Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Sometimes I like the Easy Route
Monday, May 21, 2012
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Deep thoughts... and shallow moments!
Ahhh so the week has arrived -- high stakes testing week in Louisiana. I was nervous, then I got over myself and just put it in God's hands. I have done my job. We can only work with what we get. We only have so much influence, and so many hours in the day. Many of my friends have sent messages of encouragement, I think they know how pressurized I generally feel this time of year (lol!). No matter what happens though, I know, that at the end of the day, I have poured myself out for my students.
However the most important message I got this week, was from my sister, and it was something my MUCH older, lol, and wiser brother in law had shared with Kim. This is NOT the test that tells us if we get into heaven or not... Wow! He is right. This is not the most important test in the world. This test is a small measure of some 'successes, and even in some cases where it may look like a failure, if you take a good look at what they came to us with, we will see growth. However it does not measure maturity, it does not measure kindness or patience, it does not even take into account life issues that children have dealt with. It is just a measure.
I am so glad that Kim shared Bryan's statement with me. It was a "lightbulb moment" for me. It reminded me, that we are working with little humans, not just numbers. And most of all, it reminded me to trudge ahead this week, and try to use an extra dose of patience, kindness, and gentleness in the classroom, as I know these littles are feeling the weight of "the test." Father God, as always, open my eyes, that I may see your plans more clearly....
Whatever your "tests or trials" are this week, I pray that you remember that there is a bigger test in life... and if we fail, in the way we treat people... all other tests really don't matter much! Peace
However the most important message I got this week, was from my sister, and it was something my MUCH older, lol, and wiser brother in law had shared with Kim. This is NOT the test that tells us if we get into heaven or not... Wow! He is right. This is not the most important test in the world. This test is a small measure of some 'successes, and even in some cases where it may look like a failure, if you take a good look at what they came to us with, we will see growth. However it does not measure maturity, it does not measure kindness or patience, it does not even take into account life issues that children have dealt with. It is just a measure.
I am so glad that Kim shared Bryan's statement with me. It was a "lightbulb moment" for me. It reminded me, that we are working with little humans, not just numbers. And most of all, it reminded me to trudge ahead this week, and try to use an extra dose of patience, kindness, and gentleness in the classroom, as I know these littles are feeling the weight of "the test." Father God, as always, open my eyes, that I may see your plans more clearly....
Whatever your "tests or trials" are this week, I pray that you remember that there is a bigger test in life... and if we fail, in the way we treat people... all other tests really don't matter much! Peace
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Beautiful Things
You make beautiful things, you make beautiful things out of the dust... You make beautiful things, you make beautiful things out of us....
I really love that song right now, it reminds me that God will finish the good work he started in us. I haven't written in a while. Around Christmas time I began feeling sort of pressed in and pushed down by the world. I went through a rough spot where I just got complacent. That's really not a great place to be, and oddly enough
a message from an athiest friend is what reminded me that I needed to get myself right with God again. We can run, but we can't hide from God's love.
Makes me think of Saul/Paul in the bible. I love how God took a man who once persecuted Christians, knocked him off his horse and gave him new vision and purpose...That's what I'm praying for these days: New vision and purpose.
In 1 Cor. 9:19-23 Paul states: 19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To 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. 21 To 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. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
I'm not sure that I have made myself "slave to everyone" but I feel like it's a direction that I should be heading. I want to live like that... to do ALL THIS for the SAKE of the GOSPEL, that I may SHARE in its BLESSINGS.
Father God, let me run the good race and let me not grow weary. Focus me on your plans and purposes. Save me from my selfish pride, teach me your ways. Renew my spirit, and let things oppose your work in me, melt away. Most of all, thank you, for never giving up on me. I trust you in all things. Amen
I really love that song right now, it reminds me that God will finish the good work he started in us. I haven't written in a while. Around Christmas time I began feeling sort of pressed in and pushed down by the world. I went through a rough spot where I just got complacent. That's really not a great place to be, and oddly enough
a message from an athiest friend is what reminded me that I needed to get myself right with God again. We can run, but we can't hide from God's love.
Makes me think of Saul/Paul in the bible. I love how God took a man who once persecuted Christians, knocked him off his horse and gave him new vision and purpose...That's what I'm praying for these days: New vision and purpose.
In 1 Cor. 9:19-23 Paul states: 19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To 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. 21 To 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. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
I'm not sure that I have made myself "slave to everyone" but I feel like it's a direction that I should be heading. I want to live like that... to do ALL THIS for the SAKE of the GOSPEL, that I may SHARE in its BLESSINGS.
