Christmas Blessings!

As much as I enjoy Christmas, there is nothing that seems to open up my living room like taking the Christmas tree down. I don't know what it is about this particular year, but I didn't even get it up until two weeks before Christmas and our Christmas tree seemed to have serious psychological issues in that it fell not once, not twice, but five times! Maybe its feelings were really hurt. Anyways, as soon as the last presents were taken out from under the tree and it was looking all sad and forlorn, it fell for the final time. I took it down Christmas afternoon, simply because it obviously was tired and didn't want us to enjoy it anymore.

Something I did get to enjoy this year, however, was my beautiful nephew. Although I became an aunt when my sister got married five years ago with my niece, since she doesn't live with them, I didn't really feel like an aunt. The big surprise arrival of my nephew was the greatest Christmas gift that I could hope for! I have already purchased him a bib that says, "My Aunt Janis Loves Me." I am going to spoil him rotten!

When thinking about the next year, I have a few things that I want to work on. I am just going to narrow them down to the basics.

Eat less. Exercise more.
Spend Less. Save more.
Less of me. More of Him.

If I can just do these three things, everything else will fall into place. How was your Christmas?

Smiles and Loves!

Where is Janis?

What have I been up to? Here are a few pictures from the last few months.

Spent a relaxing weekend with my hubby in Panama City.

K turned 9.

Spent Halloween with Anakin Skywalker, Hannah Montana, and Snow White.

Working....

Studying....

Getting ready for Christmas. What have you been up to?

Don't forget to check out my book reviews at The Nearsighted Bookworm. There are some great Christmas books and children's books coming up!

Smiles and Loves!

Thoughts I Am Thinking

How is it that when I have plenty of time (AKA this summer) that I didn't get any jobs and now that I am in the throes of school (AKA lots of reading) that I get 6-8 a week? I really don't get it, but that is why I haven't been doing much on the old blog. I have a regular client that I love to work for and she keeps me as busy as I want to be, but these little jobs from former clients of mine are what throws a wrench in my plans. I hate to turn down money (who does?), but sometimes I just want to stop working altogether and take a breath. Then my mind goes to "what if we need the money and I have severed all of these relationships. What will I do then?" This is what keeps me saying, "Yes" and then plowing through.

Other thoughts turn to Halloween. I have wanted to dress up the last few years and I finally took the plunge. Here is my skirt for my costume.

Isn't it cute? My mom gave me the idea and I found this one on ebay. I just love ebay. I figure I can wear it several Halloweens with a white shirt and keds. Put my hair up in a pony tail and I am ready to go. I am ready for Halloween!

I have renewed my commitment to Bible study this week. I have started "A Mom After God's Own Heart" by Elizabeth George and am really enjoying it. It has made my day much smoother all around. I don't know why I quit Bible study-I know that it is the most important part of the day.

I have also renewed my commitment to exercise and health. Notice I didn't say "diet." I am staying away from that word as it seems to make my body swell up with fat!LOL

I am trying to get my house in order, study for four classes, do 5 (of the 8 I got this week) more jobs, and take care of the kids (fall break). Juggling is what I do best!

How is your week going?

Smiles and Loves!

Maintain Your Life With God-Standing Tall

Our pastor asked us to read Jude this week to help reinforce his message to us. One part of Jude really stood out to me in my reading. Here are the verses from The Message:

20-21But you, dear friends, carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready for the mercy of our Master, Jesus Christ. This is the unending life, the real life!
22-23Go easy on those who hesitate in the faith. Go after those who take the wrong way. Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven.
24-25And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating—to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes. (Jude 1:20-25)

The heading caught my eye first. In my Bible (The Message-NKJV Parallel Bible) the heading says "Maintain Your Life With God." This has been an issue with me. Working in the church as the nursery director means that I have been to church in the last year less than 10 times and I can see that this has a huge effect upon my relationship with God. I tell people that I am okay and that I can keep my relationship fresh by studying about Him at home, but it is not the same thing. I can tell a difference in my walk and life with Him.

The first thing that struck me in these verses is "build yourselves up." Jude didn't say that life with God would be easy. He said we have to build ourselves up in our faith by praying. How is my prayer life? Pretty non-existent for the most part.

The next part that hit me is "staying right at the center of God's love, keeping your arms open and outstretched, ready..." Do I stand ready? Are my arms open and outstretched, ready for Him? I would like to think so, but I imagine that my arms are crossed and I am running around trying to do everything, rather than standing and waiting on Him.

"This is the unending life, the real life!" Do I live as if loving God is my main purpose? I show love to others, but that is not all there is to it. I once heard a preacher say, "Keep the main thing the main thing." Do I live as if God is first in my life?

"Be tender with sinners, but not soft on sin. The sin itself stinks to high heaven." How many times do I turn away from sinners? I am called to love them. Not their sin, but them. Am I tender toward them?

"And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating..." Only God can keep me standing. Many times I put my faith in self, rather than in Him. He can keep me not only standing, but also standing tall, fresh, and celebrating. Who wouldn't want to describe their life in that way?

What hit you about these verses? Do you do everything possible to maintain your life with God? If not, you are in luck. God's mercies are new every single day. What could be better than that?

Mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you*,

*Jude 1:2 NKJV

The Simple Woman Daybook September 22, 2008

For Today...

Outside my Window... I see beautiful green trees, grass, and bright sunshine.

I am thinking...that I need to make a schedule, so that I can get everything done in a day.

I am thankful for...doctors that will listen to you and take your symptoms seriously.

From the kitchen...tonight I am making Chicken Tettrazini. I want to make my husband his favorite cookies, but it will depend upon how my back feels later today.

I am wearing...blue jean capris and forest green top. Barefeet.

I am reading...a Tracey Bateman book that I got from the library.

I am hoping...that my husband will get to be off tomorrow and that we can find a laptop that fits our budget and needs.

I am creating...a plan for my life.

I am hearing...the television playing "Greenovate."

Around the house...much needs to be done. Maybe the kids will help me some when they get home, since I can't do a lot with my back.

One of my favorite things...chocolate

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...buying a laptop, paying off my van, writing articles, and letting my back rest.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

I would love to be laying on my beach chair watching this view. Love the beach!

To read more, visit The Simple Woman. Have a blessed day!

Weekend Word

Juggling Life and Pressing On

Where have I been? Summer flew by with great fun and enjoyment. Here is a summary of what I have been up to.

June-We went on vacation with my parents and my brother. We enjoyed watching the dolphins from the balcony and feeling the little bitty fish nibble our feet and legs. I really enjoyed myself and am looking forward to the next one.

July-I turned 37 on the 15th. It was a normal type day, except that my hubby got me a cookie cake (my favorite). We went to the Station House for dinner with my friend who has a birthday on the 13th over the weekend.

August-My baby started pre-K. It took me a few weeks to get over the fact that she was gone and the house was quiet, but I have started settling in now and am beginning to enjoy it. School started for me on the 20th.

September-Work, school, and back pain. My back is known for "going out" at the most unusual times. Buttoning my pants, putting on deoderant, getting koolaid off the shelf, and bending over are just a few of the activities that can set it off. It went out near the end of August and I went to the doctor only to find that my back was s-shaped. I did some physical therapy to strengthen the muscles and was feeling better, when...it went out again. So, I am dealing with it again. My desk chair is the only chair that I can get out of without a great deal of pain, sooo.....anyways, I am trying to take it easy. At least the muscle spasms haven't come with this back attack.

What has been up with you?

Here is my verse for today (it is quite fitting for where I am at today):

Pressing On,