Bugs! Bugs! Bugs!

**POST ALERT**

Suffering from a "bug" of my own,

I cannot guarantee that my thoughts are clear.

Hopefully this post will make sense. If not,

pray for me -- or laugh at me -- whichever.

Have a fantastic day!

My dear friend texted yesterday. Her sweet "Bug" who just turned one is sick. You know the sick that little ones get -- so clogged up they breathe loud, so achy that nothing really makes them feel better. Yeah, that. The problem with sick little ones is they can't really explain how they feel or what would help them feel better. Cuddle or no cuddle? Hot or cold? Hungry, thirsty or none of the above? It's a constant guessing game.

So, the texts came... My friend thinks I'm a genius "Dr. Mom." I keep telling her it's just my 38+ years of linear parenting (17 + 14 + 7 = 38 years... No wonder 19 and Counting is such a popular show -- they have more than a century of parenting under their belts! Maybe two centuries!).

Question #1: "Bug's not doing well. Is it normal to get worse before you get better?" I answered with the "look for these signs... otherwise hang in there."

Question #2: "She hates the breathing treatments... Any tricks?" My answer here, "Grin and bear it my friend." (I'm not very helpful am I?)

Question #3: "A friend suggested chicken broth and warm apple juice. Any other ideas?" Here's where the replies start to take on a theme... "Just like you, her appetite drops when she doesn't feel well."

Question #4: "What should I do with her when she's not sleeping? Cuddle? Play? Rock her? Cry it out?" Ohhh, great question... really. My answer, whatever makes her most comfortable. And... crying is unavoidable.

Since I happen to be sick now, too, with Bug's bug.... I shared my symptoms and suggested that she bundle her in winter jammies so she stays warm at night. Mom was surprised at that, until I asked, "Do you feel colder when you're sick?" "Of course," she said, "Common sense."

There's a cool God message in here!

Bug couldn't tell her mommy how she felt, but I could. If I have to be sick, it's nice to know that it helped someone else... even if all I did was cheer and encourage a new, young mom. I'm glad that I was able to help a friend, even from my sick bed. God can use our little things to make a difference for others, if we're willing.

Taking a little time to text back and forth, Bug's mom grew in parenting confidence. Bug's mom is an already amazing mommy, now equipped with a new arsenal of parenting wisdom: Common sense!

This morning, I got a text picture of a happy, smiling Bug...

Sweet Bug, I'm so glad you're feeling better today! 

SYATP - See You at the Pole

For years, this last Wednesday in September starts with me taking the kids to church or school to pray at the flag pole. The kids take the lead: praying for teachers, classmates who need Jesus, their leaders, and themselves -- asking God to use them to make a difference.

We're missing it today -- something about coughing and hacking on all the kids seemed like a bad idea.

Sad.

Then it hit me. SYATP is a movement of students praying for each other and their world. Yes, it's nice to gather at a flag pole and pray corporately. But we can pray at home, too. Right? For the same thing?

In fact, shouldn't the SYATP prayer be our prayer every day? Parents, we can pray for our kids to be a light in the darkness. We can pray for their teachers and leaders. We can pray for our government.

Students, don't just pray one day a year. This should be your prayer every day. God use me. Help me touch other people's lives with your love. Help my teachers and leaders. Be with us, God. Help us make a difference.

If we pray one day a year and forget the rest, are we really doing all we should? SYATP is awesome! A public, corporate stand for Jesus. But...

Let's not forget the other 364 days.

God bless us, every one, every day.

How did you do?

Hey friends,
People keep asking, "How'd you do Saturday night?" To be honest, I've struggled with the question.

Looking at it as a "job," I did well. I said the words I planned to say. I didn't trip on the stairs, fall, or knock over the podium. I used visual aids without dropping or fumbling them. And I handled the stationary microphone just fine.

But that's not really a good measure of "how'd you do?" The measure of success when sharing Jesus' message actually has nothing to do with me at all. It's all about Him. If I did everything right and no one listened, I'd have to say I was awful. If I did everything right, they listened, and no one's heart changed, I'd say I did awful.

First Corinthians 13:1 says, "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." Did love shine through my message and touch the people's hearts? If the answer to that is "yes," then I did great!


