Why baristas everywhere love me and a few other items of business

I'm not a fan of business meetings at all.

Not in the least.

They make me bored and crazy unless food is involved. In which case, I'll eat too much because that's what I do when I'm bored and crazy.

But alas today I have some business to discuss so I hereby call this meeting to order. If you were here in person you would be delighted to see some of my favorite snacks in the center of the table.

Frosted Mini-wheats. Baked Doritos. My friend Missy's monster cookies. Diet Coke or Pepsi- whichever was on sale at the time of purchase. Starbucks. Trident Splash Strawberry Lime Gum.

Just call me gourmet.

So, here's the stuff I want to discuss...

1. I'll be doing some give aways this year and still have some spots open for those of you who have products you'd like to feature. I'm all about supporting women who have businesses that help support their families or their love of Starbucks. My favs are Etsy products!

So, if you have some sort of product that you sell and you'd like to be featured in one of my give aways, write to me at Holly @ Proverbs31.org (no spaces) . Be sure to include details about what you'd give away and a link for me to review your product if possible.

Each item needs to have a retail value of at least $35. I'll fill in my spots for the next several months and e-mail those of you who fit the posts I'm looking to do with a give away.

Fun. Fun.

2. Renee and I are supposed to be working on an article where we are being interviewed by you. So, if you have a question or two you'd like to post, that would be ever so helpful. Otherwise I'll simply spend the whole article talking about my ever embarrassing, long, high-maintenance Starbucks drink that I love and bore everyone to tears.

Post your questions in today's comments--- please. Pretty Please. With sugar on the top. Thank you. Have a nice day.

3. Just in case you have nothing to do today except try a new drink from Starbucks, here is the drink I affectionately call "Heaven's sake, why don't you just get back here and make it yourself."

Grande
Fat-Free
Sugar-Free
7 pump
single shot
vanilla latte
no foam
extra hot

I then get very neurotic and feel the need to explain it further:

That means fat-free milk.

The seven pumps are of the sugar free vanilla.

I only want a single shot of espresso because really someone who has the nerve to order this drink surely doesn't need any more caffeine than just a single shot- wouldn't you agree.

Yeah, I really don't like foam when I'm paying $4 for a cup o' joe. Please o' please fill it all the way to the top.

And the extra hot doesn't mean like scalding the skin off my tongue. That bothers me terribly all the live long day when that happens. Just like a few extra degrees of warmth. Just enough so I can still see a little stream coming out the little sippy hole when I get out to my car.

Which is where I am headed when you finish this drink--- my car--- I know that makes you very happy that I am in fact going to leave soon.

The end.

Pinches and Grace

I wanted to pinch the two girls sitting on the front row of our Christmas Eve service. Pinch them I tell you. But they were five rows ahead of me and my arm couldn't quite reach.

Since I couldn't physically get their attention, I prepared my "look." You know the one that says a thousand corrective statements with just a cross expression and a raised eyebrow? Yes, that one.

The minute one of them stole a glance in my direction, they were gonna know exactly how I felt about their wiggling and obvious lack of attention during the service.

Oh and I might should mention, these two girls belonged to me. Well, at least one of them did. The other was my daughter's friend who sometimes goes to church with us.

I don't think anyone else really noticed them. They weren't being disruptive to other people. But they weren't acting the way I wanted them to. I wanted them sitting up straight, drinking in the message, and taking pages of notes.

Thank you very much. Have a nice day.

Suddenly, an annoying little thought started to tug at the corners of my mind. "You want your children to act perfectly because it makes you look good. Let that go. They don't need to be sitting up straight furiously taking notes to hear God's message. This is a beautiful time for grace."

Ouch.

I don't much like the Holy Spirit speaking the kind of truth to me that hurts. I was in the mood to pinch somebody. Two somebodies. Give grace? Now?

It wasn't what I wanted but it's exactly what I needed to do in that moment.

Soon my daughter's friend peered back to look at me. Despite my feelings, I made the choice to smile, wink, and give her a little wave.

Then this wiggly, usually not very affectionate, middle schooler got out of her seat. She walked down the aisle, five rows back, and made her way to me. She threw her arms around me and gave me a hug that preached a thousand sermons right then and there.

Indeed, grace was exactly what was needed in that moment.

And that's what makes this parenting thing so stinkin' hard.

There are really no textbook answers.

It's such a moment by moment balancing act between loving, shepherding, disciplining, extending grace, molding, modeling, loving some more and a maybe having to give a few pinches along the way too.

Only God can prepare me with the wisdom and discernment necessary for each and every parenting moment. So I must stay close to Him- ask Him- rely on Him-cry out to Him- and make Him the basis for my parenting.

My goal should never be to raise kids that make me look good. (Oh but how my flesh craves this!) My goal should be to raise kids who love God and spend their lives making His goodness known in their corner of the world.

Blessings to you as you ever so delicately search for that balance between pinches and grace as well.

The Best of Times, The Worst of Times

I have an issue of having romantic notions of things more lofty than what they can possibly deliver.

Take Christmas Eve morning for example. Dan and Holly were making Graham cracker fluff in their kitchen- together.

Did you catch that together part?

Granted Dan was doing most of the whipping and stirring and double broiling and folding and recipe following--- but Holly was right there with him.

I want that! Oh yes ma'am, a romantic notion was born.

I suddenly wanted my husband and I to stand in the kitchen and make graham cracker fluff- together.

Then I wanted us to cheerfully take the kids with us and get swallowed up in the massive crowds of last minute, impatient shoppers- together.

