Santa Clause has come to town!!!

Well... Christmas is over...for another year. I have been reminded once again how lucky, blessed and spoiled I am....

I must have been a very good girl this year!! The presents were endless.... and the love was bountiful!!!

Snow Storm !!!! Love um...hate um....

I am a lover of snow... don't mind winter... if I'm cold, I just add more layers of clothes... I love having white Christmases... and enjoy the obvious differences in the seasons in Aroostook County... my problem is with "snow day's"

Today we are having a 'blizzard'... it's a Monday morning...and I can't get out of my driveway... I feel guilty that I'm not at work! Should I have bundled up...gone outside...shoveled my driveway and tried to go to work?? The battle that goes on early in the morning on day's like this... I flip between the weather channel and the local news and cancellation lists... I keep looking out the window...(maybe hoping the snow will magically be cleared from my driveway and the storm stopped)...I usually call my sister, or she calls me and like this morning.... debate together on if I should travel from Fort Fairfield to PI...and she from PI to Caribou--- we both decided to stay home today... but if I would have been able to get out of my driveway... I most likely would have tried to go in to work... crazy??? maybe

Is anyone out there???

I've not blogged in a while... does anyone still read this?

SLACKER!!!

Oh Dear... I just noticed it's been over a month since I've posted a blog... WOW.. Has a month gone by already?? Where does the time go?

I've been loving my new job at Dr. Blackstones office...the staff is awesome...and Dr. Greg and Ginny are a pleasure to work for... I know this was a door held open my the Lord...and I was wise to walk through it... it's great! It's a lot to learn and somedays I feel overwhelmed by the details and all the stuff I don't know...but everyone is so patient with me and so helpful... I'm so blessed! Thank you Lord for this wonderful opportunity...I pray He will use me in this new venture to bring glory to Himself and expand the kingdom...

Other than the new job...life is moving right along as usual... Family is pretty good...(Thank you Lord)... Darren is doing well..(Thanks Lord)...Marriage is well... (Praise Jesus) ... House is clean and warm (Thank You Father) l...Car is running great...(Loving you Lord)... Grass is mowed... (didn't really care about this one, but Darren is happy!!!)... 3 1/2 Quards of wood for the winter...(God is so Good!!!)

Until Next Time!!! Shalom

The Word

Right now as life throws a ton of junk on my shoulders...and heavy rocks in my backpack... I am thinking of the promises in God's word... and trying to recall them and trust in them...and believe in them --when the enemy would have me focused on other thoughts... is this easy...NOPE... is it necessary and vital for my warfare, for my spiritual and emotional healing, for my growth ... YES...

God's word reminds me that He is mindful of me...and calls me by name... God's word reminds me that I am to praise Him, even in the lowest and darkest times of my life... God's word tells me that He has the hairs on my head numbered and if He cares about the fallen sparrow, then how much more does He care about me...The awesome word of God tells me that I am to enter His courts with praise and thanksgiving... and I think that means at all times...even when I feel weighed down and not very thankful... because He is worthy! This season shall pass and I'll have learned something more about the Lord and about myself through all of the bumps in my road... And for that I am grateful!

Jesus loves me this I know...for the Bible tells me so-- that is the one I'm focusing on the most right now...just knowing that Jesus loves ME! And that He will never leave me, nor foresake me...

Coffee Date!!

Yesterday morning I had a coffee date at 8am with a dear friend of mine. Through the good ole' telephone...this long distance friend and I were able to enjoy some quality time together and our morning coffee!!!! Thank you Lord for technology!!! I just wanted to say to this friend... thanks for sharing your morning with me... I miss you more than you can know!

Survived!!!!!

Well.. I have officially finished and survived the first week at my new job! Wow, what a week... it's physically exhausting learning so much...the world of Orthodontics is all brand new to me and there is so much to learn. I have to say I'm a bit overwhelmed, but I can see clearly why the Lord moved me here. I can see future day's and month's in this office and I know it's a good fit. Sometimes when you least expect it... the Lord of all creation comes in and shakes up your world and it's SO GOOD! I sometimes get in a place where I think the Lord is just so big and mighty...powerful and very busy that He's not really got much time for little ole' me. What a lie of the enemy!!! He's moved in a big way recently in my life! Shelly Condon's life!!! I know I've got some rough work day's ahead... there is just so much to piece together in my new job...but I know without a doubt that this move is all by the hand of God and I trust He will bring me through those tough day's.

Proverbs 3:6-7 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.

