Blessed New Year

A New Year. Today is the start of a fresh beginning. Find your direction and Go. May God bless and keep you. May you be grateful and appreciative. May you use your days to glorify God. May you be loving and kind everyday. May you become who you were born to be. May you make a difference in your world. Have a blessed new year. Dont waste one minute!

A Seasons End

As the Holiday season is coming to an end, find closure. One more day to reflect on the year. Hold onto the cherished moments and let go of the hurt and unforgiveness. Make a plan, set goals and find order to take into a new year. Take what you have learned in this year and use that knowledge in the year to come. Start a new chapter, a fresh perspective and a new vision. Aren't you excited? Rewrite your story. Choose to love... choose to forgive... choose to live.

For last years words belong to last years language

And next years words await another voice.

And to make and end is to make a beginning.

- T.S. Eliot

Have a safe and blessed New Years Eve!

New Endeavours

As the year is coming to an end and 2010 is upon us, we think of the changes we'd like to make for the new year. Most people make new years resolutions, in hopes of improving the quality of their lives. Some stick to it for weeks, maybe even months, but routines sets in and we are back in our ruts. Lets challenge ourselves this year. Let us set some "Goals." Some that are attainable and specific. Like, I will walk more or introduce a new sport into my routine rather then the vast resolution of "I will lose weight." Try some slight changes that though might seem small - will redirect our course.

Here are some of my past goals for a new year:

Throw a party, take a class, Plant a garden, volunteer at a shelter, mentor a child, try a new recipe 1x a month, start a new bible study, learn a new skill, try a new restaurant 1x a month, join a gym, organize a closet, create something beautiful, look for opportunities to help others, eat more veggies, start a joy journal, encourage someone 1x a week, Make a new Friend ..ect...

All these are examples of goals that are fun attainable and can be marked off through out the year, or made into a habit. They can lead you to new endeavours and into uncharted sea's. Life can be fun and New! Be thinking of some goals for the new year.

To Change ones life: start immediately. Do it flamboyantly. no exceptions. - William James

Together in our hearts

The Christmas season always brings such a peace and unlocks memories of Christmas's past. The family, the moments spent together growing up. The togetherness. The JOY and laughter we shared. The love for each other. Though we are not all together this year, we are together in our hearts. May God bless you my sweet family as the new year is approaching. May God grant you safe travels back to your homes. May he bless each family member and their personal endeavours. May we always keep our eyes focused on God as we share his love with others.

Love Always, Lisa Loraine

Christmas Morning

My nephew, Jakob is with us this Christmas. Santa arrived to leave us gifts so we had to rise early this morning! Have a blessed christmas weekend with your family.

"The love of a family is life's greatest blessings"

All Decked out

A happy home all decked out. Have a blessed Christmas.

A Women of True Beauty

A women of beauty is a women who is not striving to become beautiful or worthy or enough. She knows in her quiet center where God dwells, that he finds her beautiful, has deemed her worthy, and in him, she is enough.

A women of true beauty is a women who in the depths of her soul is at rest, trusting God, because she has come to know him worthy of her trust. She excludes a sense of calm, a sense of rest, and invites those around her to rest as well. She speaks comfort; she knows that we live in a world of war, that we have a vicious enemy, and our journey is through a broken world. But she also knows that because of God all is well, that all will be well.

-John and Stasi Eldredge from the book- Captivating

Beauty

I did not ask for love, I did not ask for security, I did not ask for things. I asked for beauty.

I once was in a place where the beauty around me captured my heart, enveloped my senses and brought tears to my eyes. It was as if I was given an unexpected gift. I remember asking God that day if there was something I could have my entire life. I asked that he might bestow beauty before my eyes - All the days of my life. I am visual person and beauty fills my senses, brings me joy and inspires me.

Find beauty in the simple things, daily. It is all around us.

