Choosing J O Y

Today I am making a conscious effort to choose joy. To look for the light. To be in prayer and communion with my God. To not worry and stress. To be present in the moment. Its a battle but I will not be defeated.

He will cover you with his feathers, 
 and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.    Psalm 91:4 NIV

This is the day the Lord has made; 
   let us rejoice today and be glad.      Psalm 118:24 NIV

The Lord is my strength and my shield; 
 my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. 
My heart leaps for joy,
 and with my song I praise him.
Psalm 28:7 NIV

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.     Philippians 4:8-9 NIV

I'm wearing my favorite LulaRoe skirt and my "Fancy" earrings. Those two things always make me feel a little better ;-)

Hoping to add some new fall-ish pieces to my wardrobe in the next month. Clean out my closet and dresser and get rid of old, worn out pieces or things that simply don't work or fit well. Loving the idea of a capsule wardrobe...we'll see what happens.

       

I'm looking forward to participating in the Making Your Home a Haven challenge, beginning next week. This challenge always makes me happy. Something about fall makes you want to make your home all cozy for winter. And also bake apple pie ;)

After work I am headed to pick up our race packets for this weekend.  Something about getting my race packet gives me a thrill, I can't wait! The hardest part will be waiting until after the run on Sunday to wear my new shirt! :~P

The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me;
your love, O Lord endures forever--
do not abondon the work of your hands.
Psalm 138:8 NIV



Linked up with Amanda at Running with Spoons

9.28

For Today {September 28} We are in the last days of September, heading into the last quarter of the year.... I feel like time is slipping through my fingers.

Looking out my window it looks sunny

I am thinking about my aunt today <3

I am thankful

Celebrating September Birthdays
Rhett, Grandma, Dad and Mikayla

One of my favorite things

I am creating making a little time in my life for sewing/quilting.  Also this week my machine was being temperamental so I resorted to using my Grandma's vintage singer =)

I am reading Still Alice

I am watching two new favorites The Voice and Worst Cooks in America

I am hoping for nice weather on Sunday morning for the Breast Cancer Run with my sister.

I am learning I love this quote from this morning's SheReadsTruth devotional

But the love of the Lord is infinite and lasts forever. The Spirit’s peace never fails us. And while this world and its trappings are passing away, our hope in Christ’s promises is secure. He is our real treasure, and our very great reward.

In my kitchen I have successfully planned another week's menus

• Monday- Cashew Chicken and Rice
• Tuesday- Pork Carnitas
• Wednesday- Broccoli Cheese Soup, hopefully in bread-bowls ;)
• Thursday- Pizza...Nina's is our go to place now =)
• Friday- Crockpot Pirogi Casserole

Board room I made this for lunch. It was more delicious than I could have imagined,

Pinned: 21 day fix
Source: Climbing Mt Fitness

Shared Quote



A moment from my day This weekend we had a Girl Scout camp out at the Drive In

It got pretty chilly once the sun went down

Closing Notes: You are...

first day of fall!

Linked up with The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today {September 22} I can't believe summer is actually truly and officially over! I'm so torn between missing summer and being ready to embrace fall-- pumpkins and apple, crisp days. Hoodies and jeans.

Looking out my window sunshine! Another summery afternoon.

I am thinking about weddings, love, anniversaries, marriage.  Tuesday was my sister's wedding anniversary (2 years).  My parents' is next Friday (38 years). Ours is the week after that (18 years). <3

I am thankful for my husband and our family <3

I am wearing 
My new travel mug matched my outfit Monday...

I am creating just a little quilt project. Just love that kitten fabric! I have a thing for fat quarters. Using up some I have collected in this project.

I am reading

• Becoming a Vessel God Can Use (For Moms Connect)
• Still Alice

I am hoping for nice weather on Saturday.  Our first Girl Scout excursion of the year. We are camping out at the Drive In Movies. =)

I am learning to embrace who I am, be proud of who God made me to be and walk with my head held high.

In my kitchen working on getting my menu planned. I have been a huge slacker lately! Here's what I have for next week:

Monday: Chicken Enchilada 

Tuesday: Quiche & garlic parm potatoes

Wednesday: Slow Cooker Ziti

Thursday: Pizza Nite

Friday: Parmesan Pork Chops 

Board room
I have been pinning oodles of 21 day fix recipes lately. Here's to being more healthy


Post Script My friend and photographer Chelsea, started a blog to show her work.  Here is her entry of Mikayla's Senior pictures.

