tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1275291044554058542024-03-14T00:17:28.691-04:00Sunshine Stories...from the PeakAngelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-85714286741551117002015-10-15T21:32:00.001-04:002015-10-15T21:32:59.574-04:00Day 15 - Spreading Their Wings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Disclaimer: I am by no means a parenting expert (not that I've ever been accused of that anyway). I'm simply a mom who has learned it's best to take it day by day, kid by kid, situation by situation.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I spend lots of time homeschooling the 2nd grade princess and diffusing the very new-to-me girl drama. I also spend lots of time navigating parenthood to teenage boys on the cusp of leaving home. When these things occur simultaneously (and they often do) it's as if my brain begins to short circuit. I can go from teaching simple addition facts to editing college essays in a matter of minutes. And hopefully the appropriate parts of my brain can keep up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Needless to say with my oldest being a senior this year, the college application and admissions process has been front and center. And my how it has changed since I went through that experience (not sure why - I mean it was only a few years ago, right?). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But even putting aside all the logistics and paperwork, there are so many other things happening. My first child is preparing to 'leave the nest!' That should probably freak me out, but it really doesn't.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Chances are he'll be going to a school that isn't a 'hop in the car and drive a few hours' distance away but more like a 'hop on a plane for a couple of hours' distance away. That should definitely freak me out, but it really doesn't.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Chances are he'll go from living in a city with 45,000 people to living in a city with 1,000,000+ people. That should send shivers down my suburban mom spine, but it really doesn't.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've had multiple parents - both of students that have already graduated and those that are in his class - ask me how I feel about him wanting to go to school so far from home and in such a drastically different environment. I really can't explain it except to say that I'm a firm believer that my job as a parent is to raise my children to first and foremost be a follower of Christ and secondly to encourage them to pursue His plan for their life - not mine or even their own. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If God is leading him to go to school 800 miles away then who am I to stand in the way. That doesn't mean that I won't be sad or that I won't miss him, but if he's following God's plan for his life then I know it will all be ok. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do I wish I had a crystal ball so I could see what was going to happen? Yes - and not just with the first one to leave the nest, but with all of them. But that's not how God designed it. I'm excited to see what's in store for each one of their futures - whether they stay close to home (but not in my home forever) or embark on a global adventure (makes for great vacation options). And regardless of their physical location, I'll always have the privilege of being their mom.</span></div>
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Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-37465528003830304472015-10-14T16:57:00.000-04:002015-10-15T21:32:47.256-04:00Days 9 - 14: Oops, Marriage, Anything<div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It happened…I fell off the daily posting wagon. But you know what? That's ok…at least for me, right now, in this season of life. I'm choosing to extend a little grace to myself.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After the most awesome weekend at a marriage retreat reconnecting with my hubby, I came back and was mentally overwhelmed by all the great stuff we took in from some great speakers. Add to that the physical overwhelmedness (yes that's a word in my book) of re-entry and any coherent thoughts I might have had flew out the window. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's taken me this long to catch up with it all - or at least attempt to catch up. (The laundry piles still rival Everest, but that's a never-ending battle anyway. And what is it with my children wanting to eat three meals a day?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But I do have a few thoughts I want to share from our weekend at the <a href="http://www.lifeway.com/n/Product-Family/Marriage-Getaways?type=events" target="_blank">Lifeway Marriage Getaway</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1) We have never been to a marriage retreat before. We will celebrate our 20th anniversary in December. Why, oh why, did we wait so long? The old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," most certainly does not apply to this. It might not be broken - and that's awesome - but that doesn't mean you can't make it that much better. You need not be on the brink of divorce (and I pray that you are not) to benefit from a weekend like this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2) Simplify, simplify, simplify. Whether it's your cluttered schedule or your cluttered home, it affects your life as well as the lives of people you could be investing in if you weren't so overwhelmed with coordinating calendars or tripping over actual stuff. We both acknowledge that this is an area we struggle with. So we have committed to simplifying all aspects of our lives so we can more freely reach out to those who need the Gospel as well as those who may know the Gospel but need a little extra encouragement.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3) And while this wasn't necessarily related to any one session, we felt led to begin a book/Bible study together. Bible studies aren't new to us by any means, and in years past we've been in group Bible studies together. But we've never just done a Bible study as a couple. We chose <a href="http://www.whatisyouranything.com/" target="_blank"><i>Anything</i> by Jennie Allen</a>. I've had this one on my personal reading list for a while. But after this weekend, it felt like this was something we should do together. The premise of the book is about what happens when we completely surrender every aspect of our livest to God and boldly pray, "God, we will do anything." To be honest, we're a little bit nervous - not about spending time in the Word and in study with each other, but what our ANYTHING might be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now let's go finish laundry and cook dinner. And hopefully I'll make it back here again tomorrow.</span></div>
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Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-16629472441943855602015-10-08T22:37:00.002-04:002015-10-08T22:38:05.910-04:00Day 8 - Couple Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Let's face it - even the best marriages have areas
for improvement. Our marriage is pretty great but there are definitely things
we need to work on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">We would probably both agree that the area we
struggle with the most is making time for just the two of us. Whether it's a
date night on a semi-regular basis or a weekend away, we always have a million
and one reasons why they don't happen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">It's not that we don't like spending quality time
alone together; it's just such an ordeal to coordinate schedules. One would
think we had it made with built-in baby sitters since we have the two bigs (who
can basically fend for themselves) and then Princess Mia. But the problem is
the two bigs have much more active social lives than we do. Coordinating
everyone's schedule to find a night that no one has 'organized' activities
(games, meetings, rehearsals, etc.), Tim is in town, and the bigs have an open
social calendar is like trying to negotiate an international trade agreement.
It's so mentally exhausting we've kind of just given up trying (unless you take
into consideration our random late night strolls through Target).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">This is why I was quite shocked when Tim came to me back in the spring
and said we were going on our church’s annual fall marriage retreat in October.
