Footloose Friday's

"Loose, footloose
Kick off your Sunday shoes
Please, Louise
Pull me off a my knees
Jack, get back
C'mon before we crack
Lose, your blues
Everybody cut footloose!"

Written by:
Kenny Loggins for the Motion Picture "Footloose"




Check back next Friday for, FOOTLOOSE FRIDAY'S!
Where as Webster says, "one is free to go or do as one pleases!"
It's sure to be fun!

Thankful Thursday #1

I am so excited about today's post! I've joined Iris and many others at Grace Alone for Thankful Thursday. The idea of "TT" is to give thanks through out the year and not just at Thanksgiving. Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
I Thessalonians 5:18 (The Message)

In honor of my FIRST TT post, I am honoring my family! I have been blessed with a wonderful, fun-loving, crazy, family, whom I love with all my heart! Thank you Jesus for giving them to me and allowing me time with them here on earth. May I be the kind of daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, "in-law", wife, and mother you would have me be.

(Re-posted)

Word-Filled Wednesday #1

Each Wednesday I will be joining The 160 Hundred Acre Woods for WORD-FILLED WEDNESDAY'S OR WFW for short! The purpose of Word filled Wednesday is to share God’s word through photo’s & a verse! If you’d like to be added to the blog roll, click on the link above and follow the directions from there. You are welcome to use my WFW on your site. Just send a link back here so others can visit and learn about WFW as well. Don't forget to leave me a comment. This is my FIRST WFW so I need lots of feedback! God bless!

I Want A New Attitude

God continues to amaze me. While tweeting, checking e-mails, and blogging this morning, I "somehow" ended up at Praise and Coffee. I'd never happened onto this site before today, yet it It was there that I read: "Our attitudes are a result of our thoughts toward our spouse. Our actions are quick to follow those thoughts and attitudes." I skimmed it again, "...attitudes...thoughts...spouse...actions... are quick to... thoughts... but.. I.. couldn't... me... MY attitude? Surely not, yet... if I asked my husband what he thought about my attitude, what would he say? Was I temperamental, domineering, manipulative, insensitive, neglectful, critical, and even selfish? What kind of attitude had I been conveying in our marriage toward my husband? Had I given him, us, our marriage, the time, love, and dedication I'd so willingly given to others? Was there resentment bottled up from months before?

I sat still, listening to the sound of my heart racing, my blood pounding. Seconds passed, minutes, then the following scriptures came to mind...

A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!
Proverbs 31:10-31
(The Message)

THIS is the woman I yearn to be! THIS is the attitude I want to have!
"Off with the old and in with the new!" (2 Corinthians 5:16-17)

How many of you find yourself so caught up in the daily hustle and bustle of "life" that what God intended to be holy, sacred, and second to Him, simply gets thrown out the window? ****Hand raised here!**** I encourage you to take time and read Proverbs 31:10-31 again. Keep in mind, God doesn't expect any woman to "roll over and play dead" or be a "doormat" but "God-like" in every way, everyday.

I ask, are you the kind of wife God has made you to be? What are the struggles you face? Feel free to comment. You can be sure you aren't alone and what better way for each of us to be encouraged?

Because of Him,

Memories...Whoa..oh..oh.. Memories

The busier I am, the older I become, both of these have had a lasting effect on my memory. But, what is memory? How does it work? And why am I so forgetful? Whoa, slow down! Let's start at the beginning...PSYCH 101...Memory is: the retention of, and ability to recall, information over time. So, how do we form memories let alone keep and remember them? It begins with ENCODING, a procedure for transforming something a person sees, hears, thinks, or feels into a memory. Once that has been done, your brain keeps and stores the memory. There is short term memory, working memory, and long term memory. Whew! That's a lot to "remember!"

Short term memory lasts for about 20-30 seconds. Long term memory on the other hand, has been suggested to be permanent: that nothing is forgotten only the means of retrieving it is lost. There is also evidence that we retain more than we can retrieve. (I'd buy into that.)

With that being said, I suppose you're asking yourself, "where is she going with all of this?!?!?" Let me explain. First, I am a huge fan of Psychology. The human brain is beyond fascinating and such a complex piece of work that no one except God himself could ever have created it. This in itself is breathtaking! Second, I am a teacher at heart, so I tend to "teach" by accident. It's a part of who I am. Third and lastly, it's an introduction to the challenge I have for you today. It's important to know "what" you are learning and "why."

Memorizing scripture is one of the best ways to "get the Bible into your life" on a daily basis. It helps you develop and/or maintain a close relationship with God and equips you with the tools needed to share the gospel to those who have never heard it.

• "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." II Timothy 3:16
• "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11
• "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8
• "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalms 119:105

What better reasons are there? I am challenging you to join Memory Monday's hosted by "The Simple Wife" blog. I've committed to this as part of my weekly devotions and New Year's Reflections. The idea of "writing God's words on our hearts," or simply stated, memorizing scripture on a weekly basis is the goal of this challenge. Ask the Lord to show you through your memorization and study, what He would have you get from His word. Continually place this in your heart and you will be blessed.

Please comment and let me know if you join the Memory Monday challenge. My hope is for us to encourage each other with this challenge as time progresses and "life" gets in the way. This week's verse is:

So from now on, we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:16-17)

A new year calls for new beginnings..."the old is gone the new has come!"

Because of Him,

New Year's Meditations Part II

Welcome back! I've been "meditating" on my goals, dreams, aspirations, desires, and hopes for 2009 and wanted to share with each of you.

