PERSONAL REVIVAL

I grew up in a time when the word "revival" was used alot in the church. Our church would schedule revivals that would last for usually a week. The word revival has taken on a new meeting for me. It isn't something that can usually be scheduled...it just happens.

I have sensed a personal revival lately. Things that use to bother me or upset me don't. Things that use to have a lot of meaning in my life...don't. Things that use to not have top priority in my life...do.

It is almost scary to type this post because I know I will be tested.

The biggest area I see change in is in material things. I have been selling things on the internet lately. Things that I use to hold on to very tightly. Things that had sentimental value...things that had monetary value. I recently took a huge load of shoes and clothes to a resell shop. Clothes that still fit, but were never worn.

I realized that a purse really is just a purse.

A basket really is just a basket.

Today I am going to sell something that once held a special place in my home and was once a "must have."

I am hoping to use the money to pay off some bills.

Tonight we are going to go hear some missionaries speak. They are a great example of people who gave up everything to go and serve. A lighter load really is better.

They Said It's Never Too Late

Wally and I hosted a parenting seminar at our house Sunday. No...we were not the speakers...we invited 2 couples from our church that have raised 7 boys between them. Not just any boys...boys that love God and their families. Boys that are respectful, fun and would make any mom proud to have as a son-in-law.

We asked them "How did you raise such great boys?" For the next 2 hours they shared some wonderful advice with us and 2 other couples. It was a great time full of advice, great food and alot of laughter.

Here are some highlights:

1) It is never too late to influence your sons. It is never too late to implement rules and to enforce responsibilities.
2) We are their parents...not their friends
3) Pray is everything
4) You must be the one that talks to your sons about girls, dating, relationships. We can't leave it up to anyone else.
5) Remember grace

WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY

Be sure and check out Works For Me Wednesday!
Today's tip is all about lists! I know that it's only September...but Christmas is around the corner. I post a list on my refrigerator where my family can begin to jot down suggestions for Christmas. I have to give my friend Sandi credit for this idea. When the Christmas flyers begin and the sales start...you already have a list to work with. The list is always handy when out of town family members begin to ask for a wish list.

I also added another list to my frig today. I call it "Mom I need this list." They jot down what they need and when they need it

This list was inspired by my son when he told us at 9:00 pm one night he needed poster board the next day. Now there is a reminder posted for them and hopefully avoid early trips to CVS.

that's my tip.

GIVEAWAY!!!!

Yeh! I am doing my first blog giveaway.


My daughters and I have been having a great time making Bottle Cap Jewelry.

This was all the craze at the beach this summer. It is super easy and fun.

I had a blast making birthday party favors for my niece. Her party is this weekend and I hope they love their new necklaces.

It all be began when I bought these adorable earrings at the beach.

It has a picture of a shoe and says" Which pair to where?

So here are the rules:

leave me a comment with a quote that would look cute on a pair of bottle cap earrings.

My daughters and I will pick our favorite. If we pick your quote...I will make you a pair with that quote and a picture.

It has to be between 2-4 words.

This will end Sunday at 6:00 pm.

Have fun

WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY

Head over to Rocks In My Dryer and check out the great tips today. Here is one from me. Everyday I have a "to do list". I love checking tasks off the list. I am going to try and do something different. I will still have a "to do list" but I am also going to add a new column...a "to be" list. Today I need to go to a speaking engagement, the post office and a football game. I also want "to be" more patient today, I want "to be" giving today and I want "to be" in prayer today. What is on your "to do" and your "to be" list?

WEEK OF GIVEAWAYS!!!!

Do you love free stuff? If so...head on over to Leigh's Blog. She is giving away some great stuff everyday this week. I know once you head over to her blog you will become a regular reader. Leigh is the President of Speaking Thru Me Ministry and an incredible woman of God. I have the privlege of receiving her encouraging emails and being a member of a speaking team that she has formed with her ministry partner Ginger. So what are you waiting for...go get the free stuff!!!

HE SAID NO...AND THAT WAS FINE WITH ME

I love speaking to women's groups and I just generally enjoy being around groups of women. A few weeks ago our church began to promote an upcoming women's mentoring ministry. I was ready to sign up. This is something I enjoy so why not. Then a little voice inside said "you need to pray about this." I listened. I hate to wait on anything...but I felt compelled to wait. Each week I would pass by the sign up table and I had to remind myself...wait. I began to realize that mentoring is a commitment and should be seen as that. I began to feel a real peace that this was not the time for me to do this...and you know what...I was okay with that.

I hope this means that I am maturing spiritually. I am realizing that sometimes you have to say no to even the "good" things. I know that he is protecting me from something and hopefully preparing me for something else.

Today in the service some great ideas came to mind based on the sermon. Details will come later...as I pray about this...and listen...and follow...even if the answer is NO.

ELECTION

I LOVE IT WHEN KIDS...ARE JUST KIDS.

I enjoyed watching the RNC but my favorite part was this:




This little girl was in her own little "cutey patooty" world. I loved it that she was just being "her."

What a lucky little boy.


This reminded me of the time that it was picture day and I told my son to make sure and comb his hair.

I caught him combing his hair...with his tennis shoe.

WORKS FOR ME WEDNESDAY

Head over to Works For Me Wednesday! Today is backwards day. Instead of posting a tip...today you post a question or you post a problem that needs a solution.

So here is my dilemma:

I am looking for a great work out program that will turn me into that size 6 that I dream of. (okay...I'd settle for a size 10)

Any suggestions?

LABOR DAY REWIND

As I sit here having coffee with my family, recapping the reunion, watching GUSTAV coverage, I realized that I am exhausted! It's a good tired!!!! What a weekend!

After watching Ally cheer saturday morning, we hit the road and headed south to West Virginia. After a great dinner at my sister's house we headed to the auction.

The auction can be hit or miss. Sometimes the items are unappealing and sometimes there are so many bargains...you can't resist. I am so glad that the latter was true on saturday. My mom purchased a beautiful quilt, cookware and a really neat item that seals plastic bags.(I bought one too) I bought a patio umbrella with built in solar lights for $20. I also bought a double hammock that is freestanding.
The items came from QVC and would cost 5 times more on air.

Sunday morning we worshipped at my cousin's church where Todd sang and played piano. It is a beautiful church with a small group of committed people. Then...it was off to the reunion!!!

We had a blast. 51 people came and it was great reconnecting with family. The best part of the reunion (in my opinion was our worship service). Before it began I prayed that the Gospel would be clearly presented somehow. God exceeded in a mighty way. The Gospel was CLEARLY presented not once, not twice, not three times...but 4 TIMES!!!!!

enjoy the pics