Speaking of Speaking....

The conference for girls and their moms went great!  
  
Now off to speak at a retreat for ladies!  I can't wait!!!  


Next week I plan to get my new sewing/craft room set up.  I can't wait for you to see it.  I hope it turns out like I think it's going to.  The walls are painted and the new carpet was installed this week.  I'm excited!!!

It's a Girl Thing!

I'm so looking forward to teaching some workshops for teen girls and their moms at this year's, It's a Girl Thing Conference!

*Toxic Media Mesages vs. Purity (for Teen Girls) 
*Media Messages and Your Daughter (for Moms)

We are living in some pretty crazy times with the media messages that are out to destroy the worth of women of all ages, especially our daughters.

Okay, so the proverb I chose today, gave me a chance to share a picture of our grandbabies! :)



Children's children are the crown of old men,
and the glory of children is their father.
Proverbs 17:6

Proverbs is filled with such great wisdom, it has been hard to choose just one verse each day.  I would encourage you to make the book of Proverbs part of your life.

Again?

May we always speak kind words to one another and to others.

"Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, 
Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones."
Proverbs 16:24



We are talking about our words again!  Isn't it interesting that the words we say are so important.  Words can destroy. Words can also build up and inspire!


I knew someone once who would say horrible things to his wife and then later apologize after she was cut to the core with his hateful words.  He honestly thought after many years of verbal abuse he could just say he was sorry and she was supposed to forget it and move on.  Long, long story short, they are not together anymore and even today, those words still ring in her ears.


If you are like me, you want to be known for your kind words and your kind spirit.  Speak pleasant words to everyone you see today!  ESPECIALLY your husband and children. :)

A Soft Answer...

"A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger."
Proverbs 15:1

Proverbs 15 is filled with several of my favorite verses.  I chose to use verse one, which talks about our words and how we use them.


This has been one that I have learned to practice after many mistakes of speaking before thinking.  


I especially memorized this one as a young mom.  I blew it many times in speaking in anger with my children and husband.  


When Nathan was about 9 or so, I remember being short with him as he was getting ready for bed because he was playing around too much for a tired mommy.  I spoke harshly with him and I will never forget his words as he looked at me with tears in his eyes, "that isn't very Christian of you."  That is all he could think of to say.  I apologized and prayed with him and kissed him goodnight.  I then went to my room and felt HORRIBLE!!!!  I worked very hard after that to control my tone and being kind, even in disciplining.


My heart aches when I hear moms and dads speaking to their children in anger and hurting their little ones feelings.  There is a way to discipline without wounding their spirit.


A few years ago I was in the shoe department with my daughter and we were talking about some shoes she was trying on.  The sales clerk came over and said "I love your voice, you sound so motherly."  I've had lot's of comments on my voice, but that was a first to hear that.  


I have noticed something about having raised your children; that when you look back on all the years of child training, it seems you most remember the times you blew it!  When I look at our two adult children, I'm thankful for God's grace and mercy and I love who and what they have become.  I see our daughter speak such kindness into her children and I watch our son as he interacts with others with kindness and compassion.  What a blessing!

A Wise Woman...

This is our home as it was being built about 3 years ago. :)

Today's wisdom comes from Proverbs 14:1.

"A Wise woman builds her house,
But the foolish pulls it down with her hands."

I use The Woman's Study Bible, which was edited by Dorothy Patterson and Rhonda Kelley.  I love their side notes in the margins.  I will use what Rhonda Kelley wrote to explain this verse.

A wise woman builds.  The fact that this woman is called "wise" indicates that she fears and reverences the Lord.  She conscientiously builds her house, making her entire household thrive, because she has learned that wisdom brings the happiness and prosperity she desires for her family.    The wise woman cares for her home, causing it to flourish and become a haven to those who live there.  She builds her home by making wise choices in her relationships with her husband and children.  She works on her marriage, knowing that intimacy does not happen naturally but must be developed.   All building takes time, picturing brick set on brick until a sturdy safe home is constructed.  In contrast, the foolish woman does not build.  She tears down both her possessions and her relationships.  She destroys by her own efforts, with her hands, her tongue, her idleness, and her lack of interest. - Rhonda Kelley

Daily Wisdom....