That brought me to this new season of my life...trusting that this open door at Dr. Greg's was all God's doing and not any human influence... and now I just need to continue to walk in that very same promise.

Moving On

Just when you least expect it...God calls you to something different and what are you to do but move on... In the last few weeks an opportunity has fallen into my lap that I was not asking for or expecting... But in God's great wisdom, I know there is a greater reason that is so far beyone my understanding that I just have to trust!! ... it's something I'm so excited about and really feeling a peace about. It's a leap of faith and I'm jumping in and moving on... I'll be taking a new position and leaving my current job at TAMC. I leave TAMC with a heavy heart but step into my new opportunity with great anticipation to see what God has in store for me.

God's Hand

It's amazing the way God will move things and people around...create opportunities and open doors that you didn't even know you wanted or needed... Change is scary -- the 'same old, same old' is comfortable...but when you see clearly what the Lord is calling you to-- where He's pulling you to...it's so amazing to watch His hands in your life.. I say all this to express my gratitude and heart for the Father... as He is currently pulling and stretching me... opening doors, creating opportunities and changing things up in my life... a challenge..YES... scary...YES... wonderful...YES!

In His Name

Father- thank you for your grace and mercy that is fresh and brand new today... Thank you for the prayer warriors you have placed in my life to cover me in times of need... times of struggle and times of battle... Today Lord - I choose with my will to walk in your presense...to flee from the things that do not glorify you and your holy name... I choose with my will to rise about the enemies schemes to kill, steal and destroy from my life... I choose to walk in the new creation you have made in me--to love like you love...and to forgive like you forgive... In your precious and gracious name...Amen

Potato Blossom Festival

I might sound like an over grown kid... and it might sound like a silly thing to 'love'...but this is the big weekend of the Potato Blossom Festival and I'm so excited!!! The food is great...the events are fun...we always see ton's of people we've not seen in a year... get to talk and catch up...we get to see our little town full of 'outsiders'... we get to watch the kids laugh and get sunburned... fireworks... street dance... movie under the stars!!!! I am a big kid!!!!

For the next four nights and part of the day's... Darren and I will be enjoying our hometown festival...with friends and family... and feeling very proud of the little town we live in... What more can a small town girl ask for? It's Aroostook County at it's finest!!!

The New Commandment

Pastor Rick and Marcia have moved onto the next adventure and mission that God has called them too... we need not fear that God will not be a large and real in our church and in our congretation...we need not wonder if our church will thrive and grow... it will...because God is present in our church...God is king in our church... and it's His house ... The message at last night's service was delivered via Pastor Fancy... what an awesome message.... I found myself convicted and weeping at the alter... seeking not only forgivness but guidance, wisdom and peace....today I can walk in those things knowing my Lord is faithful to provide.... God used Pastor Fancy last night to bring truth and light to God's people... it was a simple, yet powerful message...

John 13: 33-35 Dear Children, I will be with you only a little longer. And as I told the Jewish leaders, you will search for me, but you can't come where I am going. So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world you are my disciples.

You can't always get what you want!!!

The Rolling Stones were definately on to something... We want...and want...and want... and after all we have...we still want more!!!! More money... more things...more time...different lives...better homes, cars, jobs... at times, we want and expect things from God...and from people that are just unrealistic --

No, you can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
And if you try sometime you find
You get what you need

But God is faithful to provide what you NEED

I can only hope in the times when I'm hurting...angry...wanting more.. not satisfied , that my Father is already using those things to teach me...mold me..guide me and create a deeper understanding of His will for my life...

Life's Battles

2 Chronicles 32: 7 & 8
Be strong and courageous! Don't be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side! He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!

A dear friend of mine gave me this scripture today. How fitting when we find ourselves in the battles that life throws at us. We can always rest in the truth of the Father...

FYI

I miss my Dad-

I miss my kitty Romeo

I can't wait to go camping next week

I really want to take a cruise with my hubby

I love the Lord and right now in the midst of some struggles...I am giving Him praise today!

I am sad to see Rick & Marcia Kavanaugh move to NC...but look forward to hearing Rick's last sermon this weekend...and hopefully someday going to visit them in NC.

The ladies Disciple Maker Group that I co-lead with Erin Levesque and soon to be co-leader Tania Boardman is a blessing in my life that I can't even explain

I can't believe my nephew Justin just turned 10 years old!!!

I am loving the new coffee mate creamer flavor "Coconut Cream"

My dear friends- Kelly & Tooter Tuttle just renewed their wedding vows for their 20th wedding anniversary...and I got the extreme joy, privliage and honor of officiatiing at their ceremony and it was so beautiful...

