I remember

I'm having one of those "thankful" days, ever have those? Just a day to reflect on all you have seen, all you remember, and being thankful for where you are today. I remember.

The other night we met with the Pastors at our church that do outreach and as we were talking about different things we want to do to reach our city (mind you our city is named the "most miserable place to live) I remembered. I was sharing with them how there was a time as a kid that I recall getting food from a church. It broke me into tears talking about it, as if it just happened. We lived on Welfare most of my childhood, and that's not a fun place to live. It was not like my mom did not work hard either, it was just that my dad was no help at all to her financially. She did not sit around, collect government money and call it a day. She was one that tried her hardest to get off the system; but with 4 kids, you can imagine how hard it was. When I look back on my childhood, I generally think of everything from my perspective, how it affected me. Now that I'm an adult, with kids of my own, I can only imagine a glimpse of what my mom must have felt on a daily basis.

I did not intend for this to be a sad post however, sometimes you have to remember the rough times in order to appreciate the now. I remember. And I appreciate. I generally am a thankful person anyway, not because I'm super awesome and always have the right attitude, no. I guess it's just because I do remember, I remember where I used to live. And I see where I live now.

I'm so thankful that God lifted me out of the mirey clay, that He set my feet on a solid rock. I'm so thankful to have a great family, to have great friends. I'm so thankful to be part of a church that is gearing up to reach this miserable place to live. I'm just so thankful. Because I remember.

He hears

I know that God hears us when we pray; I pray with full faith that God is totally hearing me, that He is placing things into action to facilitate the answer that I need. Yes, I believe in the power of prayer.

Having said that, I tend to forget that God hears me when I'm just talking to Him, not really praying for anything in particular, just talking. I know He hears me, but sometimes I need to be reminded that I know it.

Just now, I was sitting down to read a bit before I go to bed, ya, it's 8:30 and I'm getting ready for bed, so what?! Anyway. I just was talking to the Lord briefly about different areas in my life that I feel are lacking...you know how that goes right? You always have something you feel inadequate about...at least I do. I found myself telling the Lord things about myself that I wish were different, and to even type them out here, well, it would sound so silly to you all. It's not physical, although I always am griping to the Lord about weight. Nope, tonight I was just talking to God about how I wish that I were smarter, had more to offer people...more value...things along those lines. I won't go into detail, but you get the gist right.

So I open a book that I have started to read before but had forgotten about. I decide to read the introduction, and was reminded that yes, I know God hears. The intro starts off talking about the time that Mary went to the tomb and was met by Jesus Himself! It goes on to say how Mary knew that Jesus cared deeply about her simply because He called her by name that day...this is the portion that jumped out at me:

"God knows each of you and cares for you just as He cared about Mary. He knows your name; you belong to Him (Isaiah 43:1). No matter who you are or what kind of baggage you carry with you, no matter what you look like or feel like, no matter what you do or don't do, God loves you just as you are right now. You don't have to get your act together, lose ten pounds, run a marathon, write a best-selling book, or raise perfect children. You are an extraordinary woman in His sight right now."

Ok, crazy right? Man. No sooner had I just finished talking to the Lord about all these attributes that I feel are lacking in myself, that I read that He thinks I'm extraordinary. I have never, ever used that word in describing myself but lookout guys, I may just have to start!

So there ya have it; the next time you start off on a list of things you want to change, remind yourself that you are already extraordinary!!! Just.as.you.are.

What have I started?

Joei just walked in and said, "Mom, you will be so happy to hear this! Payless has the BOGO sale!"

Creepy Barbie lives

Joei had been asking for this life size Barbie that she saw at Wal-mart, and Santa being the jolly old soul he is, decided to bring it for Christmas. She was over the moon when she saw it. Immediately she stripped the Barbie of her clothing and wore it herself. It fit, sorta. The Barbie made the rounds with her that day, at the table, in her room, in the middle seat of the car. Seriously.

Jaden came over on Christmas morning and was lucky enough to get a shot with the Barbie. Jaden, please contain your excitement.






Joei was very possessive over the Barbie, as if she were her real life friend. They danced together, sang, chatted...yep. Now can you see why she acquired the name creepy? You can't? Just wait.

Joei also got a Hannah Montana wig from Santa, here's a shot of the awesome wig along with El Creepo.






Well Creepy Barbie was laying low for awhile, she just sat next to Joei's bed. Creepy Barbie has not been played with much for the past few months...however, she has made a come-back. She sat at the table last night while Joei ate supper. Joei has danced yet again, chatted yet again and yes, wore her clothes.

She gives me the jeebs because at first glance you think it's a kid sitting there! Still not sure why I call her Creepy Barbie? Well, you would call her Creepy Barbie as well if you were in the kitchen, minding your own business, only to turn around and see this....

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Wait for it....

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Imagine very scary music playing right now...think "shower scene from Psycho."

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