Six Word Saturday

Here's how it works: describe your life -or something- in six words. Explain or don't, either way, have fun! Visit Cate at Show My Face to read all about it and get started! :)

Girls + sleepover = I need a nap!

My Heart...

It's been awhile. I'll apologize later for my absence in the blog world. Right now I need to share my heart with someone. Anyone. After yesterdays earthquake in Haiti, my heart is numb and emotional. I was in Haiti less than a year ago.. in Jacmel, which is approximately 25 miles from Port-Au-Prince. Jacmel has hotels and buildings down all over town. The news right now is that the orphanage of the Hands and Feet Project is ok. No damage, although they've been sleeping outside for fear of aftershocks. Even today they were having aftershocks that measure over 5.0.

Today on K-Love they had a Haitian Pastor call in to the morning show. He led a prayer that brought me to tears. I feel so helpless...

What can I do? I've been praying continually. I feel like it's not enough. I wish I had money to make a giant donation to help. Here's the thing... as Christians, we're called to take care of the orphans and widows. All of us need to do SOMETHING. We need to respond and put our faith where our mouth is and help. I'm not saying you have to send a ton of cash. If each person sends $5 or $10, it will make a difference.

There are many missionaries and U.S. groups over there that need our prayers. Their families need prayers for strength that their loved ones will be ok. Along with missionaries, there are many organizations over there as well. If you feel led to make a donation to help one of these organizations, please go to K-Love Radio website and view the list... or you can go to the website for Hands and Feet Project and make a donation directly to them.

Go... and be the hands and feet of Christ. Show the love of God, maybe to someone who doesn't know Him...

Six Word Saturday

Here's how it works: describe your life -or something- in six words. Explain or don't, either way, have fun! Visit Cate at Show My Face to read all about it and get started! :)

Sad day, prayers appreciated for family.

Today my roommate's niece and her husband are removing the respirator from their four day old daughter. Prayers are definitely welcome for this trying time for the family. The decision was not made lightly, and frankly was the most unselfish thing they could have done.

Why?

For the last couple of days I've been praying for a new family, my roommate's niece and her husband. They're young... just 18... and had their first child on Tuesday. Yesterday that found out that she has a chromosonal disorder that affects the brain and lungs. She would be on a respirator her whole life.

Today I'm trying to comprehend. To understand what God has planned for taking this newborn baby. I'm searching for the peace that exceeds my understanding (Phil 4:7). I'm one of those people that tries to analyze what God is up to... what's His plan?

If you could all join me in prayer for this young newlywed couple, it would be much appreciated.

How is Your Attitude of Gratitude?

That's what the sign on my church said this week. So I've been thinking about that attitude. I must admit it hasn't been the most gracious.... Too often I think about the things I need.. like my car being fixed, a part time job, etc rather than focusing on the things right in my life and what I'm thankful to God for giving me. While I'm hoping that each one of you have the BEST Thanksgiving, spending it with those you love, here is what I'm thankful for:

1. My family ... My relationship with them is getting better all the time. I've talked to my mom three or four times this week and don't want to kill her. :)

2. My friends ... I have the most amazing people in my life and I am blessed to call them my friends.

3. My job ... There are so many people who were without jobs this year and I'm very fortunate to have one!

4. "My kids" ... I know I sound like a broken record when it comes to my kids, but I am continually blessed by them. I love when I'm teaching them about the love of Jesus - THEY end up teaching me about their perspective; and it's so much sweeter than mine.

5. My car ... even though it definitely needs some work, I have something to get me to that job I'm so grateful for!

6. My church family AND my coworkers ... From the moment I stepped in, they welcomed me with open arms and have not let me down since.


the silly stuff ...

7. Baseball ... Seven months of the year when I can turn on the tv or go to a stadium and escape reality, while watching cute men run the bases.

8. FRIENDS ... No matter how many times I watch them, it never gets old. Have you had your Friends moment of the day?

9. David Cook, Josh Groban, and Rob Thomas ... Turning on my mp3 player has never sounded so good... I wish it played video though! :)

10. Facebook ... I love finding people from my past - including the woman who babysat me when I was younger!


Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!!! Take time to reflect your attitude of gratitude today.

