What I've been doing...

So I got 50 free prints from cvs.com simply by signing up with them for free!! I got my whole order of 50 free photos free!! I was so excited and they turned out great!! Plus I paid nothing for them:)Great Deal!! Just go under photos on cvs.com and you will see it from there, I am not sure how long the deal is going on? I am one happy girl though I got to start filling up this beautiful album I found at goodwill a while back for 1.99!! It's Oriental and pure silk,it's pretty,it was a great find at goodwill!! We have had rain,rain and more rain here!! It's been very cold and windy and the power has gone out twice and in the middle of the night it starting flicking on and off and on and off without stopping there for a few minutes it looked like a ghost was just standing there turning them on and off,on and off and on and off..lol;) Well that's about it for now I hope everyone is having a great week and god bless!!

Huge Freebie Alert

I just got my photo Christmas cards free with free shipping...50 of them by going here Check it out I saved 24.50 and got it all free:)

Remembering those at Ft. Hood...

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

It's a Wonderful(Imperfect) Life!!

I was honored to receive an invite from book author Joan C. Webb to promote her book on my blog on her blog tour. I received a beautiful autographed copy of her book in the mail for being chosen for this!! I was so excited to start reading it!! It's filled with devotions for everyday use for the Christian woman!! For Christian woman who strive to hard to make it just right!! She points out that Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful!! Here's a selection devotion from her book.


Jeremiah 31:3: I have loved you with an everlasting love.
While recovering from burnout I enjoyed a few days away. Eating breakfast alone, I listened to some background music. To the strumming of a peaceful guitar, a soloist sang, “God is in love with his people. God is in love with me”.

Tears filled my eyes and splashed on my cheeks. For a woman who doesn’t cry much this surprised me. "What a liberating idea, Lord.” I smile now remembering this moment when my soul—empty for so long—filled with fresh hope. I also recall my next thought which threatened that contentment: "But is this true that you’re in love with me, Lord?"

When I returned to my room, I searched my Bible and concordance for affirmation. Then I read, "The Lord appeared . . . saying, 'I have loved you with an everlasting love.’ “ (Jeremiah 31:3)

"It is true," I whispered. “God is in love with me.” That day I wrote in my journal, Lord, I'm amazed that I needn’t perform to draw you near. Neither must I strive to win your approval. You smile at me as a lover who is completely enamored with his mate. My heart catches a moment of pure joy as I contemplate this truth—for time and eternity, I am loved by you.

Lord, help me continue to believe

That You’re in love with me even when my

mind and emotions insist otherwise.

Make It Personal: You might write this verse, Jeremiah 31:3, on a small card and put it on your desk or car visor to remind you daily of God's constant love.

Blog Tour Q&A with Joan
Q: Why did you write It’s A Wonderful (Imperfect) Life? Does this topic hit close to home for you? A: I remember the day I sat in my office, surrounded by the ever-present piles of papers and files. When the phone rang and the caller asked for the name, address, and purpose of our company, I blanked-out. Completely. Don’t know how I ended that call. But I did decide I needed help. I soon discovered that I was severely burned out. When I dug past the burnout, I discovered a defective pattern of misconceptions. I believed I must make all things right for everyone who crossed my whirlwind path. I thought I must appear perfect for others to be attracted to my God. I believed it was my duty to see that my husband was always happy, healthy and satisfied with life. I had lost the “me” God created. After a long recovery, God and I decided to use my story/experiences to help others avoid the pain of burnout, over-working, perfectionism and people-pleasing. God offers me “relief” in the midst of imperfection and I wanted to share it with others.

Q: What happens when a woman tries “too hard to make it all just right?” A: She adheres to the misconception that people/relationships, including families and friends, as well as events, work, circumstances and projects have the ability to be perfect/flawless (or “just right.”) And when she believes this mis-truth (on any level) then life, others and herself become a continual disappointment. Major bummer.

Q: How can a God-loving woman tell if she’s trying-too-hard? A: Here’s a clue that she’s headed down the over-trying/over-working/over-helping path to exhaustion: Her self-talk sounds like “I must. . .” or “I should. . .” or “I have to. . . .” For instance: My husband must agree with me and I with him, if we really love one another.” “I should host the neighborhood Bible Study this fall.” “I have to weigh the same thing I did when I entered college.” “My kids must make the honor roll every time.”

Q: You mention in the book that perfectionism is not merely lining up canned goods in alphabetical order or endlessly editing a report. What is perfectionism? A: The dictionary indicates that “perfectionism” (or striving too hard to make it all just right) is “the theory that moral, religious, or social perfection can be attained by mortals.” Yikes! Actually, perfectionism (I realize you might not relish being associated with that word—I don’t, either!) is subtler than refusing to leave the house with one hair out of place or the bed not made. It’s about unrealistic expectations—how we belittle ourselves and others for having human (we translate that as weak) thoughts and emotions, inconsistent faith, or ordinary accomplishments, families, bodies or choices.