How did I do? Only God really knows. He's the one who can see into people's hearts. He's the one who knows if lives are changed. I can say that I was touched afterward when the emcee said, "I don't know about you but that left tears in my eyes." Did I touch his heart? I think so. A sweet member of that church's congregation took my hand in hers and said, "You know what you said, it goes full circle. Someone did that for me. It's time I go and do that for somebody else." God knows her potential. I pray for her -- and I hope one day to hear how she changes the world by giving back, "paying it forward" so to speak.


Another lady shared that she's going to serve at the iChoose Pregnancy Center. Yippee! She then asked me, "What do you do?" Wow... seriously! I hadn't thought about that question the whole time I prepared the message or gave it. She touched me.


What do I do? Like many of you, I serve faithfully in my church. But, it's not really about who's already in -- the message of salvation and hope needs to reach those who DON'T know it. Another way to ask that question is "Who knows of Jesus' love because of me?" When we got home from the event, I asked my husband that question about me. He seemed surprised. Then he rattled off a bunch of ways that I reach out to people in the community, especially teenagers and Walmart workers (hey, we all need a niche). 


How about you? What do you do? 

• Do you feed the homeless guy on the street corner?
• Do you invite people to church?
• Do you donate clothes to Goodwill? Or volunteer there?
• Do you mentor a kid -- maybe through a program like Big Brothers/Big Sisters?
• Do you give your time? talent? or treasure? to make a difference for God's kingdom here?

How did I do this weekend? Only God knows. I gave Him the best I had to give. When I get to heaven, I sure do hope He says, "Well done, my good and faithful servant." How about you?

If you'd like more inspiration for reaching out to the lost and hurting in love, please check out this blog!

Powerhouse Thank You!

This weekend, I spent an inspiring evening with the Powerhouse Church of Jesus Christ family. This warm church in the heart of Raleigh is taking a stand for God's kingdom. What an honor to share in their building fund kickoff, A Glimpse of Heaven. The Powerhouse family knows how to celebrate! We enjoyed great food, great fellowship and great worship!

Me, Co-Pastor Marjorie and Pastor Wayne Sharpe

They launched the Powerhouse building fund campaign, with a vision to reach the lost and hurting in the community. Powerhouse isn't waiting until that new building finally materializes, though. The evening really included a challenge to begin now. They brought community service programs in to share about resources already available:

• iChoose Pregnancy Support Center. The church can change a mom's life, a dad's life and a baby's life by helping the girl facing an unexpected -- and perhaps unwanted -- pregnancy receive counseling and support.
• Raleigh Area Development Authority.  The church can serve families at risk of losing their homes by helping them secure services at RADA, which offers credit counseling, housing counseling and mortgage assistance. Families are the fastest growing homeless demographic. Resources like RADA can change their lives forever!

In Matthew 20:28, Jesus explains that "the Son of Man did not come to be served, BUT TO SERVE and give His life as a ransom for many." I can't wait to hear the impact that Powerhouse Church will have on Raleigh as the church steps up to serve like Jesus, radically impacting those who cannot help themselves.

Pastor Sharpe, Co-pastor Sharpe and Powerhouse, I lift you today in prayer. With thankfulness to Jesus for all He has already done and for all He has yet to do through you. May the vision God has laid on your hearts be fulfilled in a mighty and glorious way. May the City of Raleigh be impacted by the love of Christ as it has never been before. By the power of His name, Amen

Thank you for allowing me to share in your Glimpse of Heaven!

Time keeps on tickin' tickin' tickin'

Time is free,

but it is priceless.

You can't own it,

but you can use it.

You can't keep it,

but you can spend it.

Once you've lost it,

you can never get it back.

Harvey MacKay

No school today.

I'll be spending it with them.

Enjoy your special blessings today!

What's cookin'?

One of the most exciting moments in my day is when I open the door and peer inside to discover what's there... Yes, the mail! Ninety-nine percent of the time, we get bills and junk, but sometimes there's something wonderful inside. A rare package arrives and I feel like a lottery winner.

You can look at this two ways. One, I have the most boring life ever.... OR you could say, "Wow. She's got it all figured out. It's the little things that matter." Please choose the second one! :)

Ohhhhh happy Monday! I got a special package. It arrived with junk mail -- not one other item lasted 60 seconds before landing in the trash. But this package.... YIPPEE! 

