12 Days of Thanksgiving Challenge (Via thatpastorguy's blog)

Hey everyone! My hubby wrote this blog and I think that its something that we all should read. So here ya go.....

Ok everyone I wanted to throw out a challenge to you. I titled it the “12 Days of Thanksgiving Challenge”.

But before I describe what it is, I want to explain why.

Ya see, every year on Halloween night the Christmas ads start come on. Then next few days the store are all decked out. Then this year I even heard a radio station that went to ALL CHRISTMAS MUSIC on November 1st. Seriously?

Now don’t get me wrong I love celebrating the birth of Jesus, and I think that should be celebrated at all times of the year with our lives. But that’s usually not what is being offered or even talked about. It’s usually all about shopping, presents, making a Christmas list, Santa, two front teeth, and so on and so forth.

But I think there is a very important holiday that is being passed over. Maybe you guessed it with the title and all, but maybe not.

THANKSGIVING  - Ya know that holiday on November 24th?

Not that I am into Pilgrims and Indians but I am into being thankful. So many times we as typical Americans have this entitlement thing about us and we get more and more ungrateful for the things that we have been blessed with. We tend to look past the people that have helped us get to where we are now. We overlook the little things in life and never stop to be truly thankful for what we have, who we have, and everything in between.

So I present to you “The 12 days of Thanksgiving Challenge”

Sorry for all of you who thought you would get to eat pumpkin pie, turkey, and watch football for 12 straight days. It’s not about that.

What I wanted to challenge you with is for the next 12 days leading up to and including Thanksgiving go out of your way to tell someone “Thank You” but in detail. Thanks them for being the dad you never had, thank them for being there when nobody else was, thank them for _____________________________. You get the point.

So you in?

Come on you know you want to or even if you don’t you hate to back down from a challenge so go on. Make a list of people or just wing it, but for the next 12 days thank someone in detail for all that they have done for you. Wither big or little. Who knows maybe it could make their day, their month, or maybe even their year.

Have fun and remember to thank Jesus for making this all possible.

You can read more of his blogs at http://thatpastorguy.wordpress.com

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

How do you treat the people around you at work? 
If I were to go to your work and ask your fellow co-workers how you act at work, and/or how you treat them and/or customers. What would they say?
Do you think they would have good things to report about you? Or, do you think I would hear otherwise....


"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." (Matthew 7:12)


To sum it up, treat others how you would like to be treated. Please...put your self in someone else's shoes!
No ones perfect! Back when I was pregnant with my daughter, I worked at a credit union in Dallas, TX.
I look back at how I treated some people and I CrInGe! Oooo.... what was I thinking?
Christians, it takes more then being the church on a Sunday morning. Being a christian is NOT easy and we are NOT perfect. Its a day- to- day struggle sometimes. BUT, what are we reflecting to non-Christians when we treat them badly?


I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ. by Mahatma Gandhi.


Once again, Oooooo! That hurts! 

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things". Philippians 4:8

"Do all things without murmuring and disputing". Philippians 2:14

I challenge you to remember these verses. Put your self in someone else's shoes, stop whining, and treat others with respect and see where it gets you. I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised :)

Heres a article I found on some ways to do this:

HOW TO
TREAT OTHERS WITH RESPECT

Treating people with respect makes your world a nicer place to live in, whether it's at home, at school, or out in your community. And it's easy - all you have to do is treat people the way you like to have them treat you. Here are a few ideas.• Don't insult people or make fun of them.• Listen to others when they speak.• Value other people's opinions.• Be considerate of people's likes and dislikes.• Don't mock or tease people.• Don't talk about people behind their backs.• Be sensitive to other people's feelings.• Don't pressure someone to do something he or she doesn't want to do.

We live in a diverse nation made up of many different cultures, languages, races, and backgrounds. That kind of variety can make all our lives a lot more fun and interesting, but only if we get along with each other. And to do that we have to respect each other. In addition to the list above, here are some ways we can respect people who are different from us.
• Try to learn something from the other person.• Never stereotype people.• Show interest and appreciation for other people's cultures and backgrounds.• Don't go along with prejudices and racist attitudes.

Pumpkin Roll Recipe

How to Make a Pumpkin Roll

(cake)
1/4 cup powdered sugar 
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt
3 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup Libby's 100% pure pumpkin
1 cup walnut, chopped (optional)


(filling)
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
6 tbsp butter or margarine, softened
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup powdered sugar (optional) 


Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Grease 15 x 10 inch jelly roll pan; line with wax paper.
Grease and flour paper.

Sprinkle towel with powdered sugar.


Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves and salt into a small bowl.
Beat eggs and sugar in large mixer bowl until thick.  
Beat in pumpkin. Stir in flour mixture.
Spread evenly into prepared pan. (Sprinkle nuts if desired).