Six Word Saturday

Here's how it works: describe your life -or something- in six words. Explain or don't, either way, have fun! Visit Cate at Show My Face to read all about it and get started! :)

Hopefully doing absolutely nothing this weekend!

I've been sick all week, staying home a total of 3 days this week and last. I'm pretty excited about this whole doing nothing business. :) Need to rest my voice, which there is still none.

I never thought I'd...

I've been trying to write this blog all week... In honor of my birthday, I thought I'd share a few things in my life that I never thought I'd do.

1. I never thought I'd be doing crafts until 11 pm on a Friday night before a church event - but I do it several times a year.
2. I never thought I'd go on a mission's trip to Haiti - but I did in April and it was an amazing trip!
3. I never thought I'd call someone else's kids "my kids" - but I do at least twice a week. I'm constantly being blessed by them.
4. I never thought I'd enjoy spending so much time with kids - I miss them when I can't see them and I wouldn't imagine it any other way!
5. I never thought I'd have a job that I enjoy, with great coworkers - I actually look forward to going to work! What a concept. :)
6. I never thought I'd miss getting birthday cards. It's Saturday and I've gotten none. ZERO.
7. A few years ago, I never thought I'd move out of Nebraska. Three years ago I moved to the Kansas City area and without a doubt in my mind, it has been the best thing I've ever done.

There are also days in my plan when I never thought I'd be almost 30 and single with no kids. I know it's not my plan, but it's in God's time. I enjoy my life, but I'm not content. I am a firm believer that God has better things planned for me; bigger and better than I ever could have imagined or planned for myself.

Six Word Saturday

Here's how it works: describe your life -or something- in six words. Explain or don't, either way, have fun! Visit Cate at Show My Face to read all about it and get started! :)

Can't talk + busy weekend = muy frustrating!

Not Me Monday

Not Me! Monday was created by MckMama. Check her blog to see what she is NOT up to and to get started!

I did NOT enjoy the Children's Pastor/Leader retreat this past weekend. The people there were NOT fun and we did NOT have a good time!

I have NOT been busy NOT planning my birthday party for this weekend... I'm spending it NOT relaxing.

I have also NOT skipped Not Me Mondays the last couple weeks... I have NOT been busy!!!! :) As my bedtime nears, I can NOT think of what else I did NOT do this week!

What have you NOT done this week?

Six Word Saturday

Here's how it works: describe your life -or something- in six words. Explain or don't, either way, have fun! Visit Cate at Show My Face to read all about it and get started! :)

Children's Leader retreat = Much needed overnight!

Picture of the week...

Yup, you guessed it... :) Me and Jeremy Camp... ahhh, isn't he heavenly? :)

Oy!

{In a text to my mom}


Me: I found a gray hair!!!!
Mom: Poor thang
Me:I'm too young for that! LOL
Mom: Better color blonde.. can't tell then
Me: Thanks momma
Mom: Just thought I'd help


Oh my gosh!!!! I'm not even 30 yet.... gray hair......ahhh!!! I can't do it!!!

Six Word Saturday

Here's how it works: describe your life -or something- in six words. Explain or don't, either way, have fun! Visit Cate at Show My Face to read all about it and get started! :)

Waiting to see the little creatures!

Now I lay me down to sleep...

Today, I had a little breakdown with God. Listening to K-Love on the way home, I began worshiping and praying. When was the last time you prayed like a child? By that I mean... literally kneeling and praying innocently for everyone else but yourself? I couldn't tell you the last time I prayed like that. Lately, I've been feeling a tad guilty about my prayer requests that I make known to God. I believe He knows our hearts, so we might as well ask, right?

My breakdown was about my prayers. The things I ask for, but never getting anywhere. God's probably telling me to wait and be patient, but I'm not listening like normal. My breakdown was about the life I lead - and am I really being Christ-like? I think I'm a faithful servant. I hope I am. Am I good steward? Most certainly not. I wish I could give people even HALF the grace that Christ gives us. Of course I sin, and I ask forgiveness. Being the human I am, I always take it back. I give Christ my life, everything... and always take it back.

I sat in my driveway, crying, pouring my heart out to Him, apologizing for the things I do and the things I don't, but should. Trying not to make deals with Him, because that's not how He works.