This was very out of character for him - he's an engineer who likes to have a plan
and know all the details before he commits to anything. Well there was no way
back then that we would know what everyone's schedule would be now, and that’s
probably a good thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Tomorrow morning we’ll leave behind a weekend packed with football and
soccer games, SATs, and I’m sure lots of other things that I’m forgetting (but
have written down for the grandparents who are graciously coming into town to
temporarily manage the house) and head to the mountains for two and a half days
of ‘just us’ time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I pray we return refreshed and committed to making regular quality time
for us a priority – no more overthinking the logistics, no more excuses. Don’t
get me wrong – Target date nights are awesome and they’ll make do in a pinch,
but it’s time to start setting the bar a little higher. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-77336364114675613422015-10-07T23:33:00.001-04:002015-10-07T23:33:11.154-04:00Day 7 - Do I Have What It Takes? Or Does God?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ma0e1x8Vfhk/VhXhfLXrd2I/AAAAAAAAAsk/FF1BMwfZ4Y4/s1600/writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ma0e1x8Vfhk/VhXhfLXrd2I/AAAAAAAAAsk/FF1BMwfZ4Y4/s400/writing.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not long ago I was asked to write something that was a bit out of my comfort zone (right now it seems writing in general is out of my comfort zone because it's been a while since I've done it with any regularity). This was a genre and style that I didn't have a lot of experience with, but I really felt God nudging me to give it a shot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course no sooner than I said yes did the doubts come flooding in…<i>maybe someone else is better equipped to write what is needed</i>…<i>what if I didn't do a good job</i>…<i>what if it wasn't what they were looking for</i>…and on and on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For the next few weeks when I wasn't staring at the flashing cursor on the computer - frozen, I was honing my procrastination skills. And these are not skills that need help even under the most ideal circumstances. I mean I can find the most unnecessary task and elevate it to levels of national importance to delay what I know will be inevitable failure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But God has this funny way of telling me what I need to hear exactly when I need to hear it. I happened to be studying women in the Bible and their individual fights for faith during my morning Bible study time. In each situation, the women had their doubts but God bolstered their faith and used them for His purposes. So I fervently began to pray that God would do the same for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One Sunday afternoon I somehow managed to push everything else aside - the dishes in the sink, the laundry piles in the hall, the hungry teenagers - and sat down with my Bible and the computer determined to put something on paper. And the flood gates opened - characters were developed, themes were woven, and stories were told. And none of it was me…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I finished I was still quite reluctant to share with others, but I gave it to my resident editor to review. (There are advantages of having a high school senior who is potentially looking at writing as a career. And I wasn't sure what to expect because he is not one to hold back what he really thinks.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So when he came back and said he liked the way I had modeled the characters after such and such, I honestly had chills. I simply nodded - because what he noted hadn't even entered my mind until that moment. It was just more proof that God was doing the writing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's very easy for me to believe that my gifts and talents aren't enough. And they aren't in my own strength. But when I'm obedient to God's calling, He can work it all to His glory despite my overthinking and insecurities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Now may the God of peace, who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus - the great Shepherd of the sheep - with the blood of the everlasting covenant, equip you with all that is good to do His will, working in us what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ.</i> ~ Hebrews 13:20-21</span></div>
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<br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-90493540106616639722015-10-06T23:19:00.000-04:002015-10-06T23:21:27.252-04:00Day 6 - Another Challenge - Dressember<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TmXI6NeEbEY/VhSOLN9b65I/AAAAAAAAAsQ/MMiOyShkniA/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-06%2Bat%2B11.14.16%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TmXI6NeEbEY/VhSOLN9b65I/AAAAAAAAAsQ/MMiOyShkniA/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-06%2Bat%2B11.14.16%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why me?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What did I do to deserve to be born into the life of freedom that I have? Nothing. What did the woman (or child or man) who becomes a victim of human trafficking do to deserve the life of slavery that they have? Nothing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Their worth as a human is just as valuable as mine. After all we all created in God's image. Yet they find themselves in circumstances that are beyond my comprehension.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As I sit here in my comfortable house going about my comfortable life, it's easy to become oblivious to devastating injustices such as human trafficking. But it's real.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I see articles or news stories or posts from organizations working to stop this horrific practice, I start wondering what I can do to help. But then I think, I'm just one person - just a stay-at-home mom in suburbia at that. I have no real influence. I don't have wads of extra money to donate. I guess there's really nothing I can do.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But there is. Thanks to the creative minds of people who decided that they could do something to help.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I first heard about <a href="http://www.dressember.org/" target="_blank">Dressember</a> last year when some women I follow on social media began posting about their participation. As I learned more about the movement, I thought that it would be a great way for someone like me to be able to contribute to the fight against human trafficking right where I was.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So when registration for this year's challenge opened, I didn't hesitate to sign up. For the 31 days in December, I along with many other women (perhaps even you reading this) will commit to wearing a dress every day to advocate for the inherent dignity of all women. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This means I will forgo my yoga pants and sweats (this is a big deal for this homeschooling mama) as well as my favorite jeans for the entire month of December. But the discomfort this will cause me is virtually non-existent to what these enslaved women must face every day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'd love for you to join me in this challenge - the more the merrier and the more we can accomplish. Don't over think this - visit <a href="https://support.dressemberfoundation.org/fundraise/team?ftid=60202" target="_blank">Team Sunshine Stories</a> and sign up today!</span></div>
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-90005421199205543472015-10-05T22:19:00.001-04:002015-10-06T23:21:27.249-04:00Day 4/5 - Overthinking Others’ Words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0744Xd6vLSw/VhMvMwC32sI/AAAAAAAAAr8/eOvlKhcJKFg/s1600/Untitled%2Bdesign-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0744Xd6vLSw/VhMvMwC32sI/AAAAAAAAAr8/eOvlKhcJKFg/s400/Untitled%2Bdesign-2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I like words. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I like speaking them. I like reading them. I like writing
them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But to be honest, I don’t always like hearing them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes it’s because I don’t like the truth that’s being
shared, even though I need to hear it. But sometimes it’s because I mistake
lies that I hear for truth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Nothing sends me into serious overthinking and
second-guessing mode more than the harsh judgments or the overly critical words
of another person. Maybe their words aren’t technically false – at least not
completely. But if they’re delivered in an accusatory tone or in a super
critical way they are still lies because they were intended to deliver a false
impression.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And many times they make me believe that false impression of
myself – I’m not good enough, I didn’t do enough, I’m not smart enough, I’m
parenting badly, and the list goes on. I’m guessing I’m not the only person
that allows this to happen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Why do we let ourselves cling to these hurtful statements?
Why do we let these lies take hold in our hearts and grow? We’re basing our
self worth on what others think of us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’re desperately seeking the approval of
those around us especially if they’re important to us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We’ve temporarily taken our eyes off the only One whose
opinion really matters. This allows our ears to hear the lies that penetrate
our hearts and edge out the truth that God loves us just the way we are. We’re
enough for Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The next time someone’s words leave you feeling like a
failure and you begin second guessing your worth, measure them against what God
has to say to us through Paul in Ephesians 4:8: <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Corbel;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Corbel;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Corbel;"><i>Finally, brothers, whatever is
true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is
lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Corbel;"><i>if there is
anything worthy of praise, think about </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Corbel;"><i>these things. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Corbel;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Corbel;">Any words that don’t meet
this criteria simply aren’t worth overthinking.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Corbel;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The only words we should
ever overthink are the words coming out of our own mouths. Let’s remember that <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“gracious words are like a honeycomb,
sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” (Proverbs 16:24)</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-66929491779132770712015-10-03T22:36:00.000-04:002015-10-06T23:21:27.244-04:00Day 3 - My New Fall Go-To Outfit<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tonight's post is short and sweet but possibly helpful. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had a wedding to go to and help out with today. I wanted to look nice but be comfy. Thanks to a little retail therapy yesterday, I succeeded. I now have a new fall go-to outfit. No more overthinking what to wear - and it works for casual to dressy depending on your accessories. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(Disclaimer - I have no actual photos of me wearing said outfit </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">because I was working behind the scenes and never managed to get a photo.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h0a0K4ac9Uw/VhCOv2Ss2iI/AAAAAAAAArk/TrRs42Q-PAs/s1600/write31days3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h0a0K4ac9Uw/VhCOv2Ss2iI/AAAAAAAAArk/TrRs42Q-PAs/s400/write31days3.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I paired the dress and leggings (both <a href="http://oldnavy.com/" target="_blank">Old Navy</a>) with black riding boots then accessorized with some awesome <a href="http://angelapadgett.noondaycollection.com/" target="_blank">Noonday Collection</a> pieces. You could easily dress this outfit up or down by adding a chunky scarf or changing the boots out for cute flats. I'm sure this outfit will become a staple for me this season.</span></div>
<br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-46608794413388735662015-10-02T18:35:00.002-04:002015-10-06T23:21:27.240-04:00Day 2 – Overthinking God’s Promises<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4vIea3KK9Ak/Vg8FGbAdTRI/AAAAAAAAArQ/ZTiffT6katA/s1600/IMG_3186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4vIea3KK9Ak/Vg8FGbAdTRI/AAAAAAAAArQ/ZTiffT6katA/s400/IMG_3186.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is probably the only rainbow I’ll be seeing here in
North Carolina for the next few days. We have plenty of the rain part, just none
of the sun. I feel like I’ve moved to London with all the rain we’ve had
lately.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maybe that’s why this fun little cupcake rainbow jumped out
at me as I was scrolling through some recent photos – that and the fact that I
could really go for one of those cupcakes right now. (They were pretty yummy if
I do say so myself.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Actually I think this cupcake did more than get my salivary
glands going - it helped drive home some lessons I’ve been learning, or rather
re-learning, this week in my daily <a href="http://www.ifequip.com/" target="_blank">If:Equip</a> Bible study. God is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">always</i> faithful with His promises. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Maybe you’re like Sarah (Abraham’s wife) and have doubts
that God is going to fulfill His promises because it seems like it’s taking too
long or the circumstances seem beyond impossible. (Don’t know about you, but I
get a little impatient sometimes – even with God.) Or maybe you’re a Noah, and
people are looking at you like you have three heads because you’re stepping out
in faith and complete obedience to what might appear to be a crazy request.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I come up against those kind of situations, my overthinking
kicks into high gear. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>“God, are You </i>sure<i>
this is what you want me to do? I don't think I'm the right person for the job.</i></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; font-style: italic;">”</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>“Is it really necessary for me to put myself
out there like this?” </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>“God, if this is really Your plan for me, then why is it
taking so long for all the pieces to come together?”</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So today when I saw the ‘rainbow,’ it was like God was using
my own replica of His creation as a gentle reminder that I don’t need to overthink anything. He’s got it all under control.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Genesis 9:13 ~ I [God] have set my bow in the cloud, and it
shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-43244684338836297322015-10-01T22:26:00.001-04:002015-10-15T21:33:48.397-04:0031 Days of Not Overthinking It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e7T8RV4N-8g/Vg3oyEZyCCI/AAAAAAAAAqU/I4NuUxjABNE/s1600/Untitled%2Bdesign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e7T8RV4N-8g/Vg3oyEZyCCI/AAAAAAAAAqU/I4NuUxjABNE/s400/Untitled%2Bdesign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Fact #1</b> – Once upon a time I was a fairly spontaneous, try
new things, throw caution to the wind, fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of gal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Fact #2</b> – Somewhere along the way to my
forty-**cough-cough**-something birthday (which is this month), I acquired the
habit of ‘over-thinking.’<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">What fabulous opportunities have I missed out on – or at
least delayed - as a result of over-thinking (sometimes known as self-doubt)? What
friendships or experiences have passed me by because I was too busy wondering
should I, should I not? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’ve spent countless hours over-analyzing a blog post only
to decide, after all that, to delete it (hence the <s>somewhat</s> very
sporadic postings).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not to mention
things of actual importance that I have successfully talked myself out of
doing or trying because I thought about it too much.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well, no more. It’s time to give my feeble brain a rest.
Maybe it’s time to give my heart and soul a chance to run the show for a while.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For the next 30 days I’m challenging myself to sit down with
a cup of extremely dark-roasted coffee and write. Will I write about over
thinking every day? No, but I will write <i>without</i> over thinking. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Who knows, maybe I’ll re-emerge with a little of the spunk
that used to get me into trouble. But hey, since I’m forty-something, aren’t I
allowed a little more grace? :-)</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(And in the spirit of full disclosure, some very minor over thinking may have gone into the writing and publication of this blog post. But I promise no more.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Day 2 - <a href="http://sunshinestoriesfromthepeak.blogspot.com/2015/10/day-2-overthinking-gods-promises.html" target="_blank">Overthinking God's Promises</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Day 3 - <a href="http://sunshinestoriesfromthepeak.blogspot.com/2015/10/day-3-my-new-fall-go-to-outfit.html" target="_blank">My New Fall Go-To Outfit</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Day 4/5 - <a href="http://sunshinestoriesfromthepeak.blogspot.com/2015/10/day-45-overthinking-others-words.html" target="_blank">Overthinking Other's Words</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Day 6 - <a href="http://sunshinestoriesfromthepeak.blogspot.com/2015/10/day-6-another-challenge-dressember.html" target="_blank">Another Challenge - Dressember</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Day 7 - <a href="http://sunshinestoriesfromthepeak.blogspot.com/2015/10/day-7-do-i-have-what-it-takes-or-does.html" target="_blank">Do I Have What It Takes? Or Does God?</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Day 8 - <a href="http://sunshinestoriesfromthepeak.blogspot.com/2015/10/day-8-couple-time.html" target="_blank">Couple Time</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Day 9 - 14 - <a href="http://sunshinestoriesfromthepeak.blogspot.com/2015/10/days-9-14-oops-marriage-anything.html" target="_blank">Oops, Marriage, Anything</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Day 15 - <a href="http://sunshinestoriesfromthepeak.blogspot.com/2015/10/day-15-spreading-their-wings.html" target="_blank">Spreading Their Wings</a></span><br />
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Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-51178378623458965822015-04-26T18:02:00.000-04:002015-04-26T18:02:15.857-04:00The Step Stool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A step stool - a beaten up, chewed up, worn out, dirty, old step stool. That would probably be your answer if I asked you "What do you see in this picture?".<br />
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That was my answer the other day too as I bent down to move it out of my way to sweep the kitchen floor. I thought to myself that maybe it was finally time to toss the almost seventeen-year-old piece of junk. But when my hand connected with the once smooth wood, it was like one of those freaky sci-fi TV show moments (or what I imagine them to be since I don't really watch those). Memories, like electric currents, jolted through my brain...</div>
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…Brandon's first black eye at the ripe old age of two. His eyebrow connected with the corner of the stool after he came barreling into the kitchen - in sock feet - all set to climb up and take his perch to help make pancakes on a snow day.</div>
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…Seeing the stool perched in the bathroom floor so that toothpaste spit would make it into the sink (or preschool boys' pee would make it into the potty).</div>
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…Standing guard at the base of many a kitchen cabinet while independent (aka headstrong) little boys were determined to grasp whatever the object of their desire "all by myself!"</div>
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…During the twee years, the stool wasn't as nearly in demand. But it came in handy when growing arms were asked to change light bulbs or reach the barely-used items on the top shelf of the cabinets.</div>
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These days the stool just sits there waiting to be needed, but more often than not it's shoved out of the way. Those two rambunctious little boys can not only reach the counter now but they can fix their own breakfast. And usually the toothpaste around the sink is because they spit from too high above. They're still asked to change light bulbs or grab dishes but a step stool isn't required for reaching.</div>
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Princess Mia uses it from time to time, but as in true princess fashion she usually just beckons someone else to do or get whatever she needs.</div>
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As I continued moving the stool and looking at remnants of pulled-off stickers, I realized that the real beauty of an object isn't in what it looks like but in the stories it tells. How often have I gotten rid of memories because something looked worn and dated? Next time I think about getting rid of something, I'll think about those stories the nicks, dents and dings tell before I chuck it in a pile for the dump.</div>
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-66703110998788384712013-01-03T19:36:00.000-05:002013-01-03T19:36:24.985-05:002013: One Little Word<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I’m trying something new this year. (<a href="http://aliedwards.com/2012/12/one-little-word-2013.html" target="_blank">Here</a>’s where I
first heard about this idea.) Since I’m not much for New Year’s resolutions,
but do like to start with a clean slate and a renewed focus, I decided to
select a word that would be my theme if you will for the upcoming year. Let me
tell you it’s not easy selecting one word to set the tone for an entire year.