Then I wanted us to go do a family Christmas Eve service project- together.

After that we'd go to the dinner we'd been invited to where we'd sing Christmas carols on key- together.

Finally we'd come home, tuck the kids into bed and settle down to watch a movie I'd rented called "A Christmas Cottage." A movie every squirrel hunter loves to watch with his wife about a man named Thomas Kinkade. You know... the artist that makes light come alive in every painting. We'd do this while snuggling and reflecting on all things swell- together.

All those togetherness thoughts of how our day should be just swept over me and made me feel like I was starring in my own version of a Hallmark movie. One where Karen Carpenter is in the background singing, "Why do birds suddenly appear...every time... you are near? Dun, dun, dee- dun, dun, dee do- close to you."

Sweet.

Everything was just like I'd hoped it would be until my Mr. got up and started getting ready for work.

Hunh?

I'd had several hours of early morning visions of sugar plum togetherness dancing in my head and he's putting on his Chick-fil-A tie and heading out to encourage people to eat more chicken?

Skooos me?

Then we may or may not have had a little Christmas Eve brawl. Complete with the same ol' blah, blah blah, who is more selfish than who talk. We call these growth opportunities in our home.

Ahem.

I was grumpy. He was grumpy. We were just one big 'ol grumpy mess.

Eventually, some compromises were made. He did some chicken flipping while the kids and I braved the crowds of oh-so-happy-probably-had-their-own-growth-opportunity-at-home-this-morning-fellow shoppers.

I had to kill the whole standing in the kitchen making Graham cracker fluff with Karen Carpenter singing in the background- notion. He had to take off work earlier than he wanted and kill a few meetings he'd planned.

And somehow we still made "together" happen.

I think this is my Christmas message this year---Making together happen despite the messy imperfections.

Our pastor recently challenged us with this thought: Is the birth of Christ to you a story or a message?

I loved this question and all the introspection it invited me to do. A story is something that has a beginning, climax, and an end. You walk away feeling inspired for the moment but all too soon tuck that inspiration away and wait for the next story to come along.

A message is something entirely different. A message carries with it a nugget of truth that strikes a chord in your heart so deeply you're compelled to change. Long after the details of the message fades, its affect on you lingers in the best kind of way.

So this year, Christ's birth was no longer just a beautiful, traditional story. Suddenly it has become the catalyst that prompts my soul to find a message- wrapped among the swaddling clothes lying in a manger. A personal, prayerful, soul-rattling message for me.

This year it's to see, look for, discover, embrace and appreciate the beautiful imperfection I call life.

There is beauty in every imperfect aspect of my life, if only I'll make the choice to see it.

So, we may never make graham cracker fluff together on Christmas morning.

And he'd rather (have needles jammed into his finger nails) not watch a movie about Thomas Kinkade's illuminating paintings.

And he's going to return all those hip and happenin' clothes from Old Navy I bought him in favor of camouflage flannel shirts and cargo pants he found at the Costco. The Costco that sells food y'all.

I love him all the same.

I really love him.

I love this beautiful imperfection we call life.

Our life.

Together.

Majestic in the midst of mundane

Yesterday the reality of falling terribly behind on doing laundry hit full force. Have mercy. The load after load after load seemed to be a never ending task.

Thankfully, Hope needs money to buy her siblings Christmas gifts so a deal was struck and my sanity saved.

At one point though there was a little issue with the dryer. I'd thrown in a load, set the timer, and walked away knowing they'd be dry in an hour or so. Twenty minutes later, a strange sounding beep started coming from the laundry room.

I walked in, looked at the flashing light indicators on the top of the dryer, and determined the lint filter was dangerously full. As I opened retrieved the overflowing lint filter from the belly of the dryer, a daunting thought occurred to me.

What might have happened had the dryer not have some sort of shut off switch when the lint filter went beyond capacity?

I've known several people whose homes burned completely to the ground as a result of fires starting in their dryers. So scary.

I cleaned out the filter and went to replace it when another thought struck me- my mind is a lot like this lint filter. Thoughts pass through my mind all day long, with a few getting stuck here and there. How important it is to take those captured thoughts to the Lord and let him keep me cleaned out.

An uncleaned out mind can be just as dangerous as a clogged up lint filter. It slows things down, prevents fresh, pure winds from blowing freely, and left untreated can become consuming.

I started thinking about some thoughts that have gotten stuck in my mind's filter lately. One by one, these thoughts seem benign. But piled on top of another, they start to form a faulty filter that taint and clog everything.

Suddenly my attitude grows a little sour, my heart a little cold, my desire to be around others diminishes, and my prayers become canned obligatory statements to God.

I need a fresh wind. I need to let God peel away the layers of clogged up un-truths. I need an encounter with Him. I need His reminders-

-even when I feel uninvited by others, I am chosen by Him.

-even when I feel terrible about losing my temper yesterday, I am forgiven and given the gift of a fresh start today.

-even when I want to lash out at the person who hurt me, I am given grace and the ability to extend it to that person.

-even when I question my abilities to fulfill the tasks set before me, I am reminded to stop depending on myself.

-even when I wonder am I really pleasing you God?- I am covered by a love so lavish it really has nothing to do with my performance at all.

Layer by layer--- chosen, forgiven, given grace, reminded and covered with His love.

What a gift Jesus really is.

The majestic still visits us in the midst of our mundane, ordinary, everyday lives.

Sweet Christmas Blessings to you my friend!

Your thoughts?

