Friday Fill-ins

And...here we go!

1. The first rule of working in an office and getting along is to stay out of the gossip mill.

2. I really don't like clams but I do like mussels.

3. When I think of carnivals I think of corn dogs, funnel cakes and caramel apples...in that order.

4. The tulip is my favorite spring flower.

5. Things on my desk include nothing...I don't have a desk....I have a corner on my counter.....it includes my calendar and a stack of......hmmm....lots of stuff!

6. Knowing my daughter is coming home next Friday makes me wanna jump for JOY.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to my boys band concert, tomorrow my plans include lunch with my bff and hanging out with her and Sunday, I want to worship God and then enjoy having a group in my home for a newcomers dinner!

Are you in Ministry?

Are you struggling?

If not, have you struggled in the past?

Having been in ministry for 20 years now, I know that if you are too, you answered yes to one or both of those questions. My devotion this morning addressed this. And as I read it, I felt the need to share it. It was a good reminder to me of where to keep my focus and even a comfort. I hope it is to you too. And if you are not in ministry, I hope it will remind you to pray for your ministry leaders.....they need it!

I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church. Colossians 1:24

Ministry is costly. When the heavenly Father waned to save His creation for sin, He dould find no other way except the sacrifice of His Son (Rom 5:8). Scripture gives a stark picture of the price our Savior paid to obtain our salvation: "He is despised and rejected by men, / A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" (Isa. 53:3). If Christ is your model for ministry, you cannot avoid going to the cross for the sake of others. Salvation comes with a great price, and if we are going to "take up our cross" and follow Jesus, then we must be prepared to go with Him to the place of suffering if that's what it takes to bring salvation to those around us.

If our goal is to bring others to Crhist we must be willing, as He was, to risk rejection. People may disappoint us, misundertand our motives, even despise and persecute us. Our Savior did not let suffering prevent Him from being used by God to bring salvation to those He loved. Love for His Father provided all the motivation that was necessary.

Are you presently experiencing hardship because of the ministry to which God has called you? Have you begun to wonder if the price you are paying is too great? Take a moment to reflect on the price God was willing to pay in order to bring salvation to you. Are you glad He was willing to do what was necessary? Will you not join Him in whatever is necessary to bring salvation to those around you?

I am so thankful Christ was willing to do what was necessary so that I could have salvation and hope. And I am more commited than ever to join Him in whatever is necessary for the ministry He has called us to.

That is a scary statement, really. Whatever is necessary could really be difficult and has been at times, times I don't necessarily want to repeat.

But I know without a doubt that God has called my husband and me to this ministry. How can I not be willing to do what He was willing to do for me? How can I not extend grace, when He extended it to me? How can I not forget past sins of those who hurt me, when He does not hold my past sins against me?

Ministry is costly.........but oh so rewarding!

What's Your Answer Wednesday

Our very fun friend, Linda at Growin' with it, hosts this meme. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of you better as you answer these crazy questions......not just on my blog, but on all who are participating. So once you answer here, head over to Linda's and see what other questions are out there!

1. Where do you keep your butter? on the counter or in the fridge?

2. What/when is the last meal you cooked at home.

3. where are you in the birth order...and do you fit the profile?

4. Do you bite your fingernails?


Can't wait to get to know you better! Don't forget to head over to Linda's.

phase 2 30 x5 results, facelift needed, waiting

If you look at that title, you could come to a lot of conclusions. But let me clear them up!

After attempting Linda's, at 2nd cup of coffee, phase 2 30 x 5 challenge, I would say that I made it 75% of the time.......not bad huh? I have exercised at least 4 times a week....and since the challenge was for 30 minutes of exercise........and since for most of them I exercised for an hour, I feel that they carry over for the days that I missed.........meaning I hit most every day!!!! woo! hoo!!

How is that for justification?! and of course, I am not counting the days that I had the flu, although, I should because I got plenty of exercise..............ok, I won't go there!! :)

Now the denying 100 calories, I did so so. I am not a very disciplined person, especially when it comes to food. But I did try!!! That counts, right?!

So I think that I can accept her award.......
And I am pumped for Phase 3.......bring it on, Linda!!!

Now, as for the face lift........though my skin is beginning to sag (it is really sad when you realize that your skin looks like your mothers!), the face lift needed is for my blog!! I am typically one of those people who never moves her furniture once it is in place. When I get things the way I like them......it's there......forever!!

