Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Simple Woman's Daybook



FOR TODAY: January 31, 2012

Outside my window...sunny and warm for January.

I am thinking...my toes are cold even though its unseasonably warm.

I am thankful...that I can trust my children.

In the kitchen...freshly homemade apple, cinnamon muffins.

I am wearing...black, long sweater with J-Lo jeans, thanks J-Lo, they fit pretty well.

I am creating...a re-used magnet board from an old cookie sheet.

I am going...to spend some quality time with my girl and a good friend.

I am wondering...how to get time to slow down.

I am reading...the same things, but plan to have them finished by Friday!

I am hoping...the next couple days will go smoothly.

I am looking forward to...a chick flick with some of my favorite ladies.

I am learning...to replace lies with truth. 

Around the house...packed bags and pillows.

I am pondering....how to make my own tooth soap?

A favorite quote for today..."Just do what is next."

One of my favorite things...is when God does the unexpected. 

A few plans for the rest of the week: chick flick, speech tournament, Super Bowl.

A peek into my day...intentional memorization.

Through the lens.......
One of my most beautiful friends and myself after a sweet run/walk in the rain.  
We were soaked!


If you would like to participate with your own daybook or 
simply read others
Thanks for stopping by!
                        Blessings, Connie

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Word filled Wednesday



"Really?"

"even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Matthew 20:28

Thank you Lord for the sweet reminder of servant-hood.
I almost started a hunt for the responsible party until, 
I heard your whisper.

 Blessings, Connie

Monday, January 23, 2012

Simple Woman's Daybook



FOR TODAY: January 23, 2012

Outside my window...tire tracks in the snow.

I am thinking...I am not really a simple woman at all.  I may start out that way in the beginning of the week, but by Friday, I am for sure complicated!

I am thankful...for my new hideaway garbage can.  I am loving it! (except I keep walking to where my old one use to be.)

In the kitchen...potatoes are boiling and on their way to being mashed.

I am wearing...you will be surprised I'm sure....my exercise clothes.

I am creating...new lesson plans for the next few weeks.

I am going...the gym later today.

I am wondering...how long before my past will just stay there.

I am reading...Feathers from my Nest and Art of the Smart, almost done!!!

I am hoping...dinner will be delicious.

I am looking forward to...spending some time with my sweet friend at a health expo.

I am learning...to listen. 

Around the house...laundry awaits to be folded and the rustling of legos!

I am pondering....

A favorite quote for today..."We pay you to get to 1st base, not out at 2nd."  -Moneyball

One of my favorite things...is the kindness of my children to one another. 

A few plans for the rest of the week: finish grading, planning, health expo, coffee:), Frozen Tundra Flag Football tourn, and more that I won't bore you with.

A peek into my day...planning and wrapping things up.

Who doesn't love super models in BIG HATS!

If you would like to participate with your own daybook or 
simply read others
Thanks for stopping by!
                        Blessings, Connie

Friday, January 20, 2012

Dreamer, Nothing but a dreamer......

Funny thing.  When I was young, I would hear, "Follow your Dreams".  As you age, you don't hear it as much or maybe you just quit paying attention to it, realizing they may never happen so why dwell on it.  For me, I'm not sure I really had dreams, well, at least not big ones.  Of course, I dream't of marriage and kids, but I guess, I am talking about the dreams that are along the lines of.....what do you want to be when you grow up, type dreams.  I have always been a very down to earth, practical person.  My dream was to find a good job that I could give my best and enjoy.  To date: being a wife and mom have been the best job I could have ever dreamed of.  (funny, but way back when that wasn't really on my mind)  It is not over yet, but as I prepare my 1st child to think about college, it is a bit of an awakening that this job I hold now will come to a close if I do it right.  With all that being said, the Lord has given me some freedom and encouragement to dream of what is to possibly come.  He has given me some dreams.  I hesitate to even type them out, because the practical side of me, says, "Bah, you could never do that." and the fear that if I tried I may fail.  Here is the list.  I have a heart to teach and share the Lord with people, mainly, women and young people.  I enjoy public speaking, as crazy as that sounds.  Possibly write a book.  Health and Wellness has a special spot to.  I toy around with the idea of opening a business that specializes in products for runners.  The Lord and I are in more of a brainstorming session now and I will wait and see where He leads me.  He has been using Joel 2 to be a blessing and encouragement to me.  I write only to wonder what is to come and also to be able to one day look back and either laugh or see if any of it comes to be.  Do you have any dreams that you hope to one day fulfill or are you living them out?  Let me know, I'd love to hear them.  Happy Dreaming.............
                           