Q: What’s the difference between perfectionism and excellence? A: Trying too hard to make it all—or at least someone or something—just right (perfectionism) is a relentless mental chase for flawlessness. It’s not only impossible, but it works against you and ironically often leads to procrastination. Yet, partnering with God for excellence is enjoying quality in balance which is possible. It’s also doable and reasonable and motivates you to action.

Q: What about Jesus’ words to “Be perfect”? If we can’t be perfectly right or flawless, what does He mean? A: I wondered about that, so I did some checking into the original word meaning. The word “perfect” that Jesus mentioned means “to be complete, full-grown, developing.” I think Jesus urges us to grow past our stagnant religiosity and emotional status quo and be mature women. It’s an issue of the heart—not just about appearing spiritually correct. We develop as a result of our deepening relationship with God.

Q: What are some things that may push a caring Christian woman to “try too hard to make it all just right?” A: Sometimes we over-try in order to avoid others’ negative opinions and disapproval. Or we expect to be the BEST employee, friend, wife, mother, Christian, __________ (fill in the blank) in comparison to everyone else—which is unrealistic. Maybe we have a deep fear of “doing it wrong.” We may have been conditioned to think this way. Yet we can change as we begin to take responsibility of our own growth before a loving God, instead of letting others’ ideas dominate our lives.

Q: How does “trying too hard to make it all just right” impact our churches and ministries? A: When we over-try, over-help, over-care, and over-do in our churches/ministries we cause imbalance. Some people end up doing less, because they feel inadequate and shamed. Others over-work and get bone-tired. Then God’s people (on either side of the spectrum) can experience burnout. The following definition of burnout helps us understand: “Burnout is the type of stress and emotional fatigue, frustration, and exhaustion that occurs when a series of (or combination of) events in a relationship, mission, way of life or job fail to produce an expected result.” (Myron Rush, Burnout)

Q: What are some benefits of acknowledging and accepting our human imperfection and limits? A: We have the privilege of becoming the person God designed us to be, instead of trying to be someone else. It fits us. We relax, find relief and become more productive. Instead of being afraid of doing something wrong when we work on a project and being satisfied only at victory (or the finished product) we can enjoy the process and divide projects/growth into increments and stop to rest in between. We can release the hyper-vigilance and enjoy our many options instead of being stuck in “all or nothing” thinking.

Q: How does relaxing our unrealistic expectations help us love and enjoy ourselves, others and God more? A: It’s interesting that short-term “trying too hard to make it all just right” can satisfy others as well as ourselves. Long-term this maxed-out lifestyle not only wears us out, but frustrates others and distances us from those we care about. When we partner with God for excellence and let God be the Master Provider, Protector and Persuader, we create a safe environment for growth—in ourselves and others. When we cease stepping into God’s territory of perfection, we are free to know Him more intimately. It’s not our job to make it all “just right.” And that brings incredible relief. Actually relaxes the shoulders!

Q: Many of my readers are moms. If you could go back and give your young-mom-self one piece of advice, what would it be? A: Hmmm. When I remember the “zombie” days of babies, toddlers and endless activities, I think I’d say: ask for the help you need and release yourself from doing it all, even if someone else pushes you. Okay, one more thing: your kids don’t have to be perfect. What is perfect, anyway? Each one has a unique personality with different needs, desires and talents. Allow yourself, your mate and your child to make mistakes. Yet, without a doubt, the single most important and loving thing you can do for your children is to deal with your own past pain and current problems, and grow yourself spiritually and emotionally. Of course, this includes growing your relationship with Jesus.

Q: How did your husband and children handle your transition away from perfectionism? I imagine the whole family has to embrace the idea that their mom/wife is not perfect. A: Well, since I changed our entire family system, it was difficult—a messy process. At first I had to step out of my comfort zone and share my needs, hurts, desires, and boundaries. I had to say (and then follow it up with action) that I would no longer be a doormat. For I was giving up my life in order to make life easy for them. In the meantime, I missed becoming who God wanted me to be and doing what He wanted me to do. So in order to be God’s woman, I had to admit I wasn’t perfect and couldn’t do it all. It took a while for my husband and me to adjust to the new life. But it was one of the best things we did for our children. Later, my daughter told me that my courage in dealing with this gave her permission to deal with her anorexia. After watching me change, she knew it would not be impossible to change herself.

Q: How do you suggest we use It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life in our daily routine? A: It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life offers 163 one-page devotions for competent, caring women who long to relax and celebrate life—imperfect though it may be. They are busy women, yet they want daily reminders that it is possible to cease “trying too hard to make it all just right.” They want to know that they’ll still be valuable people and that it will be okay with God if they slow down and relax their expectations. Each page includes a story, anecdote, prayer and follow-up Life Coaching question. So I’d suggest that a new mom put the book by her rocking chair to read one devotion at a time as she nurses or holds her baby. Another woman might keep the book with her Bible and read one story a day. Another might keep the devotion book in the bathroom and read one every once in a while when she gets some private time. Another could tuck it into her briefcase and skim a devotion during lunch hour. Two women might make a pact to read a devotion a week and then discuss it together on the phone on in an email. Just have fun with them and chuckle at her new journey.