We can all use a daily dose of wisdom.  The perfect place to find that wisdom is in the book of Proverbs.  For many years, I have been reading a chapter a day from this book in my Bible.  There are 31 chapters and since there are usually 31 days in a month, it is easy to remember where to read each day.  After all these years, I will always find something new each day that I didn't notice before or it means something more to me due to life's happenings.

Each day this week, I will take one verse from that day's reading and share.  Today is February 13th, so let's read Proverbs 13....

The verse that popped out to me today was:

"He who walks with wise men will be wise,
But, the companion of fools will be destroyed."  (v.20)

As a teen and a new Christian, I remember always being told, "You are who you hang around with."  I'm thankful that I took that to heart and was careful with who I spent my time and patterned my life after.

If you want to know who and what your child is like, look at their friends.

That goes for us as well, if you want to be an inspiration, be around inspiring people.

If you want to be successful, be around successful people.

If you want to be a kind person, be around kind people.

I could go on and on, but I think you get the point. :)

*If you want to hear from God today, get into the Word of God and you will hear Him.  He loves you and I more than we will ever be able to comprehend and He has so much to say to us.

Saturday/Sunday Schedule....

You thought I was through, didn't you?  Saturday's are set aside to take care of details outside.  I keep the front porch swept, we have lot's of dirt out here in West Texas.  I even have to dust our front door down on a regular basis.  We have a breakfast porch that needs constant care as well.  This Spring, I really hope to plant some flowers.  We will see if that really happens.  If my handsome prince doesn't get around to sweeping out the garage, I will do that, too.

*My tip for the day:

Make sure your doorbell is clean.  Have you ever rang someone's doorbell and it was so dirty you hated to touch it?  It's easy to not think about that little chore, but oh so important. (In my book anyway) It will take about 5 seconds to do unless it is in bad shape.

Bible Study and Church Services in the morning and evening are on the schedule for Sunday.  The afternoon is a time of relaxation.  Great time to read, rest, watch a good movie or catch up on cooking shows. :)

Thanks for visiting and enjoy your weekend!

Friday's Schedule...

Friday, already?  Whew, time flies, doesn't it?

Each Friday on my schedule it is time to clean my husband's office and my office.  Very easy day!  If there is something I skipped from the week, I will get it done today. 


 On my laundry list is my husband's laundry.  


Once my sewing/craft room is completed, I will probably add that to the Friday list as well.


I love it when my week goes smoothly, but there are many where I don't get to everything I wanted.  When that happens, I just do the best I can and wait until the next week to catch up.


The important thing is to keep a smooth and orderly running home that is a haven for you and your family.  Don't be a slave to your home.  Once you get on a schedule it usually runs great.  But, as we all know, we don't live in a perfect world and things will go wrong.  You just move on and know that God is in control.
  

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Phillippians 4:13

Thursday's Schedule...

"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures." 
                                                    Proverbs 24:3


Today calls for cleaning/organizing the Living Room, Family Room, Sun Room and the Entry.  Mostly lots of dusting and vacuuming.  I have some tweaks on the decor to do, but that will come later when I have more time for that.  As far as laundry, just my personal laundry on this day.


Tip
*When I have appointments to be at the next day, I may get a head start and do some of tomorrow's duties the day before, so I don't have to worry about it. 
*If it is a really busy day out of the home, I will just wait until the next week on that rooms day to clean.

www.heavenlyhostess.com
I love their aprons!

Lord, I pray that I am wise with my time and with the things that are really important.   May I use my home to bring honor and glory to you.

Wednesday's Schedule...

"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. "

Proverbs 14:1 NIV

On my cleaning schedule for Wednesday are the bedrooms.  I have four of them, so it is easy to stay on top of things and I can get done pretty quick when I'm caught up on the organizing part.  A couple are guest rooms, so they don't have to be cleaned each week unless I see dust that bothers me. :)  I try not to look unless I have to.  One of our guest rooms that we called the pink room is now in the process of becoming my craft/sewing room.  It was sad to see the furniture go and all the fun decor that was in there.  But..I am excited about the transformation that is taking place.  The room has been painted and we are now waiting on carpet and furniture.  

For the laundry schedule; towels and sheets are on the agenda.

A couple of tips are:

*Each night before bed, make sure everything is in it's place and the kitchen is cleaned up.  

*Try not to leave the house each day until everything is done.

*Love your home.

*Love the ones that live in your home even more.

One of my favorite quotes is from Elizabeth George, author of "A Woman After God's Own Heart." 