Roselle's in Presque Isle has AWESOME pizza!!!

Wondering if I should apply for a different job in my department that just opened up

Wish my sister would have a blog....

Wish my 'sister' Kelly would write on her blog

Looking for Melissa's next blog

I really need some new worship CD's...

I can't wait to watch HGTV's next Design Star on Sunday night...HOOKED

This Sunday is Darren & Shelly day... we need it..

I'm so glad it's Friday... I need a break!!!

God's Word

In every situation I find myself in...... every struggle or trial... in times of want and times of plenty... in situation of grief or joy... in area's of confusion and fear.. times of pride and humility... correction and conviction..... I wrestle with the power of the flesh...and try to choose the path I know will honor God... do I always get it right?? NOPE... I do however take great comfort in these scriptures from God's Word and pray that this will be my heart attitude in all things....

Philippians 4: 6-7
Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 1: 7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline

Hebrews 13: 8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Spring Fever

I wish I was talking about that feeling you get at the end of winter and the beginning of nice weather, and all you can think about is getting out in the sun... unfortunately, I'm NOT...

Somehow Darren and I have both come down with awful 'Spring Fever' colds!!!!

One day, your feeling great... life is good and the birds are singing!!!! The next day- you can't breathe, your head hurts, your hot/ then your cold, you are sneezing, coughing and don't sound anything like yourself...

On my desk at work today I've got cold pills, tissues, tea and cough drops!! Not a pretty sight, but Praise God for modern technology that creates such things to help us feel better in our time of illness----

Shiktehawk

This is the scripture that the Lord guided me to this weekend... or I should say, just one of them... and how powerful this one is to me and what I've been walking in.

Galatians 5:1- So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slave to the law.

The Lord spoke loudly this weekend to His daughters.... what wonderful work was done! The only way I've been able to explain this weekend to those that ask is "painfully beautiful".... God is good like that! Not only did we all hear from the Father this weekend...but we had great prayer warriors with us interceding for all the ladies there..... the worship was blessed and the alone time was hard, but a 'hurts so good' encounter... and the fellowship was precious!

Time away with God

As I finish up the last minute details and packing this morning to go off to Camp Shiktehawk (our womens prayer summit).... I'm meditating in my mind on Hebrews 4.... entering the rest of God.... what does that mean? Is it a spiritual rest or a physical rest?... Is it something different for every person? In the crazy, busy, stressed out, over the top and nutty life we all lead.... how do you actually find the time to rest in God... Sometimes I feel like my life is on fast forward and I have no 'stop' or 'pause' button.... and I'm sure I'm not alone in that feeling.... Well... this weekend I'm going to ask God that very question... I'm going to go to the Father...the creator of the universe, my Lord and my saviour.... and simply ask. Show us Father how to rest in you!

My Sister

I have a sister...her name is Tania... let me tell you about her.

She is a wife, mother, sister, niece, daughter, friend, realtor, confidant, housekeeper, taxi driver, follower of Jesus...... and then some!

She is my younger sister, but sometimes takes the place in my life where she 'mothers' me and gives me the advice and guidance I need to hear. She is loving, caring, honest, sweet, funny, beautiful, respectful and giving. She is tender when I need her to be... blunt when I need to hear it... the hug when I need it... a shoulder to cry on when I need to shed those tears.... She has been my rock more times than I can count. Don't get me wrong...we have had our fair share of 'disagreements'... but have come out on the other side of those times, stronger... more deeply connected and better friends than we were before we entered that season. I look over my life and see the times when she was the ONE... and feel so blessed and comforted that God knew we needed each other. In the puzzle that is our lives... the creator of the univerise took the precious time to place our puzzle pieces together so perfectly. The next time you see my sister... tell her I love her!!!!

Farewell Old Friend

Romeo Condon
1993-2008

Darren and I said good-bye to our sweet kitty Romeo yesterday. He was a loving, faithful and loyal friend and we will miss him always. Our hearts are broken, but we know we made the right decision to let him go. He had a tumor and the vet told us about a month ago that he way dying, we tried to overlook his lack of eating, his extreme weight loss and the lack of activity... but this past weekend it was evident that Romeo was ready to go. Good-Bye sweet kitty... we love you!

