Dressing Your Truth... and baring your soul...

Almost a month ago, I happened on a website called www.DressingYourTruth.com.  I was instantly intrigued, and kept digging - looking at the before and after photos was amazing!  I'm a sucker for a good makeover story, and signed up for the *FREE* videos to learn how to discover my beauty profile, so I could learn to dress my truth (whatever that meant?)!  I was excited to get my first video, and checked my email eagerly.  Finally it came though - and my first thought was - hey - I remember this lady!

The email was from Carol Tuttle.  The name sounded so familiar.  So I used the handy Gmail search to look for Carol Tuttle, and low and behold, from my archive of 34,000+ Gmail messages - there were the ones from Carol Tuttle in 2009!  Back then she was sending out information about chakras (don't remember why I requested it?), and I instantly became suspicious about her intentions with this "new" venture of dressing your truth - is it a scam?  An elaborate set up to get my credit card information with whatever format they could find to hook me in?  I had to investigate!  

I watched the first video, and realized that she was legit... still doing work with energy, but now in a format that is relatable to all women and most men.  And I LOVED the video.  The idea that we all have a certain kind of energy - 4 types for everyone - and if we dress according to our natural energy, we will have peace and harmony within, absolutely resonated with me.  I couldn't wait for my next video!

I waited with anticipation each day as the videos came through, and I learned more and more about this unusual typing system... not on personality, not on skin tone, but based on 5 areas - two of them that I had no control over for the most part!  Over the next three weeks, I watched hours of video... 18+ that came through the emails, and many that were posted on her blogs, and tried for form some basis of understanding for what my type might be.  

There was a huge internal struggle as I tried to identify the facial features of the different types in my own face, and the learning styles, and ways of movement, and many others.  So much internal conflict, as the more I learned, the more confused I became.  I tried to think back to childhood, and who I REALLY was before my learned behavior kicked in.  So much introspection, I became weary and my heart was confused.  I prayed about it - was this taking too much time and attention away from other things?  Yes. Did I need to let go?  Yes.  Ok, I took a step back.  And relaxed.  And it came to me... my type... of course..
(to be continued...)

I deserve it!

This weekend I went to a seminar in Dallas, and what I heard and am applying has totally changed my life!  I've heard this information before, read it in books, heard it in seminars, etc... but this time is different.  I either was ready to hear it, or it was the way he shared the information, or maybe even both... but this time I get it!  

He was talking about how we are in control of our emotions if we want to be.  He used this example.  Sit like someone who is sad and depressed.  We all slumped down a bit and heads droops.  Now, sit like someone who is confident, excited and on fire!  We all sat up straight, shoulders back, leaning forward a bit.... Now, try to be sad and depressed sitting like that.  Can't do it.  It's like being sad when you are laughing.  Can't do it.  Granted, you can be sad AFTER and BEFORE laughing, but while you are laughing, it takes your whole mind and transforms it.  

His point was this - when you are wanting to relate to the most people, act like the people you want to meet - confident, in control and happy.  How do you do that when you don't "feel" that way?  Stand up straight, shoulders back, head up and smile - walk 100 feet, and see how it is - you will notice the difference right away.  You may have to make a conscious effort to do this - almost moment by moment sometimes, but the effort is well worth it.  You will change your thinking from the outside in.  Change your thinking, change your life. 

The other thing that really struck me is that I deserve it!  Now, I'm a Dave Ramsey fan, and he is famous for saying - you DO NOT deserve it if you haven't worked for it!  In debt?  Then you DON'T deserve that latte, pedicure, golf club or whatever you are wanting to spend $$ on when you have debt.  And I wholeheartedly agree.  However, let me share with you this process I'm going through and how it's changed my thinking already (less than 48 hours since I've heard and accepted it!)