On the one hand this weekend was great. I mailed my Christmas cards without the drama of years past.

Some of you may recall that last year I mailed about 20 cards without the address label telling the kind folks at the post office to whom they were supposed to be delivered to.

That's just smart at its finest y'all.

I'm guessing there is a whole group of our family and friends that never received a card from us last year, but I have no clue who was in this group.

So, while I was busy double and triple checking that each card I sent this year had both the stamp and the address label on it, my husband was busy keeping the attack SQUIRRELS at bay.

At one point I stepped into the tub at the precise moment a gun shot rang out and I thought I'd cracked the tub. Which with all my sugar indulgences lately, could have been highly probable.

Would somebody please come up with a remedy to help a girl crave a celery stick over a cookie?

I mean for heaven's sake- we can send people flying to the moon in a metal capsule, surely we can come up with something to tame the taste buds right?

Speaking of taming things, I was also working this weekend on some of my edits for my book. I have a chapter dedicated to making the choice not to gossip or judge others.

I feel this is a crucial chapter. But one of the reviews said this chapter fell a little flat. They felt like I am simply saying, "don't do it" rather than getting behind the scenes of a woman's life and exploring some of the heart issues causing women to gossip and judge.

So, I'm coming to you today asking for your insights.

Why do women gossip about and judge other women? What are some of those heart issues? Have you struggled with this and found anything that has helped you?

I'd love to hear a thought or two that you might have on this subject.

Or the subject of the celery stick craving thing.

Happy Monday...

Squirrels in the Attic- UPDATED

We've got a little situation in progress over here at the TerKeurst's.

You know it's bad when hubs has got the shot gun out and the dogs are being encouraged to "get 'um!"

There is nothing like having a hole chewed in the side of your house to really put one in the Christmas Spirit.

Apparently, the squirrels have heard that we are having fun inside this abode of mine and they've decided to join us.

Usually, I am very hospitable.

Really, I am.

But when I have the stress of trying to make sense of my Christmas card list that is highly unorganized, having furry guests scampering about was getting on the last good nerve I had.

And then something...probably several somethings... somethings with sharp teeth and fluffy tails knocked out our internet.

OUR INTERNET!

Suddenly, I was thankful hubs had a gun.

We rednecks ring in the Merry Christmas with class y'all.

I love the thematic clash of my cards this year. Snowflake cards. Picture on the Beach. And since the post office was out of Christmas stamps, I opted for the desert scene stamp.

It just made me laugh. Right there in the midst of squirrels and chaos and promises to stop eating so much sugar.

Oh yes ma'am- that is what I'm talking about!

Congrats to the winners---

The winner of the $75 "31 Gifts" certificate chosen by Random Generator is:

Brenna Beard

Thank you again Julie Ray with 31 Gifts for this great prize. For those of you looking to connect with Julie about her business, her website is www.mythirtyone.com/julieray

The Winner of the Devo survey $20 Starbucks card chosen by Random Generator is:Lynnie from I hope You'll Dance.

Merry Weekend Y'all!

Out of the blue...

It's a Holly day! For those of you who don't know me, I am Lysa's assistant. She graciously gave me permission to 'have at it' today.


My hubby worked from dawn until dusk a few weeks ago preparing these lights. He labored over the windows, the wreath, the bushes, the timers, the fuses and the extension cords. And also made three trips to the hardware store.

Unfortunately, as his masterpiece was revealed that evening, all I could see were the blue lights on the two outer trees. "Why the blue lights on the ends, honey?" I questioned. "Oh Holly, they aren't blue, they are the new LED lights. They are pure white. They were all I had left. They're fine."

Hmmmmfff. They weren't fine to me. Every night as I pulled into our driveway all I could see were those awkward blue lights. I stared at those lights. I glared at those lights. My eyeballs were drawn to those outer trees like magnets.

And it wasn't until I was confessing this issue of mine to Lysa the other day that it dawned on me.

Out of the blue...

I had allowed my eyes to be distracted. I had allowed my heart to become ever so slightly hardened. I had allowed myself to take my focus off of the big picture. And I could not see the beauty of his labor.

I had missed all of the other charming lights because of the silly blue ones on the two outer trees.

After I took this picture last night my husband was quick to ask me meekly, "Are you going to put that photo on the blog and embarrass me about those blue lights?"

No honey. I'm going to embarrass myself.

I was wrong, and I am sorry. Thank you for your selfless heart. For your servant attitude. For loving your family each day. For working to provide for us. For ironing your own shirts. For making chili for us on Sundays. For being patient each time I scrape your car against the garage.

My heart took a little detour. But it's back. Out of the blue it's back. And I love you.

Please don't miss the big picture this season.

See Him and seek Him.

"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord, "and will bring you back from captivity." Jeremiah 29:13-14

Have I got a gift for you!

Amazing Give Away Opportunity Just Ahead...

Hello stress. My name is Lysa. And apparently I am clueless.

It all started when I headed to my favorite, swanky, get a really nice gift for my kid’s teachers this year, store. Otherwise known as the dollar rack at Target.

Oh, yes ma’am. There is some mighty fine merchandise to be found there. And, I love when cute things only cost $1.

Now, just so you don’t think I’m a total cheapskate, I arranged all my treasures in lime green pales and tucked two Chick-fil-A gift cards in each. (Hello free to me.)

So, I collected all this cute stuff and started filling up the pales. I just needed one more red item. It needed to be small. It needed to be in the food category. It needed to be in the $1 category.

