A great Reminder. . .

I saw this on FB this morning, I had actually seen it before. . . BUT, today, I needed a reminder of it! We all need a reminder of what love can do!

Workin' Around the House. . .

So I haven't blogged in a long time. . . Here is the reason why: Check out a few of the household projects I've been working on. . .more pictures to come soon!

Here are the before pictures. . .




Here are the after pictures. . .

Who's driving your train?

When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer. Corrie ten Boom

I have always liked this quote. . .and it truly fits the time my family is in. . .

Boy, am I glad to know who my engineer is!! :)

BTW: Be on the look out for some BLOG candy this week!!

SNOW 2010, Take Two!!

As a NC gal, I can hardly believe we had two relatively big snows in a matter of a few weeks! :) Loving it!

Snow???

Ok, I am hopeful for SNOW in the morning!!! (to begin tonight!) I love snow, and would be so happy to see enough to keep us home. . . Hey, I live in the sunny south, we have gone through the frigid weather long enough that we should be able to have some reward. . .and, by living in the south any amount of snow will make operations slow down. So, I say, let it snow!

Merry Christmas!

I wanted to send this out earlier this week, but time managed to jump away this week. It seems work was a bit slammed prior to the holiday season.

As I write this, I am in my cozy and curled up in front of a warm fire, and with my family. I am spending Christmas with my parents this year, not going to anyone else's house. I decided to do this many weeks ago when I made the decision to head to Belize over Thanksgiving.

We will have several other events with extended family this weekend, and I am happy for those times. But, tonight, I am so blessed to be sitting in my parent's home. In the morning, we will read the Christmas story, and share a brunch. Due to many things, we opted to not exchange gifts among our family. And, quite frankly, it has made for the best holiday.

I am warm and cozy, but my mind continues to think about the dear Christ Child, born in a stable, sleeping in a manager. No cozy bed. No My mind goes to Mary, laboring (umm, can I say EPIDURAL as soon as I come in to deliver??). My mind thinks of Joseph, was he scared? Was he able to softly whisper words of comfort to his wife? What did he think of the shepherds? the star? the magi? What events/moments did Mary "ponder in her heart?"

I hope you have a blessed Christmas with your family and friends! Thank you for being a blessing in my life!

All Dressed Up. . .

Here are some pictures from the local Carolina Pregnancy Center Banquet.

Update on Prayer Request

I hope you are all well. I am up after falling asleep earlier this evening. I am still a bit jet lagged and had a busy work week, so the extra sleep was nice.

Several of you have asked about my parents and have let me know you are praying. THANK YOU!!

Last Monday, we received what we considered to be GREAT news and I praise HIM for that. However, on Wednesday, the tables turned a bit and we received bad news. As I told someone today, no matter if it is good news or bad, I know that God is in control and I will trust him. In church today, they played a clip from the movie, Facing the Giants. That is one of my favorite movies and I loved the scene that was played- talking about "Will you still love God?" It is true, God does not desire praise from us only when experiencing a "good time," he desires praise when we are in the valleys as well. I know he is using this situation for HIS PURPOSE. I also know that we are in this for the long haul, but again, God's plan is not my own.

Our Bible study group is currently studying ESTHER: It's tough being a woman. Our last lesson was perfectly timed and immediately several in the study thought she was talking directly to my current situation. I agree and I must say, I love it when God shows up! I have struggled for a few weeks knowing if God really wishes for me to continue to lead this study group. This is more if the timing with everything going on is right, no reflection of people in the study. I do not wish to sell the group short. At the Maternity Fair today, someone approached me and had heard about our group and wanted to start coming. I see how the group has grown and continues to grow. Her kind comments confirmed that God still wants me to be in this role. Again, a true answer to prayer. I ask for your prayers as I strive to be a good leader in the midst of turmoil. Or, as someone told me, maybe the turmoil makes you a good leader?

I also would like to give you a quick update on Shelton. Shelton is continuing to have renal issues, it is worse and not better from the previous vet visit. We are now feeding him another food and he is on another medication. We are hopeful this will help.

Even though my parents are enduring a very stressful time, even though it is hard, lately, I have had such a peace about all the situations involved. I worship a God who is bigger than all this! And, he continues to bless me!!