Peaceful Rain

Friday was a rainy nippy day. My husband was off work , so we did our favorite rainy day activity. We went to the bookstore. There is something peaceful about watching the rain from inside a cozy bookstore. Though we want to out of it and dry inside, I cant help longing to be near a window watching it, sipping something hot and reading something interesting. Such a relaxing peaceful day. As the rain comes softly pouring in on life, try to find peace in the center of it. Sit inside of your soul and look out peacefully. The storms will pass, the rainbow will beam across the sky and the sun will soon be out again. Learn to appreciate the rainy days and use them as times of reflection.

Rain showers my spirit and waters my soul - Emily Logan Decans

Live Out Loud

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.

At times we are at a point in our lives when we are holding on so tight to something, it becomes painful. Not as it should be. Remaining the same, the way we know, the way have learned to be comfortable in has taken its toll... has worn its welcome. You need to make a change but fear the unknown. But you cant blossom unless you let go. Go ahead,take the risk... Blossom.

Live out loud.

Celebrate Cozy

We have hard wood floors in our home with no insulation. The house is always drafty, even when the heater is on. My hearts desire for this month have been for "slippers." Ever since the cold chilly days set in. Sweat shirts, hot chocolate and slippers, ah so cozy. However, a desire is NOT a necessity. So I had to wait. My flip flops had to do the job for the meanwhile. But today. Today... I got slippers! I set out for Walmart, of course. I was going for the practical slide on's, Except I couldn't get the soft furry type due to our dog, Bella boo. whom claims ownership of "every furry thing," assuming they are her stuffed toys. Carrying them around in and nahhing on them. So I as going for the sturdy rubber sole. Then I saw THESE. One try and I was Sold! Walking on clouds. Ooww... Aahh. Comfy, warm and downright cute. They met all my criteria.

Was going to save them for a Christmas present to "me" and put them under the tree, but my husband insisted I use them now. So how could I resist?

Don't ever save anything for a special occasion. Being Alive is the special occasion. - Unknown

Celebrate cozy!

Sweet Peace

Don't you wish we all had this peace in our lives. I think God desires us to live among each other in peace. Today as I hurried around running errands, shopping, getting christmas cards done, I noticed something. In the season where we are supposed to be spreading christmas cheer and extending kindess to all, this is the time people are the most uptight, rude and impatient. I saw people taking another's parking spot, being rude to the employees and displaying obvious impatience as they had to wait their turn. Good..ness. Let's challenge ourselves to be the light in the busy season. Display peace and calmness in the madness. Smile, dont scowl when the lines are long and be kind to the employees. They are slammed with people needing their attention and are doing their best. Then as you lay your head on your pillow know you can sleep in sweet peace. May God bless you in this blessed busy season.

BLISS

This is BLISS, my rental spot in Homestead Handcraft's. (Address is on my blog.) Thought Id give you a peek of my latest christmas decorations. It turned out quiet peaceful. Creating brings me such pleasure and excitement. Its like a display of my soul. There is Bliss in everyday. You will soon discover you can create your own bliss.

Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers. - Veronica A. shoffstall

A Melody

Many People die with their Music still in them. Why is this so? Too often it is because they are always getting ready to live. Before they know it, time runs out. - Oliver Wendell Homes

Stop preparing to live. Live now. Dont wait till the end to start singing your song. Sing now with joy. Make sure the world has heard your sweet melody.

Daily Courage

Living takes courage. To go through all the trials life has to offer with grace takes a strength of heart. Be encouraged. Its only for a season. Whatever life issues may be tugging on your heart right now, know you are not alone. Its all part of the journey. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and know, when you step out, the sun will be shining upon your beautiful face... and you will be Smiling. Much love and Prayers to all who going through "a season of challenges" out there. Hang in there. Hold onto hope, There is always hope.

Hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier. - unknown

Inspire

What inspires You? Music inspires me, seeing goodness in this world inspires me, Creativity inspires me. Beholding beauty inspires me. Being the receiver of a kind gesture inspires me. Spreading Gods love inspires me. Making a difference inspires me. What inspires you? What brings out good from your heart? What breathes life into your soul, what fills you with emotion and stimulates you into action? Find inspiration in this world... and be amazed how inspiration can spur you on to make this world a better place.