The speaker shared an example of changing our self image.  He said - if I gave you a $150K raise tomorrow, you would immediately get a new car, perhaps a new house, new clothes, etc.  That raise would, in effect, change our self image.  If HE can change our self image by giving us a raise, WE can change our self image by changing out thinking!  Now mind you, I've READ this many many times in numerous books, but THIS time, for whatever reason, I got it.  I realized that it's true - I live where and how I live, because this is what I believe I deserve.  I believe I deserve a Honda accord and Saturn SC2.  I deserve a modest lovely home in a decent neighborhood.  I deserve a husband who loves and treasures me.  I deserve to have some money in the bank, and to be able to give small amounts to charity.  I believe I deserve to live a good life.  And I do live a good life.  

Then I looked at the things I would like to change about my life - my health, my weight, my clutter.  Those are the three big things.  And I thought - do I really believe I deserve to be fully healthy?  No, because I don't do the things I need to do to make it happen (I have Type 2 diabetes controlled with pills).  Do I believe I deserve to be fit and shapely?  No, I didn't.  Do I believe I deserve to live in a clutter free, organized, peaceful environment?  Reality was, no, I didn't.  Clutter is my "comfort zone."  It's not peaceful, but it is what I'm used to, and it's what feels "normal" to me.  So when something is clutter free, my subconscious will work to "fix" it for me by having me pile things on it.  Happens every time we clear off a space - within a few days, it will be back to clutter.  

So you know what?  I started, right then and there Saturday afternoon, telling myself I DESERVE IT!  I DESERVE to be healthy and fit!  I DESERVE to live in a peaceful organized clutter free home!  Then, I got bold and went even bigger!  I DESERVE to live life with gusto!  I DESERVE to live an enthusiastic life!  I DESERVE to EXPERIENCE all life has to offer! I DESERVE to drive a Jaguar Ftype... I DESERVE to live in a big beautiful home on the water with lots of guest rooms so we can have many friends over!  I DESERVE to have thousands in the bank and reserve!  I DESERVE to give $THOUSANDS$ monthly to those in need!  I DESERVE to spoil my family and friends with trips and toys!  U DESERVE to travel first class!  I deserve all of this and more!  And so do you!  

So I've been struggling a little with this - as I'm saying it, I'm noticing a physical difference in my posture and my thought process immediately.  But I'm also thinking, it seems so selfish to say I DESERVE this stuff.... then this morning it finally clicked.  

By changing my words, I'm changing my thinking.  By changing my thinking about what my reality is, I'm changing my expectation of myself.  By changing my expectation of myself, I'm changing my actions to be in accordance with my expectation of myself.  And by changing my actions, I'm changing the course of my life.  <3 font="" nbsp="">

I've read this before, heck, this is what John Maxwell's book Thinking for a Change is all about  if I remember right, but for whatever reason, SATURDAY was the day I was ready to hear it!  And APPLY it!  It's awesome!  

I'm working on how to make sure I continue on this path... I've done this before -had a revelation, then within a few weeks, I'm back into my old comfortable habits.  So I'm working on how to make this a permanent change in my life - of expecting great things of myself, because the biggest thing I've come away with is, God doesn't just want us to live a good life, He wants us to live a GREAT life!  He has designed us for greatness!  He has amazing things he wants to do through us, if we will only get our limits off ourselves!  He loves us so much and wants to use us to touch thousands and thousands of lives!  The best part is, this isn't just for ME... this applies to ALL of us!  YOU TOO!  What have you been accepting that you deserve... but you really deserve the BEST God has for you!  

It's a great deal - someone else's?

I had a bit of a revelation today - just because something is a good deal and I see it and like it and could use it - doesn't mean I need to get it.  It MIGHT be someone else's good deal - and if I buy it - I might be stealing the blessing from someone else.  :(  I certainly don't want to do that - I want to be used to bless others, not steal their blessings.


