Cleaning the cobwebs in my head

It has been a long and busy week for me. Friday could not come any sooner. Exhaustion of the body and soul has kicked in. Then a friend stops in, tells me an idea and the wheels start turning again. I can barely keep my eyes open right now. Yes it is only 1 in the afternoon. I can see my great idea coming to fruition. It is so close I can smell it. The problem is that my eyes and my brains just want to shut. Next thing you know as I am drinking my new favorite Diet Coke with Vanilla from Sonic of course and sweet potato tator tots, I am researching again. I get caught up in http://www.entrepreneur.com/ then off to http://www.businessweek.com/ and then I always end with the person that inspired me: http://melrobbins.com/

Shaking Landings

Another great devotional, wow! Sometimes I think God is SCREAMING at me. To all my friends, my mom, family and husband that continually support my ideas and thoughts, hold on and get ready for the shaky landing ahead. 

“Shaky Landings”


Ginger Plowman
Author, Speaker for Proverbs 31 Ministries


Key Verse:

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”  (Psalm 27:1)

Devotion:

Isn’t it funny how the personality traits that first attracted us to our husbands drive us crazy later?  Take my husband Jim, for instance.  He has always approached adventure with reckless abandon.  The fact that he enjoyed rappelling down steep mountains Australian style (upside down) and making 230 foot bungee jumps sent shivers of excitement and intrigue through my entire body, making him the most irresistible man I had ever met.  So I married him.

Thirteen years and two kids later, I was frying pork chops when Jim waltzed into the kitchen with that mischievous boy-have-I-got-an-idea-now look on his face.  The wild zeal in his eyes told me I needed to brace myself for what was coming next.

“I want to fly airplanes,” he grinned.  I wanted to cover my ears and chant, “I’m not going to listen to you. I’m not going to listen to you.”  But instead, I decided to be mature about it.

“Have you lost your mind?  Do you think I’m going to offer my blessing and seal my fate as a widow at the age of thirty-five?  If you do this, I’m never speaking to you again!”  (Stomp, stomp, stomp, slam). (This is probably opposite at my house...my poor hubby)

Two days and many prayers later, I boldly proclaimed (with one hand on my pajamaed hip and the other waving my toothbrush in the air), “Okay, if you want to do this it’s fine with me.  But let’s get one thing clear, buddy.  Neither I nor any of your offspring will ever get in that airplane with you!” (Hmm. I know he is reminded about the splash pads and my mother is thinking those dang clothes she is selling on my FB page right now! www.facebook.com/momandherskinnyjeans. Or my poor helpers that are wondering when will she just sit there)

Three months later, I was climbing into the back of the airplane. Jim kissed my cheek and promised, “You’re gonna love it.”  My excessive fear of heights, however, was screaming otherwise.  To make matters worse, Jim’s flight instructor announced, “Jim, today we’re going to work on your shaky landings.”

I leaned forward and lightly tapped the instructor’s shoulder. “Excuse me, what did you say?  For a second there I thought you said we were going to work on Jim’s shaky landings.”

The instructor chuckled at my anxiety as Jim began speaking some sort of numeric jargon into the microphone.  “Auburn traffic Skyhawk eight-niner-eight-four-seven departing runway three-six.”  But all I heard was, “Mayday!  Mayday! Mayday! We’re all going to die!”

With eyes tightly shut and sweat pouring from my otherwise calm demeanor, I decided the seat belt was not all it’s cracked up to be.  I assumed crash position.  I braced myself by pressing my feet against the back of the front seats and my palms flat on the ceiling of the plane (for when we rolled, of course).  I began confessing all of my sins as I begged for God’s mercy. I felt the plane lift off the runway.  Nothing happened.  Ten minutes later, I forced open one eye to see if I had arrived at the pearly gates. Nope, it wasn’t the pearly gates but it was something that took my breath away:  a thrilling and fantastic view of God’s creation.

Looking back, I realize that the way I protested going flying with Jim is the same way I often protest going somewhere God wants me to go.  When God first called me to speak and write on a national level, I wanted to cover my ears and chant, “I’m not going to listen to you. I’m not going to listen to you.”   I questioned, “Do You think I’m going to make a big fool out of myself by speaking in front of thousands of people all over the country?”