Gifts and Talents

We each have been gifted with talents, something we are really we good at. What are you doing with yours? Are you using your gifts and God-given talents to make a difference in this world? Do you just waste it, not have time to pursue what really thrills you? You know what it is. Your passion. Use it... It was a gift.

When I stand before God at the end of my life I would hope that i would hate to have a single bit of talent left, and could say "I uses everything you gave me"- Erma Bombeck

Coats

Put on your Coats! It is cold in San Antonio. Even macho-man wore his today.

Hats and Scarves

Ya TEXAS, We are having a real winter here.Definitely hats and scarf weather. Get out and breathe in the brisk freshness into your soul! You have got to love it :)

But..No Mittens

The last great snowfall in San Antonio was in 1984. So you can imagine the excitement when they were PREDICTING snow! In Texas. The grocery stores were packed the day before, children anticipating missing school-dreaming of snowmen, fireplaces were prepared and logs set in. What a great day it would be. I bought a camera to capture the the event. The morning came. Frigid cold... We waited, watching out of the window as we went about our day...waiting... and waiting. Then suddenly...What?... the SUN came out??? I love the sun, but on A SNOW DAY? The day ended with sun setting quietly as all our hopes dashed away. No Mittens. I'm not giving up. I still have hopes, there is still some winter left in the season. Thank God for Hope.

"Hope" is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul- And sings the tunes without the words-And never stops-at all -Emily Dickenson

Bah Humbug

As christmas approaches enjoy all the delights it has to offer. Dont be discouraged at the commercialism of the season. Pull out the good parts. Make new memories with your family and make giving a joy not an obligation. Enjoy your freinds and family and be of good cheer. Decorate your homes and trim your tree with glee. and most of all remember the reason for the season! Have some christmas spirit and if you come across a "bah humbug"... bake him some cookies!

Anticipation

Bella cant wait for us to come home. She anticipates all the love and hugs she will get when we arrive. When we are young we dream of a the perfect life. Finding love, getting married, finding a fulfilling career, having kids, changing the world, making a difference. We anticipate arriving there with open arms. But life is not a destination. We don't arrive there. We Journey there. The journey is our "life". So don't forget to live along the way. Anticipate great things,love, blissful times. but know along with that comes heartache and disappointments also. Its all good. Change the world, Make a difference. Find JOY in the the Journey.

To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else. - Emily Dickenson

Live With Zest

Though our backgrounds and experiences are all different, We are all on the same journey trying to live this life with purpose. Live with zest, taking in every moment, it all has purpose. Help others along the way and don't be to proud to ask for help when you need it. Cherish moments and persevere in the difficult times. Thank God for your blessings and dont whine about what you dont have. life is a gift. Dont waste one minute. Laugh alot and Pray more. Give of your talents and your time. Spread God's love along the way... everywhere!

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, bring your own sunshine. - Anthony J D'Angelo

Words

The day after thanksgiving I was all excited and ready to decorate for Christmas. I had just finished putting together my front door wreath. Proudly, I went to my husband and said "look, what do you think !?" Anticipating his words, to match my excitement. He looked at it and said,with no excitement in his voice, "Somebody is going to steal it." Ok So I was a bit deflated by his words. But knew he didn't mean to not understand my hard work and excitement. So I said "but why would someone want to steal it?" trying to get him to say because its pretty of course. Nope, his response was, "Cuz it has alot of stuff on it." Ok so maybe he meant to say someone else might find it pretty and want it. Ill give him the benefit of the doubt.

Words are powerful. Use then carefully with grace and love.

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24

Thy Goodness

For each new morning with its light.

For rest and shelter of the night.

