God Speaks!

Earlier this week I happened to have some down time with two full days at home buried under 12 inches of snow with icy roads and blizzard conditions. Gotta love Iowa in December! That being said, it gave me a chance to slow down and open up a good book. This was a book that was so thoughtfully given to me as a Christmas gift by two very special girls (college students/graduates) who are currently sharing my home for a season. The book is called The Heart of A Woman Who Prays by: Elizabeth George. It's about drawing near to the God who loves us. 

It's a beautiful book with so many good nuggets - quotes, scripture and a checklist on "how to" pray... including timing, posture and place - praying for specific needs and praying intercessory prayers on behalf of others. As I was reading this book, one of the checklist items for prayer was to memorize Psalm 23. I often think of this psalm as something that is only recited at funerals. I recall hearing it often but not really listening to the words. This time, I listened with a different set of ears. This time, I was reminded that by immersing myself in these sacred truths, my worries would be decreased. There are 12 very powerful, life-changing, worry reducing promises here:

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

1The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.

2He makes me lie down in green pastures,

he leads me beside quiet waters,

3he restores my soul.

He guides me in paths of righteousness

for his name’s sake.

4Even though I walk

through the valley of the shadow of death,^a

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

5You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

6Surely goodness and love will follow me

all the days of my life,

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.

I have been ministering lately to several people whom God has placed in my path, one being a mom with 2 year old triplets (one of whom was just diagnosed with brain cancer). I often ask myself on really tough days, "Am I really equipped to do this?" Then, God speaks to me in a gentle voice, 

"Precious daughter of mine, do not be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."  Isaiah 41:10  

How comforting it is to hear this. It soothes my soul and reminds me that I don't have to do this alone. We are called to obedience through His word  and in our obedience, we are free and blessed beyond measure. He equips us with everything we need. All we have to do is fall to our knees and ask. For He is the vine and we are the branches. Apart from Him, we are nothing.

*****************************************

Today, in church, God spoke to me again; this time through my pastor's words about of all things - The Good Shepherd. He included Psalm 23 in his message this morning. How divine! When you allow yourself to meditate on the word, God speaks! Clear your mind, open up the word and listen. God is who He says He is.

My notes from Pastor John Fuller's message

Sunday, December 23rd 2012
Prairie Lakes Church

You can't hear God when your ears are plugged because you are counting on your own will to control your life. You are not in control. You are not your own healer. You have to open up your heart and open up the word if you want to hear God speak. If there is an area in your life where you are not being obedient, then you are listening to other voices and letting other things speak into your life. Every time you take a step of obedience,  His voice gets clearer and the others get more faint. Jesus says, "I am the Good Shepherd and the sheep know Me by my voice." Jesus says, "I never run away when trouble comes." God didn't eliminate the wolf in the story about the sheep. The wolves will come. Trouble will be part of the equation. The reality is that we live in a fallen world - sin soaked, sin stained world. The world needs Jesus. Jesus is the only One who can take something evil and bad and bring peace to the situation. We the church, have been commissioned to gather together and to be the hands and feet of Jesus in dark places and to bring light to others. Amen? Quit following substitute shepherds (money, other relationships, pride, envy, self medication, gambling & other addictions etc). He says, "I've got you and I'll never let you go. I love you so much that I will lay down my life for you." Stop fighting this Jesus. He is ALL in. Are you?

For more on the current series at Prairie Lakes Church and to watch online, go here:

Current Message series called: I AM

I am - The Good Shepherd
I am - The Light of the World
I am - The Resurrection and the Life
I am - The Gate
I am - The Vine
I am - The Way, The Truth & The Life
I am - The Bread of Life

Out of FUEL

This is a deeply personal post for me and by writing it out, it gives me a release of energy that is healing to my spirit.

The devil came after me on Thursday and I let him get the best of me. This came in the morning, the day after I felt a nudge by the Holy Spirit to forgive someone. No sooner than I had forgiven a person that had been on my heart for over a year now, when BAM! The enemy attacked from a different angle. I know now, looking back, that I was out of fuel and I was not ready for the challenge of the attack. I let myself get run down earlier in the week with too many things that I was trying to manage and simply ran out of fuel. Instead of putting my trust in my Heavenly Father, I tried to handle it all on my own. 

