Last Post of "Reflections of God In My Everyday Life"...

In April of 2008, I started my blog.  I love blogging.  It was a fun way of sharing me...who I am...what I enjoy.  This blog is five years of me...and everything that is near and dear to my heart.  My family, my relationship with the Lord, our church.  My interests, my hobbies, my thoughts.

As I look back, so much has changed.  We moved from Indiana to Nevada.  We had our fourth daughter.  We bought our home. We began to home school. We started our church.  And most recently, I began working full time in secular work and my husband has gone from secular work to becoming a full time pastor.

I feel as if we have entered almost an entirely new life.  A new season.  

And so it is that I have decided to close the chapter of the past season.  This will be my last blog post of this blog.  At this point and time, I won't be blogging at all.  I hope to start a new blog for a new season sometime in the future.  My prayer is to blog to help middle aged moms, young pastors' wives and working moms.  All who I have become and am learning right now.  

My last thought:  Life changes.  Embrace the changes.  Accept the new journey that God has given to you and excel in it.

I hope that this blog has been and will continue to be a help and blessing to those God has brought it to.  I love you.

Tick tock...

Time is ticking away!  So many things to accomplish in a day.

Softball and T-Ball games...coach gifts...snacks for game day.

Pay the bills.

Wash and vacuum the van...change the oil...print the new insurance.

Pack.

Housework and laundry.

Water the garden...trees...bushes.

Make dinner.

Go to work.

Babysit.

Now back to it. :)

Wacky Wednesday!

What a week here in Reno!  We are in the 90's...reaching record breaking highs this week.  Our average this time of year is 78 so this is a bit unusual this early in June.  Today is our library day so we will be able to beat the heat a little there.  Then we will get ice cream cones at Burger King after the library.  Another way to beat the heat! :)  Did I mention they are $.50 until August?  A nice and cheap ;) treat for our library days.

This morning, we planted some flowers for our front steps.  So pretty!

I have also made a few trips to Goodwill and Savers this week.  I wanted to be able to find a few nice clothes and jewelry items for our trip to Lancaster for the Leadership Conference.  I found two nice casual skirts - one jean skirt and one white jean skirt (casual yet cute for a summer outing).  I also found several shirts (most were for fall and winter but that is OK).  I found a black maxi dress (I guess that is what you call it.  It is going to be great to match with different tops, scarfs and jewelry.  I found a cute print scarf and an awesome black and light blue/turquoise necklace.  Oh my goodness.  I fell in love with that necklace. :)  I hope to find a few more cute things to wear.  Trips are always more fun when you have new items to wear for it!

This is our last full week of softball and t-ball.  We also have two young ladies graduating from our local high schools.  I am just keeping up with working every night, babysitting in the day and laundry and housework. :)  Hope you have a great day!

Week of Firsts....

This week has many firsts in it...

The first of a new month.  June is such a nice summer month! :)

The first of a new work schedule.  I am now able to stay in Reno and have one client four nights a week. :)

The first of babysitting in my home during the weekdays.  Welcome Baby Reagan. :)

And the biggest for our family...the first of ending secular work and going full time at the church.  This is my husband's last week at his secular job as regional manager at Bennett Medical Services.  The church voted yesterday to raise his salary.  So many emotions about it all...summed up in the saying below...

Have a great week!

Rearranging...

I can hardly believe it is Friday already.  A busy week as always.

Today, I want to finish decluttering the hall closet.  We are doing some rearranging and I need to give back the buffet in the dining room to its owner.  So I am putting the contents into the hall closet on the shelves there.  I hope it works!  And I am getting rid of some things that I am not using and are taking up needed space of those things I do need.

Also, we are going to plant our flowers today in the ceramic planters the girls have.  It is one of the things on our summer bucket list. :)

So off to our Friday! 

Hope and Change

"Change is not a destination, just as hope is not a strategy."  -Rudy Giulliani

This is a great thought as you begin your summer.  Just because you implement change does not mean you have reached where you need to be in your life or specific goals.

As well as hope is never a strategy.  You always need a plan...and then work that plan.

This thought will help to keep me on that right path.

What I Don't Know Anymore

The older I get, the more I realize what I don't know.  Yet, the older you get, the more wisdom you obtain.

I am at the point...I ask myself..."Do I know anything anymore?"

This is a very frustrating place to be.  Frustrating only to myself.  It brings about a feeling of insecurity...lack of confidence...what good can these feelings bring?

1.  Fact:  I don't know everything.  Therefore, every man is my teacher.

Every person knows something I do not know.  Every person can therefore teach me something I do not know.

2.  Fact:  When I don't know anything, the only way to go is up!  It is like restarting your journey with no mistakes in it.

