New ideas

Ok, so I love finding things that you have around your house and using them for another purpose. Check out this article about household cleaners, http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-home/cleaning-organizing/staticslideshowrs.aspx?cp-documentid=20052810, you can use cooking oil to polish your leather shoes and there are a few others that perked my interest. Has anyone ever tried these? Do you know of any others?

Disturbing

Yesterday I was shocked to find out two things. The first was the death of actor David Carradine. Why was this shocking? Because this man was 72 years old and there were possible suspicions of suicide.

Secondly, there were 3 deaths of a husband, his wife, and one of their three children. How did they die? The father was unhappy so he caught their home on fire hoping to kill himself and his family.

I found these two incidences very unsettling and sad. I have a hard time believing that at 72 years of age that you wouldn't be content with yourself or happy for what you've accomplished in life? Wow! Then to think of this father who was extremely talented, respected, and had a beautiful family that he was disheartened and lost sight of the bigger picture and took matters into his own hands. Heart wrenching.

As I'm on this life journey, the road has been at times: up hill, enjoyable, challenging, smooth sailing, unexpected and so many more things. From these recent tragedies, I've been reminded that there is more to life than this. I want to find contentment is who God has made me to be and where I'm at in life. I want to seize the day and live life! I need to work through my expectations of where I think I should be in life (let alone what others think) and live life to fullest TODAY!

Dogs

I have been so bad with keeping up with this blog and reading my friend's blogs. Whoops

Today I heard something weird. The discussion touched on how dogs lick your legs, cheeks, hands...Then the topic expanded to "what do you allow your dog to lick on you"? As I listened to this I was reminded why I do not want to own a dog (or for that matter any furry animal). You may not want to read this, I was almost literally gagging when these were mentioned. SO beware!!!! One person said they allow their dog to lick their ears and clean out all the wax. Another person said she let her dog clean out her nose.

Exciting but scary

Since October I've been on a new eating plan which I LOVE!!! I eat more now than ever (and I've dropped a few pounds). I can still go out to eat and eat some of my favorite foods. I have thoroughly enjoyed trying new recipes and taking recipes that I love and making a tasty but healthier version of it. And if you know me, it has to taste good or else I won't eat it!

With that being said I ripped apart my closet and drawers today. I tried on all my clothes. I have a few piles that are ready to be dropped off to Plato's Closet so that I can get a few bucks and shop for new clothes.

I am so thankful and excited for the new look, feeling, and changes...and of course to shop! Yet, at the same time it's a little scary getting rid of so many clothes, clothes that have memories, years of my life attached to them. Oy! There is also that fear of going back to the "old" look. I will just continue to keep on doing what I'm doing and continue to have fun with food!

Conspire

I had the amazing privilege to attend the Conspire Conference. It is a children's conference that attracts people from all around the world to unite, connect, and inspire.

I encourage and challenge you to check out http://www.willowcreek.com/conspireconference/ which is the website and you can find live blogging that is going on during and after sessions and breakouts.

One of the speakers I heard today was Larry Shallenberger. He spoke on the area of volunteers in your children's ministry. Here are his 3 main points that I found intriguing.

1. We need to change who we are recruiting.

Application: Instead of going after "moms" we need to recruit retiring boomers and Generation Y people.

2. Volunteers are facing overwhelming economic pressure.

Application: Help them overcome this hopelessness by providing purpose in influencing children's lives. Provide opportunities for people to donate their skills instead of money.

3. There is no universal platform for communication with volunteers.

Application: Know the best way to communicate effectively with each of your volunteers, is it a text message? an email? a phone call? a facebook message?

I love when you are stretched and challenged to think creatively and differently to improve your children's ministry!

Lately

This past "school" year I have had my fair of jobs. My main stay is subbing and tutoring but sometimes that just isn't enough. I find it interesting and at times comical what God will bring in my path, it could be dog sitting, stuffing envelopes, organizing peoples rooms, data entry, babysitting, office work...I love seeing God provide these random yet totally thankful things my way. I'm reminded that God sees every detail and aspect of my life. As I pray that He continues to reveal my passions and His plan for me, I rest knowing that at this point in time, He has my steps planned and I trust in that. Some days are frustrating just wanting to know what I should be doing with my life, but I believe that He will use all of these things in my bigger picture. Oh, and as I kind of laid to rest my cupcake business with going back to school and then moving last year, it may start up again. I have some real exciting possiblities ahead of me. I wonder what God is doing?!?! :)

A joke

So what's the difference between a Cubs fan and a Sox fan?


The Sox fan is headed to the White House (Obama) and the Cubs fan in headed to the Big House (Blagojevich)!

:)