Humble Me....

Church was awesome today. Both Daniel and I walked out of church seriously thinking about our own lives in relation to the sermon. We read of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in the Gospel of Luke. In this parable, two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: God, I thank you that I am not like other men --- robbers, evildoers, adulterers --- or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get." But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner (Luke 18:9-14). Do you know what Jesus said about the tax collector? "I tell you that this man, rather than the other went home justified before God.

Kendell asked his congregation which of these men that we felt like we were most like... He also reminded us that we all draw lines in life.... we say this is good and unacceptable, and this is wrong and unacceptable. However, when we draw these lines, we always draw ourselves inside of them. And it's true. At least for me.

This week I am praying that God will humble me and give me the wisdom to look at others with judgement-free eyes and a loving heart. If you have time, stop and listen to this song. The song is By Addison Road called "What do I Know of Holy?" Have a blessed week everyone!

andrea

Sophie Dahl

I learned about Sophie Dahl this past summer as I was perusing all the fun books in Anthropolgie. I noticed this interesting little pink cookbook. As I read through I was amazed. Each section of the cookbook was divided into seasons, starting with Autumn. Each season had sections for breakfast, lunch, and dinner ideas. I realize that I have blogged about her before, but I wanted to post another blog with a video of her making Peanut Butter Fudge. It is up next on my "Must-Try" desserts. She is so real and delightful to listen to and watch. She makes every ingredient seem heavenly. I actually made one of her recipes this evening called Peasant Soup. It was so yummy and the husband was most definitely impressed.

Enjoy the video...

Praying about Peru

Daniel and I have officially decided to take our first mission trip! We have prayed long and hard and are really excited to visit Peru next summer. I have always wanted to go on a mission trip and it has never worked out, until now! We will leave next June, right after school. We will fly to Lima and will take a boat to Iquitos. We will be staying at a boys camp and will help sand boards, build, and varnish. Every night we will have a Bible Study and Lesson. We will sing songs before all the meals and make crafts with them as well. There will be about 40 boys at this camp, none of in which have families.

Talk about stepping out of our comfort zone. I am already praying that this experience touches our lives in a way that can only be done through God's love and mercy.

This song, Go light Your World is one of my favorite songs. I hope that I can take what God has given me and reach out to the lost and lonely, the weak and confused.

Go Light your World this week--

Sometimes a song can teach you so much...

This week I learned about a new a new artist by the name of JJ Heller. My friend, Kati Bailey posted a song by her on facebook by her. I listened and literally was silenced by her music. I just wanted to keep listening. Her music is so raw and real and truly makes you think. The song, LOVE ME FOR ME, is a ballad about different people searching for someone to love them for who they really are! It is is a beautiful reminder that no matter where you find yourself in life, God loves you, really loves you! I could not help but think about all the sweet children that I come in contact with daily. You never knew who needs love. It may be a young child, a close friend, or even a stranger.....

I have been reading a little bit about her life. This is a quote from an interview she had:

“III’m amazed to see the ways that God has used my music over the past year,” Heller says. “All this publicity wasn’t something I was intentionally pursuing, so it makes it that much more obvious to me that it’s something the Lord wanted. It’s been fun to watch Him work in my life and through my music.”

Heller frequently juggles blogging, sewing projects, home decorating, songwriting, touring, and parenting her nearly two-year-old daughter, Lucy. “None of this would be possible without my husband, Dave,” JJ says. “He works so hard to make sure we’re organized and staying faithful with the gifts God has given us.” Dave manages JJ’s career, co-writes, and shares the stage with JJ as her guitarist and backup singer during live performances. (SHE SOUNDS PRETTY COOL)

Okay if you have read this far... PLEASE LISTEN! I promise that you will be blessed!

Home Sweet Home....

