Living in the Land of Pink

Let This Be a Sign Unto You.

2010-12-17T13:16:00.000-05:00

I looked up to see Scarlet (5) putting a sticker on my sewing machine. Of course, I promptly began fussing at her for "messing with Mommy's sewing machine", only to have her bring me the sticker...

Yes, it was just as promptly returned to it's place of honor!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On another note, you may find me over here more than you do here from now on. :-)

Thankful, I am.

2010-11-23T10:10:00.000-05:00

Of course, this week everybody and their brother's cousin is doing a thankfulness post. Well, I'm somebody's brother's cousin, so I guess I'm in.

As of this minute I am most thankful for this:

This amazing relationship with which I have been so abuntantly blessed! I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to grow up with this man, to share the joys and sorrows of the past 21 years with this man, and to have created these beauties with him:

Are they not absolutely beautiful?! I could not be more thankful for anything than I am to be Momma to each of the most wonderful daughters in the world!

I am also profoundly thankful for this:

While it may not be making all our dreams come true...yet..., God has abundantly blessed us with this business opportunity!

And last, but not least, I am thrilled with this:

I have wanted to go into business for myself for years! I have always had a bit of an entrepreneurial spirit, but no real outlet for it. Deciding to turn what I love into a money-making venture has proven to be a dream come true! And, with my hubby behind me all the way, I'm off to a GREAT start!!

My friend Natalia is hosting a Thankfulness carnival. Go on over there and read some other thankful posts...go on, you know you want to!

OUCH!

2010-11-18T09:37:00.001-05:00

I've read a quite a bit lately about pressing on after failure, about getting back up after a fall, and about the difference between pausing and being paralysed. My own life has seen many moments of both.

Perseverance is a noble quality, highly encouraged and praised throughout the Bible. It is what causes the human race to not only survive, but also to constantly learn and - one would hope - improve. That never say die attitude has certainly caused many a victory in battle, whether it be war, sports, business, or in the spirit.

Today, however, I'm drawn to see another angle. (God is really working this Perspective thing in me!) Even though I have personally seen success and failure from every possible angle, I have never truly taken much time to view other people's successes and/or failures with the same thoughtfulness.

Oh, it is easy to analyze my own shortfalls and stamp them "Opportunities for Personal Growth". I have learned to classify my own trip-ups as "Lessons Learned". However, am I willing to give others that same benefit of the doubt? Do I believe that everyone else will, too, learn from their own mistakes?

More importantly, I am being challenged with this question: What am I doing to help?

Failure hurts! Falling down can be dangerous. I remember seeing this every Sunday afternoon (as memory serves...it was 1978, after all):

While we all LOVE the thrill of victory, that agony of defeat thing is downright painful! Yes, sometimes it is the agony that inspires us to press forward and ultimately achieve the thrill, but the agony must be endured.

When I think of all the agony I have personally endured, I am most grateful for the precious few people who were involved with my recovery. Those who carried me to the sidelines and stayed with me until help arrived. Those who provided First Aid, quickly taking care of my immediate needs. Those who bound up my wounds, set my broken bones, made sure my airway was clear, and kept me warm. Those who monitored my vital signs, sitting up during the dark nights watching over me. Those who were there to welcome me when I came "home". And those who pushed me during the long days and months of rehabilitation.

To those people, I will be forever grateful. For I am now truly ready for the thrill of victory!

"Lord, open my eyes to see a fallen one; to see where I may be of assistance; and to see the victory in every person hiding just beyond the agony. Amen."

Photographic Evidence.

2010-11-16T12:12:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we had this...

and this...

After nine hours of work, we have this...

and the ability to do this...

(Scarlet enjoying playing in a CLEAN room!)

Just Like Jesus, I Love a Good Parable.

2010-11-11T11:16:00.000-05:00

Sometimes things make more sense when I talk them out. Does that happen to you, too? Today I was talking with a good friend, and as I gave her a word picture of how I was feeling, it all became clear to me. If you "get" this, you'll get it; if not, it's okay.

Here is the analogy:

A young man once began to follow in his family's carpentry business. His father was a carpenter, and his grandfather was a carpenter. Several of his uncles and cousins were carpenters as well.

This young man had a wife who also learned his trade. Together they built tables...beautiful, sturdy tables. The tables were hand-crafted of some of the finest wood available, intricately carved, and finished with a smooth, satiny stain. Everyone who saw the tables commented on their beauty and craftsmanship.

There was only one problem: the couple could not seem to sell their tables. Oh, they sold one or two here and there, but never enough to provide for their growing family. It seemed that while many people praised the young carpenter on his skills, few would actually purchase his wares.

The couple struggled and struggled for years trying to make ends meet, working diligently in their craft, and pinching every penny that did come their way. Until one day the young man finally made a painful decision: he would leave his family's business, and try his hand at another trade.

He had often found himself helping out his neighbors, friends, and family with their plumbing. Every time someone had a plumbing need, this young man was able to take care of the problem. And every time he did so, his friends would pay him well. "Why not give it a go?", he thought.

So, he and his wife set out to become plumbers. And do you know what? They were successful! They had more work than they could handle. They even had to hire employees to help them keep up!

They thought for sure that their family would be pleased. After all, they were finally able to take care of themselves and their children, AND they were enjoying their new life! Peace and harmony ruled in their hearts; laughter and joy were once again heard in their home!

Sadly, they did not sense the approval of their family. Instead their excitement was met with sighs and head shakes. "But you're so gifted!", their relatives exclaimed. "You were made to be carpenters!" No one could understand why this talented craftsman and his wife would choose to stop making such beautiful pieces of furniture.

"Oh no", the man explained, "we have not stopped building our tables. We have only stopped selling them."

You see, the couple truly loved designing and fashioning useful pieces. They enjoyed the process of taking something without much form and turning it into a work of art. The time they were able to spend working together was such a joy to them. What they most delighted in was seeing the recipient fall in love with what they had so tenderly created. Knowing that someone, probably an entire family, would benefit from their labor was the greatest reward.

That is why the carpenter and his wife became plumbers: so that they could give away their beautiful tables, free of charge.

Perspective

2010-11-08T09:26:00.000-05:00

...is an interesting thing.

I have a piece of furniture in my bedroom that, from one perspective, is not very pretty. In fact, it is actually rather ugly. It is tall and fairly long, and could even be considered an eye-sore. When viewed from this angle, it appears to be cheap, dull, uninteresting, and frankly, useless.

However, by taking a step in another direction, and looking again, one can see the true beauty and usefulness of the object. What is it?

My dresser mirror.

On one hand it's plain and of no value; on the other, it gives a clear reflection of one's own image. From the back it could appear to be a waste of resources and void of any purpose. But from the front, its purpose is obvious: to give an exact representation of whatever is placed before it. I think I have been viewing some things in my life from the wrong angle.

Life has thrown me a curve or two. Events, circumstances, and even people in my life have, at times, seemed less than beneficial. Even after putting some distance on those situations, I have been unable to ascertain the purpose or value. I have watched "life" waste my resources, rob me of my time, my money, even my faith. And from my view at the time, it wasn't pretty!

What if...?

What if, I were to take a step in another direction, and look again? Could I possibly catch a glimpse of the reflection of the One Who was standing on the other side? What if I changed my perspective? Could I gain a vision of the true beauty of the moment? From the other side...

I am now on the other side of these rough seasons, and perhaps it is time to gain a clearer view. On the other hand, maybe...just maybe...it was always the time. Hopefully I have learned to look a little harder for that Reflection IN the moment. I hope I have learned to choose my perspective IN the circumstances, to choose to seek His reflection in my life. He is in me. Am I reflecting His glory or am I staring at the ugly side of a truly beautiful piece of my life?

The choice is mine to make.

The choice is yours to make as well.

To Quote My Sweet Rose, "In-ster-ducing..."

2010-11-04T12:12:00.000-04:00

Sew Krafty...TA DA!!

I feel as though I should star in a Nike ad. I "Just Did It". I started my own business!!!

I'm offering my sewing services for alterations, custom home decor, specialty baby items, commissioned quilts, and clothing. My first gig was to alter and hem three pairs of pants. I whipped those out yesterday afternoon.

So far, I've already had three responses through Facebook...just since yesterday!! Getting the word out is the first step. The next step will be to set up an email, blog, and Etsy shop. I think I'll hold off on the web site for now. If I can get the word of mouth going locally, and sell some merchandise through Etsy nationally, I think I'll keep myself busy.

Here is what I'll be offering through Etsy initially: Blanket/Burp Cloth/Bib Sets. Priced at $40.

This one I made, obviously, for a little girl, but I will be making a teal and brown set, and a pale yellow and green set in the next day or so. I use only 100% cotton flannel, which I pre-wash to remove dye and make super soft.

The Burp Cloths are by FAR my favorite piece! I can not tell you how I wish I had had these when my girls were babies. They are so big, and soft, and absorbent. The shape fits your shoulder perfectly and stays in place. I'm gushing, I know, but they truly are wonderful!! I trimmed the edges with a cute star-shaped stitch. There are two identical cloths striped on one side, polka-dot on the other, with hot pink stitching. The third cloth is pieced on each side (see photo on right) and has the softer pink stitching. Each cloth is 17" x 9" at the widest point and 8" in the middle.

This sweet little blanket is cuddly with a capital CUD! I made this one rectangular, but my future designs will be square. It is constructed with the same cotton flannel as the Burp Cloths, and is just plain coziness! Blanket measures 33" x 25".

I also made a little bib. It is pieced on the front and back and has the same soft pink stitching as the single Burp Cloth. To be honest, it came out smaller than I would have liked, so future bibs will be a bit larger. This one should be fine for a newborn or young infant. Due to that fact and the blanket being a wee bit smaller too, I'm selling this specific set for $30!!!!

For now you can contact me for orders via the blog, or the blog email at Landopink [at] aol [dot] com. Sew Krafty will have its own email soon. Keep your eyes open for the new blog, and for my Etsy shop!

Feedback is greatly appreciated.

Cold Comfort.

2010-10-25T12:05:00.000-04:00

What's for breakfast? In the Land of Pink today it was "Refrigerator Oatmeal".

When I first saw this recipe, I thought, "There is no way would I like COLD oatmeal." But, then I tried it. LOOOOVE it! And since it is slated to be 91° here - on the 25th of OCTOBER!! - I'm not in the mood for hot anything.

Refrigerator Oatmeal

1/2 cup Old Fashioned Oats

1/2 cup Almond Milk

**I use the vanilla flavored, but if you want to avoid sugar you could use the unflavored. And if you don't mind the hormone-filled, lactose-laden version, go ahead and use bovine milk. Not that I'm judging ;-)

Mix them together and put in the fridge overnight.

That's it.

I like to add another splash of almond milk, a sprinkling of chopped pecans, and today I tossed in some organic granola. The kids love this, too!

Try it and tell me what you think.

Like Mother, Like Daughter.

2010-10-22T13:20:00.000-04:00

My precious Rose (6 y/o, or #4 for those of you who know her) fished my scraps out of the trash can this morning and designed a little quilt square. Never one to squelch creativity (haha!), I told her I'd sew it up for her.

Just to give you a sense of scale...see, I told you it was a LITTLE quilt square!

I think she has plans for joining four of these into a tiny blanket for a tiny pink bunny. She's such a good Mamma!!

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait.

2010-10-19T16:25:00.000-04:00

My first sewing project was a pair of PJ's with tiny red hearts. I was 12. I'm now 39 and finally have a dedicated sewing space. And I am more than a little pleased.

I realize it will never grace the pages of a quilting magazine's "Best Studio Design" section, but it makes me happy! :)

In order for my space to become a reality several planets had to align, I had to hop on one foot while holding my breath and crossing my fingers, and the proverbial pig DID, in fact fly. Or...maybe...I had to 1.) convince RedDaddy that it wouldn't completely ruin the decor of our home 2.) find a FREE table for our breakfast nook to replace the ugly plastic banquet table previously there, and 3) rearrange all the furniture in our office/schoolroom.

One of the things I have always desired in a sewing space is the ability to stay connected to the activity of the household. I realize most women would rather be isolated from the hub-bub, but I know that is a pipe dream for me! The only way I am ever able to get anything accomplished is by being able to ~~scream at the kids~~ direct the going's-on while I'm sewing.

I also LOVE all the natural light in this room. All the windows allow me to keep track of the back yard, and my other favorite spot - the terrace (right out the back door).

In the past, I have had to set up my machine at the dining room table, and pack it all away before dinner. That task was alone enough to discourage me from sewing and quilting for years...literally! Our office is the center of activity in our home, and now I can sew right in the midst of it all!!

Originally, my new sewing table was in our kitchen, being used as a quasi-breakfast bar. I had concocted a plan to replace that with a beat up card table and chairs. I was going to spray-paint the legs of the table and the chairs, re-size some old chair covers, and put a cloth over the table.

BUT! Just before - and I am not exaggerating to say moments before- I was about to embark on my project, RedDaddy's cousin sent me a text. It seems she was having a yard sale and was being low-balled by some of the best in the business. She wanted to know if I would like her hand-me-down dinette and chairs. Come to find out, she had gotten it from a mutual friend years ago. I remembered doing my homework at that little table while I was babysitting the friend's kids!!

Isn't it cute!? There are pull-out extensions on each end. (I should have given you a shot of the entire kitchen.) Our home is a 1941 bungalow-style, complete with original hardwood floors, built-in storage nooks, and 3" thick interior doors. I think the table is a perfect fit, both in style and size!!

But wait! There's more. RedDaddy's sister bestowed this Kent-Coffey dresser on me!! She was moving and getting rid of "junk".

This vintage beauty now holds down the corner of my bedroom and houses my fabric stash. Or at least part of it. ;) I guess I've been blessed with an extended family of ~~hoarders~~ pack rats.

~~Sew!~~ SO! Who wants to hire me out first?...don't be shy; I'll make time for you all.

Veggies: It's What's For Dinner!

2010-09-30T17:50:00.000-04:00

As promised (some time ago, I know), my mostly Vegan Vegetable Lasagna recipe:

Yield: TWO 9x13 casserole dishes. I only know how to cook for ~~forty~~ seven.
Ingredients:
14 whole wheat lasagna noodles
2 medium yellow squash
2 medium zucchini
1 small eggplant (peeled)
4 medium-large super ripe tomatoes
1 bag fresh baby spinach
6 cups red sauce (we like LOTS of mushrooms in ours!!!) **When I'm in a hurry, I use three jars of store-bought sauce which I "doctor up" with fresh garlic, sauteed onion, additional canned tomatoes, and plenty of herbs (basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, etc.). If I have the time, I make homemade sauce, but that's a recipe for another day!**

Cook noodles according to package directions. (I think the whole wheat noodles have to be cooked before they go in the oven.) While they are boiling, slice your veggies. A mandolin would be best, but I don't have one. :( I do, however, use a VERY sharp knife and am VERY careful! Cut the squash and the zucchini in half crosswise, and then make paper-thin slices lengthwise. Do the same with the eggplant, but peel it first. I peel my tomatoes also (my very Southern Grandmother would be proud!), and slice them as thin as possible.

Spray your casserole dishes with olive oil and begin layering the ingredients. Start with a layer of noodles. I lay three whole noodles lengthwise, and then a half of one across the bottom of those. Make sense? Next comes about 1/2 cup sauce. Then comes a layer of veggies. I try to overlap the vegetables somewhat, and alternate them so that each serving includes as many flavors as possible. Top the squash/zucchini/eggplant/tomato layer with a layer of spinach leaves. Again another 1/2 - 3/4 cup of sauce.

Repeat one more time, ending with sauce. Do this with both pans. Cover the pans with foil and bake in a 400º oven for 40 minutes, or until the veggies are soft. Serve with grated Parmesan cheese (that's the only non-vegan ingredient).

ENJOY!!

Everything? Really?

2010-09-10T12:54:00.000-04:00

This will be short. Mostly because I have but five minutes. Ready. Set. Go.

"...we have everything we need in life to make us happy but simply lack the conscious awareness to appreciate it..." -Simple Abundance

I've turned this over and over in my mind for days now. I think I finally got it...for myself anyway.

Chew on that a bit. Let me know what it means to you.

In a day or two, I'll share my own soul discovery of that statement.

Blessings,

Happy New Year!

2010-09-03T19:28:00.000-04:00

Okay, not really. But Happy New Beginnings!

I love a clean slate. In fact, RedDaddy and I were talking about that very thing last night. I'm with Anne Shirley, "Isn't it wonderful to know that tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it?!"

I began my soul nourishing journey on Wednesday. Ironically, that was also RedDaddy's first day working from home. Clean slates all around!

January 1 of Simple Abundance has me chewing on this: "Write down your most private aspirations. Those longings you have kept tucked away until the time sees right. Trust that now is the time. Ask the questions."

January 2 had me mesmerized with this: "Do not now seek the answers which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them"[Rainer Maria Rilke]..."The answers to your questions will come only after you know which ones are worth asking. Wait. Live you questions. Then ask."

I must admit, my first response was Really? Trust that now is the time. How can I trust that? What if I had read this three years ago? Would THAT have been the time? If I put this book away for another five years; will it be time then? How can I trust that NOW is the time?

There are sixty-nine references to "season" in the King James Bible. Sixty-nine. And the word "time" is used seven hundred three times. 703. Hhmmm.... I'm not going to do your Bible study for you, but I will tell you that there are many indications that God has this season of my life (and yours) mapped out pretty well. If we will just allow Him to guide us, we can have confidence that now IS the time for something great!

Now, this "live the questions" thing I won't even pretend to understand. But I am pressing on, waiting patiently for the answers. It seems all I can really do IS live the questions in my life, until the answers show up!

Intrigued yet? Stay tuned.

The Best Laid Plans.

2010-09-01T10:15:00.000-04:00

Yes, I am starting my Simple Abundance journey today.

No, I won't be posting about Day 1.

Until tomorrow, that is. In my life, the evenings are the only time I have to read anything of substance. I usually read my devotional before I go to sleep each night, rather than in the mornings. So tonight I will be reading January 1 in Simple Abundance and tomorrow I'll tell you what I learned...I'm sure it will be riveting!! ;-)

I don't plan to post everyday; perhaps once a week, or when something specifically enlightening hits me. If you are reading the book as well, you can comment on any post or email me your thoughts (landopink [at] aol [dot] com). I'd like to share what you all are learning as well!