But guys, I need a new look! This blog needs a new style and I am obviously not savvy enough to do it myself. I see many bloggers use "the cutest blog on the block", but when I go there, I don't see all those cute layouts..........I see ones that, as a pastor's wife, probably would not be appropriate!!! When I did find one I "sort of" like, I could not figure out how to apply it to my blog....I seriously am getting old. I used to be able to figure out anything on the computer.......argh!

So, I am calling out for help!!! Anyone want to help a girl update her look, or at least point me in the right direction of someone who can? I will be oh so grateful!!!!

Now, for the waiting. Ya'll, I am not a good waiter....and that is an understatement! But I need your prayers to wait on God. I see God working in an area in my life and I am tempted to step in and "make it happen". I am currently wrestling with an area....whether God wants me to do it or whether I am just jumping in on my own accord. Would you please pray with me, that I would pull my little fingers away and let God work.........and that I would be content with waiting on Him.

Thanks!

Project 365 - Week 17

Week 17. We are getting amazingly close to 1/2 way with this project. So hard to believe. I can't tell you how great this has been for me and I am so excited each week to see everyone else's pictures! I am so proud of each of you for hanging in there and also for those of you that got side tracked but jumped back in!!! As we have always said, this is a project to document everyday life, not a contest!! So, if you are reading this for the first time and want to jump in.....PLEASE do!

Since I was at the Weekend to Remember marriage conference last weekend, I had to post early and didn't include Saturday. So, that is where I will be starting this week.

Saturday

We made it to the Weekend to Remember Conference
a bit tired (I look tired) and not 100%, but still there
and it was great!

Sunday

We got to spend the night at the Peabody
What a gorgeous hotel!!
I loved that they had a duck soap on the tub!!!

Monday

It's been that kind of day!

Tuesday

My first blooms of the season!!
the amazing thing about this is that I have a very brown thumb!!!
For the last 2 years, I have been trying to learn how to care for these beautiful rose bushes.
And no matter what I do/don't do to them, they keep coming back each year and looking as gorgeous as ever!!! gotta love that!

Wednesday

All my goodies from Linda's Flip Flop Frenzie!!
I had so much fun with this carnival!

Thursday

This is what I looked at most of the day.
It was a very busy day at work!

Friday

This was a great day!!!

I was able to meet up with my blogging friend Darla, from Heartshare, as she and her family passed through LR on their way home from a week in Nashville.
Though it was short....they still had many hours of driving to go.....it was so fun to meet her!

It is also prom night!
Here is Jason and his girlfriend on their way!

Saturday

Pizza for dinner.......yummo!!

Now let's see what your week looked like!!

One great day!!

Friday ended up being an all around GREAT day!

And for several good reasons:

1. Breakfast date with my hubby.....I had the best banana pancakes ever!

2. I visited this blog for the first time and found out about a website called "blurb". This is a digital scrap booking site, but they have a program that takes your blog and turns it into a book!! So easy! This is what I have been looking for and I spent all afternoon making books of the last 2 years of blogging!! I can't wait to get them and share them with you.....check it out!

3. I was so excited to be able to meet Darla, from Heartshare today!!! She and her family have been in Nashville for the last week and were driving through Little Rock on their way home. Poor things were so tired, but still took the time to stop so that we could meet!! Darla your family is the best! Visit her blog and read all about their trip and Darla's very talented daughter, Devyn!!



4. Prom night!!! Jason and his girlfriend are headed to the prom....aren't they a cute couple?!


5. And my final reason that Friday was a great day........Jason is gone to the prom........ Jared left to go to a friends house......which leaves me and Steve..........niiiiice!!!!!

Have a wonderful weekend!!

Friday Fill-ins

And...here we go!

1. Apparently there's some sort of delusion going on in my house that there is a "maid" available 24/7 to clean up all your dishes!!

2. I love a sunny day.

3. 2009 has been good, hard, joyful, sad and photographic (365) so far.

4. Really?, that was it?

5. For too long I've been depending on my own abilities rather than God.

6. I am not obsessed with blogging; I am not!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to taking pictures of my son and his girlfriend before the prom, tomorrow my plans include cleaning, cooking and hopefully some pool time! and Sunday, I want to praise God! and help our brazil team earn some $$ for their mission trip at the auction!

Flip Flop Frenzy

When Linda at Growin with it announced she was doing this carnival, I couldn't wait to jump in.

You see I LOVE me some Flip Flops!!!

So, after asking me some pertinent questions........

..........favorite color, comfort or cuteness, size.......

..........she paired us with another blogger. We were to take that info and find a pair of flip flops we thought they would love.

Today is the day we reveal what we got!!!

But before I show you my most spectacular flips, I have a confession!!!