Shared Quote working on keeping my thoughts on good things and TRUTH.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.     2 Corinthians 10:5

A moment from my day 

We get pretty excited when Chance's bark box shows up :-) This month the theme is back to school.  I forgot to cancel the membership so Chancey has another 6 months of bark boxes coming.  But aside from the fact the timing was a little crappy on the payment--- He's totally worth it.  We all look forward to the day it arrives.  I think this Back to School box is one of my favorites!

Patiently waiting for his new toys.

The pencil has been all but destroyed (2 days later).

Sabbath

Today was so refreshing. Church was wonderful. It was the first time I have felt so at peace and refreshed in a long time.

It was moving up/teacher appreciation Sunday. I love teaching Sunday school. Today I realized again it was my place. I hugged my girls who moved up. You'd think they'll never see me again. They are just in the class room next door. But it warmed my heart. I will miss teaching them each week. I'm excited for my new class to though. One little boy brought me flowers so sweet. And Kendra my sweet girl gave me flowers and thanked me for being her teacher this year.

This afternoon I took the pup for a run. It was a little hotter than I thought but we enjoyed it. 

It's starting to look like fall-- certainly didn't feel like it though. 81 degrees and sunny.

But oh that sky! 

I could have sat there all day.

We headed to the Lake for a church picnic. A kick off for this season of Moms Connect. It was so nice. Sitting there chatting with friends. Relaxing. Watching the kids play. So refreshing. I didn't take a single picture...but stole a couple from friends.

Friday

I'm so glad its FRIDAY! This week has been a million years long. Part of it was last weekend was just so busy, it didn't feel like there was a moment to even breathe. Hoping this weekend will be a hair less frantic and a little more restful.

This morning I {finally} finished off The Resolution for Women.  This quote near the end really grabbed me.  Really spoke to my struggles the past few weeks.

Then on my way to work I heard the song Priceless by For King and Country.  Another reminder to see myself as God sees me.  To be confident in who He created me to be.



I took time to do my hair and make up again. I've been seriously slacking on this (& the rest of my September goals.) But it really does make me feel better. Wearing jewelry makes me feel better too =)

Last night we celebrated this girl. She turned 17 yesterday. Seems like the last 17 years flew by in a flash. I'm so thankful for each day. Mikayla is growing into such a beautiful young lady, inside and out. She continues to amaze me each day. I'm so proud of her.

Meatball Subs for her Birthday Dinner

She got to open two presents last night (saving the rest for Saturday and our birthday celebration with family).  One was the coveted All Time Low sweatshirt- she was so happy.

I made cupcakes and two of her friends gave her cupcakes so we had a little cupcake platter last night.

It's also her cat's birthday. I brought him home a can of food and a bag of treats as well. ;) Storm is 13 now! Getting up there in kitty years. Still as feisty as ever.

Chance was not happy to see the school bus this morning. This was right after Ryan got on the bus.

I came across a couple of my favorite pictures last night, as I was looking for something else.  Added them to my wall at work. =)

Happy Friday! I'm looking forward to putting on jeans and a hoodie and sitting around a campfire with my best friend tonight. I think I am ready for Fall ;-)

For Today

{September 14, 2016}

linked up with The Simple Woman's Daybook.

Looking out my window

Looks like rain. 

I am thinking

I can't believe this little peanut is turning 17 tomorrow!

I am thankful

Having trouble with the thankfulness thing today.

But thankful for my mister who sat on the floor while I cried for no reason and tried to make it better.

Thankful for a good run with my mom and sister.

One of my favorite things

I am reading 

The Third Wife. 

I hit up the library with the kids last night, so I have a stack of new books to dive into.  

Now to just find the time.

Also my new favorite show (since Castle is over...all though I still catch reruns on TNT) starts tonight. Worst Cooks in America. My two favorite chef's Anne Burrell (of course) and Rachel Ray will try and teach the worst "celebrity" cooks to make restaurant quality eats.

I am hoping

This funky mood passes. I am grouchy. (and cold and hungry). 

Feeling so anxious and overwhelmed.

Like there is just never enough and its never going to get any better.

I am learning

My home is currently a general disaster area.  Working on this...

In my kitchen

My kitchen is sad and neglected.

Board room

pinned:love

source: The Time Warp Wife

Shared Quote

A moment from my day

Our last Sunday School class before move up Sunday.

I'm gonna miss this class <3

These girls are all about the silly faces.

Closing Notes:

Sunday evening we went to the 9/11 ceremony in our little town.

Its the first time I have attended. It was really quite nice.

Mikayla sang as part of the Select Choir.