3.  Fact:  When I don't know anything, I am in a good place.  I am humbled.

Want to be like Jesus?  He was humble.  Even though being humbled is not fun, it is needful.

Days when I am frustrated.  Days when I feel like I should have it all figured out.  Days when I am tired of trying to figure it all out.  I can look to these thoughts and know there is One who has it all figured out.

Memorial Day 2013

Memorial Day is a favorite of mine.  As kids, we would go to the home town parades...see the veterans walk down the street.  In my younger years before he passed away, my Grandpa Holt would go with us.  He served in World War II...The greatest generation.  Truly a generation unlike any other.  Today, I will reminisce on that...Remembering him and others that gave their life so that we have the country we do today.

God bless America!

Our Trip to Vegas

This morning, my husband and I are flying to Las Vegas for a three day trip.  We will be visiting a pastor and church - Pastor Josh Teis and Southern Hills Baptist Church - who have taken us on for monthly support while we work towards our goal of becoming full time in the ministry.

Pastor Teis has graciously set up a schedule for us with his staff and assistant pastors where we can talk with them, sit in on meetings and see how their ministry is ran.  This is a wonderful blessing for my husband and I and we are very much looking forward to it.

Pray for us for safety and that much will be accomplished.  Also, keep in prayer our goal of becoming full time at the church.

Sunday

Sunday...a full and fulfilling day.

I arrive at church at 8:20 am.  I start to do my morning routine....make the coffee, set out the announcements and order of service for my husband, set out and organize my Sunday School items and also my items for Junior Church.

When my family arrives, I style all my daughter's hair.  LOL!  (We do this at the church because I come from work and am not home.)  We then have singing practice for whatever individual or group is singing that morning.

Sunday School, I teach the Primary class - ages 6-8.  My oldest daughter, Addie, who is 9 years old, asked if she could teach a Bible lesson in my class.  She prepared her lesson and items and she taught about Daniel.  She did a wonderful job and it blessed my heart. 

I also taught a lesson on David and friendship.  We did our class worksheet and we also worked on thank you cards for our veterans for next Sunday.  

Then I set up for my Junior Church class and headed to play the piano for the morning service.  My daughter, Addie, played a piano special with me for the offertory - I've Got the Joy.  We had a mixed ensemble sing the special as well.

Then off to Junior Church to teach about the topic of self-control.  We had a great lesson, game and Bible memory time.

After church, we had lunch with our visiting missionaries - Chris and Irene Williams.  They are joining the team in Peru and he will be using his skills as a pilot in this ministry.  Please pray for them as they are on deputation.  Pray for all these missionaries!

After lunch, I made a trip to a couple stores for some needed items for the graduation.

Then back to church for singing practice.  We had our kindergarten graduation for James Traynor and our daughter, Sierra Tastet.  That was fun and they did a great job saying verses, singing and talking with Pastor Eric.  Then our missionary, Bro. Williams, presented his work and gave the evening message.  I am blessed to hear what they want to do to reach the city of Lima and surrounding areas for Christ.

After the service, we had a fun reception with cake and orange dream punch for our graduation.

I am honored to serve at my church, Sierra View Baptist Church, for my Lord and Saviour!

Recipe: Kale Chips

Here is a yummy and healthy treat!

Kale

Olive Oil

Sea Salt

Rinse and pat dry your kale.  Tear into bite size pieces removing the stems.  Lay onto baking sheet, spray with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt.  Bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes.

Enjoy!

Tip:  I bought a small travel size spray bottle in the cosmetic aisle at Wal-Mart.  I keep olive oil in it to spray my food items.  It uses less oil than trying to drizzle it.

Goodwill Steals

Yesterday, we went to the Goodwill and here is what we found...

the best deal was this ski jacket for my husband.  It is brand new with the tags still on it - brand Burton - originally for $249...I got it for less than $5!

A few new tops for me.

A top for me and a green tablecloth.  It is always nice to snatch up various colors of tablecloths for different holidays and occasions.

Two sets of snow boots for next winter for Addie and Summer.  This time of the year when people aren't wearing those items, they often clear them out and give them to Goodwill.  So it is a good time to find them.

Top for Addie and kitchen towels.

Cute hoodie and Old Navy top for me.

Skirt, swimming top and sport top for Addie.

Human Tragedy...

"Miracles burst forth out of the moist, cold soil of human tragedy.  Moist with tears and cold with hopelessness."

This quote came across my path today.  What an encouragement to my heart and soul.  I hope it blesses you today on this Friday!

Wrestling

Just a reminder to pray for your fellow Christians today...