There are 3 things that I am fiercely passionate about: 

1. My children and their well being.   
2. Injustice
3. And most important, my personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 

All three of these came under attack last Thursday and it took me from being a lamb to roaring like a lion in about 2 seconds. Instead of walking away, I engaged. I engaged with others who are non-believers. Those who are not Christians. Those who have some warped idea of who Christians really are. I was made fun of for "pretending" to be a Christian on Facebook. For being that "little Jesus girl". But, this is no joke. My God is not one to be "placed on a shelf" to be pulled out on Sunday. No way! I live for Him every day.

It made me question the way I portray my life outwardly to others. Do I portray my life as always full of rainbows and butterflies? It is not. I have so much joy in my life and I want to share it with others because there is nothing that brings greater joy than when you open up your heart and the Holy Spirit begins to show you the plan that God has for your life. At the same time, the road is not always easy. We are humans with beating hearts and when we start to follow Christ, sometimes the enemy strikes. Asking for forgiveness gives us the ability to let it go, like a helium balloon. It's important to remember, not to try to fight or engage with the enemy. God fights the fight for us when we put our trust in Him.

"Cast your cares on the LORD 

and he will sustain you; 

he will never let the righteous fall."
~ Psalm 55:22

There is some misconception from others that Christians are perfect people. But, we are still human. I am still human. I am me. I still get angry. I still have pain. I still hurt people. I say mean things and I fail Him every day. The difference is, that I am made whole again because I live in Him and He lives in me. 

I am standing in my truths today. Some days are harder than others. My truth on Thursday was not pretty. My truth today, is one of clarity, of joy and a profound knowledge of who I am in Christ and who He is in me.

A friend pointed me to this today from Proverbs 31 Ministries. She knew it was a perfect fit to help heal my heart and to remind me that I am seeking the approval of God and not the approval of other people.

"Today I will be a woman who quiets my heart & mind at the throne of God. Instead of replaying the words of others, I'll meditate on His Word. I'll follow God's instruction, despite how much it might go against my human desires. And I'll trust that He knows best."

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

~ Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

Stay tuned for some ways to stay FUELED so that you are ready for what God has for you. 

Blessings,

Dana

Fun Upcycled Yard Sale & Thrift Shop Finds!

Found this grapevine wreath at a yard sale for 25 cents with some not so pretty 1982 ribbon. Ripped it off and added my own embellishments for $10.

Found this hanging wall basket for 25 cents at the same yard sale with some old and dusty ivy greenery. Pulled it out and added some sunflowers and berries for a fall wall decor for $9.

Here are some Mason jars I found at a local Goodwill for cheap. I saw this idea on Pinterest.

Directions:

1. Cut burlap strips and wrap them around the jars using spray adhesive.

2. Tie a bow around the jar with ribbon.

3. Use coated picture hanging wire to wrap around the rim of the jar to create a loop for hanging.

4. Add sand at the bottom and votive candles.

5. Light them up!

6.  Hang them in trees in your backyard for a cozy ambiance and elegant look!

This one is fun and practical! I bought this large canvas years ago thinking I was going to attempt to freehand paint a tree branch. Ha! I'm not a painter! Sooooo, I bought some fabric that I liked and used spray adhesive to lightly coat the canvas. Wrapped it and secured it with staples on the back. Voila! Change it out according to the season for a different look!

For another Christmas idea, I painted some wooden letters and secured them with ribbon (another Pinterest idea). Then, added it to the fabric canvas.

Then I took the spring ones that I had hanging over my sofa and added holiday fabric, some painted wooden letters and secured them with velcro. Tah! Dah!

Ok, this one was a fabulous find! I found this piece of fabric at a thrift shop for 75 cents. I'm NOT kidding! It was a longer piece and it seems as thought it may have been a custom made dust ruffle at some point. It already had red tubing trim around the bottom so I cut it to fit the window, added curtain rings and hung it in my bathroom.

