De-clutter and time management

I have so many "things" in my home that I know I can let go of. I am great at holding on to almost everything, because I may need it someday. It must have something to do with being in control of my possessions. I wish I was able to be more practical, and just keep things I am actually going to use. I know I could take a few classes on being more organized and making my home less messy by just getting rid of things. I think my good friends that read my blog (you know who you are) that are super tidy and organized...need to spend a weekend with me. I need help! I know where I want to be, but I just get overwhelmed by everything I have. OK, I know that I have some of the Type A personality...so, I can be a bit of a perfectionist. AND I tend to just want to give up before I start, because I look at EVERYTHING...rather than focusing on just a couple things at a time. I need to learn to just make a check list, take baby steps, and do one thing at a time. I can rejoice in completing (that is the key) a task at a time. I think God looks at us with the same idea. He can't totally change us all at once. Well, I know He really COULD, but I don't think he wants to. I think that it takes working at one area in our life at a time. We need to surrender and "let go" areas in our life...and once we actually give it to HIM...then, we can be free. Right now, I know God is poking me...He misses me. I have been a terrible friend to Him lately. I have not given Him very much of my time. I am really going to make efforts this week to make more time for God. I have many areas in my life that take my time, but I do have control over what I do with my time. I need to work on my time management. I can make time for him. Will you ask me how I am doing at the end of the week? Ask me if I have had a few quiet times with our Father? I would appreciate the accountability.

Actions speak volumes!

Nathaniel has such a giving and sweet spirit. He was given $5.00 for a birthday gift from my brother and sister-in-law. Well, he tends to be a penny pincher at times (which is a good thing), and so I never know what he will do with it. However, he is a kid, and he can blow money, too!

We went to a train show a month ago. My husband loves trains! We even opened up a hobby store, and I will post on that another time. Anyway, Nathaniel bought him a few trains ~ with his birthday money. I thought that was such a giving spirit...He makes me proud!

I have been tagged!

Miss Sniz has tagged me with a fun meme. I haven't been tagged before so, I will do my best to do this right! Here are the rules:

Devise a list of 5-10 courses you would take to fix your life. It’s more fun to be in classes with friends, so include one class from the person who tagged you that you’d also like to take. Tag five.

How to LET GO
Oh the piles of "things" I hold onto because I may need them someday! Ya' never know when you might need that! On this same topic, I tend to hold onto feelings, too...I need to be more Christ-like and let it go. I am easy to forgive (but I tend to remember quite often...and it is a boil in my soul).

How to Become Independently Wealthy in Ten Weeks or Less:
I would so take this class with Miss Sniz! This was her idea for a class, and she states:
"Oh, wait. I can take that course in the comfort of home for 5 easy payments of $79.95. (Plus shipping and handling). I'm going to get right on that." That's funny right there!

How to change a Poopie diaper without gagging:
How to lose that gag reflex that always comes up when those awful smells arise to the nose level!! I have a serious poop-phobia! I guess it isn't a terrible phobia to have.

How to organize chaos:
OK, I admit, I am a "messy". I just need to get things in an organized fashion, then I can keep it that way! Nicole, or Randi...you gals can come for a weekend anytime and organize my home. I would be forever grateful!

How to love exercise as much as a bag of chips:
I think that pretty much sums it up.

What papers/bills do we really need to hold on to, and how long?
We have so many papers in our files and on top of our desk. Really, do we need all the phone bills for the last 2 years? What ever happened to having everything in computers for easy access?

Thanks Miss Sniz! That was a fun meme! Here is who I am tagging!

1. Babystepper
2. Cheaper by the half dozen
3. Amy
4. Christine
5. Karen

I hope you all will play along! Have a super day!

In Remembrance...