You want your husband and children to walk through the door and say "Ahhh, finally, I'm home."

Photography isn't one of my specialties.  :)

Lord, help me to always stay strong in the area of building a safe, comfortable and orderly home for my family.  I pray that they would always love coming home.

You want to make sure the foundation of your home is built on the Word of God.

Tuesday's Schedule...

                                                               Proverbs 31:27
"She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."

On Tuesday's I have bathroom cleaning on the schedule. I have 5 bathrooms to keep sparkling.  I love a sparkling bathroom! Since we have guest bathrooms, I don't have to clean those each week.  I just make sure they are ready for guests at all times.


Sam's is usually a regular stop on my grocery day. (Monday) I make sure I am stocked with cleaning supplies and paper goods.  In my organizer I keep a running list of needs and the to do's for each bathroom.  I'm doing some tweaking of some decor in each bathroom all the time it seems.


Today is the day I usually go to Target if I'm needing any toiletry items.  Ulta is on my list too....I usually come out with way more than I need when I go in there, so I try to be careful.  I have a coupon for Ulta, so that will be a blessing to use.


Speaking of coupons, I'm debating if I want to give it a whirl.  


I also set a side time on Tuesday's to work on Women's Ministry projects.  Our newsletter is about due, so I will get started on that today.  


If that isn't enough, I have a hair appointment, can't miss that one! :)

Lord, help me to be wise in the use of my time and my spending today.  As I am out and about, I want to be a witness for you and be aware of those in need even if it is just a smile.  Thank you for your many blessings!

Monday's Schedule...

Proverbs 31:17

"She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks."

(NIV)

I love organizing and keeping lists to keep me on schedule.  Not that I always do, but at least I try.  Monday's are set aside in my Home Organizer as the day that I concentrate on the kitchen and laundry room.  I deep clean every Monday on these two rooms.  In my organizer I keep a running list of goals I have for each room, changes I want to make and a running shopping list of needed items.  Monday is also the day I set aside for grocery shopping.  It is so nice to bring groceries home to a clean and organized kitchen.

As far as laundry goes, I wash any kitchen towels and cleaning items on this day.

I have been wanting to make some changes to these rooms.  I'm thinking just adding a few things here and there will do.  I am working on getting new window treatments.  So many ideas, it is hard to settle on one.  I'm also trying to figure out what to do in the center of my table.  

My Dress Form with her apron on is attending a Dress Form Ball over at Polka Dot Closet.

Lord, the desire of my heart is to honor you by keeping an orderly and clean home.  Thank you for the many blessings you have given.  May I use these blessings to honor you and bless family, friends and strangers.  As I clean and do my laundry, may I be reminded of how you are the one that sought me and bought me and cleansed me to be white as snow.


Reminds me of a hymn we used to sing.... 

---

1. What can wash away my sin? 
 Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 
 What can make me whole again? 
 Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 
Refrain:
 O precious is the flow 
 that makes me white as snow; 
 no other fount I know; 
 nothing but the blood of Jesus. 

2. For my pardon this I see: 
 nothing but the blood of Jesus. 
 For my cleansing this my plea: 
 nothing but the blood of Jesus. 
 (Refrain) 

3. Nothing can for sin atone: 
 nothing but the blood of Jesus. 
 Naught of good that I have done: 
 nothing but the blood of Jesus. 
 (Refrain) 

4. This is all my hope and peace: 
 nothing but the blood of Jesus. 
 This is all my righteousness: 
 nothing but the blood of Jesus. 
 (Refrain) 

Weakness for Sparkles!

On our way home from San Antonio, we stopped in a little town called Boerne.  (It is pronounced Birney.)
I found a cute boutique that had all of their jewelry 1/2 price!  I had to control myself but did manage to get these sparkles!

Tryin' To Be A Ross Shopper!

On some of the beautiful blogs I visit, so many of the ladies shop at Ross and find the best deals and share them on their blogs.  So......I decided to give it a whirl.  I went one day last week and it was crazy in there. It really isn't my favorite place to be on a Saturday afternoon.  I went against my rule of shopping on Saturday. :)  But, I just had to go see what bargains I could find.  I snapped a little picture of my loot. 