I had this "God breeze"(thank you FlyLady for the great wording!) while I was getting dressed and pulling out a pair of white sandals.  I have two pair that I love and wear often - both flats and very similar, but different enough that I wear them for different occasions.  While I was in Boise, I was at Fred Meyer in the shoe section, and they had a pair of BOC white sandals for $12 in my size.  It was a great deal and they are crazy comfortable shoes... but I already had two pairs of white flats.  I searched for another color that I needed - black or bronze would have been great - but none in my size.  I tried on a different size.  Not a good fit.  So then I agonized - do I get them?  It's a great deal and it's "only" $12... and I ended up leaving them there.


Then today as I was getting dressed and pulling out my white sandals, I realized - yes it was a great deal, but it might have been someone else's great deal!  If I had bought those sandals that I didn't really need, someone else would have been denied the excitement and blessing of finding their "great deal!"


I was reminded at church this weekend that I applied this knowledge to my "relationship shopping," meaning that just because he's a great guy, a godly man, and maybe has many qualities I'm looking for, it doesn't mean that he is the right fit for me.  I was willing to wait for God's perfect fit for me - and I'm incredibly thankful that I did!  I couldn't have engineered a more perfect fit if I had tried - and I did!  My sweetie is such a perfect fit for me in every way - we often marvel at the wisdom of God bringing us together - our puzzle pieces fit exactly.  <3


I will make it a point to be more mindful while I am out shopping to watch for MY great deals... the ones that fit me perfectly.  And those great deals that aren't quite right?  I'll know that I got to preview someone else's blessing!

Grief in your dreams....

This morning I had a crazy dream - a friends daughter passed away (she's a child) and I didn't know until I was visiting them a few days later.  They were so calm telling me what happened - it was about 2 days later that I was learning about her death, and I knew she had been sick with a fever, but nothing serious I thought.  They said she died in her sleep.  Her dad knew something was wrong when her fever was so high but she didn't feel hot.  Tears welled up in her daddy's eyes as he told me, but there were other children around and he didn't want to influence them with his sadness, so he just told me as though we were talking about the weather.  Her mom was similar - almost cold - as thought the grief was over and she had moved on.  I kept thinking what a brave front they were putting on, and tried to do the same, only letting the tears in my eyes spill over one time.

Then Grady came into the dream - he came over to make sure all was ok - apparently I had been gone longer than he expected.  When he came in, I told him what had happened, and we left... next scene in my dream I was in a bathroom, with all white tile floors and walls, and a cobalt blue toilet seat cover and towels.  I slumped behind the door and began to wail in pain for the little girl who was gone.  I was sobbing - the choking kinds of sobs that happened when your heart is in so my despair that it physically hurts.

At this point I woke up.  No tears in my eyes.  My heart rate was elevated, but not pounding.  It was only 30 minutes before my alarm would go off, so not crazy early.  Just awake - and certainly not going back to sleep.

Of course my first instinct was to pray for the little girl - and I did.  And my niece and every other little girl I could think of!  The next thing I wanted to do was call the parents and make sure she is ok, but after a small amount of consideration, I realized that would not be a good thing to do.  First of all, none of my dreams have come to fruition, so I have no reason to believe that she is anything but fine.  Second, what parent wants to have the thought planted in their brains that someone dreamed their daughter was dead?

Instead, I made the coffee, took the trash to the curb (and quickly realized trash day is tomorrow and brought it back!), spent some time in the Word of God, and now I'm writing about this vivid dream of grief.  I can't recall a time that I dreamed of grieving before - I know I've been scared and confused and angry, but grief stricken?  I can't recall.  I know I was shocked to be sobbing hard in my dream but not when I awoke.  And the sobbing was in the 3rd person - I was watching like a movie, but the first part of the dream was as though I was filming the movie.  Dreams as so very strange to me - that they change people and places and even perspectives so quickly.   That you can recall some things but not others.   That the emotions that are in your dreams stay with your for a very long time when you wake up.

I'm thankful I have an outlet to share my dreams  - as I'm the kind of person who feels the need to articulate the vivid ones - and this one is not a good one to share with people who know the child.  Even Grady will stay in the dark about this one.

