garage playtime

This is a test post from my iPad through a new blog app I'm trying out....learning new apps or programs isn't exactly my gifting but I CAN do it!



I can hear the cold front blowing in now and chills surge under my skin

I'm not getting much accomplished tonight.

sitting in my garage reading the Word while everyone in the house sleeps.  Why don't I sleep?  good question!

Celebrate someone...anyone....everyone!

keep reading to see why this ties into my post.....

We should always be celebrating something, at least that's how I wanna say I live each day:)

So why not celebrate someone who has made a difference in your life by doing, giving or sharing whatever comes up in your heart to do or say, for or to someone.  Let's ACT, my friends.  Act in love, by faith, with boldness.  I think we should start with our spouses or for the singles, your folks.  Here's a little tip: you'll walk away just as blessed as they are if not more so.

Let me leave you with a story to spark your creative giving juices:  read on....

Pause button no longer activated---Blogging continues

written Saturday....

weekly project:entertain neighbors via front porch....
a sampling of my art for a local paper
(oops, didn't even make the deadline)

After what seems like forever since we've spoken (err, I've spoken...to you) I thought for sure I'd return with some profound truths that would send a tremor through this fallen world.... boy was I wrong!

Several times the past few days I've wanted to blog....share a special moment with you or a quick laugh. Instead I'd stop and thank God above for my blessings--my husband, kiddos, a home to decorate, cowboy boots, carrot cake, and a springtime afternoon. Maybe it was a fast. Have you ever done one of those? The results can be astounding, really! Don't people give things up for lent?---not sure which religion that is, sorry. Anyway, whatever you call it, He helped me regain confidence in where He's taking me.... and this blog.

So there ya have it....no rambling....just me thowin' it out there.

now its Monday....
Well, well, well.  We have the victory!!!  Yesterday while the boys were

more letters...can you believe it???

If you're following my world in the past month you know all about the letters we were praying for, right?  Well today I felt a strong leading (I know this was the Holy Spirit!) to open this plastic container that had been under my dresser forever (oh, yeah...it was even in the "jewelry display" video) and I hadn't opened it or looked inside in at least 3 years.  So I open it up & look under one thing and voila!!!  All these letters my dad had sent me from 1998 to maybe 2004. 

HOW FUN!  right?!?!

He is hysterical, ya know?!  He would draw a little man running if he had to leave the letter to go get something.  He tells stories of his childhood that would knock you over! He would try to sign his name like I do mine with a bunch of squiggly lines and give me a hard time for funny things I did, then reminded me of them:)  How much fun I'm having!!!!  God is so good....and SO funny!!!!


 "All things are possible to him that believes."  Mark 9:23  I say that because last night Marc & I had powerful praise & worship in our study and this morning some quality time with God before the kids woke up....and ya know what?  We both had a beautiful and productive day.  I staged the house for pictures & that video, had quality--not rushed time with both boys, weeded the ENTIRE overgrown "garden" that runs the entire length of the back yard, watched Koen take his first 3 steps (in a row), taught him to climb the ladder on the playground, made some calls, did some computer work and kept the house picked up all day.  WOW!  Talk about a miracle!!!

Expect Mircales....they happen!
 Do you believe????

The Letters..total miracle here... funny, heart warming video to boot

Ok....the story I keep telling you I'll share....yes, it has taken a while.

God answered our prayers for THE LETTERS in an amazing & totally unexpected way.  I thank God for the Robertson family! Just watch!

since 1971...you can even see my parents wedding picture--the original
newspaper clipping...tremendous!

such a profound statement!

Eat More Pie...and pray for someone...maybe not at the same time:)

After a really long day I nearly went to bed just now…then remembered I had some things to share with you.  You see, you’re part of the family & I must share with you the little nuggets of the day.  How are you living decorated today?  Have you written down your vision yet?  Takes some time, eh?  Well, as long as you’re being honest with yourself & moving forward no one can give you a hard time, least of all me:)

A few things I want to share about today... but let me rewind to yesterday briefly to tell you about a great lady who lives decorated by doing what God has truly gifted her to do & surrounding herself with things & people she loves.  Julie owns Texas Pie Company in Kyle, TX and if you haven’t been you MUST go.  We went yesterday & I was immediately inspired by the Eat More Pie sign…I mean HELLO….totally my motto.  Maybe you can add ALL desserts to that tag line then it would be more “me”.  Anyway, she had just made this funky chandelier out of utensils (how fitting) and the unique guitars I guess she made as well. There are loads of write-ups about this place featured one one wall & the other is filled with pictures of her family...inspiring! So check her out & you’ll certainly be back for more.  Say hi to Shana when you go!

Now I jump forward to my “today”.  I received a voicemail that my dearest best friend just lost her Mimi & is in San Antonio.  I loaded the kids in the car as soon as I unloaded the groceries (and played with the lost dog who wouldn’t leave our yard) then headed her way.  My friend is one of the kindest women you will EVER meet with such a heart for God, Jesus & her family.  To see her hurting is nearly unbearable.  After catching up on each other’s lives she asked that I pray for her. We put the kids in front of the TV (no worries, it was wholesome programming) and we headed to the car with Koko. I thank God for answered prayer! 