A couple of interesting observations: 


Security guards at the door made me a little nervous and the tall poles on the baskets were a little annoying.  *I would love to spend a while in there and organize their shelves for them. :)

Found some book boxes, like Liz at Savvy Seasons. :)  Some greenery, glass domes, an easel and a beautiful bowl that I forgot to put in the picture.  The blue glass piece came from Hobby Lobby. Now, to figure out what to do with these items. :)

Fun in San Antonio, Texas!

We took a quick trip to San Antonio this week.  If you ever get a chance to stay at the JW Marriott Resort, I would go for it if I were you!


While Jim golfed, I explored San Antonio shopping.  How thankful I am for a navigation system that decided to work really well that day!


My Aunt and Uncle, who I haven't seen in a few years live in the area, so we were able to meet them for dinner one evening.  It was so good to see them!  I have some special memories of them when I was growing up.

The view driving up to the resort in the evening.  Better have your walking shoes, it is a huge place.  

View from our balcony.  Rainy day, so you can't see everything.   Golf course is in the background.

A nice surprise from the waitress at the restaurant in hotel.  The food was delicious at the 18 Oaks.

Bad lighting, but had to share my sweet Aunt and Uncle.  

Heart Talk Newsletter

As most of you know, I am the Women's Ministry Director at my church.  Each month we put together a newsletter for our ladies.  We recently sent out the January/February issue of our newsletter, Heart Talk.  I would love for you to check it out and see all that we have going.  I love the work that goes on in this ministry and the ladies are so much fun to serve with! The newsletters are always posted on the blog I have for our women's ministry at  www.aheartforwomensministry.blogspot.com 

You can view the latest newsletter here:

Heart Talk

Blog Award!

I am so honored to receive The Versatile Blogger award from Shanita 
of Embellishments by SLR!

  Thanks so much for passing this on to me! Shanita has been a blessing as 
a new friend in our sharing 

one of our favorite things, and that is caring for and decorating our homes.

The rules for this award are:

• Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award
• Share 7 things about yourself
• Send it to 15 other bloggers and let them know you have awarded them

7 things about me:

I was born and raised in 
West Texas!

I love the traveling in the Eastern part 
of the country!

I killed a poor little deer 
with my car!

I could eat Mexican Food three times a day,
 7 days a week! (I think)

God has been so good to me, despite my 
many shortcomings!

My husband calls me a "night-crawler" 
 I come alive at night.

I don't do very well with blog awards that have
 assignments with them. :)

The 15 blogs I am awarding are:

All Things Refined
Btwixt & Btween

*More coming....15?  Whew....

A Girl Like Me....

When a girl like me...

grows up without the love and security of a father, it leaves you with some scars.

Scars that only the love of a Heavenly Father can heal.

Those scars are things like insecurity, fearfulness and non-trusting.  Those don't really make good qualities for a good wife.  As a young girl, getting married and having children were not part of my life plan.  

After I became a Christian at the age of 14 and got involved in a strong church, the Lord began to show me that marriage was a good thing.  I watched married couples in the church.  I saw some not so good examples and I saw some wonderful godly examples of what God had intended for marriage to be.  As an older teen, I began to read books on how to be a godly wife and mother. The desires of my heart turned and I had hoped that I would someday be a godly wife to someone that I could trust and love.

When I met Jim at 19, I knew there was something different about him than I had seen in other guys.  He loved the Lord with all his heart and I felt safe and secure with him.  He was someone that I knew I could trust with all of my heart.

Now, 32 years have passed and the blessings are beyond comprehension!  Were those a perfect 32 years?  Of course not!  But after 32 years, the love, security, safety and trust is stronger than ever!  (Those are important issues for a girl like me.)

So, all that to say, when a girl like me makes Psalm 37:4 one of her life verses, great things happen!


               "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart"

I believe He did, by blessing me with a precious husband like My Jim!

How Was It Before Christmas?

After all the Christmas is taken down, it is time to fill in all the gaps with accessories that were put away.  For some reason, for me, it looks very plain and doesn't seem to work like it did before.  So, along with my de-cluttering and organizing, I am also busy rearranging not only furniture, but all the many shelves and mantles.

When we built this house, I knew I wanted shelves, but didn't think about all the keeping up with the decorating of the shelves.  I have 30 actual shelves in units around the house and 3 mantles.  Not to mention all the above cabinet shelves.  It is always a challenge to find just the right objects and knowing how to arrange them.

Mantle in Living Room

Entry

Family Room

Master Bed Room