Bake for 13-15 minutes or until top of cake springs back when touched. 
IMMEDIATELY loosen and turn cake onto prepared towel 
(Don't forget to sprinkle powdered sugar onto towel before placing cake on it!)
Carefully peel off paper.

Roll up cake and towel together, starting with the narrow end.
Cool on wire rack.

Beat cream cheese (Don't forget to soften it first!) Sifted powdered sugar, softened butter and vanilla extract in small mixing bowl until smooth.
Carefully unroll cake; remove towel.

Spread cream cheese mixture over cake.
(it will spread to one end when you re-roll it, so careful how much you put on)


Re-roll cake, and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least one hour.

Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.


* Make sure to add enough sugar on the towel when rolling up the cake, so it will not stick!
** Make several and freeze for another day:)

ENJOY!

Foreign Language.......????

So there has been something that I have been thinking about ALOT. I want you to think about what I'm about to say.
The area we live in has ALOT of Asians (as well as other races). Everywhere I go I see at least a few of them. I work with a AWESOME Christian Korean women at my work and I have a beautiful Korean baby in my class. So when the mom comes to pick up her baby she will sometimes speak Korean to my co-worker about the babies day.
Its quite interesting sitting there not knowing A THING that's being said and trying to come up with my own interpretation... lol! 
So how many times are we like this to non-Christians around us? We (Christians) sit around and talk to our "brothers and sisters" about what God is doing in our lives, at church etc... BUT are we speaking in our own "christian language"? Do non-Christians know what were talking about? Or do they feel like me at work?

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 says "¹⁹Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. ²⁰To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. ²¹To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. ²²To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. ²³I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."

A few years ago when I was a youth pastor we had a Masters Commission group come to our youth group to speak and do dramas. The youth group we had at the time was 95% "non-church" kids. When the speaker got up to speak he started talking about the Holy Ghost and getting saved and all these (yes wonderful things) but I don't think they realized that alot of my kids had NO clue what they were saying! It was like they were speaking some different language.
We need to start thinking about the people around us. How can we reach the people at our work who have NEVER stepped foot into church. Or the cashier at the gas station with purple hair, tattoos and piercings??? 
BE ALL THINGS TO ALL MEN SO THAT ALL POSSIBLE THINGS MIGHT SAVE SOME!

Twelve Audacious Faith Confessions

This morning I went to church in my p.j.s.

My son was sick with the flu yesterday and my hubby and brother were going to a Indianapolis Colts game today. So my hubby and I plugged the computer into the t.v and logged onto www.elevationchurch.com.

Pastor Steven Furtick was talking about the book
 "Sun Stand Still" that he wrote.
It was just recently released to the public. 

They showed some video clips that go along with the book. In one of the videos he talked about praying scripture over yourself every morning. He encouraged us to post faith confessions on our bathroom mirrors, at our office, in our cars, where ever we would see them in the morning. Then to pray/confess these over our lives every day!
I personally am very excited about this challenge. 
Here they are for you to see. Print them out, post them, pray them over you and watch what God does in your life!
(Oh, and go get the book "Sun Stand Still")!

_____________

Twelve Audacious Faith Confessions 

1. I am fully forgiven and free from all shame 

and condemnation. 

Romans 8:1–2; Ephesians 1:7–8; 1 John 1:9 

2. I act in audacious faith to change the world 

in my generation. 

Joshua 10:12–14; John 14:12 

3. I have no fear or anxiety; I trust in the Lord 

with all my heart. 

Proverbs 3:5–6; Philippians 4:6–7; 1 Peter 5:7 

4. I am able to fulfill the calling God has placed 

on my life. 

Exodus 3:9–12; Psalm 57:2; Colossians 1:24–29 

5. I am fully resourced to do everything God has 

called me to do. 

Deuteronomy 8:18; Luke 6:38; Philippians 4:13 

6. I have no insecurity, because I see myself the 

way God sees me. 

Genesis 1:26–27; Psalm 139:13–16; Ephesians 5:25–27 

7. I am a faithful spouse (if you’re single, you 

can slip futurein there) and a godly parent— 

our family is blessed. 

Deuteronomy 6:6–9; Ephesians 5:22–25; Colossians 3:18–19;   

1 Peter 3:1–7 

8. I am completely whole—physically, mentally, 

and emotionally. 

Psalm 103:1–5; Matthew 8:16–17; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 

1 Peter 2:24 

9. I am increasing in influence and favor for the 

kingdom of God. 

Genesis 45:4–8; 1 Samuel 2:26; Acts 2:37–47 

10. I am enabled to walk in the sacrificial love 

of Christ. 

2 Thessalonians 2:16–17; 1 John 3:16; 4:9–12 

11. I have the wisdom of the Lord concerning 

every decision I make. 