Back to the Target Dollar rack I headed. And what to my wondering eyes should appear? But little red packages of coffee that smelled so dear.

Perfect.

Or so I thought.

When Art got home and I proudly shared my little lime green pales with the Southern Comfort Coffee inside, he looked at me funny.

He titled his head. And he informed me that the coffee brand label “Southern Comfort” was not a cute off brand name of coffee. This company apparently makes spirits of sorts that do not fall in the holy category.

Have mercy.

Dear Teachers- please be informed that the coffee included in your gift may look a little suspicious.

It does not contain alcohol. Nor do I condone adding said alcohol to your morning coffee as suggested on the package instructions.

Although this gift may clearly give you the impression that is exactly what I did before heading off to the dollar rack at Target to purchase this gift, I did not.

The end.

Evidence:


Just in case your teacher gifts have been a little stressful for you as well, I have just the solution!

Julie Ray from a delightful company called "Thirty-One Gifts" has generously offered to give one lucky winner a $75 gift certificate to spend on your choice to lovely products from their new catalog.

Go here and click on "View Our Catalog" at the top of the page and then click on "View Catalog" in the black box on the right hand side of the screen.

Find something you'd buy with this certificate, come back to share your treasure with us in the comments below, and cross your fingers- toes- and whatever else.

Just stay away from little red packages of coffee from the $1 rack at Target---K?

I'll announce the winner on Thursday along with the winner of the $20 Starbucks card from the survey give away.

Merry Christmas y'all!

Christmas Open House

So, my friend Boo Mama is having a little get together and I thought I'd join in the fun.

But, before you look around at my tour of homes entry, I have a few announcements:

1. The winner from last Thursday's post: Wrinkled Shirts

I know. You think I rigged this. Wrinkled Shirts is the one who gave away the Houston plane ticket to one lucky winner last week.

I promise I totally used the Random Number Generator- with an official time stamp.

See-

Here are your random numbers:
3
Timestamp: 2008-12-15 04:35:05 UTC

Congrats Wrinkled Shirts!

2. I'm offering a chance to win a $20 Starbucks card- click here to enter. I'd love your participation.

3. A little grace will be needed in the post below. Oh, we'll start out okay--- but toward the end of our tour--- have mercy!

Can you imagine if I wore this tree topper as a hat one day? Paris would have nothing on me.

I bought these large wooden stars a couple of years ago and had each of my kid's names painted on one.

When I look at them, these personalized stars make me smile. I think they say, "you belong here."

That truth warms my heart.

There is only one good and proper use for fishing line- hanging golden snow flakes from your chandelier. Thank you very much. Have a nice day.

Here's a close up of my centerpiece. It's called, "use what bushes you have in your front yard and create a centerpiece for free."

Yes ma'am.

Add a few golden ornaments, shiny berry things, and feathers- Honey not a soul will suspect you did this for free.

This is my favorite nativity set.

These pieces are hand carved in the holy land from olive wood. As my kids have played with these over the years, the oil from their hands have darkened the wood.

What a treasure to pass down to the grand kids one day.

Tuck a little greenery here and there for a Christmas feeling in every nook and cranny.

I found this lantern on major clearance and decided to dress it up with a red bird and some berries.

Oh- what is this? My suitcase from last weekend still not unpacked. Lovely.

Hmmm- girl has been spending too much time cutting bushes and attempting centerpieces. Looks like the family will be a little short on clean clothing this week.

Grace, grace, grace.

Merry Christmas y'all.

Devotion Time Survey (with a little bribe)

Hi Bloggy Friends-

I have been working on a survey about devotion times with women.

Will you take a moment to fill out this survey? It only has 9 questions and is completely anonymous. I'm looking for honesty!

Now here's the little bribe...leave a comment on this post saying you completed the survey and I will enter you to win a $20 Starbucks Gift Card. Yum!

Click Here to take survey

Thanks! I'll announce the winner of this contest this Thursday, December 18th.

Mission trips in our own back yard

Welcome P31 Devotion Readers!

And my bloggy friends!

I have a special giveaway today announced at the bottom of the post. But to fully understand it, read this first:

Recently a lady with two small children wearing threadbare clothing prayed a prayer much like this one:

"I say to God my Rock, 'Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?' My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, 'Where is your God?' Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." (Psalm 42: 9-11)

Meanwhile, miles away, I was shopping for a red coat.

I've wanted a red coat for years. But paying full price for a coat seems excessive when I have several perfectly fine coats in my closet. So, each year I've decided to wait until the coats go on clearance and then I'd treat myself.

But, by the time the coats went on clearance, it was flip flop weather. And who wants to spend their clothing budget on red coats when just the thought of walking outside makes you sweat?

So, year after year, I've gazed at but never purchased this red, winter wardrobe treasure.

But someone must have told this one particular store with particularly darling red coats that the economy has taken a bit of a hit this year and not many people would be buying red coats. This store had my coat on sale! While it is still cold outside!

I wanted to get the coat right then. However, I had a coupon for an additional 50% off one item from this store that wasn't good until a week later. That would make the coat a most fabulous deal. One of those deals that a girl could proudly wear and tell all her friends about.

Yes ma'am.

So, I hung my treasure back on the rack and determined to come back and get it a week later.

Two days later I was out and about when my husband proudly called to tell me he'd taken several of our bed comforters to the local coin laundry mat. He'd just gotten up that day and decided it was comforter washing day.

I very much appreciated his thoughtfulness. But, panic arose in my chest when he informed me he'd left several of the comforters drying and wondered if I might go pick them up. I was certain they'd be gone. Rule number one with the coin laundry mat, you don't leave your stuff there unsupervised.