Wrapped in a protective bubble envelope, Ben and I tore at the wrapping. I think it was hermetically sealed to be preserved forever. We finally pulled out the scissors to carefully cut in. Ben hoped to save the bubbles to pop them and drive me crazy, but this was quiet bubble wrap. (Another sweet surprise.)

Would you like to know what was in there? Hmmmm???? Or is the thrill of the moment enough for you?

Okay... okay... I'll tell.

Maggie at Life In A Skillet asked, "If you were stranded on a desert island with only one cookbook and all the ingredients in it, which cookbook would it be? Why?"

My reply:

Only one cookbook?
Nick Malgieri’s “Chocolate.” The title alone is compelling enough, but I’ll add additional reasons 

1. Some recipes include fruit — so I would be eating something healthy.
2. Some recipes include coffee — an absolute must-have on a desert island or anywhere!
3. The morning news reported that chocolate is healthy — full of flavonoids which help fight skin damage from excess sun exposure. On a desert island, I need to help my skin all I can.
4. Cocoa butter can also be used as a moisturizer after a long day of assault by sun, sand and sea.
5. Stranded on a desert island, I wouldn’t have to watch my figure. I’d be free to indulge all I want. Bring on the cheesecake, the mousse, the brownies and the “truffes champagne.” I can eat all I want, guilt free.

YUM!!! I’m ready to go!

My prize? California Rancho Cooking by Jacqueline Higuera McMahan. This little book is packed with California-Southwest-Mexican cuisine and stories of her life in the southwest. A sweet little book! We'll enjoy it for years to come. Thanks, Maggie!

You know, every single day we are offered a special gift... Salvation in Jesus. Eternal life! And like a cookbook offers delicious treats for every day, Jesus offers us the gifts of joy, hope, peace, patience, kindness, understanding and love while we wait on heaven. Yet, many people leave that gift unopened. and won't go to the mailbox to see if it's there. Others might check the mailbox and see it there, but refuse to take it out. Still others might bring the package into the house and decide not to open it. 

Would you please tear off the wrapping to see the gift inside? Not sure what to do? It's simple -- easier than unwrapping hermetically sealed bubble wrap packaging! Just admit to Jesus that you are not perfect and you need Him. Tell Him you believe He is the Son of God who came, died and rose again so you can have eternal life. Confess your sins -- He already knows what you've done and He won't reject you. I promise! He always loves you! (Curious? But not sure? Read this: Got Questions?)

Jesus loves you more than you can imagine! Open the box. Peer inside. You won't regret it!!!
Love,

How to purchase a couch (or anything) and not go broke!

Friends,
I'll be sharing my planned post later on today -- all about surprises -- but I just read this and WOW!!! Generally speaking, I've always thought we were pretty "smart" when it comes to finances, but this post showed me I still have some things to learn. For me, this is one more reason not to eat out!!!! You'll see why....

How much does a $1000 couch cost? (It is not a trick question!!!)

Till later,
Love,

All you need is love!

Hey friends,
I just read this passage in the Bible, and WOW! It's "kickin' my tail" as my sweet southern friends might say.

In Exodus 5 -- the story of the bricks and straw -- Good old Moses politely asked Pharaoh to let his people, the Israelite slaves, take a three day break to worship God. Pharaoh said no. Then, Pharaoh told his Egyptian henchmen to make the Israelites gather their own straw for brick-making, without lowering the daily brick quota. Dude had a serious attitude problem!

The Israelites couldn't maintain the workload and begged Pharaoh to cut them some slack. Pharaoh refused, calling them "lazy." Then the Israelites blamed Moses and Aaron for getting them into this predicament. The story ultimately ends with God sending plagues on Egypt until Pharaoh finally relents and lets the Israelites go, not just for three days, but forever. (See Exodus 12)

I've read the story of Exodus many times, but I never noticed before how much I am like the Israelites, blaming others for my problems. I wake up in a bad mood -- and instead of praying for deliverance (or at least peace), I treat myself as a helpless slave to my gloom and doom. Not only that, I subject my family to it -- over-reacting to little things because I'm hostage to my mood. I'm disorganized (really!!!!) and instead of asking God to help me become organized, I "freak out" when I can't find the car keys or that important paper that I left somewhere (really, it was here.... FIND IT!!!!).