But after much thought, prayer and reflection, there was one word that kept
popping up in various, completely unrelated places and I knew that was it. <br /><br />So
without further ado, let me introduce you to my One Little Word for 2013...<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCg5jxoYxk4/UOYW-oTs2rI/AAAAAAAAAlk/TwFkbqQlWIo/s1600/Sparkle+def.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCg5jxoYxk4/UOYW-oTs2rI/AAAAAAAAAlk/TwFkbqQlWIo/s640/Sparkle+def.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">One of the reasons I chose this word was because it
has so many different meanings – from the literal to the figurative.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">For an object to sparkle, it typically requires light.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> If I’m to sparkle, I need to remain close to my light source. That
light source is Christ. “I am the light of the world.” (Jn. 8:12)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Clear, clean objects sparkle the brightest.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> I like diamonds. After all, they are a girl’s best friend. But what I
like most about diamonds is how much they sparkle, and the more they sparkle
the better. But what makes some diamonds sparkle more than others? Their clarity.
The same goes for me. I can’t sparkle if my life is dull, dingy and cluttered –
both physically and mentally. In order to reach my full sparkle potential for
2013, I need to focus on cleaning up and clearing out. What this means will
constantly evolve throughout the year – of that I am most certain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Objects that sparkle can reflect their light on other objects.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> What good is it to sparkle, if no one sees? “You are the light of the
world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and
put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to
everyone in the house.” (Mt. 5:14-15) In 2013 I want to share the sparkle!</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wbTCPLPZXWk/UOYWXgYvBYI/AAAAAAAAAlI/mbr24JdxICM/s1600/sparkle+quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wbTCPLPZXWk/UOYWXgYvBYI/AAAAAAAAAlI/mbr24JdxICM/s320/sparkle+quote.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: </span><a href="http://society6.com/CarriePrytzKoehmstedt/Dont-Let-Anyone-Ever-Dull-Your-Sparkle-IOC_Print"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://society6.com/CarriePrytzKoehmstedt/Dont-Let-Anyone-Ever-Dull-Your-Sparkle-IOC_Print</span></a><br /><br />I plan to reflect on my word throughout the year
and let it guide my goals, dreams, desires and most importantly my everyday
life. Well, with one exception - I will not be adding sequins to my wardrobe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I'm looking forward to sharing a little 'sparkle' with you during 2013!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year!!</span></div>
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-43573021375989191662012-11-30T09:44:00.002-05:002012-11-30T09:44:48.327-05:00Simple Changes = No MeltdownNormally I would have spent the last week knee deep in boxes of red and green attempting to finish the decorating that began over Thanksgiving but didn't reach completion before life resumed on Monday.<br />
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Then I would have stressed to no end that said boxes were in the way and would have added 'finish decorating' to my already lengthy to-do list.<br />
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All this during one of the busiest weeks of the Christmas season for our family since three out of five of us are involved in our church's Christmas program. So in addition to our regularly scheduled weekly activities, we added a performance at a local retirement home, technical and dress rehearsals, all ending with the actual performances on Saturday and Sunday.<br />
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At some point during the week there would have been a nuclear meltdown I'm certain.<br />
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But not this year. This year I made a little pact with myself. No decorating (or related activities) until after this week was over. And while it pained me to spend Thanksgiving weekend doing laundry and cleaning in prep for the busy week (especially while everyone else around us was decking their halls), I'm very glad I did it.<br />
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This week has gone relatively smoothly - despite the fact that I was on the pediatrician's doorstep Monday morning because Princess Mia had strep throat. (That would have definitely precipitated a meltdown under the previous philosophy.) I've managed to keep my student on task, to keep my family fed, and even completed quite a few unfinished projects (several I started many months ago). I told Tim that I felt like I was nesting even though I wasn't pregnant!<br />
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Anyway, as this busy week comes to a close I hope to keep some of the perspective I've gained and truly be able to focus on and enjoy the season of celebrating our Savior's birth.<br />
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Yes, we will still decorate. And yes, there will still be lots of hustle and bustle. But perhaps I've learned that a little prioritization goes a long way.<br />
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If you're local, please consider coming out to one of our performances on Saturday or Sunday. You will truly be blessed.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_oF-TngTuU/ULjEm-l5kgI/AAAAAAAAAks/qg5wJNsa1-w/s1600/Cary+Christmas+2012+Digital+Invitation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_oF-TngTuU/ULjEm-l5kgI/AAAAAAAAAks/qg5wJNsa1-w/s640/Cary+Christmas+2012+Digital+Invitation.jpg" tea="true" width="640" /></a><br />
Also in keeping with the idea of simplifying, check out one of my real-life friend's blog, <a href="http://www.runningmonologue.com/" target="_blank">Running Monologue</a>, and sign up for her Small Gifts Advent Calendar. Each day from Dec. 2 to Christmas she'll send you a cute e-mail with a little holiday inspiration and fun activity. Take some time to create special memories with your family as you celebrate God's amazing gift to us, His Son Jesus.<br />
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-39821695300139764422012-11-22T19:49:00.000-05:002012-11-22T19:49:08.174-05:00A Heart of ThanksgivingIt is with a thankful heart that we reflect on our many blessings today - both great and small. But can most of us honestly say that we remembered to be thankful for our heart - our actual beating heart? The heart - the hub of our physical well being that pumps blood along with its key nutrients and oxygen to all our other vital organs. Until recently I took the power of this fist-sized muscle for granted. Not anymore - thanks to Lucas, a high school student and member of our church youth group, and his family.<br />
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You see Lucas was born with a heart defect which was for the most part manageable until he hit adolescence and the needs of his body outpaced his heart's capability. Lucas and his family knew that one day a heart transplant would be required - but until a few short months ago they didn't realize how soon.<br />
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Lucas was admitted to a local children's hospital in late September with the knowledge that he wouldn't be leaving until he received a new heart. Now just a little over two months later, Lucas - and his new heart - are home celebrating Thanksgiving with his family.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_735018399" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-23KmVBCP_WE/UK7Gkqp_twI/AAAAAAAAAkY/Yny1fZ7WjvQ/s640/lucas.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Travis Long (<a href="mailto:tlong@newsobserver.com">tlong@newsobserver.com</a>), News and Observer</td></tr>
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Here is a <a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/2012/11/22/2499485/wheeler-a-family-gives-thanks.html" target="_blank">great article</a> about Lucas and his journey that appeared in our local newspaper today. What a testimony this family is to the miraculous power of God!<br />
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If you or someone you know has been touched by the life-saving miracle of organ donation, or if you simply want to have a tangible way to express your gratitude for your healthy heart, please consider making a <a href="http://cota.donorpages.com/PatientOnlineDonation/COTAforLucasThomasS/" target="_blank">donation to Children's Organ Transplant Association (COTA) in honor of Lucas</a>. COTA is dedicated to organizing and guiding communities in raising funds for transplant-related expenses.<br />
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As you celebrate with your loved ones, take a moment to also remember the families who have been able to see beyond their grief and provide others with a second chance at life by donating their loved ones' organs. For them, many are eternally grateful.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-28103076744983421122012-11-17T01:20:00.004-05:002012-11-17T01:20:51.109-05:00Eat, Create, ScavengeThose words describe what I did all last weekend during my Whatever Craft Weekend adventure.<br />
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Upon arrival at the Craft House, we were given our room assignments. I slept in what used to be the playroom. Between colorful quilts and happy hoop art, it was quite the cozy room.<br />