I walked into the laundry mat and much to my delight, the comforters were calmly waiting on me.

While gathering my things, I saw her.

The woman with two small children wearing threadbare clothing.

I leaned down to the kids and attempted to make small talk about Christmas and what a fun time of the year it is. But my attempts fell short. And out of the corner of my eye, I saw their mom hang her head.

I wished them well and scurried out.

As soon as I started to drive off, God pricked my heart. "You looked at those kids, but chose not to really see them. Go back. Help them. Help her."

Many thoughts and questions justified me just driving on home. I was in a hurry. I didn't have any cash. How could I help? What would she think of me? Would I offend her by giving her a check? I didn't even know her name to write it on a check.

I could help her- so why was I hesitant?

I pulled out my checkbook. I suddenly I knew the exact amount I was to give her. The full price cost of that red coat.

I walked back in the laundry mat and handed her the check. "You'll just need to write your on this and I promise my bank will cash it. It's not much but I'd love for you to take it and buy your kids something fun for Christmas."

Shocked, she thanked me. And then as I turned to leave she called out her name. Her name- the one God has engraved on the palm of His hand. The one he loves and hears and cares so deeply about.

Funny enough, I went into the red coat store yesterday to return some pants I'd gotten. Every one of those red coats I'd wanted so much were gone. I smiled. And bought a red scarf on clearance instead.

I think I'm going back to the coin laundry mat this weekend. And I can't wait to see who I'll meet.

Sometimes mission trips are right in our own back yard.

___________________________________________________________________

So, my giveaway today is three of my books- your choice. One for you to keep and two for you to give away. I'm certain God will show you exactly who you're supposed to give them to if you are the winner.

To enter, leave a comment below with the three books of mine you'd choose. Here's the link to see a list and description of the books I've written.

Merry Christmas!

Fluffing my Nest

My new friend, the Nester, is having a little get together today over at her "Nesting Place."

While it makes me slightly sweat for this non-crafty crafter to get off the porch and run with the big dogs, I still thought I'd try.

And heavens, if you have never taken a moment to be inspired by the Nester, you will be so happy I am now introducing you. She is witty. She is crafty. And most of all she is realistic.

Her slogan with fluffing her nest is, "It doesn't have to be perfect, to be beautiful."

Now there is a sermon that will preach.

So, with the "doesn't have to be perfect" theme in mind... may I present my mantle decor.

First stop... the kitchen.

It's amazing what a few feathers, red glass berries and white lights can do to very generic greenery thrown atop a mantle.

This is my stocking... Somehow it captures just the right sassy flair. And oh look at the room for some gifts to be placed inside. I'd love a gift certificate to the Nester's Etsy shop... hint, hint to a particular man in my life.

Oh and look- there's enough room for a massage certificate too.

My fireplace is a see-through fireplace with an opening in the kitchen on one side and in the living room on the other.

And yes, the photo you see there is my man with a gun and a creature. I do love my man with a gun and a creature y'all.

Now, the one thing I am sad about with this particular mantle piece is my lack of lighting. I'm emotionally allergic to cords stringing across my wall.

And, since I'm not really into setting my house on fire, I'm guessing placing tea lights within this little get up might not be smart either.

Any suggestions?

Snow Angels in the Kitchen

My friend, Emily, is doing a very fun Linky today! So, here's my "everyday unwrapped" article.

The other morning I woke to find this in my kitchen.

Apparently, we still have children living with us.

Children for which I am forever grateful.


Children that I sometimes get frustrated with because they do things that adults would never do.

Things, which if looked at the right way, are more delightful than the tidiest house and swept clean floors.

Thank you Lord for helping me not just look, but rather really see my children today.

This may be my greatest Christmas present ever.





Philippians 1: 9, "And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight..."

Winners announced!

The winner of the marriage conference in a box is: Lisa. Congrats! I will be contacting you through email.

Here are your random numbers:

194
Timestamp: 2008-12-09 11:51:37 UTC



The winner of my two marriage books, "Capture His Heart" and "Capture Her Heart" is: Anonymous. Congrats to you as well! I will be contacting you through email!

Here are your random numbers:
44

Timestamp: 2008-12-09 11:50:55 UTC

Have a merry day everyone!

Outdoor Christmas Tree Lights- and the inappropriate laughter they can sometimes produce

There is a good and proper way to drive oneself crazy during the holidays. Attempt outdoor lighting.

Yes ma'am, there's nothing quite like it.

When will we learn that only God should hang things very high in the air? I somehow imagine when the great star in the east decorated the first Christmas sky, the hanging of it did not involve roof clips.

Nor did it involve humans I love hanging from ropes and ladders extended just a little too far.

And yes, my mother did teach me better. And yes, she did tell me horror stories about people who have in fact fallen and "broken every bone in their body" just so their house can look a little more Chevy Chase-ish.

Really, I do slightly blame Chevy for the great light fiasco of Christmas '08. That movie he did made men everywhere laugh with the Tim the Tool man growl over lights on a house.

So, it started when my man bought outdoor lights last year at the after Christmas sale at the Home Depot.

Lesson number one, if a store still has lights after Christmas, there may be a reason no other human was interested in them.

So, while I was out of town speaking this past Friday, Art and the girls pulled their little lighting treasures from the attic and set out to give our neighbors something to talk about.

And talk they did. I'm sure of it.

Because after 12 hours of blood, sweat and tears, the switch was thrown.