Can you relate? Does your family endure your mood that "one week of the month?" Do your kids wonder which mom will show up today -- the fun one or the taskmaster?

After seeing how ineffective the Israelites were, I'd like to choose a different course of action!

In Ephesians 4:1-6, Paul says, " I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit -- just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call -- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Instead of blaming, God wants us to:

1. Walk in our calling. The Israelites forgot that they were God's chosen people, focusing instead on their circumstances. Instead of blaming others, we should remember that we are God's chosen as well, thanking Him for the plan He has for our lives -- even circumstances we don't particularly like.

2. Be humble, gentle and patient, bearing with one another in love. We don't know how different the Israelites' situation would have been if they had whined and complained less and prayed more. I do know that when I praise God, in spite of my problems, they resolve more quickly.

3. Remember we're all on the same team. The Israelites forgot that Moses was on their team. We, the modern church, seem to forget we're on the same team too. Complaining within the church -- whether against our leaders or each other -- gets us nowhere. Complaining wears us down and tears us apart -- pulling our eyes off God's plan.

The same is true for families. Complaining gets us nowhere worth going!

How about if we learn quicker than the Israelites? Let's agree to complain less about circumstances, leaders and each other and live in love instead. Let's stop focusing on the situation and remember God has a plan.

As the Beatles would say, "All "we" need is love..."

Dory gets it!

Hello my sweet friends,
I've been blessed this week by others' stories and ideas. Maybe I need to be filled and encouraged -- or maybe I'm just blessed to have some really wise friends! Either way....

Here's a great devotional to encourage you, especially if you're facing a long trial or unemployment. The devotional comes through Jeff Kapusta's church in Wilmington, NC. The post is "September 16" (middle column) in this link: Just Keep Swimming. I don't know Ryan, but I sure appreciate his story. I hope you'll be blessed as well.

Let's keep encouraging one another in faith, as Jesus taught us to do.

Have a tremendous weekend, my friends!
Love,

Flip flops! Slow down to go faster.

Our pastor recently preached a series called "flip flops," Biblical truths that are the reverse of human thinking. For instance, to get ahead in life, don't push your way to the top. Instead, be humble, serve others. In Matthew 20:26-28 Jesus says, "Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,and whoever wants to be first must be your slave, just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” To be great, serve others. That's exactly how Jesus lived.

A friend of mine shared another "flip flop" on his blog. We cram so much in the day, trying to get it all done... Go to Bryan's blog and find out why he thinks we should "Slow Down to Go Faster!" Bryan's site also includes a great resource for saving money and time. If you struggle with either of these (don't we all???), I hope you'll check it out too.

I am thankful that God has provided me with friends, like Bryan, who challenge me to think about what I do and why I do it! I hope you'll be encouraged to look at what you do and make life better.

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

Blessings!

Pass the Baton

This weekend, my husband and I attended leadership training at our church. The recurring theme was "passing the baton." In a relay race, the baton must be passed correctly and safely or the team will be disqualified from the race. I've seen that happen -- even at the Olympics. Highly trained runners missed out on the chance to win the race because they mishandled the pass.

As I listened, I saw again how important it is for me to lead my children well. Every day, I share my values -- whether I speak them or live them. Some days, I speak my values and live the opposite, creating confusion. The Bible warns parents not to "exasperate" our children. (See Ephesians 6:4). Is anything more exasperating than being inconsistent?

I teach my kids to speak respectfully and not yell at each other. Two hours later, I walk in the kitchen to find the milk left on the counter, dirty dishes all over the counter and the garbage can overflowing. I bellow, "Kids. Get. Down. Here. Now." For a good dose of clarity, I lecture for ten minutes about laziness, slovenliness, and selfishness. I dropped the baton.

It's not just about yelling. Have you ever driven carelessly when you're angry -- zigging out of traffic recklessly when you'd never do that calm? Have you ever complained when things aren't going right, blaming others -- maybe your husband who's not even home -- for your miserable situation? Have you ever "quit" -- parenting, homeschooling, cleaning, cooking?

I've done all of the above. More than once. I am not a perfect mom!

Each time, I create confusion, exasperating my kids. Why should I expect them to respect each other when my words don't show respect? Or to stay calm and trust God in crisis if I don't?

What's a mama to do?