Another thrifty idea for curtains - These are actually table cloths that I found for $6 each at Marshall's. LOVE Marshall's and TJMaxx! Trimmed the bottom, bought some curtain rings and hung these in my dining room. If you need extra weight on the bottom, try hemming a few pennies along the bottom to get them to hang the way you want.

8 Ways To Be A Happier Mom

8 Ways To Be A Happier Mom

Check out this link:

http://shine.yahoo.com/team-mom/8-ways-happier-mom-140600431.html

Celebration of Life & Vigilance for the Missing

Today is July 18th, 2012 and today we are celebrating our 4 year old, Ayden, who has brought so much joy and depth to our lives over the last 4 years. He all but came out smiling and has been smiling ever since. He is bright, spirited, entertaining and filled with love for his friends and family and always shows it with hugs and kisses. I can't imagine my life without him and feel so blessed that God allowed me to do this one more time. I cherish each new day and try not to take one single day with him for granted. 

At the same time I am writing this, there are two other families who are missing their little ones today and my heart aches for them to find a resolution to this mystery. I can't imagine what they must be feeling as today marks Day 6 of their intense searching. In a town way too close to our home here in Iowa, two little girls (cousins) are missing after taking an innocent summer bike ride last Friday, July 13th. Their bikes were found but no trace of the girls. I was there on the scene the next morning as only one of 200 initial volunteers searching cornfields and bean fields close to where the bikes were found. As I was driving into the small town from a major highway, I could see dark clouds. I turned down my radio and began to pray. I knew I was driving into a storm, literally and metaphorically. I can tell you that it is one of the most heart wrenching feelings to be trudging through a muddy cornfield with stalks taller than yourself and wondering what you might come upon as you walk.  After 2 full days of volunteer searches, the officials decided to drain a nearby lake turning up nothing. As I have watched this story transpire over the internet and national media, the one thing that amazes me above all, is the strength of the families through faith in God by their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Too many people have speculated about events of their past and slammed them for not being emotional "enough". Through all of it, they are not shaken. It breaks my heart to read these things but then I smile and think, THIS is the picture of what it means to turn it all over to God and to walk by faith and not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

So that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men (human philosophy), but in the power of God. 

~1 Corinthians 2:5

Colossians 2:5

 2 Timothy 4

I'm praying that these children will be found and returned safely to their families and that God will wrap His arms around these families and comfort them through the worst of days and in the days to come.


I know that I'm squeezing my children a little tighter tonight. ~Dana

Are You Barely Hangin' On?

Is your head hurting? Are you so tired that you can barely keep your eyes open some days? Is the silence deafening? Or, is it just too loud and you can't turn it off? Faced with fear, do you go inside yourself? When you put out one fire do you then smell the smoke of yet another? Maybe life is requiring too much work and you’re slipping backward. Do you wish someone would just stop the ride so you can get off? Is the confidence you receive from your wordly support just not strong enough? Is there someone or something in your life that is sucking the life out of you? Well, let me tell you, I have been where you are. Maybe you’ve been hurt and you’re holding on to a grudge. Maybe you’re mad at God because you feel He has failed you in some way. Maybe you are pouting. Maybe you have a rebellious heart. Maybe you’re just plain stubborn. Maybe you rely on tangible or concrete evidence before you “buy”.

I know I’ve always hated being told what to do. I always want to do things MY way! Then I get fighting mad when it doesn’t work out and I look at the path of destruction that I’ve left behind me.

Friends, let me tell you, God answers prayers! Maybe you’ve heard all of this before but you haven’t heard it from me. I have watched Him do some amazing things in my life in 2011 and more specifically in the last two weeks. I know that the transformations that are happening all around me are only because I surrendered to Him and sought His direction. If you’re not quite comfortable yet, with turning it ALL over to Him, then let me pray for you. I know that there are times that I never could have faced the day without my dear friends and others lifting me up.

Maybe it’s been a long time or maybe you’ve never actually spoken to God. That's ok. As your friend, I want to see you prosper in the New Year. I want for you the clouds to be lifted so that you can see the Light and have clarity about the future that He has planned for you. How can I pray for you today?