I want to encourage my "mommy friends" in particular, to grab this book and join in on this soul-nourishing path. Take some time to feed the most neglected part of you. The world screams, "Do something for yourself! You deserve some 'ME' time!". Now how many of you know there is an element of truth in every lie? The lie here is that you should buy something, go somewhere, or become something you are not. The element of truth is that you need to take care of yourself...spirit, body, AND soul.

I'll leave you with this analogy: When flight attendants go through their saftey schpiel, they tell passengers that if the oxygen masks drop down, adults should place their masks on first, and THEN help children or disabled passengers do the same. The idea is that the one responsible for others must be in health in order to help those in their charge. If you "pass out", who is going to take care of your family!?

Friday Funny!

2010-08-27T09:48:00.000-04:00

Remember it takes a college degree to fly a plane, but only a high school diploma to fix one; a reassurance to those of you who fly routinely in your jobs, I'm sure.

After every flight, UPS pilots fill out a form, called a "gripe sheet", which tells mechanics about problems with the aircraft. The mechanics correct the problems, document their repairs on the form, and then the pilots review the gripe sheets before the next flight.

Never let it be said that ground crews lack a sense of humor. Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by UPS pilots (marked with a P) and the solutions recorded (marked with an S) by maintenance engineers.

(By the way, UPS is the only major airline that has never, ever had an accident.)

P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
S: Almost replaced left inside main tire.
*
P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.
*
P: Something loose in cockpit.
S: Something tightened in cockpit.
*
P: Dead bugs on windshield.
S: Live bugs on back-order.
*
P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200-feet-per-minute descent.
S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.
*
P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
S: Evidence removed.
*
P: DME volume unbelievably loud.
S: DME volume set to more believable level.
*
P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
S: That's what friction locks are for.
*
P: IFF inoperative in OFF mode.
S: IFF is always inoperative in OFF mode.
*
P: Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you're right.
*
P: Number 3 engine missing.
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.
*
P: Aircraft handles funny.
S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right and be serious.
*
P: Target radar hums.
S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.
*
P: Mouse in cockpit.
S: Cat installed.
*
P: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding on something with a hammer.
S: Took hammer away from the midget.

Happy Friday!!

You're Invited!

2010-08-26T10:24:00.000-04:00

As promised, I have an invitation for you all! Well, maybe just the ladies...or maybe not...up to you.

BUT...before you get the invitation, you have to read my backstory, and it's kinda long. I know. Thank you, in advance.

Yesterday I told you about being given a book which I was not interested in reading at the time. I think it was 1999 or 2000; so about 10 years ago. At that time I was very focused on my "spiritual growth". I was reading everything Joyce Meyer had written to date, watching three or four preaching broadcasts a day, studying my Bible, listening to old Kenneth Copeland tapes (yes, tapes!), and spending as much time as I could in prayer and worship. I held to the philosophy that I didn't have time for anything that wasn't going to "build up my 'spirit man'". **Remember that thought; we'll come back to that in a moment.**

I did, in fact, spend the next several years building up that spirit [wo]man; she got to be quite strong, as a matter of fact. I have no regrets for having invested in my own spiritual growth. It is that inner strength of faith that has, to a large extent, kept my family together and kept me sane (well, mostly)! I have also spent a fair amount of time, money, and energy taking care of the outer me. Oh my goodness how much time, money, and energy I have spent on washing, clothing, painting, trimming, shaving, moisturizing, tanning, toning, exercising, feeding, and resting that outer woman!! Recently, I have begun to devote even more time to taking care of my body...not a bad thing to do, since I've only got one.

Here comes another BUT...what about that third part of me? I will try to be brief here. What? I will!

We are not merely humans with spirits. We are triune beings; there are three parts to each of us. We are a spirit; we are eternal beings, created in the image of God. We live in a body; our body is the suit we wear in order to live on this planet. It will NOT last forever. We also have a soul. This is where it gets fun...our soul has three parts: our mind, our will, and our emotions. Keeping it simple, we connect our earthly bodies to our eternal spirits with our souls. We cannot experience any understanding of God, or experience His love (or any of the Fruit of the Spirit) without our minds, our wills, and our emotions. Our souls are VITAL to our existence!!

And yet, how often do we feed and nurture them? It seems to me that we do quite the opposite! We shut our minds off and "veg out"; we admit we have no "willpower"; and we "repress" our emotions so that we do not have to deal with unpleasantries. Do I exaggerate? I don't think so. At least I will admit to you that this is what I have done. I have taken such tender loving care of two parts of myself and completely ignored the third!

Here is where we bring back that thought from earlier, and counter it with a new thought. I would like to propose that we can not truly grow in our spirits or bodies without truly growing in our souls. But don't take my word for it: 3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. It is this soul prosperity that I am after. I want to think, feel, and choose prosperously. I want to learn to recognize what I am thinking, feeling, or choosing at any given moment, instead of knowing what I "should" think, what I "should" feel, or what I "should" choose. In other words, I want to think, feel, and choose from a place of my own authenticity.

Enter my journey of self discovery and my dust covered book.

The book has dated readings for each day of the year, devotional-style. While the author does not recommend waiting until January 1 to begin reading, she does suggest that one start by completing January and February first and then skipping ahead to the appropriate day. The six Simple Abundance principles and how they work are explaned in January and then February is devoted to "excavating your authentic self". This is probably where I should place a disclaimer: This book is not specifically a Christian book. While I do think the author is a Christian, she has chosen to write from a more inclusive point of view. Again, this isn't a "spiritual" growth journey; it is a soul nurturing journey.

If you are like I was 10 years ago, you will not at all be interested in coming along with me. However, if you find yourself at a place in life where you are unsure of what you would buy, where you would go, or what you would do if you had 10 days without having to worry about taking care of another human being, or paying a bill, or cooking a meal...then meet me back here on September 1st.

You can check Simple Abundance out from your local library or purchase it here. Either way, you can embark on your very own journey to soul prosperity! I hope to see you here.

"A Journey of a Thousand Miles..."

2010-08-25T10:40:00.000-04:00

A few days ago RedDaddy came home from work with gifts for everyone. Now, I am a gift girl. In fact, Gift Giving is my top "love language". I triple heart to give AND receive presents!

RedDaddy, on the other hand, has a completely different love language than I (wait, is Sticking To The Budget No Matter What! a love language?), so this random act of kindness was unexpected, to say the least. He even wowed me with his clearance-table-minus-10% total! Guess I'm finally rubbing off on him. :-)

The point of this post is much deeper than my excitment over my husband buying me a coffee mug. I do, after all, own more coffee mugs than Imelda Marcos does shoes! The point isn't even that the coffee mug was a cute, thoughtful gift. I mean, it IS cute...just look at the front:

The point is that the mug spoke to me, and not in a "Shirley MacLaine channeling" sort of way, either. It spoke to me in a "get this right and all will be well" sort of way. Since I couldn't get a shot of the back that you could read, here's what it says:

LIFE IS A DANCE

As you share your unique talent,

You are experiencing the joy of life,

Connecting with who you are

and finding the gifts you have to share.

DANCE!

Hmmmm... anyone else have trouble with this? Come on, I know you do! My BFF-Hometown and I had a hearty laugh over how hard it is to complete one of those "personality" quizzes. Really, who can answer all those questions about themselves confidently? I'm always hollering into another room, "Ruby, would you say I'm more this or this?" , or "Peach, do you think I do this more often, or that?", or even "Hey, RedDaddy, would you say I'm more a this-person, or a that-person?" Oh, please...you know you do the same thing!

What bothers me about this coffee mug, is that I really want to dance. I do! I want to just "be myself" and "connect with who I am". The problem is, I'm not sure who that is. Not to sound too mid-life-crisis-y, but I often wonder what exactly IS my unique talent, what ARE the gifts that I have to share?

Oh, I know some things, like who I am as a wife and a mother. I know what kind of friend I am. I know I have experience as a homeschooler and as a mother that is a help to others. I realize that I CAN do many things. What I don't know for certain is what I WANT to do. What are my hopes, my dreams, what do I truly LIKE.

Here's a great example of what I'm talking about: If I go into a furniture or home decor store, I am immediately drawn to what is durable and cheap. Really. Not what I find pretty or what I'd truly love to have. If you ask me what will hold up to kids and what will hide stains, I can tell you without a second's hesitation. But ask me what I like...uumm, well...I have NO idea!

Now, I am not without hope, or without a plan. (Hey, that's something else I'm good at...planning!) Several years ago my MIL gave me a book that I was not ready to read. Fast forward 10 or so years, and I think I'm ready. I've already talked my BFF-Hometown into taking a one month long, self-discovery journey with me. Tomorrow, I'll invite you all to join us as well! Stay tuned.

Do You Hear That?

2010-08-12T10:31:00.000-04:00

A 16 year old girl that we know nearly died yesterday in a terrible car accident. She was driving on the Interstate, in the rain, when an 18-wheeler came over on her. She, being an inexperienced driver, swerved out of his way, which caused her Ford Freestyle (basically a cross-over) to spin. The vehicle spun into the wooded median where it hit "something hard" and proceeded to flip, end over end. The girl and her friend were able to crawl out of the upside down car and walk away with minor bruises and scratches.

Her mother called RedDaddy last night with the details, tearfully exclaiming that there were 100 ways her baby could have died and praising God's mercy for her safety. She ended the conversation by telling him to "go hug each one of your girls and tell them they are never getting a driver's license".

Um. No.

Before I go any further, I want to be clear that this is NOT a gossipy, holier-than-thou post. This is me sounding the alarm!

I was on the cell phone with RedDaddy when the call came in that "Ashley" had been in an accident. He asked me to pray for her and then told me about her planned trip. Ashley is 16, and has had her license for about 6 months. She and a friend were headed 3 1/2 hours away, on the Interstate, in the rain, to pick up two other friends and make the return trip...3 1/2 hours, Interstate, more rain...in the same day. Anyone else see a flaw in this slaw?

A little bit more back story on "Ashley" and another disclaimer: I do NOT think she is a bad kid! I don't think she is very different from most 16 year olds. I have NO specific problem with Ashley personally. However, there are some observations that are important to my point. First of all, RedDaddy has seen her driving...cigarette in one hand, cell phone in the other; taking corners far too fast; and doing the typical teenage radio fiddling, head bopping, friend laughing thing. Secondly, the first time I was in her home, I walked past her bedroom to the restroom. When I came out I whispered to RedDaddy, "Who smokes?" He said, "No one." I raised an eyebrow. He replied, "Well, Ashley burns incense in her room." I actually laughed out loud and said, "Oh, so that's what they're calling it now!" Not two weeks later he came home and said, "Well, you pegged it. Ashley's mom caught her smoking...and not Marlboro's either."

Now, my problem is not that she is a typical teenage driver, or that she smokes (although the pot is problematic, being illegal and all). My problem is with the parental response. The course of action on the smoking front was to give her permission to smoke cigarettes...and ONLY cigarettes...because, "Hey, they're gonna do what they want anyway!"

Really, Mom? Really? And yet, now that SHE almost got killed on the Interstate you want ME to deny my kids a driver's license. Like I said: Um. No!

I have some ideas: How 'bout we teach our kids to be responsible BEFORE we give them liberties that may get them killed!? How 'bout we teach our kids that smoking or drinking is not good for you, and that it is illegal before the age of 18 or 21? How about we teach them to respect the authority God has placed them under (IE: parent and government) by obeying rules and regulations? Why don't we monitor them as they are given new privileges/responsibilities and help them to handle new found freedoms?

I liken it to the idea of teaching kids to swim. How did you do that? Did you throw yours in the deep end of the pool and say, "Well, there you go. You have to learn sometime! I can't shelter you forever." NO! You got in the water WITH them. You held the close until they became comfortable. Then you gave them some instructions and had them try floating while you HELD them. Little by little you gave them more and more "freedom", all the while sticking close by in case they got into trouble. Eventually, they could swim on their own. Of course, you still sat near by and watched...just in case.

You know what? I'm tired. I'm tired of reading articles about kids dying in preventable car accidents. I'm tired of hearing about 10 year old alcoholics, or 12 year old drug addicts. I'm tired of watching babies have babies. And I'm tired of seeing the helpless looks on parents' faces!

Anybody ever heard a tornado siren? Well, listen up! I'm sounding the alarm. There is a storm approaching...NOW! Get your kids to shelter. RUN! Don't hesitate! It will snatch them up and throw them around like rag dolls. IT WILL KILL THEM! Get them to safety...NOW! Don't buy the lie that sheltering your kids is wrong!!

It's YOUR job, not the school's, not the government's, not even the church's. It's all you. YOU are anointed by God to raise them and are graced beyond what any other person on this planet is for YOUR child. YOU are the defense God has designed for their precious hearts, minds, and bodies.

Take a stand. Man up! Make the hard decisions. Say, NO! for goodness sake. Ashley and her mom thought it would be fun for her and her friends to make that trip yesterday. So, Ashley AND her mom should have gone! Today they are rethinking the value of "fun" vs. "wise". I hope you are too.

I've written this through tears. I pray that every parent who reads it will take a few moments to examine their relationship with their kids. Shore up any weak spots now, before the winds begin to blow (no matter what ages your kids are). And if you're not sure how to do that, I truly want to help!

Tea Time Tuesday: Vegan Blueberry Muffins

2010-08-10T10:56:00.000-04:00

Most all of you know that our family has been eating a vegan diet for the last few months. We are eating about 70% raw fruits and vegetables, 25% cooked grains and veggies, and <5% meat and dairy. It was a big change, but a surprisingly easy change. We were facing some ugly health issues and none of the alternatives (medical intervention, disease, death) were very attractive!

So many of my friends can't believe that we are eating this way! We were a fast food, junk food bunch. But the truth is our whole family has been enjoying all the new foods we've been trying. The older girls and I are learning a new way to cook: without the obvious meat and dairy, but also without white flour or sugar, and using "good" fats. Now, enjoying baking as I do, this has been an adventure!

Since it is Tuesday, I thought I'd share a delicious, vegan muffin recipe with you. If you don't tell anyone these are healthy, they won't know the difference ;-)...I promise! The only ingredient that may be foreign to you is ground flax seed. You can find it at Publix or Wal-Mart on the baking aisle. This is a MUST HAVE product. You can use it as a substitute for eggs or oil, and it is a great source of Omega 3 oils (2600mg/2 Tbsp.) AND it adds protein (3g) and fiber (4g). See...I told you it was a must have!

Vegan Blueberry Muffins (Makes 12)
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup self-rising corn meal
1/2 cup old fashioned oats
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup almond milk (or reg. milk)
1/2 cup honey
7 Tbsp ground flax seed mixed with 3 Tbsp water
2 Tbsp olive oil
(*I have also made these with 3 Tbsp. unsweetened applesauce and 1/4 cup oil in place of the flax seed and oil listed here.*)
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Mix all dry ingredients. Combine wet ingredients; stir into the dry just until moistened. Batter will be slightly lumpy. GENTLY fold in blueberries (or any other berry or fruit you like). Fill paper muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 400 for 17-20 minutes.

So good and good for you!!

Life is What You Make It!

2010-07-07T15:13:00.000-04:00

If you are reading this, you are probably quite familiar with blogging. Blogging is more than a form of expression; I have found it to be a form of community. I can't even begin to tell you all the interesting connections I have made through writing my blog and reading other's blogs. Truly amazing!

A few months ago, I "met" a blogger who also happens to be a quilter. Most of my friends know how I love quilting. My friends also know I rarely have time to quilt...or HAD time, I should say, because my new bloggy friend Tracey has inspired me to "find" time for what I truly want to do. She is also very generous. First, she sent Coral a care package to make this quilt. Then, she surprised ME with a care package of my own. I decided to stop making excuses and get sewing!!

So, in four days, I made this:

It's only throw-sized (about 40 x 66), but it's just about right for a sofa throw or to cuddle up and read under.

Here's the back:

I love adding a bit of piecing to the back...new territory for me, but I really like the way it looks!

As soon as I began piecing this I knew two things: who would be its recipient, and that I wanted to free-motion quilt cute flowers on it. I practiced a little on some scraps and then decided to just jump in and go for it! I'm pleased with the results. What do you think? This is the front:

And here's some quilting on the back:

Tracey gave me her "rules" of quilt photography, which I obeyed. However, what she failed to mention is that one has to have at least a TINY bit of photography talent to pull it off! Guess it doesn't run in the family...figures!!

Things To Do Today: Blog.

2010-03-30T10:58:00.000-04:00

Does anyone NOT know how much I LOVE LISTS?!!?

Oh my goodness! I joke that even my lists have lists. I think in lists. I often dream in list form (really). Everything in my life is on a list. Everything!

Now, I must confess that most of MY lists are in my head. The things that I do everyday or every week are on a running list in my noggin. I rarely forget those tasks. I do, however, often miss the extras. When RedDaddy asks me to do something that is out of the routine, I MUST write it down! I can not tell you the number of times I have had to confess, "I forgot!" And, oh man! How I hate having to tell him that!!

Probably as much as I hate hearing it from 5 females I know and love! The daily routine of each of my girls is also running through my head...all day...every day. BUT. I know how hard it is for them to remember, so...

Can you even begin to imagine my delight at finding this site? No. I don't think you can! Mostly because you probably don't know how crazy hard I find creating a simple, stinking, spreadsheet! Anyone else in my boat? Well, then you're going to LOVE DLTK...trust me.

They allow you to create custom, printable chore charts, with the cutest themes...for FREE. Yes, ma'am, they do. The list (They have lists on their list-making site!!! Just Heavenly, I tell you!) of characters and themes is super for the youngsters. The theme, image, title, jobs, even font and text color...all your choice. And Chore Charts are only one of several printable forms they offer. Go there and create away!

So far, Coral chose a frog, Rose picked a Princess (go figure!), and Scarlet went with Thomas the Tank Engine. The older ones are mostly at the point of having their own mental lists running...how cool is that?! I need to see the list in order to keep everyone accountable. And in order to run a tight ship, accountability is key.

One last tip: Make your charts reuseable. Laminate each child's chart, then use dry erase markers to check off tasks as they are completed. Or, slip them in page protectors, place them into your Household Notebook, and do the same.

Happy Listing!!

What a Relief!

2010-02-19T10:39:00.000-05:00

Well, thanks to RedDaddy's sister, "Bob" has a new name: Petrie. As in the little pteranodon in "The Land Before Time" (Though there were 13 videos all told, I honestly only ever watched the first one.)

Since our Petrie has his wings clipped and can therefore not fly, I think it fits.