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We wasted no time digging into the awesome food that Kimberlee, our chef extraordinaire, had prepared. Between homemade - yes, that's right homemade - <a href="http://thedrivewayoflife.blogspot.com/2012/02/cinnamon-rolls.html" target="_blank">cinnamon rolls</a> and <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/spinach-apple-salad-with-maple-cider-vinaigrette-10000001940915/" target="_blank">spinach-apple salad</a> and savory harvest chili, the food was to die for. Oh, and did I forget to mention the <a href="http://megduerksen.typepad.com/whatever/2010/06/the-best-cheesecake-ever-ever-ever.html" target="_blank">fabulous cheesecake</a> that makes an appearance at every Craft Weekend? And as if that weren't enough, this time she made a <a href="http://thedrivewayoflife.blogspot.com/2012/11/pumpkin-cheesecake.html" target="_blank">pumpkin cheesecake</a> with a gingersnap crust. I think I'm having withdrawal - Must. Make. Cheesecake. Soon. (Needless to say all calorie counting went out the window for the weekend.)<br /><br />
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After dinner Friday night, we got down to the business at hand - crafting. We started with the Craft Weekend signature ruffle apron. I have ruffle-apron envy every time Meg does a Craft Weekend recap post on her blog. I've never seen one apron that didn't look adorable. Of course, once she let us loose to pick out our fabric, I was completely overwhelmed. With hundreds of fabulous fabrics to choose from, how do you narrow it down to just five? I was afraid that I would be "the one" to make the first ugly apron. But guess what, that didn't happen. In fact, I honestly don't think that's even possible.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were about 5 more buckets of fabric in every color of the rainbow.</td></tr>
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The aprons kept us busy for quite a while. But oh about 11:30 or so we needed a little break so we headed off on our first field trip - Druber's Daylight Donuts. Apparently this local donut shop opens at 11:30 every night to serve hot donuts. Now remember, we're in small-town Kansas, but you walk in and the place is packed. It was the place to be if you were a local college student - or a middle-aged woman living on the edge at Craft Weekend.<br /><br />
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A good night's rest (one that didn't include Princess Mia climbing into my bed at 4:00 a.m.) and a leisurely morning prepared us for our next field trip - thrifting and antiquing in Marion.<br />
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<strong>Note to future Craft Weekenders:</strong> When one is flying, </div>
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one must keep in mind how much they can realistically transport back home. </div>
Over all I did fairly well. The antique Daisy BB gun provided some good laughs after having to show it to the TSA officials at the Wichita airport.<br /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my finds</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Channeling my inner Annie Oakley</td></tr>
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A trip to 'the barn' followed our in-town shopping. If I had a vehicle, this stop would have been very dangerous for my bank account. So much dusty, rusty goodness everywhere.<br /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing our treasures</td></tr>
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Shopping has a way of working up a girl's appetite, so a quick trip to Sonic for happy hour was in order and then it was back to the house for a crafting marathon and more of Kimberlee's yummy food.<br /><br />
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It was a crafty, antiquey (is that a word?), yummy kind of weekend!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-85742087694608047272012-11-14T22:33:00.000-05:002012-11-14T22:33:32.147-05:00My "Whatever Craft Weekend" AdventureWhat do you get when you bring together:<br />
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<li>12 women (most of whom were <span style="font-size: large;">complete strangers</span>),</li>
<li>2 super cute and funky <span style="font-size: large;">crafty helpers</span>,</li>
<li>1 absolutely <span style="font-size: large;">fantastic house</span> (in Kansas),</li>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">a plethora of <span style="font-size: large;">craft supplies</span> and <span style="font-size: large;">food</span> fit for queens,</li>
<li>more <span style="font-size: large;">antiques</span> and <span style="font-size: large;">thrifty goodness</span> than imaginable,</li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">gorgeous swag</span> from amazing sponsors,</li>
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<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">topped with the piece de resistance - <span style="font-size: large;">2 of the sweetest, most hospitable women</span> you've ever met?</li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One awesomely fabulous weekend!</span> </div>
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That's how I spent this past weekend. On Friday, I flew to Kansas to meet up with women from all over the U.S. to stay in a house that belonged to someone I had also never met. Who knew that letting a little of my inner spunkiness out would result in such a great experience? I had a blast.</div>
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I've been following Meg's blog, <a href="http://megduerksen.typepad.com/" target="_blank">whatever</a>, for several years now. And last year she and her friend <a href="http://thedrivewayoflife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kimberlee</a> started Whatever Craft Weekend. It was such a hit they had tons of readers asking to participate so they started a waiting list. E-mail them your name and they'd add you.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meg and me</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kimberlee and me</td></tr>
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But being the responsible, practical person I was, I thought, "Wow, that would be great!" but I'd probably never get picked, and if I did, I probably couldn't go. My dear hubby knew how much fun I thought this would be, so he secretly entered my name and told them I was turning 40 this year and this would be the ultimate gift. Kimberlee e-mailed him back and said that would be cool but the names are randomly chosen each time, so we'd just have to see what happened. He had done all he could do so he promptly forgot about it. That was back in the early part of the year.<br /><br />
Fast forward to early October (~2-3 weeks before my actual birthday). Hubby calls and asks what we had going on the weekend of November 9-11. I informed him that the boys would be on a mission trip but that was all. He said that I should plan to pack my bags then because I was going to Kansas. My name had been chosen for Craft Weekend. It couldn't have been more perfect timing.<br />
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Being from the mountains, I was shocked by how flat it was. You could see for miles!</div>
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So off I went to Kansas and met up with some great gals that I otherwise would have never had the pleasure to get to know. I also got to meet Meg in real life and she's just as great in person. So is Kimberlee. These ladies definitely have the gift of hospitality. Their mission is to provide a brief escape from the responsibilities and challenges that come with maintaining a household, raising kids, working, and on and on. And they do it so well - we weren't even allowed to carry our own dishes (that had been loaded with some really awesome food) to the sink! Do you know how hard that is for a mom not to do?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My awesome roomies - from Indiana, Oklahoma and Idaho</td></tr>
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I have to admit I felt some pangs of mommy/wife guilt while getting everyone ready for their respective weekends away (the hubby took Princess Mia to visit the grandparents). But when my plane took off that guilt quickly flew out the window (yes - pun intended). Even mommies need a little adventure every now and then - and this was the perfect adventure for me!</div>
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I have so much more I want to share but it will have to wait for another post. I'm still catching up on laundry - but I don't care because I'm still riding high on the weekend's fun.</div>
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Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-46607951857070338472012-10-04T15:36:00.000-04:002012-10-04T15:36:22.333-04:00When One of My Birds Leaves the Nest - Temporarily<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Most people who know me would probably agree that I am not a helicopter mom. In fact, I can sometimes be quite the opposite of that. I love my children, I try to meet their physical and emotional needs as best I can, I nurture them in my own way - but I don't coddle them and I'm not generally overprotective of them.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disclaimer - My children typically wear helmets but had taken them off temporarily <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I let them participate in sports and activities where they could potentially get injured (and have). I don't immediately rush them to the doctor for every sniffle, ache or pain (even for previously mentioned injuries - yea, I won't be winning mother-of-the-year for that one). I strongly encourage them to handle communication with coaches, teachers, etc. on their own. (Disclaimer - these statements mostly apply to my two teenage boys. I do understand that a preschooler can not fend for herself. Although, I would argue that mine could hold her own. :-) )</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy of Glenn Guy</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But let me just say that when one, or both, of my <strike>little</strike> big birds is gone from the nest for any length of time, even if it's with grandparents, I find myself all out of sorts and wondering what they're doing, if they're OK, if he's behaving, does he miss us, can they figure out what clothes to wear, will he choose to eat at least one vegetable, did they remember their manners, will they make good choices and stay away from bad influences, and on, and on. It's exhausting!