Send me a personal message and let me know specifically how I can pray for you. This is my gift to you in the New Year.
dmoersfelder@yahoo.com

I’m not afraid of what some people will say. There are doubters and that’s ok. I'm not writing this blog to change their minds. But there are also those who need help and who are too afraid to ask or don’t know how to take the first step. Maybe you just need for God to soften your heart so you can feel His presence and hear His voice.

Here is a start if you want to pray on your own…

Meet me here today, Lord. Here in this moment. Heal me, Lord, from the inside out. My spirit is sick from worry and stress. Show me the way back. Wounds ignored for too long need Your healing touch. Mend my brokenness and remove my self doubt. Help me to release my worries to You as they take hold of me. These anxieties keep me from embracing the life that You have planned for me. Sometimes it is difficult for me to ask for help and to admit my weakness. I am empty now. You see the places of my heart and my life that I hold back from the world. My soul is weary, and I want to give my burdens over to You. You have plans for me to prosper and not to be harmed. Reveal to me my direction. I have run far from heaven's reach. I have pushed the boundaries and shoved away Your love. Lord, give me guidance and wisdom and help me to persevere even though there will still be dark days ahead. Give me confidence and security to replace my weaknesses. Help me to be quiet and listen for Your voice. Shine Your light on the way that I am to go. I am ready for a change. Transform me and teach me Your way. Examine my new paths so that they may be pleasing to You. When I lose sight of my goal, show me Your perspective and lead me to examine my heart at every turn. Free me from my past, Lord, and draw my attention back to the life in front of me. Show me how to be patient, willing and open. Help me to remember to return to You rather than wordly things for You are my ONLY refuge. I will watch for evidence of Your power in my life. I know that You love me. You are faithful and Your spirit soothes me. You are the King of kings and I put my faith and trust in You.

               Amen

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart

have multiplied; free me from my anguish.

Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins.

~ Psalm 25:16-18

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven;

a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot...

a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance.

~ Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

Do you React or Respond?

I love this article that was forwarded to me by a friend after our MOPS meeting last week. I'm hoping to see this speaker in person at the Hearts At Home conference in November.

Do you React or Respond?

Hearts at Home helps you...

...Make proactive parenting decisions, rather than "knee-jerk" reactions.

...Decrease financial stress by learning how to maximize your family budget.

...Increase your confidence as a mom when you move from feeling overwhelmed to being an intentional leader of your children.

Raising Adults - From Orange Parenting

A must read...


http://www.orangeparents.org/raising-adults/

"Orange" Parenting

Remember the idea of "Orange Parenting" that I've touched on before in other blogs? This is the idea that by combining the light of the church and faith community (yellow) with the heart and leadership of parents and a caring family (red), we will make a greater impact on our children than either influence alone.

With the change of seasons in the air, what better time than to create some rhythms with your children? Let's face it, time is moving fast and it's limited.

According to the book Parenting Beyond Your Capacity by Reggie Joyner and Carey Nieuwhof, which incorporates the Orange Factor, "Rhythm in your home actually shapes your family values". This was definitely true in my home growing up.

In the book it states that:

 Rhythm sets certain expectations and eliminates others. It establishes what is acceptable and what is not acceptable. The rhythm in your home determines what gets talked about and what doesn't get talked about. Things that become part of the daily rhythm, whether transactional or truly meaningful,  become things that our families will come to believe are most important. Rhythm silently but significantly communicates value.

Some of us grew up in a home where going to church and God was not part of our rhythm. For some of us, God was part of our Sunday rhythm but like fine china, He never showed up on any other day. These rhythms or lack of, have taught us what is valuable and what is not. As adults, some of us struggle with the inability to cope with the trials of life because of rhythms or lack of healthy rhythms during our childhood. Don't we want to write a better story for our children?