I loved that movie when it first came out. I was working in a preschool and we played it every afternoon for the school-aged kids. So many cute lines.

This clip is one of my favorites. The way Petrie takes ownership of caring for Littlefoot's treasure is charming:

In the words of Gus Portokalos: "So. Der you go!"

We Need Your Help!

2010-02-18T11:49:00.000-05:00

The Pink household has a new addition. And we think it's blue! Well, male anyway; he is mostly green, with a peach face (hence the label Peach-faced Lovebird), and a blue rump.

You may remember Cinnamon. He never did quite recover from our mishap. I think it was me that didn't ever recover. When we moved back to Hometown, Florida he stayed with our neighbor who had fallen for him. They both seemed happy with the arrangement.

But then we also "lost" our kitty during the transition. We had successfully moved her twice. Both times she disappeared for a few days, and then showed back up looking for food and love. This time, however she hung around for a day or two and then left us for (I choose to believe) greener pastures.

So, we have been petless for the last eight months. The kiddos liked the idea of a new pet, but our possibilities were limited to caged, non-dander producing animals. Since I love watching and listening to birdies, I began working on RedDaddy. He wasn't really a hard sell...he loves me!

This little guy was my idea, and will be my baby. So much cheaper than a baby-baby, and birds don't tend to talk back! ;)

Isn't he pretty?! Only problem is, we can't decide on a name. Wanna help? I'll take any and all suggestions...well, except Bob. His tail feathers are, for some reason, bobbed (they will grow back in just fine) and so I joked about calling him Bob. The family has started to use that, and I don't want it to stick!

So, put your thinkin' caps on and help a girl out! He has a very sweet, cuddly disposition, but has a propensity to do this:

He loves to hang upside down! Silly boy. (you can see his nipped tail)

And just to give you an idea of scale:

He is about the same size as the caster on the piano leg!

I know I should probably offer a prize to whomever names our new Lovebird, but...well, I got nuthin'. Tell you what: come back here tomorrow and I'll share my crazy good hoecake recipe, complete with photos and smell-a-vision. Deal?

It May Be YOUR Birthday, But I Got The Gift!

2010-02-05T11:23:00.001-05:00

**Disclaimer: I wrote this post for myself, and for "Rose". My goal this year is to write each of my girls' birth stories on their respective birthdays. Today is "Rose's" day. This is a long post; boring for most; but precious to me! Continue at your own choosing, but if you decide to partake, leave a birthday wish for her in the comments...please!**

Six years ago yesterday, I got out of bed, poured cereal and milk for the girls, made a cup of raspberry tea for myself, and announced to my family, "We will be having a baby today!"

The day progressed much like three other days of note in my life. Braxton-Hicks contractions giving way to "real" contractions, becoming stronger, longer, and closer as the hours passed. No panic, just a sense of anticipation charging the air.

I called my mid-wife sometime mid-day to put her in the know. Around 5:00 PM she came over and checked on me. I was only 3 cm dialated, but I had been here before, and knew things would kick up. Did I want her to stay, she asked. No, I would call her later.

RedDaddy had gone to work that day, but keep in constant touch. I remember feeling like a watched kettle ;) That feeling only intensified when, after skipping church (it was a Wednesday), I answered the telephone to hear a friend say, "Well, I guess you aren't in labor after all." As I leaned against the piano for support, I said, "Yeah, well tell that to my uterus!", and quickly handed off the phone.

We put the three girls (that sounds weird) to bed, with promises that we would wake them up for the blessed event, though they would be heading to Grandma and Papa's house for the actual delivery; we let said grandparents know they were "on call"; and then we gave the mid-wife another update over the phone. I insisted that we should try to get some sleep, knowing how much energy was about to be expended.

I think we went to bed around 10:00 and I was able to sleep for all of an hour. I stayed in bed timing contractions for another hour, until the discomfort...who am I kidding...PAIN was too great and I headed for the living room couch.

Then began four of the most Spiritual (capitalized intentionally) hours of my life. There are not enough words to describe that time; perhaps if I could paint or sculpt or... I am once again at a loss for expression!

I have given birth five times. Five. I've given birth in a hospital, in a birthing center, and in two different homes. I have given birth amidst a room full of people, a house full of people, and in the company of only my husband and a mid-wife. I have worked VERY hard, and hardly exerted myself at all (given the task). I have experienced EXTREME pain, and I have thought, "That wasn't so bad." I have labored quietly, and I have made more noise than I'd like to admit.

BUT...none of the other experiences were anything like this night. It was just me and God in the dark. He held my hand, He wiped my brow, He whispered comforting encouragement, He took the pain. I knew He was there. Really there. If I had ever doubted His existence (and honestly, who hasn't?) He proved Himself to me in the early morning hours of February 5, 2004.

There is so much more I'd like to convey, but I suppose it's meant to stay between me and my Lord.

I will however, share the culmination of Sweet Rose's entrance into this world. (You can hardly wait, right?!)

Just before 4:00 AM I looked at the clock in utter surprise at how much time had elapsed. The next contraction hit with punch and I realized things had gotten quite serious! I began to feel uneasy for the first time that night/morning, so I told the Lord, "I'm not really sure when to call Heidi (our mid-wife), but I don't want to wait too late. You tell me when to call, okay?" With the next breath came another contraction, and with that contraction, for the first time in my mommy career, my water broke!

At first I wasn't sure what had happened. Then I started to feel warmth and thought, "Ooooooh!" I shouted, "RedDaddy (well not really), you need to call Heidi! My water just broke!" Poor guy. He was in a deep sleep and hadn't realized I wasn't in the bed. He jumped up and then couldn't find me. When he did, I was trying to get to the bathroom, but insisted that he call Heidi and his parents. He did, and I did.

We met back in the living room. The girls were getting their bags, I was trying to find that peaceful place I had spent the last four hours, RedDaddy was getting our bed ready for the birth of our fourth daughter, and my mid-wife and father-in-law were on their ways.

Heidi arrived at 4:35 AM, immediately followed by RedDaddy's dad. Heidi came into our living room, knelt in front of me and just silently watched me have a contraction. She ever so calmly got to her feet and told RedDaddy, "Let's get her to the bed...and we don't have time for that" pointing to the pool we had planned to inflate for a water birth.

As I made my way down the hall my father-in-law was trying to stay out of the way, but get the kids to the car. We made it to the bed just as I had the urgre to push. Heidi took one look at me and said, "You know, the kids may as well stay put, this baby is coming now." I agreed, so Dad just took them back to their rooms and waited the roughly 10 minutes.

Yes, she came swiftly and easily. Three pushes and we were holding her! A few quick minutes of clean up and the girls were able to meet their newest sister. She was perfect; 7 and a half pounds of pure pink love.

Her un-blog-cognito name means "wise ruler or counsellor who is full of grace". I love her name for it truly fits her. I love her for she truly fits our family. I love the memory of her birth for it truly fits my God!

Sanity, Some Days You Elude Me.

2010-02-01T12:42:00.000-05:00

But stories like this help. At least I'm not alone :)

Did you hear about the Texas teacher who was helping one of her kindergarten students put on his cowboy boots?

He asked for help and she could see why..

Even with her pulling and him pushing, the little boots still didn't want to go on. By the time they got the second boot on, she had worked up a sweat.

She almost cried when the little boy said, 'Teacher, they're on the wrong feet.' She looked, and sure enough, they were. It wasn't any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on, this time on the right feet...

He then announced, 'These aren't my boots.'

She bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream, 'Why didn't you say so?' like she wanted to. Once again, she struggled to help him pull the ill-fitting boots off his little feet. No sooner had they gotten the boots off when he said, 'They're my brother's boots. My mom made me wear 'em.'

Now she didn't know if she should laugh or cry. But, she mustered up what grace and courage she had left to wrestle the boots on his feet again.

Helping him into his coat, she asked, 'Now, where are your mittens?'

He said, 'I stuffed 'em in the toes of my boots.'

She will be eligible for parole in three years!

THIS my dear friends is what a day in my life is like...except they are MY children!! And I wouldn't change it for the world because I love each one of them more than life itself.

Tea Time Tuesday Rides Again!!

2010-01-26T09:32:00.001-05:00

Yesterday Ruby asked me if we could have Tea Time today, complete with tea bread.

Oh the joy of a child of mine desiring Tea Time!! Not to mention the thrill of the knowledge that today is, in fact, an up calorie day...bring on the tea bread and pass the buttah!!

So, I am inviting my tea loving friends to join us this afternoon for tea. Well, virtual tea, I suppose. Brew a pot of the good stuff, grab a scone or even a cookie, and have a peaceful respite.

And think of me! I'll be thinking of you...and how quiet YOUR tea time will be, minus the five of my girlies :)

Just Curious...

2010-01-12T11:10:00.000-05:00

How many of you would read a book written by little ol' me?

I suppose the real question is: How many of you would BUY a book written by me? haha

More Holiday Give-away's...Yippee!

2009-12-11T12:52:00.000-05:00

BooMama is totally rockin' my world with two give-away's! Check 'em out.

The first one is a HP TouchSmart 600 computer. This thing is cool with a capital coo!

Go here and follow the directions.

Here are four more chances to win one of these babies:
Kelly's Reviews
Totally Together Reviews
My Chraming Kids
The NieNie Dialogues

The second one is $500 worth of L'Bel Paris skincare. $500 in SKINCARE!!Oh for the love of all that is smooth, go here NOW and enter!

Here are other blogs giving away the same products:

Jenny on the spot
Lucky Cat Reviews
Metalia Reviews
Stylish Reviews
Nothing But Bonfires

Happy entering!

Grab a Cuppa...This is Gonna Be a Long One.

2009-12-10T14:53:00.000-05:00

I've been laboring over this post. I want to write it, but don't really have a "feel" for it. Sometimes that's how the very best posts begin...sometimes not. I suppose we'll see which it turns out to be.

As I shared this summer, we moved back to our home town the end of June. It was a very difficult decision; actually, the final decision was a swift one, it was releasing ourselves to the very thought, that was tough. Once we told the Lord we would go WHEREVER He wanted us to go, peace came flooding in. And though we hated to leave our good friends and the city we had come to love, our path was clear, and just as Prov. 3 :17 promises, "all [wisdom's] ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."

We found remarkable favor everywhere we turned; from the storage facility owner, to my in-love's, right on through finding a home to lease and a job for RedDaddy! The stories of God's goodness to us during that time are innurmerable; here are just a few:

Peach woke Sunday July 12 with terrible stomache pains, after a quick Internet check we were off to the ER. Sure enough, a few hours later she was in surgery having her appendix removed. Of course, the hospital's first question is, "What insurance do you have? Oh, none? Then how are you going to pay for this?" Enter God's goodness: because RedDaddy had not officially been hired (he started his job the next week), Peach qualified for medicade. The total of all the bills: $27,000...yes, that's twenty-seven THOUSAND dollars!! 100% covered! Can you say Hallelujah?!

RedDaddy's job was another amazing move of God. He found the job listed on Craig's list, after combing the Internet for months. He applied, interviewed and tested over a period of three weeks. He landed the job over 20 other applicants by a mile! He scored the highest on the aptitude test and greatly impressed his employer. I am so proud of him; all of his years of listening and learning about business paid off! The Lord's blessing on this job was further manifested when his status was changed from independant contractor to employee just weeks in. This meant the difference between being paid by the piece each month, and a weekly salary...Glory to God!

And have I told you about our house? It is a 1941 gem! We have always wanted an ~~old~~ vintage home. This is just a charmer: wood floors throughout, a beautiful fireplace with a cherry mantle and a green marble facing, original tile but updated fixtures in the baths, granite countertops in the kitchen, a brick garden patio, plantation shutters...I could go on and on. Did I mention we are half a block from "the River", which is a salt water inlet from Tampa Bay...which means palm trees, pelicans, and dolphins?! I know you need pictures, but I'm having camera/computer issues...sorry :( Anyway, we were able to work out a great deal to lease with first right or refusal on a purchase. AND we payed more in Tallahassee for a smaller house without all the charm. Overall: it was God!

During all of these events we have been assured God is with us. His Presence has been almost tangible. Our desire to serve Him has never been stronger. Our original plan was for RedDaddy to work hard, and for us to tithe and serve in the local church, and just live a "normal" life (insert wild laughter here). However, "the gifts and calling of God are without repentance"; in other words, "Hey, Pink family, you're not going to get off that easy!"

We can't get away from our calling! God has placed in us the gifts of the Pastoral office and with that the charge to steward that gift wisely. We are relationship builders and do it wherever we are; we also shepherd people wherever we are. This puts us in a strange place within the local church. So, after much deliberation, we informed our former pastor that we were leaving that local body to fulfll the call of God on our lives. And so we are!

The last few weeks have been chock-full of vision, and purpose, and great fulfillment! We are ministering to everyone that God brings our way, on the job, in our home, extended family, through the Internet...it is truly amazing how many doors have opened to us now that we are "free" to give of ourselves. We have purposed to allow the Father to complete His refining process (remember this?) and through it all He has kindled the passion in us to a full-on blaze!!

Right now we are meeting with the people God has placed on our hearts as possible "pioneers". We are casting vision and allowing the Holy Spirit to draw those who share our passion for the family. This is a new day, and God is doing new and exciting things.

We covet your prayers. Put our names on your fridge and pray for us everytime you pass it. We ARE going to serve our community the love of God, the wisdom of God, and the freedom found only in Christ!

Attention Holiday Shoppers:

2009-12-07T12:32:00.003-05:00

I have MUCH to blog about...everything from Christmas Tree lot pictures, to ministry updates...however, I want to share a coool give-away with you.

If you're lookin' for these...

go here and follow the directions!

Promise to come back here tomorrow for some Pink Family News!

Lighten Up!

2009-11-24T09:44:00.001-05:00

Anyone else hoping to skate through the holidays withOUT an added 5 or so pounds?

I love to bake, I mean really love it. Lately I've been trying to figure out how to give up calories without giving up something I really enjoy. Here are some great tips! I'd love to tell you where I found this, but, I have no idea :(

Keep your holiday table on the straight and narrow with these 5 simple substitutions:

Unsweetened Applesauce. When making sweet breads, such as cranberry or banana, go easy on the oil. If your recipe calls for one cup of oil, cut it down to half a cup of oil and add half a cup of unsweetened applesauce, canned pumpkin puree, mashed banana, or pureed plums. Substituting one cup of vegetable oil with one cup of unsweetened applesauce will save you a whopping 1,917 calories and 218 grams of fat!

Reduced-Fat Sour Cream. When baking recipes call for sour cream, substitute the full fat variety with equal amounts of low-fat sour cream. This simple swap will save you 212 calories and 32 grams of fat for every one cup substitution! ** Last night I baked a chocolate cake from a mix. I cut the oil in half and added 2/3 cup of low-fat sour cream. I am telling you, that was the most moist cake I have ever eaten...ever! Truly fantastic.**

Fat Free Plain Yogurt. Just say “NO” to mayo! Substitute mayonnaise with an equal amount of fat free plain yogurt. A one cup portion will save you 1,332 calories and 160 grams of fat!

Skim Milk. With 44 grams of fat in just one cup, heavy cream certainly lives up to its name. When making soup or casseroles cut heavy cream out entirely and substitute with skim milk. A one cup substitution will save you 847 calories and 96 grams of fat!

Fat Free Broth. When sautéing, replace cooking oil with vegetable spray or one to two tablespoons of fat free broth, water, or juice. Swapping one tablespoon of olive oil with two tablespoons of fat free chicken broth will save you 79 calories and 14 grams of fat!

The Land of Pink wishes all of bloggy land a wonderful Thanksgiving. Enjoy the food, but LOVE the people!

If You Can't Take The Heat...Well, You Know.

2009-11-17T10:03:00.000-05:00

This last few weeks have been very interesting. We have sensed the Holy Spirit trying to tell us something, or do something, or...something. RedDaddy and I have felt unsettled in our spirits. Which of course, caused us to be unsettled elsewhere.

I won't bore you with the details, but many areas of our lives came under question. Not the least of which, was our ministry. I'm sure you have never heard that from us before. Anyway...

Sunday mornings he and I are part of a leadership team that prays with our pastor before service. This week I couldn't go, so RedDaddy went alone. Pastor had a guest there who shared some things pertaining to leadership, ministry leadership in particular.

He talked about gold being refined. Before you think you've heard this before, stay with me. He shared about the heat, the dross being skimmed off, yes. But then, it got very close to home.

He said that after the impurities are removed, there is a further refinement that must take place if the gold is to be BEST quality. You see, there are other precious metals in gold ore; metals like zinc, copper, lead, and silver. These other metals are good, useful, precious even, but they are not Pure Gold. Each of them have a use, many uses, but not the same use as gold.

What this man of God shared was that most Christian leaders give up on the refining process before the other "precious" materials are removed. They make it through the super heating, and through the removal of impurities, but when the Goldsmith begins to remove the good additives to make them truly pure, they throw in the towel.

It affected RedDaddy and I profoundly! We decided right then and there to allow God to remove anything and everything from our lives...from our home, from our family, from our marriage, from our ministry, from our jobs, from our heats, from where ever...that was not the BEST.

We have been making life changing decisions left and right! This is a thrilling time for us. A time of stripping away the fluff and getting down to what's REAL! Oh, Hallelujah!!

I was reminded of the way in which the goldsmith determines when the gold is truly pure...it reflects HIS FACE!

I'm Curious if This Works.

2009-11-12T10:37:00.000-05:00

Check out this link and let me know if you can read my SparkPeople post without logging in...Kay?

Desperate Measures.

Posted using ShareThis

Take, Take, Take it ALL!

2009-11-11T12:36:00.000-05:00

In our last home my big, garden tub was everyone's choice for a bath. We always bathed the youngest two together in that tub for convenience sake. Of course, bubble were required for both them and me!!

One day I was heading for a much deserved soak, and was filling the tub. Scarlet (4) popped in my bedroom to ~~tattletale on someone~~ ask a question. She stopped talking and stared into my bathroom.

"Mommy, are you going to take a bubble bath?"

"Yes, Honey, I am."

"Are you going to use MY bubbles?"

"Well, I was going to, yes. Is that alright?"

"Um. Yes. You can use my bubble bath, but I really don't want you to play with my toys."

Of course, I held the laughter just until the door closed!

I got in that hot, bubbly tub and thought about what she had said. It occured to me that I have said that very thing to my Parent often.

How many times have I told My Father, "Yes, you can use my this, but I really don't want you to play with my that."

