Sasha's sleepover

We're puppy sitting our friend Jane's two dogs. Bella, the sweet little Shihtzu and Rosie, the most adorable toy poodle. And to round it off we add our own loveable dog, Sasha to the mix. Who is still trying to figure out who these two are that have taken over her house, her water bowl and yes, even her food.

Watching these dogs interact/play with each other is kind of like watching pre-school children when they're together. It's like Sasha is an only child and doesn't quite get the concept of having others around. It's so cute as they all watch each other and try to figure out how to interact. And just like kids, they want what the other has. Probably the funniest part is they all seem to vie for our attention. I didn't realize how possessive Sasha can be when it came to us. If I am holding one or the other, Sasha will come to me, paw at my leg as if to say, "please put her down and hold me". Silly little Sasha.....

Over all it's been a good couple of days, we'll see how the rest of the week goes.

Blessings

Reading List

What are you reading to pass the time on these cold wintry days? As an avid reader, I read a lot of different books - some fiction, some non-fiction, some Christian inspirational, some secular. My favorite genre to read is suspense thriller. There are several different authors that I enjoy reading; James Patterson, Brandilyn Collins, Kristin Hannah, Jodi Picoult, Ted Dekker, John Grisham, Erica Spindler, Nicholas Sparks, Sophie Kinsella, to name only a few.

I am one of those who visits my local library often (as you can tell!). Rarely do I purchase a book, unless it is going to be used long term/for reference. I also keep a running list of books I want to read, especially if I find an author that I enjoy. I tend to read everything they've written or if I find a series - I'll start from the first book (if I can find it) and go from there. I like to read sequentially and rarely do I read a book more than once.

Sometimes I'll read a book and part way through I'll realize that it sounds familiar because I've read it years ago. That's happening more and more with all the reading that I am doing. I should start keeping a list of books I read each year.

Usually, I always have a stack of books available to me because, well, I love to read. But lately the books I have been getting from the library are, well, kinda boring. And if it’s one thing I’ve learned through all the reading that I’ve done is that there are too many good books to waste time reading a bad book. So I am bookless at the moment. But don’t despair, I am still reading. I’ve found a new blog to follow. (in)courage It's an eclectic collection of women who offer their advice, share their thoughts, discuss what moves them and help to bring understanding to what it means to be a woman.

As usual I happened upon that blog through another as I happened upon that blog from another one. Yes, I know, I do spend too much time on the Internet.

So what are you reading these days - any good books or blogs you want to recommend?

Blessings

To-do List

For my days at home I tend to create a list of things to do. I cross them off as I get them done, but when I over plan and try to accomplish an unrealistic amount of chores, I feel like I don't quite measure up to the world's standards. After all, I should be able to get everything done.

It's taken time and thankfully, I've learned that there are things that I don’t have to do. Sometimes it helps me to list out all the things I do not have to do.

* Pick up my phone.
* Check on the world through facebook.
* Clean the toilets.
* Wash the pile of clothes sitting in the wash hamper.
* Re-do my toe-nail polish.
* Read the new book that came from the library.
* Watch a movie.
* Get groceries.
* Brush my hair.
* Organize another closet.
* Consume sugar.
* Be on anyone else’s time frame.
* Stay awake.
* Shove one more thing into this already full day.

Upon completion of writing a list like this, I always feel like I’ve gained some sense of control back. Like I do own my life and my choices, and I’m not being swept away by some chaotic wave.

Just start living, that's the next thing on my list. It’s time that I made time for that! {probably the best line}

What would go on your “to not to do” list right now?

Blessings

Identity

Who am I?

Have you ever wondered who you are? What you're doing? Why you're here? Where you're going? When you're going to get it all together? Or am I the only one that struggles with all that? Who am I?
I am a daughter to Grant & Sharon, a sister to Barry & Becky, a niece to many aunts & uncles, a cousin to countless cousins, a wife to Wayne, a mother to Krystle, Kyle & Darcy, an aunt to several nieces & nephews, a friend to a select few, a co-worker to others and co-owner of our dog Sasha.

But does that tell you who I am? Do you feel that you know me after reading that? Not really, huh? It just tells you of my placement in the lives of others.

There is a part of me that is concerned, with what others might think of me. Or maybe a better way to explain that, is that I am concerned of what I think others might think of me. Get that word: might. In reality though, I have no idea what people think about me. Sometimes I hear myself saying, "I can't do that, they'll judge me" OR "everyone thinks I'm blah, blah, blah" time and time again. Am I too sensitive?