My questions to you - whoever might be reading this - have you ever grieved in your dreams before?  Do you dream in the 1st person, 3rd person, or both?  Do you have anything you "do" with your dreams, ie write them down, try to interpret them, etc.?  Thanks for your thoughts and your input.

Pinterest and getting things done!

For those of you who have known me for a while, you may have discovered that I like to plan projects - research, cut out pictures, get pricing for the budget, check out different styles... but rarely do I actually DO the project.  


For example, about a year ago, I decided to paint the kitchenette area yellow.  So I did all the work - got lots of paint swatches from the local Ace Hardware, asked a ton of questions about paint and painting, and even got two small sample jars (free with a Benjamin Moore coupon!) and a 12x12 Sheetrock piece to paint and set up against the wall to see how it looked in different light during the day.  Remember, this was a YEAR ago.  The paint samples are still in my laundry room, I have no idea where the 12x12 Sheetrock piece ended up - somewhere in the garage I think, and the brushes I bought for the job are still in their original packaging.  


Example 2 - I LOVE cookbooks.  I can spend hours looking at the pictures and thinking how fun it would be to make something I see.  I bookmark the pages, plan menus and even sometimes shop for the items.  But most of the time, when I'm busy looking through the cookbooks for what to cook that night... it gets late... and we end up with something simple like stir-fry or pb&j sandwiches.  I have a million recipes I want to try, that I never seem to get done.  


My friend Kathy is amazing - she is always trying something new - especially with recipes.  She really inspires me... mentally, but apparently not to action.  I've been this way as long as I can remember, and really didn't see it changing anytime soon.  


Enter PINTEREST.  I didn't jump on the bandwagon at first.  But after a few months of seeing Facebook posts about it, I went ahead and set up an account.  The first thing I did was remove the connection to Facebook (you can opt out of it after you register through it).  After that I started looking around.  Started following some friends.  Starting loving the ideas I was seeing.  And something strange happened.  I started getting inspired - not just in my mind - but to DO something!


Since I've joined PINTEREST - I've bought and planted more plants.  Re-potted more of my existing plants.  Created hanging baskets.  Bought, hung and filled a flower basket for the fence.  And the biggest thing - found a "tipsy flower pot" idea I wanted to recreate in the dead area in front of my bedroom.  

Before

This is a much bigger project than it sounds.  The tipsy flower pot is a big project in itself - sinking a piece of 8" re-bar two feet into the ground, 5 terracotta pots that need to be weathered, and planting then all with flowers.  But that's not the biggest part of the project.  This "dead" area in front of the bedroom is a 14x14 "flower bed" that has almost nothing in it.  Four Camellia bushes about 3 feet tall against the wall, some monkey grass and a TON of weeds.  After getting it weeded, It still needed about 6-8" of soil to fill in where the foundation had been repaired and the soil cleared by never replaced.  That seemed expensive (I'd been researching this for about 2-1/2 years and based on everything I found it would take about $150 of dirt to fill in), and I didn't allocate the money to do it.  But after searching Pinterest, finding these tipsy pots and so many other great ideas, I began to form a plan for this area.  And I started to get excited.


I knew I couldn't do the whole area at once financially.  This would have to be done in waves.  I measured off an area that I thought we could dump the dirt in to build it up, and I could start there.  I knew we could get a bucket of basic dirt for $10... so I asked SG about the possibility of getting it and shoveling it in ourselves.  After a quick search online, he found we could get a better product for that area with better drainage for $25... and we agreed to do it.


That afternoon, we went out and weeded and raked the bed.  Got it totally clear.  The whole thing (which seemed like a waste to me, but it looked better anyway).  The next morning he got up early, took the truck and got that bucket full of good dirt.  He brought it back and in an hour - we had it out of the truck (GS throwing shovel fulls of dirt) and spread on the ENTIRE area!  I was so shocked!  We started with that 7x7 area I wanted to use, but there was still so much more dirt!  So we kept going.  He told me this would be plenty, but I didn't believe it.  Every time I ran the calculations for an area, it showed we would need much more than it actually needed!  SG was on a roll, and he went back to get a load of mulch, and we put that down too.  I moved some of the monkey grass, too.  And now it looks BEAUTIFUL!  We even had enough mulch to do the rest of the beds.  

