MKMomma

Another New Year

2012-01-06T13:52:00.001-08:00

Wow! I cannot believe it has been so long since I've posted here. But, then, yes. Yes, I can.

Do you believe in miracles?

2009-08-17T10:08:00.000-07:00

Our Sunday school class is discussing Exodus this quarter, and yesterday our discussion began with chapter 3 – Moses and the Burning Bush. My brain stuck on the very beginning of our discussion – do miracles still happen? Our answers varied from “if we have enough faith to recognize them,” to “God uses the Holy Spirit to communicate with us now,” to “we should operate by faith and not require miracles,” to “do we even deserve a miracle?”
All of these got me to thinking…
I agree that we can miss daily miracles by just not seeing with faith-filled eyes; the bills that always get paid on time, the automobile accident that happened just before we drove past that location. I also agree that God can use the Holy Spirit and does not have to communicate with me through a burning bush. I’m grateful, too, because most of the time I am wholly unworthy to hear the words of God directly – I’d have to take off more than my shoes!
Aren’t we like the people surrounding the dying boy in John 4:48 that Jesus told “Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders… you will never believe?” Too often than not, I think.
I mulled over one comment from Sunday school all through the morning service. Do we think that we deserve miracles? Why would God show us His power through a miracle – a mighty work of His power in our lives? I believe that scripture shows us miracles are evident whenever God finds them necessary to demonstrate His Glory, and to meet the goals and plans that He has for this kingdom. Those situations may still apply today, and if so, we are blessed if we get a chance to participate.
Comments welcome.

Entertaining Angels

2009-08-05T06:11:00.000-07:00

The practice of entertaining others in our homes has been on my heart lately. Sometimes I wonder why I am pondering over something, only to find that the Lord has a beautiful lesson for me. I wanted to share this with you…

We are often “too busy” or too concerned with how many dust bunnies are under the couch to really reach out to others and connect on a deeper level. One day a week or so ago Kim Carter, a dear church friend of mine posted the following comment on Facebook:
This was in my devotion book and I wanted to share it.. Do not forget to entertain strangers for by so doing, some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2 Opportunities to do good are everywhere, but they are sometimes fleeting. Don't miss a chance to be angelic. People with a heart for God have a heart for people. Hope everyone has a blessed day!

It brightened my day to see what had been on my heart written so clearly. Later that morning, I was watching the Today show (which is not part of my morning routine) and heard Kathy Lee talk about having a new co-worker over for a casual lunch in her home, and how her work relationship with this woman is now so close. She said that she and that woman were able to see each other as “real people.”
I know that I grew closer to the “little old ladies” that I have bible study with after having lunch at one of their homes last summer. I was so thrilled that she called my home and invited me to lunch that day. We forget sometimes that it is not an inconvenience to be invited and included in someone’s life.

With all of this fresh on my mind, I asked my good pal and “Entertaining Guru” Leighann Fleagle if she had any advice for ladies who are want to have friends over, but think it is too much work. This is her Top Five list:
1. I want to minister to the one(s) i'm having in my home. I want it to be comfortable and inviting. That does NOT mean pricey or loads of work! For example, I ask my gal-friends to even bring a pair of their favorite "skiffies" (my word for comfy socks/houseshoes). I wear them too! It puts everyone at ease and sets the tone for comfort! :-)
2. You always want your guests to feel special and expected. I try to use real placemats and napkins when I can, along with REAL plates/glass wear. Again, just a bit more "special".
3. When/if setting a buffet, for a group of people, keep in mind the 3 elements for an "attractive buffet" A) Color/cohesive-ness (everything should go together, not TOO many colors) B) Height (elevate 1-3 of your dishes, or maybe just the centerpiece) C) Use different TEXTURES (iron, ratan, glass, fabrics, etc)
4. A fun easy way to "decorate" your table/buffet is by using tiny /interesting "fluff items" (For ex. shiny jingle bells? holiday confetties? candies? glass beads or tiny hearts?? small flags?)
5. Keep in mind also, that you do not always have to have a full meal in order to enjoy company. It's great to have another couple or a lady friend over for a yummy dessert, or muffin, and a good cup of coffee!

