What a week! Lows, highs, disappointments, encouragement...............and the list goes on and on. Can't reveal too much, you never know who's looking, hahaha. Sneaky people, shame on you!!! This is my blog and I should be able to put on it what I want to, right? Well you never know when it's gonna come back to bite you in the buttock.

Enough said about that. You get the point, don't you?

I want to share with you a reading that I found while doing my devotions this week. It really spoke to me. It comes from Daily Guideposts 2009.

Scripture first: .....A time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.
Ecclesiastes 3.2

You sow seeds every day whether you know it or not.
Some plantings grow to be food for the soul:
the songs you sing aloud or hum in silence;
the kind words you speak to those with aching hearts;
the prayers that live within you.

Some plantings can crowd out the lettuce and the lilies:
weeds that plant themselves and settle in, like hurtful words carelessly spoken.
These must be plucked up.

The planting and the plucking up are two parts of one thing--
you are the sower; God is the grower.
The harvest is one whole and holy soul.

Dear God, I confess that I sow and reap both joy and pain as I walk through life. I trust that You can make a thriving garden of my plantings.

I so needed that reading this week and it has meant so much to me. I hope you will benefit from it also.

With Love,
Donna

What a weekend!!! Lets start with Friday.......it was a day of shock, a day of confusion, a day of sadness, a day of joy, a day of rejoicing.

Friday, one of my very best friends lost her job : ( I was sad for her, hurt for her, how much more could she take? Another blow that she didn't need. You see, she had lost a child to Trisomy 18 in October and returned to work in late December and Friday, as I said, lost her job. WOW! I ached so much for her and wondered what's next?

Friday evening I attended a Women's Conference at this same friend's church. What a great time. The Lord was surely present. My friend spoke at the conference about her loss of "Johanna" to Trisomy 18. She praised God for her blessing, yes her blessing of "Johanna." She spoke of how this had changed her life and of how a ministry called "Johanna's Gift" had been started in remembrance of her little girl. This ministry will reach out to other mothers who are expecting a child and are in need of guidance and baby supplies.

I knew after she spoke that my friend was indeed going to be just fine. God is working in her life in a huge way. God has bigger plans for her. I could not entirely see that earlier Friday, but clearly I do see it now. Praise God!!

The keynote speaker at the Women's Conference was Carol Kent. She was awesome. She was a christian lady who had/has trials and tribulations in her life, she was someone that you could relate to. As she told her story it touched my heart as a mother. I am not sure that I could have made it through what she had faced as a mother, but she has!!! and she praises God for that. You see God has a plan for each of us and though there are times that things get in the way or things happen that we don't understand why, if we will relinquish all to God, he will show us his plan in a marvelous unexpecting way.

I have been through many trials in my life, don't we all have these? One particular trial ripped me apart. I ALLOWED this trial to rip me apart. I was sinking quickly. I was hurting by an action that someone had done to me. I believe that God sent me a special friend to help me through this trial. She listened and encouraged me. She shared her faith. She taught me to forgive. She helped me to relinquish all to God. I could never have made it through this trial without her, my family and most of all God.

When others hurt us we must forgive them as God forgives us of our sins, our mistakes. If we don't forgive them, how can we expect God to forgive us? There are times that I find it hard to forgive. I carry the hurts with me for days, sometimes weeks and sometimes even longer. But
once I relinquish all to God, things get better.

Romans 12: 20-21 "If you enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Praising God for special friends, family, forgiveness and his unconditional love.

Donna

Busy!!!

This is the busiest week I have had in a long time, I'm tired. Thank goodness it's Thursday. For the first week in I can't remember when, we do not have an afternoon off from work. Of course this comes at a bad time for me because I have so much going on at church. (I suppose that's a good problem to have.) Month end reports, year end reports, W2's, 1099's, contribution reports, Finance Meeting tonight, Admin Council meeting on Sunday, shhhuuueeee weeeee!!!! I wills survive, I hope : )

I am looking forward to Friday and Saturday - I am attending a Women's Conference at my friends church. Carole Kent will be the main speaker. However, my BFF, will be speaking first on Friday night - she will share her story / blessing about her daughter "Johanna Raye." Johanna Raye was born with Trisomy 18 and lived 63 glorious minutes. Johanna Raye has touched so many lives and continues to do so. Praise God!