Being the compassionate person that Linda is, she knew I might not be able to complete this carnival with all that was going on in my life. So she paired me with herself, just in case. Is that sweet or what. Then she extended the time that we had to complete it.........again, sweet. What she didn't realize was that one of my biggest weaknesses faults qualities is I am a procrastinator.

There, I said it.......Hi, my name is Sara and I am a procrastinator!!

This brings me to last Friday, when I had been throwing up for days and realize that even though I bought said flips TWO weeks ago, they were still not in the mail!! So I quickly called my bff neighbor and the wonderful friend took them to the PO. But alas, it seems it was too late and Linda did not get her flips in time for todays carnival......

......I am a loser!

But the good news is.......I think she will love them when she gets them!!!

Mine came in the mail a WEEK+ ago and this is what I found when I opened the box!!




Not only some awesome flip flops but all these amazing goodies!!!!! Did I tell you Linda was wonderful?!!! I love my new flip flops! I am a comfort girl and these give both comfort AND cuteness!!!



Now I just need the weather to cooperate so that I can wear them!!!!


PS. just curious......do you call them flip flops, flips or thongs?

Good Intentions

So, I had great intentions of doing Linda's Phase 2 of 30 x 5...


Last Monday, I started off GREAT.

I denied myself my afternoon snack and walked for an hour with my neighbor.

Tuesday, same thing......walked for an hour and ate fairly well.

Then Wednesday hit and so did the dreaded stomach virus......for the next 3 days, my feet never touched the ground. However, I did lose weight!! The ONLY benefit of the flu and one I would never freely choose on my own!!!

The weekend was spent at the Weekend to Remember conference and though we spent the night in a gorgeous hotel, no "exercise" happened.......both Steve and I were both still trying to recover! We barely stayed awake till 8:00!!!

So here we are at Monday again.......good intentions.

I have been dealing with something for a while that I haven't told ya'll about. After seeing the doctor and having some tests done, I was given the results and the heard the word women my age never want to hear........

........menopause.

And though I am happy to find out why I am losing my hair and seriously think I am going bald, and why my skin is so incredibly dry, and why I wake up in the night drenched in sweat, and why since I have not had PMS since my hysterectomy I am suddenly feeling like my head is spinning around my body with green stuff spewing from my mouth.............I really did not want to hear that word.

And was not too excited to be going on hormone therapy treatment where the side effects can be major mood swings.........really?, because I thought I already had that! Does that mean they double in intensity? Because if so, my family will duck tape me in the closet!!!

So back to Monday........

it's one of those days.........

Sorry Lid, I am not giving up, but tomorrow is a new day.......right?!!

Project 365 - Week 16

Week 16 of Project 365. This week comes from the "house of sickies". The stomach virus exploded (pun intended) through our house this week.....

.......... and was an equal opportunity visitor.......no one was passed up!

To be honest, I can't believe I got a picture every day......I am truly committed to this project!

Steve and I are currently at the Weekend to Remember. We missed the first night but made it this morning and I am so glad we did. Today was awesome! Can't wait to tell ya'll about it. But because I am here.......and my cables are at home.....I will have to add today's picture later! :(

Plus I am in a beautiful hotel with no kids and only my hubby......enough said! See you Monday!


Here goes:

Sunday

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die."

Monday

What I should have been putting on tonight......
.....but I got a better offer.
I have no discipline!

Tuesday

One of my sick men...
...let's hope they don't share!

Wednesday

Homemade chicken noodle soup
...for my sickies!

Thursday

My view all day...
....yep, I got the stomach virus last night

Friday

My view today.
I did move from the bed to the sofa!
However, you know you are still sick when after spending 34+ hours in bed...
....you can't wait to get back in it!

Hope your week was more exciting than mine!! Link up and let us see.

Can never pass up a game of tag

Well, my family is slowly getting better. I'm still moving slow and Jared came down with it last night. We've decided to skip the conference for tonight and go tomorrow. I hate missing the first night but it's better than nothing!

The other day Debra at portrait of my heart tagged me for a meme of eight. So here goes:

8 things I am looking forward to:

1. feeling better again
2. Weekend to remember, if we get there
3. my daughter coming home in 3 short weeks for the summer!
4. summer and swimming!
5. a secret family vacation I am planning for June!
6. watching my youngest son go on his first mission trip!
7. visiting my mom sometime in the near future
8. my MIL coming to visit in May

8 things I did yesterday (this might be hard):

1. barfed
2. ate a few popsicles
3. slept
4. watched TV
5. slept
6. felt horrible
7. slept
8. slept ALL night, hard to believe!