My fear of what others might say or do can be debilitating, and I get unnecessarily stressed out trying to live up to their expectations - at least, the expectations I think exist (which they most likely don't). Because really, we don't know what others are thinking so there's no use speculating. That tension is just too hard to live with.

So, I like to remind myself of this:

I am accepted...
John 1:12 ~ I am God's child.
John 15:15 ~ As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1 ~ I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17 ~ I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ~ I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27 ~ I am a member of Christ's body.
Ephesians 1:3-8 ~ I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
Colossians 1:13-14 ~ I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
Colossians 2:9-10 ~ I am complete in Christ.
Hebrews 4:14-16 ~ I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.

I am secure...
Romans 8:1-2 ~ I am free from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 ~ I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
Romans 8:31-39 ~ I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 ~ I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
Colossians 3:1-4 ~ I am hidden with Christ in God.
Philippians 1:6 ~ I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
Philippians 3:20 ~ I am a citizen of heaven.
2 Timothy 1:7 ~ I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
1 John 5:18 ~ I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.

I am significant...
John 15:5 ~ I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
John 15:16 ~ I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
1 Corinthians ~ 3:16 ~ I am God's temple.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 ~ I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
Ephesians 2:6 ~ I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
Ephesians 2:10 ~ I am God's workmanship.
Ephesians 3:12 ~ I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Philippians 4:13 ~ I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

Blessings

The Plan

I am a planner, a list maker, a ‘I like to know what is going to happen before it happens’ type of person. I totally get excited at the beginning of a new year. A new beginning. A fresh start of our plans for the upcoming year. A time to make new lists! But really, no matter how many plans we have, how many lists we make, our path is not our own. He has already made our plans. He knows our path.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

For the first time, as this new year begins, I am thinking of this time in a whole new way. I am more excited about the plans He has for me than any list of plans I can make for myself. This verse doesn’t talk about God knowing the plans that we have for ourselves. They are His plans for us. We are precious and honored in His sight. He loves us.

He has better and bigger plans for me than I can even imagine! He gives us more than we can hope for! I know I just need to get myself out of the way. I need to be open. I need to listen. I need to be patient.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him. Psalm 37:7

Less me, more Him.

Less my plans, more His plans.

Less when I want it, more His perfect timing.

I know it may not be easy to let go those ideas that I can control everything. But I do know what a weight off my shoulders it will be. We follow His lead to the “next step,” the next best thing for us. We trust. So often it is all about trust. That trust gives us hope in our future. There is so much we do not know and do not understand. HE is taking care of it all. HE does not make mistakes. He has a reason for everything. Each season in our life is made perfect in His timing with His plans for His purpose.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3:1

God is great and God has great things in store for each of us. He has a plan for us to shine His light the brightest. Our future and our dreams are safe in His hands.

Can you even imagine the plans He has for you!? Do you have a whisper of what His plans are for you this year?

Blessings

Stuff

My desk is a disaster waiting to happen..... every nook and cranny is full of, well, stuff. There's papers, bills, lists, envelopes, pictures, passports, magazines, calendars, inspirational readings, stuffed animals, files, pens, CD's, checkbooks, calculators and well, mostly alot of crap. One would think that I have a small addiction to stuff. I have the hardest time going through closets, cupboards & drawers cleaning out stuff. I mean, who knows I might need that some day.

One area that needs to be re-organized regularly though is my desk. Probably the most dreaded area of the house. My desk is the place where all the stuff goes. So, it wasn’t going to be an easy task to get the desk that's already full of stuff- unstuffed. Or is it destuffed? I’m clueless.

But, I embraced the reality that some of the stuff simply had to go.

I found great progress in making three piles:

Stuff to toss.

Stuff to give away.

Stuff to put away elsewhere.

Honestly there was just some old fashioned sentimentality going on as well. But, I looked at those piles as freeing myself. It was such a good feeling to rid my space of stuff I no longer need. Keeping it was allowing that stuff to steal my space, my peace, and not to sound too dramatic but my life!

I think it’s good to consider the stuff stealers in our life.

What is stealing your space, your peace, your life?

Are your stuff stealers piles that need to be tackled?

Or is it that extra weight from one too many sugar cookies and peppermint mochas?

Or is it more of an emotional thing you’re hanging on to – a rude comment by that family member, that friend that made you feel left out, or that adult child who didn’t bother to call you on Christmas?

Stuff stealers.