I know that this is such a stressful time of year, and there is a lot of bad news in the paper, but with the holidays just around the corner, I pray that we can open our hearts and make some great new friends or become closer to old ones over the coming months.
I hope that this blesses you as much as it did me!

Cars and Foundation...

2009-07-08T07:36:00.000-07:00

Well, Ladies, I have waited long enough - I think it is time for Mary Kay to start paying for my new minivan, car insurance and taxes! I only need three new team members by the end of this month to enter qualification, and I know that there are three women out there who could use a little more paycheck each month. So, if it not you, may I ask who you know?
I am dedicated to my goal of showing the products to 30 women every month and getting their opinions. That is not hard, and it will make all of the difference to my family and to the women I meet.
Please let me know that you will pray for me as I reach out and embrace this challenge!

I was thinking yesterday while on the way to meet a friend for coffee how gald I am that Kathy Martin was my consultat for three years. If not for her, I would not be near as cute as I am today : ) and I would not use what I believe is the most cost-effective skin care and glamour system on the planet! I was thinking about my foundation. $10 one time purchase of the brush, $14 for tinted moisturizer and $18 for mineral powder foundation. My tinted moisturizer lasts about 8 months, has SPF for UV A and UV B, makes my skin feel and look silky smooth. My mineral powder foundation matches my skin tone perfectly (which is a large task!), has antioxidants, and controls oil - oh, and it lasts me about a year. So, for a one-time investment of $10, and about $32 per year, I look great! I'm pretty excited about that! Thought I'd share....

Morning Worship

2009-06-26T04:37:00.000-07:00

It is beautiful outside this morning. Not yet 80 degrees, not too humid. A cacophony of birds greets my waking brain and I am grateful and whole and proud. I am excited to embrace today – really engage in each moment, and see what is there. Even in this house, with my family, there are blessings for today. I am in awe of the words of Psalms 139. He KNOWS me. Good and bad. Unworthy and depraved. He knows that sometimes I just want to escape – to run away. Not even start over, just be gone. And not yet, but because of, he loves me and has great plans for me. He protects me and guides me. I would seek such lesser glories for myself! I revel in that realization this morning. It makes me want to shout and sing – to fall down on my face before him in worship. So unworthy, so loved, so grateful for Psalms 103:10 – he does not treat us as we deserve!

Yoooouuuuu...

2009-06-05T08:28:00.001-07:00

So, you know, your kids just do really cool things sometimes and you happen to catch a pic - here is Sam being, well, Sam!

No Phoney-Baloney

2009-06-02T20:17:00.000-07:00

So, I am becoming a huge fan of blogging. At first, I just thought of it as a big diary, because I did not think anyone ready it. I'm loving the response to my poll (see screen right), and this afternoon I found a blog online that I am very excited about. MK has posted a blog that addresses issues related to women - not lipstick, and that is one of the things I LOVE about this company! Check it out at www.reflections.marykay.com. (Link also in my links!)

If you could go aywhere in the word...?

2009-05-30T12:16:00.000-07:00

Would I have to come back? Is this going on my credit card, or are we assuming that all expenses are paid?... See my poll to the right - this has been too fun at my appointments this summer. Most of us want to go to Hawaii, Las Vegas or the Bahamas... How about you?