Y'all the lights were blue. BLUE! Which is perfectly fine if you wanted blue lights- if you bought blue lights- if you were delighted by blue lights. Which was not the case with us.

Imagine the olden days of K-Mart when the special of the day was announced and the blue light started flashing. Oh yes, I loved me some blue light specials.

BUT I DO NOT LOVE ME SOME BLUE LIGHTS ON MY HOUSE!

Seriously, the boxes said they were "white lights."

And to really make matters worse, two of the strands were in fact that soft, whitish, yellow glow we were going after. Tacky does not even begin to describe the situation.

Having the true meaning of Christmas tucked within my heart, I just softly whispered to my hard working family when I returned home, "well, I do love creativity." Oh I lie.

There may have been some serious inappropriate laughter and inquiring when those lights would in fact be taken down right this minute. And don't you think I was bossing him either. I was not. He detested the blue lights worse than me.

So, off to the Home Depot my hubs went to return last year's after Christmas sale lights that are blue but supposed to be white.

That was a complete and utterly joyous time for both my husband and the salesclerks that helped him, I am sure.

And please let the record clearly state here that I was not the one who wanted the lights.

I have been perfectly happy with a non-lit house for the 16 years we've been married. But then we had people. And those people grew. They grew into people with opinions and great desires for houses that light up.

So the Daddy cub in my man, could not disappoint.

The second round of lights brought home literally made me fall to the kitchen floor and exclaim out loud, "slay me dead people, slay me dead."

Ya'all I thought it was a joke. It wasn't.

This new batch of lights had dancing snowflakes that flashed as if a Reggi Band was playing close by. I tried to be mature and say it was fine.

But the word "fine" would not, could not, pass from my lips. I could not imagine my next 15 Christmases with Reggi snowflakes dancing outside my window. Not even Chevi would have been okay with that.

And if by some chance, you have the dancing snowflake lights, I heart you. I just can't come visit right now because my issues with motion sickness and inappropriate laughter prove to be a bad combination.

So, back to the Home Depot the family went.

Oh can you imagine the look on those sales girl's faces. "That light dude that returned the after Christmas sale lights from last year earlier. Yea. He's back and currently approaching check out lane number 7 with what appears to be another RE-TURN. Manager needed ASAP."

You'll be happy to know, that my local Home Depot is well stocked with blue lights and dancing snowflake lights in case you are in need. Because that sweet store, did in fact let my hubs return everything.

And you'll be even happier to know that Art is not easily defeated. After his third attempt, we now have beautiful white icicle lights twinkling all about the roof line of our home.

It turns out that if you buy lights for the outside of your house and you don't want them to have a strange blue glow... you must avoid any boxes that have 3 little letters printed beside the words "white lights." These bad and stressful letters are "L-E-D."

If you see L-E-D and you like blue lights, knock yourself out and buy them. Home Depot would thank you.

If you are not fond of combining blue with all other things red, white and green- save yourselves from Christmas light torture and do not buy LED lights.

The end.

Not really...

As if this post weren't long enough all ready... I do have a few little announcements.

1. Speaking of blue light specials, K-Mart is in fact running a cyber Monday sale today with free shipping on all orders over $29. Cool.

2. If you haven't had the chance to peruse the Cool Christmas GiveAway links yet, oh you must. There are some really FAB gifts!

Rumor has it that one of our bloggy friends who likes to wear wrinkled shirts (hint, hint) is giving away airfare and accommodations to Houston for the P31 Girls' Night Out event.

3. Today, I am giving away my two marriage books, "Capture His Heart" and "Capture Her Heart." I got inspired to do this from all the comments left this weekend.

I'll draw today's winner from all comments on today's post that encourage my man with his amazing lighting abilities. I'll announce both the winner from this weekend's drawing and this one- tomorrow.

From my home to yours, may your Christmas be merry and BRIGHT!

Cool Christmas GiveAway Day!

Oh, I feel like I'm having company over today for my little bloggy Christmas party. While I can't promise you won't find any dust bunnies under the furniture or disorganized closets- I can promise you will have lots of fun.

So, here's the deal:

If don't have a blog, still feel free to join in.

You can enter to win my prize by clicking on the word "comments" below and following the prompts. If you want to enter as anonymous, be sure to leave some way for me to contact you in your comment in case you win!

You can also hop around to other's sites by clicking on the links provided in the Mr. Linky system set up below.

If you do have a blog, feel free to enter my contest by leaving a comment.

Then if you are participating in the give away on your site, do two things:

1. Enter the specific blog page on your site where your contest is listed in the Mr. Linky box below. You can do this by clicking on the title of your posted blog page and copy and pasting the address bar information into the http box of the Mr. Linky below.

2. Please either paste the above button with a link back to this contest page on your site, or put a link to this post of mine in the text of your post. This will make it so much easier for people to get back here and keep checking all the giveaways listed below!

Thanks y'all. And have a very merry time playing along with the "Cool Christmas GiveAway Day!"

Now, about my prize...

Today is my 16th wedding anniversary. Yesterday, Art and I were talking to our kids about this and Brooke piped right in with her two cents, "I think you you need to renew your vowels."

Art looked over at me and said, "Honey, I a-e-i-o-u."

I a-e-i-o-u too Art.

Today, I'm especially thankful for 2 things. First, I'm so very thankful we didn't give up during our early years when our marriage was stinkin' hard.

Second, I'm thankful for this man of mine who has to be one of the most patient human beings on the planet.