I have the pots now, and will get them painted this weekend and ready to go when we get back in town.  Still need to figure out where I want to put them, which is a big challenge, not knowing what I will actually be able to put in that area in the near future due to finances.  And I have a feeling once that re-bar is in the ground, SG is NOT going to want to move it!  :)  

After

I'm not sure what it is about Pinterest that has made the difference, but something about it inspires me to ACTION.  Which is a HUGE change in my life.... and one I'm really liking! SG, maybe not so much... ;)  I will keep posting as changes are made and projects are done!

2011 in review

Another year is coming to a close, and once again I am reflecting on the overwhelming evidence of God's hand in my life.  2011 has been a year full of change and confusion for those around me, and my heart goes out to all of you who have dealt with unwanted change this year.


We started 2011 with a return trip from Christmas in Alaska.  My dad ended up with two broken arms while we were there, which began a new life for him in assisted living facilities.  He has progressed fabulously, and is now living mostly assistance free at the Pioneer Home in downtown Anchorage, and seems to be enjoying the routine and camaraderie of living in a community situation.  This has left mom with the daunting task of clearing out the house, and figuring out what to do from here.  She has probably had to deal with the most change and uncertainty - so many decisions to be made, stay or go, rent or sell, or do nothing.  She now has an empty house (she is dog sitting my brother's collie though!) to contend with, and mom is such a social person.  My brother has had numerous family issues/changes this year as well, although currently life seems to be a little more consistent at the moment.  


We had some fabulous visitors this year!  My mom came to visit in April for about two weeks, and we rented a convertible and drove around the state visiting friends of hers that live in Texas!   Her friends had a grand time getting to see her again and she did as well!  Lots of great memories were made, and it was a nice break from the uncertainty in Alaska!  I'm hoping that was the 1st Annual Texas trip and that we can do it every April... still trying to convince her of that though...


Grady's co-worker in Brazil, Sergio, brought his family to Houston for a visit in January and we got to spend a little time with them!  Sergio's oldest son Freddie stayed and attended a school here for a few months, and we got to see him a time or two.  His youngest son, Gustavo, is planning to stay with us for a few months in 2012 as an exchange student.  Details are still being worked out, but we are so excited for that possibility!  It was a joy to meet the whole family, and Ivana (Sergio's wife) is an absolute dear!  We had some difficulty speaking to each other, but once we started shopping, we discovered our universal language!  LOL!  


In July, my niece Lisa, came down for an impromptu visit!  She flew to Houston all by herself, at 9 years old, for the first time, and did great!  It was quite scary for her, but now that she's done it and knows what to expect, I think she will be fine to do it again!  We scheduled her flight so we would be on the same plane back to Alaska, since I was headed up there at the end of July anyway!  We had a grand time here in Houston, and she made some new friends too!  I ended up getting to be with her for a full month between her trip to Houston and mine to Alaska - precious time!  She grows so quickly!  


Grady's father spent two weeks with us in the spring, and it was a very special time.  His health was not good, but we enjoyed visiting with him and doing what we could to help him get stronger.  Sadly, he passed away July 26, and we are now grateful for the one on one time we had with him here.  He had a beautiful graveside service with Masonic and Military honors in Burnet, Texas, and is buried next to Grady's mom, who passed almost 20 years to the day previous.  Grady returned to Alaska with me after the funeral to take some time to regroup.  As always, we had a good time in Alaska, and while the pain of losing family will always be there, Grady chooses to focus on the positive times with his dad.  We do miss him though.


In December Grady had his 5 year anniversary with Koch Membrane Systems, and he is still enjoying his work.  He is great at what he does, and even does some speaking engagements throughout the year!  He still gets to travel quite a bit (about 1/2 of the time) and loves to fly!    


