Fabulous Finds Friday

Things that make my life easier and better are what I consider fabulous finds.

This week it is all about family.

We are leaving tomorrow to spend the labor day weekend with family. 50 of them! That's right...we are having our first annual BUMPUS FAMILY REUNION. (don't make fun of the name...I have heard them all).


I can't wait for my kids to meet cousins they have never seen before. We are scattered around 5 states and are rarely in WV at the same time. This wasn't always the case. We all have wonderful memories of Christmas eve when we would all gather at my grandparent's house (ma and pa). The house was small and tight. The grandchildren would usually escape to the "parlor" and make crank phone calls.

I want my kids to learn about the legacy that was given to them. I am most proud of the people in my family who have dedicated their lives to ministry.

My great-grandfather was a circuit rider. He would ride from town to town on horseback to share the Gospel. Stories are often shared of how it would be so cold that he had to chisel his feet from the stirrups. I actually have a copy of the last sermon he preached.

My great uncle was a pastor and had a radio show called "The Sweet Hour of Prayer".

My dad was an evangelist and youth leader for many years.

My cousin is the pastor of Freedom Baptist Church. My other cousin and cousin's husband are both part-time pastors.

How do you have this legacy and not make it part of the reunion? You don't. That is why we are incorporating a worship service as part of the reunion.

Lots to do and lots to pack. I will share details when I return.

What is your legacy going to be?

When Are You Creative

I consider myself a creative person!! I love to create with my hands (not cooking).
I love to decorate and I love to mix and match clothing. I love it when God gives me a creative idea. Sometimes it seems like it comes out of nowhere with no warning. God has given me a very creative idea on how to publish my children's book. He has given me an idea for a skit to write. He has given me some creative ways to decorate my office with things that I already. I am not CREATIVE ON THE SPOT. If someone asks me for a creative idea I normally have to say "Let me think about it." Or in other words...I need for God to give me the idea. All good things come from Him...this includes creativity

THIS WEEK'S DEVOTION

A common theme has been going through my mind the last couple days "Am I my brother's keeper?" The Bible asks us this question as well. What is my duty to my fellow sister or brother? Not just my biological family...but my neighbors, my friends, people...I don't even know.

The other day I was with my son and we stopped at a gas station for gas. As we were driving away I looked over and 2 grown men were fighting. I don't mean with words...they were punching and hitting each other. My motherly instinct kicked in (and my possible stupidity). I pulled my car up beside them and said "Stop it you two...or I'm calling the police". They stopped and I drove away. I asked my son if that scared him and he said yes...not the fighting...you scared me when you yelled!

I felt safe because I was in my car and I knew I could getaway fast if needed. Why did I do that? Why did I feel the need to break up the fight? I guess it was because I cared about two people that I had never met. (especially the little man...he did not stand a chance) Now...I promise not to make a habit of breaking up fights between strangers...but I do want to make it a habit to care about people that I don't event know. I don't want to ignore people who are being treated unfairly. I don't want to ignore the unloved, the forgotten and especially the unchurched.

This brings me to my next conviction that I cannot get off my mind. Sunday I watched the Olympic Closing ceremony. It was amazing. The creativity, the organization, the splendor, etc. I thought China did an amazing job with the olympics and showcasing their city. An hour later it was over and to me it became a nice memory.

I went to bed that night and wondered how much it cost to put on the closing ceremonies. How many millions were spent! What if...at the next olympics...the closing ceremony was simplified. What if it was all about the athletes and not the hosting country. What if a majority of the money spent went to help build water systems for rural villages. What if the money went to feeding those who are starving. What if the host country used the money to save the children...those with AIDS, etc.

The olympics is special because for 2 weeks we come together as a world. How cool would it be if the host country became a catalyst for change and used the closing ceremony budget to keep this unity going. Are we our brother's keeper? I think yes!

SHOESAPALOOZA

You can tell by my blog header that I love buying shoes!!!!

I am not the only one in my family that shares that passion.

I was cleaning today and I am giving away 25 pairs of shoes!!!!

Gotta go...I am off to do my closet now.

BOTTLE CAP JEWELRY

Bottle cap jewelry was the new craze at the beach this year. We decided to try to make some on our own. Here are the first few pieces. Austin is going to a birthday party today for a girl in his band. We made her a band charm and a charm of her favorite boy band.

VOTE FOR ME

FABULOUS FINDS FRIDAY

Here is the second edition of "finds" that make my life easier or better.

I love fashion and accessories. I use to waste alot of time trying to find mates to my earrings. Not anymore!!!

What do you get when you have an ornate frame, leftover screen and a handy husband?

You get a great place to hang your earrings.

