Whats NEW?

Hello BLOGGER world? Been away far too long! Who has had a hectic summer? It has been almost fall!! Finally cooling down...kids back in school...getting back to some structure. What is your biggest blogging obstacle?

New Interface

I admit it...I don't like change...Don't do well with *some* changes at all...One, is this new Blogger interface...so I have put off and put off blogging because I didn't want to deal with it...I even went to Wordpress thinking I would give it a whirl, only to find I disliked it more than Blogger...So as I was poking around to blog, I come across a little icon for settings...and guess WHAT? You can change it back to the old! I had no idea!!! So I'm happy once more...content and able to blog away! 

Lots of twists and turns here lately...the main one with my Celiac and ulcers...trying to find foods, stay out of pain and regulate all these meds...BUT yesterday and today I had NO stomach pain since Easter! I am so excited! So the meds must be working...however, I know the power of prayer and I have to give God all the glory! The only good thing that has come out of this is I'm 20+ pounds lighter! I don't recommend this way of eating at all! Rice, tuna, chicken...occasional salad and mashed potatoes have been my food source. I did find yogurt was pretty safe, however, it has to be the low carb ones. I'm not intentionally eating no carbs...just with Celiac, you haven't much choice.

So anyway, getting better but still see the gastro internist in two weeks...Blood work and CT's all came back normal (except ulcer and celiac) So we shall see. If I go the next two weeks pain free, I think I may just cancel.

Well, busy, crazy hectic day tomorrow!! Calling it a night! Thanks for stopping by!

Need Mercy

I'm not sure I'm liking this new blogger format...but what can ya do...just go with the flow, make the best of it...Adapt and overcome...or is it overcome and adapt? Anyway, I have really been having to do both lately...But my first step needs to be HAND IT OVER TO GOD then go from there...So as hard as it is, that is my best and only option. Now does that mean I am always able to do that, nope...as humans, we still like to have control of everything...we still want answers NOW and we still want action NOW! So now I can't just sit back, but I have to learn that everything is in God's hands and His time...

With that said, it seems like being tested so much lately has sadly made me a bit bitter...not at God, but confused. Plus today everything has been on my last nerve and feel as though I may just snap! We all have those days...

My top complaints that I feel guilty about today

• Noisy Neighbors
• Unreliable People
• Selfish Parents
• Those that don't follow through commitments
• Family that cause needless DRAMA

Slowly Reforming

So who hasn't had "Pie in the sky" goals...plans...ideas... I think everyone of us tend to have these high aspirations and "lists" that sometimes seem so overwhelming we just give up...Well, that is where I was headed!

My "changes" that I had in mind were just way too many at one time... I over estimate and have high expectations... Then wonder why I can't fulfill just ONE thing...

Well, I guess its like that song goes "One Day at A Time...Sweet Jesus..." One thing, one day at a time...Not 10 things in one day! HA! Oh boy can I get my self in a mental pickle....

So, my goal for today is to read and remind God of His promises when I pray. Study His promises and pray on them. I know that will help me to continue with my other goals..

I'll work on making my list and blog it...later...LOL

Have a GREAT and BLESSED day!!!

I See You!

Hey Hey Hey! It's Thursday!! Where has the week gone?? It's been quite a few days since I have blogged...So here GOES!

Funny thing happened today...I was in a neighboring town and had wanted to stop at this Health Food Store for awhile, but always have kids or am in a hurry so never have been able to stop...well, I just so happened to be in that little town and stopped in! There was a sign out front that said "Free Eye Reading". Interesting...so I thought what the heck...The sweetest gal ever was working behind the counter...she was actually the Owners daughter. Her father has had the store for 50 years and has been in the natural health business since. And you could tell...everyone looked healthy, trim and happy!

So anyway, I get my eyes read...She hit the nail on the head on four issues she found just by reading my eye balls! I was astonished! She GOT my attention real quick. Everything she shared wasn't dire straights, but things she seen needing improving. I asked if they were serious and she said no... and if they were she said she always refers to a Physician. So I walked out with two herbal supplements. The best part was she didn't pressure to purchase there...In fact she said when I was ready I could always come back...But I'm thinking, um...I wanna get this going!!!

But the cool thing was, it made me think of the scriptures

Matthew 6:22
The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light.

