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