You never know what private battles one may be going through.  You don't know the demons that may be tormenting their soul.  You don't know what private hurts they may carry throughout their life because they are never free to share them.

And it is often a person that seems to have that perfect life...one that has it all "together".

Cover yourself and others in the wings of God today.  Saturate yourself with God's promises.  Soak yourself and others in prayer.  

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."  Ephesians 6:12

When Worry Attacks...

When worry attacks...

What is worry?  It is the anticipated loss of some valued possession.

The word for worry is "wyrgan".  It means to strangle.  It is the picture of a dog with a shoe in his mouth.  He just moves his head back and forth...shaking that shoe as hard as he can.

Isn't that how worry feels?  It feels like a dog is inside you...ripping your emotions, heart and soul...shaking the life out of them.

Worry starts where faith ends.

How do you know if you haven't given your worries over to God?

Are you saying these statements?

1.  "I don't believe you are aware."

2.  "You must not care."

3.  "I don't think you are able."

What are YOU worried about today?  Health, finances, adult children, your marriage...

What must you do? 

 Give ownership of ALL you possess to God.  

Because when you do lose a valued possession, there is nothing left to worry about.  You have already given that possession to God.

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."  Phil. 4:6

Prisoner or Captive?

Often times, we are stuck in circumstances that are not of our choosing or making.  Many times, it is a situation as a result of a family member.  Here is a quote that I heard this morning and it was a help to me...

"You are not the prisoner of a dysfunctional family.  You are the captive of the Lord Jesus Christ."

I love that.  I hope that if you are in a situation that is not in your control, this statement will help you.

Your Number One Tool In Your Ministry

One of the most effective things to do in Christian ministry is one-on-one time with another person.  

You don't have to be a pastor's wife or be in full-time Christian service to do this.  It is simply taking time to get to know someone else.  

My Sundays are very full.  From the time I walk in the door at 8:30am, I am doing preparations for the day.  Making coffee, setting up chairs for Sunday School, singing practices for that service and so on.  I then either work in the nursery or teach a children's class for the Sunday School hour.  Then off to play the piano for the services and every other week, I teach our Junior Church class.  This doesn't leave much time for me to talk to the ladies that attend - especially if they only attend Sunday morning services.

I then teach a ladies Bible study once a month - and this is a special time where the ladies can fellowship and get to know one another.

But often, like going on a date with your husband, you just need one-on-one time with people.  Time to concentrate on just them and listening and learning.  A simple way is to meet at a coffee shop for a cup of coffee.  Or meet for a lunch somewhere.  It doesn't have to be fancy or elaborate.  I have even brought Subway and met a friend on her lunch break.  We sat in my van and talked for 1/2 hour.  

Today, I treated a lady to lunch and she said..."This was the first time that anyone has ever treated me to lunch...just to get to know me."  She is in her 60's.

Time.  A most valuable asset that we all have.  And what a wonderful gift of ministry that you can give to a fellow Christian friend.

A Simple Way to Complete Large Projects

It's a new week and a new day!  Attack it!

Here is a jump start for you...do you have several medium or large projects around your home looming over your head?  However, you won't start any of them because they will take too much time and you won't be able to finish it?

Break that large project down into small steps or small mini projects.

If you are like me, my schedule is very full right now.  To include a project into that full schedule would mean that I slack on a regular duty.  

You don't want to take one step forward just to find yourself two steps back in something else.

One of my projects is to do some spring cleaning in my backyard.  This is a large project so I am going to break it down into small mini projects.

1.  Take the metal from the old trampoline to the scrap yard.

2.  Rake all old leaves, twigs, branches, etc. from the winter and dispose.

3.  Pick up and stack the extra wood.

4.  Disassemble the swing set that the storm destroyed.

5.  Discard of the swing set.

I have now taken a very large project and broken it down into hour long projects that I can fit into my day.

Baby steps.  

But you won't do anything until you create that plan...and then put it into action.  

Happy Monday!

Saturday

Today's adventures...

T-Ball game at 9 am.

Softball practice at 10am.

Lunch, laundry, cleaning.
Disassembled Summer's crib.  Finally.  Loaded in van and ready to give to a young couple for their new baby.  :)

Coffee with a friend at 2pm.  

Back to make dinner and finish prep to teach Sunday School and Jr. Church for Sunday.

Work at 8pm.

Have a great Saturday! :)

Budgeting Your Time

We are busy folks, aren't we?  Right now, I am finishing up our year of home schooling.  1 more day for Sierra in K-5 and 11 for Addie and Autumn.  I work 48 hour work weeks at my care giving job.  And I manage a household of four kids, a husband and two dogs.  LOL! Our girls also participate in a spring softball league which takes up to 5 days in the week.  In addition, I have many responsibilities in and for our church.  I oversee the nursery, teach Junior Church, teach a monthly ladies Bible study, manage the church secretarial and financial matters, oversee the music program, play the piano, clean the church bi-weekly.  