Maybe tonight, I'll try praying like a child. Tomorrow, I want my faith to be like that of a child. I want to be on fire for my relationship with God, making a difference in His kingdom.

Six Words

Here's how it works: describe your life -or something- in six words. Explain or don't, either way, have fun! Visit Cate at Show My Face to read all about it and get started! :)

Wedding today; Hope I don't cry!

I'm a sucker for weddings. Over the summer I went to the wedding of my roommate's niece.. I know the family and our Pastor was officiating... I cried and announced that he was NOT doing my wedding when the day comes. :) Last weekend I went to the wedding of my dear friend, AnneMarie. You guessed it... cried. Only 3.. or 6 times. Have a great weekend everyone!!

Not me! Monday

Not Me! Monday was created by MckMama. Check her blog to see what she is NOT up to and to get started!

I did NOT enjoy having a four day work week last week. I NEVER miss work when I'm not there.

I did NOT attend a Matthew West concert for K-Love and I did NOT enjoy it one bit!! I also did NOT cry two...or three... or four times... Sshhh. :)

Oh - and since baseball season is getting closer to being over... I did NOT thoroughly enjoy that the Yankees lost tonight... ABY!!! :)

Last week I said that I had NO ideas for my birthday... well, I have one fabulous friend who did NOT come up with an excellent idea!!! I am NOT excited at all!

What have you NOT done this week?

Not Me! Monday

Not Me! Monday was created by MckMama. Check her blog to see what she is NOT up to and to get started!

Well, I am spending today NOT working... Thank you, Columbus!

I did NOT miss my kids on Thursday. CJ had to call me while they were all there and put me on speaker phone. I heard them all say, "Hi Miss Leslie!" So cute!

I did NOT spend any time driving, and I did NOT get to visit wonderful friends along the way. I also did NOT get to witness the most beautiful wedding I have ever seen... I won't admit that I did NOT cry 20 times during the wedding AND the reception. I would NEVER imagine me to be a crier!! :)

I did NOT play the good sister and take my brother to check out his first tattoo. :) He did all the checking and talking, I was just there for moral support. I have NOT ever thought about getting one... but I'm a wimp!!!

I have also NOT been thinking about what to do for my birthday. In one month I will NOT be hanging on to my twenties by a thread! I know what me and the roommate are doing, but how to celebrate with everyone else? Hmmm....

Oh... and I also did NOT fall down concrete steps at my parents house. I was NOT amused to say the least!

What have you NOT done this week?

Six Word Saturday

Here's how it works: describe your life -or something- in six words. Explain or don't, either way, have fun! Visit Cate at Show My Face to read all about it and get started! :)

This has not been my week!!!

Tuesday got a ticket... supposedly I did not stop at that stop sign (insert eye roll here). One of my church kids was diagnosed with H1N1; so now have to call all the families of kids that were in church on Thursday. Last night my tire was sounding funny, like it was flat... pull over - oh, there's a nail in it. Going to get that fixed today. I'm sure it could be worse, but when it rains it pours!

Dear Boston

I miss you!! It seems like a lifetime ago since I walked your streets....


and looked at your beautiful architecture.



I loved holding the starfish at the aquarium....


and eating FABULOUS food in the North End.



I also loved the view from my downtown hotel room....


I also appreciate the generous Bell man that gave us restaurant ideas and awesome walking directions. Oh, Boston, how I love thee. I enjoyed every moment of the wonderful vacation you gave to me. Since your weather was too windy on the day I was supposed to go watching for whales... I will definitely be returning, since that cruise line gave us a free whale watch tour!!! :)

Go Sox!

Leslie in Kansas

Vacation - Maine

Maine is beautiful!!! I would love to go back some day when the leaves are changing colors. We flew into Boston on Saturday morning and drove up to Maine, via New Hampshire. In Maine we drove up the coast, driving through cute little towns (like Kennebunkport), stopping at harbors, lighthouses, a couple of beaches, looking at beautiful architecture, and.... for me - eating the most seafood I have in my life. I ate seafood the first three days... surprisingly, I liked it! :) We drove through Portland and Bangor... just taking it all in.


Where the Portland Seadogs play:


We saw a lot of water....






a few lighthouses...



hung out on the beach...





ahhhh... I love vacation. :) More about Boston tomorrow!!