Have you ever said, "You can have my time, but I really don't want you to play with my money." Or, "You can have my Sunday morning, but I really don't want you to play with my Tuesday afternoon." Or, "You can have my job, but I really don't want you to play with my marriage."

Just say it with me: Ouch! Hallelujah!

Today, I'm inviting Him to play with ALL my toys...every last one! Why don't you join me?

I Don't Know What Happened.

2009-11-10T09:38:00.000-05:00

Really. I don't. I was checking email, updating my Nutrition page on SparkPeople, and WHAM! The next thing I know I'm crying.

In fact, this post is being typed through tears.

This is what landed me smack-dab in the middle of the Ugly Cry:
Southern Fried Pies The Best Recipe

No, it's not because I should NEVER EVER eat anything remotely resembling these as long as I live. It is because I HAVE EATEN dozens of these gastronomical wonders! I thought they were lost to me forever...until this morning.

See, my Grandmother made chocolate fried pies for me often. Once, I even made them with her. But, alas, I was only nine or ten years old at the time and had no idea how important the recipe would be to me ~~twenty-eight~~ fifteen years later.

After Grandmother ran off with Jesus, the whole family began a search for her recipes. Being a true Southern woman, she had precious few recipes. Fried Pies NOT being one of them!

I'm not surprised; this was the lady who made all her own church dresses, and skirt and jacket suits, herself...without patterns. She used to shop at Goodwill for dresses or blouses that had just the right collar or sleeve, and then take the thing apart to use as a pattern for that particular dress element.

She once laughed at me when I asked her to buy me a pattern for a skirt I wanted to make.

"Let me see that pattern. Well that's just a basic A-line with a little kick-pleat in the back. You just need a front and a back, a waist-band, and a zipper."

"Well, how do I know how much fabric to buy?"

"As small as you are [yes, she actually used the word small to refer to ME] you can get a front and a back out of the width, so all you need to buy is the length."

"Okay, but how much fabric do I need to buy?"

This went on for some minutes before she just decided to make me the skirt that very afternoon.

She baked, cooked, sewed, and quilted all the same way. Radar, I guess. I'm finding I have inherited that; I haven't fully developed it yet, however. Which is why I haven't been able to duplicate the Fried Pies.

My dad, his brother, my cousins have all been on the same quest to answer the question "How the heck did she make those?!"

This recipe is it. I just know it. I don't even have to try it out. I read it and was immediately standing in her 1957 kitchen, right in the corner up against the lazy susan. She was telling me to "just mix up a little pie crust", and then "just make a little paste out of the cocoa" , and finally "we'll just fry him up in the skillet". Oh, I was there! She was there! I could smell it!

And the tears are back. I miss her so much. When I was a kid I never imagined I'd feel this way; I never thought about Grandmother and Grandaddy not being just a phone call away. But now they are, and I miss them terribly. I think of them most every day, but usually it's a happy memory or a habit I learned from one of them that makes me smile. I often think how very much they would have enjoyed my kids. Only my oldest two had the opportunity to know them (I'm not even sure they remember).

But today I am grieving. All because in my search for a low-fat muffin recipe I "happened" on a treasure!

Yes, I am sheding sad tears, but also happy tears for I KNOW I will see them both soon...and in the mean time, we're gonna "fry up a little chocolate pie"!

Your Stunned Silence is Very Reassuring!

2009-11-06T09:45:00.000-05:00

So, no takers on SparkPeople? Alllllrighty then...

Moving on:

I'm thinking about resurrecting Tea Time Tuesday. What do you think? Was that something ya'll liked or was it just for me? Either way I may go for it. Now that the weather is cooling here I'm craving tea. Of course, scones are hard to do low cal ;)

I have been trying my hand at low-fat baking. I'm pretty sure I'm related to Paula Deen, given our shared love of "buttah", so this has been quite a stretch for me. Applesauce has become my new best friend. Now I'm working on a substitute for butter ON my muffins, biscuits, etc.

Anyone have a low-fat option they like?

I'm torn between using the artificial sweeteners and fat substitutes, and using the real deal in moderation. Apparenly, it's that moderation thing that I tend to have trouble with.

We had a funny the other night. I asked a family member if she had any sweetener for RedDaddy's iced tea. She said, "I do, but you know it's poison, right?" I replied, "Well, I don't want him to go before me, so I'd better have some poison, too." I don't think she appreciated my attempt at humor...oh well.

What's your take on the subject? Are you in the low-fat-low-cal-at-any-cost camp, or the natural-even-if-it-means-a few-extra-pounds camp?

Join me!

2009-11-05T15:04:00.001-05:00

As I shared yesterday, I've joined SparkPeople. If you're not familiar, it is a weight-loss/health community on the net. There is an overwhelming amount of info, tools, articles, buddies...you name it, they got it!

I am really needing to get this weight thing under control. I know that overeating and undermoving are not pleasing to God. I believe He has given me this direction as a sort of life preserver. Well, I'm going to grab hold and let Him pull me in to shore!

I'd love for you all to meet me there. You can either set up a page and begin your own journey, or just create a profile so you can follow mine. Either way you'll have to create a user name here. My user name is PROVERBS4MOM. Once you create your own user name go to the Community tab on the top nav bar, click on SparkPages from the drop down menu, then type me into the search box. You can read and comment there just like here.

I really am asking for support from all my friends. This is important to me and, not to sound needy, but I need you!

Just thought you'd like to know...

2009-11-04T09:19:00.008-05:00

I am, in fact still alive.

Here are the bullet points:

Our family moved back to Hometown, USA in late June (staying with the In-love's temporarily).
Peach had emergency surgery (appendectomy) mid-July. Total "Secret place of the Most High" stuff!
RedDaddy started a new job as a business consultant here in late July.
We moved into a way cool 1940's home early August (pics to come...mmmmmaybe).
We are back at our home church, serving in several areas.
School is going well for all the Pinks.
I've gotten de-railed in the weight loss department...feels more like a train wreck!
We are STILL trying to figure out just what it is God wants to do with our lives.

I sure have missed all my bloggy friends! Not only has my life been in a blender for the last several months (technically, the last three+ years), but I have also had no computer. RedDaddy uses his laptop everyday at work now, and that was the only computer we had.
WAS. Until my dad decided he needed to upgrade from his two year old laptop. Guess who got to share in the wealth? So...the Land of Pink in online once again. Whop! Whop!
I'm not sure how much blogging I'm ready to do. I'm attempting to spend time here each day. Attempting is the key word. Struggling is probably more accurate. Prayers would be appreciated.
I hope all is well with all of you. I truly have missed the fun of bloggyland :)

Shhhh...

2009-04-10T11:10:00.006-04:00

It's a surprise!

Tonight's party, that is.

My sweet Ruby turned SIXTEEN on Tuesday. So, we are having a surprise party in her honor tonight.

My In-love's are on their way from Sarasota as I type, Peach and I picked up the decorations last night, and as far as I can tell, Ruby has no clue!

Today will be filled with "Grandma and Papa are coming" prep (code for "we're havin' a party" prep), cake baking, and Mama's baby is a grown-up angst.

How did this happen?! She was walking around in her daddy's dress shoes just yesterday...today she can't even fit into MY shoes! Just last week she answered the phone, "Hey-yo, Daddy!", and today it's "Pink residence, this is Ruby speaking."

I have a very tender, wistful post in my head, but my heart won't let me type it. Maybe, just maybe, if I don't put it down in words, it won't be real. Maybe I'll wake up tomorrow and she'll still be three...

Maybe, but probably not.

And so, I'm out of luck.

Pray for me friends, this isn't gonna be easy.

I Think My Kids May Be Doing Too Much Cleaning...NAAAAAAH!

2009-04-05T20:26:00.007-04:00

RedDaddy: "Hey, Scarlet, tell Momma about you 'thingers'."

Scarlet: "Well, this is my Pinkie thinger. This is my, is this my ring thinger? Yeah, this is my ring thinger. This is my middle thinger. This is my windex thinger. And this is my fum."

RedDaddy: "Which thinger is this again?"

Scarlet: "Daddy, you know, that's my WINDEX THINGER!"

The Land of Pink Has Gone Green.

2009-04-03T19:22:00.006-04:00

How do I look?

I love this new template! THIS is me to a "T" (or maybe a tea *giggle*). I think I may miss my three columns, but I'm going to try it out for a spell.

Thank you Ashley for the tip :)

Opinions...suggestions...complaints...

Okay, so not so much complaints...wait, I have one: I still don't have the regular compose mode, only html mode. Also, that means I don't have font control. Weird, huh?

Anywho, do ya like?

I Found It! (I think)

2009-03-31T08:57:00.007-04:00

Here's what I came up with for my new handbag:

It's the Vera Bradley Villager in Caffe Latte. I'm also fond of it in Raspberry Fizz, Mod Floral Pink, and Cupcakes Green.

In Caffe Latte it fills the neutral bill, it's plenty spacious, and I love me some Vera! However...it's not very much free.

THIS is on sale though:

So, what do I do? Go with what I can afford, or hold out until I can afford what I want?

Decisions. Decisions.

While the Cat's Away the Mouse Will Play.

2009-03-25T09:05:00.009-04:00

RedDaddy went to a meeting for a possible business opportunity this morning, so the computer's ALL MINE. Bwahahaha!

I know how thrilled y'all are going to be with this list of nothingness. When one doesn't blog for months, one's brain fills up with ~~junk~~ bloggy goodness that must eventually be dumped.

**WARNING** Rambling randomness to ensue. (Rho, you should be so proud.)
1.) Rose (#4) turned FIVE!!
My sweet, little Rose will be starting Kindergarten in the fall. Denial, party of one. She got her ears pierced for her birthday (she picked pink flower earrings). Precious little thing; she didn't want to cry in the worst way :( Her daddy, on the other hand, didn't care who saw his tears!

2.) RedDaddy and I celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary last month. Denial, party of two. There is just no possible way I am old enough to have been married that long...NO possible way, gang! I am, however, blessed beyond measure to have been given such a wonderful man to spend my life with. Even if he is a little weird, given the fact that he married a ten year old ;)

3.) I'm in search of the perfect handbag. My criteria: Fashionable, Very Roomy (as I must haul all of RedDaddy's personal belongings as well as my own), Fairly Neutral, and here's the best part...wait for it...it needs to be Basically Free. So, anyone know where such an example of accessory wonderfulness may be found? Seriously, I'm thinking of doing a handbag carnival so that I can see pics of all your purses. Of course, it would be customary for me to do a giveaway and, well, yeah, no.

4.) I got my spring garden all planted:
Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Okra, Banana Peppers, Carrots, Radishes, Spearmint, Parsley, Cilantro, and Sweet Basil. I also had a few flowers left over from last year's garden which I replanted in a huge pot sprinkled with wildflower seeds. I'll show you when it gets to blooming. Funny: as I was preparing the soil in my square foot garden for this year's planting, I found a carrot in the ground! I had missed it last fall and it survived all this time, hiding under my overgrown herbs. I'm sure there's a sermon illustration in that (stay tuned).

5.) I've got a different hairstyle. It's still short, and has my signature red streak, but different.
Not a great photo of me OR the hair, but I know you people, and you'll complain if I don't post something!

6.) My blog needs a face lift. And the last time I changed my background, I lost some functionality in Blogger. Like that word, functionality? It's only 9:30 AM and I'm already firing on all cylinders. It must be the pot of coffee I've consumed :) Back to the background: I need some freshness. Anybody seen a pink background I might like?

7.) I'm teaching piano lessons again. Right now it's only RhoDelta and her Buggy, but my neighbor has asked me about her son, and I'm getting the word out. These piano lesson phases always come and go all on their own (more likely, all on God's own) without any advertising or much effort on my part at all.

8.) I am still dieting and exercising. My weight has hit a bit of a plateau, but oddly, I'm shrinking. I have been able to pull clothes out of the back of the closet! Of course, they're not in style, but at least my pants don't literally fall down. I also have had the opportunity to sow my too big clothes to others, and that is sooooooo rewarding! RedDaddy has begun a regimen also, and the teamwork is helping both of us. Ruby has lost almost 30 pounds!!! I am so proud of her!

9.) Speaking of Ruby, she is learning to drive, and doing quite well. And heading for more denial...she turns 16 in less than two weeks. That's it, I'm old!

10.) In honor of Mr. Monk, I had to have ten items.

Okay, I'll end the torture here. You've been such good sports to read my brain dump. Thank you one and all.

Hey, Remember Me?

2009-03-24T13:44:00.006-04:00

Sure ya do...I'm that girl who loves anything pink and used to blog.

I'm popping in today because I've gotten two comments on a post that's three weeks old. Seems to me I've got friends who deserve some info!

Here's the scoop from the Land of Pink...

When last we met our heroine had been given a pretty tough word to swallow; namely, "Have you obeyed the last thing I told you?" (um, that's was God talking, in case you mistook Him for Nazi-mom or anyone else). Well, RedDaddy and I chewed on that for all of two-and-a-half seconds before realizing full well what that last thing was!

Any guesses?

Uh, huh...Go to Tallahassee and pastor families.

So, really loooooong story, really short: we are re-launching the church we began to pioneer three years ago. The people of this city are to whom we are called, and the pastoral anointing is stronger than ever on both RedDaddy and I (even our older girls have such a heart to minister!).

At the Lord's prompting, we created and distributed 100 invitations in our neighborhood. We are beginning with a Tuesday evening Bible Study in our home, and of course our family is worshipping on Sunday's here as well.

That's the last step we have gotten so far, but we fully expect that once this first meeting is accomplished, the next step will be illuminated!

I'm so grateful to all of you who are praying for us! Thank you one and all!

The blogging will continue to be hit and miss as the Lord allows.

Now, listen to this...it's just for you today (okay, so maybe a little for me too ;)!!

You Got Your Eatin' Teeth In?

2009-03-02T17:37:00.005-05:00

Ever get one of those itches you can't seem to reach? That's what blogging has been for me for the last couple weeks.

For now, I'm going to have to just give it a token scratch...you know, one of those rubs up against the door frame that doesn't really satisfy, but will have to do.

Guess what God has been saying to us these last few weeks? Um...nothin' much.

No, really. Well, I should say, Nothin' much NEW.

Today we heard a message on hearing from God. It was pointed out that stewardship is involved in hearing from God.

What do you do with what you hear?
Did you obey the last thing that you heard?
What exactly was the last thing God said to you?

I'll let you chew on that for a bit...like until I'm able to swallow it.

The Floor is More Comfortable Than It Looks.

2009-02-04T15:38:00.004-05:00

Thank you to all of you who have been praying for the Land of Pink, and to those of you who have sent me sweet emails!!

Right now my life consists of sitting at the Master's feet...and there isn't a computer down there ;)

RedDaddy and I are on the brink of a big breakthrough in the spirit and we are pressing in ever closer. It is very exciting! I sense God is about to shake us up BIG TIME!!

Please continue to pray for us to gain wisdom and insight as to just where He wants us and just what He wants us to do. We have two speaking/preaching engagements in the next couple weeks that need to be bathed in prayer also. Beyond that we are listening for our next assignment!

I do miss my bloggy friends, but I wouldn't trade this time with my Father for anything in this world!! I'm sure you can understand :)

Look Out Devil, Here I Come!

2009-01-28T08:53:00.006-05:00

One sure fire way to get me out of the blogging closet, is to have the devil attack a child! Not to mention a blood-bought, spirit-filled, minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ's child!!

RedDaddy heard about baby Sophie Millard (MercyMe's lead singer's 5 month old baby girl) on the radio this morning. He immediately called me to pray...and I immediately did. We don't listen to the radio much and have been quite isolated from the news as well. She has been in the hospital for a few days now with RSV, a respiratory disorder. I regret only hearing about her illness today. But...

Here is our prayer (your agreement is appreciated!):

Father, I come boldly before Your throne of Grace to obtain mercy to help the Millard's in this time of need. They need Your peace, Your strength, and most of all Your faith. I pray that they would be strengthened with might in their inner man, Lord; that the outer influences would not be able to penetrate Your armour. I declare that little Sophie is a child of covenant and therefore covered by the blood of Jesus which was shed for her healing; spirit, soul, and body. I thank You Father that NO weapon formed against Sophie, or her parents, shall prosper, and EVERY tongue (including the doctors') that should rise up against them is condemned, in Jesus' Name! I say she shall LIVE and NOT die and shall declare the works of the Lord!

Father, I thank you for making the Millard's more than conquerors in You. I thank You that THE GREATER ONE lives and dwells in them and is at work in baby Sophie's body even now. I thank you that because every sickness and every disease is under the curse (Deut. 28), and because they are redeemed from that curse (Gal. 3:13) they can fully expect their precious baby girl to recover!

I add my faith to theirs and to the others praying for her today, that she IS healed by the stripes of Jesus, and she IS made whole by His blood. I praise YOU for the awesome testimony that this will be of YOUR goodness and love for Your people!!

In the mighty Name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

P.S.
Sunday went great!! Thanks for asking :)

Pink Progress.

2009-01-23T12:17:00.008-05:00

It's obvious I haven't posted in a while, because I'm about to ask a dumb question: When Creating a new post in Blogger, are we always in html mode now? Just thought I'd ask people who have logged in to their accounts in the last two weeks.

Anyway...

God gave RedDaddy a specific answer for all the concerned folks who ask us, "Do you have any job prospects yet?." Here goes. We are going to preach the Word - where and how God is revealing to us daily.

Our family will be ministering in a local church here in town this Sunday. We have a very high expectancy for that service, both for that particular body of believers and for our family and ministry!

This is shaping up to be the birth of a new way of life for us. The Lord has been speaking to us much these last weeks about TRULY walking and living by faith. As I shared with a friend, the proverbial rubber has met the road! We have no visible source of income, and no concrete plans beyond the two engagements on our calendar, yet we are at complete peace! We have been bombarded by exhortations to seek Him and His Kingdom, to not shrink back in fear, to remain obedient to His call. On the other hand, every natural door for employment or position has closed. And the Word in our hearts is continually, "I have given you a job. Walk it out. Trust Me."

Alrighty then!

We will be part of a marriage conference over Valentine's weekend. I am looking forward to the immensely. RedDaddy says he's going to be my "hype-man" and I will teach. Our topic is...are you ready for this one?...Marriage in Difficult Seasons! Tell me God doesn't have a sense of humor!! If anyone is interested, I can probably get you a CD of the message.

