Annoyances

A very unexpected and annoying thing happened this morning. Our phone number was spoofed and used to make robocalls all around the country. Many of those people called, tried to call us back. Since there is nothing the phone company can do, we decided to stop answering the calls. We created a new voice mail message:

"Some gooberhead decided to use our number to spoof and make robocalls. Our apologies if you were called by our number. Have a wonderful day!"

While the message is a little funny and sarcastic, I felt prompted to use a better choice of words. A few moments after praying about it, I knew there was a better choice of words...HIS. 

This is our new voicemail message:

"Our number was spoofed and used to make robocalls today. Our sincerest apologies; however, please know you are being prayed for, specifically, Ephesians 3:16-21. Have a wonderful day!"

And while it's still annoying to have the phone constantly ringing today, at least now it's a new reminder to pray. If you're reading this, I've prayed these verses over you, too. Let's all find a way to make the little annoyances of life less annoying by turning the focus onto Him. 

Make today for His Glory.

A Letter to my Son as He Graduates

Dear Son, 

You graduate next week. It's such an incredible milestone that is one of many you'll experience in your lifetime. Your Dad and I are so proud of all you've accomplished!

Son, it simply amazes me that we've reached this day in your life, as I could almost swear it was only yesterday we grew our family to four with the addition of you. Dad and I were absolutely thrilled to introduce you to your brother and the rest of our clan. As we experience this moment with you, we can scarcely believe the rapid pace that brought us here!

We've had such high expectations for you. You've risen and far exceeded all of them with great success. We love hearing about your goals and plans for your life; and even more so, we love watching you achieve them. Your passion for life and zest for adventure are some of your greatest assets. Hang on to those as you speed forward into your future. 

As you set new goals, you will find some will take more steps than others; and some will need you to stop and look before moving forward again. Each move will provide you with valuable lessons. Though you probably feel you already have life firmly figured out right now, I want to give you a few tips before you embark on your next journey. 

Go to class. Even though we know there will be days you'd rather be mountain biking & spending time outdoors, go to class. We've invested in you and your future. You're preparing for your future. Going to class will assure you are ready when your future becomes your present. 

Your Dad has worked hard to give you a stable home and encouraging environment. He is such a good example of what a Dad should be, and he's the only other person I know who loves you as much as I love you. Be sure to tell him, "I love you, Dad!" every once in awhile.

Our relationship is going to change. You're entering a new and exciting era of your life, even though you'll be living at home. As you learn to fly, I'll learn to let you go. Some days are going to be a challenge for both of us, as you spread your wings, and I adjust to your new come-and-go schedule. We'll probably make a few mistakes along the way. Just remember, I always have the best intentions. PS...my advice is pretty spot-on most of the time! :)

Continue to grow, stand firm in your faith, and read your Bible. Your great-Grandma told you Bible stands for 
Basic Information Before Leaving Earth. She was right. It is and will always be your Life-Line. As you leave a comfortable group of friends, who pretty much believe the same things you do, you are going to find those beliefs challenged. As you find your place in the world, remember who you are, and Whose you are. You are a child of the Most High God; a living, breathing miracle created in His image for His Glory. When life is going in a direction you didn't plan, cling to this.

When life seems hard, remember, you're not meant to go backwards. Put one foot in front of the other, and keep looking ahead. Life is a journey that only goes in a forward-moving direction. 

We are here when you need us. We want this next year to be the best ever for you. As you figure out what career you want and which path to take, we hope you remember you can discuss anything with us. Even though you'll be living at home, don't forget to hug your Momma's neck every once in a while!

Son, we cannot wait to see where God takes you on your journey! And no matter what...

We will always love you. 

1st Day of School

Last Day of School

Cheese and Crackers

I'm a visual person. It's one of the reasons I create WordArt from Biblegateway's Verse of the Day. I study the verse a bit, usually with a few different translations; and an image will come to mind. "Seeing" the verse, helps my heart to remember it. Today's verse is an ode to one of my favorite and often used phrases. 

