I literally feel sick to my stomach.
Today is the day I decided it was time to put the snowman decor' away. I have had it with winter and I need to brighten up the place some.
It's been eye opening.
I have tubs full of things I enjoy decorating our home with:
Spring Tub
4th of July Tub
Easter Tub
Fall Tub
Snowman/Winter Tub
Christmas Tree Decor' Tub
Christmas Tub
I also have miscellaneous items that don't fit in a tub.
Candlesticks
Wall Decor' for mantle
Framed Art
Dried reeds
Garland
I am overwhelmed. Thus, the stomach involvement.
Overwhelmed with:
Guilt
The work the stuff creates
Guess what I figured out...It's bling!!! It's bling for my house. Oh good grief!
More truth...here it comes.
Do not store up treasures...where moths destroy... comes to mind...
Ok, Lord...really? I Google "moths destroy scripture" and up comes Matthew 6:19. So I grab my Message Bible because I really like to see how things are worded in this version.
The first two words are "Don't hoard". I throw up my hands and let out a little gasp and chuckle. I had already titled my blog entry. He hits me between the eyes yet again. He is so good at that. So good at knowing how to get my attention when I sit still long enough to listen.
Oh Amy, still so much to learn, so much to apply, so much to admit.
This chica is thankful for grace. Thankful for His patience.
Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. The Message Mat 6:20
Heaven. Where your treasure will never lose value. No one can steal it.
This sounds heavenly!
Less time on the literal things, items of possession, things on earth. More time with Him, for Him and being about His business.
So...there is a reason He had me initiate the 40 bags in 40 days challenge...it's all becoming more clear.
Is He up to something in you?
Humbled,
Amy
Bag #17 Jewelry drawer in Bathroom
Bag #18 Medicine Cabinet (old makeup)
Bag #19 Christmas Decor
Bag #20 Christmas Tree
Remember...we are working on these 40 bags until Good Friday...you can do it!
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Stinking Thinking
I am trying to get caught up on my magazine reading so earlier this week I took a pile with me to the 130 degree sauna as I am forced to sit still for 30 minutes. I read an article written by a 51 year old gal taking banjo lessons, she wants to add to her skill set. Learn new tricks because it's therapeutic.
It brought my mind back...
For many years in recent history I only had one goal in mind; live long enough to get the boys through high school. That sums up how I felt for about 10 years. I didn't realize how much this thought process has affected my future planning/thinking until a friend about a year ago asked me what my dreams or goals are? I realized I had forgotten how to dream. I had not dared to dream. No new tricks being tried. I was surviving day to day. Appointment to appointment. Laundry and meals...my only "dream" of the day. I never planned too many events during the week and sometimes just getting groceries and the basic errands would set me on the couch the next day. I played the charade well, most didn't know how sick I was; maybe because of the bling, make up, hair gel...etc. Ha! ;) (A side note here...many, many Blessings happened during this time as I pushed through. I certainly wasn't incapacitated.)
I remember distinctly chatting with a friend that I share a birthday month with. She was turning 50, I was turning 40. She looked at me and said, "I have never felt better." I looked at her and just about bust into tears because I had never felt worse!
When I had finally received the diagnosis of Chronic Lyme I was so relieved. Thank you Lord! There is a reason behind this misery, yay! So, let's fix it and move on. Right! Good thing I didn't know the road ahead. This is not a 5 day Z-Pak fix.
Anyway, all of this to say...chronic illness messes with your head. Big time. Makes for stinking thinking and so now it's the uphill retrain.
Think about what you are thinking about! Think less, Thank More; You can think yourself into a bad mood or you can think yourself into a good mood; Deceived Mind - Deceived Life ~ Joyce Meyers
Know the word and you know the truth. Know the word and you can distinguish the lies. Know the word and you know when you are off track. I get lost in my own thoughts far more often than I care to admit.
Check out this link! Great Bible verses on this subject.
http://www.openbible.info/topics/thoughts_and_the_mind
And so the push forward to try new things. Blogging, who'd have thunk? This 45 year old CAN try new things. She can renew her mind and she will. New tricks are to be had. And learning along the way.
Blessings,
Amy
P.S. Bag update!
I received a text photo of a friend that had the back of her van packed with goods to go out the door! Talk about motivation! She asked how many bags does this count for? She decided on 5. Motivated me for sure! 40 bags in 40 days + added days through Good Friday
For my Bags
#9 Donation for Silent auction (yep, another one)
#10 Salvation army--clothing
#11 Salvo--more bags/purses? wow
#12 Salvo--pans, misc unused kitchen items
#13 Salvo--unwanted gifts
#14 Second Hand store clothing
#15 Artificial Christmas Tree to friend
#16 Sweater Dresses to Friend
It brought my mind back...