On this day, I would like to have a remembrance. If my little angel would have made it, he or she would have celebrated their first birthday. I was 10 weeks and four days along when I was at the Doctor's office. I was in because I was dealing with a very bad cold, and I thought maybe I had bronchitis. The Dr. I had that day wasn't my regular Dr., and if fact I really didn't like this Dr. at all. (I know that I am spider-webbing, but I just need to vent a little here). She (the Doctor) was just not very personal or friendly. She was just in the mode of "boom, boom, boom...git 'er done." Well, she said, "Do you want to see if we can listen to the heartbeat? You are a little early yet, but we might hear it." With my other two previous pregnancies I heard the heartbeat at 10 weeks, so when she was searching around and no heartbeat came, my heart just sank...and I just felt like something just wasn't right. Then she said, "Well, it is early yet, but by your next appointment, you will get to hear it."
On my way out of the clinic I stopped at the restroom. When I wiped, I got a streak of red...bright red. As you can imagine, my heart dropped, and I instantly was shaking and trembling. I walked back to the nurse station and asked the receptionist if I can see the Dr. again, right away. I was crying by this time. The nurses assistant came out, and I told her that I was spotting. She said, "Ok, we will take you back and have the Dr. take a look." She was sympathetic. She told me that many women spot in their pregnancies, but I hadn't with both my pregnancies...and this one was different. I know she was just trying to be nice (bless her heart) but I knew!
The Dr. came in and told me that she scheduled an ultrasound and that it would just be a few minutes. Those few minutes seemed to last an hour. Then, I went in the dark room. When the Technician started the ultrasound she had such a somber look on her face. I asked her if she saw a heartbeat at all. She told me the baby was measuring 6 weeks and 5 days. I KNOW that I wasn't only 6 weeks along. I told her that was impossible, and I was almost 11 weeks. She asked me if I was sure, and that maybe I had it miscalculated. Are you kidding? I am like clock-work. Ok, OK, I know...I was getting angry. Not at her, but at the fact that my baby was gone. All the excitement and joy for this baby was sucked out of me. I was empty. I was sad...oh, was I sad. The tech said that if the calculation was off, it could be the baby is fine and the heartbeat wasn't showing because it was too early. Well, that was the verdict.
I went back to the room, and the Dr. said that there is a little hope that things are ok. She assured me that women can spot in pregnancy. I was to come back in a couple of days for a blood test to see if numbers go up (showing pregnancy). I knew that the test was a waste of time, because our little baby was already in the arms of Jesus.
On the way home I called Terry to let him know what happened. I was crying...and my chest was heaving! He said that we shouldn't worry about it until we know for sure. I told him I knew.
The next day, at about 1:45, I started cramping. Then it got worse. Then I was in labor...seriously, I was crying out for God to just take the pain away. I just want the baby out. I just want it over. It hurt so much, and more so because I knew there was no joy after the pain. I had Nathaniel call Terry to come home when this started happening. He was fighting fires with the DNR. He couldn't make out what was happening at home, but he did come home as soon as he could. I am glad Nathaniel was home (I home schooled him last year). He was watching Caleb for me while all this was happening.

Psalm 31:9 (New International Version)
"Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief."

After it was all done, I just sat crying. Nathaniel came to me and asked if the baby was gone. I said yes. He stood there with the biggest tears in his eyes. I told him it was ok to be sad, and it's ok to cry. Then he just sobbed, and we held each other tight.
Over the next several weeks following the miscarriage I had gone through the grieving process. I don't know why I went through that. I never thought that I would miscarry...but it sure opened my eyes to how precious life is. What a miracle babies are! I know God has a plan. I know that my life is changed because of our loss. But, I will never forget my baby angel.

Psalm 119:50 (New International Version)
"My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life."

I am so Thankful

Isn't that very fitting for this time of year, to be thankful? I want to make a special post for the people who have graciously awarded me with gifts from Fall Ya'll carnival at Rocksinthedryer!

Jen, from Mommy Instincts, she is offering me one of her Custom Scrapbook Page ! I am so excited to see what she will do! She is going to post the finished product on her blog, too! Thank you Jen!

