We finally completed the master makeover and the "great gray" dillema was finally conquered. We went with Benjamin Moore Galveston Gray on the walls and one gallon did the trick. Let me give you a run down on the rest. The stained glass light fixture cost me $9 at a consignment store downtown. The duvet which is exquisite was $10 brand new in the package at a flea market here called The Big Top. The white table beside my bed was another $10 investment at a yard sale. Lamps were $4 and $5 respectively. One of the lamps was found at a yard sale for a dollar but needed to be rewired, which of course Ken can handle :) so with the shade it was a $5. The framed art work above the bed is my photography of local culture, architecture or something that caught my eye on a trip we've taken. I bought the silk gray coverlets at the end of my bed for $2 a piece (got two) at the same flea market I bought the duvet, at a different time. The animal print scarf is a very nice upholsetry remnant that I cut to work on the table. Worth $2 don't ya think? The pillows came from TJ Maxx and Sears. $19 for all of them. Dust ruffle was a $4 find on the clearance shelf at TJ Maxx. The various accessiores were picked up at local flea markets or yard sales over the past several months and piled on the pool table waiting to be injected into the room. When I get ready to do a room, I want everything collected prior, go in paint the room, and bring everything in at once. Otherwise it feels incomplete to me. But that's just how I roll, you may do it different and that works too. I just buy what I like, stash it all away and somehow it all comes together in the end. We are pleased with the result ;)
Have you ever had one of those days when you tell yourself:
“Today, I am going to overlook that person who thinks pointing out everyone’s sins makes them a saint
remain humble in the presence of the girl who’s absolutely impressed with herself
say encouraging things to the one with no self esteem
not get irritated at my impatient customers
not lose my temper when I have to repeat the same information 99 times to the voice activated customer service line
Adopt a child from a war ravaged country
Feed the homeless…all of them
Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity
Pick up trash on the side of the road because it’s the right thing to do
be kind if it kills me…….”
And basically just commit that today I am going to be a “Good Girl.” You know, a Proverbs 31 kinda lady..I’m unconsciously hoping that with my commitment, my value in the spiritual realm will certainly increase to far above rubies……….(I know, I’m fooling myself folks, but a girl can dream right?).Well, I gotta tell ya, I tell myself this a lot.I have the best intentions when I wake up at and read my Bible.I record God’s promises and claim them in my life on a daily basis…….. but by noon…or maybe earlier on a really bad day,…….. some of those things go right out the window. I lose the special glasses that help me overlook, humility is hard to find, irritation is a reflex.. and well, after the 2nd or 3rd time of repeating myself and pressing zero for an operator, my blood pressure is indicating I need to take more medication.Kindness becomes a word that I vaguely remember and certainly completely forgot how to exercise.By this time I feel discouraged.I had high hopes…….the best intentions…. but somehow the flesh won out.The enemy would have me believe I’m all alone in my struggle and God could never do anything with this mess of …………..me.But the word hidden deep in my heart surfaces and whispers a glimmer of hope into my despair.
Romans 7:15
I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate.
Sounds like me…………..
But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good.So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.
Nothing good Lord?
I want to do what is right, but I can't.I want to do what is good, but I don't. I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.
Are you totally confused now? and yep, that definitely sounds like me………(Now say “She sells sea shells down by the seashore.” 50 times!.....really fast)
But if I do what I don't want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.
I love it when I have an excuse don’t you????That’s right…the devil made me do it ………….JK L
I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong.
Amen brother!.................
I love God's law with all my heart.
I really do!...............................
But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.
Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?
Before I go crazy?
Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin. ()
May I emphasize THANK GOD!!!!
Wow, Paul………..the author of most of the New Testament felt the same way I do?Hard to imagine…………he was such a “Good” guy.He had such faith, such commitment, he was so spiritual!...........So where does that leave me?
Some days I run the race well, some days I cover more distance, some days I fall, some days I don’t even want to get back up.
But I think of my comrade Paul…….he fought the fight, he finished the race.
And that leaves me..................