Luke 11:34
The eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye is clear, your whole body also is full of light; but when it is bad, your body also is full of darkness. 

How true it feels! Not only can we see the health through our eyes, but the light of Christ. Having the love of Christ, shining in our eyes, window's to our souls...to our whole being! And when our health is bad...mental or physical, it shows in our eyes...when we are happy...sad...all our emotions project through our eyes!!!

Ever since my now 10 year old son was little, when he would wake up in the morning or after a nap I'd say "I see stars in your eyes" and he always grinned and smiled...with his eyes!

The Random Thoughts from Insomnia

Certain things in life happen for a reason...we don't always know why at the time, and then again we may never know...I do know you can't make excuse after excuse...Life is so short, make the best of it...try putting someone else first, being selfish only bites you in the butt...The past is called "the past" for a reason...I always used to say "God gave us tomorrows to make up for today" but then I thought, what if *this is* my last day? Why not make the very best of today? Why not look into your heart and do the right thing...today? How many try to put others first? Even those you desire to suffer...WHO is *really* suffering? YOU! Because you can't get over yourself enough to make others happy or take chances...Chances are, they have no clue you are harboring anything, so there again, thus hurting your self! And by golly if I want to BELIEVE in God, BELIEVE in His Son as our Savior and we are saved by faith and grace of His blood, then I will! You believe what you so desire...Every single one of us is given that freedom! You have to fight for what you believe in to be the best...but not always best for YOU....

OOoooo....did you think I was done? Not a chance! This was just the mini-novel I posted on Facebook!  I will admit, I had some personal emotion behind it, but for the most part, feelings from others' comments as well as a very dear friends post, just made me want to say *something* I mean we are all so good at wanting/needing/giving advice...((OH and I can always get the plain hard truth from the hub and besties))...But as most of us know, it;s through prayer and meditation! God already knows the out come, we just have to be faithful and prayerful so He can show us favor as He sees...God wants us to boldly come to Him with our needs! Just remember what the motives are, who or what are you begging Him to bless? 

Just a side effect of not being able to sleep...Sure hope this isn't one of those blogs that you re-read in the morning and go "OH MY"!

Glue Sticks

My brain is so fried today that all I can think about is "Where in the heck did I put that big bag of hot glue sticks?" Trivial, and not very interesting...but none the less, annoying...Oh it isn't just glue sticks..its things I just *know* I won't forget I put this or that, here or there...never to be found again...or found after I had to repurchase that item again OR my favorite is when I find gifts, months later... So anyway... My goal is to find the disappearing glue sticks today...then be so frazzled, I will put off what I need them for another day...

I really am considering getting one of those pens you talk into "Note to self...." Oh whatever...I'll just "misplace" that too!

Get this....

Happy Monday...well, almost Tuesday actually. What a day! I have lots to ramble about but can't wrap my head around writing *just* the right thing... Ever have those days? 

I haven't shared too much about a very personal journey I am on...actually I have two biggies and they both really correlate with the other...in many ways...

I will kind of start with my Christian walk. When my mother was dying, less than two years ago, she made me promise I would be right with God, be at peace, have a relationship with Him and our Savior. She didn't want me to have the fear and unrest of being on the brink of death just grasping not only for air, but the peace and reassurance of going to Heaven. At that time, less than two years ago, I said I would pray, I would plead with God, but I wasn't "filled" with the Holy Ghost...The one thing needed, above all to totally grasp scripture, to pray boldly and to be at peace with my mothers impending death. My husband, being very wise in scripture, my mom counted on him to help her find peace, to pray with her...she could see and feel at peace with him. She made him promise to help me have a relationship with Our Father in Heaven.

I can go into a zillion excuses why I wasn't able to totally devote my life to Christ. Then, 17 November 2011, my birthday, I was driving home from my home town almost 70 miles away. I just got this overwhelming feeling, I can't explain it, over come by the prompting of the Spirit inside of me, but about 45 minutes from my house, I broke down. I went to praying...praying as if my life depended on it, and it really DOES! I submitted myself and asked for forgiveness. I think I cried and prayed all the way home. I prayed on everything going on in my merry-go-round of thoughts! When I was done I felt a peace I had been needing so badly since my mother had died. I even asked God to tell mom hi, that I love her and I'm okay. Is that okay to do? I don't know everything...I barely have scratched the surface in my knowledge of the Bible and all it's glorious passages, but I do know, "I can do all thing's through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13 (That happens to be my husband's life verse). 