Choices

Since my post about being burdened and weary... I've had so many sisters pour out their love, prayers, support and kind words and scriptures on me... My spirit feels refreshed and stronger.... I've been reminded that it's a choice of my own will to choose to walk in the victory I've been given... it's a choice of my will to either be defeated...or to claim my position in Christ.... a choice of my will to walk in the scriptures and the promises of my Lord. My burdens are still there...and on my mind... but I've chosen to lay them at my Lord's feet... and to work hard to not let the enemy use these 'issues' to beat me down... It's all about the choices we make along the way. I choose Christ!

Burdened- Weary-Heavy

Sometimes life just throws too much at you all at once... I've been feeling very weary and heavy for quite sometime. Where will my help come from?...my help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. Sometimes that is hard to live and walk in when your heart is just so heavy. And just when you think your heart couldn't stand much more... one more situation get's dumped in your lap... and ouch... your bent over and can't hardly stand anymore.

Our eldest kitty is sick...and dying. I've had him for about 13 years and he's been through a lot with me. I'm heartbroken at the decision I know I'll have to make eventually..... I cry when I look at his small skinny frame.. my heart breaks when he comes up in bed at night to snuggle with us... and I know there won't be many more times for that. Is it ok to pray for my kitty? Does God want to hear those prayers? He created everything... he must care about my Romeo too?

It's been a long hard winter for us at the Condon household. Darren started with the town of Fort Fairfield Public Works dept. last fall and this was his rookie year of plowing... well, need I say more. He has been pretty absent this winter and I've missed him. That lack of time together has been rough.

I have been feeling really uncomfortable in my own skin lately... not sure what that's all about, but it's not a good feeling....

Work is extra busy and I've got some side projects that are just keeping me really stressed out and busy. My weeks just seem to get more and more eaten up with respondsibilites and I feel more and more tired and pulled in a million different directions... I try to make good use of my time and to give the ones I love my time and attention...my love and affection... and I just seem to be failing at that lately. Between work, church,classes, home, friends and family... I just don't have the time I need to give everything my undivided attention! I find myself in the midst of some extra relationship burdens and I just feel yucky! All of this might seem small to other peoples burdens, but this is my world right now and it's heavy.

Joy

Psalm 69: 30-32 Then I will praise God's name with singing, and I will honor him with thanksgiving. For this will please the Lord more than sacrificing an ox or presenting a bull with its horns and hooves. The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God's help live in joy.

That is what I aspire to do... Seek Gods' will... praise God's name with singing and honor Him with thanksgiving... and see His work and be glad and live in joy. Even in the tough times... even when the enemy is attacking me from all sides... I choose to continue to press on and claim my victory in Christ.

Blessed beyond Measure

Today is my first day back from vacation... And to be back to my desk...back with my co-workers...out of the house... and feeling flu free is awesome!!!! I am so blessed to have a job I love... a boss that is amazing ...and co-workers that cover for me in my absence and are genuinely happy to have me come back..... I really feel like I need to recognize the Lord's hand in my position in life...and thank Him for everything I have.....

Keeping Meghan and Olivia while Tania and Dana were vacationing in Hawaii, was just a wonderful gift... Uncle Darren and I really loved the week with our girls.... even through all the flu -yuck...the teething ouchies... being cooped up in the house trying to regain strength and get some rest... Today I feel like a very blessed Auntie to have been given the opportunity to try on my "Mommy Shoes" and have the good, bad and the ugly to experience.... I am so lucky to have a sister and brother- in -law that trust Darren and I with their precious gifts ...

He is Risen!

Today...Easter Sunday.... as the sun shines and the wind continues to blow...I thank God for sending His son to die on a lowly Roman cross to save my sorry self from an eternity apart from the presence of the King... What an awesome gift we have. I pray for the strength and courage to spread the good news to all who will listen.

Happy Easter!!! Happy Resurrection!

Van of Cacklin' Hen's

I had the most wonderful opportunity yesterday to go to Bangor for the day with a van full of sisters... it was so much fun!!!! It was a day full of coffee...food...shopping..fellowship...the sweet sound of laughter... hugs... and great memories!! I am blessed beyond measure to have so many awesome friends that are like family to me... and to get away for the day with just a few of those friends was a rare opportunity and a delightful treat... God just pourded out his love on me once again... I was very torn if I should go... I'm a home body by nature..and I enjoy my sunday's with Darren very much, and find them difficult to give up...we get so busy that time is precious to us...... I also didn't have extra money for shopping... but in the light of a new sunny Monday morning...I'm so glad I went... So..to those few sisters that had the opportunity to go yesterday in our 'Van of Cacklin' Hen's" (as Dawn's husband so loveling called us) ...Thank You so much for your friendship...I love you all very much!!!!