Stuff we just simply don’t need to hang on to any longer. Be sure to comment, I'd love to hear what stuff you're going to rid yourself of this year.

Blessings

**yawn**

Sleep - it's overrated.

It's one of those nights, er I mean, early mornings again, where I cannot sleep.

And yet, I sit here,

yawning..... in fact every time I think the word yawn, I yawn, and when I yawn, I yawn again. You'd think yawning is contagious or something. What's up with that?

It’s been widely assumed that yawning occurs because we are tired or bored or because we see someone else doing it, but there isn’t any hard evidence to support these beliefs. The truth is that I don’t completely understand why we yawn.

So, until those questions are answered, I'll not assume that a person who yawns in my presence is bored with what I am saying, I'll just try my best to not allow the power of suggestion to add my own yawning to the mix.

So tell me, when reading this post, how many times did you yawn?

Maybe sleep isn't the problem ... maybe the problem is getting too much awakeness.

"Sixteen hours of consciousness is more than enough for the average human being: more is too much of a good thing." - The Psychology of Mental Disorders, 1928

Either way it's frustrating - simply frustrating.

Blessings

His Birthday

It's his birthday today and we're celebrating. He's the one who swept me off my feet over 25 years ago. The one who loves me unconditionally. The one who has provided well for our family. The one who loves sports. Whether he's playing volleyball or badminton, or he's watching tennis, hockey, football, soccer, poker, curling, baseball, bowling, skating, billiards, golf, did I miss any?, oh yeah and darts. {smirk}

He's the one who'll give you 101% at every thing he does and he'll usually do it with a smile on face. He's a happy-go-lucky kind of guy who is about as optimistic as they come.

And

He's the one I love with all my heart.

Happy Birthday, Wayne! wishing you many more years!

Blessings

Honesty

My resolution word for the 2012 year is honesty. You can read about that decision here.

This is the one word that I decided I would focus on every day. Knowing that it'll take hard work, and will require me to be intentional. But I'm hoping that this one word will shape me and my year as I let it guide my decisions and help me to grow.

Main Entry: honesty
Definition: truthfulness, candidness
Synonyms: bluntness, candor, confidence, conscientiousness, equity, evenhandedness, fairness, faithfulness, fidelity, frankness, genuineness, goodness, honor, impeccability, incorruptibility, integrity, justness, loyalty, morality, openness, outspokenness, plainness, principle, probity, rectitude, reputability, responsibility, right, scrupulousness, self-respect, sincerity, soundness, straightforwardness, straightness, trustiness, trustworthiness, uprightness, veracity, virtue

So, from the definition and all the synonyms used to explain honesty, how am I doing so far?

Blessings

Frosty Morning

Usually my walking time is my thinking time. My time alone with God. I enjoy the beauty of these frosty mornings. The clean, crisp air, the crunch of the snow under my feet and the quiet that can only come from living in the country. ahh yes, I love it! But today my husband was able to join me and our sweet little puppy for our daily walk. We enjoyed some deep conversation, and a good workout as we walked the snow laden roads. There is a small creek that runs through the back of our farm and with all the fresh fallen snow, I couldn't resist taking a picture. There was a serenity I felt when sitting there staring at the creek trying to get a good picture. But, brrr, it was just too cold to linger there much longer. I'll have to return in the summer and enjoy the quiet that I felt today.

Blessings

Triskaidekaphobia

From Wikipedia, Triskaidekaphobia (from Greek tris meaning "3", kai meaning "and", deka meaning "10" and phobia meaning "fear" or "morbid fear") is fear of the number 13; it is a superstition and related to a specific fear of Friday the 13th. Today is the 1st of the three Friday the 13th for the 2012 calendar year. Also from Wikipedia, the fear of Friday the 13th is called friggatriskaidekaphobia (Frigga being the name of the Norse goddess for whom "Friday" is named and triskaidekaphobia meaning fear of the number thirteen).

Personally, I am not afraid of the number 13, nor Friday the 13th. I don't believe in back luck, or good luck for that matter. I believe that all things that happen, happen to us for a reason. Usually if you look for it there is a lesson to be learned. Romans 8:28 says: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose".

So I won't be afraid today. I'll go about my day as I always do. How about you?

Blessings

Hop

I saw the preview for this movie

last night. I immediately thought of my son-in-law, Gerard. He too is a naturally gifted drummer, likes to wear striped shirts and I'm sure my daughter will attest, that he is as cute and cuddly like a bunny.

I've no idea what this movie is about, I just thought it was too cute not to share.

