and most of Sunday with a group of amazing women!

Our church held a women's retreat in the beautiful NC mountains. Our topic was prayer and let me tell you I did a lot of it. Our speaker was amazing. And what was even more amazing was the story we heard from our guest speaker, Valinda Miracle. If I had a lifetime of years I don't think I could put into words the blessings we received from hearing her testimony. This woman has a story that will touch your heart in so many places there won't be a single crevice left untouched!

And then, to end an awesome weekend I was given two wonderful gifts.

1. My middle school son Mark and I had a wonderful conversation on the way home from youth group. We just talked- not about anything specific- we just talked.
2. I walked up the stairs as Lewis was in Luke's room getting ready to tuck him in (he's my fifth grader). As I ascended the stairs- I hear in stereo the two of them saying the Lord's Prayer together as Luke's goodnight prayer.

Yes, our God is an awesome God!!

Peace

About two weeks ago Lewis installed a new attachment to our front porch.

I casually mentioned recently that I'd love to have a porch swing. We talked about it, stood outside looking at the porch trying to determine if a swing would look right and if we'd have enough room. Thankfully the answer to both was yes- and he bought one and installed it within a few days!

I now have a new place to start my mornings. I get up pretty early so I can have my devotions and exercise before the boys get up- which means I try to have both finished by 6:25 each morning.

I absolutely LOVE getting up and going out on the front porch and swinging on my new swing as I read God's word and talk with Him.

I listen and sometimes I hear---nothing! Other times I can hear a rooster crowing in the distance and occasionally I even hear a donkey braying! But the best part is that it is just so peaceful. I just sit and swing, and read and pray and soak in the blessings that God is giving me.

I really have found that God is blessing me with this time-I'm striving to give Him the first in my day- and in return He is providing exactly what I'm seeking by being up that early-Peace. No distractions, no interruptions, no one yelling for Mom to help with something. It's just me and God- and occasionally Lewis will sit with me for a while and pray with me before he heads off to work.

I really don't know how else to describe it- other than

PEACE!!!

John 14:27
27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

Philippians 4:7
7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

And so, my wish for you this day is:

2 Thessalonians 3:16

16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.

Wordless Wednesday-Beginner Band

Beginner Band- ENOUGH SAID!!!

WFMW-Purse Security

Ok, maybe the post title is a little misleading- security may be stretching it a little. But I do feel that my purse is safer when I do this.

I don't know about any of you- but I hate keeping my purse on my shoulder when I'm shopping and pushing a shopping cart (or "buggy" as we call it here in the South). It's just a hassle.

I usually just sit my purse in the little seat compartment and try not to walk off from the cart, but I have been known on MANY occasions to walk right off and leave it sitting there while getting something down the aisle.

A few months ago a very kind older gentleman came up to me and suggested doing the following to keep my purse safe. He told me that the kiddie seatbelt can be put to good use-said his wife does this all the time.

Just loop the seatbelt thingy through your straps and if someone tries to take off with your purse they're gonna have to drag the whole cart with them.

So now when I shop, I always do this!

Want to find more tips to see what is working for others? Head on over to Rocks in My Dryer for tons of Works for Me Wednesday goodies!!!

Rockin' it in Church This Morning!

My oh my! We were rockin' it in church this morning. The Spirit was moving. People were clapping, smiling, heck I think a few were even dancing.

No, I KNOW a few were dancing.

Our praise band sang this song and it was AMAZING!!!!

WFMW-Backwards Edition-Getting Started on Etsy

Oh, y'all are so smart I decided to post TWO WFMW- Backwards Edition questions!!

HELP!!! I want to start a store on Etsy selling purses, tote bags, purse insert organizers, etc. but I'm not real sure how to get started- other than setting up the site. I've already done the basics for that- but I need some real nitty gritty advice to help me get going!!

Are you an Esty pro? If so, share your expertise with me- PLEASE!!

WFMW-Backwards Edition-Crockpot Recipes

Today it's the Backward Edition of Works-For-Me-Wednesday- which means that I get to ask you for some great ideas!

We are in baseball full swing and only have two nights a week that we don't have practice or games. Plus I am starting to substitute at the elementary school again so dinners need to be fast!

I'm looking for some kid friendly (not loaded with fat) crock pot ideas!

Can you help a sister out???

Want to give others more of your excellent advice?? Head on over to Rocks in My Dryer and see what other questions you can answer!