Hopeful-----That God, who began the good work within (me), will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6
The House of God:A building…..? The Church.....? A place to reconnect, to plug into, to find you Jesus, to encourage and be encouraged?The church… a spiritual sanctuary no longer, but rather a place of spoil.We are all in disconnect mode, as though there is nothing to plug into. Where are the days of spirit, of song, of touch?When was the soft heart of vulnerability replaced with a stone tablet of spiritual stale mate?What will it take to move us?Praise pours from the mouth of your people while cursing dribbles out the other side.Peace cannot be found…war is what we seek.When will we return to you?Is there hope Lord that our complacency will be replaced with complete devotion?May we be so bold to beg an awakening?Do you even dare to look upon us from your holy place or does it grieve you so?From your throne room Lord, does the sound of our rebellion drown out the praise of your angelic host?Can we but hope that your mercy does endure forever, for forever may be what we require?Where may we find you, Abba?If not in this building made by man, are we sure to look within this temple not fashioned by human hands, and if so will you even there be hidden from us, O Lord?For you reside here Lord…within the human heart.We are seeking you out, Ancient One.Wake us Lord from our slumber.Reign on us Lord.Remember your creation.Restore us to righteousness.Selah.
Today is my sweet husband’s birthday.I met this man when I was 14 years old!Yep, you heard it right, 14.We started dating when I was 15 and as they say, the rest is history.He’s the kind of person who’s a gift to the world ya know?Who was I to say no to the gift God sent my way?I’m not stupid!Yea, I could have dated more, waited a few years, blah, blah, blah..but one thing I know for sure..I could have looked the world over and never have found someone who loves me like he does.He does it so perfectly.He’s a man I can respect.He’s smart.He’s handsome, he’s a great dad, he’s my best friend and he loves the Lord.He’s one of those guys who still opens the door, waits until everyone has their plate before he prepares his, and he can fix just about anything..or so me and Blake think.He loves me as my son’s mother, creating a wonderful example for Blake on how to treat a woman.I remember him wading into water to drag a lady out of her car and bring her to safety after she had run off the road.While he was covering her with blankets she looked up at him and said, “what is your name again?.. Because you’re my hero.”As I looked on, proud of my husband for proving that chivalry still lives, I thought, I know..right?He’s MY hero too!He’s the most selfless human being I know.He’s a peacemaker.He makes me laugh and surprises the heck outta me with his sense of humor.He can cook a mean egg sandwich. He prays with me and we share our thoughts on scripture as we read our bibles together late into the night. He hugs me and the whole world seems to be sitting perfectly on its axle.I cry and he knows why..without asking.I get angry and he soothes the hurt…. he brings the calm.He stays awake many a night to make sure our son has made it safely to his destination.Blake calls, he goes, no matter the time, day or night.He listens..yep, he’s a great listener but he gives the best advice as well and I’ll listen to him before anyone, even if it’s not what I want to hear because I KNOW he has my best interest at heart.He’s a great friend and he extends himself far beyond the norm for the people he cares about.He sees the good in other people, and he’s a great judge of character.If on any rare occasion, there’s someone he doesn’t trust, sit up and take notice because I can count those on less than one hand.All in all what I’m trying to say is although today is his birthday and it’s about gifts and cakes and all, I can’t help but think of what a better place the world is with him in it!He’s a gift.And believe me folks, I live with him 24/7, 356.I don’t have anyone else in my life I admire or respect more than him.So happy birthday to the magnificent man I share space with, you make me better by knowing you.
That little statement I ran across this morning while reading a book review jumped out at me like a flashing neon sign. “SHE TELLS THE TRUTH ON HERSELF” Wow, its easy to tell the truth on others isn’t it? But to tell the truth on ourselves? Hey, that’s a whole other story. We want to shed our selves in the best light possible. However, I have found that by telling the truth on ourselves that we become more approachable, more human, more transparent, more trustworthy, more genuine. We can come down from the clouds and sit among the commoners and find company there. Because the pedestal is a lonely place. It’s high above everyone else. There is no conversation, no connection, no growth, no grace. But it’s risky and it comes with a price. Telling the truth on ourselves means we run the risk of putting ourselves out there. It means that someone may actually realize that we don’t have it all together. That we do make mistakes. We don’t have the spotless house. (That’s only when I know you’re coming over!) That our laundry is not neatly folded and tucked away in the drawers but rather piled high so that getting to the washing machine is a marathon in itself. It means that we realize I actually said that about her and it wasn’t nice. It means admitting that our Beaver Clever appearing lifestyle is actually the Animal House and the saint I hoped you saw is really a struggling sinner, saved by grace. Telling the truth on ourselves means we admit we are flawed and some days maybe even broken. It means you may be the girl that everyone is talking about it and how imperfect you are…it may mean that… but it may also mean that you’re the girl someone can relate to. That they see hope in your imperfections and the fact that you realize they are there. It may mean that as they approach the pedestal they find us kneeling at the bottom in prayer to see Jesus high and lifted up and not ourselves.