8 things I wish I could do:

1. go to cooking school
2. play the piano or any instrument for that matter
3. See my family in AZ more often
4. see all my friends that live in other states more often
5. have more discipline to exercise and eat right
6. have more discipline to have my quiet times every day
7. travel more often
8. go back to Italy with my husband

8 shows I watch:

1. 24
2. LOST
3. Chuck
4. American Idol
5. Top chef
6. Survivor
7. America's next top model
8. Mentalist

8 people I tag:

1. Linda at Growin with it
2. LuAnn at Daily Blessings
3. Elizabeth at Finding him bigger
4. Jamie at Purposeful Pursuit
5. Linda at Mocha with Linda
6. Kim at Just a Southern Girl
7. Ohilda at Bouquet of Blessings
8. Michelle at One crafty mama

Happy Friday and Weekend everyone!

Major throwing up at 48 can be a problem!

And you know why?

Two words.....

Bladder control.

Ladies, I am posting just long enough to tell you the inevitable happened.......I got the stomach virus my men had. Yep, only lucky me got a worse case! I spent the night throwing up and, well lets just say it was coming out of both ends.....I know TMI.........I don't want to think about it either.

But what I didn't expect was seriously wetting myself every time I threw up!!

Now, I know that at my age, some of us have a little problem sometimes with sneezing and laughing too hard, but I did not expect a complete lack of bladder control each time I threw up!

Ya'll, I was running out of PJs....quickly.

My poor husband, all he wanted to do was rub my back and hand me a wash cloth......instead he got "uh, honey, can you clean up the puddle on the floor"..........

It really stinks getting old sometimes!

I have slept all morning......my stomach has settled down, but I still feel like a truck hit me! The last two days, I have spent getting drinks, food, etc for my men....

.......today, I am alone in a quiet house.......

.....such is the life of a mom!



(I must tell you that my husband did offer to stay home and got me everything I needed before he left!)

We are supposed to be at a Weekend to Remember marriage conference starting tomorrow night, please pray that I get well enough to go and that my last child doesn't come down with it!!

What's Your Answer Wednesday

1. Mac or PC?

2. What color best expresses your mood today?

3. What is the last book you read? did you like it?

4. Have you read the bible all the way through?

After you answer my questions, hop on over to Linda's, she is the host of this meme, and answer hers......if you haven't already!!

Dyngus Day and the night of throwups

It has been a LONG time since this house has seen the throwups.

I really thought these kind of nights ended once the kids became teenagers.........nope!

It all started with Dyngus day. This is a polish holiday that is celebrated the day after Easter. We had polish friends when we lived in IN and always enjoyed the brats and sauerkraut that came out on Dyngus day. So, yesterday we had our very own Dyngus Day celebration....brats and all!! It was sooooo good.......

....until later.........when it started messin' with my hubby's stomach. He was miserable all evening and we kept blaming in on those poor brats!

I finally got him to bed about 11 only to be woken up at 12 to the sound of the throwups......ya, not the most pleasant way to be woken out of a sound sleep. At 2, we were up again.

Sometime after 2, by then I was blurry eyed, my oldest son came down to tell me he felt like he was going to throwup.

Here's were parenting a teenager is great......I told him that I was sorry, his dad is throwing up too and to go back to bed with a bucket.......oh, and let me know if you need me!

Does that sound cold? Really though, there is not much you can do to help someone who is throwing up...unless it's a girl and you can hold her hair.......and you know at this age they can get to the bathroom or bucket if they need to....no puking all over the bed or anything. That's probably too much info but it's where I am today......sorry!

I got up at 6:00 to see if anyone was moving and to get my husband something to drink and all was quiet in the house. I decided to make my coffee and have my quiet time and as I am standing there impatiently patiently waiting for the coffee, my son comes in, wrapped in his blanket, white as a sheet, to tell me he feels really bad.

The words were not off his tongue when he jerked around, threw his blanket off and jutted for the bathroom. I looked down and there is Lily following him to the bathroom with the blanket draped over her!!

Now, I had a decision to make......stop and take a picture of the dog for 365 (you know you were thinking it) or take care of my son..........Ok, I am not that cold (and was still not thinking too clearly, right now I am kicking myself) and the poor guy did need me!

Looks like I will be babying taking care of sick men and scouring this house today!!

So, brats we are sorry for blaming you for the upset stomach......

.............and flu, I don't like you one bit!! Stay away from the rest of us!!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday Mom!

I love you so much and wish I could be there to give you a birthday hug!