It's not easy living with my craziness y'all. But Art just takes it in stride and has somehow found a way to appreciate my good without getting bogged down in my not so good.

And honey if you happen to read my blog today, I love you forever Art.

So, in honor of this special day, I am giving away a set of cd's and the companion guide from a marriage conference that Art and I do.

It's called, "This Crazy Little Thing Called Love," and it's an honest, often hilarious, look at how couples can improve their marriage. Some of the sessions include:

* Great Expectations

* Bridging the Communication Gap

* Great SEXpectations

* Living a Legacy of Love

If you'd like enter to win, leave a comment below.

If you don't win, but would like to order this marriage conference in a box, you can click here.

Treasuring and Pondering

One of my most favorite Bible verses is found in Luke's telling of the Christmas story, "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart" (Luke 2:19).

Never has there been two more perfect words to describe motherhood than "treasuring" and "pondering." I do both quite often.

I also rip my hair out by the roots sometimes. But, since that doesn't really fit my Bible verse today, we'll just say pondering encompasses a lot.

Today it encompasses capturing everyday moments.


I'm constantly taking mental snapshots of moments flying by. Moments that could never quite be captured by a camera. So, I tuck them in my heart and pray they never fade.


The rush of excitement on my youngest son's face as he flashes his Learner's permit in front of my face.

It only took 3 tries to convince the state he is capable of getting behind the wheel of a fast moving metal object. It will take a lot more to convince his mama. Oh my sweet boy, the freedom of driving comes with a daunting responsibility. When your daddy and I make you sign a 12 page driver's contract, it will aggravate your impatient teen aged self. But one day, you will come to appreciate our careful considerations for you.


The smirk on my oldest teenager's face as he tries to convince me that he needs a nicer car.

Oh sweet son, I pray life teaches you that happiness can't ever be bought. Your dad and I know this now. That's why we won't help you buy that shiny, fast, gonna make you look so cool, car. Your run down clunker that you had to pay half for is more of a gift than what you can possible know right now.


The concentrated look on my daughter's face as she sits and does her homework, unaware of my stare.

Quietly, her mind is taking hold of concepts that explain how this world works. Oh sweet girl, I pray you never loose an appreciation that science can only go so far in explaining things. The Lord reigns in the mysterious and unexplainable. That's where faith steps in and ties all the loose ends up with God's chords of peace.


The blushed look on my other daughter's face as she whispers to me that a boy likes her.

Suddenly boys are not quite so annoying to her anymore. I look upon this teen aged face and memories flood my mind with pictures of her as a baby, toddler and small school girl. Oh sweet girl, how fun it can be to have a boy think you are cute. However, I wish squash him like a bug if he tries to hold your hand or kiss your lips. Oh yes ma'am I will. And no you can't go to the movies with him.

One day you will thank me. Ahem.


The sheer bouncy joy on my youngest girl's face, as she declares with great excitement that American Girl doll clothes fit her Christmas elf.

Oh the world of possibilities that have now been opened for the elf. The last little strands of childhood wonder are hanging by a thread with this baby of mine. In just a few days, she will turn 10. And before I know it, she will be flashing a learner's permit, thinking of cars, studying concepts that are now beyond me, and blushing because a boy thinks she's cute.

Oh sweet girl, can I hold you one more night- before time steals you away and makes you all grown up?


Somehow, Christmas especially brings out in me a desire to treasure and ponder.


Maybe while Mary gave Jesus to the world, she also gave us moms one little extra gift. The reminder to treasure and ponder and store up all these things in our hearts.


For all those everyday moments that seem in such abundance now, will all too soon...

__________________________________________________________________


sniff... sniff.


Don't forget about the One Cool Christmas Contest I'll be posting tomorrow. If you want to invite people over to your give away, I'll have a Mr. Linky set up for you to do just that. Just think about what you will be giving away and post about it tomorrow. And oh my stars, some of you have hinted at what you'll be giving and I can't wait.



It will be fabulously fun!



Here is the button we'll be using. Just make sure to put a link back to my site, so everyone can continue hopping around after they visit your place. See you tomorrow!

The little tradition that is causing big trouble

Okay... you asked for it, you got it!

Get ready for the One Cool Christmas Contest this Friday! More details will be coming later this week.

Now on to my most recent issue.

Have you noticed I am never in short supplies of issues?

Yesterday, I was the inadvertent cause of quite a stir with the parents of kids in Brooke's class. Oh yes ma'am. It was a situation.

We are talking a pure tee flurry of phone calls and e-mails.

You see, we have this little tradition in our home where a Christmas Elf comes to visit on December 1st and stays until Christmas morning. Brooke loves her elf. And it was this great love for her elf, that caused her to break a school rule and take said toy to school.

But, she would argue, the elf is only a toy while people are around. When people are not around, the elf very much comes alive and is oh so fabulous.

Of course all the kids at her school decided they MUST have a Christmas elf as well. So, Brooke very nonchalantly tells them what they have to do to make an elf appear at their home.

Just put on your fire place hearth a simple plate of crackers, oatmeal, and jelly beans along with a heart felt note requesting an elf and magically one will appear the next morning.

It works this way in my house because said elf (shhhh.... doesn't come from the North Pole but rather from the bins of Christmas decor tucked in the attack) knows his way very well from traveling here so many years.

Well, you can imagine the great disappointment of many kiddos when elves did not magically appear with the cracker, oatmeal and jelly bean concoction being placed on their hearth.

Really the reaction was more along the slightly distraught line.