Father God, let me run the good race and let me not grow weary. Focus me on your plans and purposes. Save me from my selfish pride, teach me your ways. Renew my spirit, and let things oppose your work in me, melt away. Most of all, thank you, for never giving up on me. I trust you in all things. Amen
Thursday, August 4, 2011
New Arrivals, Great Goodies
Got lots of cute pink/brown travel systems, plus a precious red and pink one too (there's a pic of this one below!); Also have a few walkers, a musical winnie the pooh one $26, and a 2-in-1 one for $26; but also have 4 cheaper ones that are a little more basic for $20 to $16; A cute Eddie Bauer Pack & Play with a mobile, music and a night light $35; Also some Exersaucers, Bumbos, and a Jeep Side by Side Double Stroller for $38.50, An aquarium 2 way cradle swing and a few more swings too, including precious Graco Brown/Pink one with mobile....
Monday, June 13, 2011
I could've got more out...
I love the movie Schindler's List. In my opinion it is one of the best movies ever, right up there with To Kill A Mockingbird. I love it because it shows that even amongst the most extreme evil, there is still good at work. To understand what's going on, Mr. Schindler creates a "business" where he needs workers and he buys these workers for his factory by bribing various ppl in the Nazi heiarcy. In essence he buys these ppls lives, because their job at the factory saves them from facing death in the concentration camps. My favorite part of the movie, where I always find myself drenched in tears follows.
Stern (one of Schindler's workers) steps forward and places a ring in Schindler's hand. It's a gold band, like a wedding ring. They created the ring from gold that came from fillings in their teeth and various other means. Schindler notices an inscription inside it.
STERN: It's Hebrew. It says, 'Whoever saves one life saves the world.'
Schindler slips the ring onto a finger, admires it a moment, nods his thanks, then seems to withdraw.
SCHINDLER: (to himself) I could've got more out...
SCHINDLER: (to himself) I could've got more... if I'd just... I don't know, if I'd just... I could've got more...
STERN: Oskar, there are twelve hundred people who are alive because of you. Look at them.
SCHINDLER: If I'd made more money... I threw away so much money, you have no idea. If I'd just...
STERN: There will be generations because of what you did.
SCHINDLER: I didn't do enough.
It always moves me.... stirs me deep within. It's the point where I stopped throwing obscene amounts of God's money away at retail stores. And that instead of the days where I'd go get my hair cut and colored 4 times a year for $125 a pop, I cut back to just twice a year and really not even that. I remember so clearly getting dressed one day looking in the mirror taking an hour to put on make up and fix my hair just right and I almost became ashamed of myself as it was vanity in a way I had never seen it before. There was a time when I spent more time on dressing myself than I did on praying and talking to God. Where I would spend $85 on a pair of jeans and not even give it a thought.
But then it washed over me, all of this and people are still dying. And when I die, will Jesus say, "Jill, I blessed you with money and a good mind and a body which could work, and you spent it all on you and yours." I know many well-meaning, good christians who would say, "God wants us to enjoy what he's given us." Of course, of course he does, I'd never argue that. But I get tired of "fluffy lovey lovey" stuff all the time. Jesus was hard-core and I want to be that way. And I want to find ppl who believe that way because I need them to raise the bar in my life. I want to be challenged and I just don't want to think that I was buying even a $40 shirt and people are starving bc they have no money. This all came back to me today as I was on the eliptical trainer watching some advertisement thing where they were showing children in Africa STARVING... not just hungry but starving.... tears streamed down, not bc I pitied them, but because I am ashamed that I have forgotten the things that God had once revealed to me so clearly.
And today, I recommit to being less me focused and more kingdom focused. I commit to spending more time in prayer, and using ALL of the resources God has given to me wisely... God has given us everything and so many of us make excuses not to tithe or do what God places on our heart but today, I'm going to work towards that tenacity and perseverance that the disciples talk about. I want to truly be more like Jesus. I don't want to settle and I don't want to appease myself with halftruths... because the truth of the matter is, is that we are building up his kingdom or we are tearing it down. Father God, thank you for revelations in my life, thank you that you have different revelations and standards for us all, and no one can decide the path another should take... thank you for your word in Ecclesiastes that says "There is a greivous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt." ... I don't wanna be that way Father God.... mold me, change me, make things clear. Amen
Stern (one of Schindler's workers) steps forward and places a ring in Schindler's hand. It's a gold band, like a wedding ring. They created the ring from gold that came from fillings in their teeth and various other means. Schindler notices an inscription inside it.
STERN: It's Hebrew. It says, 'Whoever saves one life saves the world.'
Schindler slips the ring onto a finger, admires it a moment, nods his thanks, then seems to withdraw.
SCHINDLER: (to himself) I could've got more out...
SCHINDLER: (to himself) I could've got more... if I'd just... I don't know, if I'd just... I could've got more...
STERN: Oskar, there are twelve hundred people who are alive because of you. Look at them.
SCHINDLER: If I'd made more money... I threw away so much money, you have no idea. If I'd just...
STERN: There will be generations because of what you did.
SCHINDLER: I didn't do enough.