Two years later, I was speaking all over the country and being interviewed on national television and radio.  Was it against my will?  At first, you bet it was.  The fear and anxiety that plagued my heart every time I took the microphone threatened to choke out my obedience.  Then one day, I opened one eye and looked around.  I saw what God saw:  the beauty of His handiwork through an obedient life. This is my dream, I would love to travel and talk to people how to make their life easier and better. Help students find a college. Help schools revamp their College and Career programs. This is the ultimate goal. Watch out, I am on the look out for my tour bus again!

Do I experience shaky landings?  Yep.  However, I have found that even in disastrous situations, God still fulfills His purpose when I surrender to His will.

We must not wrap ourselves in a cocoon of fear and anxiety over what might happen if we move out of our comfort zones.  We must obey God’s calling on our lives.  We must step out in faith and allow Him to take the clumsy caterpillar and transform it into a beautiful butterfly.  He has a perfect plan for our lives that can only be fulfilled if we are willing to shed our cocoons and fly with Him.  In spite of the shaky landings, it’s worth the ride.


My prayer for today:

Lord, I know you have called me to serve you.  Help me to overcome the fears of this world and to cling tightly to you.  I trust that you have a plan for my life.  I know that if I trust you, follow you, and obey you, I can rest in the safety of your will.  Thank you for being my strength when I am weak and my refuge when I am scared.


Application steps:

Consider a time when you were afraid to obey God, but you did it anyway.  What were the results?  How was your faith strengthened?  If fear is holding you back in some way, seek God’s help in overcoming that fear and trusting him.  How can you act on overcoming fear in a certain situation?


Reflection points:

What fears hold you back from fully obeying God?

How can fear keep you from richly experiencing God’s hand in your life?

What steps are you taking to overcome your fears and trust God?


Power verses:

Proverbs 1:33 …but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.  (NIV)

Proverbs 29:25, Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.  (NIV)

1 John 4:18, There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  (NIV)

"Be still and know that I am God"

I love the devotionals I get from GrowthTrac. Today's touched my heart completely. IF any of you know me as a person, I am constant. Recently a friend told me that God was speaking to her through the verse, "Be still and  know that I am God." In my mind, I thought: Are you kidding me? Be still! You should be running right now. Then I got this morning email...okay....Big guy upstairs-I get it. Be still. Breathe and like I pray every morning...Dear God please give me your eyes so I can see!

Here is my email devotional:  What do you think? Leave it as a comment!


The Killing Fields
Rebecca Ingram Powell, Speaker Team member, author
 Devotion:

As a teenager, I went to see the movie, “The Killing Fields.” It was an Academy Award winner, and my English teacher insisted that we see it. She even offered extra credit for a ticket stub and a one-page synopsis. A friend and I decided to take her up on it.

When we arrived at the cinema, the place was packed. It was a gorgeous Saturday, but the awards show had just been broadcast that week, and now everyone wanted to see this film. Nearly every seat was filled, and people were still filing in. After the trailers, as the film was starting, a woman turned in to my row to claim the empty seat beside me. At that moment, the power went off in the theater. The film cut off abruptly, along with the aisle lights. It was pitch black.

The woman, who happened to be somewhat heavy-set, did not pass me and locate the empty seat on my right. She just plopped down right on top of me. Evidently, she thought she had made it to the vacant chair. She had not.

Brought up in a Southern home where good manners were very important (We didn’t even hang up on telemarketers!), I was definitely in a quandary. I wanted to be nice about informing this dear woman that the seat beneath her was occupied. I certainly didn’t want to make a scene. After all, something like this could happen to anyone.

I tapped the woman’s shoulder. “Uh, excuse me. Ma’am? Excuse me,” I said. Unfortunately, the lady didn’t respond. She didn’t hear me. She didn’t seem to notice there was another person’s body underneath hers. Despite a few more attempts to discreetly notify this woman of my presence, it appeared she was going to stay put. Then I began to feel woozy. In fact, I thought I was going to pass out.

I have a tendency to be just the teeniest bit claustrophobic. I don’t like crowds or tight places. In a theater as dark as the depths of a cave and underneath a large and apparently hard-of-hearing person, I can get a little freaky. Abandoning all measure of good taste and Southern courtesy, and summoning what I believed at the time to be my last breath, I shrieked, “Ma’am! There is a person under you!”