For many years in recent history I only had one goal in mind; live long enough to get the boys through high school. That sums up how I felt for about 10 years. I didn't realize how much this thought process has affected my future planning/thinking until a friend about a year ago asked me what my dreams or goals are? I realized I had forgotten how to dream. I had not dared to dream. No new tricks being tried. I was surviving day to day. Appointment to appointment. Laundry and meals...my only "dream" of the day. I never planned too many events during the week and sometimes just getting groceries and the basic errands would set me on the couch the next day. I played the charade well, most didn't know how sick I was; maybe because of the bling, make up, hair gel...etc. Ha! ;) (A side note here...many, many Blessings happened during this time as I pushed through. I certainly wasn't incapacitated.)
I remember distinctly chatting with a friend that I share a birthday month with. She was turning 50, I was turning 40. She looked at me and said, "I have never felt better." I looked at her and just about bust into tears because I had never felt worse!
When I had finally received the diagnosis of Chronic Lyme I was so relieved. Thank you Lord! There is a reason behind this misery, yay! So, let's fix it and move on. Right! Good thing I didn't know the road ahead. This is not a 5 day Z-Pak fix.
Anyway, all of this to say...chronic illness messes with your head. Big time. Makes for stinking thinking and so now it's the uphill retrain.
Think about what you are thinking about! Think less, Thank More; You can think yourself into a bad mood or you can think yourself into a good mood; Deceived Mind - Deceived Life ~ Joyce Meyers
Know the word and you know the truth. Know the word and you can distinguish the lies. Know the word and you know when you are off track. I get lost in my own thoughts far more often than I care to admit.
Check out this link! Great Bible verses on this subject.
http://www.openbible.info/topics/thoughts_and_the_mind
And so the push forward to try new things. Blogging, who'd have thunk? This 45 year old CAN try new things. She can renew her mind and she will. New tricks are to be had. And learning along the way.
Blessings,
Amy
P.S. Bag update!
I received a text photo of a friend that had the back of her van packed with goods to go out the door! Talk about motivation! She asked how many bags does this count for? She decided on 5. Motivated me for sure! 40 bags in 40 days + added days through Good Friday
For my Bags
#9 Donation for Silent auction (yep, another one)
#10 Salvation army--clothing
#11 Salvo--more bags/purses? wow
#12 Salvo--pans, misc unused kitchen items
#13 Salvo--unwanted gifts
#14 Second Hand store clothing
#15 Artificial Christmas Tree to friend
#16 Sweater Dresses to Friend
Friday, February 14, 2014
Box of Chocolates
Ups and downs and give and take...
This quote taken from the Valentine's card from my hubby. Yep it happens in marriage and life.
And so it goes this life on earth. I posted on Facebook last night the famous quote from Forrest Gump;
"Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get." Ups and downs, hills and valleys, disappointment and joy...
Maybe you have bitten into a delectable looking chocolate and then realize you landed the orange cream one. Blah! My face scrunches up thinking about it! My boys used to squish the little chocolates before mouth entry to make sure it wasn't a dreaded cream one! It was a great thing when Russell Stover started labeling the cover of the boxes with corresponding flavors. This was not fool proof either as there had to be rules followed with this...leave the wrappers in place after eating to save the spot and do not tip, shake or bump the box!
You never know what you are going to get. And to think we think we can control this thing called life when we can't even control our chocolates!
I have so many topics I want to cover in my blog. It's all over the place. Maybe that makes it interesting.
There has been a strong tugging on my heart to start sharing with you my Lyme journey. I think I will sit down and figure out a strategy for this. Too much is too much information. And yet, I so want to help others. My original title a year ago for my blog was Blessed by Lyme! So, stay tuned...
Will someone let me know if they are doing the 40 bags in 40 days besides my girlfriend that is selling everything in her house on eBay except the kitchen sink? You go girl!
I need some motivation from all of you. I see in my calendar that I should be on bag 19 today and have only done 8 officially. Time to get back to work. I started a book about Minimalist Wardrobe and I about had a stroke! That is taking it too close to my bling! hehe
Ok, better go and get beautified for my date tonight.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Enjoy your chocolates...even the camouflaged ones...nuggets with nougat instead of caramel....
Blessings,
Amy
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'Cause I bring out the best in you, and you the best in me -- Another great line from my card today!
Sunday, February 9, 2014
This Bling Thing
I want to chat about Bling for a bit, since this is part of my blog title.
But first what is this thing called bling?