It always moves me.... stirs me deep within. It's the point where I stopped throwing obscene amounts of God's money away at retail stores. And that instead of the days where I'd go get my hair cut and colored 4 times a year for $125 a pop, I cut back to just twice a year and really not even that. I remember so clearly getting dressed one day looking in the mirror taking an hour to put on make up and fix my hair just right and I almost became ashamed of myself as it was vanity in a way I had never seen it before. There was a time when I spent more time on dressing myself than I did on praying and talking to God. Where I would spend $85 on a pair of jeans and not even give it a thought.
But then it washed over me, all of this and people are still dying. And when I die, will Jesus say, "Jill, I blessed you with money and a good mind and a body which could work, and you spent it all on you and yours." I know many well-meaning, good christians who would say, "God wants us to enjoy what he's given us." Of course, of course he does, I'd never argue that. But I get tired of "fluffy lovey lovey" stuff all the time. Jesus was hard-core and I want to be that way. And I want to find ppl who believe that way because I need them to raise the bar in my life. I want to be challenged and I just don't want to think that I was buying even a $40 shirt and people are starving bc they have no money. This all came back to me today as I was on the eliptical trainer watching some advertisement thing where they were showing children in Africa STARVING... not just hungry but starving.... tears streamed down, not bc I pitied them, but because I am ashamed that I have forgotten the things that God had once revealed to me so clearly.
And today, I recommit to being less me focused and more kingdom focused. I commit to spending more time in prayer, and using ALL of the resources God has given to me wisely... God has given us everything and so many of us make excuses not to tithe or do what God places on our heart but today, I'm going to work towards that tenacity and perseverance that the disciples talk about. I want to truly be more like Jesus. I don't want to settle and I don't want to appease myself with halftruths... because the truth of the matter is, is that we are building up his kingdom or we are tearing it down. Father God, thank you for revelations in my life, thank you that you have different revelations and standards for us all, and no one can decide the path another should take... thank you for your word in Ecclesiastes that says "There is a greivous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt." ... I don't wanna be that way Father God.... mold me, change me, make things clear. Amen
Thursday, June 2, 2011
bad morning.
today has not started off the way i would have liked. i got up early, left the house at a respectable 6am to workout, drive across town and no freaking access card. i put it in my purse. didn't use my purse, so why isn't it in there??? no idea, so i try to make the best of things, i go walking at mcneese and already i am whining to God. yes i shed tears bc my card wasn't in my purse. why wouldn't i? it's one of the few things that i do, that i love! i planned, i prepared, i put my clothes out the night before. i grabbed my water bottle and my towel and still things couldn't go the way i wanted them to. ouch that hurts.
I am home by 7:30am, still plenty of time for me to turn out that paper due for my class this a.m.
i try to login to blackboard through msu's website and i can't get the site to work. i have tried off and on all night, finally i figure out a way to access blackboard without going through msu. YAY i still have time, i can still do this...
oh goodie, the extra meeting I had with a prof yesterday to MAKE SURE I was enrolled in BB was useless bc it didn't work. so there is no possible way i can do my homework or print out the 20+ pages or so i need today for class.
this is one of those mornings where i totally want to be irresponsible and tell mcneese to shove their freaking degree and certification. i am so tired of battling that place and i know God has allowed me to linger there forever so i can learn patience and to abide in him. but have you ever been at that point where you think "i just can't stand it another day." i hate it all, i hate boring 3 hour classes, i hate the parking, i hate busy work, i hate that they spend $8million on the jocks new workout place or whatever and i can't freaking login to a system that i need to be able to do my HOMEWORK. i hate paying outrageous fees, i hate having to email 4 different ppl to get one answer! i try NOT to hate it, I try NOT to complain about it, but I HATE THAT PLACE and I want to just YELL it at someone, or something. but even if i did, nothing will ever change.
father god, i am all messed up inside this morning and i don't want to be. i don't want to be frustrated, i don't want to feel like this. i don't want to care if I fail this class. and i don't want to feel crappy bc i am whining about working out and mcneese, when i know there are far worse things in this world, i want to not care about worldly things. i feel like i've given up so much, can you please just show me favor here? can u please just change my heart? please...
I am home by 7:30am, still plenty of time for me to turn out that paper due for my class this a.m.
i try to login to blackboard through msu's website and i can't get the site to work. i have tried off and on all night, finally i figure out a way to access blackboard without going through msu. YAY i still have time, i can still do this...
oh goodie, the extra meeting I had with a prof yesterday to MAKE SURE I was enrolled in BB was useless bc it didn't work. so there is no possible way i can do my homework or print out the 20+ pages or so i need today for class.
this is one of those mornings where i totally want to be irresponsible and tell mcneese to shove their freaking degree and certification. i am so tired of battling that place and i know God has allowed me to linger there forever so i can learn patience and to abide in him. but have you ever been at that point where you think "i just can't stand it another day." i hate it all, i hate boring 3 hour classes, i hate the parking, i hate busy work, i hate that they spend $8million on the jocks new workout place or whatever and i can't freaking login to a system that i need to be able to do my HOMEWORK. i hate paying outrageous fees, i hate having to email 4 different ppl to get one answer! i try NOT to hate it, I try NOT to complain about it, but I HATE THAT PLACE and I want to just YELL it at someone, or something. but even if i did, nothing will ever change.
father god, i am all messed up inside this morning and i don't want to be. i don't want to be frustrated, i don't want to feel like this. i don't want to care if I fail this class. and i don't want to feel crappy bc i am whining about working out and mcneese, when i know there are far worse things in this world, i want to not care about worldly things. i feel like i've given up so much, can you please just show me favor here? can u please just change my heart? please...