We have been keeping busy with our business, and are blessed with a great team here in Houston and all over Texas and the whole United States!  It is so gratifying to be able to help others achieve the goals they've set!   We love the travel we get to do as well - Alaska, Boise, Denver, El Paso, and of course, Dallas and Austin just to name a few!


We try to incorporate some mini vacations into our work travels, and this year we had a grand time in California for a few days before a conference.  We went golfing in Palm Springs, drove through the mountains, enjoyed the coast and downtown Los Angeles!  It was my first time to the area to explore, and we are looking forward to doing it again sometime soon! 


Grady continues to be able to play quite a bit of golf, both for fun and work, and I enjoy getting out there with him sometimes too!  Another gal and I started a golf group for ladies who want to hit the ball but don't care about getting better or the rules... we meet twice a month to play a few holes (sometimes 9), then have a snack at the club afterward and visit... it's really a lot of fun and the group is usually anywhere from 6-20 gals.  We call it "Outback golf" - no rules, just right!  :)  Lots of fun!


The holidays were quiet for us this year - by choice.  We stayed in Houston (2 years now in our home!), and enjoyed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years right here in our own backyard with some friends.  Of course we missed being with family, but it was also wonderfully calm and peaceful without the added stress of travel or houseguests.  Grady got a fancy super-safe turkey fryer for Christmas (thank you mom and dad!) and he's been frying turkeys and chickens for all of our friends!  Oh YUM!  Love a fried turkey, but I'm ready for some BEEF!  LOL!  We are excited to get a steamer basket and use the fryer for crawfish and low country boils too!  So many great options - Grady is loving it!  


As we begin 2012, we are refocusing on relationships, and being purposeful in developing them.  If you live close, we will be looking forward to seeing you; and if you don't live close, we look forward to talking to you and catching up on life!  We pray that 2012 will be a year of growth and prosperity for you, spiritually, emotionally and financially!  We look forward to hearing from you!  Happy New Year!

Full Moon craziness!

There is something wonderfully mysterious for me about a full moon. The past few days I've seen it rise above the house across the street during full daylight, and it's just magnificent! On my way home yesterday, I had the full sun shining directly behind me, and the full moon out directly in front of the, and both of them at approximately the same position in the sky! It was such a treat to see!

However, I'm tempted to blame today's event on the gravitational pull of the full moon shifting the balance of life on earth... or maybe it was lack of sleep... nah - I'll got with the moon! :)

It started last night as I was getting somet accounting tasks caught up. Before I knew it, the clock was rounding 3am, and I was realizing I needed to get to bed even if I didn't feel tired! My 8am wake up for today was going to come awfully early... which it did. The upside? I had taken a Restore before bed, and woke up feeling relatively refreshed and ready to go!

I made the coffee, got showered and dressed, and was putting on my makeup, when I took a sip of coffee and dropped my cup... breaking the cup and spilling the coffee onto the counter... which was of course full of my stuff... the upside? The flavored creamer was sugar free - so nothing go too sticky!

As I was about to head out the door (for an appointment about an hour away), I heard my little girl kitty was trying to hack up a hair ball that wasn't coming out. I decided to give her the tuna flavored vasoline stuff to help her get it out. I put some on top of her paws so she'd have to lick it off (as usual), but this time, somehow, she jumped onto the sofa chair and left 2/3 of it in the middle of the seat! The upside? It's a slipcover chair and fully washable!

So now I'm running about 30 minutes behind schedule for my appointment. My GPS says I'll get there 20 minutes late. Ugh. The upside? Traffic was awesome and I got there right on time!

I probably should have guessed today wasn't a good day to get a haircut from a new hairdresser....uh.. yeah. She does a great job with my friend's hair, so I thought I'd give her a try. All was well - looked pretty good! I was so relieved. But those pesky growing out bangs - they just looked funny. Let's cut them into bangs again we decide... and voila! strange looking bangs - short and choppy! :P Like nothing I've had before. The upside? They look better when I got home and fussed with them, and they will GROW!

