This year I decided I would put my Kindle Fire to use and read a lot more. One of the things I chose to read was the Bible through the popular YouVersion app. I have found that I LOVE this app!
I searched for devotionals so I would have daily reading to do and I came across She Reads Truth. The devotional I am reading through this plan is titled Fresh Start. It reminds us that we can always have a fresh start with our Lord through his forgiveness, grace, and mercy for us.
I got started on this devotional a few days late, but I read every morning. Today's reading was one one verse, Exodus 14:14.
"The Lord will fight for you, you need only be still." Ex. 14:14
This verse really spoke to me as I began to realize I need to do just this. I try too often to fight my own battles when in reality HE already has them fought and won for me no matter how big or how small. I have always struggled with worrying over anything and everything I can. This particular verse clearly shows me that I have no need to worry. God has it all under control. After all, He is in control!
January 11, 2013
December 27, 2012
Christmas 2012: A Surpise
This year my family and I did Christmas a little different. Instead of buying gifts for one another, we each bought new pajamas and made a snack item.
Tuesday morning at about 9:45 a.m. Michael and I arrived at my parents house. He was in his Sock Monkey feeties and I in my Grinch pajamas with a cheese ball in tow! Mom and Dad had on Santa PJ's. Emily had on Rudolph and Kaylee had pink with Santa faces and fuzzy house boots! Shortly after our arrival Kaylee opened all her gifts. She had a great Christmas this year! :) I'm excited to hear her play her new pink guitar!A After she opened gifts we all snacked and watched A Christmas Story. Kaylee enjoyed it.
Then right before we started to sit down and play games I got a surprise.
I was totally surprised. I'm so happy and he did an awesome job picking the rings out. I had eyed this set for about four years. It was well worth the wait and a blessed Christmas surprise! There is video on Facebook. I couldn't figure out how to upload it here. I can't do the video justice describing it here. But, Michael was handing out Hershey candy tins. He gave me mine and I opened in expecting candy. When I saw the rings I didn't know whether to laugh or cry and all I could think to say was "Are you serious?!" with huge smile on my face. If I figure out how to post the video I will!
Afterwards, we all played games (Fact or Crap, Battle of the Sexes, and Pictionary) until the late evening. This was truly the best Christmas I've had in a long time. It was not stressful and we were not rushed. I thoroughly enjoyed having genuine quality time with those I love. That's all I wanted.
I hope you and yours had a blessed Christmas and also have a wonderful New Year!
Tuesday morning at about 9:45 a.m. Michael and I arrived at my parents house. He was in his Sock Monkey feeties and I in my Grinch pajamas with a cheese ball in tow! Mom and Dad had on Santa PJ's. Emily had on Rudolph and Kaylee had pink with Santa faces and fuzzy house boots! Shortly after our arrival Kaylee opened all her gifts. She had a great Christmas this year! :) I'm excited to hear her play her new pink guitar!A After she opened gifts we all snacked and watched A Christmas Story. Kaylee enjoyed it.
Then right before we started to sit down and play games I got a surprise.
I was totally surprised. I'm so happy and he did an awesome job picking the rings out. I had eyed this set for about four years. It was well worth the wait and a blessed Christmas surprise! There is video on Facebook. I couldn't figure out how to upload it here. I can't do the video justice describing it here. But, Michael was handing out Hershey candy tins. He gave me mine and I opened in expecting candy. When I saw the rings I didn't know whether to laugh or cry and all I could think to say was "Are you serious?!" with huge smile on my face. If I figure out how to post the video I will!
Afterwards, we all played games (Fact or Crap, Battle of the Sexes, and Pictionary) until the late evening. This was truly the best Christmas I've had in a long time. It was not stressful and we were not rushed. I thoroughly enjoyed having genuine quality time with those I love. That's all I wanted.
I hope you and yours had a blessed Christmas and also have a wonderful New Year!
December 9, 2012
John Michael Montgomery Concert
After the show, someone that worked it asked if Gina and I wanted something signed. We gladly said yes. At first, they were not sure that I would be able to access where John Michael was, but they made a way! I was able to meet him and he signed our tickets. I also met the opening act, Morgan Frazier. Both of them were very nice!
John Michael Montgomery
Morgan Frazier
November 29, 2012
True Value
Yesterday my Facebook status read the following:
"I am thankful that I have been raised to know the value of time, and what it means to spend that time with loved ones making memories; and that the holiday season doesn't have to be about $."
Over the last several years I have realized just how commercialized the holiday season has become. Black Friday shopping. Big extravagant gifts. Who spends the most money on what, etc., etc.
I feel as though most people have forgotten just what I stated in my status update. The holidays do not have to be able who bought who what or how much they spent. What deals they scored on Black Friday.
The holidays can simply be about togetherness and this year my family has decided to make it about that. You could have all the money in the world but you can't take it with you when you go. Time is something you can never get back. Once it's gone that's it. People tend to forget that these days because everything is too fast paced. I'm glad I've slowed down to really open my eyes and realize how valuable time is. The word time is even valuable if you think about it!
So, instead of hustling and bustling about this year; stop and smell the roses as they say and spend time with those you love without worrying about who's going to buy this or that! :)
"I am thankful that I have been raised to know the value of time, and what it means to spend that time with loved ones making memories; and that the holiday season doesn't have to be about $."