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you haven't guessed by now, one of my birds is temporarily out of the nest - with his grandparents even. I know he's being taken care of and loved on, so it's not a matter of whether he's physically OK or not. To be honest, I think it's more about me and my insecurities as a parent. Have I done all I can to raise good, Christian sons who will remember 'who they are and Whose they are' when they're not under my roof - or at least not in view of my 'you better watch it' look any more? Have I adequately prepared them to stand up for what they believe, for what's right, when they're not necessarily among others who have been raised the same way?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Thank goodness I have a few more years - about 3 1/2 - before I have to worry about this on a more permanent level. That gives me a little more time to get it right, right? Is there a right? Will I be able to tell them/teach them everything they need to know? I'm quickly realizing the answer to those questions is an undeniable no. So I have two choices - I can completely freak out about it all <em>or</em> I can turn it over to the only One who does have the answers to all those questions.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">God has really been working on me to relinquish 'control' in many areas of my life - including this one. I am learning to trust that if I follow His guidance as a parent, then my children will be prepared for whatever life throws their way regardless of my inadequacies. Now the clincher is that it's up to them to follow through - even without my 'eagle eye' on them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So until my <strike>little</strike> big bird returns to the nest, I'll try not to worry about him too much. Although I was informed that he had eaten chicken and dumplings, macaroni and cheese, and mashed potatoes for dinner last night. It's obvious that I still have my work cut out on educating him regarding what's a vegetable and what's not!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments I give you today are to be on your hears. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates. ~ <strong>Deuteronomy 6:5-9</strong></em></span></div>
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<span class="text Deut-6-9"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it ~ <strong>Proverbs 22:6</strong></em></span></span></div>
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-74432039658711670422012-10-01T09:00:00.000-04:002012-10-01T09:00:14.699-04:00Exquisite Eggplant<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Eggplant has always been one of those vegetables I just didn't quite know what to do with at home. I liked it when I had eaten it at restaurants but was baffled with how to fix it on my own - until now. My neighbor Suzanne texted me a picture and description of an eggplant dish she had eaten at the beach. She said it was delicious, so I attempted to recreate it. And I must say, the results were quite yummy! So good, in fact, I thought I'd share.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Ingredients:</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Eggplant</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Eggs, beaten</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Panko Bread Crumbs</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Canola Oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Feta Cheese (not pictured)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Peel and thinly slice the eggplant.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Dip in beaten eggs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Dredge in panko.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Heat canola oil in skillet. Place breaded eggplant in hot oil and fry for a minute or two on each side. Remove from oil and blot on paper towel-lined plate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sprinkle with feta while still hot. Top with tomato slices and drizzle with bacon ranch dressing. Or if you prefer a lighter taste - which I did - drizzle with balsamic vinegar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Enjoy!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For a lighter version overall, simply 'oven-fry' the eggplant. Coat with bread crumbs and bake on lightly-greased baking sheet at 375 degrees until browned. Then top with the other ingredients.</span></div>
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-16827737767875509692012-09-28T23:50:00.000-04:002012-09-28T23:50:00.856-04:00What Are You - Am I - Waiting For?<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm waiting...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...for our family schedules to slow down.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...for Princess Mia to get a little older.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...until I catch up on all my household responsibilities.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...until I'm not homeschooling any more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...to grow up (is that forty, fifty, ...?).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...until I have acquired more wisdom.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...until I'm better at ______.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...until I have it 'together' more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Why am I waiting? Because my name is Angela and I am a...............procrastinator. Well, at least that's what I tell myself. The funny thing is I'm also an idea person - I have a never-ending list of things I want to do, need to do, or feel called by God to do. Most of those things are not even 'bucket list' kinds of things, just cool things I'd like to try, hobbies I'd like to expand, passions I'd like to pursue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So if I want to do all those things on my list so badly, why am I not doing them? Let's face it - I am an expert at coming up with fairly legitimate excuses as to why I'm not following my dreams, achieving my goals, pursuing my passions, or even just creating fun projects. Our family schedule <em>is</em> hectic; it <em>is</em> hard to accomplish a lot with a 4-year old underfoot; I <em>do</em> have household responsibilities to take care of.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yes, those things are important; but are they just masking the real reasons that I don't make time to do some of the things that I know I enjoy - like writing more on this blog, dabbling in new art forms, facilitating an online Bible study, and the list goes on?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">As I examine my list of 'excuses', I realize that the first half can be remedied with better time management, more delegation of household responsibilities, prioritizing and modifying expectations. But the second half is a little more nebulous. When will I know what I want to be when I grow up? Maybe I already do but am just too afraid to act on it. When will I be knowledgeable enough or 'good' enough or have it 'together' enough? I seriously doubt those things will ever happen. Does that mean I just say forget it and keep plugging along in life? It's not like I'm unhappy or dissatisfied with my life. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But the question I've been pondering for some time has been, "Am I striving to achieve my God-given potential in ALL areas of my life?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When you take a question like that to God, it's kind of funny how He uses many different avenues to answer - even fortune cookies. This was the saying from my fortune cookie several weeks ago:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">(Disclaimer - I do not typically put stock in random, oddly-worded phrases on little strips of paper in sawdust-flavored cookies.)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I translated that into, "If you don't have time now to pursue the passions/interests that I've (meaning God) placed in your heart, then when do you plan on making time?" That's a good question - and one I didn't have a good answer for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In the mean time, I've also been reading Renee Swope's book, <em><a href="http://reneeswope.com/aconfidentheart/" target="_blank">A Confident Heart</a></em>. In it, she unpacks all the 'reasons' we don't pursue God's plans and desires for our lives. This has been quite convicting. I've never considered my self insecure. Perhaps that's because I've always chosen to pursue things where I don't doubt my abilities - where I knew enough, where I was good enough. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But what about those things that I'm less sure of? Is my confidence - or lack of - holding me back from God's plan for my life? Maybe - but I won't know until I try. And so what if I fail, God doesn't care. These aren't lessons that I'm learning overnight. I still have a lot of work to do. In fact, it took me days to even have the guts to write all my thoughts about this down. One things for certain though - I know that I'm not going to wait anymore. I'm ready to start fulfilling my potential - or at least give it a try!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>What are you waiting for?</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">and whose hope is the Lord. ~ Jeremiah 17:7</span></div>
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-55484702729933761372012-09-23T21:37:00.000-04:002012-09-23T21:37:28.951-04:00Happy Birthday, Princess Mia<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Who knew that the small, sweet, cherubic bundle of joy that joined our family four years ago would become a larger-than-life bundle of personality?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Princess Mia, we were smitten with you from the very beginning, and you still have us all wrapped around your little finger. But that's OK because you bring a daily dose of joy to each of us. Your endless energy keeps us all on our toes and your constant singing reminds us to enjoy all life has to offer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We love you, Princess Mia! And we can't wait to see what life has in store for you - it's sure to be something exciting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ~ Psalm 139:14</em></span></div>
Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-76255732293443136292012-09-03T22:35:00.000-04:002012-09-03T22:35:34.082-04:00Hello September......my how you've crept up on me! But I welcome your arrival because you usher in one of my favorite times of year - fall.<br />
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Here are a few things I'm saying hello to this month:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello Labor Day</span> - despite that it's still 90 degrees around here and that we've been in school for more than a month, Labor Day still signifies the official end of summer for me. Bring on the mums, pumpkins, and everything fall!<br />
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Today we labored by putting together all of our recent IKEA purchases (made my first visit to an IKEA store on Saturday and was completely overwhelmed!). I had lots of lovely pictures (ok - maybe not lovely) to include with this post, but as I was heading in to Target today I dropped my phone and - oops - it shattered. So I had to add in a trip to the Verizon store today, and while I got the phone replaced (thank goodness I was <span style="font-family: inherit;">eligible</span> for an upgrade) I had not uploaded my most recent photos :-( . So photos with this post are few and far between.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello homeschool reading/planning</span> - I survived my first year of homeschooling and am a month into the second. I don't have quite as much to read this year (thank goodness) since I'm down to only one official pupil - and Princess Mia - this year. Right now, we're immersed in the Civil War.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello new dining room <span style="font-size: small;">(aka, the classroom)</span> colors</span> - I finally changed my dining room colors after talking about it forever. Now to work on curtains and accessories.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello September birthdays</span> - This month we're celebrating the birthdays of the oldest (Tim) and youngest (Princess Mia) members of our immediate family. My baby girl will be four - how did that happen?!?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello fall sports season</span> - Soccer season is well underway and it's been so much fun watching Brandon play for his school. Joshua and lacrosse face off (haha - lacross pun there) this weekend!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello fantasy football </span>- No, I <em>do not</em> play fantasy football (I don't even particularly like football at all), but my dearest hubby does. So this means that on Sunday afternoons/Monday evenings he will be connected to the computer/TV and whatever other electronic device he needs to keep track of all his 'players.'<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello new TV shows</span> - I am anxiously awaiting the return of <em>Criminal Minds</em>, but I'm determined not to get hooked on anything new. Do. Not. Have. Time.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello <em>Downton Abbey</em> Season 3</span> - You premiere in the U.K. this month, but why, oh why, must I wait until January to see you in the U.S.?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello big girl bed</span> - Since Princess Mia is turning the big 4 this month, we decided it was about time that she slept in her own bed. (She's been on the floor in our bedroom for quite a while now - don't judge :-) . ) Here's hoping that every night is like this one.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hello <em>A Confident Heart</em></span> - This is my Bible study for the month - so I'll leave you with these verses. "So do not throw away your confidence: it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36<br />
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<br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-45158142693700385342012-03-02T09:29:00.001-05:002012-03-02T09:29:17.420-05:00Through the Eyes of a ChildFrom the title of this post, you might think this is some introspective piece on viewing the world with the innocence of a child and such. But, let me tell you right now - it is most definitely not.<br />
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A few days ago I decided my iPhone calendar needed syncing with my computer's Outlook calendar. When I plugged it in the little prompt came up asking me if I wanted to import photos. I went ahead and clicked on it thinking there were only a few because I don't use my camera phone very much. Well, it said that there were 284 photos to import. Hmmm - where had all of these photos come from I wondered.<br />
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As you'll see from the sampling I'm including here, they came from a 3-year old who obviously likes to play with mommy's phone (unbeknownst to mommy of course).<br />
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So if you've ever wondered what the world looks like through the lens of a 3-year old with an iPhone, here you go:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lwFd4IvkLHM/T1DWzPnP90I/AAAAAAAAAYA/lxMDjRWR8YA/s1600/078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lwFd4IvkLHM/T1DWzPnP90I/AAAAAAAAAYA/lxMDjRWR8YA/s400/078.JPG" uda="true" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random photo at big brother's batting practice</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ofhAVPrdmdk/T1DW0CdUWvI/AAAAAAAAAYI/pgXXv1Ua3To/s1600/123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ofhAVPrdmdk/T1DW0CdUWvI/AAAAAAAAAYI/pgXXv1Ua3To/s400/123.JPG" uda="true" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another random photo at big brother's batting practice</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mommy cooking dinner (thank goodness that one was not a close-up)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unlike this close-up of daddy eating at the Chinese restaurant (complete with blurry photo bomber in the background)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random people at same Chinese restaurant</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very artsy angle of big brother #2 doing schoolwork in the car while waiting on big brother #1</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LDUT0H9Phx4/T1DXk8_n-kI/AAAAAAAAAYw/GzBac2SoFHU/s1600/214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LDUT0H9Phx4/T1DXk8_n-kI/AAAAAAAAAYw/GzBac2SoFHU/s400/214.JPG" uda="true" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self portrait</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Capturing her first attempts at 'drawing' people on her easel</td></tr>
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<br />I think she has some definite talent - don't you? It also makes me very cautious now when she has my phone because who knows what might show up the next time I upload photos.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-76651825408067885342012-02-07T15:17:00.000-05:002012-02-07T15:17:39.745-05:00Sharing a Little Blog LoveHomeschooling has been a bit busy this last week, so not much time to blog. But I wanted to keep myself in the habit, so I thought I'd just introduce you to one of my regular blog reads - <a href="http://courtneywalsh.typepad.com/telling_stories/">Telling Stories</a>. I stumbled upon Courtney's blog a while ago and just love it.<br />
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Courtney is a professional scrapbooker-turned novelist. Her first novel, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/a-sweethaven-summer?keyword=a+sweethaven+summer&store=allproducts">A Sweethaven Summer</a>, is being released today. <br />
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So if you love scrapbooking and reading, then this novel is for you. It looks like the perfect book to get you through these last few weeks of winter. Check out Courtney's <a href="http://courtneywalsh.typepad.com/telling_stories/">blog</a> today so you can enter to win some great giveaways that she is doing to celebrate her book launch.Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-86507125745553517622012-01-19T10:56:00.000-05:002012-01-19T10:56:49.054-05:00Heathcliff and Homeschooling<div style="text-align: center;">
"My love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath - a source of little visible delight, but necessary. Nelly, I <em>am</em> Heathcliff - he's always, always in my mind - not as a pleasure, any more than I am always a pleasure to myself - but, as my own being..."</div>
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- Catherine Earnshaw</div>
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"You loved me - then what <em>right</em> had you to leave me? What right - answer me - for the poor fancy you felt for Linton? Because misery, and degradation, and death, and nothing that God or satan could inflict would have parted us,<em> you</em>, of your own will, did it. I have not broken your heart - <em>you</em> have broken it - and in breaking it, you have broken mine. So much the worse for me, that I am strong. Do I want to live? What kind of living will it be when you - oh God! would <em>you</em> like to live with your soul in the grave?"</div>
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- Heathcliff</div>
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<em>Wuthering Heights</em> - one of my favorite classic novels! I loved it when I read it in English class 20+ years ago, and I'm loving it even more reading it now as one of our homeschooling assignments.<br />