My family greatly appreciates your prayers!

SNOW DAY!!

The one thing I hate about a snow day. . . Work being open! ;0) LOL Here are a few pics of the snow and the dogs! :o) Shelton was a bit timid about snow. Molly ran right out to the backyard!



Molly says, I like the snow!


The backyard!

Look at all that snow!

What is this hitting my nose?

Shelton says, "Mom, I'm tired of going out in the snow. . . Can't I stay inside?!?!?

Molly dreaming about snow!

Entrance to my neighborhood.

Happy 87th Birthday, Grandma Ruby!

My
grandma turned 87 yesterday. We celebrated at my aunt and uncle's house and enjoyed a nice dinner along with a Happy Birthday Cake! Ok, my uncle is a huge Carolina Fan, hence why it says GO TARHEELS! Thankfully, my grandmother is also a huge
Tar Heel Fan.

My grandmother has lost a lot of her vision, but she loves to listen to all the Tarheel Games! I am grateful to have a wonderful example of faith, and a friend in my grandmother.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRANDMA RUBY!

Changes for 2009

This year's baby steps

I borrowed this, 50 Way to Help the Planet, from Domestic Accident. I like to follow this blog. . . So, take a look at the list and let me know what you are going to do for the planet in 2009. BTW: Leave a comment for a chance to win some blog candy! :o) Will close the contest on January 1. :o)


1. CHANGE YOUR LIGHT
2. TURN OFF COMPUTERS AT NIGHT
3. DON'T RINSE
4. DO NOT PRE-HEAT THE OVEN
5. RECYCLE GLASS
6. DIAPER WITH A CONSCIENCE
Thankfully, not an issue.
7. HANG DRY
8. GO VEGETARIAN ONCE A WEEK, ok willing to try it! :o)
9. WASH IN COLD OR WARMI do wash in hot if there's vomit.
10. USE ONE LESS PAPER NAPKIN- Buying cloth napkins to use. 11. USE BOTH SIDES OF PAPER
12. RECYCLE NEWSPAPER- don't read the paper.
13. WRAP CREATIVELY
I reuse bags, paper, etc. Working to be more creative.
14. RETHINK BOTTLED WATER
Sigg bottles, baby!
15. BAN BATHTIME!Okay, I'm willing to give it up.
16. BRUSH WITHOUT RUNNING- alraedy do that.
17. SHOWER WITH YOUR PARTNER- no partner, wouldn't do that anyway.
18. TAKE A SHORTER SHOWER- maybe I'll buy a timer for this one.
19. PLANT A TREE- looking to purchase some from Arbor Day.
20. USE YOUR CRUISE CONTROL
21. SECOND-HAND DOESN'T MEAN SECOND-BEST
22. BUY LOCAL- plan to start doing that more.
23. ADJUST YOUR THERMOSTAT- doing well with that this year.
24. INVEST IN YOUR OWN COFFEE CUP- not a coffee gal.
25. BATCH ERRANDS- Doing a good job with that. "The Planner!"
26. TURN OFF LIGHTS
27. GREENER LAWN CARE- someone mows my lawn for me. . . That's a blessing!
28. PICNIC WITH A MARKER- will do that on the next picnic
29. RECYCLE OLD CELL PHONES
30. MAINTAIN YOUR VEHICLE- THANK YOU, DAD for all your help!
31. RECYCLE UNWANTED WIRE HANGERS32. RECYCLE ALUMINUM AND GLASS
33. TELECOMMUTE- not able to do that.
34. KEEP YOUR FIREPLACE DAMPER CLOSED
35. CUT DOWN ON JUNK MAIL, working on it since I moved. They found me!
36. CHOOSE MATCHES OVER LIGHTERS
37. LET YOUR FINGERS DO THE WALKING—ONLINE
38. GIVE IT AWAY
39. GO TO A CAR WASH
40. PLASTIC BAGS SUCK
41. FLY WITH AN E-TICKET
42. DOWNLOAD YOUR SOFTWARE
43. STOP YOUR ANSWERING MACHINE
44. SKIP THE COFFEE STIRRER- not a daily coffee gal.
45. FIND A BETTER WAY TO BREAK THE ICE
46. USE COTTON SWABS WITH A PAPERBOARD SPINDLE
47. PAY BILLS ONLINE
48. STOP PAPER BANK STATEMENTS
Haven't done this yet. On my to do list.
49. USE RECHARGABLE BATTERIES
50. SHARE!