I look forward to this meeting and I am in much need of this time - to share, to laugh, to hug, to praise our God and so much more.

Live, Laugh, Love
Donna

Haiti.....

I am quite sure that most of you have heard about the earthquake in Haiti. It is so sad and I hope that you will keep Haiti in your prayers. I was reading "Kelly's Korner" blog this evening and she gave directions for donations to the Red Cross and Compassion Disaster Relief. So simple that I wanted to share with you, in hopes that you might be interested.

"There are many ways you can donate - an easy way is to text "Haiti" to 90999 to give $10 to the Red Cross. It will be on your next phone bill. OR you can text "disaster" to 90999 to give $10 to Compassion's disaster relief program."

Yup, it's that simple. I did it in a matter of moments.

Praying for Haiti.......................

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I have a nephew who is 11 years old. He is a little small for his age and always has been. When my nephew was younger, my boys would ask him "What do you want to be when you grow up?" They taught him to say "bigger." That has been an ongoing thing between them over the years. During Christmas when we were all together, they once again ask him "What do you want to be when you grow up?" And as usual he said "bigger."

That question got me to thinking about myself. Here I am an adult with grown children and am I who I want to be when I grow up? My answer is "No." Most people make resolutions at the New Year and yes I have before - with failure.

This year I do not want to fail, I want to become a better me! A better me in different ways. I have goals that I intend on reaching.

I want to become closer to God; by reading the Bible more, by studying the Bible more, increasing my prayers, and although I go to church 99% of the time, I want to get more out of church, which requires me to be a better listener. I need to have an open mind and open heart.

I want to of course lose weight, exercise at least 3-4 times a week. I have done this before and I know that exercise makes you feel better, physically and mentally.

I want to do more for others. Support our local Burke United Christian Ministries, support the Back Pack Friday program at a local school for children who don't have food other the weekends. And in any way that God leads me.

I want to start saving money and stop wasting money. I want to buy out of need and not out of desire. (Although I really want a new TV so I can get my exercise program under way at work)
I am learning to use coupons and shop wisely. Today I used coupons at the grocery store and saved $26 dollars. I was so proud. I did it and it felt good. That leaves me more money to use in ways to help others.

I want to be a better wife and mother. Be more understanding and patient. Our family is very close and I do want to keep it that way.

And a biggy ...... I want to stop being a procrastinator. This is gonna be a tough one. (hehehe)

I WANT TO BE A BETTER ME!!! So, I am on my way.........

Live, Laugh, Love
Donna

It's time : (

Well friends, I am gonna do it today. I am finally and hesitantly taking down my Christmas tree. I do not like taking down my tree because I love looking at it, I love the memories that are hung on my tree and I love the lights. I never take my tree down this early, but I am going back to work Monday after being off for 1 1/2 wks and I hate the thoughts of spending next weekend taking the tree down. Ugh!!! It's like saying goodbye to an old friend (see you in a year). Well maybe I will wait until later......NO! there is no time like the present. Yes I will and can do this today.

I had an awesome Christmas and so far the new year as started off with no drama, no action, no sadness (who am I kidding, yes there has been sadness, but not much) no stress (lol). Just maybe this year is going to be calm, fulfilling, smooth (again LOL) and one of the best that I have had in a while. It could always be worse, right? RIGHT!

Ok, I have put it off long enough. I must and get the tree down.............

Happy New Year my friends and God Bless!
Live, Laugh, Love
Donna

Is it time?

I am off from work this week and trying to catch up on some things. Today I am pondering if I should take down my tree. It is time to take it down, isn't it? Nay, I think I will leave it up until tomorrow. I love the lights (just like a kid), so I need at least one more day. When it comes to taking the tree down, I am a procrastinator. One year I left my tree up until February and boy did the family make fun of me. So, let me have one more day with my tree and I promise to take it down tomorrow.