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Whining to Jesus
So this morning when I left the house, I was listening to AirOne... Earlier this week I had prayed for God to crucify my flesh from earthly things, and WOW I was immediately bombarded with these crazy things. UGH, double UGH! Something I really wanted to happen didn't; something I had worked crazy hard for; just didn't pan out the way I wanted it to... And there it is that empty feeling; and I hate it.
So this time I sort of get it; I know that satan knows how I feel about accomplishing things and that I am works oriented. And that my mind loses sight of order and place sometimes and I lose my head and think that I can do things in and of my own self... And when I have literally POURED MYSELF out and I get the RESULTS that I have WORKED for but what I want to happen doesn't happen I'm left feeling pretty empty and worthless.
But this morning; while I had tears welling up in my eyes, just whining my heart out to Jesus, He just simply reminded me of something: Jill, if I want you to have something, you will and if I don't want you to have something you won't. So just TRUST ME! I'm such a fool sometimes, I know to TRUST GOD... Truly I know that. And my heart DESIRES big things; mountains to move actually... And I always wonder how I will get from where I am to literally seeing mountains move, but I guess this is the process, pray and put my faith in the ONLY ONE who has NEVER FAILED ME...
I wish things would be easier, I wish that I knew exactly what God's calling is on my life... In my heart I can feel myself just singing,"If you lead me God, I will follow, if you lead my Lord I will go, come and heal me God, I will follow...."
So this time I sort of get it; I know that satan knows how I feel about accomplishing things and that I am works oriented. And that my mind loses sight of order and place sometimes and I lose my head and think that I can do things in and of my own self... And when I have literally POURED MYSELF out and I get the RESULTS that I have WORKED for but what I want to happen doesn't happen I'm left feeling pretty empty and worthless.
But this morning; while I had tears welling up in my eyes, just whining my heart out to Jesus, He just simply reminded me of something: Jill, if I want you to have something, you will and if I don't want you to have something you won't. So just TRUST ME! I'm such a fool sometimes, I know to TRUST GOD... Truly I know that. And my heart DESIRES big things; mountains to move actually... And I always wonder how I will get from where I am to literally seeing mountains move, but I guess this is the process, pray and put my faith in the ONLY ONE who has NEVER FAILED ME...
I wish things would be easier, I wish that I knew exactly what God's calling is on my life... In my heart I can feel myself just singing,"If you lead me God, I will follow, if you lead my Lord I will go, come and heal me God, I will follow...."
Jack & Jill's Resale; Fabulous Things!
Just got in a precious summer style LSU dress w/bloomers in size 6mo... cute plaid one pc outfits for a boy size 18mo, adorable RL Polo & Gymboree one piece rompers in size 6/12mo; and lots of other stuff too...Also got in an awesome Little Tikes Red/Yellow Grocery Cart, a Step 2 Ride on Motorcycle and sweet, little bassinet style rocker for an 18 inch doll, and lots of other great things!
Oh, and I have a gaggle of Medium and Large Maternity clothes that I'll be putting out today and Monday!
Hope you get a chance to swing by and take a peek! Thanks so much for our wonderful customers; been trying to keep up, but you guys keep us BUSY!!!
Oh, and I have a gaggle of Medium and Large Maternity clothes that I'll be putting out today and Monday!
Hope you get a chance to swing by and take a peek! Thanks so much for our wonderful customers; been trying to keep up, but you guys keep us BUSY!!!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
NEW GOODIES I wanted to share!
Just in ~ lots of Great things!
Powerwheels Barbie Pink Jeep with charger and working battery $30 (retail is $75)
5 Pack and Plays in the store right now
Little People Sets
Vtech toys and games
Leap Frog activity tables
Barbie Piano
Nice Cherry Wood Changing Table
2 Pink and 1 Purple Bumbo
Lots of baby boy 3/6mo Gap just came in
Girls 3T dresses
PediPeds (like brand new small sz)
Rainforest High Chair
Natures Touch Cradle Swing
Small Rocking Horses and lots and lots more :)
Now my apologies for my regular customers. Those of you who come by every week, I know you know I have been slacking on my store responsibilities. My sincerest apologies as I still have not mastered the art of being in 2 places at once and with the mission trip to Nicaragua, finals, still teaching in Vinton and 4 kids, I wasn't able to be up at the store as much after hours pricing things and getting things together. Back in full work mode now... hope to see you soon .... Peace and Blessings...