Diane, from Sunshine on my shoulders, is blessing me with the DVD: The Ultimate Gift! I am very excited to see this movie! I have heard only great things! Thank you Diane!

Tsoniki, from Me being crafty, is giving me an accessory pack which includes: Stampin' UP: Eyelets~Bold Brights 1 (Brilliant Blue, Glorious Green, Real Red, Yo yo Yellow), Jo Ann Scrap Essentials, Family, 60 quotes and sentiments on white vellum, Close To My Heart: Accent Beads (buttons), Buttons 4 Seasons (item 1790)Close To My Heart, Craft Buttons, Buttons Winter (item 1789)! This is so great! I can use this with my stamping that I do! Thank you, Tsoniki!

Tonight I came home to find out I won another contest! Tammy, from A Fruitful Vine, is blessing me with the book: Created to be His Help Meet, by Debi Pearl. I am really excited to read this book, and work at being more of a Titus 2 woman! Thank you Tammy!!

Happy Birthday Nathaniel! ~

Wow! I can't believe it was 9 years tonight that my first baby was put in my arms. He really changed my life! I couldn't believe that I was a mom! I was 23 years old when I became his momma~ and I was going to be a single mom. I grew up in a Christian home, and my parents raised me with strong morals. If you told me that I would have been a single mom at age 23, I would have told you that was crazy!
Well, after Bible College, I decided to live life how I wanted to. Out of my selfishness God really blessed me way above what I deserved. Aren't we all glad we don't get what we really deserve? God's grace is so amazing. Nathaniel's Dad isn't a Christian. This has been hard for Nathaniel (and me). God has put such a missionary heart in Nathaniel, and he worries for his Dad. He has cried over him with knowing that he is lost without Jesus. I pray that Nathaniel will keep that missionary heart, and pour the prayer over his Dad. When Nathaniel was littler he always asked the clerks in the stores if they knew Jesus. It used to make me embarrassed. Why should I be embarrassed of our Lord? Isn't amazing what children teach us? Through the mouths of babes....I think children faith is so big and pure...and they see things more clearly sometimes. They are truly wonderful! We can learn so much from them!
Nathaniel means "Gift from God." That is why I named him that. At age 2, he would tell people that he was a gift from God. It was pure precious! He was such a happy, and easy going baby. For that, I was really blessed, too! One really funny thing that Nathaniel said when he was a toddler was that he called his knee his leg elbow. When he was about 2 1/2, he said Jesus was in his heart. This is one of my favorite stories of Nathaniel's. We were driving and Nathaniel said Jesus was here. I said where, and he said he was on the seat next to him. I said that was good. Then, Nathaniel said he is in my heart, too. OH...talk about an instant avalanche of tears! Wow~ heart gripping. After that he always buckled Jesus in next to him.
Nathaniel has such a tender heart. He is a great cuddler, and snuggler. He really knows how to make people feel good. He somehow knows right when I need that hug, or a compliment. God has truly blessed me with a wonderful little man. I love you Nathaniel! I pray that you will honor God with all you do, and that you will Follow HIM your whole life! Thank you for being my sweet son!

Faith-Lift Fridays

Sharing some scripture...Encourage others and yourself! Share a scripture, quote, devotional, lyrics, or anything that has blessed you and strengthened you in your faith.Don't forget to grab the button and to link back to Sheryl's post.


Leviticus 19:18 "Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD."

Deuteronomy 4:29 "But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul."

1 Chronicles 22:19 "Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the LORD God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the LORD and the sacred articles belonging to God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the LORD."

2 Chronicles 12:14 "He did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the LORD."

Romans 2:8 "But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger."

1 Peter 2:21 "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps."

mmm...got a 'nudder treat in my sack....

K C gave me this treat when I visited her blog yesterday with Thursday's Thirteen. Hootin' Anni started this treat give-away...and she gave me her little treat, too. Share the love with random visitors on your blog...make a friend!