Every so often, I feel as though I’m seated once again in that crowded theater. It’s a gorgeous day, but I’m about to be another fatality on the killing fields of busyness. My to-do list has crawled up in my lap, and I can’t see over it. It’s heavy, and I’m uncomfortable. When life gets this crazy, I know it’s time to step back and re-examine my priorities.

It’s a classic case of the Christian woman’s balancing act. It’s the tightrope that stretches between Jesus’ friends Martha and Mary. Christ accused Martha of being busy with many things, but Mary was lauded as one who had made the right choice: to sit at Jesus’ feet. But how does a busy Christian woman find the time--and an empty seat--for sitting down? Mary found time to sit at Jesus’ feet because she was able to prioritize. She made wise choices.

I need to spend more time at the feet of the Lord, listening, worshiping, and being still. Jesus said, “Martha, Martha! You are worried and upset about so many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41). This morning I substituted my name in place of Martha. Christ’s words sank deep into my heart. The Amplified Bible explains that Martha was “overly occupied and too busy” and that Mary had “chosen the good portion [that which is to her advantage].” Look at your plate. Have you chosen the good portion? Summon your last breath and remind yourself that there is a person underneath the schedule whose spirit needs time to commune with God, escaping the killing fields of busyness. Go to Him now. He has saved you a seat.



My prayer for today:

Lord, it’s happened again. I’m too busy. It all looked good as I was coming down the line and filling my plate with activities, plans, and projects. But now it simply looks like too much. Like a child whose eyes were bigger than her stomach, I want to put some of it back. Help me choose only the good portion.

 Application steps:

• What are your life’s roles? List them on a piece of paper. 
• Are you a wife? A mother? A manager? A friend?
• List your jobs in proper order, remembering that “child of God” must be in first place.

 Reflection points:

• Do you feel uncomfortable just being still?
• Do you feel you must always be doing something?
• Is their any white space on your calendar?
• What can you do to access more quality time spent at Jesus’ feet?

Power verses:


“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 (NIV)

“But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)

Thursday Travels

What way to start out Thursday but with a FREE subscription to Budget Travel!

Check this out!
RewardsCountry is offering users a free subscription to Budget Travel. Check out the linked page to start your free subscription.  This is a great freebie and no credit card info will be asked for.  Allow 8 to 10 weeks to arrive.
I Heart Deal Wise Mommy and thanks for posting!

Wednesday Words

I am always trying to save the world. My head sometimes feels like it is going to explode with great ideas. Hence why I have a Great Idea journal...thanks to my dear Susie J. I encourage everyone to have a journal where you write down your ideas and dreams. You never know how one idea can lead to another and next things you know....BAM! You are living the life you always dreamed of!

Things to think about and ponder: 

I have the saying up late down to an art now along with don't be cool. Now is asking more questions and making it happen. 

I heart shoes

My child and her obsession with shoes. Thanks grandma Clara for my Christmas shoes that have not made it to the Christmas storage yet! Yes I know it is February!

Check out this deal from www.bradsdeals.com


Through 2/21, these Carlos Santana Pretty Pumpsdrops from $89.99 to $45 to $33.75 via code 25SALE at Shoes.com. Plus, shipping is free. This is $56 off the list price and the lowest price we could find for these shoes. They feature a 3/4" platform midsole and have 4.6 out of 5 stars by Shoes.com reviewers! Plus, there is no sales tax 

How old is my child?

Relax. I knew with google in my hand, I could figure out anything. Recently, I was confused on how old is my daughter. Do I count by the month, the day, the hour? I thought she was 18 months old and argued with the lady who told me otherwise. Then I found this:

http://www.calculator.net/age-calculator.html

She is only 17 months old. That is what I get for trying to let her grow up too quickly.

Schedule this!

I love my Google Calendar I used it more for my College and Career Business but after watching this video and reading the Organizing Junkie post I realized that I need to use it more. Go check it out. Heck schedule it in your google calendar to do it!  Let me know what you learn!