At church this past Sunday we had our Christmas children's program - it was awesome! They were so cute and funny (in a good way). We even had a live baby Jesus, well for most of the program. When he got tired of being the center of attraction he had to be replaced with a toy baby Jesus.

During our church service we have been having a "Discipleship Moment." This week a gentlemen in our church shared this: At a school in our community there are approximately 200 children that leave school on Friday and never have anything to eat until they return to school on Monday. GASP!! I had no idea. This news breaks my heart (tearing up). So, along with another church in our community we are starting "Back Pack Friday," which means that these children will be supplied with a back pack full of food for the weekend. Food will be gathered through out the week at both churches, then on Thursday night volunteers will gather and fill the back packs with donated food. I love the idea. What a great way to help those in need.

So, Sunday night I went to Wal Mart and to the Dollar General Store and purchased food. I was so excited while shopping, knowing that I was going to be helping a family in need.

Helping and giving to those in need as God would have us to do - it is such a privilege and a joy. I am thankful that I can help with this and excited that our church is involved.

Hope everyone has a good week!

Merry Christmas

My evening was spent with my hubby, my parents, our boys and their girlfriends. We had a great evening together. We had soup and salad for dinner and then we gave presents out. Everyone was excited, talking, sharing stories - it was wonderful. I am very appreciative of my gifts, but one particular gift stands out in my mind.

The hubs and I purchased new Bibles for our boys and their girlfriends (which I will refer to as our girls from here on out). We choose the NIV Men's and Women's Devotional Bibles for them and had their names put on them. We choose this particular version because it is the version they use in their Sunday School class.

The Bibles were wrapped so they had no idea what the gifts were. We had them to all open the gifts at the same time. They were so excited and pleased with the Bibles and I was overwhelmed with their responses. (tears, tears) It's not that I didn't think they would appreciate the Bibles, I just never considered how MUCH they would appreciate them.

I was thankful for the evening spent with my family, but most of all the gift of overwhelming joy I received in my heart to see those faces when they received their Bibles. Oh the joy of giving!

Praise God for our blessings. My cup overflows. My God, our God is an awesome God. I am thankful for the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the price he paid to save us from our sins.

Happy Birthday Jesus!! Merry Christmas everyone!

YAY! we have 8 inches of snow at my house. I can not express how excited I have been!!! I don't usually get to play when it does snow because I am always at work..... but this time I was off Friday afternoon and because its the weekend, I have played and played. Last night the hubby, our boys and their girlfriends went sledding. It was so much fun. Today I was up early riding the tractor with the hubby while he cleared our very long drive way. Of course we had to clear some of the neighbors driveways also. Then off with the boys to ride 4 wheelers. We rode on the mountain behind our house. The views from the mountain side were absolutely beautiful. I love the snow! We have built snowmen, made snow angels and through snow balls. Since the wind has started to blow and because I am pooped, I think I will stay in for a while and take a much needed nap.

It's been a great snow day!

Snow

Finally, it's snowing here! I am sooooo excited!!!!! I love the snow. Now if I could just get out of work and go home to play. YAY!!!!!

Have you noticed.........

....in the grocery stores there are boxes or bags of food for you to purchase for around $5.00? That food is given to those in need and who are less fortunate than you or I. I personally enjoy purchasing one or two each time I get groceries. It makes me feel good that I am helping someone in need, that I am giving as God would have me to do. Also, it's the mystery of giving to someone I don't know. It's the blessing of sharing, not only food, but God's love.

If one of you has money enough to live well and sees a brother or sister in need and refuses to help - how can God's love be in that person? 1 John 3:17

I am not saying that I am a wealthy person, but I am blessed with a job, food, family and a home. I hope during this season when you go to the grocery store and you see those boxes or bags of food, that you too will purchase and share God's love with others.