101 Things. . .

101 Things

I just discovered this on All Things Cherished. Thought I would post. Hope you respond!

After you read this, copy and paste to your blog. Then bold the things you have done.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language (trying to!)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets, or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Seen Mount Rushmore in person
101. Learned to play an instrument

So, what about you???

Siesta Fiesta Ornament Exchange!

I participated in the Siesta Fiesta Ornament exchange this year!! I loved my goodies!! My Secret Siesta Sista was Edie. Check out her blog!

Thank you, Edie, for such a wonderful surprise!! Each ornament was so neatly wrapped I hated to unwrap them as they were so beautifully presented.

Her Christmas Card is proudly displayed in my "first Christmas Card of the year" special card display box. It is truly beautiful!! She also sent an angel magnet! BTW: I love angels! And, she sent some beautiful gift tags to share with others. THANK YOU, EDIE!!!

Hugs and Merry Christmas!

Ivy

Booked for the Holidays. . .

Here is a giveway I thought you might be interested in!!

Check it out. . .Books for the Holidays.

Grateful For Day 18

Today, I am grateful for my friend's dad and his biblical advice on a tough situation. I love it when God shows up strong and sends people to help with the rocks, dips, and bumps in the road. :0)

God is good!

Grateful For Day 17

Today, I was grateful that I was obedient to God and that God used me for this purpose. I am thanking him for giving me the strength to tell someone who has caused me pain in the past, I was praying for him. Many strange things have happened over the past few weeks, but I am able to see God's hands at work. I love it when I am finally obedient to God's request. It always results in a blessing. Notice I said, finally, sometimes God almost needs a two-by-four to catch my attention!

Grateful for. . . Day 16

I am grateful for good friends and eating a home cooked meal fixed by one of them. I am grateful for friends who pray with me, know my heart's desires, and offer to do "things" around the house that I don't know how to do. :o)

Grateful for. . .

Ok, so the lack of a laptop sort of threw me for a loop the past week. . . In order to "catch up" on my grateful for posts, I am going to do a ten item list (in no order). :o) Here it goes. . .

1. Tonight I am really grateful that I have a savior who loves me enough when I fall so short. I went to see FIREPROOF again today. I love the scene where Caleb comes to know that being a good person has nothing to do with it. . . Many days I don't feel anything I do is "good enough," yet I know that it is only through GRACE I am saved!I am so glad God can love a very imperfect me!

2. I am grateful that I have Shelton and Molly in my life. They are the greatest doggies! Shelton will turn 4 on November 22!!

3. I am grateful for my friend, Eugenia. She is an amazing mom, wife, daughter, and sister in Christ! Thanks, Eugenia, for letting me talk at weird hours of the day/night, for listening and offering advice, for praying with me, and for always "having my back!" :o) LOL

4. I am grateful that God has given me a home that I can share with others.

5. I am grateful for my sister. She is an amazing person!! She has helped me so much this past year! God gave me a wonderful sibling, but even more of a friend. I had the pleasure of going to FIREPROOF with her today. :o)

6. I am grateful that I have a job. So many people are out of work, facing pay cuts, hungry, and/or loosing their homes. God is walking this journey with America.

7. I am grateful for my college friends, Erica and Jessica. We were blessed to meet in nursing school and have remained friends ever since.

8. I am grateful for Julie and Eric Maas, friends who are missionaries in Belize.

9. I am grateful for having my car back since the accident even if it still has its issues. I will be happy to have a car to drive.

10. I am grateful for being friends with Carrie from CHS. She has become one of my close friends. We enjoyed a great time at the beach (even if I was back and forth due to Eugenia's mom). I can't wait to craft again with her very soon!!

Ok, I should be able to do a daily post from now until the end of the month. :0) What are you grateful for?? :o)

Grateful for. . .