Powerwheels Barbie Pink Jeep with charger and working battery $30 (retail is $75)
5 Pack and Plays in the store right now
Little People Sets
Vtech toys and games
Leap Frog activity tables
Barbie Piano
Nice Cherry Wood Changing Table
2 Pink and 1 Purple Bumbo
Lots of baby boy 3/6mo Gap just came in
Girls 3T dresses
PediPeds (like brand new small sz)
Rainforest High Chair
Natures Touch Cradle Swing
Small Rocking Horses and lots and lots more :)
Now my apologies for my regular customers. Those of you who come by every week, I know you know I have been slacking on my store responsibilities. My sincerest apologies as I still have not mastered the art of being in 2 places at once and with the mission trip to Nicaragua, finals, still teaching in Vinton and 4 kids, I wasn't able to be up at the store as much after hours pricing things and getting things together. Back in full work mode now... hope to see you soon .... Peace and Blessings...
Sunday, April 17, 2011
How Jack & Jill's Exchange Works
Lots of peeps are wanting to bring in items & clothes... So I just wanted to go over how it works and give you a heads up as to how I decide how much credit I give etc.... All I ask is you don't waste my time, if you read through all this and follow our criteria then hopefully your time won't be wasted either.
#1. Items must be CLEAN, and free of STAINS, RIPS, TEARS or excessive wear... if you DRYER burn your clothes, then I can not use them. If I start going through your items and the first 4 or 5 items have stains, then I put them back in the bag... & move on to someone elses. I literally work 10 to 12 hours everyday, so I don't have time looking thru 30+ items to find 2 or 3 good ones & I would NOT EXPECT anyone to do that for me, it's selfish.
#2. In-season Namebrand items take precedence... I don't particularly like to store out of season items but I will. I don't give as much credit for out of season items.
#3. I am pretty up to date on tags & what years items were sold in the store... a five yr old gymboree or gap item is not valued the same as last seasons... I hope that makes sense...
#4. Things that are as long as they are wide, look awkward. So if the item has shrunk considerably, I can't use it.
#5. NO MISSING buttons or snaps. NO cigarette smoke. People do not like their newborn babies or children smelling like smoke... Tide febreeze does a good job of taking that smell out, if you do happen to smoke, it may help.
When I decide on a price, I consider retail price, the amt of wear on an item (Fading, wash/wear, quality &resale value).... I try to be generous especially if your items are hangar ready and i do not have to wash them (if I seen animal hair, or pick up an odd smell I wash them!), but we do have to make some sort of profit... my building, elec, water, and workers run me nearly $2K a month...+ I do buy items NOT clothes, so after the $2800 I spend a mo., anything left over is profit. Currently I tithe about $350 of it to church, pay KLOVE radio station $30 a mo, go on mission trips, put together Christmas & Thanksgiving baskets etc. So your investment in our store almost always goes back to the community... I am blessed to do what I love & glorify God so that makes it worth it!
On clothes I ONLY give credit, on big items, these days it is mostly credit, sometimes I can give cash/credit for big items if they are in superb condition and quick sellers. It sort of depends on demand of the item. Thanks so much, peace...
Saturday, April 9, 2011
focus please!
hmnn I've noticed something recently... the closer I get to going on my Nicaragua trip, the more the devil tries to distract me. I suddenly got his sinus infection and felt like poop Thursday and Friday. I've gotten irked at Aaron for no good reason and suddenly had this crazy thought to go gambling (but did not! PRAISE GOD!). Friday night I lost the key to my store, then today, I've gotten 3 phone calls from a friend I used to play BlackJack with whom I hadn't talked to in over a year(I decided the best course of action was to pray instead of answer).
It's like this mini-attack... but I think it's possibly easier to weather the storm when I understand and can see things in the realm of the big picture... I don't want to be unfruitful in my Christian walk. I don't want to be distracted chasing after those things in life that fill a temporary emptiness. I want to be like those people who chased after Jesus just to get a glimpse of him, just to touch his cloak, just to be in his presence. I want to be more like Him, and less like me.
Thank you Father God for caring for your people. Thank you for revealing truth to us, even when the world will tell us lies. Thank you for patiently teaching us, and faithfully loving us. Thank you for your daily breath, your daily graces, your new mercies. And Father when we are under attack, your word tells us that you always offer a way out. Let us see it. Let us chose it. Send your holy spirit to guide us. Thank you for doing a NEW THING in our lives. Open us up, empty us out, then fill us up with your holy spirit. Amen
Praying for those who have felt under attack this week, and sure would appreciate it, if you all would offer up a few prayers for our Mission Team, my family and me.
It's like this mini-attack... but I think it's possibly easier to weather the storm when I understand and can see things in the realm of the big picture... I don't want to be unfruitful in my Christian walk. I don't want to be distracted chasing after those things in life that fill a temporary emptiness. I want to be like those people who chased after Jesus just to get a glimpse of him, just to touch his cloak, just to be in his presence. I want to be more like Him, and less like me.