I was inspired to share for this reason; someone may have asked you (or will ask you) “pray for me” and what better gift than to stop everything you’re doing and pray right then and there?  Time doesn’t always allow but when it does…when you MAKE time I promise when you see prayers answered.  there is no greater gift or way to beautify your life by sacrificing for someone you love…someone God loves!   She has VICTORY TODAY….by faith she received it!!!

Thanks for letting me share that very close-to-my-heart story from my day’s adventure.  And a road trip is always a great way to shut everything out & touch base with your Creator.  Watch the clouds roll in (or around) as you chug along.

Jumping a bit more ahead: remember that cute dog?  Well while driving to SA I prayed & asked God to have His perfect will with that curly bundle of love.  SO….sure enough when Marc got home he was still here…just as adorable as can be.  I gave him a bath (with Tiernan’s help, of course) and now he’s waiting for me in my bed.  Even as I write this I have tears peaking in my eyes. Do you know how much I miss Paisey Poo…still?!  This may be an answer to prayer (even though I promise I did NOT pray for another animal)

Did I steal someone else’s dog, you ask?  NO!  I went door to door in the cold trying to find his home (even though I admit I hoped against it).  I left my card on houses, left flyers near both mail centers….now I pray he will be in the perfect home for him.  Sorry for the length of this one but you’re probably already signed off & I’m all alone here…oh, well.  I LOVE HIM! 

Disclaimer:  I would NEVER want to take someone else’s dog (or make a little kid cry) so I have to do all in my power to find his home but he acts as if he’s been here forever.  Hopefully he’s potty trained:)

Beautify your world...Pray for your enemy

So I received this email from a lady who follows my blog anonymously…which is really cool for me to know because if there is one person out there who’s not on my “follower” list but actually reads my stuff….then perhaps there are moreJ  what a trip!

So I mention her because she wrote me this amazing…ok, I know I throw that word around a lot but we’ll talk about my vocabulary later…back to my “amazing” story…she wrote me this stellar email.  Not only in the fact that she reads this blog:) but it was filled to the brim to overflowing with words of exhortation, enlightenment and encouragement (all the good “E” words).  So I asked if I can quote her a bit…she said yes so I’m using the handwriting font to show what she said…then my font to show my comments….please read on…

I must tell you too how I have been enjoying your blog… it lifts and inspires me.  It makes me really stop and think – contemplate – meditate on …I will even venture to say that it makes me feel like the cobwebs of this 62 year old brain get fluffed and blown and aired… Hello….I LOVE this gal...funny!  It reaffirms that my identity in Christ is so much stronger now than ever before  now this blessed me immensely because we should all know who we are in Christ...I’m still getting there myself:)

it makes me wish I was more disciplined to journal my thoughts and conversations that my Creator and I have.  Let me say...do it folks.  But don’t get down on yourself if you don’t.  I’m this way...I’ll journal beautifully for a while (a week, maybe a month) then all of a sudden DRY.  No time to spend writing, my life is on supersonic speed.  So I’ve learned to just be ok with it either way...do or don’t.  BUT, now listen here, if God tells you something...speaks to you in any way...do yourself a favor and record it.  If God spoke it to your spirit then its important!  And the fact that you’re taking the time to hear from Him is equally important...IF you take the time you can bet He’ll speak to you so be ready...back to juicy quotes...

.,..you inspire and encourage me to hold on to truth and not settle for compromise…... .

 Yay!  I don’t know how I do that for someone but God spoke to me months ago to blog & I’ve been muddling through with random thoughts & finally I feel I have purpose.  To share my unique way of looking at life...in a decorated sense.  It should be beautiful & my prayer & hope is to continue to be “light” and “salt” WITHOUT judgment or condemnation (ditto…and more ditto to follow)

He has been showing me who He created ME to be and it has been such a revelation of love, freedom, joy, contentment, peace – what an AWESOME God we serve.  What an AWESOME LOVE!!!  So simply thank you… you are such a blessing in more ways than you can imagine!! 

His light shines – actually BURNS through you!!! She went on to share with me a recent victory she experienced after spending time in prayer for one of her “enemies” (my word not hers) and how God turned a situation around so I encourage you to

Live Decorated by praying for someone not exactly on your favorite list. 

I was challenged to do the same today! 

Yay…super big shout it from the rooftops…THANKS for the encouragement & for letting me use your words to lift others hearts.  God is a BIG God & He has great things for you!  YOU!  Did you hear me???  You… sitting right there reading this seemingly pointless collection of words.  Take ahold of it by faith & lift someone else up along the way. 

Be blessed!

t

listen....if you can

Prayer is such a hot topic with me right now.  Its not just about praying for praying for things you want, prayer is a dialogue with our Father.  Notice I said "dialogue" not monologue.  Its not meant to be one sided as we so often approach the subject.  The most rewarding prayer time I have is when He speaks to me in such a way that my life is changed, my outlook is changed, my direction or path is changed, or any other facet of my world is changed.  "Cause lets be honest, when God speaks it changes you!   If you're willing and IF you listen.  I guess that means we can't do all the talking and at least for me that's a challenge in and of itself. 

Worship Him. 
Tell Him who He is to you and what He's done for you. 
Pray. 
Share your heart with Him. 
Lay your needs, cares, & concerns at His feet. 
Thank Him for doing all that He's done and ALL that He's doing.
Shhhhh........now Listen.

Psalm 37:3-7