So as the two year date of my mothers death approaches, I want to have grown more and more everyday so she, but mostly God, see's my faith, my life change and transform. 

I have read some pretty amazing "Christian" blogs, women of faith and wonderful testimonies in various blogs and have been very inspired...I also have had many many blessings and have had others working on me to be better and inspired...But last night, as I was writing a letter to my dad, I was actually so full of the spirit I couldn't stop writing to him, to share what I had learned.

This is MY life verse!

Lastly, because I didn't intend on this being so long, I have to say my biggest struggle is even though I have never been a "bad" person...didn't make the best choices at times, I have always believed in God and His Son and His sacrifice for us...However, I know God is seeing a wonderful work in me, I pray others in my life will as well and respect that...I have faith, in time, it will be evident and how WONDERFUL that will be!

Laundry is.....EXCITING!

It's Saturday!! WOOT! For most of us, its a crazy, no structure day. Some it's a catch up day for things we didn't get done from a work week or whatever takes us away from what we need to do at home...

While I'm listening to the dishwasher run, washer run and taking a break to actually sit, I thought I would blog a bit and check in on all my blogs I follow...

I was actually excited to clean and do laundry today... I have been trying to have an attitude that I "get" to do things...That God has blessed me enough to have the ability to cook, clean, run here and there, be there for family and friends...So in my quest to live "Greener" I made my own laundry soap! Yes, I am an independent consultant for Celadon Road and all their products are chemical free...but it is something I have always wanted to try...and since I was "laid" up and hadn't really been able to go anywhere, I made some! I wish I took step by step pictures :( But next batch I will! I started with just one batch, for about 20 to 25 loads...But, I used some of it on the carpet today, and it worked so well on the orange soda spill, I will make another batch tomorrow or Monday, so I will post recipe and step by step pics!!! OH, plus I used it in the dishwasher, I was so excited!! I felt so Martha "Stewertie"...LOL  But I did take pics of the ingredients I stored in glass containers.

My non-plastic obsession drove me to throw away anything plastic. I did keep a few things, mainly measuring cups as things aren't in them long enough to get the nasty chemicals on our food. I also avoid the microwave...Those two things I will post about soon too! So I went to Hob Lob and got this $30 glass jar, marked down 30%. I didn't need it, but wanted it...and the other ones they had weren't very neat and expensive...So yesterday, on a whim, I ran into Family Dollar and got 3 pretty neat jars for LESS than I spent on the one!!! Oh well... More to come and I can't wait to share!!!

Cute labels coming soon, this will work until then

 

Set back

Hmmm....where to start. Well, without being too boring or pity party, I am in pain! Well, right now I'm not as I decided to follow my Doctors orders and take my medication. I had quite a spanking over the phone today for not taking the pain meds and muscle relaxers. Why do we think we can do things and tough it out...Each day praying and praying one day down...the next has to be better... Then I hear of a little boy that is six months old and diagnosed with a rare liver cancer. My gosh, how is that for an eye opener! I don't know the family personally, but my girlfriend is very good friends with the parents and she asked me to make a blanket. So a couple of days after my surgery, she brought over the softest yarn to crochet a blanket...With every stitch practically I prayed over this blanket. I would cry and ask boldly for the Good Lord to intercede and heal this baby boy. So as I was almost finished today, I held it up and it was as crooked as can be! Where oh where did I get off track? Was it because I was thinking too much about this baby? Maybe the tears hid the count...But being my brain dump hobby, it was a non stop thinking project. 

So I praise God for His many blessings, His open arms, eager ear and love beyond measure. And I can't forget the forgiveness we are given just from sincere repentance.

The is no comparison to pain...it's the levels we feel it in, emotionally or physically and always remembering (sadly) there is someone worse off than we may be. 

Tomorrow I am going to start over with that blanket with joy and gladness...rejoicing in every blessing and knowing Thy will, will be done.

Me and my big mouth

Well, I can officially admit I have a big mouth! I had no idea the swelling would be so bad! Feeling like a squirrel hoarding nuts in my cheeks is an understatement! OUCH

 So Monday, we drive to Chicago to get pre-opp done.

