Weekend Recap ~ bragging on my friend Angel and my kiddos

I pray everyone had a blessed weekend! We sure did!! My kids and I had the honor and privelege of helping Angel prepare and setup for the wedding she was catering!
We had an ABSOLUTE WONDERFUL time and we worked our fannies off too! Both my kids and I were up early and on the road headed to Angels where the work had already started and everywhere you looked was Food, Food and more Food!

I knew Angel had a successful career as the Sweet Lady and even though she has made the decision to release that position so that she can enjoy her family she had this last job to do and I have to say ....She did an amazing job! I know the Lord has to be smiling down on her and so proud of the way she did everything! That girl was organized to a "T", Full of JOY and Praise, and Wow ...the food was awesome and the tables were ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL! We all laughed and laughed and then laughed some more! For me, watching our kids together is just so amazing as Angel and I were their age (or younger) when we were first met one another and became best friends !! So without further ado....here are a few pics from our day!


The Master Mind ~Angel, Hard at work!!



The Gang! minus Dan who was taking the pic! Yep, that's my goofy girl with the "green" eyes ;) Isn't she silly!


Friends who work together, laugh together and Love the Lord together! How blessed are we!!


Drew and Jen ....can't believe we got a pic with no funny faces!! Aren't they adorable!



One of her tables with the Famous and "First time attempt" Fruit Tower


Rest of the table with more of the delicious goodies!



I am so thankful to have been able to share in this day and was sooo very proud of my kids! They worked so hard ! Everyone did! It was such a blessing to be a part of!


Colossians 3:23 instructs us

"Whatever work you are doing, do your best as if you are doing it for the Lord...not men!

I love how the Message version goes:

Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work

This is how each and everyone worked for this Bride and Groom! What a blessing!

Spiritual Sundays

On Thursday of this past week I drove with my Mom to her Uncle Roy's funeral in Wichita Ks. Roy was almost 92 yrs. old. He and his wife were married in 1944!!! When she passed away it had been 62 yrs. WOW. WOW. WOW! Roy was a man of Faith. Roy was a man of Character. He was a wonderful husband, a fabulous Father and no doubt a phenomenal Grandfather. He fought for our country in WW II and was very proud to be an American. As they were shooting off the 21 gun salute and then folding the flag, they shared what each fold represented I was just in awe.

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on mother's day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God we Trust."
(Wait for the Honor Guard or Flag Detail to inspect the flag--after the inspection, resume reading.)
After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

So thankful for Men and Women who Serve and Protect our Freedom. So thankful for Men who love their wives and are Faithful to the ways of the Lord! I am married to a man like this and I thank God for him everyday!

Have a blessed weekend my dear friends!

TGIF

Please join in with Kim today and share some laughter with someone! Enjoy your weekend and may you all be Blessed!

Gods Good Ideas ~ Thankful Thursday

Lynn @ Spiritually Unequal Marriage is hosting this months Thankful Thursdays! Today Lynn shared about Gods Good Ideas! I love this because the Lord gives us amazing ideas and when we choose to listen and obey it is soooo awesome and exciting to participate in them!

A few of the good ideas HE has given me are:

One week during Summer I was seeking the Lord in regards to our menu: I heard him say "prepare all meals in your crockpot."
Ok ~ I will be honest...I wasn't certain I had heard HIM correctly! Seriously, ALL MEALS IN MY CROCKPOT?? Well, I listened and obeyed and do you know what happened after the 3rd day of cooking in the crock pot? My oven went out!! Guess what? NO WORRIES ~ our meals did not require our oven so I didn't have to panic or fret! Awesome idea Lord, Thankyou!

This blog was definitely HIS idea although I thought it was mine ;) He has used this blog to move in the Life of my Daddy during his battle with cancer. My friend Edie contacted me about making a prayer button for my Dad and that led to building relationships, friendships, and experiencing the Power of Prayer for my Dad and myself! Wonderful idea Lord, Thankyou!