I came across this blog entry from orangeparents.org and it is such a sweet idea for getting into a rhythm at night by starting the tradition of asking about their favorite part of the day.

http://www.orangeparents.org/favorite-things/

And here is another one. If your house is like mine, there are at times, three TVs going with various sports and kid's shows, an Xbox, two computers, and cell phones with every app from Angry Birds to weather updates to baseball scores, to Facebook and Twitter updates. We are ridiculously "plugged-in"....or are we?

http://www.orangeparents.org/how-to-abandon-your-family-without-meaning-to/

Remember that everything doesn't have to be right in you or about you before you can be a positive influence in your children's lives. Your kids already have a front-row seat to your life. The question is, what are they watching? What if you were a parent turning in a brand new way to Christ’s love and you were able to give your son and daughter a front row seat to the grace of God? I bet your kids would never forget the change they see in you. And you could one day tell them how it happened.

 Here is a prayer:

Heavenly Father,

Help prepare our minds and hearts for the requirements of what it takes to "tune-in". Help us to know what is useless, that we may not give unnecessary energy, and to know what is worthwhile, that we may acquire strength through the power of truth.

Amen.

Crafting - Fall Wreath

Recently, I have found myself spending hours daydreaming on a website called http://pinterest.com/. Seriously, don't go there...it's HIGHLY addictive! So, I found this idea for a fall wreath on Pinterest which took me back to a blog spot called http://brightboldbeautiful.blogspot.com/. I'm really not sure who originally made this wreath but I would like to give her props because it's just beautiful! Here is the original picture I found on Pinterest.

And here... is my version that I made for about $45. I was pretty cost conscious although I'm sure if I shopped around I could make it for even less.

I saw wreaths at Hobby Lobby that were simply made from fall leaves and berries that were priced anywhere from $40 to $120 and they were not near as unique. You can do this! Seriously, you can!

Dana


And here is another idea:

Banner (their version)

I'm guessing it says, "HAPPY HALLOWEEN".



And here...is mine.

"FALL"

• Burlap
• Twine
• Scrapbook paper
• Spray Adhesive
• Ribbon
• Paint

Parenting Beyond Your Capacity

As the dog days of summer are here and the new school year is approaching, I smile at the warm memories from the last few weeks. What a fabulous summer; full of vacations, pool time, bon fires and staying up late; oh, and potty training my last little one before he starts preschool in a few weeks. He just turned three but I was beginning to think he would still be running around in diapers in Kindergarten!

I’ve been feeling like such a failure with this one. My other two children started daycare at a younger age and it seemed easier as they followed the other little ones in their class like good little ducklings. I really didn’t have to do much here at home when it came to potty training. It was just part of their daily routine. That was just it, routine. Now, here I am at home with this one and failing miserably at potty training. This “Mommy” thing seems a lot harder when you’re the only one being the teacher. I have a whole new respect for daycare workers. There are just those who are gifted in that area. What we have been lacking here at home is routine. I also couldn’t figure out how to incorporate potty training with four hour car trips here and there and all over the state of Iowa and Wisconsin. But frankly, I was truly just not ready to do the work.

Father, give me the help that You have promised to those who ask it, that I may overcome my fears and go bravely forward.

Fill me with courage, that nothing which is my duty to do, may be too hard for me. Let me put my trust in Your power and goodness.

It’s amazing what prayer and some re-focus can do when it comes to completing a task. I admit I needed help! I’m not the most goal oriented person. I admire those who are.

So, with the busy summer I haven’t thought much about the fact that my little one is starting preschool in a few weeks. It brings a tear to my eye while at the same time a feeling of excitement about what’s ahead. I also feel a sense of nervousness that in a few weeks he will be influenced by people that I do not yet know and other children whose parents I do not yet know. Did I mention that I have control issues?

Up until this point I have been the one to choose who my little one plays with and where his influences come from. I’m so nervous about how others will influence my little guy. I’m reminded that I must put my whole trust in the One who is writing a bigger story for him. Let’s face it there are just some areas where we as parents are not skilled; whether it’s education, health, or athletics. Enter the Orange Factor. This is covered in a wonderful book for parents called Parenting Beyond Your Capacity by: Reggie Joiner & Carey Nieuwhof.