This time next week we'll be soaking up the sun in Florida. My family has rented a beach house with a pool and Saturday we start the 9 hour trek down the interstate. Looking forward to the road trip?? .....not so much. We have ALOT of personality in our clan and being cooped up in the car with all the personalities searching for a place to rest will be a true test of patience for everyone..Did I mention that patience isn't really ANY of our strong suites? Regardless we all love each other. It's that kinda deal that you can say anything about your family but NOBODY else treads that water. We're opinionated, we're quick to speak, we mostly have short fuses and we are a passionate bunch. But we are also loyal, and we love deeply and we are there for each other. So that's what this is about. For the first time in my ENTIRE life we are going on vacation to the beach with my mom and dad, my brother and his family and my sister...and Brian, he's our brother from another mother..and Levi..you know, he's our son we borrow from Jay and Kim. I'm really looking forward to this time with all of us together..making memories. You will find us here......................
and I know for sure alot of our bunch will be doing this...
and I hope to sit in the evenings and catch a few of these.....
and of course we can't pass up.....
We might even catch a glimpse of these.....
and I'm positive the ladies will end up at this location...
Looking forward to some rest and relaxation and great times with my family.
You ever need a friend? Even when you didn't realize you needed her? You know, you think you're handling this thing okay but suddenly she calls out of the blue to say she's coming over..because maybe she knew you needed her? She may use an excuse like "I need to drop some books off you left in my car" but she walks in and settles down next to you and asks "Are you doing okay?" She may talk about random things while she's there in addition to the real reason she came...but you know...that she knows...that maybe her being there would help...and it does. Equally important is that as you reflect, you realize, she always shows up. Usually she's the first one on the phone or at the door. She's the one who volunteers to use her vacation time to be there for you. She's the one who sits by you in the cinema and laughs at the most ridiculous movies that all have the same story line but end up being hilarious this time too. She's the one who listens when the whole world has pissed you off and forgives you when you say or do something that actually ends up pissing her off. She's the one who can tell you you're being the "B" word and it's okay because SHE said it. She's the one who colors your hair to save you $80 bucks. She's the one who silently kneels at the altar beside you and pleads with the Lord on your behalf..without question. She's the one who leaves text messages on your phone that say "I've been praying for you." She's the one who brings chicken and dumplings when you're sick. She's the one who loves in word and deed. SHE'S THE ONE....Yes, I would have to say if you asked me if the Lord is using someone in my life to encourage me...I would have to say.. She's the One.
We started a new project this weekend. "We" meaning Mr. and Mr. Magnificent. aka as Ken and Blake :) I bring the vision and they bring the skills. As my hubby so sweetly confirmed for me last weekend while we worked on the yard..Me- "I feel like I'm just standing around, watching you." Hubby-"But sweetheart you're so good at that..minus the smile :\ For some reason I found that hilarious and laughed all week as I recalled his statement and the look on his face as he said it. I guess I could have been offended at that comment but let's just chalk it up to me being confident in his love for me. Anyways..Blake has been sick this week but started feeling a bit better as the weekend drew close and proceeded to rip my bathroom out while I was at work. My house is a complete mess with the debris scattered in every room but nevertheless I am happy. IT"S GETTING DONE! So here are a few peeks at the before and as we move along, I'll post some more. This bathroom is hideous..in fact we don't even use it. The wallpaper is horrible and the floor has just always looked dirty no matter what you do to clean it. But now there is no floor and that makes me delirious with happiness as I dream about the slate tile I want to put down and have picked out at Lowe's. I decided to go with beadboard paneling. I love the look of it. AND it means we don't have to rip out wall paper which is a NIGHTMARE! Most beadboard bathrooms you see are white. I'm not a white wall kinda girl but I haven't decided for sure on a paint color. Right now we are just trying to get the trim and finish work done. My guys are hard at work and it's a hot day so I'm brewing up some sweet tea. That's my contribution at the moment. I did sink nails earlier and fill the holes with putty and run tot he store to get more nails...that counts right?