That sums up or speaking calendar. So we're pretty much free to come to your church whenever :D

Your prayers are still greatly appreciated and requested! Thank you all so much for your encouragement and support. The Pink Family is grateful...truly.

P.S.
Since you haven't mentioned it, I take it you don't like the new background?

He's Up To Something Good!

2009-01-14T12:24:00.005-05:00

Hello, my friends! Did you think I'd dropped off the face of the planet?

So much has been happening in the Land of Pink that I have truly not had time for blog writing, blog reading, or email answering. If I have neglected you in any of those areas, please forgive me, but know that God has had me on assignment.

Two weeks ago I asked for prayer. And many of you agreed to do so. Thank you so much. It was evident! Several of my friends picked up the phone to let me know personally that they were hitting their knees. How precious that is to me!

On New Year's Eve, RedDaddy was released from his job. We are saying "released" because that is the word the Lord gave us. His company has gone from 80 employees to 12 during the last year. God showed His faithfulness to us by bringing that position to RedDaddy, and we are thankful for the opportunity it provided our family during a time of rebuilding and restoration.

For the first 24 hours I felt as though the carpet had been pulled our from under me. But, thank God, I am not led by my feelings! I am led by the Spirit of God in me! (If you haven't, you really should read this.)

My wonderful husband, stayed rock solid. He immediately recognized the Hand of God in the situation. He set our family on the path of hearing from our Father. We spent all of last week (and are continuing this week) being fed by anointed ministers of the Gospel, fellowshipping together around His Word, praying in the Spirit, and being wonderfully encouraged.

During the last two weeks we have received confirmation, affirmation, encouragement, exhortation, and direction from several sources. A friend 300 miles away called to say she had had a (clearly, to me, prophetic) dream about me, BEFORE she knew anything was going on in our lives. A man of God in our church received a very specific word of prophecy for us, again BEFORE he was aware of RedDaddy's employment situation. Some precious friends took us out to dinner and shared a Scripture he was given while praying for us; this was, unknown to him, the very same passage the Lord gave me, before we moved, as an anchor for my soul, as we stepped out in ministry. Then, Sunday during church, our pastor preached a very confirming sermon, which was punctuated by a tongue and interpretation (also, very confirming in our hearts), and some very precious spirit-led ministry by a group of wonderful, godly friends.

I list all of this as a testimony of #1: God's faithfulness to His children Psalm 37:25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread
#2: His faithfulness to His Word Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it
and #3: His faithfulness to His promises 2 Cor 1:19-21 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.

I also want to ask you to continue to pray for the "Pink" family as we seek God's guiding hand in the upcoming days and weeks. We have had a specific check in our spirits regarding looking for a job or for a ministry position. In fact, the Spirit of the Lord arrested RedDaddy from saying, "I lost my job" and told him, "No, you didn't lose your job; you found it!" WOW!

Though we have stopped "looking", we have had a few opportunities come "looking" for us! As RedDaddy has been saying the last few days, "God is up to something. I'm not sure what, but I'm going to be in on it!"

It reminds me of the song our kids sang in Kidmo:
Our God is up to something good,
He's doin' all the things He said He would.
I know, and trust with all my heart,
Our God, our God
He's up to somethin' good!

Tea Time Tuesday: True Beauty.

2009-01-06T09:52:00.006-05:00

I am sipping a cup of tea as I type this. That is about all this post will have to do with tea.
Yesterday a dear friend reminded me of this verse:
Eccl 3:11 He hath made every thing beautiful in his time:
As I meditated on that verse, I thought of several things in my life that God has made beautiful. Many started out down right ugly!
I was raised in the South. My grandmother was a true Southern Lady, and she taught me the word ugly. Not, "that dress is ugly"; rather, "don't act ugly".
I use that all the time with my girls. They don't ever misbehave, but they are often ugly. My instruction before going anywhere is, "You be sweet, now. Don't be ugly!"
Which ever definition of ugly you choose, neither is beautiful. But, my God will make everything beautiful in HIS time!
Which brought me to this:
Rom 12:22 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
That word transformed is the same word from which we get our word metamorphosis. As in the metamorphosis an ugly caterpillar must undergo to become a beautiful butterfly.
Now, that change takes time (James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.); it also takes some things on the part of that caterpillar. He must eat the right things, and large quantities at that (John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.)! He also must do the work (James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.) of building a chrysalis to hide himself away (Ps 4:3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself).
And in the Father's time, that ugly caterpillar will be no more.

All that will remain is the beautiful butterfly that the Creator intended for ~~him~~ her to become!

I'm Not Moved by the Mountain...The Mountain's Moved by ME!

2009-01-05T10:10:00.004-05:00

I'm popping in to say THANK YOU!

We are still in need of your prayers, but we are at peace. God is faithful and will forever be.

On New Year's Eve I felt as though the carpet had been yanked out from underneath me. And to some degree it had. However the Lord reminded me that the carpet wasn't what was important.

The foundation under that ol' rug was sure! We are back on our feet, standing on the Rock of God's Word, believing that He will perform His Word. What does His Word Say?

Isa 54:17-55:1
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

Phil 4:19-20
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Ps 37:23-25
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

The Land of Pink Needs Your Prayers.

2008-12-31T14:37:00.005-05:00

"Bear ye one another's burdens" means sharing that there is a burden. I can not give you the specifics because they involve others, but I do have a burden today.

It just came up and I'm a little bit shaken.

Nothing life threatening, but somewhat serious.

I know I'm being cryptic, but my Father and yours knows the details! Please agree with us for wisdom, perseverance, peace, and that the RIGHT doors of opportunity would open.

Thank you in advance.

I love all my bloggy buddies and have missed our time "together"! My In-love's will be here through the weekend so I'm still holiday-ing. Catch up with y'all next week!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

2008-12-24T09:04:00.007-05:00

The Pink family has returned from a very lovely, festive visit with family. We had three "Christmases" in two days! We kept Santa busy, and made him a bit dizzy, I'd wager ;)

I need to make a final run to Stuff Mart and to Publix today. Then I'll be in full blown Mrs. Claus mode! Be warned: I will be just as sporadic on the blog as I have been the last several days.

Here is my itinerary for the rest of the year:

Tonight is the night RedDaddy and I put the kiddos to bed early (even the teenagers), wrap all their presents while watching "It's A Wonderful Life". I can hardly stand the wait!!

Tomorrow morning will be your typical Christmas morning extravaganza. Then my mom will come over around noon and we'll cook Christmas dinner together. Dinner will be highlighted by a VERY SPECIAL gift I received from my dad and his wife. You'll have to wait for the pictures.

Friday we are having our great friends (and pastors) over for a repeat of Christmas dinner, except I'm doing roast beef.

Saturday RedDaddy's brother, his wife, and their five children will be coming to stay with us on their way to Texas.

Sunday will be our typical Sunday run.

Then Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday it's work and homeschool as usual.

My In-love's (including RedDaddy's nephew) come in for New Year's Wednesday afternoon, and will stay through next Sunday.

Not that I'm going to be busy or anything...

Tea Time Tuesday: Quick Tea Is Better Than No Tea!

2008-12-16T17:38:00.005-05:00

Two things:
"Women are like tea bags; you never know how strong they are until they are in hot water. " --Nancy Reagan.

And...
"When times get tough, remember the tea kettle; it often finds itself up to its neck in hot water, and yet still it sings." --Unknown.

Those were for me...and maybe a friend ;)

Since were going to sing, let's all sing this:

I Give You the Griswold Pink Family Tree.

2008-12-11T10:08:00.015-05:00

**Okay, so I'm going to cheat and use this post for BooMama's Tour of Homes. I can't very well redo the entire post, because this is it folks...it's all I've got.**

I got to pick it out myself! That never happens. Typically, I find a lovely tree, and after navigating through roughly 950 trees, my family talks me into a different (clearly less suitable) tree. All the while, I am be-moaning the fact that "the PERFECT Christmas tree was just over there". Of course, if they ever do concede and allow me to put MY tree in the running, I can never FIND it again!

This year I marked the spot with a child...smart, huh? I knew we'd have to find said child before going home. Or at least we should find said child before going home.

Our lot of choice is just across the street from our subdivision. It is hosted by a church, and funds a Boy Scout Troop. It is also complete with a fire pit:

(May I insert a question here? Why is it that the guy who offers to take a picture of your family is never a talented photographer?)

Back to my story. AND hot cocoa made on a real live Boy Scout camp stove! (your boys DO have one of these, right Joanna?)

Scarlet-3 was lovin' her cocoa. Particularly the second cup, since she dropped her first cup in about 22 seconds.

I found two sisters sharing a moment (Ruby-15 and Peach-14).

Coral-10 found an elf! Oh, nope, that's Rose-4 ;)

If you knew our family at all, you'd know that often our endeavors become ~~fiascoes~~ memories. It seems that every year we are putting our tree up after the neighbors have all gone to bed. Not that this is all that strange...we eat dinner after most of our friends put their kids to bed!

However, this year we had a plan to do it differently! RedDaddy was off all day Friday, so we reasoned, we'd have plenty of time to get it done before bedtime...yeah, right. We headed out at 7:00 to get a bite to eat and then pick out our tree. The lot closed at 9:00; we arrived at 8:30.

So far, not tooooo bad. We got the tree in the stand and in the back door; RedDaddy straightened it up nicely. (Anyone remember BooMama's post about her Mama falling under her tree? That is NOT what happened here ;))

But when he began to check the lights for the tree, and found that not one single string was operational. Not. One. String. I think he thought about falling in a heap. But, I saved the day! At 10:15 PM EDT, I, yes lil' ole Fuschia, headed to Stuff Mart to purchase Christmas Tree lights to decorate the ~~Griswold~~ Pink Family Tree.

I brought back a surprise for Scarlet, because apparently she was the only one who didn't get one last year, but unfortunately she was not in a position to appreciate it.

Peach and Rose opted to ~~lay around~~ stay out of the way while we got the lights and garland on.

Then all the kiddos (except Scarlet) added the ornaments. Rose had a particular branch she favored with her decorating skillz:

Earlier in the day RedDaddy put up the outdoor lights. He does a great job! I love the big ones. They make our little house look like a gingerbread house!

I'm including this picture because if you look in the bottom pane of the left window you can see where the Land of Pink goes to print ;)

Two last gems I want to share. My SIL made these lovelies for me years ago. They are my favorite Christmas decorations! (I also have an angel with a little lamb, but they have to go out in the yard and my sweet yard man hasn't gotten to it yet.) Gingerbread Girl stands on my foyer table:

And the nativity sits beside our front door. Is it me, or does Joseph look a bit worried? I think I might have been too!

And what tree would be complete without an angel?

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Fuschia's Virtual Cookie Swap!

2008-12-09T08:00:00.005-05:00

It's here. It's Here! IT'S HERE!!
Are you as excited as I am...probably not.

Okay, here we go.

Welcome to my virtual cookie swap, Friends. There are only a few rules:

Post your favorite cookie recipe on your blog, link to this post (feel free to copy the cute little image), add your link to Mr. Linky (remember to link to the actual cookie swap post, not just to your blog), then have fun swapping recipes!!

Fuschia's Favorite Cookies

(Actually I've posted my favorite cookie recipe many times, so I'll share an easy favorite and a tip.)

These are the most adaptable cookies I've ever made. One boxed cake mix, 2 eggs, and 1/3 cup vegetable oil. Mix well. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for about 12 minutes.

The fun part is mixing and matching add-in's: chocolate cake mix + 1/2 cup dried cranberries and 1 cup white chocolate chips; yellow cake mix + 1/2 cup quick cook oats and 1/2 cup raisins; lemon cake mix + lemon glaze on top; carrot cake mix + cream cheese frosting. You get the idea...just creative and enjoy!

Fuschia's Fantastic Fresh Cookie Tip

Because I bake so many cookies at the holidays (as many as 60 dozen), I freeze cookies to have through out the next several months. I learned that you can easily thaw them by setting them out at room temperature for about 20 minutes. BUT, I do so love ~~warm~~ hot fresh from the oven cookies!

SO, I began mixing up the batter, shaping into balls, and freezing the unbaked cookies (I freeze them in a single layer on a cookie sheet and then put them in marked zip-top bags). I just place the frozen balls on a cookie sheet (btw, I LOVE to use a Pampered Chef large bar pan!), turn the oven on, and by the time it pre-heats they are ready to go in. Hot cookies in less than 30 minutes and with out all the mess!!

What's your bestest cookie recipe...inquiring minds want to know!

Just A Friendly Reminder :)

2008-12-05T10:27:00.002-05:00

After Which My Shoulders Are Aching and My Eyes Are Crossed!

2008-12-04T16:59:00.008-05:00

**If you are here via the Virtual Cookie Swap button on another blog, WELCOME! Now, go here :)**

I did it!
I did it!
I did it!!

I made a button for my Virtual Cookie Swap. AND...it links!

Yes, I am a bit proud of myself...just a little ;) Although, I have to give credit where credit is due: my sweet friend Joanna found the cookie picture, and my buddy Josh added the text. But...the html-code-button-sidebar-link thing was allll me!!!

You can grab the button now and put it on your sidebar so all your readers can come join our fun. The cookie swap will be next Tuesday, 12-9. (Should have put that on the button...I'm learning.)

The rules are simple: post your favorite cookie recipe, link to my Virtual Cookie Swap, add your link to Mr. Linky.

Then read everyone's recipes, pick one or twenty, and get baking! Of course, you must read the recipes in your PJ's while drinking hot chocolate...'cause that's what I'll be doing! You could even post a picture of yourself in your PJ's drinking hot chocolate.

I WON'T be doing that!

See you Tuesday.

WFMW: Favorite New Kitchen Gadgets.

2008-12-03T09:35:00.005-05:00

Set of two Mini-Silicone Whisks: $4.37 at Stuff Mart.
Not having lumps in my Fat-free, Sugar-free Hot Cocoa: Priceless!

I found these two lovelies the other day and got sucked into an impulse buy. Well, not really impulse per se, I've been wanting a mini-whisk for some time. I just hadn't planned to make the purchase the day I actually did.
These are just so cute! I wish they were pink, but Red(Daddy) is definitely part of the Pink Family ;)
The larger of the two is great for scrambling two eggs in my Pampered Chef measuring cup, or mixing small amounts of wet ingredients real quick.

The little bitty one is absolutely PERFECT for mixing up hot chocolate! I do mean perfect. Here is where I should admit that I forgot a step in my hot cocoa recipe...add a tablespoon of HOT water to the dry ingredients and mix (with a little bitty silicone whisk) well...then add the hot milk.
Kind of silly, but that what Works For Me!

The 25 Questions of Christmas.

2008-12-01T10:02:00.004-05:00

I got this meme from Mama Hen and thought it was cute. I'd love for y'all to participate, but I'm not tagging any one (or six) person(s).

While I have your attention: I've postponed my virtual cookie swap a week. I didn't have anyone offer to make me a button, so I'm still working on that, and I had intended to remind everyone last week, but well, you know how it goes.

So, Tuesday, December 9, is the day for you to share your very bestest cookie recipe!!

On to the meme:
1.Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot Chocolate, hands down.

2.Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? It depends on who wins the argument on any given year: RedDaddy says just put 'em out. I say wrap 'em all. Usually a compromise between the two. One of my favorite traditions is to put the kids to bed and wrap (me all by myself; RedDaddy doesn't wrap) gifts while we watch It's A wonderful Life in front of the fireplace.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Again here's a disagreement: I prefer white lights on the tree, RedDaddy has to have colored...hence, we always have colored. On the house, we both like colored.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Never have, but I always think about putting some up.

5. When do you put your decorations up? Living in Florida, we watch the Weather Channel looking for the first really cold evening after Thanksgiving...it MUST be cold; we've been known to turn the A/C on as low as it would go, so that we could light a fire for the tree trimming. True story!

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? RedDaddy's Grammy makes a cranberry/Jell-O salad that I often try to eat my weight in.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child: Thanksgiving and Christmas at my grandparents'. Everyone would be all dressed up, and the adults got to eat on my grandmother's china (not us kids). I now own that china, and my kids DO get to eat on it!

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? This is the honest to goodness truth: I was putting out cookies and milk for Santa, and my dad said, "I think Santa would rather have an Old Milwaukee!" I think I was seven or eight.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? No, though we used to celebrate with my In-love's on Christmas Eve, so that was a "yes".

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? As many lights as RedDaddy can get on it, and a hodge-podge of ornaments from our life together. I triple heart theme trees, but have never had one.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? What's snow?

12. Can you ice skate? I've been twice; I was respectable.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I really can't think of one, though the Rolex RedDaddy bought me was pretty great :)

14. What is the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Family. Period. I love having three weeks of special movies to watch together, baking cookies for days on end with my girls, making unique gifts for all our friends together, shopping with RedDaddy to get just that perfect something for each of our Pinks, and oh, seeing my kids eyes light up on Christmas morning is the cherry on top!

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? On Thanksgiving it's Pecan Pie with real whipped cream; at Christmas, RedDaddy's Grammy pulls out her cookies and by far, my fave is her peanut-butter balls!! All season I have my very own cookie stash and my favorite is an oatmeal cookie with craisins, pecans, and dark chocolate chunks...holy cow! I need to get to baking ;)

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? See #2.

17. What tops your tree? A stained-glass lighted star.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Gift giving is my love language, so both are very exciting to me. I hate having to shop from a list; I'd rather find that special something for each person that is just from me. Same goes for receiving gifts: I love getting something that someone personally picked out just for me!

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? White Christmas...only Bing Crosby...ONLY.

20. Candy Canes! Yuck or Yum? Yum-o. We have them on our tree every year, and watch them slowly disappear.:)

21. What do you want for Christmas? Lots of insignificant things are on my list, but what I truly want is for my kids and husband to be happy and healthy, and for us to enjoy every moment of the season!

22. Do you attend an annual Christmas Party? Not specifically. This year we are hosting two: one for RedDaddy's company, and one for the church Youth Group.

23. Do you dress up on Christmas or wear PJs? We do jammies on Christmas morning then everyone dresses to the nines for Christmas Day dinner.

24. Do you own a Santa hat? Yes, with my name on it in glitter!

25. Who do you normally spend Christmas with? We make the rounds the weekend before: My dad, RedDaddy's parents, and his grandmother. Then we have my mom over for dinner on Christmas Day.

If you decide to answer, please let me know so I can read your answers...kay?

WFMW: Weight Loss.