Over the last several years I have realized just how commercialized the holiday season has become. Black Friday shopping. Big extravagant gifts. Who spends the most money on what, etc., etc.
I feel as though most people have forgotten just what I stated in my status update. The holidays do not have to be able who bought who what or how much they spent. What deals they scored on Black Friday.
The holidays can simply be about togetherness and this year my family has decided to make it about that. You could have all the money in the world but you can't take it with you when you go. Time is something you can never get back. Once it's gone that's it. People tend to forget that these days because everything is too fast paced. I'm glad I've slowed down to really open my eyes and realize how valuable time is. The word time is even valuable if you think about it!
So, instead of hustling and bustling about this year; stop and smell the roses as they say and spend time with those you love without worrying about who's going to buy this or that! :)
November 26, 2012
I'm Thankful
I'm thankful for the life I have been given and each day that comes with a new breath in the morning.
I'm thankful to know that I can put my trust fully in the LORD and never be let down; instead always be carried through.
I'm thankful to have friends and family who love and care for me so much. More than I will ever know.
I'm thankful for the simple things like laughter, smiles, and hugs.
and...
I'm thankful that in times of sadness and sorrow I have the unfailing love of my Heavenly Father to lean on as well as that of those He has placed in my life.
What blessings!
I hope you have taken some time this month to look back and think about what you have to be thankful for!
I'm thankful to know that I can put my trust fully in the LORD and never be let down; instead always be carried through.
I'm thankful to have friends and family who love and care for me so much. More than I will ever know.
I'm thankful for the simple things like laughter, smiles, and hugs.
and...
I'm thankful that in times of sadness and sorrow I have the unfailing love of my Heavenly Father to lean on as well as that of those He has placed in my life.
What blessings!
I hope you have taken some time this month to look back and think about what you have to be thankful for!
November 12, 2012
Saturday Night Fun
This past Saturday night was spent at home, but was a ton of fun!
My friend Gina and I bought white fudge covered Oreo's when we made a trip to the grocery story a couple weeks ago. They were quite delicious and we discovered we could get more for our money if we bought the items needed to make our own. So, last week we made sure we did just that! Saturday night we made the Oreo's and also made Ritz peanut butter crackers and dipped those in the white chocolate as well. The crackers were a special request of mine. Granny made them sometimes as a dessert for our holiday meals. They're one of my favorites. It was nice to have those memories to go back to while making the cookies and crackers. :)
After making the sweets we decided to go old school on the Wii and play Super Mario Bros. 3. Oh what fun that was! It was one of our favorite games as kids. I really enjoyed playing it. I can remember playing it on the original NES and SNES; and when I would get stuck somewhere I would holler "Dad! Will you come help me beat this level?" Lol! Great memories and great times from my childhood!
October 15, 2012
A New Venture
This year there has been a year for stepping out on faith and exploring new things. The first of which was writing for Cerebral Palsy Family Network. I was very eager when this opportunity arose. Writing has always been a strong point and great outlet in my life. I was a little hesitant after writing my first article. I did not think people would enjoy reading it. I did not think it was written clearly. I was wrong. I have received several responses to both articles, and I've had many friends and fellow readers ask me to follow up with an article about my adult life and living with Cerebral Palsy. Don't worry friends, I'm working on getting it ready! It excites me to know that people love hearing my story through writing. I hope if nothing else it gives them insight and understanding.
Another new venture has come my way in the last couple months. Cooking. You may be thinking, "Well, anyone can cook even if it is a microwave meal." While that is true and I can do that I never thought cooking would go any further than the microwave for me, ever. I have had a Foreman Grill and Crock Pot for 6 years. Both items I can use, but I have always been afraid of burning myself or not cooking something right so I just never bothered. This summer I got tired of eating the same ole stuff all the time and decided it was time I get over this fear. So I have done just that.
The first time I cooked lunch for the girls and I. We had lemon pepper chicken, alfredo noodles, and broccoli with cheese and potatoes. Later, I cooked hamburgers on the grill. Today was my first time using the Crock Pot. I made my first pot of pinto beans. They turned out delicious and I have enough for tomorrow! :)
Learning how to cook gives me a greater since of independence, as it would anyone. It also makes me feel a lot better about myself. Another brick in the wall of life that I am slowly knocking down with every new accomplishment! I find great joy in this. Now instead of having to ask Michael to cook after a long day at work I can have dinner ready by the time he gets home.
Another new venture has come my way in the last couple months. Cooking. You may be thinking, "Well, anyone can cook even if it is a microwave meal." While that is true and I can do that I never thought cooking would go any further than the microwave for me, ever. I have had a Foreman Grill and Crock Pot for 6 years. Both items I can use, but I have always been afraid of burning myself or not cooking something right so I just never bothered. This summer I got tired of eating the same ole stuff all the time and decided it was time I get over this fear. So I have done just that.
The first time I cooked lunch for the girls and I. We had lemon pepper chicken, alfredo noodles, and broccoli with cheese and potatoes. Later, I cooked hamburgers on the grill. Today was my first time using the Crock Pot. I made my first pot of pinto beans. They turned out delicious and I have enough for tomorrow! :)
Learning how to cook gives me a greater since of independence, as it would anyone. It also makes me feel a lot better about myself. Another brick in the wall of life that I am slowly knocking down with every new accomplishment! I find great joy in this. Now instead of having to ask Michael to cook after a long day at work I can have dinner ready by the time he gets home.
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