EDNA'S SECOND HELPIN'

Two years ago my grandmother went home to be with her Lord. It was a huge loss for our family. We mourned her passing for a long time and still miss her very much. My grandmother was truly one of a kind. She had such a big heart and always would "cheer" for the underdog. She gave generously of herself, her cooking, her money and her time. We believe we have found a way to keep her memory alive and her legacy will continue. My mom has established the "Edna's Second Helpin'" fund. Why the name? Her name was Edna and you could never leave her kitchen without a "second helpin'" of whatever she was cooking. She made you eat until you were ready to bust. She also believed that everyone deserved a "second chance." The fund will be used to help people who are deserving of "a little help." It is not a "handout" but a helping hand. I was so excited when I asked the team if we could help a soldier I know who served in Itaq. He is experiencing many health difficulties because of his deployment. I am so grateful that my grandmother showed each of us the importance of giving back.

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT

Today I spoke in Parma at a Christian Women's Luncheon. The other speaker was from Pierre's Ice Cream. Every friday he samples ice cream. Fun job!!!

It was a great day and the highlight came at the end. I was sharing my testimony of how as a teen I was always looking to fill a void in my life that was "God size."

When I asked everyone in the audience to bow their heads and close their eyes for the invitation...one little girl did not. She and I locked eyes and for the next few minutes I felt like I was speaking to just her. It was so cool!!!She was very attentive and at the end gave me a huge smile.

I hope something she heard today will impact her life and maybe give her pause to think as she grows into a young lady.

MY DAUGHTER THOUGHT IT WAS FUNNY

Today I was driving with my daughter and I told her I had the perfect name for a Christian Boy Band...ready...

"The Jonah's Brothers"

She laughed...I smiled...it was a good day!

DEVOTIONS ON MONDAY

I am hoping to begin some sort of posting schedule for my blog. Mondays are hard and I thought it would be a good idea to begin the week with a devotional. Here goes the first devotion on what I am calling:

hmmm...I don't know what I will call it...yet.



Tomorrow is the first day of school. I asked my son what he was going to wear tomorrow...his response..."the first thing I see when I open my closet tomorrow." I remember planning for days what I would wear on the first day of school. I do have an embarassing confession in this area. I grew up watching "One Day at A Time" with Valerie Bertinelli. I loved the show and I loved her character. I thought she was so cool. I would watch the show to see what she would wear and then I would try to find a similar outfit. Maybe I will post a picture sometime of my failed attempt to her. Fast forward a few years later...okay...25 years. I am still guilty of trying to immulate others that I see. I try to parent like other moms that I meet, I try to have material items that other women have, I try to be like what society woud call the "Jones'" One question...who are the "Jones'"



I am reminded in His Word that " ... godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness." 1 Timothy 6:6-11


I need to be who He created me to be. As a matter of fact...I don't even think I would like the "Jones'" whoever they are.
Be you today!!!!

ANOTHER GREAT SUMMER WEEKEND

This weekend we headed off to Mohican Lodge with a family in our care group. We had a blast. We swam, watched the olympics, hiked (geo caching, ate some wonderful meals, canoed, ate some more, and most of all...enjoyed each others company.

Here are some of the highlights:

- having dinner at a small town cafe. We all expected Aunt Bee and Andy to walk through at any moment. We bought homemade muffins and homemade cinnamon rolls for breakfast. To quote Rachel Ray "YUMMO"
-Getting ice cream at a small town dairy bar
-Visiting a beautiful castle and maybe the future wedding sights of all of our daughters (each family has 2 beautiful girls)
-Enjoying a wonderful dessert with just us girls
-Exposing our friends to the fun of geocaching.

I am having trouble posting pics...off to do the laundry from the weekend.

One more thing...on the way home from church we stopped at Paul Mitchell's beauty school for $5 haircuts and $5 manicures. This was a benefit for the family of the officer that was killed in Twinsburg a month ago. His wife and beautiful baby girl were there. Pray for them.

FABULOUS FINDS FRIDAY

I am starting a new series on my blog called "Fabulous Finds Friday". I want to highlight the "finds" in my life that make it easier and better.

So to kick off the first one...I chose my dog Grady. Friends and family...do not be mad that I chose my dog first. It doesn't mean that I love any of you less...it just means that I don't have a picture of you that is easily accessible and...you are not laying at my feet as I type. ha ha

I use to laugh at those who had dogs that seemed so important to them. The ones that dressed up their dogs and took them eveywhere they went. I AM NOW ONE OF THEM.

My name is Joy and I treat my dog like a human. Hello Joy.

He is currently running around the house with a cute little t-shirt and yes...the kids and I did put a pair of build a bear superman pants on him for a short while yesterday.

I take him in the car whenever I can and at stop lights...I let him sit on my lap and put his paws on the steering wheel.

I love this dog. Every morning he runs into my room and wakes me up. He normally stays there until I decide to get up. He cries when I leave and he is always waiting for me when I return. His love is unconditional. We took him to a free obedience class last weekend and the trainer hurt my feelings. She said he was stubborn and can you believe she used the word "spoiled".