Tuesday is procedure....get home Tuesday night...Try to sleep. Finally doze off after the hub sweetly comes and sits with me in reclined couch. Wednesday we go to get boys, another drive...get back home about 9:30 that nite. And today, I am resting. Still kind of foggy... So I am waiting until I can totally concentrate and I can blog on what the hub and I did Monday! Pictures too...

Hope everyone has a great rest of the week! Thanks for stopping by...

Mouth to mouth

Well, we are out of town, seeing a specialist for my mouth. I have severe TMJ and they can't do anything to fix it until I get two other teeth corrected. I just finished up one today, then had pre-opp for tomorrows implant. So I hope it goes smoothly. I pray for peace and comfort, and all in all, that should be enough, right? Well, being human, and a neurotic baby when it comes to dental work, I got a little freaked out. Last time someone drilled into a bone in my body, I didn't walk for six months... So imagine my excitement! Anyway, I just wanted to touch base here, in case you were on pins and needles wondering why I haven't blogged in a few days. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers! I have a FAB blog to post WITH pictures once I'm all good to go!

TALK SOON!

Learning Leading and Living: General Lee Today's Economy

I just had to share my hubby's awesome post tonight! Love it babe!

Learning Leading and Living: General Lee Today's Economy: Today's Economy According To The General Lee! Pictures say it all! General Lee, (1969 - 2007) General Lee (2008 - Pre...

The Rush!

Okay, so I have spent a good, oh three hours online going from blog to blog! I love it!!! BUT, now the MAD DASH is on to get stuff done...you know, to make it look like I've been busy in the house all day...slaving ;) I have a count down that I kind of stick to...a time frame in my head when I know I have to put it in gear! 

Do you have a Mad Dash time?

Learning Leading and Living: One of those DAYS

Learning Leading and Living: One of those DAYS: Ever have one of those days...you know, You've all been there, done that, so no need explaining. Guess there isn't much I could say to top a...

Forgiveness

It was funny...today, just after my husband leaving in a "huff" from coming home for lunch, which lasted all of 10 minutes, I seen this photo posted on a friends wall on Facebook...Oh how The Good Lord has His ways of humbling you, even through Facebook. And as a side note, I put on YouTube to write, and my Beatles channel is play "All ya need is love". 

So the hub texts me 45 minutes before be basically was leaving for lunch to see if I wanted a soda...I reply appreciatively, yes. Then 15 minutes later, he says "You have lunch ready"...I didn't reply, because I "assumed" he was on his way...well, half hour later, he shows up..Of course his lunch is cold...and the vibe he gave off when he walked in the door wasn't exactly "HI HONEY, Sorry I'm so late..." it was just that vibe, girls, you know what I'm saying here...So of course, I'm not the most welcoming as I once was...Not excited by any means, as once was earlier, to see him for lunch. So after exchanging some not so pleasant mumbling...he leaves. So, I go back to my cleaning, networking...decided to wax my eyebrows...not once hearing from him..so, being the caddy one, I have to text something not very wifely...

So I get an apology...Sorry you are upset with me...OKAY! How many of you does that really honk off? I mean it's like saying "its not my problem you are upset, I'm just saying the word sorry". So all day, I kept going back to this picture...all day I kept thinking about scripture, all day I kept thinking, "GOD! How many times have you forgiven me" and I realized I was taking my frustrations of unsettling feelings out on him. I realized I was having a hard time forgiving anyone today...Kind of like a pity party of sorts I suppose.

I love you babe, and I am sorry I was caddy today. And thank you Heavenly Father for the reminder, via Facebook memes. 

"If God is for you, who can be against you?"

Twitter

I just can't get into the whole twitter thing! I've tried to post, comment share...I have a twitter, I just can't get into it! So what do you like about Twitter! Share your thoughts and any tips or hints!!!

Rough

Having a real rough day...Just one of those days you truly have to hand over to The Good Lord to get you through it. I have to keep thinking positive thoughts...I have to keep relying on the support of comforting scripture...I have to keep remembering God will not give me more than I can handle...And I more than anything, have to keep reflecting on all the blessings I have had...and that there will be set backs. 