We need to realize we are not perfect -- and never will be. Seriously! That perfection pursuit can drive us crazy -- talk about stress! Instead, let's pursue God's grace and forgiveness. And model that for our kids -- asking for their forgiveness when we mess up.

In the Beijing Olympics, the British team was disqualified for mishandling the baton pass. Team members could have "attacked" and blamed. But they didn't. Craig Pickering, whose error disqualified the team, owned his mistake. They moved on.

As a mom, I can think of no better baton to pass -- love and grace that comes from Jesus. Learn to forgive. Seek forgiveness. Learn to let go of mistakes -- those you make and those that others make against you.

I'll never be a perfect mama. But...

I can still pass the baton.

Then and Now

Ten years ago today, I sat in an empty apartment, glued to the images on a 9" television screen as I watched a nation crumble. Today, I sit on the back porch of my blessed home, thankful that I don't need that television screen's assurance that life goes on.

Ten years ago today, my boys were seven and four, confused by my emotional outbursts and paralyzing fear. Today, those boys are young men on the verge of independence, joined by a little sister born in China but always the daughter of our hearts. They are confident, caring and in love with Jesus. So am I.

Ten years ago today, my husband was in his first weeks of a new job, trying to understand life in the south while juggling the needs of a broken wife and family. Today, he is beloved in his job, supported by a whole family that loves him and appreciates his efforts.

Ten years ago today, the world stopped. Today, the sounds of life go on. Football commentary spills from the TV. A dog barks, chasing birds. Saws buzz as neighbors build porches. People talk and laugh.

Did we forget? No. We can't forget. But God is God. He is still in control and He gives us life. Freedom. Joy. Peace. Contentment. Security.

With a grateful heart, thank you, God, for watching over us. Thank you for protecting the "land of the free and the home of the brave." Thank you for each soldier and all the families who sacrificed, some giving their very lives, to protect the freedom we have today. Help us not just remember... Help us love each other as you have always loved us.

Amen.

nine eleven

Nine eleven. Simple numbers no more. This is "the" defining moment of my generation. Just as those before me remember November 22, 1963 or Dealey, Texas or Lee Harvey Oswald. Just as those of the "greatest generation" remember December 7, 1941 or Pearl Harbor. That one day that stands as "life before" and "life after."

My sons remember 9-11. Nathan, the oldest, knows that it marks the day our family changed forever. (I've shared that before -- if interested, click here or here or here.) Ben remembers, but he was only four then... it's not "the" defining moment in his life.

My daughter, sweet Ellie, wasn't born yet. She is learning about it at school. "Mom, did you know that some people do not like America, I mean the United States?" (I do.) "Did you hear about the bad men who used an airplane to blow up a big, giant, tall building in New York City?" (I did.) "A whole lot of people died. That's sad." (It is.) The events of 9-11 will not be her defining moment...

Then I remember Jesus' words, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33). 


On 9-11, I didn't understand. I knew Jesus. I'd accepted him as my savior -- yep. Signed, sealed, delivered. Heaven-bound. But, I didn't understand that He wanted to give me more. Peace. Abundant, life-filling peace. To weather any storm this earthly life might bring.
So 9-11 came. I fell apart... completely. Until...


I met Jesus, finally as friend, comforter, encourager and guide. The Jesus who died on the cross not just for my sins, but for all of me. I got to know The One who loves unconditionally and never gives up or grows weary. I discovered his peace. And trusting in Him, I now have a life filled with joy.


In this world, we will have trouble. But Jesus -- He has overcome the world. 


While I wish 9-11 had never happened, I pray that everyone touched by that day will discover the same love, joy and peace that comes in a relationship with Jesus -- a genuine, loving friendship that cannot be destroyed -- even by "bad men." Friends, He HAS overcome the world. Rejoice.


Love,

Lightning Strikes!

Hello friends,

Isn't that cool? Our mirror flower!

Crazy 24 hours at the Dawkins house. The remnants of Hurricane Lee finally passed through North Carolina yesterday, no biggie. We had a 45 minute thunderstorm warning and cloudy skies. But just like in life, it's the little thing that tripped us up.

I had just flipped on the Weather Channel to see how much longer we'd have rain (my son still doesn't like to drive in really bad weather -- who really does?). Radar showed that the storm was about to end and then: Ka-BOOM!!!! The house shook and everything got "tingly." The rain was already past! Crazy!