Had a wonderful day

Unexpected Blessings

I love "perfect timing" stories - I personally believe they are the actions of our personal and loving God interacting with us in the most intimate of ways - showing us He's involved in every part of our lives! My relationship with my Sweety is full of these stories - we love sharing them with people and marveling at God's goodness! God is so good - all the time! He takes the crazy things that happen and turns them into something wonderful. He also takes the good times, and makes them even better! :) Speaking of, I had a "perfect timing" story yesterday...

We are getting a new business started locally here, and had a Holiday Shop/Grand Opening for it yesterday. As I was getting ready, I stood in my closet and realized that I have NOTHING that portrays "holiday" or "Christmas" other than some satiny tops that don't really work for a casual business setting. I resorted to a fuchsia button down with dress jeans - festive color was the best I could do.

About 15 minutes before the event was to start, the doorbell rang. It was the postman with a surprise box from a friend - my Atlanta Angel. I opened it with eager anticipation, and quickly realized the perfect timing of the situation! It was a button down overshirt in black and white plaid, with Santas and wreaths embroidered in the squares! :) Can you say "holiday" and "Christmasy?" PERFECT!

It turns out she had purchased the shirt for a dear friend, but her dear friend passed away before the gift was given. It was my size, and when we talked the other day, my Atlanta Angel put it in the mail for me. Knowing it was originally for her dear friend made the shirt even more special to me, as I knew her dear friend as well. :)

I promptly changed clothes with the new shirt over a tank top, put on my jingle bell earrings with red cords, switched to white sandals with my jeans, and I was ready to go - NOW with a holiday theme - perfect for the event!

As I was reflecting on the perfect timing of this gift, I was reminded of how many times I had good intentions of doing something but didn't get it done in a timely manner, if at all. When my friend and I were speaking on the phone last week she asked for my address, not in an email (she had that) but right then and there. She was addressing the box. Right then and there.

If my Atlanta Angel would not have put it in the mail when she did, the perfect timing opportunity would have been missed. Granted, I still would have been blessed when I recieved the package even if it had arrived a week later. The shirt is beautiful, and I love that it was intended for our dear friend who is no longer here on earth with us. But because she acted when prompted, she not only blessed me with the shirt, but the unexpected blessing of perfect timing! :)

When the Holy Spirit nudges you to do something, please do it, then and there. We never know how we may bless not only by our action, but by the unexpected blessing of God's perfect timing!

Blessings to you! And thank you again my Atlanta Angel!

hardship - when the AC is out....

I've discovered in the last week that hardship is a relative thing - our air conditioning has been out since last Tuesday (over a week) and you'd think we were dying! We get crabby with each other, complaining (me mostly) and don't want to touch each other - we do "virtual" hugs! LOL! The funny part is - we were only here 2 1/2 days without the ac, then we left town. Got back yesterday, spent the night at a friends (with working AC) and spent the day in the heat here. The AC guy is now here - at 9:30PM, fixing it. Thank you Jesus! What an awesome AC repair guy! :)

I seriously cannot even imagine how people can live in this weather down here in SE Texas, without air conditioning. But you know - many many people do. They don't have $300-$500 a month to pay for electricity to run their air. Many elderly people actually die in the heat down here because they cannot afford to pay the electirc bill.

While we feel we have been living with a hardship for the last week - we also know we are TRULY blessed - blessed to have the abilty to pay for electricity period, blessed to be able to pay to get the AC fixed when it needs to be, and blessed to have friends and neighbors that will take us in when we are uncomfortable!

I have been made keenly aware of these blessings, and am asking God to share with me opportunities to help those who need it. Whether it is financially, or with time, or whatever way it may be, my prayer is that I will be aware of the need when I see it, and that God would provide a way for me to fill that need. :)

Thank you Father God, for the outpouring of your blessings, so that we can turn around and bless others. Thank you Lord Jesus for the example of how to be a blessing to others. :) Amen!