2008-11-26T09:16:00.005-05:00

Today's post isn't about a great weight-loss tip (although I will tell you I am following Weight Watchers' Points system, checking in with an accountability partner, and WALKING!). No, what works for me is weight loss itself, and all the benefits that come with it.

"Seeing" myself go from this:

to this:works for me!

Having people at church come up to me and say, "You really are losing weight aren't you?!" works for me.
Buying jeans TWO sizes smaller only to decide that they are STILL too big WORKS FOR ME!
Having more energy works for me.
Having fewer aches and pains works for me.
Setting a good example for my children absolutely works for me.
Hearing my husband say, "Honey, I am SO PROUD of you!" definitely works for me.
Finding "new" clothes in my closet works for me.
FINALLY "getting it" works for me.
Finding strength and courage to persevere in my Saviour works for me.
Allowing HIM to set me free, and knowing that he who the Son sets free is free indeed works for me!
Know what else works for me, knowing that it will work for you too. :)

Have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving, everyone. And remember to thank your Lord for all the ways He has set YOU free!!

Dear Beachy Mimi,

2008-11-25T07:00:00.002-05:00

We had such fun with you and PeepOne last week! You are even more lovely in person. I couldn't get enough of your smile!

I loved getting to know more about you and your family. Look out QueenB, she dished on you and the King, too. Kidding...gushed was more like it. Mimi, you are one proud mama and Mimi...how great is that?

PeepOne you are a hoot! I was so blessed to get to meet you AND Mimi. I think my sides are still sore from laughing at you two.

I wouldn't want to embarrass you for the world, but I must publicly thank you for the Target cards you gave the Pinks! They had so much fun being able to shop for themselves.

In hind sight, I should have made you go with us. Of course, that would have sent you back home to Arkansas twitching as you made your way to the Palace to thank QueenB profusely for NOT blessing you with five grand-daughters! Trust me.

So here is your pictorial thank you ~~note~~ post.

Scarlet-3 and Rose-4 each got one of those ~~annoying~~ adorable echo microphones. How ever will I thank you enough?! And they found mini-puppies complete with doghouses, food dishes, bones, and leashes...very cute.

Coral-10 picked out a spankin' fuchsia sweater-dress. It just happens to perfectly match a hat that Peach made her! Isn't she the fashionista?

(Here's a shot of Scarlet being...um Scarlet that I just had to show you!)

Peach-14 (on Friday!!) went with a long black Tee that she just loves. Ever the frugal one, she's still got some moola left over. Makes her Mama's heart sing. :)

And my sweet Ruby-15 has decided to use hers to purchase a church dress for a less fortunate little girl at church. Yep, she's great! I could not believe that she was able to win a toy for Scarlet out of that claw machine! The girl's got some serious skillz.

I just wanted you to know how very much we appreciated the gifts, the lunch, and mostly the opportunity to make some new friends. We are already dreaming up what we're going to do the next time you're in town!

MmmmmmWhaaaaa! (you know that's a kiss, right?)

I Haven't Been Gone, Just Trapped Under Something Heavy.

2008-11-24T09:13:00.010-05:00

I've been trying to catch up on my blog reading this morning. Wow! I'm WAY behind..sorry.

Last week was preparation for ~~Spring~~ Winter Cleaning in the Land of Pink. Have you ever noticed how much PREP it takes to clean out one room?

Our goal was to purge and organize the "little girls'" room. Coral-10, Rose-4, and Scarlet-3 share a room. The youngest two are not much help in keeping the room clean, and Coral often gets overwhelmed at the daunting nature of the task. But Mama had a solution:

Turn our loft into a play room for the little ones, storing all their toys there, and thus giving Coral more ownership in the bedroom-proper.

I liked it. They liked it. EVEN REDDADDY LIKED IT... so much so that he offered to spend his Friday off doing whatever I needed him to do to get it done!

Do I have a fantastic husband or what?!

Okay, so back to the prep work.

If we were to make the loft a play room, we first needed to transfer our schoolroom stuff somewhere else. The office won the toss...so the first thing on the list became cleaning out some space in the office for school books and supplies.

Of course that meant finding a place for all THAT stuff...see how this goes?!

Anyway, we made it through, and about 8 hours later we had gone from this:

To this:

Yeah, man!
Check out this great play space...

Next up is painting the walls and putting in the new linens. I need to make a twin and a toddler-sized comforter from the full one we bought, and do some kind of window treatment. We are also planning to purchase a LOCKING cabinet for the toy storage (ingenious, I know!) and two matching chest-of-drawers to house all their clothes. I can't wait for the finished product!

All that to say, I'm finding that balance between the housework and blogging I was writing about, even though it often feels like this:

Yeah, I Know.

2008-11-22T10:03:00.006-05:00

Okay, be honest now, how many of you have been aware that I spell Fuschia "wrong"? I'm guessing several of you at least, but y'all are too sweet to mention it ;)

I received a comment from a concerned reader, who wanted me to know that I'm spelling my own "name" wrong. Well, bless her little heart, I appreciate her concern, but I chose to spell Fuschia this way (rather than fuchsia) on purpose.

I wanted to differentiate it from the color, as a name. So, I'm not ignorant of how to spell the color fuchsia, and I don't want you to be ignorant of how to spell the name Fuschia...there's a difference. (Although dictionary.com lists BOTH spellings as correct.)

Because if I spelled it the same, well, that would just be weird...calling myself Fuchsia...weird!

A Family Fave.

2008-11-20T13:56:00.003-05:00

I know the weather has turned cooler (or here, down right COLD!), and we're all gearing up for festive Holiday meals, but...

We ate at Boston Market after church on Sunday, and they had whole rotisserie chickens on sale for $1.99. Of course, we took one home. I was going to make my famous Homemade Chicken Soup, but decided we are eating so much soup lately, I'd go a different direction.

I went with my even MORE famous Homemade Chicken Salad. We had little sandwiches made on homemade buns with our Split-Pea Soup (see, there's the soup) last night. We have enough Salad left for lunch tomorrow.

The lighter fare was a welcome change from all the heavier foods of this time of year, and it was a bit better for us...it does not contain ANY mayonnaise!

Fuschia's World Famous Chicken Salad *hee hee*

1 whole chicken (or 2 lbs chicken breasts) cooked and boned

2 cups pineapple juice

1/2 cup dried cranberries or golden raisins

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 diced celery

I run the chicken and the pineapple juice through my food processor, but you need to be careful or you'll end up with chicken pate ;). Then just mix in remaining ingredients, salt generously, and add celery seed to taste. Refrigerate overnight, or at least several hours.

Enjoy!

WFMW: Try This!

2008-11-19T07:44:00.005-05:00

I love holiday baking, especially cookies! Of course, I only eat one a day...yeah, right. ;)

For the last several years I've baked anywhere from 48 to 60 DOZEN cookies...usually in one or two days. We give away over half of those, and I freeze the remainder and thaw as desired.

By far the most expensive ingredient is vanilla extract (the real deal; no self-respecting baker would use imitation). One year I ran out near the end of the cookie palooza, so I made the last two batches without the vanilla. What I noticed, was that I could taste the cinnamon more clearly, and I liked it!

Since I bake cookies all year long, I have experimented with omitting the vanilla and adding (any or more) cinnamon to the recipe. It has become my Secret Ingredient; until today.

Yesterday it was sooooo cold in the Land of Pink that I made hot chocolate for all the Pinks and used my signature cinnamon in place of the vanilla...the consensus was, "This is the BEST hot chocolate we've ever had!"

That little twist is what Works For Me!

For those of you trying to be "good" this holiday season, here's a fantastic diet cocoa. You won't believe it tastes this good...really!

Fuschia's Fat-Free, Sugar-Free Hot Chocolate

(2 WW Points)

In a mug mix 2 Tbs unsweetened cocoa, 1 1/2 packets of Sweet & Low, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, and a dash of salt. In a separate mug heat 1 cup skim milk on the microwave until quite hot (about 1:15). Pour hot milk into cocoa mixture and stir well.

YUM!

Tea Time Tuesday: Let's Have a Party!

2008-11-18T08:32:00.007-05:00

**I know everyone is waiting for me to dish on my lunch with Beachy Mimi, but I'm going to let her dish first...we have a little surprise (don't get all excited, it's not really a big deal) for her, so you'll have to wait until the girls get ready...and by "girls" I mean my children, not...ya know.**

Guess what?! It's Tuesday, and it's time for tea. I am having my morning Vanilla Carmel Truffle as we speak.
I don't have a real tea related post today, instead I want to plan a party! Sounds like fun, doesn't it?
I'm sure this isn't an original idea, but it was original to me a few days ago. Let's have a virtual cookie swap! Of course, we'll have to swap cookie recipes instead of actual cookies, but won't it be great?
Two weeks from today, I'll host my first ever carnival...complete with a cute button for you to grab and a Mr. Linky!
Okay, now who is going to make me a cute little button for everyone to grab? And...anyone want to tell me how to put up a Mr. Linky? Seriously.
Dig out your favorite cookie recipe (the more unique the better, but who doesn't love a traditional chocolate chip?!), and get ready for Fuschia's Fantastically, Fabulous Festive Virtual Cookie Swap Extravaganza!
Or something like that.

Nanner Nanner Boo Boo...

2008-11-17T08:04:00.005-05:00

or, How I am Really Only Seven Years Old...you choose the title, becuse the gist of the post is this:

I'm having lunch with Mimi.
I'm having lunch with Mimi.
I'm having lunch with Mimi,
And her PeepOne, too!
(It helps if you sing it to the Blue's Clues "Mail time" song...or, not.)

The Land of Vacation in Pictures.

2008-11-13T09:42:00.009-05:00

I know it's almost as exciting as a video of potty training, but...well, but nothin'! It's my stinkin' blog! ;)

Here is Great-Grammy's cottage. It sits on the side of a mountain so a front shot is almost impossible.

And here's our view: Niiiiice, isn't it?

On my first trip there almost 20 years ago, RedDaddy's prim and proper, very godly Grammy got me good! As I was climbing out of the car she remarked, "Somebody left that dam light on again!" My face must have been agast, because as I followed her gaze across to the dam, I heard her giggle.

I didn't get any shots of the snow. I took one of the flakes in RedDaddy's hair, but they didn't really show up. The fall color was beautiful, though!

We like to go on long walks when we're at the cottage.

Rose liked to walk backwards.

RedDaddy and I like to snuggle ;)

On one of our colder walks, I discovered a horse, named Coral. See her tail? ;)

We also spend one day in ~~Tourist Trap~~ Cherokee, NC every year. The shops look just like a little village.

Peach enjoyed the fall decorations. Look at the size of that pumpkin!!

This mill still runs and is used to make flour and grits.

Scarlet, Rose, Coral, and RedDaddy on the swinging bridge...

over this creek. Just gorgeous!

We had loads of fun, and brought back many, many memories.

And some pretty tired kiddos!

WFMW: Be Gone Iron!

2008-11-12T08:48:00.006-05:00

Laundry is a way of life in the Land of Pink. I do roughly 100 loads, okay so it's more like 15, a week. While, unlike my dear friend RhoDelta, I don't really mind doing laundry, I loathe ironing. In fact, RedDaddy irons his own clothes just to spare me the agony...ooooo there's something very se*y about a man with an iron, but I digress.

I learned a trick from my MIL that takes at least several pieces out of the ironing ~~wad in the back of the closet~~ stack.

Do you have those hems on denim or knit or other thick fabrics that ALWAYS come out of the dryer turned up? Like this:

Just dab that crease with a wet washcloth,

hang it up overnight,

and in the morning you're good to go! Pretty easy, huh? And so much preferable to lugging out the iron and ironing board and steaming yourself ugly. Because let's face it, steam may be good for your skin, but it's murder on your hair!

So that's what Works For Me! Go to Rocks in my Dryer for more great tips!!

Uncle Update: Part 2

2008-11-08T10:58:00.005-05:00

Just got another report: my uncle is not able to see out of his right eye, but this is not concerning his Dr.; his surgery was on the right side, not the left; HIS CT SCAN LOOKS GOOD!!!!! (in other words, it looks like they got ALL of the tumor, with no damage to his optic nerve).

Yep, needin' another GLORY TO GOD!

Uncle Update:

2008-11-08T08:48:00.005-05:00

My Uncle came through surgery fine. He is in ICU for recovery.

The doctor said the surgery was a bit more complicated than originally thought, but it went well nonetheless. PRAISE GOD!

My cousin said that her dad was able to mumble a bit yesterday and could squeeze his left hand a little (the tumor was on the left side). He was, unfortunately, but expectedly, experiencing quite a bit of pain, but they were going to take care of that.

All in all, he is doing very well! Glory to God!!

Thank you for keeping him in your prayers during this next phase of recovery.

Calling All Prayer Warriors!

2008-11-06T17:22:00.004-05:00

My uncle (my dad's only brother) is having surgery tomorrow to remove a golf-ball-sized tumor from behind his left eye.

The MRI shows that it is not in the brain cavity, and his surgeon feels confident that it will be complication free. The surgery is expected to take 2 hours, and he will need to stay in the hospital for only three days.

We are believing God for a COMPLETE recovery, and a quick return to normal for the entire family. My cousin and I are specifically in agreement that he will be drawn to God through this experience. We are not sure of his salvation, and are praying that he will see God's hand of love and mercy in a powerful way during the coming days!

Thank you all in advance for your sore knees!!!

My Most Political Post Thus Far.

2008-11-05T09:25:00.005-05:00

I know that many of you have endeavored (successfully, I might add) to remain politically neutral on your blogs, and for that I applaud you. But today, I just can't do it...well, I could if I wanted to...but I don't want to.

As excited as the Land of Pink was yesterday, it is disappointed today. I, personally, feel kind of like it's the day after Christmas and I didn't get that one specific thing I REALLY wanted. Not exactly depressed, but let down to be sure.

Any one else, feeling my pain? Well, I have great news for all of us! God knew what today would look like and what it would feel like (for those on both side of the campaign). He also has a plan to do His children good and to prosper them and to give them a hope and a future! (Jeremiah 29:11)

I don't know if Mr. Obama becoming President was God's will or not. I'll be honest, I don't think it was; it doesn't sound like Him to me.

And let me interject here that God's Will is NOT ALWAYS done. I know many believers like to comfort themselves with the idea that God is sovereign, and therefore everything (especially things they don't understand) is part of His mysterious plan. However, Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Thy Will be done" (Luke 11:2); if His Will was a sure thing, there would be no need of us to pray for it! Also, 2 Peter 3:9 says, "He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance", now we know that doesn't always happen. No, God's sovereignty upholds man's free will. God will ensure that man retains the right to choose his own destiny, for good or bad. He said so in Deuteronomy 30:19,"I set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Choose life!" We must choose, and often we choose poorly!

So what do we do when we choose poorly? Specifically what do we do now that our nation has chosen poorly? (I fully realize I may take heat for that remark, but I will stand behind my belief that it is true.) We do exactly what we would have done if Mr. McCain had been elected: we "pray, first of all for those in authority" EVERYDAY (1 Timothy 2:2). And we stand, in faith on this:

2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Notice, this verse says His people...we don't need the entire nation in agreement with us, we, HIS PEOPLE just need to pray and be obedient, and He has promised to heal our land!

Somebody shout Hallelujah! God will heal our land! GOD. WILL. HEAL. OUR. LAND.

I'm off to hit my knees. You know, they don't shake as much when you are down on them!

Tea Time SUPER Tuesday.

2008-11-04T12:27:00.007-05:00

Today is quite a day. For obvious and not-so-obvious reasons.

First of all, it is Election Day in the greatest nation in the world. The excitement in the Land of Pink is almost tangible! RedDaddy is home from work due to his dental work from yesterday (the extraction didn't go so smoothly. The tooth broke off and had to be dug out, which included cutting bone!) so we are spending the day in front of Fox News. We are heading to the polls in a little bit. Homeschooling at its best!

Secondly, it is my Other Mother's birthday!! Happy birthday, Mom. I tell you every year how much I love you, how thankful I am to have you in my life, and how great an influence you have been in my life. AND, every year I feel that I've come up short in expressing how sincerely I mean it!

And lastly, it's Tuesday...Time for tea!

As much as I love tea, I love a good mystery 100 times more! Imagine my delight when I came upon a series of mysteries set in a tea shop!! I KNOW!

Laura Childs writes these cozy mysteries with charm, wit, and just the right amount of suspense for me. I'm not a true suspense or "thriller" fan, just love me some good "who-done-it's". The Tea Shop Mysteries starring Theodosia Browning are perfect!

I'm currently reading Silver Needle Murder. Too good! Check it out if you're up for some sleuthing.

She also has a Scrapbook Mystery series, and one I haven't begun called the Cackleberry Club Mysteries.

A cup of GOOD tea, some yummy tea bread and a chapter or two...It's gonna be a great naptime!!

...Home Again, Home Again, Jig-a-Jig-Jog.

2008-11-03T09:41:00.006-05:00

The Land of Vacation was great, but I'm so glad to be back in the Land of Pink. The Land of Vacation was also the Land of No Internet! NO, as none, nil, nada. Which had its advantages to be sure, but I missed you all.

The big highlight of the week came on Tuesday morning...SNOW! Real, honest to goodness, not just flurries, snow. I have never, in my remembrance, seen snow, and neither had our girls. It was so windy that the snow didn't stick to anything on our point of the lake, but the trees were were covered across our view.

The low point of the week was that RedDaddy broke a tooth several months ago, which decided to give him grief...yep, just as we left for vacation. My poor man was in lots of pain for several days. The worst, however, was not the toothache, it was the extreme intestinal pain from the Penicillin that the small-town dentist prescribed! His symptoms were not on the list of side effects, or on the list of allergic reactions. No, no, no. They were on the list of CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY if.

Speaking of small-town...
We ate dinner our last evening in town at a little place called Ruby's *smile*. As I was looking over the menu, I read this (Folks, I couldn't make this up if I tried!):

"Mushroom Swiss Burger: I know it sounds a little weird, but sometimes something different really is okay."

Well, alrightythen. I guess the combination of say, swiss cheese and some mushrooms is MUCH more weird than, oh, I don't know, maybe rattlesnake.

I've got some pictures I'll post when my camera battery charges. For now, would you pray for RedDaddy; he's having that mean ol' tooth pulled this afternoon, and medical/dental procedures aren't exactly his thing. Thanks a million!

Have I Got News For You!

2008-10-23T14:49:00.005-04:00

First of all, I can not properly express my gratitude to all of you for your support, encouragement, and just plain old ego stroking of the last week. Y'all ROCK!

