Monday, October 29, 2012
Let's Pray...
I have long since canceled my cable as it was too expensive and we really don't need to be watching tv anyway. I do try to keep up with some of the news via the internet and I must say that the coverage of hurricane Sandy is breaking my heart. I am not sure why this disaster is affecting me so much, maybe it is the thought of it happening so close to the holidays, maybe because it is forecasted to do MAJOR damage. I don't know but for some reason, everytime I see a comment about it on facebook or elsewhere, it brings tears to my eyes. So, that being said, let's all please cover the people and towns affected in prayer.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
It got me thinking...
I have recently began following a blog called "Made In USA Challenge".
It started when my husband and I watched an evening news program where incoming college students were given the challenge of buying their school supplies and dorm supplies from American companies. They all rose to the challenge and with the exception of a coffee maker and a TV, were able to stylishly and affordably complete the task.
It really made me think. I thought about all the people out of work. I thought about all the people affected by droughts, floods, and fires who would normally make their livings from farming, livestock, forestry, etc who were also either out of work or looking for more ways to supplement their incomes. I thought about the little towns in middle-America that have been virtually abandoned due to all these things.
So, I have found myself checking out these companies and have started to challenge myself as well. I am thinking about having a weekly or monthly feature where I give you some information about a company making/selling American made products that I have tried. I figure that it is the perfect time since Christmas is fast approaching. Nothing like the Made In USA Challenge blog (for way more super cool made in USA stuff, please visit them).
Here is their link again that will take you directly to her "About" page so you can learn about how she began the challenge and the blog:
http://madeinusachallenge.com/about/
It started when my husband and I watched an evening news program where incoming college students were given the challenge of buying their school supplies and dorm supplies from American companies. They all rose to the challenge and with the exception of a coffee maker and a TV, were able to stylishly and affordably complete the task.
It really made me think. I thought about all the people out of work. I thought about all the people affected by droughts, floods, and fires who would normally make their livings from farming, livestock, forestry, etc who were also either out of work or looking for more ways to supplement their incomes. I thought about the little towns in middle-America that have been virtually abandoned due to all these things.
So, I have found myself checking out these companies and have started to challenge myself as well. I am thinking about having a weekly or monthly feature where I give you some information about a company making/selling American made products that I have tried. I figure that it is the perfect time since Christmas is fast approaching. Nothing like the Made In USA Challenge blog (for way more super cool made in USA stuff, please visit them).
Here is their link again that will take you directly to her "About" page so you can learn about how she began the challenge and the blog:
http://madeinusachallenge.com/about/
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
And the winner is...
I just wanted to say thank you to all who entered the giveaway for a handmade, beaded suncatcher. YOU were all a blessing to me for sharing your comments and I truly appreciate you!
A big congratulations to Jayedee for winning!
A big congratulations to Jayedee for winning!
Friday, October 12, 2012
A little about me
As you know from the pictures, I am a wife and mother. What you might not know is that I LOVE to sing! Morning, noon, and night. My favorite songs to sing are those that glorify God. I listen to our local Contemporary Christian radio station and pretty much know every word. I am a big fan of Hillsong since a lot of their songs are in a key that I can sing comfortably in...and let me tell you - I love to belt them out!
The reason I am telling you this is because God has been working in our lives through my singing. No, He did not make me a rock star - complete with a jacuzzi full of champagne and $100 bills and a steady check coming in from concert and record sales. But He did rock our world.
At the beginning of the summer, we were certain that we wanted to leave this area and move back towards where we came from. We have been wanting another child and felt it would be easier on everyone if we were closer to where we had more help and could see family more often. My husband searched for a job. He even went a little outside of his comfort zone looking for positions. Nobody was interested at the time. Now, I am not going to lie and say I was not just a little disappointed. I was a lot disappointed! I knew though, that God had something else in store for us and that it was going to be even better than what we thought we wanted and needed! That helped. It was not very long after we became resigned that we were staying put (and school started) that things began to change. One day, out of the blue, I decided I wanted to join a band. Yes. It sounded crazy to me too! I had never been in a band before. Sure, I have been doing praise and worship at my churches for many years but to join a band that plays shows around town...
Anyway, I went to an audition and knew right away that they were not the group for me. Then I went to another one and must say that I entered what must have been the "Twilight Zone." I have never met anyone quite like this person before. The reason I am telling you this is so that you know that I know there must be something better out there for me. And sure enough, there was! I finally found a folk group (right up my alley) and have been singing with them for the last couple months. What is even more exciting is that God gave me all those opportunities to grow and to become a better leader, have less stage fright and any number of things that are not even for me to know about.
While searching for more opportunities, I came across a post for a Contemporary Christian group looking for folks who wanted to play in more of a service related capacity. Here in Austin, we have something called "Church Under The Bridge" which is a ministry for the homeless of our city. That very same week I was asked if I wanted to go help lead music at another shelter in the area. Well, yes Lord! Send me!
The point of my story is this:
God does not always give us what we think we want or need. He DOES give us what He KNOWS will make us happy, healthy, etc...
Trust me when I say this - He knows better than us and wants to give us our hearts true desires. And He will!
The reason I am telling you this is because God has been working in our lives through my singing. No, He did not make me a rock star - complete with a jacuzzi full of champagne and $100 bills and a steady check coming in from concert and record sales. But He did rock our world.
At the beginning of the summer, we were certain that we wanted to leave this area and move back towards where we came from. We have been wanting another child and felt it would be easier on everyone if we were closer to where we had more help and could see family more often. My husband searched for a job. He even went a little outside of his comfort zone looking for positions. Nobody was interested at the time. Now, I am not going to lie and say I was not just a little disappointed. I was a lot disappointed! I knew though, that God had something else in store for us and that it was going to be even better than what we thought we wanted and needed! That helped. It was not very long after we became resigned that we were staying put (and school started) that things began to change. One day, out of the blue, I decided I wanted to join a band. Yes. It sounded crazy to me too! I had never been in a band before. Sure, I have been doing praise and worship at my churches for many years but to join a band that plays shows around town...
Anyway, I went to an audition and knew right away that they were not the group for me. Then I went to another one and must say that I entered what must have been the "Twilight Zone." I have never met anyone quite like this person before. The reason I am telling you this is so that you know that I know there must be something better out there for me. And sure enough, there was! I finally found a folk group (right up my alley) and have been singing with them for the last couple months. What is even more exciting is that God gave me all those opportunities to grow and to become a better leader, have less stage fright and any number of things that are not even for me to know about.
While searching for more opportunities, I came across a post for a Contemporary Christian group looking for folks who wanted to play in more of a service related capacity. Here in Austin, we have something called "Church Under The Bridge" which is a ministry for the homeless of our city. That very same week I was asked if I wanted to go help lead music at another shelter in the area. Well, yes Lord! Send me!
The point of my story is this:
God does not always give us what we think we want or need. He DOES give us what He KNOWS will make us happy, healthy, etc...
Trust me when I say this - He knows better than us and wants to give us our hearts true desires. And He will!
Sunday, October 7, 2012
We need a makeover around here...
I have entered a contest to have my blog made-over and that would be amazing as I have no idea what exactly I did when I made it. I just put things in places (technical, I know) and hit save!
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