As previously stated, in my original "New Year's Meditations," Lori's Reflections inspired me to start my "New Year's" journey. However, along the way there were other blogs, which spoke to my heart, "It's All About Him" was one of these. So much of what I was feeling and thinking was written through out. When reading this blog, the Lord laid on my heart, "purpose" or the lack of it in my life and living INTENTIONALLY. Webster defines intention as: a determination to act in a certain way; a synonym of intention is purpose." As Tricia stated, I too, want to live intentionally. Many days over the past year, I've merely survived, because I "had" to. "I went through the motions, and did what I had to do to "get through" the day." Then, at the end of the day, there was an emptiness I longed to fill. So, my list begins...

1. Live with purpose! Each decision I make, every step I take will be INTENTIONAL! My desire is to focus solely on my relationship with the Lord and my family, while not letting the "little things" or "trivial" things come in between these relationships. In order to accomplish this, I will need to

*trust and accept that my "needs" might not be the same as God's needs for my life (Proverbs 3:5)
*take the focus off my needs and be open to the needs of my husband's and children (Romans 12:8)
*lose the want to control and be a submissive wife to my husband (I Peter 3:1)
*loose control, let go and let God! (John 14:1)
*become self-less in ALL things EVERY day, not just when it's good for me (Phillipians 2:3)
*be slow to anger (Ephesians 4:26)
*focus on my inner beauty, by obtaining a gentle and quiet spirit (I Peter 3:4)
*intentionally take care of myself better by exercising and eating healthier (I Corinthians 6:19)
*live with the end in mind (Phillipians 3:14)

2. Another thing pulling at my heart strings is the desire to serve others. I've always had a heart for helping those in need, but it wasn't until recently that I felt a strong and passionate urge to "somehow" become actively involved in reaching out and serving others. I don't know why I feel this way, except that the need is great! I ask for God's guidance in this and that my eyes will be open to His will. (I Peter 4:10)

The following are a few scattered thoughts.. a lil' that... a lil' this, which need sorting, but that I wanted to go ahead and share with you.

*My oldest son will be ending his sophomore year and beginning his junior year. I ask for God's direction and wisdom for the time we have left with him and that it will be used wisely, be meaningful, and cherished forever.

*My middle son will be starting high school. Ugh! I am concerned about him for several reasons, one being his diabetes and celiac disease. I ask for the Lord's help in letting him go and trusting everything will be "okay."

*My baby son (he would not like that.. hehehehe) will be starting middle school. He is a fragile boy and I worry about his self-esteem and happiness. I ask for God's guidance in helping him the best way possible and to be the kind of mom he wants me to be.

*I quit my teaching job after 10 years, May of 2008. Although it has been the best thing for my family, financially it has taken a toll on us. Do I go back to full-time teaching or do I stay at home? What and where should I be Lord?

*I am unsure what direction my blog should go this year. As a "baby" blogger (began September 2008), I didn't realize all that was involved, how addicting it could be, or how much enjoyment I would get from blogging. I am blessed with many new friends from all over the world and I am thankfu for each one of them. Lord, where do I go from here? I don't want to ramble on unless there is a purpose invovled. Please open my heart and eyes to your will.

I have no idea what 2009 holds for me, my family, or friends, but I do know that my awesome God is in control and watching over each one of us as a shepherd tends to his flock. (John 10:14) I encourage you to take a look at Lori's Reflections and the other 38 bloggers who joined this challenge. I hope you will join my on my journey in 2009. Feel free to link back to my site and let me know about your dreams, aspirations, prayers, and hopes for the new year. I appreciate you reading my post.

For Him,

New Year's Meditation

Please take time to check out her blog, Lori's Relfections. You will be blessed!

I HATE New Year's resolutions! Have you ever wondered how many people make New Year's resolutions and actually follow through with them... for the WHOLE year? I'd bet my polka-dotted, lime green socks that more times than not, people who make a resolution one day, end up breaking it the next. This year, thanks to Laurel, or should I say Lori, one of my closer on-line friends, I've been inspired to meditate upon the coming year and that which the Lord wants for my life. In doing so, here is what I've discovered.

Webster defines resolution as, to find an answer to or make clear or understandable. I am not sure ANYTHING in my crazy, mixed-up life has EVER been made clear, without a doubt understandable! Humans are curious by nature, inquisitive, always asking questions, which is how we learn and grow. Yet is there an answer to every question? Who are we relying on for our answers? Could we be looking in the wrong places? Do we stumble upon our answers and "hope" for the best? Or are we lead with specific intentions and purpose? Where does our "faith" come into all of this? Maybe there is a better way...

Meditation- to focus one's thoughts on, ponder over, and to plan or project in the mind. Let's break it down even further...

FOCUS>>> a point of concentration; to focus one's powers, efforts, or attention on

PONDER>>>> to consider or examine attentively or deliberately-on purpose

PROJECT>>>> a method devised for making or doing something or achieving an end


In short, meditation is a process of purposeful concentration, with the end in mind. WOW! What an amazing thought! Taking the time to think and focus on where I've been and where I want to be. I like the sound of that! Spiritually, we are instructed through out the Bible to:

"...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
II Peter 3:18 (NIV)

Growing involves asking questions, yes, but then we are to meditate and focus on what we've learned and continue our purpose driven life from there. AMAZING! I'm sold!

I look forward to 2009 and living "intentionally." What about you? I challenge you to take time to "meditate" and decide where you life is heading in '09. I'll be doing the same. Join me tomorrow as I share my initial findings with you.

God bless!