Saying Hello and Goodbye

2009-05-20T21:28:00.001-07:00

Four years ago, I said goodbye to my Nanny... mom's mom... my mom, of sorts. I carried her legacy freshly into the birth and hello to Samanatha. The sweet baby growing peacefully as my old life fell apart. She is sweet and caring and strong willed, with a firely temper... just like her grandmother... God knows how to bless us when everything around us hurts so bad. Lost a step-grandfather and Joe's grandmother during the pregnancy with Thomas. Joe and I joked that we could not have any more kids - not much family left. God also knows that I have more restraint when pregnant and I don't give in to indulgent self-pity if I am taking care of a little one (can't hire a sitter for the unborn...) that little noy is still keeping me busy!
Last year, said goodbye to Grandma... dad's mom... never could impress her enough - she always made me want to try harder... Watching her loose her mind was infinately worse than saying goodbye, but, you see God is good. Got to spend the afternoon with her. She thought I was a nurse (she could not figure out why I was wearing a business suit). I've been blessed with the opportunity to tell my grandmothers goodbye... Lost Joe's cousin suddenly last summer, and his beloved mother three weeks later - thirteen years or so too soon... my other mom, of sorts... Little Victoria was born 4 months later, named after her (middle name Lee)... is always smiling... Just like her grandma.

2009-05-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

I sat behind a couple of young girls yesterday who were playing church. Oh, how I remember the days… hair fixed “just so,” little white shoes, my own bible, sitting with my friends, begging to put the family offering in the plate, trying not to get caught writing notes during the sermon…
Some things never change… I still try to have the kids look “just so,” carry my bible and tithe envelope every week, smile and greet those around me during welcome time, pay attention and take notes during the sermon…
This is not a cynical self-indulgent rant about all that is wrong with “church.”
All throughout God’s kingdom, children learn from imitating their parents and playing. I believe that we learn our values from that playtime of long ago and pass that on to our kids; look your best when you come together to worship – show God that he is worth your time, have the tools that you need to learn the word, fellowship, make connections with those who are also growing in God, listen for a word.
One of my favorite verses has always been Proverbs 22:6 –“ Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” I guess I always had comfort that my parents taught me how to play church, and now I can teach my kids – so that when they are older they will know which way to go.
And we never stop learning... The last time I memorized a bible verse was last summer, when I was going through some hard times. When we were little, we memorized them all the time. I’m thinking I can learn from some old lessons…

My Best Friend

2009-04-18T20:59:00.000-07:00

I have very few great friends, but my best friend - my evil twin - has a blogspot and I am her biggest bloggy fan!!!

Michelle, you are the best, and I would not be sane without you!

Love ya!

Tee

P.S.: I always hope you have a crappy day!... Love the way you posted your pics on your blog!!!

Happy Easter

2009-04-07T11:54:00.000-07:00

What a fun couple of days! Joined Facebook - found folks from high school and my old job... some of us have gotten F A T ! : ) Updated my playlist, and learning more about being connected.
Sam and I made Easter cupcakes today - too fun! She is at that age where she wants to taste EVERY ingredient... eggs, flour, sugar, water, you name it. She did a great job decorating, though! Pictures to come....

Aaaah, Spring!

2009-04-01T09:14:00.000-07:00

Thank God Spring is here. The sunshine makes even a house full of headcolds alot better! Hopefully the kids and I will be over the crud in a day or two! (I really miss getting out and about town during the day!)
Our plans with out of town family fell through last weekend, but hopefully we will be able to see them all soon. The kids are growing SO fast!
Enjoy the new slideshow!

Princess Samantha

2009-03-02T13:34:00.000-08:00

Weel, it is official - our little Sam is now a princess... She had her first royal party last Saturday, and I came to the full realization that my little girl is the princess of everything that her momma is the queen of. That can be both good and bad - you just have to spend a Saturday with us to know what I mean!

Welcome, Friends!

2009-02-17T08:42:00.000-08:00

Good morning to all of the friends that I invited to the site today! Please enjoy and let me know that you think! (Let's keep it "G" rated, ladies!) Love!

Photos of Kids

2009-02-06T09:16:00.001-08:00

Photobucket Album

Testing... testing... is this thing on?

2009-02-06T07:42:00.000-08:00

No words sound as silly when broadcast over a loudspeaker, and much like that, this first post is me tapping the mike.... is this thing on?