The color, red, represents the unconditional love of the family. The color, yellow, represents a light that comes from a larger community of faith. According to the book, "When those two influences combine efforts to influence a child, the results are transformational. “When you think Orange, you see that two combined influences make a greater impact than just two influences (mom & dad).”On page 32, it states “We use the color orange to symbolize what it means to parent beyond your capacity. It is just one way to visually remind parents why they need other influences in the lives of their children. If you trust someone else to help teach your daughter math, you are thinking Orange. If you depend on a coach to show your son how to throw a football, you are thinking Orange. You are tapping into another influence besides your own to make a greater impact.”

Well, this puts things in perspective. The idea is one of balance; parents being the permanent influence and others (teachers, coaches, etc.) being temporary influences but still critical to your child’s overall development.

One day last week in getting ready for nap time with my little one he pulls out a book from his shelf and of all ironies it’s a book about a raccoon who is going off to school for the first time, sad to leave his mommy and scared of the unknown. It’s called The Kissing Hand by: Audrey Penn.

It’s such a sweet story about a special way for the little raccoon to carry his mommy’s love with him to school every day. After the story is finished, my little Ayden rolls over on his pillow, puts his little hands together and says, “Thank you God”. How precious that he recognized that it was a tender moment that needed to include God. In that instant I am reminded that I am a permanent influence on him whether good or bad, and here at home with me is where it begins. I am also reminded that I am called to widen my circle of influence on my children and must put my trust in Him to help provide a community that will help me parent beyond my capacity.

Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you.

1 Chronicles 28:20

Tucked Away...

Moms,

I came across this blog re-posted by a childhood friend on Facebook this morning and it brought back some sweet memories. It is especially good for mothers of daughters and I wanted to share it too. Thanks Amanda M!

http://devotions.proverbs31.org/2011/06/where-did-the-time-go.html

When our kids are young and in the season of life where they are so dependent on us, isn’t it hard sometimes to see the future and focus on what the end result will look like for our kids? Some of us are just surviving the day; sometimes, even the hour. I have a daughter who is now 19 and in her first year of college and I ask myself often, “Where did the time go?”

The most recent sermon series at our church this month is about Family-Breaking Bad Habits, Creating Healthy Rhythms and Finding a Place for God. As I sat and listened to our pastor on Sunday talking about creating healthy rhythms, I found so much to be true. Our family was not a church going family when my daughter was young. I was a single mom for many years and was definitely in survival-mode for most of her life. I did have faith though and that was the only thing that I held on to during those years. I tried often to teach my daughter that God is the only answer and to value the person that God created her to be. Sadly, I made faith my last resort more often than my first and I definitely was not connected to friends nor did I have a sense of community. One thing that really struck me to be true from Sunday is, “what you pour into your children WILL come back out one day”.


I watched my daughter go through the hardships of her teenage years and make choices of her own free will and it was hard at times not to throw up my hands and walk away. Some friends, even family members would say that I should have (just walked away). I watched her make choices based on her insecurities and wanted her to value herself more than I valued myself at her age. It is all a part of growing up but it's that balance of the push and pull that is so hard on a mother.

Today, I sit and watch her making grown up decisions about her life and what I see is her turning to her faith to help her make those decisions. Words from me throughout the years, that I thought went unheard were indeed tucked away somewhere in a little pocket of her heart. She brings them out every now and then and it’s a beautiful thing. It makes me think though, wow, I'm going to need some EXTRA help with my two boys. I need the help of not only God, who is forever out front leading the way, but, also the help of other wiser moms who can pour truth into my kids and help give me a different perspective as a mother; one that maybe I haven't thought of before.

I've been so blessed to have found my local mom's group called Café Mom. It is a place for moms (mostly of preschoolers) where the creation of healthy, authentic relationships with other moms happen. It's a place where I feel like I can be more transparent without being judged. I've made connections with some pretty awesome women; moms like you and me, who need a little refuge. It's refreshing to hear someone say, "It's ok, I've been there".

“You’re beautiful from head to toe, my dear love, beautiful beyond compare, absolutely flawless.” Song of Solomon 4:7b

In the early years it may seem like your kids just aren’t “getting it,” but be not discouraged, moms, these truths are tucked away for safe keeping and will come pouring back out again one day just at the right moment ; all in God’s perfect timing .

To watch videos on the current sermon series (Family) from Prairie Lakes Church click here:

http://www.prairielakeschurch.org/media-center/default.aspx

Easy Crafty Father's Day Gifts You Can Complete By Tomorrow!

