7 Quick Takes

1. EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON! I mean it! Today I was running late to work. I don't like being late-at all!  Well I was on the freeway and I came up behind this bus. I was going to pass it but something said "DON'T PASS!" It sounded like an audible voice. Looking back in retrospect I believe it was the Holy Spirit trying to warn me. Not even a couple of minutes later the bus and a couple of cars directly in front of the bus were in an accident. I couldn't tell what exactly happened from where but I vividly remember seeing the rear axle and tires flying off the bus. Thankfully everyone in the accident was ok. Just remember all things work together for GOOD! 
2. Birthday-Yesterday was my hubby's birthday. We had a wonderful evening together. I painted a picture for him and gave him the first season of "Lie to me." Matt loves that show. We are going to Outback today! I can't wait to sink my teeth into some "Chocolate Thunder From Down Under!" It's gluten free! I'm so happy about that. I'll post some pics soon of the birthday celebration. 
3. Lent-2 days down and so far so good. Giving up facebook was really hard at first. My phone kept sending me all these facebook messages! I thought I was gonna go crazy before I turned the phone messages off.  I haven't had any conversations hearts either.  I think the fact that I have to go to the doctor next week is helping me say no. hehe. The Beth Moore book I am reading is fantastic. See #5
4. Camera-My camera bit the dust this week. Well it had a little help. Hopefully Nikon can fix it and get it back to me soon. Thankfully it's under warrenty. 
5. Beth Moore- I am reading So Long Insecurity by Beth Moore. I've only finished the first chapter but it's so eye opening. I thought I was alone in my struggle with insecurity. Turns out I am not! I think this book might be a good thing to use at our women's retreat later this year. 
6 wedding- I can't believe that my nephew's wedding is in two weeks! Time to finish the last minute cleaning and declutter. My mom, dad, sister will be staying  with us. I hope my camera is back by then. If not I may have to go get cheapie digital camera.  I know the disposal digital camera will not satisfy a photo bug like me. 

7. Blog- I made some changes to my blog. I would love to hear what you think of them. Any ideas, tips, and suggestions would be greatly appreicated. I want share a Bible verse. My friend over at http://www.extravagantgrace.net/ posted a lovely verse and made it into a book mark. I wanted to share it with everyone. Have a safe and blessed weekend. 

Terrific Thursday

I hope everyone has a terrific Thursday.Enjoy!

 "Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul  remains unawakened."

 "  

Conversation Hearts, Facebook, and Lent

Matthew 16:21 - From that time on Jesus began to explain to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the Law, and that He must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.  


Lent starts tomorrow. I've never participated in Lent before. No I am not Catholic I am Lutheran. I just think it is a good idea to give up something for God. I have decided to give up Facebook and conversation hearts.What better way to break (or at least curb)  a bad habit than to give it to God. I also hope by observing the season, the suffering and death of Jesus Christ becomes even more precious and meaningful to me. 
  Conversations hearts you say? I know, I know it, sounds silly but I am SO addicted to them! They are one of the few candies that are gluten free! I buy the bags right after Valentine's Day (when they are on clearance) and make them last till the next Valentine's Day. I just eat 3 or 4 hearts a day and I'm good.  Some times on bad days I might grab a handful though.  I especially love  the new Necco flavors Strawberry, Green Apple, Lemon, Grape, Orange and Blue Raspberry! Bad huh? 
As for Facebook-well I've been cutting on it so it should be no big deal.  Hopefully
I think while I am having Facebook with drawl I am going to start reading So Long Insecurity  by Beth Moore. It should help keep my on God and less on what I am giving up.  
If there is anyone else out there participating in Lent this year I would be interested to hear what you are giving up - I always find it neat the different things people find hard to let go of for a bit. 

Top 2 Tuesday-Dream Vaca

Top 2
Dream Vacations


"A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you've been taking."  ~ Earl Wilson

 1. Italy

I've always dreamed of going to Florence and Venice. The history, art work, and the architecture there are simply amazing not to mention the romance!

2. Alaska

The scenery and the wildlife is simply breath taking. Plus, it would be great to get away during the Sultry Texas summers.

What would be your dream vacation spots? 

F.P.U.

F.P.U stands for Financial Peace University. I've been the University for a almost three weeks. The class is taught by Dave Ramsey. He teaches biblical financial advice. Sounds like a oxymoron doesn't it. At first I thought it was to. Of course I have always dreaded and avoided anything financial.  I mean I paid my bills and everything but as far as saving-yeah right! When I got married I thought my days of dealing with finances were over. WRONG! Here we are taking financial peace together.At first I was really skeptical about the class. I wasn't going to learn anything. I was just going to go to be supportive of Matty.  However Dave Ramsey presents information in such partial yet fun way I couldn't help but learn things. Last week Dave Rasmey said couples need to sit down and create a budget together. AHAH! First the dreaded B-word and then we have to do it together! He's got to be kidding! Well my hubby and I sat down and made a budget. It's going to be for March. I'll let you know how it goes. Here are  Dave Ramsey's Seven Baby Steps To Financial Freedom. 
1. $1,000 to start an emergency fund.
2. Pay off all debt using Debt Snowball
3. Save 3 to 6 months of living expenses in savings
4. Invest 15% of household income into a Roth IRA and pre tax retirement
5.College funding for children
6. Pay off home early
7. Build wealth and give.
I am leaving you with a YouTube video about budget.

I'd love to hear what you think! 

Blogger's Blah

I have a bad case of the blah's today. Blogger's Blah. Blah because I feel that no one reads my blog. I look at other's blogger's follower's and  to quote one of my favorite books and movies, "I turn pea green with envy." (The quotes is from Gone With The Wind in case you are wondering.)
What does it take to get people to read your blog? Am I making a big deal over nothing? I mean I do feel better after I blog. It's like therapy to me. I always walk away from my posts feeling released in a sence. So why am I making a big deal over nothing!?! Has anyone else ever felt this way? Is it normal?
Well followers or not I am still going to blog. It has become part of my life now.  Now to get outside and enjoy some sunshine!
Have a blessed day everyone!

Love Songs-Archive

In honor of Valentine's Day I'm going to post my 5 favorite love songs. Have a wonderful Valentine's Day everyone and remember that to the world you may be one person but to one person you may be the world. What are your favorite love song(s)


5. "As Time Goes By"


4. "Sun Rise/Sun Set"


3. "I Cross My Heart"



2. " Broken Road"


and my number one love song. Drum roll please.................................

1. "At Last"