New Adventure

Last night I started on a new journey...

I'll be co-leading a Disciple Maker Group with a dear friend of mine... the group is a small selection of ladies... a great variety of ages... different places in our walks with the Lord.. different backgrounds...it's amazing to see God knit something together before your very eyes.... Our first class was amazing. Everyone brings a little something special to the group that God knew we needed... the ladies were sharing, giving testimony, asking questions and being honest and real. Everyone is excited to dig in and study God's Word... I just can't wait to see what is to come for this group.... I am feeling so lucky and blessed to have been given this opportunity and just can't wait to learn from this group of sisters!

Matthew 28: 19&20 "Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

Tears of Joy

The other day I was puttering around the house... just cleaning and doing laundry. The house was alive with worship music and I was home alone. I ended up dusting some framed photo's in the living room and after just touching a few photos, I found tears on my face. The photo's I had touched were of my 'kids'... Now, for those of you that might not know this little bit of information..Darren and I have not been able to have children...so the 'kids' I'm referring to are our nieces and nephews...and some other children adopted into this group by virtue of love... well.. I believe in that little ordinary moment of cleaning my living room, the Lord reminded me of the blessings in my life... Meghan, Riley, Olivia, Justin, Noah, Katie Mae, Tyler, Isaac, Dolly, Katie, Christopher... just to name a few..(there are SO many more)....My goodness...I am surrounded by children that I love and hold dear..... May I never feel like I'm missing out... May I always praise Him for what I DO have. May I always feel that same gratefullness toward my Father.

Prayer

This might be a silly question...but I'm just a babe in my faith...and still have so much to learn...
I would like to ask for some feedback about prayer...

1. How do you handle the abundance of prayer requests that you get... along with the things that you pray about on a regular basis....... and how do you find the time to lift up each and every one of those requests...and not forget anyone. It can get overwhelming ...but my heart wants to be obedient and pray for the ones I love and even the ones I don't know...

2. How do you find the time to have a daily - lenghty alone time with the Lord. I find that I'm so busy that I don't get much of that... and it's a two fold reason...the busy life I seem to create as well as being lazy at the end of a very busy day....

3. Is it terrible that most of my 'talking' to God is either in the car ... in the morning as I'm getting ready for work... or just little chats through out my day... as I remember someone or something...I just lift it up to the Lord...

I appreciate your honesty and any guidance you can offer... and light you can shed...

PIWC Women's Breakfast

Yesterday I had the awesome opportunity to share at a women's breakfast at my church. I am not a public speaker...and wasn't even sure if I could actually do it...but I did...The Lord in all his wisdom gave me the words to speak...the scriptures to reference... and the strength to get up in front of a fairly large crowd and talk about His love and how He shows me that love in my life every day. It was scary...I had to fight back tears a few times...(I'm pretty emotional and sappy)... but God covered me and gave me exactly what I needed...when I needed it.... I love the Lord... He is my rock, my safe place, my strength, my saviour, my mercy, my wisdom, my grace, my forgiveness and my Abba!!! I am awestruck and humbled by the outpouring of love and support I have recieved from many brothers and sisters since yesterday's ...(for lack of a better word) speach. It's hard to be obedient sometimes whent he Lord is calling or asking you to do something that is very uncomfortable... and boy, painful !!!! But the blessings are worth the effort!!!! God is good! Thank you Lord for calling me to step out of my comfort zone and give you the glory you deserve.....

Car Vs. Car

I am quite sure that after my fender bender yesterday on the way to work...my new nickname will be 'crash'... I was rear-ended yesterday while stopped for a school bus, waiting for children to board... The guy that hit me said he was distracted by the lights on the bus and didn't see me in time to stop..he slid right into me.... Thank God for insurance!!!! A very close friend of mine said that God put me there to protect the kids, and I think he might be right... I'll be God's bumper... anytime!!!! I am thanking him once again for taking care of the smallest details of my little accident... after the Car Vs. Moose a couple of months ago, when I totaled my car...I've been pretty scared of driving... funny thing is now...after my Car Vs. Car...I feel a little stronger and braver... maybe that was God's way of reminding me ... he's always in control...no matter what situation...or what the outcome... and I'm ok with that!!!

Uncle Mac's!!!