       "your old men (women) shall dream dreams,....." Joel 2:28
                                *gender change is mine.
       Blessings, Connie          

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Word Filled Wednesday


Acts 9:6

"The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias."  
And he said, "Here I am, Lord."
And the Lord said to him, "Go......"
Acts 9:14-15

Lord, you have plans that are being unfolded.
Your plans are always good.
You chose the least of these to carry them out.
"Here I am, Lord.  I will go."
Might I be like a sheep who knows her shepherds voice.
"Rise and you will be told what to do."
(paraphrased Acts 9:6)


Blessings, Connie


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Romancing your Husband.......


                     Romantic Ideas for Your Husband  

Romance according to Webster:  A long poem or tale, originally written in a romance dialect, about the adventures of knights. 2.  Novel of love, adventure, 3. Excitement, love 4. A love affair.

Is this how you would define your marriage?  Or is it more like the trailer from the movie "Date Night"? (1st 30 seconds)
We love this movie, because after awhile that is what romance begins to look like and we need to refresh and reignite the spark that we once had!


Point #1.     Practice NOT doing the things he doesn’t like.
Normally flowers and chocolates are not his idea of romance.  A good rule of thumb is that if it makes my heart go pitter patter, then it probably is not the thing to do for him.  When he has expressed his dislike for something stop doing it.  
Example:  If you have an outfit you like and he has said, "Hmmm, it's not my favorite or that blue shirt reminds me of my grandma."  Probably, donate it to a charitable organization, or pass it on to your grandma, she'll probably love it.
 Does he love a picked up house, swept floor, a made bed?  Well, then do those things.

   Point # 2.    Be a GOOD student of your man. 
     I was blessed early on in my relationship with the Lord with this book, The 5 Love Languages.  This really helped me take a good look at myself, my husband and my kiddos.  It gives examples of the 5 languages that speak to all of us.  They are words of affirmation, gift giving, quality time, physical touch, and acts of service.  Knowing him helps to do the things he likes and staying away from the things he doesn't care for.  Since were focusing on intimacy you might want to find a time and dig deep for the courage to ask him what his dream lover looks like, than be that. (This idea was from the Intimate Issues conference by Linda Dillow)

  Point #3. Be interested in the things he likes.
    Being a good student means that you will know what he likes.  Now you can do something to really knock his socks off....know something about it and be the one to open up the discussion on the topic.  He will be surprised especially if it is an area that you have in the past expressed some disliking.

  Point #4.     Be Impressed with him
Watch him and be impressed.  The older we get the less people rave about us.  You though can do this for your man.  When he does something that you are impressed with tell him.  Let him know you still admire him like you did in the beginning days of your relationship.  It never hurts to say how impressed you are with his strength!  You just watch he will beam.
Build him up in front of others.  If your impressed and it is in front of other people, don't miss the opportunity to say.  He will stand a little taller.
This is important, try not to override what he says. It makes them feel inadequate and it is embarrassing.  Our guys like to be needed.  I know you are a strong woman, but, be a damsel in distress sometimes.  Need him and let him help you.  

Point #5.  Make yourself available
Be willing to just be in the same space as he is.  When he is doing a project be ready to lend a helping hand.  Also, here is a biggie.  If you are romancing your husband in such a way and he begins to draw near to you, then you need to be available for him.  I understand that sometimes it is more fun to draw the attention of him then when the time comes.....fear or some past ugliness comes up and you go into..."You can't touch this mode!"  This is so discouraging for all involved.  If you are struggling with past hurt, whether from him or some other thing, then you need to be open and honest about it with your husband and maybe need to get some help to get you through it.

Point #6. Most important …be his lover not his mother.
He has 1 mother and likely a mother-in-law and that is plenty.  A lot of us are moms all day long and it can be hard to turn it off, but you need to.  If you have trouble recognizing if you are doing that, ask a friend who you trust to tell you if they notice you treating your husband that way.  
Your husband wants to be intimate with a woman who is confident and content.  This is an area that I think a lot of us woman struggle with.  The world sets up unrealistic standards and gives a false idea of intimacy.  In order to be that kind of a woman, we need to know what the truth about ourselves and what true romantic intimacy is to look like.  So we need to consult the one who created it.  God himself!  Song of Solomon is a great place to look.  
There are other places to and the one other verse that I am going to take the time to address is 1 Corinthians 7:4.  Yikes, I know.  My husband has full authority over my body.  You want romance, give your husband what is his, if you haven't already.  Yes, I can hear all the reasons and excuses why we can't or shouldn't, heck, I wrote some of them, but in the end this is what I am told to do and so it must be what is best.  Once again,  I understand,  there may be some healing that has to take place, but you have to start somewhere.  Covering this area of your marriage in prayer is so important!  One wise prayer could be, "Lord, match up our desires."  The Lord is so faithful when we step out.