You see, I have a terrible vice...I sometimes swear...like a sailor.

It's an awful habit brought on from years of practice, dating back to my tween years when I first learned to verbalize 4-letter words with my classmates at recess. It felt kinda naughty, but exhilarating all at the same time. Ah, the Enemy knew just where to grasp hold of me!

I'm working on my mouth, and living in the South has helped. 

You can turn simple, everyday words into a pointed phrase everyone will immediately understand; plus, the funny use of simple words diffuses the moment into something a bit lighthearted. 

I've developed a few to use instead of the obscene language of my youth. 

With that in mind, when Colossians 3:13 popped up on my screen from Biblegateway's front page this morning, I knew exactly the image to use. Forgiveness doesn't always seem the easy path. No matter the intention, it seems someone will find a reason to be offended. 

Does it make sense to you? Do you know the phrase that came to my mind?

NLT via Biblegateway.com

When I'm exasperated by a person or situation, instead of swearing, I now say:

"That really cheeses my crackers!"

Today, when someone cheese your crackers, frosts your cookies, or knocks you over with a feather, take a breath and give them a pass. Think of the wise words and simple truth stated in Colossians 3:13.

Free your heart from the angst of being offended. 

Show them kindness and love.

By doing so...you will show the world your Jesus. 

What is your favorite phrase?

Joy Complete in a Visit

To participate in Five Minute Friday, all you have to do is write for five minutes on the word of the week, post your words on your own blog, and link up the post here.  This is meant to be a free write, which means: no editing, no over-thinking, no worrying about perfect grammar or punctuation. Just write.

Today's prompt:  VISIT

BEGIN...

I love to visit. It's kind of an old-fashioned pastime these days. My world seems caught up in texts and tweets...short bursts of computerized conversations; so I love when I can slow down and take a moment to actually converse eyeball-to-eyeball with someone. 

I've learned so much about people, just by stopping to visit. 

The world doesn't really need to rush from activity to activity. 

We all need to slow down, make contact with strangers, who might need a friendly smile and two minutes of conversation. 

Today, I encourage us all to take time to tangibly connect with our words. Reach out to our loved ones, let them know we are thinking about them, praying for them, missing them. 

I imagine a visit will lift our spirits as much, if not more, than it does for the ones with whom we are visiting. 

...TIME'S UP! 

Who comes to mind you can visit today?

I have much more to say to you,
but I don't want to do it with paper and ink.
For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face.
THEN OUR JOY WILL BE COMPLETE.

2 John 1:12

The Need for Approval

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? 
Or am I trying to please man?
If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:10

Let me just start out by saying, 'This is not a soapbox rant.' ツ 

I've been feeling this pull for a few days now. A pull to unplug from the quick-connect of social media for a while. While I dearly love Twitter (and now Instagram!), there's this need deep inside my heart to step away from all the tweets, retweets, likes, and hearts. 

After reading Galatians 1 this week, verse 10 leapt off the page. Now, I know I'm taking the verse a bit out of context to apply it to my situation (Paul is talking about his preaching the Gospel); however, hear me out. 

I like all the likes and hearts. I enjoy seeing how many people my posts reach. I truly love to encourage others by sharing my thoughts on His Word. But lately, I've had to stop and ask myself...

Am I doing this my glory or for His?

And that's where the need to step away and post less frequently applies to me. The change came about when I acquired one of those 'smart' phones. Social media was within reach whenever I wanted to look...and I've been looking too much. My nose has been glued to that little screen at times...and I don't like that. I like to experience life as it happens. I want to experience life as it happens. 

So, I deliberately removed all those fun little apps, and turned my phone back into its intended purpose...to connect with my teens and family and friends via text or (gasp!) a voice call. 

It's only been a few days, but I already feel so much better. My heart doesn't feel the need to see who liked what. I am more focused in my Quiet Time. Instead of reading and subconsciously thinking, "Now, which part of that verse/quote should I share?" I am intentionally centralizing my thoughts to, "Father, what are you speaking to me?"