Yep -- the last couple minutes of the storm got us! Thankfully, the damage was minor: a hole in the roof (now tarped), electrical wiring and cable blown to smithereens (but no fire), electrical "stuff" zapped (none of the stuff I want to replace, but none of the big ticket items either -- a nuisance, but not a catastrophe) and our bathroom mirror "baked." (That's actually pretty cool -- apparently the electrical current magnetized the backing and made big brown flowers on the mirror).

It could have been worse. Much, much worse.

As I waited on contractors and insurance adjusters and the pleasant, on-time cable guy today, I had lots of quiet time to think!

It's the little things -- one thought of "I wish my husband was more like...", one look at a pornographic website, one pair of shoes you "just gotta have," or one text while driving -- one small choice that can lead to disaster. One step onto the slippery slope of temptation leads to sin. It doesn't take much to blow the life God's given us into a major disaster.

Thankfully, God's better than any insurance policy (or a really nice, on-time cable guy). God's still there if we mess up. He wants to redeem our lives, set us back on the path He had planned all along. Of course, it looks a little different -- we can't undo the past. My mirror looks a little different too. But, it doesn't mean we can't live in the freedom of God's love.

If you carry guilt about something you have done, please ask God's forgiveness for it -- no matter how great or small. He wants to redeem your life! Check out what His Word says in Ephesians 1:3-10 (MSG):

How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.

 Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! He thought of everything, provided for everything we could possibly need, letting us in on the plans he took such delight in making. He set it all out before us in Christ, a long-range plan in which everything would be brought together and summed up in him, everything in deepest heaven, everything on planet earth.

Just a moment to confess our misdeeds. A moment to accept his love, given freely. A moment to receive that forgiveness. Just a moment -- and He wipes the slate clean. WOW!

In Christian love,

Music Matters

Friends,
My son was homeschooled through eighth grade. He finally convinced us to let him attend public high school by arguing, "You've taught me to be a light in the world. How am I going to shine it if I never get to go anywhere?" He had a valid point! Mark 16:15 says, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." He went. He invited kids to church. He has made a difference in his school.

One of the main reasons he transitioned so well is that he joined the band. Instantly, he had a "social network." He fit in somewhere. He belonged. The band started rehearsing under the hot July sun. They spent ten plus hours together each week -- often more -- for about two months before the school year began. Though he is only one of the 650 kids in his graduating class, he wasn't lost on the big campus. Music matters!

This month, his high school band (full disclosure here -- he's no longer in the band because piano practice and competitions are so time consuming) is participating in the Pepsi Refresh Project. Would you please take a couple minutes to vote for them? These kids and their parents work tirelessly to raise funds for the program and a boost from Pepsi would help a lot!

It takes just a couple minutes -- tops! And you can vote every day this month.

STEP 1:

Text from your phone. 

The text will go to: 73774 

The message is: 108900 

Hit send..you should get a text back saying thanks for voting. 

STEP 2: 

Go to http://www.refresheverything.com/ and click "sign in" at the bottom left of the screen. 

If this is your first time, click SIGN UP (right below WANT A PEPSI ACCOUNT?) and follow the instructions. You will need a password that 

you will remember....westband is easy to remember. 

Once you have an account, click "sign in with Pepsi". 

Enter your email address and password that you used to sign up. 

Search West Johnston in search box at the top right of the screen. 

VOTE. 

Sign out. 

STEP 3: 

Click "sign in to Pepsi" on the Pepsi refresh homepage (bottom left of the screen). 

This time click "sign in with Facebook". 

Sign in to your Facebook account with your Facebook user name and password. 

Type in West Johnston in the search box at the top right of the page. 

Vote for West and you're done! 

Our family does not benefit from this at all. We are not affiliated with Pepsi. I'm asking because I know this program makes a huge difference in kids' lives!

Thank you!

Love,

Encouragement for Today: Focus on Love

Hello my friends,
Today, I am guest posting at Encouragement Cafe, sharing my Labor Day story. I hope you'll stop by there to read my story -- and the others that posted this week.

If you missed yesterday's link, I was also featured on the Encouragement Cafe radio program this week. Check it out and meet my sweet friends, Luann and Ramona.

Have a blessed and wonderful weekend with your families.

Love,

College football, mommy guilt and more (it's a good title, trust me!)