My plate is full.  I was thinking about managing your time. Everything in your life, if you want to be successful, must be on a budget.

 Two things that my husband and I are doing at this time is a budget.  A budget for our finances - including a debt reduction plan.  And a budget for our daily calorie intake.  

If I want to be able to pay my bills and pay off our remaining debt, I must stay on that budget!  

If I want to lose these extra pounds, I must stay on my daily calorie budget!

And if you want to be successful in your time management, you must stay on a time budget.

1.  Even if you think you are not a time waster, make a plan and follow that plan.

You would be surprised how many minutes in a day that you spend on Facebook browsing through your friends' lives.  

Time that you could use to read a chapter in your Bible...if you had it in your budget plan.

Time that you could use to write a note to a hurting friend...if you had it in your budget plan.

Time that you could use to take that walk...if you had it in your budget plan.

You see, you will accomplish far more, by simply having a plan and a budget for your time.

2.  Eliminate time wasters.

What do you waste time doing?  

Decide what your big time waster is...and eliminate it for one week.  

Use that time on the things you need to accomplish.  

3.  Simplify your life.

Clear out the physical clutter in your life.

Clear out the mental clutter in your mind.

You know when they say if you buy something new for your closet, you need to get rid of something?  The same applies with your schedule.  If you add something to your already full and complete schedule, you need to delete something that you already have in your schedule and replace it with the new thing.

Realize your capabilities and limits.  Don't use them as excuses.  Use them as your budget - your guidelines.  

Is your time on a budget today?  

Random thoughts...

Random things today...

Treat bags done for the softball game tonight...juice box, cheese whales and freshly made chocolate chip cookie. :)

Reserved our hotel and paid our conference fee for the Spiritual Leadership Conference in Lancaster this June.

Booked our flight to Las Vegas next month...no, not to gamble.  To visit a supporting church. :)

Watered the lawn...and three of my tomato plants got bitten by the cold.  Looks like I will have to replant those.  Jumped the gun on my planting. :/

Washing my sheets...ahh...I get to sleep in my own bed tonight.  With my husband.  :)

And praying to the Lord about many things.  Many things on my heart and mind this beautiful day.

Hope you have a great Wednesday!

Couponing-Week of April 14-20, 2013

Dollar Tree deals:

Cereal:  $.67 each

Lysol toilet bowl cleaner:  $.75 each

Mrs. Dash garlic and herb seasoning (large jar-over 6 oz.) - $1 each!  (The small 2 oz bottles are $2.38 at Wal-Mart.)

Wal-Mart Deals:

Turkey breast - Free!

Jenni-O turkey bacon - $1.48 each

Jenni-O turkey sausage - $1.88 each

Rice milk - $1.24 each (Regularly $3.24 each!)

CVS Deals:

Dawn dish soap - $.49 and $.74 each

Egg coloring kits - $.29 each

Fish oil pills (320 pills in each bottle) - $6.65 each

Wal-Mart Clearance:

Push pins, Magnetic Clips and Binder Clips

$.20 each!  Regularly over $3!

Smith's Deals:

OJ - $1.99 a gallon (It is regularly $3.99 a gallon at Wal-Mart!)

Milk - $1.99 a gallon

Organic yogurt - $1.50 each

Cute sandals I got on clearance for $5 for Addie!  And just the time she needed them!!

Healthy meals...doing it right...

My husband and are on losing weight and here are a few things that I have made to eat healthy...

Egg sandwich on 100% whole wheat thins topped with tomato and baby spinach.

I love potatoes but can't afford the calories of butter, cheese and sour cream.  I topped this potato with veggies!

Breakfast or lunch wrap...one scrambled egg on a tortilla on a bed of baby spinach topped with tomatoes, green onions, black olives and red peppers sprinkled with Tabasco.  Yum!

Apple slices...kept fresh in lime and lemon juice.

Baked sweet potato, chicken breast and sugar snap peas with red pepper strips and almond slivers.

303 calories for this filling and healthy dinner.

Snow?

April 16, 2013

Snow.  LOL! Gotta love spring weather.  78 degrees on Tuesday. ;)

First Sunday in our New Building - April 14, 2013

First Sunday, April 14, in our new building.

Sunday School - we have three classes in this one room. :)

Photos of New Church Building - SVBC

Here are pictures of our new church building.  This past Sunday was our first Sunday in the building.