Thank you Father God for caring for your people. Thank you for revealing truth to us, even when the world will tell us lies. Thank you for patiently teaching us, and faithfully loving us. Thank you for your daily breath, your daily graces, your new mercies. And Father when we are under attack, your word tells us that you always offer a way out. Let us see it. Let us chose it. Send your holy spirit to guide us. Thank you for doing a NEW THING in our lives. Open us up, empty us out, then fill us up with your holy spirit. Amen
Praying for those who have felt under attack this week, and sure would appreciate it, if you all would offer up a few prayers for our Mission Team, my family and me.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
more cute, cute things....
Cute mudpie onesie "a" intialed onesie :) and also some cute girls 5, 6, 7 sets and outfits. We have an adorable white pique halter top with cut-outs and matching pink caprise with the cut-outs as well.... Retail is $50; our price is $12, also a new with tags Gymboree pink flamingo patchwork dress size 6 and alot more...
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
I know many of you love....
The super cute mudpie stuff and pink & blue stuff we've been getting in.... I also have some really cute newborn and preemie soft cotton dresses (carters, FG, RL Polo) and a precious petit ami smocked polka dot dress in 0/3mo... We have the precious mudpie bloomers that are on my facebook with the letter "E" on them and the matching pink and green binky holder with an "e" embroidered on it... really really precious! Ohhhh and a cute solid watermelon pink onesie with a lime green & white polka dot embroidered #1... it's like $5... great for a first birthday or first birthday pics... would be really cute with a tutu!
cute baby girl things :)
we just got in some cute baby girl dresses last night, including a newborn smocked dress, and some tiny newborn size boutique socks(the kind that retail for $6 and up; we are selling them for $1.50 to $2), adorable NEW baby onesie/tutu sets (GREAT for PICTURES! or BABY SHOWERS!) trumpette socks, a nice pink co-sleeper that can be used as a bassinet as well.... ohhh and the most precious mudpie polka dot shoes and tiny soft newborn shoes... Just wanted to give everyone the headsup since these are typically things that sell quickly...
Peace, and thanks for your support, we do appreciate our customers. Thank you so much for blessing us and allowing us to bless others through missions and community outreach...
Peace, and thanks for your support, we do appreciate our customers. Thank you so much for blessing us and allowing us to bless others through missions and community outreach...
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
What happened to Barrabas
i started thinking about the Crucifixion of Jesus this Sunday.... actually i started thinking about Barabbas. According to the gospels, it was customary for the Romans to release a Jewish prisoner during the Passover festival. The Roman governor Pontius Pilate tried to use this custom as an excuse to release Jesus. But a crowd in the courtyard demanded that a prisoner named Barabbas be freed instead, and Pilate eventually gave in to the pressure. Thus Barabbas was released, and Jesus was crucified.
And I wondered... Whatever happened to Barabbas? I mean his life was spared while Jesus was scourged, tortured and hung on a cross. I wonder if Barabbas ever realized who Jesus was? I wonder if he realized what he had been spared? Shouldn't he have lead this amazing life, once he realized what had happened? Shouldn't he have had this radical change in how he lived?
In so many ways, we are like Barrabas. We've sinned or fallen short. We deserve a punishment. We earned one. We continue to earn them. We continue to go astray. But just like Barrabas, we have freedom, because Jesus took our punishment. It is finished, there will be triumph for those who live for Christ.
So why don't WE live radical lives of POWER and FREEDOM??? I'm not sure what is wrong with me, but I'm going to change it... I'm not going to live some life bogged down in other people's ideas of who and what I should be. I'm not going to worry if my fingernail polish is chipped, or I have a wire or two hanging out my van. I'm not going to spaz out over not getting all As. I'm not going to stress if my kid wants to wear a leotard and tutu to church, I'm not even going to get in a tizzy because my child has cut his hair again. I'm only going to look to one person for approval... and that's God. I know He's working lots out in me, sometimes with me kicking and screaming and running in the opposite direction, but let's face it I NEED LOTS of WORK!!! I'm a fixer-upper... lol... I heard someone say a while back that the SAME POWER that ROSE JESUS from the GRAVE lives in YOU... WoW, that is powerful stuff... So you know what, I'm gonna remember what Jesus did for me, and I'm going to claim that power, and I'm going to live a radical life and one day,I'll die a triumphant death :) Thank you Jesus!
And I wondered... Whatever happened to Barabbas? I mean his life was spared while Jesus was scourged, tortured and hung on a cross. I wonder if Barabbas ever realized who Jesus was? I wonder if he realized what he had been spared? Shouldn't he have lead this amazing life, once he realized what had happened? Shouldn't he have had this radical change in how he lived?