Merriam-Webster Dictionary online says that the first known use of the word bling was in 1999.
noun: : flashy jewelry worn especially as an indication of wealth; broadly : expensive and ostentatious possessions
The Free Dictionary
an adornment (as a bracelet or ring or necklace) made of precious metals and set with gems (or imitation
gems)
The Online Slang Dictionary says it is used as an adjective, interjection, verb, and noun;
using definitions like: High class, fancy, flashy, expensive, to be wealthy
http://onlineslangdictionary.com/meaning-definition-of/bling-bling
I like bling. I have a lot of bling. Or what I classify as bling. (Most of my jewelry does not fit into the precious metals or gems category, however.)
I find it a bit concerning thinking about the above definitions.
Oh no, here it comes again...the truth.
1 Peter 3:3-4
Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.
Adornment.
But first what is this thing called bling?
Merriam-Webster Dictionary online says that the first known use of the word bling was in 1999.
noun: : flashy jewelry worn especially as an indication of wealth; broadly : expensive and ostentatious possessions
The Free Dictionary
an adornment (as a bracelet or ring or necklace) made of precious metals and set with gems (or imitation
gems)
The Online Slang Dictionary says it is used as an adjective, interjection, verb, and noun;
using definitions like: High class, fancy, flashy, expensive, to be wealthy
http://onlineslangdictionary.com/meaning-definition-of/bling-bling
I like bling. I have a lot of bling. Or what I classify as bling. (Most of my jewelry does not fit into the precious metals or gems category, however.)
I find it a bit concerning thinking about the above definitions.
Oh no, here it comes again...the truth.
1 Peter 3:3-4
Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.
Adornment.
: the act or
process of making someone or something attractive by decorating
: something added to make a person or thing more attractive
When I started this entry yesterday I had no idea that this was going to be so difficult. Bling; it's my hobby, big deal I thought. It's fun, harmless. And yet I kept walking away, avoiding...this IS hitting me where it hurts. I mean, really. I have spent a lot of time reflecting...
So I started digging deeper. The verse I quoted above is spoken to wives. 1 Peter 3:1b-2 ...so that even if some [husbands] do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. We are talking about winning our husbands for the Lord; jewelry and nails aren't the ticket.
It's about your:
1. Inner disposition/beauty
2. Gentle, quiet spirit
3. Respectfulness
4. Self-control
5. A changed life
This is what will get his attention. I am able to say that yes, yes this works...from experience. I will spare you the gory details, but it was I that needed to change. I am still a work in progress.
Anyway, I don't believe the above scripture means we are to become frumpy or stop caring for our outer appearance, but the bulk of our attention should be given to our inner beauty.
(And this surely applies to all of us married or single as we affect those around us.)
I had no idea this entry was going in this direction. I guess the Lord did though. He is forever taking me places I would just as soon ignore. Ha! Sense of humor that guy has! So...who is this blog for...me or you or Him?
To Him be the glory for saving the gory and those with bling,
Amy
PS. I had someone ask the other day about the 40 bags in 40 days challenge.
Let's keep at it and extend it through Good Friday.
40 bags...means a bag of any size of something to throw, give away, sell, donate, or re-purpose. A bag can be a grocery bag, a big black garbage bag, a baggie. The whole purpose is to start looking at our stuff and dealing with small spaces at a time...a drawer, a closet, desk, room...
You can do it girlfriend! Check out previous posts for ideas.
5. A changed life
This is what will get his attention. I am able to say that yes, yes this works...from experience. I will spare you the gory details, but it was I that needed to change. I am still a work in progress.
Anyway, I don't believe the above scripture means we are to become frumpy or stop caring for our outer appearance, but the bulk of our attention should be given to our inner beauty.
(And this surely applies to all of us married or single as we affect those around us.)
I had no idea this entry was going in this direction. I guess the Lord did though. He is forever taking me places I would just as soon ignore. Ha! Sense of humor that guy has! So...who is this blog for...me or you or Him?
To Him be the glory for saving the gory and those with bling,
Amy
PS. I had someone ask the other day about the 40 bags in 40 days challenge.
Let's keep at it and extend it through Good Friday.
40 bags...means a bag of any size of something to throw, give away, sell, donate, or re-purpose. A bag can be a grocery bag, a big black garbage bag, a baggie. The whole purpose is to start looking at our stuff and dealing with small spaces at a time...a drawer, a closet, desk, room...
You can do it girlfriend! Check out previous posts for ideas.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
The Truth Hurts
Today is hair coloring day. Every time I redo the roots I think, "Maybe this time they will grow back brown!" Hmmm...eternal optimist? Maybe. Unfortunately, I believe my body has used up all of it's allotted hair pigment.
So when I color my hair at home I have an arsenal of tools. My favorite is my tri-mirror medicine cabinet. Without this tool the job would be nearly impossible. The training I received in dental assisting has helped me to work backwards in the mirror! The other tool is an old pair of glasses. I use these so that my new pair doesn't get stained.