I could share countless ideas that I hear when I am driving in regards to take this direction or go that way! One day the kids and I were driving back home from seeing my Mom and we saw an elderly woman lying on the sidewalk. I felt the Lord direct me to turn around and we all hopped out of the car to help her. She was disoriented and scratched from the fall. I called 911 and shortly after a gentleman pulled up who was her son. He explained she had Alzheimers and had just walked away from home. He was so grateful that someone had seen her and that she hadn't gotten out into the busy road. (which was just yards away from where we found her!) Amazing idea Lord, Thank you!

God gives us ideas all the time....make a phone call to someone to say hello, send a card of encouragement, offer forgiveness, spend time with those you love and haven't seen for awhile, etc. The key is LISTENING and then taking action!

Thank you Lynn for sharing on this subject matter this week! It is AWESOME to remember those times God gave me ideas and I look forward to all the new ones HE has in store!

Joy & Love Wednesdays ♥

I am just so excited about Wednesdays :) To share LOVE and Spread the Joy...what a gift that is! Sharing not just ONE ~ but TWO fruits of the Spirit brings me JOY!!! How about YOU?? If you would like to join in go here with Angel for JOY and here with Joanne for LOVE

I am sooo filled with JOY because when my Dad passed away and I was asked what did I want? I immediately thought of this picture that he had in his office. His coworkers made it for him. My Dad was a Starbucks F-R-E-A-K! LOL He ALWAYS had a coffee with him until the day he was diagnosed with cancer. On that day he quit. DONE! no more coffees from Starbucks or anything else with sugar! He amazed me ~ anyway, back to the picture. I thought it was just the cutest thing and I instantly knew I would love to have this so I asked for it. I received it yesterday :) It brings me JOY because it is soooo my Daddy ~ hat on ~ smiling big! It reads: Wanted: $5000.00 Reward ~ Doug bad boy Woods.... Last seen working @ Everbank working too many hours.... If seen approach with Starbucks coffee!




I am filled with Joy because my daughter has made the decision to work as a physical therapist with special needs children! She has had a heart for special needs kids ever since she was in elementary school!! I am praying the Lord will continue to lead her in HIS will and feel like she has heard HIS voice! She will begin her Senior Year of Highschool this year! The Lord has such amazing plans for her! Jer 29:11

I am filled with JOY because the Lord loves me sooo much and HE has been speaking to me in the middle of the night this week. I love it when HE does this!



I joined Joanne last week for the first time and am thrilled to join in again this week! She asks, "What does love look like in your home?"

One day this past week when my husband and I woke Up ....this is what we saw sitting on top of our phones that we charge overnite. Our son is just the sweetest young man! We are sooo blessed by all 3 of our children! These notes were written to both Brian and I thanking us for different things. How thoughtful and filled with L♥VE is this? Yep, made me cry! Jantzen sharing his heart blessed us and is a clear example to me of LOVE!

Tuesdays top 10 ~ Randomness

Sharing my Randomness for Todays top TEN

1) Today is Kim from Homesteaders Heart's BIRTHDAY ~ happy birthday KIM♥

2) Today is ALSO MIMI from He&Me+3 BIRTHDAY ~ happy birthday MIMI ♥

3) Thank you ALL for your prayers yesterday :) I felt them so strongly! It means so much having you all praying!!

4) I LOVED the new Rheumatologist! He listened to me, answered every question, & made sure I had said everything WOW!

5) Get this ~ I DO NOT HAVE LUPUS!!!!! HALLELUAH THANK YOU JESUS!!!

6) & Get this...I am tapering OFF the Prednisone :) WOOOOHOOO ~ within two weeks I will no longer take it ~ PRAISE THE LORD!

7) For now, He is just going to treat the symptoms and changed my meds & I will return to him in 2 months!

8) My DH had a crazy day with the company and they were able to work out most of the computer glitches but overall, IT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS :)

9) Got my Rylee girl today and I am hoping to take her swimming!

10) Looking forward to helping Angel this weekend :) She is catering a wedding and is allowing my Son and I to help :) it's going to be great fun!

What is going on with you today??

Thought for the day...... Are you leaving those around you thirsty for Jesus?

Weekend Wrap Up & Mondays happenings

Happy Monday to all :) Can you believe we are coming to the END of July! Wow ~ we start school in 4 1/2 weeks and that makes me soooo very SAD!!! It just makes me treasure these final weeks of Summer even more!!