Here are some last minute ideas for Father's Day gifts. These will really tug at dad's heart and you don't have to be super crafty to do this.

• Pick up these wooden or cardboard letters at Hobby Lobby or Michael's. Take some snapshots of the kids and upload them to Walgreens. You can pick them up in the store within an hour or so. You can also purchase a frame similar to this one at Walgreens, Walmart or Hobby Lobby.

We love these books and dad will too!

• This one is especially sweet for fathers with sons. Copy and paste this poem into a Word document. Print it out on pretty paper. Add a footprint of your little one/ones using a black ink pad and frame it in an 8x10 frame. It doesn't have to be fancy, the words are what mean the most. My husband enjoys his by his desk at work.

Walk a Little Slower Daddy

"Walk a Little slower, Daddy." said a little child so small.

I'm following in your footsteps and I don't want to fall.
 

Sometimes your steps are very fast, sometimes they're hard to see;

So walk a little slower Daddy, for you are leading me.

Someday when I'm all grown up, You're what I want to be.

Then I will have a little child who'll want to follow me.

I would want to lead just right, and know that I was true;

So, walk a little slower, Daddy, for I must follow you.

Um...how cute is this?!?

I Heart...

This Website:

http://pinterest.com/danacarolm/pins/#

No road is long with good company. ~Turkish Proverb

Lately, I've been forced to get focused on my health. I had my gall bladder out in March and at the same time found out that my blood sugar was high and my triglycerides were through the roof. I have a long history of heart disease and diabetes in my family and I'm well aware that I must begin making better choices if I am to live a long, healthy life. My mom gave me a stack of Prevention magazines last year and they've been sitting on a shelf collecting dust. The last few days have been beautiful outside in the 70's and 80's with a cool breeze and I've cherished the moments under the shade tree in my adirondack chair watching my son Ayden play in his sandbox. The timing has been perfect to pick up those magazines and get more educated about my health. I realized after reading several articles that I have 4 out of 6 risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. Great! (Enter sarcasm here) There are only a few things I'm actually doing right. #1- I eat breakfast every day. #2 - I get at least 7 hours of sleep every night, usually more like 9 hours. #3 - I go out with and get together with my friends often.

It turns out that consistently throughout articles in Prevention, it is stated that for women, having close friendships with other women is key to a healthy and long life. In Prevention November 2008, in the article Power Up Your Health by Richard Laliberte, it states that relaxing with friends reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, reduces the risk of heart disease and lowers your risk of diabetes. In that same issue there is an article called Surprising Signs You'll Live Longer by Sandra Gordon. Along with eating purple food, if you are a flourisher (meaning you have a positive outlook on life) and if you spend time with friends, you will live longer. According to Micah Sadigh, PhD, good interpersonal relationships act as a buffer against stress. Knowing you have people who support you keeps you healthy, mentally and physically. You need friends you can talk to without being judged or criticized, Sadigh says.

It's important to surround yourself with positive people who can lift you up and share in your joys and your sorrows. A friend recently invited me to an exercise class twice a week that is challenging to me in so many ways. I had been complacent with exercise but just by gathering up a few more friends and all going together, it has made the challenge a whole lot more fun. We encourage each other, struggle with one another and laugh at one another when it gets too intense.

Don't we all want to live a long, healthy and joy filled life? Along with being filled with the Holy Spirit, you also need to be the friend to others that you would like to have. Get together with them often and fill your cup of longevity.

So what is the recipe for relationships?

According to Micca Monda Campbell, when you mix together love, sacrifice, loyalty, and freedom, you can create an intimate friendship that lasts a lifetime. Check out her blog below...


http://devotions.proverbs31.org/2011/02/a-recipe-for-relationships.html



Friendship Quotes

Friendship isn't a big thing - it's a million little things. ~Author Unknown

A true friend is one who thinks you are a good egg even if you are half-cracked. ~Author Unknown

A friend accepts us as we are yet helps us to be what we should. ~Author Unknown

In my friend, I find a second self. ~Isabel Norton