In so many ways, we are like Barrabas. We've sinned or fallen short. We deserve a punishment. We earned one. We continue to earn them. We continue to go astray. But just like Barrabas, we have freedom, because Jesus took our punishment. It is finished, there will be triumph for those who live for Christ.
So why don't WE live radical lives of POWER and FREEDOM??? I'm not sure what is wrong with me, but I'm going to change it... I'm not going to live some life bogged down in other people's ideas of who and what I should be. I'm not going to worry if my fingernail polish is chipped, or I have a wire or two hanging out my van. I'm not going to spaz out over not getting all As. I'm not going to stress if my kid wants to wear a leotard and tutu to church, I'm not even going to get in a tizzy because my child has cut his hair again. I'm only going to look to one person for approval... and that's God. I know He's working lots out in me, sometimes with me kicking and screaming and running in the opposite direction, but let's face it I NEED LOTS of WORK!!! I'm a fixer-upper... lol... I heard someone say a while back that the SAME POWER that ROSE JESUS from the GRAVE lives in YOU... WoW, that is powerful stuff... So you know what, I'm gonna remember what Jesus did for me, and I'm going to claim that power, and I'm going to live a radical life and one day,I'll die a triumphant death :) Thank you Jesus!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Don't worry, God is in this...
the other morning, i heard a story about a man on his death bed dying, while his 4 young children and wife said their goodbyes. The man a christian of great faith, looked up at his wife and said, "Don't worry, God is in this." And the man telling the story who was one of the young boys, said when life dealt him troubles or struggles, he would cling to those words... God is in this.
I love it. And I don't think I need troubles or struggles to remember "God is in this." I think this is my theme right here. God is in this! I just have to remember to make room for him, to allow him to work. Mostly I have to remember to not to try to do things outside of Him, because we all know that's when things go CRaZy! I want a discerning heart, I want the gift of wisdom... and I'm praying that God reach out and meet me where I am to give me those things :) Sometimes I get so busy that I forget to draw near, but as we enter this time of Advent, I'm going to spend sometime preparing my heart for my trip to Nicaragua...
Mostly, I really want to know that no matter what it is I am doing, God is in this... That He has got it covered, that He is moving and His will is being done. That no matter what comes against me, no matter what rudeness, what hatefulness, what temptation, what evil should come up against me or my household that God, will work it out for his Glory.... (and maybe teach this dense soul a few things along the way).
Side-note: Ohhhh, I'm also praying for the perfect home with plenty of room for our family. So if you have some extra time on your hands and you are of the praying variety (my favorite kind)then I'd appreciate you tossing up a few prayers for us...
I love it. And I don't think I need troubles or struggles to remember "God is in this." I think this is my theme right here. God is in this! I just have to remember to make room for him, to allow him to work. Mostly I have to remember to not to try to do things outside of Him, because we all know that's when things go CRaZy! I want a discerning heart, I want the gift of wisdom... and I'm praying that God reach out and meet me where I am to give me those things :) Sometimes I get so busy that I forget to draw near, but as we enter this time of Advent, I'm going to spend sometime preparing my heart for my trip to Nicaragua...
Mostly, I really want to know that no matter what it is I am doing, God is in this... That He has got it covered, that He is moving and His will is being done. That no matter what comes against me, no matter what rudeness, what hatefulness, what temptation, what evil should come up against me or my household that God, will work it out for his Glory.... (and maybe teach this dense soul a few things along the way).
Side-note: Ohhhh, I'm also praying for the perfect home with plenty of room for our family. So if you have some extra time on your hands and you are of the praying variety (my favorite kind)then I'd appreciate you tossing up a few prayers for us...
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Store News :) Blessings!!!
We have lots of new stuff at the store, especially baby girl 3m and 6m (ralph lauren and then some more comfy everyday type stuff)... If you're going by the store today you may want to wear your jacket inside because it is chilly! yikes!
I also have a super cute brown/pink graco swing with mobile and an adorable rainforest cradle swing with the electrical plug in (ALWAYS a NICE FEATURE!)
We have 2 toddler beds, a white wooden one for $60 and a Blue race car little tikes bed for $60 :)
Lots of high chairs including a wooden one and the one that straps into a seat that is adjustable! Aqua bumbo seat in nice shape, and there is also a few travel systems, including an Eddie Bauer one that is complete with the baby rear view mirrors....
2 great changing tables.... one is $28; the other $60
On the big items, you can totally do layaway. Half Cash down, then the balance due in 3 weeks :)
I have tons of stuff to go through and put out, so if you are bringing things in (there is at least a 10 day turnaround right now). I've just started taking in NAMEBRAND spring/summer.... please make sure it's clean and all the snaps are done, it makes it quicker and easier for me to go through them quickly....
Thanks for your wonderful friendship and business! Peace, hope your day is grand!!!
I also have a super cute brown/pink graco swing with mobile and an adorable rainforest cradle swing with the electrical plug in (ALWAYS a NICE FEATURE!)