While I'm not giving up on social media all together, I plan on you seeing me less frequently. I'm looking forward to going down this path He has set...though I won't be sharing much about it. ツ Relying on Him to show me the way. 

How does social media
affect your day-to-day life?

Journaling Bibles for Girls

When I was asked if I'd like to review the NIV Holy Bible for Girls, Journal Edition, I immediately replied, 'Yes!'

TeenGirl has been requesting one for quite a while. (A journaling bible is on my wish list, too!) She enjoys drawing, and like her Momma, is learning brush lettering. Writing thoughts and drawing a visual in our bible is near and dear to our hearts. My bible is loaded in the margins! 

Upon receipt, she excitedly opened the package. With a dramatic exclamation, she squealed in one breath, "Ooh! Look at it! It's so pretty! And it's in my favorite colors. And look at the shiny gold. And look! It has a blue bookmark AND a pink elastic one." 

Though it doesn't show well in the photograph, this bible is hardcover with gold-foil embellishments on the lacy floral designs. It shimmers as it catches the light, and is truly very pretty and girly. 

We opened the bible up to around the middle, near Psalms. The pages are sturdy, yet thin enough they make that lovely crinkly sound when you turn them. Each page has a 2-inch ruled-lines margin on the outer side of the page. TeenGirl's first reaction was a bit of disappointment. Her preference would have been for blank space; however, she quickly deduced the ruled lines would be perfect for brush lettering. 

From an older-eye standpoint, the print seems rather small. For TeenGirl, this is no problem. As for me, I'll be pulling out my dime-store glasses to read the verses. The NIV (New International Version) translation is one in which we are familiar. The modern language makes it easier for a young girl or teen to understand better than the old-English style of the King Jimmy (KJV). 

She had only two requests for modification:  

1) Tabs! Not just any 'ol tab will do. TeenGirl wants pretty colored tabs to match her pretty bible. Mom thinks if you're buying this for a new believer, you'll want to include tabs. Though each book is listed at the top of each page, tabs would make it so much easier to find the book you'd like to study.

2) Colored Pens Specifically, pens that won't bleed through the pages. Colored pencils will work just fine, but if you have a vivacious girl, the bright colors of an archival gel pen make a nice addition to this bible. (We found some TeenGirl liked at HobbyLobby.)

Overall, both TeenGirl and I love this journaling bible. She's inspired to study and connect to Him through drawing and lettering verses. My heart is thrilled she has the desire to deepen her relationship with Him and His Word. If you're looking for a gift for your tween or teen girl, this is an excellent choice.

Disclosure:  I was given a copy of the NIV Holy Bible for Girls, Journal Edition in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a favorable review in order to receive the Bible.

Do you have a journaling Bible?

Praying for Our Next President

So, lately (much to my dismay), I'm a believer who vacillates between "God, I know You're in control of this election," and "LORD, the handbasket is in full launch, HELP!"

How can I stand on completely solid ground, and truly feel comfort in knowing His Plan and Purpose will prevail? The only way I know how to do this is to dig into scripture, and wholeheartedly pray for our  next president. 

Today, I ask you to join with me for the next 29 days until the election to pray specifically for the next leader of the United States of America. Whether you are on the right or left, it is your duty as a Christian to pray for our leaders. I don't want to know for whom you are voting. I just desire you to lift your candidate in prayer. 

I believe in the power of praying His Word. 

I believe the power is not in the ones who pray, 

but in the One Who answers our prayers.

I believe if we collectively gather in Spirit and lift these candidates to Him, our God will respond and bless this nation, as we turn to Him for guidance. 

I believe our country can be restored to its status of greatness if we return to His Ways.

The verses I will be praying (not in any particular order):

• Romans 13:1
• 2 Chronicles 7:14
• Many verses of Proverbs 29
• Proverbs 16:12
• 1 Peter 2:13-14
• 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Will you dedicate a daily moment 
to pray
for our next President?