So, I am up tonight with a terrible cough/cold and my ankle is throbbing. I came across this on a blog I read a lot, and the 30 days of gratefulness. Technically, this has been ongoing for 5 days now, so we are going to jump on board with Day 4. So, in this crazy world when life seems to be overwhelming. Let's take the time to stop and examine what we are especially grateful for.

DAY 4, Grateful For:

The first "thing" that comes to mind are my parents. I am so blessed to have a mom and dad who will do anything for me. Case in point, my dad and mom are keeping my two crazy dogs this upcoming weekend so some missionaries can stay at my home over the weekend. I thought it best if the doggies weren't around. I do miss them.

My parents are amazing amazing people. Even though we don't agree on everything and they have a TERRIBLE time with letting go (maybe more on that some day), my parents would do anything for me. Their faith is incredible. I am blessed to be raised in a home where we knew about Jesus Christ and not only did we "know" of him, we saw him at work. My mom visits a great aunt on my dad's side almost daily when few from "the family" come to see her. My dad will do anything to help someone out. If they see a need, no matter if they have the money or not, my parents jump in to help.

Throughout the past year, my parents have really been there for me.

Through two feet in casts at the same time (although they really got on my nerves some times during that time, I know they really were trying to help). My dad built a ramp, one of the best ramps my PT had ever seen BTW so I could leave the house in a wheelchair and when it needed to be extended for my walker, he showed up tools in hand! :0)

Through moving and buying a house and making sure the builder fixed the "stuff" that was wrong. Through inspecting the property and determining if I was making a good decision or not.

Through a relationship ending. I waited to tell my parents about 2-3 weeks after it happened b/c I was afraid of my dad's response. :0) I am a daddy's girl through and through. The last serious relationship I had end my dad was pretty darn mad with the guy and this time, I didn't want him to be upset. My dad has had several TIAs (mini strokes). My dad's first comment, you don't seem too upset. My response, "Why am I going to cry over someone who doesn't love me enough to tough it out" (he broke up with me because I had been emotional while having two broken feet. As Eugenia, my best friend, someone I will write about during this journey I am sure, said, HELLO you had TWO BROKEN FEET! :o) My dad's response, he's immature and you deserve God's best. :o)

Through my car accident, fighting with the insurance company, being told the person who hit me's insurance would cover everything only to be told over 4 weeks later, "Sorry, we are not going to cover this accident." To helping me get my car fixed and back to the shop when the window's still didn't work.

My parents do a lot of "stuff" for my grandmother. She lives across from them and my mom takes her everywhere now as she has lost her vision. I am grateful for them spending time with her, taking care of the details of life, but also since I can't be there.

Today, I treated two little ones who came from a very interesting home situation. Beautiful children who just desire to be loved. It makes me appreciate all my parents have done for my sister and myself.

To mom and dad, THANK YOU! I am grateful for you!!

PS: I am also grateful for tissues tonight as my nose keeps running and running and running. :o)

FIREPROOF: My thoughts.

I wanted to send this out last night, but was too tired. I felt I was asleep before I even made it back into the house! :o)

If you have not seen FIREPROOF, I would like to encourage you to go. I was blessed to see it last night with Eugenia for a much needed girl's night out. Thankfully,I had some great pain meds as my ankle was really hurting.

WOW! Even if you are single, there are many aspects within the movie that will change your perspective on relationships (both male/female, and family).

If you are married, the men in the audience seemed to enjoy the film as much as the ladies. For me, it helped me to see how the guys in last few serious relationships "gave up" when things got tough in our lives. (Yes, the scene where Caleb calls his wife "emotional," had me laughing!) For those that don't know, the last serious relationship I was in, the guy told me I was "emotional" when I had two broken feet (at the same time! :o) Ultimately, that's not the kind of man I believe God desires to be the leader of my household. But, I also see how God can change people. . . can make them be the person He desires them to be. It is only through our relationship with Christ that we change. And, I believe God is changing me along with people from my past.

I think that every Christian should try to see this movie. . . It will change your views on many things and impact your walk of faith.

There is also an online bible study for couples, and The "LOVE DARE" is available as well.