Q: You wrote the devotional as a follow-up to The Relief of Imperfection. Can you tell us a little about that book, too? A: The truth is: People, circumstances, and projects do not have the capacity to be constantly flawless here on earth. Only God is perfect. Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. And neither do our families, work, service, bodies, faith, churches and dreams. Isn’t that a relief?

I highly recommend this book to women trying to be perfect!! It's a wonderful book and your may purchase it here!

Joan's Website

As the Deer...

As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after thee
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship thee

Chorus
You alone are my strength my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my hearts desire
And I long to worship thee

You're my friend and You are my brother,
Even though you are a king.
I love you more thank any other,
So much more than anything.

I want You more than gold or silver,
Only You can satisfy.
You alone are the real joy Giver,
And the apple of my eye.

The Credit Report...

If my life was a credit report and I was trying to obtain salvation, based on my score I wouldn't get it. My history shows that I've been delinquent in praise, past due in prayer, my worship has been in collections and I've missed a few payments (tithes) or only paid half (you know how we put $20 in the basket and feel like we've done God a favor).Not to mention that my debt (sin) to income (blessings) ratio is too high..BUT I thank God that I was able to file bankruptcy (repentance) and it cleared me of all of my debt (sin). Now I have a co-signer (Jesus) whose score is FLAWLESS... Not one blemish (sin) on his report. So now....... I QUALIFY for EVERYTHING! Most importantly I've inherited eternal life and I didn't have to put one penny down. All of my closing costs were covered when Jesus laid down His life for me!!!! I hear that my future home has all of the upgrades too. Hardwood floors? Please!! I'll be walking on gold! : - )
Thank You Lord for Your unmerited mercy, grace & favor!!

Have a purpose bigger than Marriage...

*Your youth can be a very productive time.
(Jesus at 12 was already focused on the father's business) Luke 2:49 "And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?"

*Be Successful at Singleness
Matthew 25:23 "His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

*Ministry will prepare you for marriage
(Will prepare you to be a godly Wife and Mother)

*Experience in Ministry will give you greater discernment
(Ministering to others gives ability to discern spiritual needs and develop wisdom to understand and evaluate a potential partner)

*Put god's word first and he will take care of everything else
Matthew 6:33 " But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

To Dream...

I can't wait to get married!!! I have the colors all picked out a dark purple and a lavender color. A simple church wedding with a simple dress. Won't it simply be heaven when I get to set up my own house and be keeper of my own home:) Cooking meals and cleaning for my own family and home!! Won't it be wonderful when my Godly Prince Charming comes my way!! Ahh..simply delightful just thinking of it!!

Leaves Falling...

~Leaves,Leaves,,Beautiful leaves falling everywhere around~

Happy November!

Wow hard to believe November is here!! I see such beautiful colors around me outside. It's such beautiful colors of fall:) I can't believe thanksgiving is around the corner and then Christmas!!Wow!! This year is just flying by! Halloween was great I made a pumpkin cake as you can see from one of my last post!! We had a few trick or treaters not to many this year! As I thought Saturday night I still don't see why people have a problem with halloween? Forget the origins and just let the kids have fun getting candy!! Anyways thats all over and now off to think of Thanksgiving!! Mom is still feeling sickly from her surgery..please pray for her!! Hope everyone has a blessed week and God bless!!

A Simple Woman's Daybook..

Outside my window...It's a beautiful new fall day created by our Lord

I am thinking...about so many things on my mind

I am thankful for...God and my family

I am wearing...pants and t-shirt

I am remembering...how beautiful fall and it's colors are!!

I am creating...nothing but this blog post at the moment

I am going...nowhere at the moment

I am reading...Nothing at the moment

I am hoping...for a wonderful day and week

On my mind...lots of things!!!

From the learning rooms...there is always something new to be learned;)

From the kitchen...nothing at the moment

Around the house...I will be cooking and helping out

One of my favorite things...snow..hope we get some this winter

A few plans for the rest of the week...cooking,cleaning,,whatever the lord see to bring my way.

From my picture journal...beautiful colors of God's world!!

Happy Halloween

Hope everyone has a safe and happy halloween!!!

Ready for Halloween!!

The Pumpkin Cake!!

I baked it and iced it and mom put the sprinkles on it!! Isn't it cute?

Halloween

I love halloween!! I can't wait!! I love passing out candy and seeing the kids dressed up all excited over getting candy!! I have made up treat bags after going to walmart the other night and getting some candy!! I plan on making a pumpkin shaped cake so there will be pictures of that, that is if it turns out pretty...lol;) I love this time of year and all the holidays coming up!! So wonderful indeed!!