It's Time to Build

I wasn't planning on writing a post today, though in the aftermath of tragedy befallen our country again and more lives lost, I needed to take a moment to digest it. FMF's writing prompt is BUILD.

Begin

I didn't look at the news last night. I didn't even look at it first thing this morning. And when I did, I was completely deflated...downright heartbroken, and even a little scared. Live were lost. Lives that mattered. They all matter...Black, White, Blue. We cannot keep tearing each other down with careless words, hateful speech, and costly actions.

It is time to build.

Build by measuring our words before we type or speak them.

Build with blocks made out of love.

Build by mortaring those blocks together with peace.

Build by beginning with a good foundation.

He is the foundation.

Without Him, we will continue down this road of brokenness and hate.

Stop with the political rhetoric and knee-jerk reactions.

Cease with the keyboard legalism and quickly passing blame. 

Now is not the time for Likes and ReTweets for snarky comments.

We need...

We need Love.

We need Him. 

IT IS TIME TO BUILD.

Time's Up.

Linking up with Five Minute Friday.

A Rant of Sorts

I try not to rant too often; however, I really just needed to pull this out of my head so I might move forward to dwell on other, more pleasant thoughts. Perhaps it's not as much a rant as it is a soapbox moment for unraveling events of the past few weeks. 

Stepping up on the Soapbox, I must ask:

"What has happened to common sense?"

Common Sense

Noun. 14c., originally the power of uniting mentally the impressions conveyed by the five physical senses, thus 

"ordinary understanding, without which one is foolish or insane" 

(Latin sensus communis, Greek koine aisthesis); meaning"good sense" is from 1726.

We've come to a point in our history where ordinary understanding has been replaced with foolishness.  Every day we see people making mistakes which could have been avoided. How? Mainly by slowing down and thinking about the consequences of their actions.

Consequences.

Perhaps that is truly the catalyst for the lack of common sense? There seem to be no consequences any longer. Accountability is just a word, carelessly tossed about, without any action behind it. Children are no longer reprimanded for their rude behavior, because they are 'just being kids.' Teenagers are not punished for their poor choices, because their affluent lifestyles have hindered their thinking skills. Adults are tossed into the court of public opinion; however, not much justice is meted out to them in the court of law.

Until we get back-to-basics in our own homes, using the missteps, blunders, and muddled mistakes as teachable moments in liability life lessons; practical wisdom for living will become obsolete. We will see a continued downward spiral of our society. 

It's time to step up, people, and make one another accountable for our actions. It's time to bring back common sense. Those of us who have it, are desperate to see it being used by others. 

Okay, I'm hopping off my soapbox. Thanks for reading. 

How do you think 

we lost our Common Sense?

Want

Visit all the FMF writers
via Kate Motaung's site.

Saw a link to Five Minute Friday & decided to give it a try. 

The rules:  Use the prompt,
set a timer, 
write 5 minutes,
post what you wrote.

Today's prompt is "Want." 
Here goes!

Begin...

Want...we use this word a lot around our home. 

My teens are always in want of something. 

They want the latest shoes, clothes, phones.

They want food...all the time, it seems. 

And I want, too.

I want them to be healthy, happy, friendly.

I want them to feel loved.

Oh, I want things for me.

I want a new dress, a cute pair of comfortable shoes.

I really want the laundry done and the house to stay clean.

But most of all, I want to feel wanted.

I need to feel wanted.

My life revolves around their wants.

My life is based on their wants.

I want to fill the needs of their desires. 

I want to create a home so filled with love, they want to come back when they inevitably find the want to leave it permanently some day. 

I sometimes worry about when they're all gone.

How am I going to fill the need of being wanted?

How will I pursue my days? 

For now, I'll simply enjoy the role I've been given and the season in which I'm living. 

It's good to be wanted.

...Time's up!

What do you want?

PS...I didn't edit the words of my writing, though I did pretty it up a bit with bold & italics. The Type-A in me couldn't resist!