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything thy goodness sends.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Blessings

In the spirit of thanksgiving We have started a "New Tradition." My husband and I discussed together the people who really have made a difference in our lives this year. Family, Friends and Acquaintances. Chose the top five and sent them a card. Telling why they mean so much to us and how they have impacted our lives. During your thanksgiving day remember those who have touched your life. Thank God for all your blessings and relish in all the small things that make up the good in life. Look back over the year, even the toughest of years... are sprinkled with blessings.

Hem your blessings with the thankfulness so that they don't unravel - Author unknown

Storehouses

Is your house full of valuables? Does your Heart have an appetite for bigger and better, always wanting more? Wanting what you dont have is never satisfying, it only keeps you in a state of longing. Learn to want what you have. Find your contentment deep inside your heart, in all circumstances. Each circumstance has its purpose. Fill your storehouses with things that really matter. Love, joy, peace,patience,kindness,goodness...

For where your treasure is there your heart will be also. -Matthew 6:21

Cupcakes

Truth be Told. As much as Id like this to be a sweet, blissful blog, Id like to authentic too. Today WAS A CHALLENGE. My husband and I had one miss after another in the "lets be friends and get along realm." From not agreeing on a restaurant for lunch to what groceries to purchase for dinner. We way missed the mark of the blissful married couple. In the end we ordered pizza, rented a movie and decide to turn in early. What else could we do to get us into the celebrating part of our day? I HAD to make Cupcakes. Cupcakes were the highlight of the day. Hooray for Cupcakes! We decided to celebrate that this day was coming to an end. A sweet ending to a challenging day. Thank You God that tomorrow is a new day.

Just Because

These flowers. They came last night delivered at my door. The note read, "Just because... Love, your brother."David. Such a simple gesture... huge impact. It worked, I felt loved.

At the grocery store the other day, A cashier ran my items through but Instead of handing her the money, I had to place it in this machine. Well it did not work correctly. It took my money and didnt give me my change. In a few seconds there were 4 important well dressed people crowded around trying to figure it out. They had to call someone, wait for a key, open the machine,recount the money in the machine. The whole time discussing among themselves why this happened, barely acknowledging me, the customer.What is this world coming to?Is all the new technology, texting, Instant messaging, facebook, twitter really so great? Is it taking away from really being personal. Im not saying that some of it has It's good points. I am guilty too, I cant remember my last conversation with my sister, but I can tell you about our last text.But let us not get so caught up in our instant gratification, Im too busy to call or write or tell you personally How Im really doing. Take some time out "the good old fashioned way" ... write a card, send a letter, send flowers, meet for lunch. Just because. A little of your TIME speaks volumes.

Feed My Sheep

Traveling in Europe on a train through the Swiss Alps I remember being struck with Awe. Awe at the beauty before my eyes, awe at the awesome opportunity I had to be traveling. My heart was overwhelmed with such gratitude for this blessing it felt like it was going to explode. I sat back in my seat watching the beauty out of the window and prayed. I thanked God for this wonderful opportunity to have such beauty bestowed before my eyes, I thanked him for this marvelous blessing to see this part of the world. I had such peace inside, I asked God to just speak to me. I waited in anticipation, knowing , he would speak. I opened my eyes, looking out of the train window. There was the most beautiful waterfall. As my eyes followed the falls from the top to the bottom, there was a stream at the bottom, glistening in the sun. At that very moment I saw a man walking along the stream and following were... a herd of sheep! Tears filled my eyes. It was crystal clear. God spoke. He said " Feed my sheep"

Life has so many turns and twist of events and the journey has its joys, trials and tribulations. We have the peace of God deep with in to get us through the tough times. But there are those out there who dont know the peace of God's love. They have not experienced the "it is well with my soul" Find those lost sheep, encourage those along the way who have gone astray, and bring them back to the stream, under the glistening sun.