One thing I remember most about my childhood is that my mom always had our house smelling good. Whether she was baking brownies, bread, or burning a sweet smelling candle, our home always smelled good. I knew I wanted my house to be just the same. My favorite way to smell up my house is by burning oils. Oils last so long and a little goes such a long way. My favorite oil that my Aunt Pam got me hooked on The Body Shop's Satsuma Oil. It smells just like freshly squeezed oranges, grapefruits, and citrus fruit but without all the work. Coming in at second is Eucalyptus Oil. It reminds me a day at the spa. I feel clean when I smell it. I can't wait to fill up my home with these scents!

What fragrances remind you of home???

Fun Find...

While "blog-hopping" today, I clicked upon a new blog that was highly recommended. "The Serendipity Factor" is a compilation of inspiring quotes, images and good news stories. Today, she offered a free goal planning worksheet. I think it looks pretty cool. Thought I would post the download form if anyone wants to print it.Scroll below to print.

Click Here: I'm happy to share a free download of my Goal Planning Worksheet for anyone who can use it!

Thanks to everyone!!!

I just wanted to take a moment and say "thank-you" to every single person who clicks on this page! I write because I need to. I write because God always places something on my heart. I would still write if no one ever clicked on this blog. Please keep clicking though! This morning I woke up and hit the 1000 review mark! Please feel free to leave a comment or email me! I love hearing from everyone! Have a blessed day!

Thanks Again!!!!!!!!!

Life is Like Coffee....or is it like the coffee cup?

Simple Things

My friend Jenny, always has a way of making me realizing how "special" the simple things in life can be. She constantly reminds me of ways to turn "everyday events" into moments that we can be appreciative.

Here are a few ideas (the first one, she gave me)

1. Washing Dishes- A chore, yes, for most of us. She told me to fill my sink with warm sudsy water and light a candle by the sink. During this time, think about all of life's blessings and how God has "cleansed" us all from our sins. Remember the verse: The Lord is my light and salvation; Whom Shall I fear? Psalm 27:1

2. Doing the Laundry- Laundry seems to be a disturbance for many people. In the crazy fast world we live in, many of us would love to be able to snap our fingers and find our laundry folded neatly and ready to be put away. One way that you can attempt to enjoy your laundry experience is to make it a place that reflects cleanliness and order. Organize your detergents. I like to put mine in a glass container and I made a cute label for the front. Hang up a sign that means something to you. Remember these lyrics the next time you wash your whites: Word of God speak, would you pour down like rain. Washing my eyes to see, your majesty. To be still and know that you're in this place. Please let me stay and rest in your holiness, word of God speak.

3. Taking a Shower- Showering is an everyday routine that we usually experience in the morning and/or evening. I "must" shower every morning if I want to make it through my day. A shower refreshes and rejuvenates my tired body. For a long time, my shower experience was thoughtless. Just a time to get clean and jump out and move along in my daily schedule. I have tried to create space when I shower to pray for people and practice remembering Jesus' words from the Bible. Now this may sound silly, but it seriously gets my head in the right place, first thing in the morning. Remember the verse: Joshua 1:5- "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Let this verse sink in and remember that He is with you every step of your day.

I hope everyone has a blessed week. Find some time to change your perspective when doing the mundane, repetitive, annoying things of life. Life is what you make it!

Streetlight: New Song by Josh Radin

I was so excited to buy Joshua Radin's new cd, the Rock and the Tide. It is very different from his first two albums. He goes from mellow to HELLO with a new spin on the beat and rhythm of his songs! I love it! Streelights is already one of my favorite songs! I found this interview that also has clips of him singing the song.... I particularly liked the fact that he was singing with kindergartners in the clip! Ahhh...Big points with this teacher!!

Home Accessories....

Favorite Candle from Anthroplogie

Books used as Decoration

Pretty Flowers in Old Cans

What are your must have accessories???....Please pass along ideas!!!!

Thanks for reading!

Skincare Products....