We love Grady and believe he has definately made our lives better. Well...gotta go...Grady hasn't been held for 30 minutes.

WE WONDER WHY OUR YOUNG GIRLS SUFFER FROM LOW SELF-ESTEEM

This article makes me a little angry...and very sad. What do you think? One of my passions is speaking to young girls about self esteem and true beauty. Read it for yourself...let me know what you think.

OPENING CEREMONY SINGER

GRAB SOME TISSUES...ESPECIALLY YOU SANDI

OLYMPICS SHOULD CHALLENGE US ALL

As I watched the opening ceremony of the olympics something occurred to me. All of the athletes marching around the stadium once had a dream...and now they have fulfilled that dream. They just didn't wake up last week and decide to try out for an olympic team. No! It took many hours of training and preparing and probably many obstacles to get to China. I have dreams and I have to keep reminding myself that I need to put the effort behind it. I am not going to just wake up one day and my book be pubished. I am not going to just wake up one day and be thinner and healthier. (now that's a dream) I'm not going to wake up one day and be debt free. I am not going to wake up one day and have the job that I always wanted.

How about you...what's your dream?

Today Austin went to his football (dream)practice. Number 48 came home tired but excited.

Off to Dick's Sporting Goods. I am not going to just wake up tomorrow and all of his dream (football) supplies be ready for him.

MENU PLANNING

I have always considered myself a teachable person. I love learning from other people and especially other women. I was talking to my best friend Sandie today on my way to the grocery store. I was telling her how much I hated grocery shopping. She asked me if I menu planned. I told her no. She went on to explain to me how this might make my shopping a little less stressful. Okay...I told her I would try. So here's to you Sandie:

Sunday: Ribs and Jo Jo's
Monday:chicken divan and noodles
Tuesday: Sloppy Joes and peirogies
Wednesday:Chicken Pockets and corn casserole
Thursday:Calzones and salad
Friday/Saturday: camping
Sunday: whatever we can find

ANOTHER DREAM BEGINNING

What do you do when your son tells you he now wants to play football and that it begins in 4 days and he needs a physical before he can start? I tell you what I do...I scurry around trying to get an appointment, all the paperwork completed (this includes a waiver of liability...yikes)and any supplies that he may need. Why do I do this? I have always told my kids to dream big and to try new things. Never to limit themselves and never be afraid. I don't want these words thrown back at me...so we are off to our sports physical.

I wonder if Peyton Manning gave his mom more notice? hmmm

IT PAYS TO YARD SALE...LITERALLY

I love garage sales. I love yard sales and estate sales. My eye is always looking for that homemade sign that will lead me to that ultimate find.

It has been a great year for me.

I found Ashley a great couch for $40, matching area rug for $5 and other great finds.

Last week I happened to drive by a sale and decided to stop. It was a clean, well organized sale and all of the proceeds were going to charity. Her stuff was great. I wear a size 7 1/2 shoe and tried to squeeze my feet into a size 5. She had beautiful stylish shoes, never worn...at a great price. This is where I bought Ashley's couch.

As I was checking out, she asked if I wanted to buy a raffle ticket. Sure...I always support breast cancer.

Today...my door bell rang...I WON $100 in Gas cards. I was so excited!!!

See...the next time people tell me I am crazy for always searching for that great deal...I say...WHO BOUGHT YOUR GAS TODAY?

ARE YOU HUNGRY?

If anyone is hungry head to Ashley's. The kids and I drove to erie and spent sunday evening in a fun hotel. We spent all day cooking and freezing food for Ashley. For those of you who know me well...know how much I hate to cook. You will find chinese containers and pizza boxes in my recycling bin each week. I hate to cook...but love AShley and want to do whatever I can to make her stay at medical school easier.

Here is her menu:

Baked Oatmeal
watermelon
chocolate cookies
banana bread
Spaghetti
Sloppy Joes
Chicken Burritos
Pot Roast with vegetables
Chicken Divan
Cranberry Chicken
Buttered Noodles
calzones

I am tired...and I am not cooking for awhile!

Hello Papa John's

FREE SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Boy am I tired. We have had a very busy and fun summer and also at times...free!

Watching the Browns practice was FREE!
Going last night to watch Bucky Covington was FREE!
Fireworks at Twinsday tonight...FREE!
Tomorrow we are going to a Jeremy Camp concert that is ...yes...FREE!

Of course the best event takes place at our house between 6 pm and 8 pm. )ALSO A FREE EVENT)

Austin's band will be auditioning lead female singers.

Pray for us.

5 to 6 little girls will be coming to audition and my prayer is that no one gets their heart broken.

I told Austin they need to be sensitive and fair or I was going to hang up all of his embarassing baby pictures for everyone to see tonight. Especially those baby bath pictures.