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Little did I know when I first started homeschooling my middle-school boys last August how much fun I would have revisiting certain subjects (although there are a few that aren't so thrilling for me just as they weren't so thrilling 20+ years ago). But every time we crack open a new novel for literature class, I'm giddy with anticipation of the story that lies within its covers. My kids think I am an absolute freak - and maybe you do too, but that's ok.<br />
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Perhaps I get so excited because it seems that over the years I have gotten 'too busy' to read or become 'too lazy' in my book selection - resorting to quick reads that generally tell a good story but not with the eloquence or details of such writers as Emily Bronte, Charles Dickens and others. That's not to say there aren't great writers out there now, it's just that many readers, including myself, overlook the wonderful charm, complex characters and thought-provoking prose of these classics for the latest and greatest New York Times bestsellers.<br />
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Homeschooling has given me the opportunity to make time for these classics again (I promised my kids when we started homeschooling that I would read everything they have to read - little did I know how much reading their teacher would assign!). And even though I enjoyed reading many of these books when I was in school, I appreciate them even more now.<br />
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So treat yourself to a classic once in a while - who knows what great characters you'll meet. (And no, I won't assign you a character sketch or a paper comparing and contrasting the relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine to Heathcliff and Isabella.)<br />
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<br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-45758491608536839742012-01-13T08:18:00.000-05:002012-01-13T08:18:59.497-05:00New Year's Tweaks(Is it too late in January to do this kind of post? We're still in the first half of the month - so I think I'm OK.)<br />
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I strongly dislike the word RESOLUTION along with the whole idea of New Year's Resolutions. To me, it's asking for failure. I also equate it with the idea that there are major things wrong with me or my life and that flipping the calendar to January 1 is somehow going to magically fix all that needs to be fixed. (Big disclaimer here - This is just how I feel about how resolutions relate to me. If you are a resolution-maker and it works for you, then more power to you!) That in no way implies that I don't have areas I need to work on or that my life is perfect - far from it. It just means that I don't let those areas define who I am as a person. <br />
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But if I'm so content, then why even write a New Year's post? Sometimes my contentment, as nice as it is, can lead to laziness or idleness. Not the "sit-on-the-couch-in-my-pajamas-all-day" kind of laziness, but the "I'm-OK-with-everything-so-let's-just-keep-the-status-quo" kind of laziness. I know God wants me to be content in - and despite - my circumstances, but He also wants me to continue to grow. And that growth encompasses a lot of areas - spiritual (in my relationship with Him), emotional (in my relationships with others), personal (in discovering, exploring and nurturing gifts and talents that He has given me). <br />
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That being said, there are a few changes I'd like to make in 2012. Instead of referring to them as New Year's resolutions, I will call them New Year's "tweaks". By definition a tweak is a minor alteration. Now don't you think a minor alteration sounds much more doable than a drastic resolution? (Maybe it's just semantics, but it works for me.) Without further ado, here is my list:<br />
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1) <u>Spend more QUALITY time with my kids.</u> If you know me, you know that I am a stay-at-home mom who homeschools my two older kids (while my youngest runs amok and single-handedly destroys the house). Why would I need to spend more time with them considering they are basically with me 24/7? One word - QUALITY. They may be with me all the time, but how often do they have my undivided attention.<br />
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Since the older two are very close in age, they've kind of always been a package deal - you take one, you take the other - even by me. For the most part, they are fine with that. But now that they are getting older, I want to make sure they know I view them and love them for the unique individuals they are. As for Mia, she is slowly requiring less "care" but she does love some good crafty or snuggle time. That's not always easy with homeschooling and her older borthers' busy sports schedules. But I'm going to do better even if that means sometimes overlooking the dust bunnies, hand prints and dirty toilets.<br />
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2) <u>Date my husband again.</u> He will agree that we are both guilty of sacrificing our time with each other for our kids (those pesky little - or big - creatures, JUST KIDDING). But when we do manage to step out for a late-night romantic stroll through Target, we realize what we're missing out on. So this year we have promised ourselves one "real" date a month. What constitutes a real date? I don't exactly know but it's something other than a stroll through Target at 9 o'clock at night. Don't get me wrong - we love Target but it's not exactly the most romantic locale.<br />
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3) <u>Actually complete a creative project or two (or three or four).</u> Boy do I have some grandiose ideas for household projects, crafts, blogging, etc. And that's the problem - they never become more than just grandiose ideas floating aimlessly in my brain. This year I intend to do things differently and hopefully I'll have something to show for it when December 31st rolls around.<br />
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I've never been a planner - face it, plans seem so restricting. But alas, I have realized that to accomplish any of these projects, I need to start with a plan. May sound logical to you, but it is so against every fiber of my being. (Although homeschooling has forced me to lesson plan - so maybe that's a start). Perhaps to make myself accountable, I'll post my project ideas and plans for completion here. (Whether anyone is reading this or not, it makes it seem more official if it's on the Internet.)<br />
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4) Blog again. - This kind of goes along with number 3. I like to write... I want to write... I just never plan to write, so it always gets shoved to the bottom of the list. Maybe it's a subconscious thing - maybe I'm no good at it, maybe nobody will read it so why bother. But in the end, I'm not doing it for anyone else but me. So that's why bother. <br />
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This is by no means an exhaustive list - just some of the things I'm starting to tweak now. (The typical things you might think of like weight loss and being healthier are things I've been working on for a while now - so not new to me.) I'm sure I'll identify more areas for tweaking as 2012 progresses. So even if resolutions aren't for you, then perhaps you'll decide to make a few tweaks of your own. <br />
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<br />Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-127529104455405854.post-45402350996181661602011-03-10T22:29:00.000-05:002011-03-10T22:29:51.896-05:00Facebook: From Feasting to FastingI've given up Facebook for Lent - me and apparently lots of other people according to a news blurb I recently heard. (If you're reading this from my Facebook page, I haven't cheated. It automatically posts to my profile :-). )<br />
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To be honest, I'm a bit of a Facebook junkie. OK, maybe junkie is a bit strong but you get the idea. My family still gets fed, clothes still get washed, crumbs vacuumed, etc. Theoretically, no one suffers from my addiction but myself. At least that's what I've been telling myself.<br />
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But over the last several months, if not longer, I've experienced lots of frustration over never having enough time to do things beyond my normal day-to-day activities, i.e., things I enjoy or find more meaningful like blogging, crafting, in-depth Bible study, reading, just to name a few. This has started making me more cranky than I like to be (and we all know the saying, "When momma isn't happy, nobody's happy"). <br />
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I've found plenty of ways to rationalize my elevated levels of crankiness. Number one being the mental and physical demands of keeping up with the Princess day in and day out. She is an absolute joy but she has got to be the busiest and chattiest two-year old I have ever encountered. (I am not exaggerating!) Number two being the mental and physical demands of keeping up with two middle school boys and the whirlwind of homework, sports schedules and the like that surround them. By the end of the day my brain is mush which makes it very easy to veg with mindless entertainment, like Facebook, after the kids are in bed (or even during moments of downtime, no matter how brief, during the day). But the reality is, I am the cause of my own frustration by wasting too much time on meaningless activities.<br />
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Don't get me wrong. I don't think Facebook is completely useless. It does have some merit. I've simply come to realize that for the most part I don't really use it for anything worthwhile. So for the next 40 days (at least), I'm going to take those Facebook moments and commit to using them for things that I really want to do - things that have a purpose, for me anyway. Who knows what exciting things might get done around our house over the next month and half!Angelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11081160942397376138noreply@blogger.com0