2 Chronicles 1:7–12; Proverbs 2:6; Ecclesiastes 2:26; James 1:5 

12. I am protected from all harm and evil in 

Jesus’ name. 

Genesis 50:20; Psalm 3:1–3; 2 Thessalonians 3:2–3 

Hear. Speak. Do. 

Creating your Own Artwork From a Blank Canvas

I hear people say all the time how they can't afford to buy artwork for their home 

or that they can't find anything they really like. 

Why not create your own?

It's one of my favorite things to do. 

So how do you do it? It's quite easy. Start by buying a blank canvas/'s. You can usually get blank canvas's in any size at craft stores. I usually get mine at Hobby Lobby, watch their sales ad's b/c they will go on sale for up to 50% off! 

Once you get your canvas's decide what it is you would like to do. Below are some examples of artwork I've made for my home. 

Sample 1: I simply painted the canvas yellow, and then I added vinyl art (Uppercase Living is a great company! They have lots of different sayings, shapes, etc. You can even have some custom made!)

Sample 2: Once again I painted the canvas the color I wanted and then added a metal letter to the canvas. It can be a little tricky. But I simply screwed it in from the back into the canvas. Make sure its not too heavy!

There are endless possibilities of things you can come up with! You can glue spoons and forks on them for cute artwork for a kitchen. Or glue fabric or scrape booking paper to them:)

Have fun!

Check out this "Tip of the Week"!

I was talking to a friend of mine recently and we were discussing packing lunches. I was saying how there isn't containers little enough for stuff like ketchup, salad dressing, etc. and then she gave me this idea:
Use plastic travel bottles!!

They're cheap and the perfect size!
I got one for me (pink of course) and one for my hubby (green) at walmart for less then a $1 each!
Put a label on them, you can carry them in your purse too! What the perfect idea! Thanks Amanda!
*****Anyone have any practical tips please feel free to comment on my post for us all to see:)

Why kiss the feet of the people who kick you? When you can be anything you want to?

I was in the car taking my daughter to school today and they wanted to listen to Superchick on the way there. 
We always like to jam on the way there to get pumped up for the day:) lol

This song came on and I knew I had to post it for you all! You can be any thing you want to be! Too many times we let the voices of others block that. I was once told by someone that I wouldn't be a good pastors wife! I say shame on you! 

 Proverbs 18:20-21 says this about that:

“A man’s stomach shall be satisfied from the fruits of his mouth; from the produce of his lips he shall be filled. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” 

Don't EVER put down someones dream, vision or calling! 
God is BIGGER then what you think. 

If God has called you to do something. GO FOR IT! :)

Believe in yourself. If that is what your supposed to do then you wont be able to get away from that calling. Everywhere you go, you'll be constantly reminded of it! lol... Trust me, I know! 

So be encouraged that you are someone special! Its NEVER to late to pursue your dream!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-goGUFT35c

**** Here are the lyrics to that song

Hey, Hey (superchick)

Some people you can never please
You might as well just let them be
They mock everything not their own
From their imaginary throne
But I won't bow down,
even if the whole world thinks I'm crazy

So hey hey, this song is for us
So put your hands in the air
if you're crazy like us
Hey hey
Hey hey, that's freedom you hear
Comin' right to your ear,
that's the sound from our bus

Hey hey

Why try to be like someone else
When you can only be yourself?
No one can sing the song you do
Be true, be legendary you
So I won't sell out,
even if the whole world thinks I'm crazy

Why kiss the feet of the people who kick you
When you can be anything that you want to?

"Open the Door" song release available on iTunes!!!

I have an amazingly talented friend named Eimi Hall.
This is the first time ever that Eimi Hall will have a song available on iTunes for download! It will be THE best 99 cents you've ever spend!
If you like the sound of Jennifer Knapp then I think you will love her sound!
Check her out!
www.facebook.com/eimihall

Welcome!

I am so excited about this blog. On here you will find design tips for the home, working on a budget, thoughts about being a mom, wife and serving in the ministry, and so much more!

I want to open with this:

Psalms 139:13, 14

"13You alone created my inner being. You knitted me together inside my mother.

14I will give thanks to you because I have been so amazingly and miraculously made. Your works are miraculous, and my soul is fully aware of this."

*** All my life I've always been different. I'm not an athlete, nor do I claim to be one. I am not a gorgeous super model. I have freckles and I'm not super thin. 

Growing up I thought that these were the things that would make me special and accepted. I have found this not to be true!

God has created us all for a purpose, and he has a plan for each one of us. We all have different giftings and talents, thats what makes this world such an amazing place! 

Remember this the next time you feel intimidated by someone else's giftings, or beauty. YOU were made different for a reason! God created you to be and look the way you are for a purpose. I say embrace it! And I close with that..... EMBRACE your differences!

and "Don't just be different, make a difference!"