Thank you~

Hottin'Anni is so nice! She gave me this special treat today for stopping by her blog with a hello! Thank you Hootin'Anni...you gave me my first e-gift for my blog! You made me feel special. You should check out her blog...it is very creative! Each day up to Halloween she will hand out a treat to (1-5) people that stop by. So, go see her a visit! :)

Happy blog hopping everyone!

WOW~

God has so richly blessed us by giving us kids. He really works through them...to "get" to us. Know what I mean? Lately, Nathaniel has been praying for the kids on the bus that speak bad language. Wow! That is so very awesome...aren't we to pray for others? He is such a missionary sometimes. This is his first time really riding buses, and I pray that he stays strong in his faith and convictions. He also prays for his brother and sister to come to know Jesus someday.

We were driving down the road, and Caleb said, "Mom, look at the sunset over there." Terry then asked him, "Who made the sunset, Caleb?" Caleb said God made the sunset. Then Terry asked him who made him, and Caleb said, "God made me special."

Attitude is everything...

There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in
the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head.
"Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today?" So she did and
she had a wonderful day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. "H-M-M," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today?" So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. "Well," she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail." So she did and she had a fun, fun day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head. "YEA!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!"

Attitude is everything. Have a Good Day!
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

Live simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly.......
Leave the rest to God
~Author Unknown

Today is so special...

Three Years ago, today, my husband Terry and I got married in my home church. It was a great day! We had beautiful sunshine, and even a little rain. Doesn't rain mean riches? Well, we don't have riches in monetary values (yet)...but we have a great marriage. I love my husband! He is such a great provider, good communicator, Dad, handy-man, comedian, listener, friend, lover, etc...and I can go on. I want to keep this PG-13. LOL! I will tell you a little bit about our wedding....

I had 5 attendants. Terry had 5 attendants. The party included: 3 of my dear friends...(best friends), and my 2 sisters. Terry had his best friend, brother, and 3 of my brothers. I had picked pastels for the colors, and the girls had white baskets with handles that flowed with beautiful, fresh flowers from my Aunt's garden. My dress was all white and it was a sleeveless dress that had a strap around the neck. It was very simple. My little boy, Nathaniel (at age 5 1/2) was the ring bearer. Terry's cousin was our flower girl. My cousin offered to take our photos (as a gift to us), and my mother-in-law took photos. Terry's Grandma made our cake, and my Aunt did our flowers. We had a great wedding! My brother sang a song, and my Mom's quartet sang 2 songs. It was a very memorable day. Terry's best friend had everyone let off streamers and bangs after we kissed. We had our reception at a Legion Post, and we had a dinner with karaoke and a dance. Terry and I love to sing karaoke. We stayed at Terry's house that night and we opened gifts the next day...just us. It was great to do that together. We left that week for our honeymoon to Yellowstone. That, in itself...is a story...we got the best wedding gift on our honeymoon!!! We got Caleb.

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http://qtpies7.blogspot.com/ is having a blogaversary give away! She is giving away the movie

Joshua. Go here to watch a trailer for Joshua. This is a brand new, unopened DVD of Joshua. So, go check out her blog, leave a comment, and post about this! This is a great give away...and on a very special day for both of us!! Happy Blogaversary, Qtpie!

Thursday Thirteen: You say/God says

1. You say: "It's impossible"
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)

2. You say: "I'm too tired"
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)

3. You say: "Nobody really loves me"
God says: I love you
(John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )

4. You say: "I can't go on"
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

5. You say: "I can't figure things out"
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5- 6)

6. You say: "I can't do it"
God says: You can do all things
(Philippians 4:13)

7. You say: "It's not worth it"
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )

8. You say: "I can't forgive myself"
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

9. You say: "I can't manage"
God says: I will supply all your needs
(Philippians 4:19)

10. You say: "I'm afraid"
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)

11. You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated"
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)

12. You say: "I'm not smart enough"
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)

13. You say: "I feel all alone"
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)