Watch this week’s Twirl to learn to see why gCal and I have a standing appointment.
Digitwirl is the weekly web show that offers simple solutions to modern day problems. In 3 minutes, Digitwirl brings busy women the very best time, money, and sanity-saving technology, and then teaches them how to use it, step-by-step. Digitwirl was created by technology lifestyle expert Carley Knobloch, who uses lots of technology to manage her busy life as mom of two and entrepreneur. Become a subscriber to get weekly show alerts and exclusive deals at Digitwirl.com, or follow Digitwirl on Twitter at @digitwirl.



I also follow this blog to get these great ideas: Organizing Junkie. As my mom always says: Surround yourself with amazing people and you will no choice but to be amazing!

Yummy to my belly! Happy Valentines!

8 ounces chocolate (we used 70% bittersweet - choose a high quality chocolate you love)
3/4 cup (6 ounces) water
ice cubes
freshly whipped cream for topping (optional)

1. Simply pour water into a saucepan. Then, over medium heat, whisk in the chocolate. The result is a homogenous sauce.

2. Pour the chocolate mixture into a bowl set over an ice bath, then whisk the chocolate sauce, either manually with a whisk or with an electric mixer (if using an electric mixer, watch closely -- it will thicken faster). It will thicken and strands of chocolate will form inside the loops of the whisk. Pour or spoon immediately into ramekins, small bowls or jars and let set.

3. Note: Three things can go wrong. Here's how to fix them. If your chocolate doesn't contain enough fat, melt the mixture again, add some chocolate, and then whisk it again. If the mousse is not light enough, melt the mixture again, add some water, and whisk it once more. If you whisk it too much, so that it becomes grainy, this means that the foam has turned into an emulsion. In that case simply melt the mixture and whisk it again, adding nothing.

4. Serve immediately, or refrigerate. Top with whipped cream if desired.

Scared of rules no more!

This is my Mimi's (great grandmother) precious table. When I was growing up, it was in the "nice" living room and we were only allowed in there on Christmas. I am not sure who actually went in there any other time. This table originally had a big piece of glass on it (No, it is not on there now!) 

My kids love it. They call it their dancing table. No it doesn't match anything in my house so for now it will be our dancing and laughing table!

Oh my poor Mimi is turning in her grave for sure!

Scared of my addictions

Scared of so many pictures

Are you like me? I have 1000's of pictures digitally but not many printed. So thank you Walgreens for saving me once again! Off to the printer I go!

Walgreen’s has a great photo offer right now!  Save $10 off $20+ photo orders through Saturday, February 11th using the code LESS10 at checkout.  There are select gifts you can choose to pick up in store FREE as well!  Not valid on: goosie cards, passport photos, or photo cd’s.

* Coupon code LESS10 valid for up to 5 uses per account thru February 11, 2012. Code must be entered at time of checkout to apply discount. Maximum discount of $10 with minimum order of $20. Discount does not apply to goosie cards, passport photos, photo cd’s, previous purchases, taxes or shipping charges. Orders must be placed by logged-in customer by February 11, 2012 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time to qualify. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer valid online only. Shipping costs may apply if in-store pickup is not available in your area.

Thanks you Deal Wise Mommy.net

Scared of gift giving

It is always finding the gift for the people that have everything. So what do you? Get on pinterest of course! Heck I even have a whole board for Gifts to make for the hard to buy for. 

Yes you can steal from it, not like I am going to do all of them anyways!

No microwave, what was I thinking?

I could say it is for health reason which it is partially. Reality was that I am lazy. I could throw 10 chicken nuggets into it and zap! We have dinner. 

Now, I have to cook. Really cook. Just to heat up left overs take 30 minutes. No I will not cheat. The microwave is buried in the garage. 

This is my little girl counting the minutes till her food is ready! 

The Garage...can you even go in?

It’s finally here!  It’s time for Org Junkie’s 29 Day Organizational Challenge!!  Their  official challenge page can be found here where you’ll find all the specifics of the challenge. 


I am tackling our garage that need a miracle. 
Join the fun here!

If nothing, else download this great calendar!

Pin This

My mom always if you have a problem, the first step is to admit to it! Okay so I am addicted to www.pinterest.com and it looks like the rest of the world is too! Now how to figure out how to make it benefit my business life!