Blessings

Journalling

Each year I like to buy myself a new journal. One that is pleasing to the eye. I also like to find a pen that fits well with the journal. Preferably one that doesn't leave ink blobs throughout the pages.

I like to journal. No, that's not accurate. I need to journal. I need a place where I can write down all the thoughts, different ideas and decisions that roam though my head. I find it to be a place where I can reflect back on the times throughout my life. It's a gentle reminder to me that even when things at the time might seem bad, I can re-read about how I dealt with it and hopefully can learn from it. It can help me realize that even though I might feel overwhelmed {again} by my circumstances that this too shall pass. Those words can be a great encouragement to me.

I love how a new journal just opens up a world of possibilities. Every page is new, and I get to write down my thoughts and imagination. I don't always use my imagination to full potential, and can get into little ruts with writing, but not so when I start a new journal. I don't really consider myself as a writer, someone who other people would enjoy reading. But when I remember that I write in my journal and usually blog every couple of days, then I start to think, is that the makings of a writer?

Except, I haven't written one word in my new journal. It's not that I haven't found a nice new ball point pen. It's not that I've nothing to say or write about. Since I've obviously written several posts already this year. It's that I am daunted by that first page. It seems that the first page of a journal should have something profound written on it. Something that isn't just the usual jibber-jabber. Something that wants to make you keep writing/reading. Which is probably why almost all of my journals have the first page ripped out. Kind of dumb, huh?

It seems that when you start a blog, there is the pressure to keep writing. Before you know it you start to gather a few followers and these comments of "oh you haven't blogged in a while" or "I checked your blog and there was nothing new", start to arise. I must admit that I too am guilty of these thoughts as I read many other blogs, and tend to wonder the same things.

But you see, I don't write for you. I write for me. If there are lapses in my postings, it could be because I'm thinking - see previous post. Yes, it does excite me when someone who has read the blog decides to add a comment, cause, I do like to read what they've written. After all, we can all use some encouraging words.

Blessings

Thinking

To think or not to think, that is the question .....to misquote Shakespeare. It's not a very realistic question since one cannot simply not think.

Are you aware that your mind is always occupied with thoughts? Are you aware that thoughts constantly demand your attention, dictate your behavior and reactions?

Do you sometimes feel that your mind is going to explode from nonstop thinking? Can you focus your attention on what you are doing at any moment, or are you constantly distracted by all kinds of thoughts.

I'm one of those people who need time to think things through. To process my ideas, thoughts and decisions. For faithful readers, I'm sure you've noticed that sometimes there appears to be a lull in my blog postings. But if you read the dates you'll notice that they are not that far apart. You see, I'll come up with a blog idea and start writing, but then I need to let it sit. So I leave it, sitting in the Que, waiting until I can finish thinking it all through so I can write it coherently.

Some of the best thinking time for me is when I am walking our dog. Sasha and I will take our daily walk down the quiet, almost deserted side road allowing her the freedom to be off leash and allowing me the freedom to think. And oh boy do I think. Sometimes I think that I think too much. Does that even make sense?

I find that if I want to avoid making big mistakes, it's important to learn to think through a problem. This means learning to think not just about how an idea can succeed, but also how it can fail. Most of us, of course, don't like to do this. We tend to do the same thing over and over again and yet we expect different results. According to Albert Einstein that is the very definition of Insanity.

When faced with a decision - which job to take, which college to attend, which car to buy - what do you do? If you can’t figure out the consequences, can you do any better than guessing? If not, it can then lead to a bad decision. When we can’t be certain a change will work out for the better, by default we stay put.

When opportunity arises to speak into the lives of those around me I like to use this pictograph as a guide. and if not, is it worth being said?

Blessings

Bliss Time

For years my sister and I have referred to each other as 'bliss'. Why? I honestly don't know, but it's been that way for years. Becky and I are only 15 months apart in age and growing up we didn't always see eye to eye. In fact there were years that we weren't together much. With each of us having our own circle of friends and enjoying different activities we spent a great deal of time apart from each other, time that unfortunately we can never get back.

As we grew up and moved out of the family home we learned to appreciate each other and have become the best of friends. We try at least every other month to spend time together over lunch catching up. Today was that day for us. We met at Kelsey's and enjoyed a two hour luncheon, but unfortunately we weren't quite done catching up so we moved over to the local Timmy's and continued our visit.

I greatly appreciate our times together. Having someone that you know you can trust with your inner most secrets without fear of condemnation is such a blessing. Not only is she my sister but she is also a very dear friend and one that I am honoured to have in my life.