We went to an outdoor wedding this weekend! Can you say "HOT!!!" 'HUMID" "OH.MY.GOSH :)" Our friends oldest daughter was married and she wanted the wedding to be in their back yard! I have to say they did a phenomenal job and when we were seated there were hand fans for everyone to fan themselves but it didn't stop the sweat from rolling ;) LOL

Here is Shelli & Tim completely oblivious to anything but one another ~ as it should be ♥


Here we are together :)


Jen with her friend and the "maid of honor" Lindsay


I am so excitied! I found out I get to go with my husband for a weekend business trip to Florida :) WOOHOO! I am looking forward to this so much since I wasn't able to go last time because of the HUGE Snow storm that blew in and cancelled my flight(s) TWICE back in January! The Lord has allowed us a 2nd chance :) Thank you Lord

Early this morning I will be going to the Doctor and meeting this new Rheumatologist! He will hopefully provide some answers and give clarity as to what is going on with the auto-immune blood work that showed up a month ago. Thank you all for your prayers and I will let you know how it goes! My DH won't be able to attend because he will be out of town working with a HUGE
client and closing the deal they have been working on for the last 18 months!! WOOHOO! Thank you Lord!

I pray everyone has a blessed Monday ~ Love to you all!

Spiritual Sundays ~ Mentoring

My heart and mind has been thinking towards Mentors lately ~ those who have played a role in mentoring me and then there are those who I have been given the privilege and honor of mentoring.

There are two examples that instantly come to mind in regards to teaching other women ~ Titus 2 & the Proverbs 31 woman.

The Lord is specific in that we are to teach, encourage, lead, and exemplify to one another the many things HE details in those Scriptures. I take this role very seriously and I cherish those who have given their time to impart those lessons or plant those seeds into my life. I pray the ground is always fertile, so that, I will bare godly fruit and that all that has been sown into my life will grow and flourish under the tender loving care and instruction of those women who have obeyed this call.

I am one of those who is instantly drawn to those who are older than me....I LOVE to talk and learn, to love and listen to them. My Son is the same way. I believe it is because they have lived long enough to learn that it is best to be authentic ~ what you see is what you get. They have learned many life lessons such as these discussed in Titus 2 and Proverbs 31 and learned Gods ways are best. That "things" are not so important but relationships and family are! That time is precious and to be used wisely. Work hard, be strong, speak truth in love, and to fear the Lord alone. To live a life full of self-control and be prepared for anything.

I know for me I still have sooo much to learn and far more to share as I go but I am thankful for both the opportunity to sow seeds into the lives of the young women the Lord brings into my life as well as those who so lovingly sow into mine!

Who has mentored you? Whose life have you poured into?

I want to thank all of the ladies who participate in Spiritual Sundays because each week I am so blessed by your Wisdom, Love, Encouragement, and Teaching in so many ways! You bless me so! Thank you from the bottom of my heart

TGIF ~ Bacon!

Friday is here!! This Funny was sent to my son who LOVES Bacon! We have laughed and scratched our head on this one!! LOL
Enjoy and to join in and share your own funnies go see my dear friend and "Queen of Funny" KIM @ Homesteaders Heart

Thankfulness ~ with a spin ;) HEATWAVE Edition

Sometimes, it is fun to put a new spin on thankfulness and Kmama hosts just the therapy needed for this ;0)


I have seen comments on Facebook, Blog, Twitter etc. about one thing just about EVERYWHERE.....THE HEAT!!


It is soooo HOT that I continually look as if I just stepped out of the shower! Thank you very much

Stepping outside makes it difficult to even breathe because of this heat! Thank you very much

Taking my grandbaby outside to swing (which is one of her favorite things in the world to do) finds me saying ~ "wait until it's not so hot sweetheart" ~ which NEVER comes ~ so we sweat and swing and then sweat some more!
Thank you very much

Going for a family walk is wonderful but returning demands everyone has to change clothes and/or shower because we are drenched in sweat! Thank you very much

On a serious note ~ Remember to drink lots of water in this heat! Dehydration is sooo easy in heat like this!

Happy Thursday and may you stay cool on this Hot Summer Day