"Never fear," Brooke exclaimed. "Have your mom call my mom. My mom has Santa's phone number and can call him to see what the hang up is with your elf being delivered."

Hunh?

I have what?

Well, you can imagine the sheer and absolute joy that these other parents are feeling towards me at this point. Really, aren't you in the mood to deal with a missing elf, distraught child, and some neurotic, over-achieving mom who supposedly has Santa's personal phone number?

Have mercy.

It's only the first week of December and I'm already getting into trouble.

And if you are one of these parents, can I just say for the record that I love me some Jesus and totally see Him as the real reason for season. I mean our elf even sings "Happy Birthday Jesus" on a very consistent basis.

What's that?

Your elf doesn't sing?

Well, if you're really nice to me, I might be able to help a sister out. I totally have Santa's personal phone number you know.

It's time for a Girl's Night Out

All of you who guessed that the surprise today would be me announcing an addition or two for our family... bite your tongue!

Sweet Mercy.

There is however, a fun factoid about my mom that those of you who had babies on the brain may be interested in. My mom had babies in 4 different decades. Oh yes ma'am she did.

I was born in the 60's.

My sister Angee was born in the 70's.

My sisters Sarah and Haley were born in the 80's.

My sister Emily was born in the 90's.

By the time Emily graduated from high school, my mom had been doing the mama thing for close to 40 years.

That's one way to have a large family!

Another way is to birth lots and lots and lots o' babies all at the same time. Which brings me to my announcement. Maybe some of you have seen a gal named Kate on the TLC with her 8 kiddos.

Yes, I know she is totally real which totally gets on some people's nerves.

That's why I like her.

Not the nerves part- the real part.

If I had cameras following me around 24/7 with lots and lots of little people all pulling at me, it might get ugly sometimes. No, I take that back. It would get ugly sometimes.

I admire Kate for not editing out the everyday stuff that makes motherhood one of the toughest jobs ever.

So, we heard through the grapevine that Kate reads the P31 devotions. And at the same time, we were looking for a special guest to join us for a Girl's Night Out with KSBJ in Houston, Texas. We were especially interested in a guest that might draw in people who might not ever be interested in a "church" event.

Well, after months of trying to get all the details straight... it's official.

Kate will be joining Renee and I for a night of fun, truth, laughter, and life change. We'll also be having some pretty cool musical guests that night as well. Thank you Aiesha Woods and Jason Catron. We all know music is key to a girl's night out. If it weren't for you, I would have to try and throw around a tune or two which would totally stress me out and make the audience sweat.

And really, there's nothing worse than a sweaty audience.

So, if you live in, around, or near Houston...

OR you simply have a passion to hop on a bus, train or plane- we'd love for you to join us!

Click here to get to the KSBJ website and get all the info you need.

And if you have no interest in this Houston event, please check out my upcoming '09 schedule by clicking here. Holly and I would be delighted to meet you in person!

Simply delighted I tell you!

I always feel like I'm meeting some super star when someone introduces themselves to me and reveals that they are in fact the writer of a blog I enjoy.

What fun!

And while I'm in announcement mode. I am thinking of doing the One Cool Christmas Contest with a Mr. Linky this year. All those interested would think of a cool item to give away on your blog and link to my blog so people could find you.

I would leave the Mr. Linky up for a week; all who wanted to participate would have plenty of time. (Hello... a semi-colon. It's going to be a good day.)

Are you in?

If enough of you comment and say you are interested, I'll post more details tomorrow.

And if any of you have one of those airline buddy passes that you'd like to give away for someone to win a trip to Houston, contact me... oh yes ma'am... contact me.

Happy Tuesday.

Pardon my slight nervous breakdown

There is a great evil to successful laundering. Can I please encourage you to check all pockets of all little girls' clothing before... BEFORE... before your favorite garments are washed and then dried.

Because there is a little equation I pray you never have to work through:

1 load of your daughter's most favorite clothing items

plus

1 Thanksgiving trip you are trying fervently to get packed up for

plus

1 little tube of redish lipgloss

plus

20 minutes in the dryer

equals a stressed out mama holding this:

hello to my daughter's favorite jacket... ex-favorite jacket.

hello to my daughter's favorite pants... ex-favorite pants.

Oh wait but there's more. The load of towels that got thrown in after this load?

Yup.

Why is it that lipgloss only stays on my lips for a mere nano second but on all things fabric FOREVAH!!!???

There is only one good cure for this kind of mind rattling experience:
A redneck Thanksgiving.

Oh yes ma'am.

Our redneck Thanksgivings always include the fried turkey.

Once you fry that bird, you hang it from a tree to let some of that artery hardening oil drip from it. Oh we are healthy rednecks y'all.

Then you fill up your paper plate until it starts to bend. All things are squishy because they have surely been injected with a stick of butter each. And don't let the green things fool you. They have each been injected with 2 sticks of butter.

Land o' Lakes and my family go way back.

And really is there a need for utensils?

Oh and we do dress up when we set all to be thankful! My man's favorite song is "She thinks my tractor is se*y." Oh yes, I do Mr. John Deer t-shirt.

Then on Friday, while the boys were off on a quail hunt, the girls headed back to the city. We had some hunting to do as well. Thank you Kohl's and Target. It was a fine hunting day indeed.

I do hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Congrats to Cheri from Gamma's Gab!

She was picked by the Random Generator as the winner of The Garland Grabber!
47 Timestamp: 2008-12-01 02:30:12 UTC

Now, any guesses on the big announcement I'll be talking about tomorrow?