To Have and To Hold

We attended "A weekend to remember" this weekend.( sponsored by familylife.com) WOW, all I can say is it was great. I highly recommend it to all married couples. We learned how women and men are different and how our styles of communication are different, how to be respectful of each other and how not to be selfish. We learned that marriage is not for our individual happiness and that we are better together than apart. That God has a plan and provision for us as a couple. We each wrote each other a love letter and in the closing we renewed our vows to each other. What my husband learned is that he needs to be more affirming in his words to me and what I learned is that I need to show him more respect. The thing I took to heart the most from this weekend is that "My husband is a gift." Our 5 yr marriage has not been all hoopla's and hoorays. We have had our share of difficulties, as all marriages do. Marriage is alot work some days, but so rewarding too. God has a plan, and If we keep God in the center and strive to live accordingly, when the storms come we will make it through. May God bless all those marriages out there and give you the perfect marriage partner for you.

Heart Mind and Soul

The older I get the more I realize the importance of taking care of my body. The outside frame. I exercise more, try to eat healthy and get more rest. But just as equally as important you must take care of your Heart, your Mind and your Soul. We are bombarded nowadays with new technology, enticing entertainment and popular thinking to crowd up and corrode the things we need to protect. Be careful, very very careful what you choose to let in. Be careful the thoughts you entertain, the movies you watch the things you listen to. Though at first it may appear harmless it may really be deceiving, polluting the goodness and wholesomeness you want to have inside. It may be a slow corrosion, but rest assure if it's not in line with what God would have for you, it can lead you down a wrong path and throw you off course. Keep the light of God shining through that soul, keep that mind pure and uncluttered and Guard that beautiful heart!

Guard your heart for it is the wellspring of life.

Proverbs 4:23

Character

In today's world, people are more concerned with how they look on the outside and little attention is paid to who they are on the inside. Character is who you are inside. Do you display peace? Do you show love? Are you forgiving? Are you content with what you have? Are you grateful? Do you stand for truth? Your character focuses on your actions, your words and your thoughts. True character does not worry what the world thinks of them. True character is doing whats right when its easier not to. Its being kind when someone is not. Its loving unconditionally. Its your integrity, being a man of your word, even if it costs you. Character is not bought. It is built through a lifetime. So who are you when no one is looking? Strive everyday to build what is inside the walls of your frame for it will spill over into the world. And the world is a better place with you in it.

Who is Your Hero?

Today there was a Veteran's Day Ceremony at the school I worked at. Different men and women stood up telling us when and where they served our country. Reminding us that, "Freedom is not Free."A teacher stood up at the end with her precious elderly father by her side, holding his hand. Through her tears she told us that her father... was her Hero. The man covered his sweet brave face choked up by his daughters words and honor. Tears were shed and deep appreciation for all those people who have served our country and fought for our freedom. The kids lined up and one by one shook their hands thanking them for all they do. SO simple, yet so meaningful.

So who is your hero? Who has made your life a little brighter, sweeter. Have you told them what a difference they have made in your life? That you appreciate them? Tell them today :)

A hero is one who kindles a great light in the world, who sets up blazing torches in the dark streets of life for men to see by. - Felix Adler

Childhood Memories

I have fond memories of our childhood. My mom would plan these tea parties for the neighborhood kids. We'd dress up in grown up clothes and eat at a decorated table in our backyard. My dad would take us sledding at Van Dyke park while mom would be waiting for us with hot chocolate and warm blanket. She'd pull of our wet mittens and warm our hands by the heater. I remember running through the sprinkler in the summer and playing house in our playhouse my dad had built for us. I remember our family camping trips, waking up to the smell of bacon and my dads's crazy music. I remember our Easter picnic's in the park, finding painted eggs we had just painted the night before. And driving around in our big blue van singing Bee Baba Lula and Country roads. You cant buy these memories for all the money in the world! They are treasured in my mind and cherished in my heart forever.

Your children will not remember their fancy clothes and expensive toys. Their fondest memories will be the ordinary days you made so splendid for them and the time you spent together. It doesnt cost a penny to create a memory for your children ... only love.

There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air is softer and the morning more fragrant than ever again. - Elizabeth Lawrence