Sunday, January 15, 2012

Couponing!?

I am trying to get into the whole couponing craze, but as a generally lazy individual I find it to take more effort than I would like. BUT I'm gonna suck it up and go for it anyway. I would benefit from the savings for sure and it's my little way of "sticking it to the man" hehe. I have the advice/guidance of my friends Jen & Sarah who are super-dooper couponers so hopefully their skills will rub off on me. If not I could always try to bribe them to let me buy their "freebies" off of them...? Eh, we'll see!!

Friday, January 13, 2012

What has got me talking about football...

...Tim Tebow of course!


I am NOT a sports follower, but I do know a few players (typically just the hotties). I don't really care how far they throw a touch-down or how many yards they can sack or whatever, lol. BUT I have an interest in Tebow, as does most of the country these days. From my limited knowledge I can gather that he is an awesome ball player, and an outstanding example of a God-fearing & God-loving Christian. So of course he is being attacked by haters. I was under the impression that each time Tebow scored a touchdown he would and I quote "praise Jesus in an obnoxious fashion while shoving Christianity down the throats of those watching". So I am thinking wowzers this guy is crazy! Then I see that in reality all he is doing is simply kneeling in prayer for a quick second....someone please tell me how that is obnoxious or forcing Christianity on anyone?!?! Tim Tebow seems like an outstanding guy in many ways. What little I know of his story is pretty cool and I plan to read his bio soon. It just makes me sick that in America we are expected to be soooo accepting of every religion, belief, lifestyle, etc. If a Christian speaks out against gay marriage, abortion, etc we are horrible people, BUT everyone else can openly mock Christians and it's tolerated and accepted. Makes a lot of sense to me *rolls eyes*.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

A Jolly Christmas to You

I sincerely hope you had a great Christmas this year. As I said in my status update; "You have the ability to make this Christmas great no matter how unfortunate your current situation may be." And I hope you did just that.

Honestly, the holiday season could be torture for someone who is struggling with loss, hurt, dispare. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for some people, but then if you really think about it...Christmas is kind of a feeling of the heart. I mean of course it is a real celebration of the birth of our Saviour, but it's also about showing the love of Christ through your own heart. Even if you have no money to buy presents for your kids, you can still bless them with lasting memories and happiness.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Christmas Wish List

I intentionally didn't provide my family/friends with my wish list this year. I don't really NEED anything and I didn't want anyone to feel obligated to get something just because I put it on my list. However...it's close enough to Christmas that I can safely list what I would have wished for this year :)

~ tan uggs
~ macarons
~ tiffany button earrings
~ burberry scarf/gloves/hat set
~ Vampire Diaries season 1 & 2
~ Amazing Grace perfume
~ gift cards
~ overnighter at a B&B
~ Spa day!
~ Barnes & Noble membership

Monday, November 28, 2011

Part of Growing is Knowing when to LET GO of your Dreams...

"Who am I to so arrogantly assume that I deserve better?"

This is the thought on my heart today. I am always looking to the future, hoping and wondering what's next, waiting for something better. But why should I assume there is anything better out there for me?? There are so many people in impossibly rotten situations, and they hope for something better too...I should just shut-up and learn to be happy with the life God has given me.

I am developing a new appreciation for the little things in life. The way my heart feels like it might burst when Ava tells me she loves me. The taste & warmth of a cup of coffee in the morning. The smell of my favorite fabric softner. The feeling of snuggling into a warm bed each night. There are so many things that I truly enjoy in my simple everyday life. And that is what it's really all about.

Sure I'd love to be a successful career woman, have crazy amounts of money and travel the world. And of course I want Prince Charming and the castle and a bunch of pretty, perfectly-behaved children. But that is never going to happen, and I'm ok with that. I may never leave Genesee County (though I will certainly try!). I may never have a career. I will never meet my Prince charming. But I will wake up every day and be happy. I will slow down and appreciate the "sweet nothings" that light up my life. I will do my best to better serve the Lord, to be a better friend, a better daughter, a better mother, a better person.

At some point you grow up and realize that life is really just about surviving and making the best of the life you've been given. God has a plan for me, for you, for everyone. I have finally fully surrendered to the fact that I am not actually in control, God is. If I am meant for bigger and better things I know He will lead me along that path, but right now I feel like He is whispering to me something a friend recently told me... "Bloom where you are planted, love"

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Thankful

I have been sick for the past two weeks, so I didn't get to follow through with posting something I was thankful for every day leading up to Thanksgiving. I actually spent most of Thanksgiving Day in bed, which was a blessing in it's self!

As I reflect back to Thanksgiving a year ago, I honestly can't even remember it. My life was in ruin and I was living in a permanent fog of confusion. By the grace of God I can finally say that I have broke through that fog which consumed my life for the past 16 months. I am seeing and thinking clearly for the first time in a long time and it feels pretty good. A side-effect of that has been the reality of all that's happened during the fog. It's almost like a whole new heart-break sometimes. BUT again, by the grace of God I am able to get out of bed (most days) and be the best mom I can be for Ava and truly enjoy the little things in life.

Through the direct mistakes of others and also a few colossal mistakes of my own, I have grown and matured so much. I have a better understanding of God and His perfect timing. Most importantly I have learned that the world does not in fact revolve around me. Shocking, I know. I really GET the concepts of 'don't sweat the small stuff' and 'find joy in everyday'. I feel like my heart & mind have matured and I can see the BIG PICTURE. It's such a liberating feeling to be free from the bonds of small-mindedness. This Thanksgiving I am able to smile and say that I am truly thankful for many things, but the thing I am most thankful for this year is the Grace and Love and Guidance of God!

“But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.”
1 Peter 5:10

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Thanksgiving Countdown

So Thanksgiving is one week from today! For the next week I'll post some things I am thankful for each day.

Today 11/17/11 I am thankful for my precious, beautiful, smart, funny, energetic, silly, sweet, fiesty, sassy & loving daughter. Today is her birthday and I can not believe she is 4 already!! The time really does fly. She is growing into a wonderful young lady...for the most part ;)