Are you ready for some football??? That's actually the "tagline" for professional football, but it's a relevant question at our house. My boys hatched a plan to turn NCAA football Saturday into an event. They've promised to clean the entire house today, shop for the necessary food to nosh and watch football all day Saturday. Our only involvement, cook the food please... and don't cancel the cable! (They lost cable last fall for watching TV instead of doing chores and homework... apparently one season without football was enough to transform their attitudes.) Tomorrow, we will watch -- no doubt SEC and ACC games -- the Big Ten doesn't get any respect in my neck of the woods!

Ellie's not into football yet. She knows to cheer for the Buckeyes. And she knows not to ask to watch "her shows." With three big men in the house, she'll be vetoed every time! She needs to make a collage "All about me" for school next week, so she'll contentedly (in my dreams) cut and paste magazine pictures on her paper. Check out this great collage idea... not sure Ellie will go for it, but I think it's awesome!

Speaking of Ellie, did you read yesterday's post? Here's a picture of her in her Friday hair bows. I didn't think to snap one for the blog yesterday. Isn't she adorable?!

Big bows and a bit distracted :D

Now, about that mommy guilt in today's title. I'm on the radio!!! Luann and Ramona at Encouragement Cafe are featuring labor day stories on their weekly radio show. I'm sharing my mommy guilt moment -- in the delivery room!!! I hope you'll stop by and be encouraged not to let your mommy guilt overwhelm you! Labor Day Stories! Let me know what you think!

I told you the title works! May your weekend be blessed. Love Jesus today. Show his love to others. And ENJOY your family!!! Wherever you go.

Love,

Hair bows and happiness

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”

Lamentations 3:22-24

When God called us to adopt a baby girl from China, I knew exactly how it would be. After two boys -- and the boring clothes and hair cuts -- my daughter would wear adorable dresses, with matching tights and giant hair bows. She'd snuggle close, baby doll in her arms, as we read books together. She'd be my "little twin," the two of us dressed to match -- or at least coordinate -- each Mother's Day weekend. A sweet little bundle of hearts and flowers.

In steps reality...

Ellie's orphanage, her first "home."

Our daughter was none of the above. After nine months in an orphanage, one of 60+ girls cared for by a staff of six, rarely cuddled and certainly not fussed over, she wanted nothing to do with dresses, hair bows or cuddling. I'd put the hair bow in and 1.3 seconds later it was gone. When she was old enough, she even asked for them. Still, they came out.

Forget the dresses, too. Anything uncomfortable -- seams, the scratchy lining some dresses have, elastic -- bothered her and she'd cry, wiggle and complain. She seemed reasonably comfortable in one-piece outfits and play clothes without tags. Good-bye frilly dreams.

Don't even get me started on the cuddling. I've blogged before about her challenges. We never got to cuddle her. She didn't fall asleep in my arms until long after her second birthday. She just couldn't handle that much closeness -- instead she'd sit on our laps, as close as possible to our knees, back rigid, facing forward -- no eye contact, thank you very much.

My dreams were shattered. My sweet, beautiful girl was not the human baby doll I expected.

Fast forward six years to this morning. Ellie is a first grader, filled with confidence and giggles. After breakfast, she ran upstairs to get ready for school and came back down carrying the basket of hair bows and a brush. She sat in front of me on the floor while I brushed her hair (she's growing it out for locks of love) and pulled it back into a pony tail. I found the biggest hair bow in the basket and finished my work. She jumped up and spun around, "How's it look, Mommy?" Beautiful, baby girl... Absolutely adorable.

My eyes filled with tears.

Then we prayed and I sent her off to begin another day of learning and fun.

Ellie doesn't remember her struggles. She doesn't know my heartbreak at not being able to snuggle her the way I wanted -- loving her meant letting go of my dreams and accepting her right where she was. She has no idea how I grieved and prayed and fought the system on her behalf. That's okay with me.

God knows. He listened. He answered. He provided the care. The wisdom. The ability to love differently.

Today, she's my cuddly girl. We read her books to her baby dolls (and the dog) together. She loves frilly dresses that flare out when she twirls. And hair bows. And nail polish. She's filled to the brim with hair bows and happiness.

Ellie, Dr. Seuss, Daisy and me

Thank you, God, for your faithfulness. Thank you for my sweet baby girl.