We have 2 toddler beds, a white wooden one for $60 and a Blue race car little tikes bed for $60 :)
Lots of high chairs including a wooden one and the one that straps into a seat that is adjustable! Aqua bumbo seat in nice shape, and there is also a few travel systems, including an Eddie Bauer one that is complete with the baby rear view mirrors....
2 great changing tables.... one is $28; the other $60
On the big items, you can totally do layaway. Half Cash down, then the balance due in 3 weeks :)
I have tons of stuff to go through and put out, so if you are bringing things in (there is at least a 10 day turnaround right now). I've just started taking in NAMEBRAND spring/summer.... please make sure it's clean and all the snaps are done, it makes it quicker and easier for me to go through them quickly....
Thanks for your wonderful friendship and business! Peace, hope your day is grand!!!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Store News :)
YAY, should be able to accept Visa, Discover and Master Cards via my cellphone by the end of next week. I won't be able to print ya a receipt but we will be able to send you one via email :)
Lots of you have asked if I'm taking in SPRING things yet.... The answer: Sure I will be starting this Friday. Please check through and only bring in stuff that is in super condition. Our customer base has grown quite a bit and thus I am needing to be a bit more selective, taking just name brand stuff. That's really the only items that sell well.
We have lots of big items, though I did sell the castle and fairy paintings I had at the store. Oh, I have received some super cute shoes lately. Spring/Easter shoes plus a few pair of Winter Boots, these usually sell quick so if you need some, stop by within the week and take a peek :)
Lots of you have asked if I'm taking in SPRING things yet.... The answer: Sure I will be starting this Friday. Please check through and only bring in stuff that is in super condition. Our customer base has grown quite a bit and thus I am needing to be a bit more selective, taking just name brand stuff. That's really the only items that sell well.
We have lots of big items, though I did sell the castle and fairy paintings I had at the store. Oh, I have received some super cute shoes lately. Spring/Easter shoes plus a few pair of Winter Boots, these usually sell quick so if you need some, stop by within the week and take a peek :)
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
my mini epiphany
So i am driving home from my 5am-ish workout and reflecting on some of my life choices. Repenting of a few things, but mostly just wanting to know "WHY" did I do that, instead of this. Actually thinking about friendships and relationships, some from long long ago. So I am sitting there and my mind is trying to figure it out... And I hear this song on my radio "Don't you know I've always loved you, even before it was time..."
And I realize that most everything I do, has to do with me doing things myself, in my own way. Always searching for love and acceptance on some level. It's like I always have to have a back-up plan... Why am I like this??? Oh I know, maybe I haven't learned to fully trust GOD! :) UGH, really? After all this time and all we've been through... Yes I am afraid it's so, I've got to learn to trust GOD with EVERYTHING! Good and Bad! He knows me anyways right?
You know I want to do things in my own time, and in my own strength (or weakness). I have to learn to "Let God", more now than ever. Let God lead me, let God sustain me, let God discipline me. During the horrible summer of 2010, I realized that I am always closest to God when I am desperate and destitute, I literally remember being at the McNeese Track late one night jogging, with tears just sorta filling my eyes, yelling in my head, "Why God? What do you want from me???" I felt like I couldn't handle one more thing. I felt attacked and punished.
I've always had deep trust issues. With superficial stuff, sure I trust people, but with the deep, true hardcore inside ugly stuff, no way! But slowly God is peeling away that distrust and replacing it with the right people, places and events. But mostly He is teaching me that I can TRUST him and I should TRUST him.
So let's see, more leaning in and on God. More FAITH, less work. More Love, less hate. More Joy and less sadness. Less of me, more of Him... Doesn't it usually work better that way anyways?
And I realize that most everything I do, has to do with me doing things myself, in my own way. Always searching for love and acceptance on some level. It's like I always have to have a back-up plan... Why am I like this??? Oh I know, maybe I haven't learned to fully trust GOD! :) UGH, really? After all this time and all we've been through... Yes I am afraid it's so, I've got to learn to trust GOD with EVERYTHING! Good and Bad! He knows me anyways right?
You know I want to do things in my own time, and in my own strength (or weakness). I have to learn to "Let God", more now than ever. Let God lead me, let God sustain me, let God discipline me. During the horrible summer of 2010, I realized that I am always closest to God when I am desperate and destitute, I literally remember being at the McNeese Track late one night jogging, with tears just sorta filling my eyes, yelling in my head, "Why God? What do you want from me???" I felt like I couldn't handle one more thing. I felt attacked and punished.
I've always had deep trust issues. With superficial stuff, sure I trust people, but with the deep, true hardcore inside ugly stuff, no way! But slowly God is peeling away that distrust and replacing it with the right people, places and events. But mostly He is teaching me that I can TRUST him and I should TRUST him.
So let's see, more leaning in and on God. More FAITH, less work. More Love, less hate. More Joy and less sadness. Less of me, more of Him... Doesn't it usually work better that way anyways?
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