I did miss you. I checked in a bit here and there and was glad to see that the blogsphere does continue to spin with or without me...just not as sassy! ;)

I've been praying about this lil' ol blog much this week. I've spent time discussing it with RedDaddy, and some of my bloggy friends. And I have done some serious straining of the little grey cells (anyone recognize that reference?).

Here's what I've concluded:

1.) I love the Land of Pink! It's bunches of fun for me.

2.) I truly enjoy the glimpse into your lives each week.

3.) I am a minister...it's not what I do, it's who I am.

4.) I know how to set healthy boundaries and do set them.

5.) I also know what my priorities are.

So, this is what I am going to do:

1.) Keep blogging in the Land of Pink.

2.) Re-invent the Land of Pink a bit as my "Mommy" blog.

3.) Start blogging on my NEW BLOG for ministry related topics. (I know I tried that once before, but this time I've got an anointing for it!)

4.) Set boundaries based on my priorities and keep them.

The Land of Pink will be under construction for a little while as I will be doing some editing, some moving of posts from here to the NEW BLOG, and adding some more fun stuff.

I've already changed my email address here, so don't be alarmed if you receive a message from land o (not of...just o) pink at aol. I needed a new address so I could use proverbs4mom for the NEW BLOG.

Oh and did I mention...I have a NEW BLOG?! There isn't a whole lot there just yet, but you're welcome to check it out. I'll be working on it as time permits. I've got boundaries, ya know!

Two more things: The Pink family is going on vacation! We are sooooo excited!! We will be spending the next week in the mountains of North Carolina with RedDaddy's grandparents. I have a stack of mysteries to read taller than most American adults. I will be spending my days in front of a fire with a quilt, a book, and a cup of hot chocolate (sugar free of course), or this:

This is the White Tea with Blueberry and Pomegranate. Yummy, just yummy. It's a lot like the one Tazo has, but less expensive (I know you frugal girls will be happy to hear that!). Consider this your Tea Time Thursday post ;)

However, I probably won't be blogging...we're not sure if we will even have dial-up access! So you may have to do without me for ANOTHER WEEK. How ever will you survive?

And lastly, thank you to all of you who faithfully pray for me concerning weight loss. It is paying off tremendously! I have lost a total of 18 pounds so far. At a pace of seven pounds per month, I'll reach my goal BEFORE our high school reunion in June. That's exciting and encouraging for me. I truly will be a se*y diva!!

An Announcement From The Emergency Broadcast System:

2008-10-15T10:24:00.008-04:00

I'm contemplating a break. I spend so much time here at the dang computer lately, my real life is suffering (ie: my house is a mess, school work is going undone, devotional time is lacking, I'm yelling at the kids, I have a vacation to pack for, we're house-hunting again, we need to make some ministry decisions...you get the picture).

And then there's the whole "why am I blogging anyway" thing. I started this blog as a ministry tool; it just hasn't become what I hoped it would. So now I'm re-evaluating that initial goal's validity.

It seems my plan may have been a bit of a "cart before the horse" endeavor. I wanted to develop my speaking ministry out of my blog. I am now realizing it's usually the other way around; speakers develop a blog BECAUSE of their ministry.

Okay, so I'm slow...I did figure it out! But what to do now?

That's what I'll be praying about and working on during this break.

That and this.

Tea Time Tuesday + My Favorite Things.

2008-10-14T11:18:00.005-04:00

My friend Sarah at Fiddledeedee has a carnival on Tuesday's I've always wanted to participate in, but Tea Time Tuesday preempts that...until today! I found a way to do both in one post. I am very clever, I am.

So, I give you My Favorite Tea Time Thing:

I just love this Electric Tea Kettle. It boils water much faster than on the stove top, and you know how I feel about the microwave for tea!

I got this one in a kit from The English Tea Store Online. It came with two bags of tea, of my choice, and a teapot, in the color of my choice...can you guess what color I got? They were out of the kettles so I got a slightly upgraded one.

Favor, Baby!

I have been sharing tea time tips and treats for several weeks now. It's your turn! I'm asking for participation today: What is your favorite tea time thing...a special teapot, a yummy recipe, Granny's teacup, a particular blend, OR a treasured memory, whatever...PLEASE share!

Happy Tea Time.

My Crock-Pot Needs a Skull and Cross-Bones.

2008-10-13T09:34:00.003-04:00

I'd love some prayer today. It seems I poisoned my family with some bad chicken yesterday.

I was up all night, and am still feeling a bit "touch and go".

Scarlet is on my bedroom floor as I type this, with a bucket, which she's already used, at her side.

Coral isn't feeling up to snuff.

RedDaddy said he's not been quite right this morning either, but he thinks he may have avoided serious trauma.

So, that leaves Ruby, Peach, and Rose so far unscathed.

Please pray that they stay well, and the rest of us recover quickly!

Ex 23:25
And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.

Sunday Sermon Snippet: Take a Walk

2008-10-12T17:21:00.005-04:00

The ladies of our church just had a women's retreat, where they were blessed to hear Barbara Benton speak. Our whole congregation was blessed this morning by her anointing as well.

This is what the Spirit of the Lord spoke to my heart today:

Enoch walked with God, and was not.

Lord, that I may walk with You and be not! That I may walk in Your paths, at Your side, until I disappear. May it be, that I may decrease so that You may increase in me. None of me and ALL of You!

**Funny, He just gave me a message titled Walking Shoes!**

A Woman Appreciates a Man Who Can Make Her Laugh.

2008-10-11T09:30:00.000-04:00

--- Genie from Aladdin.

We heard this on the radio the other night...hilarious! Does anybody else get Wally on Christian radio? Crazy guy. You may have seen it when it aired.

It doesn't matter which party your favor, this is funny! Any man who can generate a laugh at his own expense, is definitely a good sport to say the least.

Enjoy!

Oh The Things We Do For Love.

2008-10-09T08:23:00.006-04:00

Sunday during church, RedDaddy leaned over to me and said, "You look very pretty today."

Go ahead, all together now...AAAAWWwww! Nothing like a compliment from your man, especially an unsolicited and unexpected compliment from your man, to make you feel beautiful, am I right?

On our way home, he said, somewhat out of the clear blue, "You'd look cute with a little diamond right...here", and he pointed.

I stared at him, "Are you serious?!"

Folks, this is the same man who didn't want me to highlight my hair because he liked me just the way I was...was, cause y'all have seen my hair color! So, I didn't get my hair highlighted until I was 32 years old. But now, he loves my color and wants me to pierce my...

No, not this:

And, not this:

And, thankfully no other strange place, because, as I very unexpectedly found out, they'll pierce ANYTHING you want pierced! OH. MY. WORD.

During a very lovely visit to my hairdresser, she insisted that I go to the "piercing guy" up the street from her shop. However after I heard the price, I opted for a trip to the mall.

And got this:

I intended to surprise RedDaddy when I picked him up from work. We were supposed to be heading to church, but he has been fighting some ugly allergy/cold/sinus infection thing for several WEEKS, and has not been sleeping, so we opted out. THEN, after 19 years of him driving me EVERYWHERE we go, he asked me to drive him home (he was feeling that bad!)!

What does the driving thing have to do with an ear piercing...I only got one...in my LEFT ear. Now how was he going to see my surprise if he was riding on the RIGHT side of me?! The kids and I were giggling hysterically, and he was determined to figure out what was different about me. So at the first traffic light I leeeaaaned waaaaaay back to talk to the kids in the back seat.

He smiled, and said, "Well, look at you!"

SCORE one for Fuschia!

(Oh, and doesn't my hair cut look cute, too?)

WFMW: Prayer.

2008-10-08T08:56:00.003-04:00

It's a pretty simple concept, I know, but don't we often forget that prayer works?

How many times do we complain about something in our lives...big things like the economy, the election, our personal finances, our health; or little things like traffic, our husband's socks on the floor, our kids' messy rooms, or our neighbor's barking dog?

I know I am ashamed to admit how often prayer is not my FIRST response to conflict. I jump in and try to "fix" whatever isn't just so, then if that doesn't work, if I think about it, I'll ask God for His help. Like when one man said, "I guess all that's left to do is pray." His friend replied, "Oh, dear God, has it come to that?!"

Oh now, I pray about the big stuff, the really important issues...if I'm honest, I never seem to fail to pray about the issues that are important TO ME. If I am struggling with a child, or if I have a financial "need" (or are those actually merely "wants"?...ouch!), of if I am feeling sick, well then, prayer becomes a priority!

But what about the needs of others. You know, those "I'll be prayin' for ya" things? Do ~~you~~ I truly make those a priority? Do ~~you~~ I really pray for all those things we say we will?

Of course, we don't! So, today I'm asking myself...Why the heck not?!

If I believe God's Word is true, and I do, then this is true:

James 5:16
... pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Since that is true, this is also true:

Matt 18:18-19
Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.

So then, I am making a determination today to pray FIRST...for you, for our country, for my family, for a good parking place ;) Because that's What Works For Me!!

**To read what works for some other great folks, pop over to Rocks In My Dryer.**

Tea Time Tuesday: A New Love.

2008-10-07T10:34:00.004-04:00

It's no secret that I am losing weight...notice I didn't say trying to lose weight? No ma'am, I'm not just trying, I'm doing it! One of my areas of struggle has been my morning coffee. Well, the coffee isn't the problem, it's what I put in my coffee that's the problem...

Oh, I know there's a fat-free option, and a sugar-free option, but I don't like them. I want my full fat, full sugar, full flavor Coffee-mate French Vanilla creamer, thankyouverymuch! If I'm going to have coffee, I want it on my terms (just like broccoli, right Rho?).

Now of course I enjoy tea (I do have a weekly post dedicated to it), but first thing in the morning I want something with a little more...ah, shall we say body to it. So for me, tea wasn't doin' it. Until I found this:

My sweet friend, Sarah at Fiddledeedee shared this as one of her Favorite Things, and I have to agree! In fact it's going on my Pink and Not So Pink Stuff I Like list...yeah, it's that good!

I can put a sprinkle of Sweet and Low with a tiny splash of Silk Soy Milk, and I'm in Heaven! I'm always trying to convert new tea drinkers, and this just may be my ace in the hole. If you're not so sure about tea, I dare ya to give this one a try.

**I would like to thank all of you who didn't lynch me yesterday! One of the things I dearly love about blogging is learning about different people, different families, and how that diversity affects our lives. Thank you for allowing me to express OUR family's difference, and for accepting us even though we do things a bit differently than you do! At the end of the day what really matters is that we have the same Lord, Jesus Christ. **

I Just Gotta Be Me. (Part 2)

2008-10-06T11:07:00.007-04:00

Something has been bothering me for some time. I've heard some friends share personal parenting woes, read about bloggy parenting angst, and I won't even go there on the media! What troubles me is that our (RedDaddy's and my) methods are so outside the norm, I don't feel I can offer any advice to those parents. Our M.O. goes against the flow to such a degree, I often cower at sharing it.

I am in no way ashamed of our system (I am actually rather proud of it), but I am hesitant to step on anyone's toes. I've run into that time and time again, just by mentioning the fact that we homeschool. Some people feel condemned just by witnessing our life.

Let me say it straight-up: Homeschooling isn't for everyone! If you have not been called by God to do it, DON'T! And, furthermore, I do not stand in judgement of ANYONE as to where their children do or do not attend school! Nor, do I think more highly of myself for homeschooling my children.

There. I feel MUCH better. Thanks

I want to be clear here, this isn't about homeschooling per se. Homeschooling is only a part of our overall parenting philosophy. The philosophy in a nutshell is this: Our home is the center of our world, and God is the center of our home.

We have spent eighteen and a half married years, and fifteen and a half parenting years building on that basic blueprint. We are now able to see the fruits of our labor.

Let me give you some examples:
RedDaddy and I don't spent nights apart; not once in our entire marriage have we been apart overnight. Are we afraid if we do our marriage will fall apart? No. Do we just not trust each other? Absolutely not! We just know that sowing into our marriage produces a closer relationship; sowing into external relationships strengthens those relationships. We choose to sow our time, our money, our relaxation, our recreation, our focus into our relationship with one another.

We actually enjoy being together more than we enjoy being with other people. I would much rather spend a weekend away with my husband than a weekend at a retreat with my friends. I'd much rather have a Date Night with him than a "girl's night out" with them. No offense, girlfriends, you know I love you! Sure we have friendships outside our marriage, but they are very surfacey compared to our relationship. RedDaddy puts it this way, "I don't talk to other people about problems with my wife, but I do talk to my wife about problems with other people!"

Another example:
We have chosen to not involve our kids in sports, multiple music lessons, every church activity, scouting, or any other extraneous club or activity. Why? Simply put, none of those things work to build on that original blueprint of our family being the core relationships of our lives.

I have numerous friends who are dealing any one, or more, of these issues at any given time: crazy schedules, mean coaches, lack of interest on the child's part, financial strain of the activity, suffering grades, emotionally wounded kids, strife between spouses, strife between siblings, strife between parent and child(ren)...all in the name of character development.

I'm not picking on them, nor am I picking on anyone, but I would like to share an alternate view. The view point of activity involvement has been all but pushed on us from day one, and I rarely push back. Excuse me while I get pushy for a moment.

There is nothing that can be learned on a soccer field, or a volleyball court that we can not teach our kids from home. Yikes! I can hear the comments, now!

Try to hear me out on this one. I never actually ask other parents why they put their kids in sports or competitive music programs, I just listen to them talk about how important qualities like sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline, and endurance are. I don't ask because I don't want to offend them. You see, I'm somewhat offended that it is assumed that because my kids don't play in organized sports, they could not possibly be disciplined or have a team spirit about them. (I don't think this is a conscious assessment, but I often feel the underlying indictment, though not from you, RD!)

Our family IS our team. My kids are some of the most helpful kids around, they truly have servants hearts. Not just at church either; they serve one another daily. It is part of our blueprint!

Teamwork and sportsmanship? We have a standing rule in the Land of Pink: Everyone plays, or no one plays! My older girls know that if they want to play a board game or a card game, they'll have to do it when the little ones are asleep or otherwise occupied (unless they don't mind playing Go Fish). And...just getting out the door is teamwork at it's finest!

Conflict resolution: Check.
Discipline: Check.
Submission to authority: Check.
Endurance: (Let's go with perseverance, there's no quitting THIS team) Check.

I offer this alternative perspective not for affirmation. To be truly honest, I know we are doing what is right for our family, and I know the way it is turning out is good. I'm sharing it for those of you who are struggling with all the con's of sports, or scouts, or dance competition, or whatever. With some creativity and effort on your part, you can give your kids the pro's of involvement and avoid many of the pitfalls.

As I re-read this it seems a bit like a rant (and golly, it is looooooong!), and that was not at all my intention! We are asked so often Why don't your kids do this? or Why don't you do that? I just thought I'd put it all down in one place.

Sometimes it's a very good idea to ask ourselves why we do what we do, and be honest about our answer. Don't ya think?

Muchas Gracias!

2008-10-02T07:00:00.002-04:00

Mama Hen gave me a sweet award the other day, and I've just now found time to properly accept it. I've never seen an award quite like this one. It's in Portugese!

To translate the gift from Portuguese to English, it means:
This blog invests and believes, the proximity. [meaning, that blogging makes us 'close' -being close through proxy]. They all are charmed with the blogs, where in the majority of its aims are to show the marvels and to do friendship; there are persons who are not interested when we give them a prize, and then they help to cut these bows; do we want that they are cut, or that they propagate? Then let’s try to give more attention to them!

The translation is a little rough, so I'll share my take on it.

Blogging is a charming connection we make with others who may or may not be close in proximity, but are close in heart. Friendships are made through blogging that we should, and must choose to, cultivate so that they may propogate. (That cleared it right up, didn't it?)

This is suppossed to be shared with 8 bloggers, but you know I'm a rebel! All of my readers are so important to me...even you lurkers ;) I'm going to give this award to 8 specific friends who may or may not be bloggers, and offer it to any blogger who will share it with 8 more people. BUT, here's the catch: You MUST let me know if you take this award!! Fair enough?

Good. Now go bless someone and make their day. By being here, you've already made mine!

My charming proximity blessings are:

1. RedDaddy (my BFF)

2. Tonya (kindred spirit numero uno)

3. Karina

4. RhoDelta

5. TotallyScrappy

6. Joanna

7. Beverly

8. Hope

By your proximity you have made my life much richer. I love you each and every one!

I Just Gotta Be ME!

2008-10-01T13:00:00.000-04:00

Recently I was looking through my latest issue of Southern Lady magazine, when a strange thing happened. A very strong sense of dread began to overcome me. I could feel myself becoming overwhelmed and just generally "stressed out".

I thought, "What in the world...?" After doing some self-analyzing (much, much cheaper than therapy), I came to this conclusion: I was stressing myself out by thinking about all the things I am "supossed" to do during the holiday season. And what had brought all this on was merely the acknowledgement that the NEXT issue would be all about Christmas decor, Christmas gifts, Christmas recipes, Christmas parties...Christmas, Christmas, Christmas.

For a few years now, I have to admit, Christmas has not been very high on my list of "Much Anticipated Events". Not for the reasons that most people dislike the holidays; not because of the over-commercialization, or the over-spending, or the busyness of the whole season.

No, for me it was a much deeper, much more personally internal angst. Wow, that sounds sinister! It's not that I'm personally against Christmas. In fact, I adore Christmas! Of course the One Whom we celebrate is the reason for my adoration, and I am much more keenly aware of Him at that time of year.

I also truly enjoy shopping for other people. I may or may not have mentioned that before :) RedDaddy and I do all of our shopping for the girls in one night. It's one of our favorite days of the whole Christmas season! We start with the toy store, and then go out to eat, then we hit Wally-world and any other specialty store necessary, grabbing a coffee somewhere along the way. The gifts are then stashed in hiding until Christmas Eve, when we put the kids to bed early and I wrap myself silly!

So, see I'm no Scrooge. I think it's more a matter of me feeling like I need to be Martha...Stewart or Mary's sister. I feel the pressure to have the beautiful decorations, host the perfect party, make the most creative gifts for all my friends and family, bake incredibly delicious cookies, plan a cookie swap complete with precious party favors, come up with most unique handmade Christmas cards, stage an utterly angelic family portrait...

Can I get an "Amen" in the house?

