*seeking Peace in a storm

I have always heard the word "lent" and never thought much of it. I heard it was a time of fasting for Catholics, and honestly, that is about it. Until today: I got the urge to Google "Lent" and even "Lent for Baptists" (because I grew up Baptist and my home church is Baptist). I came across some very interesting information...very convicting...very stimulating...very challenging! My first question was, what exactly is Lent? Lent is a Christian Festival. In the past it was a long, strict religious fast when people gave up all rich food. Lent is the time when Christians prepare for the greatest of the Christian festivals known as Easter, by thinking of things they have done wrong. It was a time for spring-cleaning lives, as well as homes. I like that thought: SPRING-CLEANING LIVES  Lent began this year on February 22nd, which was Ash Wednesday and it will end on Easter, April 8th. Lent lasts 40 days, excluding Sundays. 40 days; like Jesus spe...

I like lists; something about bullet points or numbered lines that I enjoy.  I like outlines, plans, planners, calendars, etc. In previous posts I think I have admitted to being somewhat of a control freak, and so lists and plans fall under that category.  Now, as much as I enjoy them and think they will help and look awesome, I have rarely ever stuck to one.  I long for order and organization, but can't seem to follow through or succeed in completing my lists/plans.  SO, today, I wanted to make a list of things that I need to begin-and not give up on or leave unfinished: 1. Let Go so that God can organize and control my life!   2. Make it a point to NOT hit snooze!  3. Begin my morning with prayer, followed by a short work-out and quiet time. And end my day early in the evening, with prayer and the Word of God on my heart, mind and lips.  4. Eat dinner at home, with my family, at the table at least 5 times per week! ...

Good morning all! Luke 10:38-42 New International Version (NIV) At the Home of Martha and Mary   38  As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.  39  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.  40  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”     41  “Martha, Martha,”  the Lord answered,  “you are worried and upset about many things,   42  but few things are needed—or indeed only one. [ a ]  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” I did not get up when I should have this morning. My goal is to be up by 4:30 a.m. so that I have time to get a workout and quiet time in before my shower, hair/makeup rou...

I'm a mommy of 2 beautiful children: Aspen, my sweet and spicy 5 year old daughter and Hunter, my super cuddly and wild almost-2-year old son. These two keep me going day in and day out, so we pretty much do whatever it takes to give them the best that we can...and you all know how expensive "the best" can be. About 4 years ago I was working in childcare, in the nursery, and one of my babies' mom began telling me of a children's consignment event that she participates in. I lived in Conway, AR at the time and my Aspen was only 2 years old. Lisa, mom of 2, Meagan and Mason (the baby boy in my class), filled me in on all of the details. 2 Times per year: Spring/Summer & Fall/Winter Purchase, gently used children's clothes for great prices! Consign your gently used children 's clothes to make some extra money Volunteer to work during the event to earn early shopping passes Help market the event to earn early shopping passes Sales in a...

Two days before I will be in Houston TX for the Siesta Scripture Memory Team Celebration (aka SSMTC)! I am SO EXCITED!  I will be accompanied by one of my best friends, Cara, and we will be road-tripping! We did this in December 2010 to a Living Proof Live Conference in Birmingham, and had a blast!  I'm sure this time will be just as much fun and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for us on this trip! We plan to leave very early Friday morning and (hopefully) be in Houston to check in to our hotel by 3pm. The doors open at 6 pm, so we will enjoy about an hour at the hotel, getting ready, fixing our hair, etc. And then head to eat, and be back to the church around 5:15/5:30 to get in line! On Saturday the conference is from 8-12 and afterwards, we are grabbing lunch and then going to check out the Texas Art Asylum before hitting the road again to head home!  Whether it is lunch Saturday or dinner Friday, we plan to try Pappasito's ! We both ...

Resolution Definition: From Google A firm decision to do or not to do something A formal expression of opinion or intention agreed on by a legislative body, committee, or other formal meeting, typically after taking a vote   The quality of being determined or resolute The action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter The passing of a discord into a concord during the course of changing harmony The disappearance of inflammation, or of any other symptom or condition The process of reducing or separating something into its components The replacing of a single force or other vector quantity by two or more jointly equivalent to it The conversion of something abstract into another form The substitution of two short syllables for one long one The smallest interval measurable by a scientific (esp. optical) instrument; the resolving power The degree of detail visible in a photographic or television image I've never looked at the definition of the word...

So. I had a thought this morning. A big one actually. The thought led to the question, "Am I recognizable?" To God To Fellow Believers To Strangers To Myself Let me tell you a very short story: I was driving to work this morning, in a bit of a hurry. I was running really late. I mean, after 8 days off for Christmas vacation (a post and pictures will be posted soon), it takes a couple of days to get back into the swing of things.  To get to my office, I have to turn down a dirt road and about 1/10th of a mile, come to a guard shack with a gate that is only opened with my ID badge, or the nice guards press a button and the gate opens so that I never even have to stop. :) I barely made the turn down the road and the gate began to open. The guard, B.F., recognized my car and as I drove past, he smiled and waved 'Good Morning' to me.  And at that moment ladies and gentlemen, I asked the question, "Am I recognizable?" Not...