Live, Laugh, Love
Donna

Thank goodness, today is a better day. I am drowning in paperwork, but at least today is a better day. It was foggy / rainy / cold this morning, but at least today is a better day.

For this I am thankful!!

Monday, ugh!

How can someone who chewed your "arce" up one side and down the other on Friday for something you had absolutely nothing to do with, expect you to be happy to see them on Monday? Two days away did not cure my hurt feelings. Lets just do the job and go home, okay? OKAY!

LOL

The hubby and I have been married for 30 years, yes I married young. Anywho, we bought a farm very early in our marriage, which had a nice (hehehe) ranch style house. Ever since we moved there I have always wanted to put a deck on the backside of our house. When we had kids I really pushed the issue. The hubby, of course, saw no need for a deck and I was always told we didn't have the money (which in truth we didn't). As the kids grew I pushed the deck issue. I could see MANY uses with this deck involving the kids and when we had people over for cook outs. I tried being forceful...........I want a deck for the kids and I to play on!!!! Again and again the hubby said NO! (only of course because he didn't want a deck). There were even times that we had petty arguments about this deck.

Now, our kids are grown and moving on with their lives, so not much use for a deck now. I actually gave up on the deck about 8-10 years ago.

SURPRISE! We are getting a deck, so I was told yesterday. WHY NOW?? I don't know. I explained to the hubby that I didn't want a deck now, the reasons for wanting the deck are now gone. And he said.......but honey you have always wanted a deck. I have ordered the lumbar already.

At this point all I can do is LOL!!! He just doesn't get it, but that's ok, better late than never. LOL, LOL, LOL, LOL

Finally....

My computer has been down and quite frankly so have I. Finally, I have my computer going. The problem was simple, but I so dreaded the time of calling tech support where you hold and hold and hold. Eventually I found the time and it turned out to be a 15 min conversation, yes really, that's all. I was so surprised myself. BUT, it took hours to reboot and download. But I did it all by myself. I am so proud.

Now for me - I am tired, frustrated, excited about Christmas, missing my friend, finally sleepy a little better, ill, have a sinus infection, thankful that God loves me, feel like I am not getting what I need from church, thankful that I have a job, too busy, have no patience, headaches again, very fortunate to have a wonderful husband and boys. So do you get it? I am a MESS, but loving life.

TGI Wednesday!

I am sooooo glad that it is Wednesday and that I am off from work Thurs and Friday! YAY!! I have not had good days in a while. Some my fault, some other peoples fault. But things are looking up. Tomorrow family and friends (minus Jim and Jennifer) are coming to my house for Thanksgiving Lunch. I am excited about this. I look forward to being together - talking and laughing, sharing stories (old and new), not to mention the food. This is my day to eat whatever I want and how ever much I want.

I just need to breathe, slow down, sleep, relax and rest, which is exactly what I intend on doing over the next few days.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Ever felt like the needle in the haystack that no one can find???

Just thinking........

Weekend Wrap Up

I would love to tell you that my weekend as been great. Truth is Friday's crappy day flowed on into the weekend. I was hoping for a great Saturday and Sunday, but nahhhh, no such luck. So I can honestly tell you that I am ready for Monday. Ready to be back at work and hoping that Monday is going to start out differently, better. It just as too. I am drained from all the other junk. Need to smile, laugh and just have a normal day. No more fussing, no more arguing, no more crap. I tired................

I have had a crappy day. People have tested me to my limit. Yeah I have feelings too, yeah I get hurt just like you, yeah your remarks piss me off too. But being me, means that I have to be the perfect person - no feelings, being perfect, following the rules, waiting on someone til they are ready, not matter how long I have to sit and wait, my time is not important. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!! Looking for better days~!

It's Friday..............

so why am I not in a good mood? I am in such a funk today. I hate feeling like this. Lots and lots of things to be happy about, but noooooo I must feel like crap today. Ugh!!!! My patience, (what patience) are gone today. My nerves are on edge. It's one of those days in which I want to go home, jump in bed and hide.

I need hugs and lots of them. It is tough being a woman : (