This is what I learned from this personal discovery: I don't want to plan and host the party; I want to BE the one who plans and hosts the party. I don't want to design and manufacture special one-of-a-kind gifts, I want to BE the lady who made the fantastic gifts. I don't want to spend hours and hours baking 48 DOZEN cookies (like I did last year) for the neighborhood, the church, the office; I want to BE the cookie baker extraordinaire.

See, I've been more consumed by BEING someone than with DOING what's in MY heart to do for others. This was quite a revelation for me, because I never could figure out why I would WANT to do these big, fancy things and then end up so frazzled, and worse yet, so unfulfilled!

I may be in the minority here, but I don't think so. It may not be about Christmas for you (it's not truly about that for me either), it may be the PTA, or the homeschooling co-op, or the church group or event, or your job, or your ministry (Ouch!), or...

It all comes down to this: What is it that is in your HEART, not in your HEAD? What thing has God placed in you to do and be for those around you, and what things do you place on yourself due to perceived expectations? Notice I said "perceived" expectations...so often others really don't EXPECT us to do all the things we do. And if they do expect it, it's because we've always done it, not because there isn't someone else willing to get it done. Think about what things could be in some other person's heart to do, but we're all out there "doing it" already!

Personally, I am finding such freedom in just being "Me". Being the woman God created me to be. Filling the place in history that only I can fill. Walking out the path that no one else on this planet can walk. Fulfilling the very unique, Fuschia-shaped hole in eternity!

Follow your heart. Turn off you head for a change and listen to that still, small voice. It's been there all along, and it forever will be.

Ask and Ye Shall Recieve.

2008-09-30T13:03:00.005-04:00

As promised, pictures of my new glasses. Please focus (hee hee, pun intended!) on the glasses, not the one wearing them!

Sarah Palin, I'm not, but they do make me look studious, don't ya think?

If you look closely at the left temple, you can see the pink ;) I really like how it shows, but they aren't overtly pink. Contrary to what you might think, I don't wear pink everyday. In fact, pink is mostly my accessory color of choice.

I look like I'm wearing PJ's, and though I've been known to wear them much too late into the day, it's actually a very cute quilted jacket I made. I'm planning to make another one in red's. Hmmmm...perhaps a tutorial is in the making.

Tea Time Tuesday: KISS

2008-09-30T11:37:00.005-04:00

You know what KISS stands for, don't you?

KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID! Not that I'm calling you stupid...it's aimed more inward, I'm afraid.

As much as I love tea time, I don't make the effort all that often. Because it is an effort. And...well, I have issues with perfectionism.

Rho, STOP laughing!!

This morning I was given a sweet revelation.

On the back of my bathroom counter, two little tea cups and a saucer have been sitting for a few days. Sadly, they had met with trauma, and were in need of some TLC of the "Daddy, fix it!" kind. This morning, as I was...um... sitting in the bathroom, Scarlet-3 came in to visit with me. She noticed her tea cup and saucer had been glued back together. Just as I was about to express my sadness over the remaining cracks, she exclaimed, "My tea set is all fixed! Can I play with it, Mommy?"

She was so excited to have the use of her beloved tea set back, that she didn't even notice the cracks. (Don't worry, I did warn her about the sharp edges!) All that mattered to her was that she could now run off and have tea!

Am I the only one whose kids are smarter than she is?!

Tea time. Spending time with friends. Blessing your husband. Surprising a family member with kindness. Playing with your kids.

Each and every one of these activities can either be a joy or a bother, a welcome diversion or an intrusion, a blessing or a curse. The choice is OURS.

Do we accept the imperfections of our lives and "make lemonade out of lemons" so to speak, or do we put off special memories-in-the-making waiting for all the "cracks" to be filled? Are we willing to have a tea party with chipped or less than special cups, or will we miss the opportunity for fellowship until we can afford the Wedgwood china?

This is a "read between the lines" post. I pray that for each and every reader it will hit the mark.

What are you reading in between these lines today? I'd love to know!

Catchin' Up.

2008-09-29T10:54:00.007-04:00

These weekends are getting so long! With RedDaddy off from work on Friday's my weekend seems eternal. Not that a long weekend is cause for complaint, except that I can't seem to find time to blog with him around!

Just to catch up I'm going to have to do a list....yuck!

1.) My new weight-loss accountability partner and I are doing great! I've only lost .2 lbs, but I'm also on my period, so there's really no point in getting on the scale. I am however, eating well, WALKING (that is honestly the first intentional exercise I've gotten in at least two years!), drinking more water, and overall feeling great!

2.) I got some new reading glasses. They're spiffy; I'll have to take a picture when I have make-up on and my hair is actually styled. Oh, and they are black, not pink...okay, so they're pink on the inside of the frames. You didn't honestly think I'd buy glasses without pink on them, did you? Silly, girl.

3.) My garden is going great guns.

(That is some very lovely sweet basil!)

Except that my pumpkin blossoms keep falling off. I thought one of my little ones had plucked them, and I read them the riot-act, only to find two more on the ground the next morning. No one had been out there overnight, so I guess they fell off on their own. The strange part to me, is that I can't see any bud or anything on the end of the stalk where the blossom was. So, how is a pumpkin going to ever grow on that vine?! Anyone who has ever grown pumpkins want to weigh-in on this one?

4.) I have a wonderful husband! No spectacular happening to report, just thought I'd tell y'all, he's wonderful. He is constantly on the quest to improve his character and it is so inspiring to me!! I love you, RedDaddy {{kiss}}.

5.) We heard a good message Sunday on marriage. I repeat, it was a good message, I don't want anyone to think I'm criticizing the sermon; however, I was struck by how few sermons I have heard about true biblical submission. We hear a lot these days about men loving their wives as Christ loves His church...as well we should!...but so often, it seems to me, pastors shy away from boldly preaching the need for wives to submit to their own husbands. I'm sure it's difficult for a man to preach to women on submission without coming across as chauvinistic. How fortunate for me, I'm not a man: Be looking for a post on a blog near you! :-)

6.) I received a very unique award from MamaHenClucks this weekend. It is so special it deserves a post all its own. So I'm going to work on that for the end of this week.

7.) That's about it.

Except that God is good. Every minute of every day, He is good. Circumstances are often not good, the enemy is certainly not good, people can be quite NOT GOOD, but MY GOD IS ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY, 100% GOOD ALL THE TIME!!

Just thought you should know!

We Have A Winner!

2008-09-25T11:57:00.002-04:00

Or I should say, "Winners". Because, once again, yours truly has won another bloggy giveaway! I won a Beachy Mimi itunes gift card! Oh yes I did!

There are two teenaged girls who think I should share. I ever so gently (or not) reminded them that they are in the middle of a dog-sitting job that pays $10 a day and they could buy their own dang itunes card! I, on the other hand, have no gainful employment and must, therefore, rely on the generosity of others.

So, Beachy Mimi, bless your generous self...and thank you once more!

And...

The winner of the tea cozy is Karina! Congratulations!!

Y'all, it couldn't have happened to a sweeter lady. I wish you could all be blessed with this fantastic friend. But, I'll just have to love her for all of you!! And, I will.

WFMW: Color-Coded Kids.

2008-09-24T09:52:00.004-04:00

This is a pretty simple thing, but one that has helped me immensely!! And, while it may seem like a homeschooling thing, if you'll stick with me, I think any mom with more than one child will find a use for this tactic.

For years, we used unit studies in our homeschool. That meant a LOT of copies to be made. Every single worksheet, assignment, all text, Internet downloads, reading lists, etc. for three students had to be printed and often copied.

That was a bunch of paper. While I'd love to tell you how to save money and resources on all that paper and ink, I can't! I can tell you how to keep each child's work separated.

At the beginning of each school year, my girls get to choose a color for the year. You know how little girls are, their favorite color changes with the seasons, so they found the need to choose wisely! Every paper for that child ALL year will be printed on her color of choice.

My brain finally makes the connection to which child is what color about January, but they are able to remember, so it's all good. I'm constantly hollering from the office, "Ruby, what color are you?" I ask Ruby, because she will just rattle off the whole family's list for me...first-born show-off ;) !

What I particularly love about this system is that we use it for the chore charts on the fridge as well. If I see a job that isn't done, or has been done incorrectly, I just ask, "Who is green? You need to wipe these counters."

Now that the older girls are getting more involved at church (kid's church volunteers, youth band practice, youth group functions), I'm giving them each a calendar, in their respective color, to place their individual activities on. This all goes on the Master Family Calendar and in the Household Notebook...but that's another post!

Color-coding my kids Works For Me!

Tea Time Tuesday: A Giveaway.

2008-09-23T06:39:00.005-04:00

It's here. It's here! IT'S HERE!!

Can you tell that I'm excited? Yay!

I may or may not have mentioned that I truly adore presents. And, just to be clear, I equally (almost) adore giving gifts! So, this is just plain fun for me.

And, we all know, it's all about me ;)

Several months back, I made a lovely little something with my own two hands...well, and my sewing machine. I used it maybe twice before my "Other Mother" bought me a beautiful, Old Country Roses tea pot warmer to match my tea set. Since then, it has been sitting on my tea shelf, in my office and looking at me sadly each and every day, forced to sit next to the tea pot warmer and dream of what might have been.

Do I paint a bleak enough picture? Good. Because I want this precious item to go to a home which will love it...and USE it!

Whaaaat?

Oh, I'm sorry. You want to know what it is.

A tea cozy, of course! A PINK tea cozy with a butter yellow, appliqued floral tea pot on one side, and a pair of tea cups on the other. The "handle" on the pot lid is an antique button I found in my grandmother's button box (it's a little too small, but I just loved it anyway!).

Now, you don't think I'm going to let this one go to just any ol' home, do you? Nos'sir! You have to play by my rules on my blog. (Nazi-Mom may have been deported, but her sister Nazi-Blogger is still hangin' around.) I want to know one thing, any one thing, you enjoy about tea or tea time.

That's it. So maybe I'm not Nazi-Blogger after all; maybe I'm just Socialist-Blogger, wanting everybody to share in the fun!

**Drawing closes at midnight, so get on it, Girls!**

Oh, yeah...

2008-09-22T14:14:00.001-04:00

Don't forget that tomorrow's Tea Time Tuesday is a giveaway!

See you then.

Easiest Weight-loss Ever!

2008-09-22T10:47:00.003-04:00

The steps of the scientific method are to:
Ask a Question
Do Background Research
Construct a Hypothesis
Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment
Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion
Communicate Your Results

Several days ago, I noticed what I found to be an interesting phenomenon. So I determined to do some investigating. Nancy Drew would be so proud!

I followed the steps of scientific method and have discovered a revolutionary new weight-loss tool. I'm serious. This post will fulfill the final step (Communicate Your Results) and I will no doubt be flooded with offers to write a book, or perhaps shoot an infomercial touting my new system.

And y'all can say, "I knew her when"!

Here's the low-down. I have discovered that EVERY time I shower I lose 2/10th's of a pound.

EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. No kidding!

Luckily for me, none of the weight-loss guru's need to explain their goofy schemes, so I don't either. I just know it works.

For about 10 days now, I've weighed myself upon getting into the shower and upon getting out of the shower. I'm down .2 lbs each and every time!

Pretty great isn't it?

Now I've calculated it out: roughly 15 minutes to shower = .2 lbs weight-loss x 4 showers/hour x 8 hours/day = 64 pounds lost in 10 days!

I don't know about you, but I'm in...the shower that is. If I can reach my goal weight in less than 10 days, I'm on it like white on rice, Baby. Of course I'll look like a prune...but a very slender prune!

Or...

Maybe I'll just take this lady up on her offer to become accountability partners.

Perhaps, I should trade my pruny skin for some serious effort at eating better and moving more.

Naaaaaaah.

If you need me, I'll be in the shower.

Don't worry about interrupting me, nobody else does!

WFMW: S*x Ed At Home.

2008-09-17T11:40:00.005-04:00

As homeschoolers all education is done at home, but this particular topic was one we wanted to be certain was taught my US!

In case you're new here, we have five girls, and no boys. Guess who gets to give "THE talk"? Yep.

Ruby-15 and Peach-13 had already been through the menstruation discussion a few years back. That went fairly easily and painlessly.

Then Mama went through two pregnancies practically back-to-back (births 15 months apart). The three older girls went to every midwife appointment, heard every heartbeat, and held the fetus models every month to see how much Baby had grown. No questions!

Of course there were questions, but now the questions I was waiting for. Every Christian guru from Dobson to Lehman advocates allowing children's natural curiosity to guide how much information is given and when. Okay.

Except my children weren't askin' nuthin'! And I was good with that.

Until I realized that we had TEENAGERS, 15 and 13 years old, who had NO IDEA what s*x was. No really. You'd have to know how little time my kids spend with other kids without our presence to believe that. But, trust me, they didn't have ANY IDEA.

Understand, my reason for giving them any information at all was simply to be sure to be the one who did! I have every confidence that the information will not be used until their wedding night, but I knew they'd hear things eventually.

So, last year during school, I purposely scheduled a unit on s*xual reproduction. And, like any good homeschooling mom, I Googled it!

This is what I found: How Stuff Works. Seriously. It was fantastic! And I am MEGA picky what my kids see!! All the information was given in a matter-of-fact manner, the video clips were discreet while being clear, and the language was honest and understandable.

Ruby, Peach, and I went through the articles together. I let them read each page and then we watched the corresponding video. I allowed them to ask questions after each section (though they didn't have many...yipee for me!), and we talked openly when it was all finished.

Overall, it was a great experience for us! I noticed today that the site is a bit different from last year, but I think the information is just laid out differently. Check it out, it may or may not be for you, but...it's what Works For Me!

Then go see what works for bunches of other folks at Rocks in my Dryer.

UPDATE.

2008-09-16T13:35:00.002-04:00

This is NOT the last Tea Time Tuesday!

This is the last Fruit of the Tea Spirit post. However, Tea Time Tuesday will be back next week, and the week after that, and the week after that, and...then, I don't know.

I'm gratified that at least some of you are enjoying having tea with me each week :)

Next week's giveaway is tea related, so be sure to check it out!!

Tea Time Tuesday: Self-control.

2008-09-16T09:23:00.005-04:00

**I have an announcement to make!**

NO! I am not pregnant!!

Next Tuesday, I will be doing the FIRST EVER giveaway in the Land of Pink. It won't be anything nearly as cool as Amazon.com gift cards, but it will be special. As in, handmade by me special. So as to keep it just between us (and not the WFMW traffic...sneaky, I know) the comments will close at mid-night on Tuesday. SO. Be sure to check in next week and play along!!

This week is the last installment of the Fruit of the Tea Spirit. This is probably the fruit I struggle with the most. As I have thought about it, I'm convinced it's the fruit we all struggle with in one area or another.

Self-control.

Think about it: Every sin, every failure, every shortcoming has its root in a lack of self-control. Ugh! If we exercised complete self-control would we argue with our spouses? Would we spend too much? Would we eat too much (OUCH!)? Would we procrastinate? Would we be short and snarky with cashiers? Would we harbor unforgiveness?

Jesus told us that the commandments to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves fulfilled the law. In the same way, I am convinced that to walk in the fruit of self-control is to possess all the others.

What in the world does any of this have to do with Tea Time?!

Have you ever thought about the size of tea sandwiches? Those things are teeny tiny.

They call them "bite-sized", but it takes two are three to constitute an entire bite.

That is the point! Tea time is meant to be more of a snack than a meal. It isn't refined to pig-out at the tea table. We are supposed to exercise some self-control. To quote Remy in Ratatouille, "Don't just hork it down!" Savor each bite, every sip, and every bit of conversation!

Allow the spirit of taking tea to remind you to be self-controlled and thereby produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness in your life.

Oh, and spending time with the Father in His Word and prayer can't hurt either!

What Did He Say?: Part 2.

2008-09-15T09:52:00.004-04:00

Here is a list of many of the things the Lord has been saying to me over the past few weeks and my take on them (I'll do my best to make them clear but, this is God talking, and, well, if it was clear to me I wouldn't be asking you!):

1.) God: The callings of God are irrevocable.
Me: So, this longing to teach the Word is not likely to ever go away.

2.) God: Moses had to go to Pharaoh ten times before God's plan was fulfilled.
Me: We may have to try, try, try again to make this pastoring thing work.

3.) God: Jesus said a man would receive what he asks for because of his persistence.
Me: ditto to #2.

4.) God: Battles are won in the Spirit FIRST; the physical/natural circumstances of our lives are a direct result of the spiritual world.
Me: We've been fighting many battles, but not many IN THE SPIRIT. We have tried to fight the good fight, but it has not been the fight of faith, it has been the fight of "struggling to make sense of it all".

5.) God: Sometimes people come into a church as scaffolding: they are necessary for the process of building, but are only temporary, and eventually will no longer be in place.
Me: Um, so we ARE only in this church for a season after all. (Don't anyone go panicking on me!)

6.) God: "Maybe you've been hurt or disillusioned by ministry, now is the time to get back on your feet and back in the game!" -- a guest minister at our church.
Me: Where have I heard that before?

7.) God: If you need wisdom, ask, get it and get on with it!
Me: Yes, I have made "confusion" an excuse to not move forward!

8.) God: Swagger: A walk with confidence and knowledge of your path. ~ A Dear Friend.
Me: When did I lose my swagger and how do I get it back?!

Okay, right now as I am typing this the Lord reminded me of this quote from Reddaddy's grandfather (nothing like having an epiphany while blogging!):

Upon the Plains of Indecision (or hesitaion, depending on who is quoting) bleach bones of countless millions, who on the threshold of victory sat down to rest, and resting died. ~ Omar Kayam.

Now, add to all that God has been speaking to my heart these facts of the past:

1.) RedDaddy and I KNOW that we know we are called by God to pastor and teach the Word of God to His people.

2.) We KNOW that we know that we were sent to THIS city for THIS time.

3.) We started a church, making many mistakes, and ultimately "failed" (I use that word to mean we closed the church...failure is merely the act of quitting, and it's not over til it's over!)

4.) When we came to our current church home it was with the understanding that we needed a place to regroup and be refreshed in order to move forward in fulfilling God's call on our lives.

And these facts of the present:

1.) Nothing in our lives right now is fulfilling, not RedDaddy's job, not our current ministry positions.

2.) For the first time in year and a half we have been able to talk about how we would do things differently, what a church that we would pastor would "look" like, and what it would mean to our family.

3.) Impatience has been replaced with eagerness!

I realize this was a bit of a brain-dump kind of post, but since I don't do that often, you'll forgive me won't you?

So, I ask you again...what did He say to you (about your own life, or ours) through all of this?