As a tradition explodes to encircle more and more friends...I feel so blessed by the brothers and sisters that the Lord has placed in my life... Every Sat. night after church,... a few of us...(around 6 adults and a couple of kids...) would hit McDonalds for a burger and let the little ones play for a bit... this tradition has now expanded to more than a dozen adults... and more kids than you can count...we just totally invade that Play Place at Uncle Mac's...and it's awesome!!!! Last night we had so many in our troop, that we all couldn't fit in the play place and some of the adults had to sit...seperately, on the 'big kid' side of McDonalds...... some might look at this as a negative.. I look at this with warmth in my heart and an over-joyed spirit... We are so blessed by a loving and caring group that wants to continue in fellowship with one another after 'church' is over....that we just take it to our local " hot spot "... the adults get caught up on the goings on in their lives... there is ministry, guidance, love, care, supportand much laughter...(sometimes tears...from the kids!!!) and a presence of the Lord in our midst.... God's glory, mercy and grace is ever present... and this is one of the highlights in my week... so to those of you that are in this circle...I just want you to know that I love you all and I look forward to those crowded, noisey, nutty cheeseburger nights!!!! To those friends that have not expierenced this crazy and fun filled outting...... it's an open invitation...anytime... every Sat. night!!!!

No Accident

I have had many times in my life when I was so low and spirialing downward that I felt like I was a mistake..my life was a mistake..... that God somehow 'screwed up'... don't we all have that moment in life... I'm just playing on the computer and drinking coffee in the quiet of the morning....I look over and my calendar reminded me that I'm not an accident... even if my parents didn't plan me... God did.

Psalm 139:15 (The Message)
You know me inside and out...how I was sculpted from nothing into something.

Thank You Lord for giving me breath...

Music

I don't listen to much secular music anymore... just a personal choice I've made...and when I do listen to it...it's usually the Kidz Music CD in my car that belongs to my niece Meghan...or the country station...( I know...I know)... Anyway...I was listening to the country station this morning as I was getting ready for work..and this song came on that had some reference to God... I didn't sing along...I didn't hum along.....What happened all during that song was a thought.... that the lyrics didn't line up with the truth... How funny is it that a song that had it all wrong... spoke to me this morning...

Mary Heart/Martha World

I am reading a book by Joanna Weaver called "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World"... I am just a few short pages into this book... I already feel a sence of relief just from knowing I'm not alone in my all too frequent 'Marta"-likeness... I let life and the business of my day's get me down...and take my focus off doing things out of a right heart attitude...sometimes I'm a bit of a control freak...(yes, I admit it!!) and that can create a wrong heart attitude that I don't find attractive in myself... (and I'm sure the Lord isn't too pleased either!!!) I let my attention get shifted off the Lord and His will for me... off time with the Lord...quiet time in the Word...and onto my 'to do' lists...that mutiply quickly....... Distracted...Disobedient...Discouraged... That is what she calls the Three D's... I find myself in that attitude sometimes and it's easy to be in that place...I pray through reading this book, I can overcome that Martha like heart attitude and focus on being a Mary...focused on the Lord and his Word... Focus on not allowing the enemy to use the Three D's to create a hole that I sink into... A self-pity party is so easy to slip into...and I am victim to that all too often... I am praying this book will shed some light into overcoming this Marth-likeness.. and help me strive to be a Mary...or more like Mary...

anyone ever feel this way???

My Friend Kelly

I have this wonderful..sweet...loving...funny...beautiful...awesome friend Kelly... Some of you might know her... Kelly Tuttle... She has her own blog...but doesn't think anyone would read it...She thinks it's a waste of time... I think she's got a wonderful heart with wonderful things to share... interesting and heartfelt stories... I would like to encourage her to share her life and heart with her friends and sisters....

www.ktuttle.blogspot.com

Family Photo's & Year Books!!!

Last night Darren and I were over to his parents house with about 13 of his family memebers...(He's got a LARGE family)... Out came the year books and old Family Photo Albums... I remember back when we were dating or first married and those would come out..I would think, "UGH, not again!!"... But this time it was different... I was focused on listening to Darren tell the old stories...(that I have heard before!)... and focused on listening to Darren's Mom point out who everyone was in almost every photo... Showing me her year book & awards... terribly old black and white photo's of people that not even Darren knew... There was joy on Darren's mothers face that I noticed...and joy on Darren's face as he looked through those old memories and shared his version of each 'story'... I thank God for helping me look past my own selfish ways to recognize the joy and sweetness of that moment...and how special it was that, once again, they wanted to share those memories with me. I thank God for the loving family I've been blessed to be a part of... And I thank God for my husbands heart...so child-like and sweet...

Weight Watchers/ Day 2

Day two arrives and I'm still hanging in there... I can do this!!!