Today, I had a humbling realization. I have my old glasses on and am trying to send a text. I can't see a thing. It's just blur. I am like...what's the problem...and then it hits me. Bifocals. Ugh. These glasses don't have that helpful little tool. Really?
The Truth Hurts. It really can sometimes. It can a lot of times. And does. What does it touch inside of me? A belief I have hung onto for so long I thought it was truth? Do I really think I am still 18? Is that such a bad thing?
I think I am on to something here. Truth and the Lies it shatters. And the humility it brings me to.
Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:10
When I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Cor 12:10
The Lord hates haughtiness. Prov 6:17
This is a deep subject. One I will continue to explore.
I like The Message version in 2 Corinthians.
My grace is enough; it's all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness.
Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness...I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.
I have experienced this. It is glorious. For me, it takes an overabundance of concentration and complete emptying and most likely on my knees or laying prostrate before I can humbly hand it over. Admit my weakness. Quit trying to act like everything is OK. Give up handling it on my own. Accept the truth of not being in control or needing to be. He's got this, He's got me and weakness is good.
Imperfect me right down to the "clear hair" and bi-focals. And truth be told...I am behind on the bag a day challenge...
Blessings to you my friend,
Amy
So when I color my hair at home I have an arsenal of tools. My favorite is my tri-mirror medicine cabinet. Without this tool the job would be nearly impossible. The training I received in dental assisting has helped me to work backwards in the mirror! The other tool is an old pair of glasses. I use these so that my new pair doesn't get stained.
Today, I had a humbling realization. I have my old glasses on and am trying to send a text. I can't see a thing. It's just blur. I am like...what's the problem...and then it hits me. Bifocals. Ugh. These glasses don't have that helpful little tool. Really?
The Truth Hurts. It really can sometimes. It can a lot of times. And does. What does it touch inside of me? A belief I have hung onto for so long I thought it was truth? Do I really think I am still 18? Is that such a bad thing?
I think I am on to something here. Truth and the Lies it shatters. And the humility it brings me to.
Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will lift you up. James 4:10
When I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Cor 12:10
The Lord hates haughtiness. Prov 6:17
This is a deep subject. One I will continue to explore.
I like The Message version in 2 Corinthians.
My grace is enough; it's all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness.
Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness...I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.
I have experienced this. It is glorious. For me, it takes an overabundance of concentration and complete emptying and most likely on my knees or laying prostrate before I can humbly hand it over. Admit my weakness. Quit trying to act like everything is OK. Give up handling it on my own. Accept the truth of not being in control or needing to be. He's got this, He's got me and weakness is good.
Imperfect me right down to the "clear hair" and bi-focals. And truth be told...I am behind on the bag a day challenge...
Blessings to you my friend,
Amy
Monday, February 3, 2014
1,000 Blessings
Happy Monday! Today was tax prep day. If it weren't for the scheduled tax meeting I am pretty sure it wouldn't get done! Deadlines are a good thing.
I am pretty excited that my blog has had over 1000 views! Thank you to everyone that has read and shared! I pray that my writings continue to be a blessing.
I heard from a friend that this "bag challenge" is addicting! Is this a good addiction? I think so.
The lesson I have learned from purging my stuff is that I am going to be very careful with purchases from here on in. What I should start are a list of rules for purchases...hmmm...
Rule #1 Consumable--groceries, lotion, paper products
Rule #2 Usable--Pretty things allowed, but must be functional
Rule #3 Kindle Books when possible
Well, that's a start. Any other ideas?
Bag #7 Christmas cards ( didn't throw...just finally read all of the letters :)
Bag #8 Unnecessary papers in files -- small but fulfilling bag
I am starting to think 40 bags might not be enough...and how did I get so off on this tangent. ?
Fun, fun
God is good and I am blessed,
Amy
Are you in on the 40 bags in 40 days? Start today! Let me know what bags you have filled to donate, throw, or share. It's all good!
I am pretty excited that my blog has had over 1000 views! Thank you to everyone that has read and shared! I pray that my writings continue to be a blessing.
I heard from a friend that this "bag challenge" is addicting! Is this a good addiction? I think so.
The lesson I have learned from purging my stuff is that I am going to be very careful with purchases from here on in. What I should start are a list of rules for purchases...hmmm...
Rule #1 Consumable--groceries, lotion, paper products
Rule #2 Usable--Pretty things allowed, but must be functional
Rule #3 Kindle Books when possible
Well, that's a start. Any other ideas?
Bag #7 Christmas cards ( didn't throw...just finally read all of the letters :)
Bag #8 Unnecessary papers in files -- small but fulfilling bag
I am starting to think 40 bags might not be enough...and how did I get so off on this tangent. ?
Fun, fun
God is good and I am blessed,
Amy
Are you in on the 40 bags in 40 days? Start today! Let me know what bags you have filled to donate, throw, or share. It's all good!
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