Please say a prayer for me and my family. There is power and prayer and God's will, will be done...

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Matthew 21:22

Thank you and have the best, blessed day ever!

And What Else I have been UP to!

Good evening, afternoon or morning! Whatever time of day you are reading this :)

It has been a FABULOUS Wednesday! Oh wow, almost 45 more minutes and it will be Thursday! Wow where has the day gone? I guess when you get your second wind at 9pm, it goes fast...LOL 

As most of you know, my husband started his own business with XANGO about a year ago...and as much as I love and support him, I just couldn't get into it...We use their products, mainly for myself, the nutrition aspect. The hub SWEARS by the shampoo and soap, but I didn't leave the shower smelling "girly" like I prefer...so, after becoming schooled on all the chemicals in my favorite products, I just dreaded using them! So, my search was on for chemical free, good smelling, natural products...Oh sure, they have a few in the retail stores, but after seeing the savings by buying wholesale, I thought I would search for my own business! Jumping ahead just a bit, I loved tax time this year...yes, it was work saving all the receipts and hearing our accountant sigh....LOLOL However, having a Home Based Business saved our butts this year at tax time! 

Anyway, I found Celadon Road after searching and searching! They offer the best savings, the best compensation plan and GREAT smelling products! YAY! I was smelling girly again...without guilt and fear! 

So now I am an Independent Consultant with Celadon Road and LOVE it! Not only do I love chemical free, the wide variety of products (love the bamboo) but mostly helping others change their chemical laden products; even if it is just one at a time!

I will continue the XANGO nutritional products, but if I want to smell good, its Celadon Road all the way! 

Being the competitive beasts the hub and I can be, I plan on smoking him! LOL  Feeling good physically, smelling good, healthy cleaners and cool Bamboo products...just to name a few, is going to allow me to add to our income, and hopefully "beat" him by tax time next year!

You can check out what we have to offer by CLICKING HERE! Any questions, comments or feedback would be awesome! And if you aren't into the "party" scene, you can just order individually online...or reap some rewards and host an "online" party... and if you want to save paying Uncle Sam, sign up for some extra income and some awesome tax benefits!

Here's What I've Been Up To

Good afternoon! Monday, Monday...so good to me! Not too shabby day for a Monday! Got quite a bit accomplished...First on the list...TAXES! Yucko! Not too thrilled, but didn't have to pay in so that's all that matters, right!

So I thought I'd share what I've been up to lately...well, that's been taking up "some" of my bloggy time... So, with much encouragement from the hub and close, sweet, supportive friends...I started my own business... PLAIN JANE  Below is just a sample of things I make. I have made a dozen other items, putting a new modern spin on a classic hobby...I wish I had taken pictures of everything prior! I made seven Ereader cases, half dozen sparkly, fashionable scarves, too many to count washcloths and hot pads...and the best part, its so customizable! I have had people come to me saying they can't find what they are looking for as far as kitchen accessories etc...and they are thrilled when it is just what they have been looking for! Of course I am thrilled because I am making so many people happy and excited AND making a bit of money on the side! I will post updates and more pictures as I go along. I applied for my EIN number, so this is official! I will also be posting some more information about my other eco-friendly business I started right around Halloween! Now can you see why I haven't been on blogging.....LOL

Cell phone colder, iPod holder, shower scrubby for bar soap

NOOK case

Nook case

Nook case

NOOK case

Cell phone, iPod, camera case

JAVA jacket or stylish wrist sweat band (lol)

Horrible Horrible

WOW! I am a HORRIBLE blogger!!! I am so sorry I haven't blogged since OCTOBER! I have no clue what happened exactly, but I fell off the wagon somewhere! Thank you for those that continued to read and follow anyway! I was so impressed when I checked my stats and I still had visitors and comments!!! Touches my heart and God bless you all!!! I promise to be more faithful and dedicated to my commitment to blog! I guess life just got away from me...To be honest, I needed a "technical" break! But I have a HOOP to share in the next few posts so I hope and pray you'll come back soon and check in on me. I also have a lot of blogs I loved reading to check up on as well! Watch out, here I come!

Again, thanks for your loyalty and I won't let you down when you see what I have coming! Now, if I can just remember how to arrange my blog design...Hehehehe

Much blogging love,

Jane