Blessings

House bound

We're experiencing a full fledged winter snow squall storm which according to wikipedia is a sudden moderately heavy snow fall with blowing snow and strong, gusty surface winds. After months of mild, rainy weather, January it seems is determined to make up for lost time. Welcome to Huron County, where the sun can shine one minute and you can't see across the farm yard the next. We live minutes, literally minutes from the lake and quite often we experience lake effect weather.

So I am house bound, for a while. Not that I care really, I enjoy being safe & warm. And since I've no place to go, I'll enjoy my quiet, warm & cozy house. However there was time when I had places to go and things to do and nothing, not even a major storm was going to stop me. Silly, huh? I've come along way, thank goodness!

Blessings

To be honest

Have you ever tried to keep the peace by avoiding confrontation and just stuffing down the issue? I have. And it hurts. It hurts me. It hurts them. And it certainly hurts relationships. Instead of keeping the peace, it actually slowly erodes the relationship.

I stuff because:
· I don’t feel safe enough to confront this person.
· I don’t have the energy or the time to get into a conflict right now.
· I don’t know how to address it
· I don’t want to seem hypersensitive
· I don’t want to get rejected
· I don’t want to lose control
· I don’t want to make things worse so I convince myself I can just let it go

I want to keep the peace. I want to speak the truth in love. I want to be gentle not confrontational. I reinforce this thinking with, “Proverbs 15:19, “A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.” And these are good things. If I can do this without bitterness forming than great! That’s called healthy processing. Barriers shut communication down. Boundaries, as opposed to barriers, provide safe passage ways for communication to flow.

The difference between the two is honesty. Is honesty the best policy? Do you tell people the truth in business, relationships and in what you do? Do you make promises you know you can't keep?

When you say you'll do something or won't do something - it is your actions that will speak louder than your words. Fakes and liars usually get caught out eventually, so why start that way? Do you have a hidden agenda when you start a communication or tell half-truths to get what you want?

In a world that is short of honesty at the moment and full of fakes, you will stand out from the crowd. People find it refreshing and know you have integrity from what you say and how you say it. When you tell the truth, you will feel better about yourself and allow others to feel better that they can be open too.

Go on give it a try. Sometimes more problems are caused by what remains unsaid versus what is said.

Are you able to be honest today with someone or does it scare you that much?

How many lies do you tell yourself everyday? When you lie to yourself and argue with others (or self) about how things are, you are creating a reality that may not serve you best and may not be true or honest.

So take a stand for truth, honesty and integrity and watch your world change.

Blessings

2012

Happy New Year!!! If the Mayans were right, we have less than year. Doesn’t that make you want to laugh? We’re Christians. We don’t believe the Mayans knew “the day or the hour.” In fact the bible tells us in Matthew 24:36 “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." And my understanding of no one literally means NO ONE!

But with the fated December 21, 2012 looming ahead it makes you think, that if this were to be my last year, what would I want of it?

I’ve never been a New Year’s Resolutions girl. I tried to be. Once, okay maybe twice. And a few months later when I couldn’t remember what my resolutions were — or even where my list was — I felt like a miserable failure.

This year I want to make some sort of difference in how I relate to not only those closest to me but others who I come into contact with. Easier said than done.

After reading a couple blogs where the authors decided to pick one word for their year. One word to focus one. I scrapped the idea of resolutions or goals and I decided to choose just one word. One word. Because that is easy to remember. All 365 days of the year. It will becomes the filter through which I see and live my life. It will steer my decisions and guide my steps.

So, what do I want to focus on in 2012? The author writes "It can be something tangible or intangible. It can be a thought or a feeling or an action. It can be a character trait or an accomplishment or a place you want to end up. A word that can be a reminder, a nudge. A word that you can reflect on, that will challenge you, that will inspire you. Your word can be anything you want it to be. All that matters is that it has personal meaning for you. This isn’t your mother’s word. Or your spouse’s word. Or your friend’s word. This is your word. It needs to resonate with your heart, no one else’s."

As I read that post the word "honesty" popped into my head. Ironically I have a love/hate relationship with it. I guess that's ok, cause if I wasn't uncomfortable with it it's probably not the right word. This is the one word that I will focus on every day, all year long. Sure it'll take hard work, and will require intentionality and commitment. But I'm hoping that as I let it, this one word will shape me and my year. It will guide my decisions and help me to grow. "Be who you are and say what you feel, cause those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

Blessings