Yesterday was my first official body wrap at Balance Wellness Center in Concord.... Because of a sweet little coupon I was FINALLY able to afford the cost of a wrap. Most places I have found charge around 80-100 bucks.

It was one hour of complete peace. I learned a great deal from the therapist as she drybrushed, exfoliated, masqued, wrapped, foiled, wiped, and lotioned me up! Wooo--- it was a process. I definitely learned that I needed to pay more attention to my skin! So my new regimen is as follows

Dry-Brushing- 2 Times Per Week

Body Oil (instead of Body Lotion) Everday after showering!!

Cetaphil (Morning and Night)

VItamin E Day and Night.... (I buy mine at the Dollar Tree for $2.00! It is in a big blue tub!

Extra Tid-Bit

If you have never dry-brushed before, it basically involves taking a brush and using small circular motions, brush

your entire body!

Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing Explained:

1. Removes cellulite

2. Cleanses the lymphatic system

3. Removes dead skin layers

4. Strengthens the immune system

5. Stimulates the hormone and oil-producing glands

6. Tightens the skin preventing premature aging

7. Tones the muscles

8. Stimulates circulation

9. Improves the function of the nervous system

10. Helps digestion

11. AND it’s easy, inexpensive and invigorating!

Fearing God...

Today in Sunday School we watched a short film by Francis Chan, author of the book Crazy Love and former pastor of Cornerstone Church in California. He recently resigned from his role as pastor from his church because he felt God was calling him to a new ministry outside of the church. In other words, he was feeling too comfortable! He is still in the process of praying for God to direct his life and in the mean time has produced a new series called Basic! I don't know a whole lot about it yet, but based on the film we watched today, it seems great!

This was the verse that he brought to our attention. This was the first time I heard and reflected upon this verse. I hope everyone has a blessed week. Remember to stretch out your arms for others, just as Jesus did for us!

A great read indeed....

It is no secret that the dynamics of "the family" has changed drastically since the 1950's...even the 1990's.I found the

book at a thrift store this summer and had to get it! I have read Steven Covey's 7 habits and believe each habit to be

pretty accurate! According to Covey, the family has changed because of four factors. Pop Culture, Laws, Economy,

and Technology. I could not agree more! This book brings up so many moral dilemmas that families are facing in

today's world. I highly suggest this book as it has such simple, yet wise notations about how to build the kind of

strong loving family that lasts for generations! Families don't just happen, they take dedication from EVERY

member. I could go on and on, but I won't. Just trust me.... Check it out!

I will Rise

Beautiful words. Beautiful Music. Beautiful Lyrics.

Home: Bedroom Ideas

I must admit that Wednesday's are one of my favorite blog days, along with Sunday as well! I have been pondering over the design of our master bedroom. I want to feel cozy and relaxing, but clean and crisp. I think it can be done. After perusing several of my favorite online stores, I came across a comforter on potterybarn.com that I thought could meet these requirements. I was afraid to see the price, but low and behold, I began scrolling, and a big fat red line price looked back at me! I smiled back. I love the color red...hehehe! This is not a definite, just an idea! What do you think? It is a little Hotel-ish, but I think I like that!

I really like the idea of having a medium-tone gray accent wall behind the bed

And a Chaise Lounge in the Corner Nook

Beginning Stages. We will see what happens!

Need an energy boost???

I recently discovered ( thanks to my first grade teaching friend) that there is a way to give your body a boost, just when you need it! May I introduce you to: VITAMIN B12 SUBLINGUAL! Now maybe I am behind and everyone has known about this for years, but for those of you who have never tried it.....PLEASE DO!

B12 Sublingual has been highly researched and Daily sublingual ingestion of Vitamin B12 at 2,500 mcg is often considered a therapeutic level of the supplement. After the first day of taking them, I felt energized and definitely more alert! They have a cherry flavor and dissolve in about 30 seconds!

Give it a try! I promise you will feel it! I bought mine at Wal-Mart for $5.00!