Romancing our husbands can seem strange.  It is not the way we would want to be romanced.  We are created differently.  It's really about being able to serve our husbands in a way that meets their needs and desires and usually in the mix God does an amazing thing and our needs and desires get met to.
Since the creation of time there has been a Romance story being written.  God the Creator of Romance wants us to be a part of it.  He has been pursuing a passionate, exciting, and fulfilling relationship with us.  He is the ultimate Knight and he has come to rescue us.  Are you in need of rescuing?  Is your marriage a mess or not what you have hoped for?  You can have a "Happily Ever After", when Christ is at the center of your story.

This adventure you and your husband are on will take time.  I just encourage you to take the 1st step, then take the next one.  It may be very hard at first, but the more you do it, the better it gets.


Here are a few practical ideas: (remember these are just ideas, your man might like something else)

The Out of Towner= “Don’t miss a thing journal”
My husband travels and so I write the things that happen down so he still feels connected and caught up when he gets home.  This way I am not bombarding him with a weeks worth of info. and most of the time, it ends up being a bit of a love letter to him.


Facebook flirting or texting
Just make sure it is the correct phone number if you text!

Lunchbox surprise
Notes are easy, but favorite candy or whatever he likes.

Workshirt love notes
Sneak a note in to the pocket of his pants or shirt to find later that day.

Valentines surprise week
Small surprises throughout the week and a finale on the 14th.  (start thinking now)

Do a chore for him.
Make the bed, iron shirts, make his lunch

Use SOS as a base line and write something about him and read it at bedtime.  (This may start out awkward and funny, but end fabulous.)

*When I say write him a note, I mean the kind he wants to read.  If you are a good student you will know what trips his trigger.  Also, notes that are a bit more passionate, I never used our names, just in case it gets dropped or someone else stumbles upon it by mistake before he finds it.  And of course they should always be God honoring!!!!

  Blessings, Connie

Monday, January 16, 2012

Simple Woman's Daybook



FOR TODAY: January 16, 2012

Outside my window...the porch lights are on waiting for my family to arrive under one roof.

I am thinking...about the final touches on the talk I've put together on romancing your husband!

I am thankful...for my husbands job, thanks CMD.

In the kitchen...lights are out and counters are clean.

I am wearing...stretchy pants and my autism walk shirt.

I am creating...HomeMade laundry detergent.

I am going...to bed soon.

I am wondering...if I will be as tired tomorrow.

I am reading...a bunch of cookbooks from the library.

I am hoping...my underline headache goes away.

I am looking forward to...women's studies starting again.

I am learning...to serve without complaining. 

Around the house...laundry!

I am pondering...not much really.

A favorite quote for today..."All scripture is God breathed", when Paul wrote this he was speaking directly to the Old Testament.

One of my favorite things...is how good I feel after a good solid workout. 

A few plans for the rest of the week: grading for 2nd quarter, unit 2 celebration projects, menu planning.

A peek into my day...clean up, laundry, library.

Romance after 18 years!!!!  I love this guy.


                      If you would like to participate with your own daybook or simply read other entries
                         please visit Peggy at http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
                                                          Thanks for stopping by! 

                        Blessings, Connie
                                                                          
                                                                  

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Word filled Wednesday


"It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates.  
On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel.  
There were three gates on the east, three on the north, 
three on the south and three on the west.  
The wall of the city had twelve foundations, 
and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the lamb."
Revelation 21:12-14

My thoughts have been filled with how fleeting this life is.  With the new year and a funeral to start it out, it can't be helped.   I am finding myself both looking forward and reflecting.  I wonder for what and how I will be remembered.  As I ponder my life, it has become my prayer to not waste my precious time on the things that are foolishly fleeting.  In my wrestling with one minute your here, then your gone, and my time here is finished, I have been brought to these precious truths.  I will not be robbed of even one breath or be able to sneak in one extra one.  My days are planned and they have been written for me.  My Lord holds each one in his care.  With each circumstance I face He has overseen it and ordained it for my good and His glory.  This life I live now, I plan to live in a way that Glorifies God alone and that I will be loving Him more in each moment.  My photo is from the Netherlands.  When I approached this gate, I was tantalized by it's beauty and found myself wondering who reigned inside.  There is another gate that one day I will approach, and I am so thankful that I won't have to stand on the outside wondering who reigns inside, because I already get to know.  Praising God I get to know Him now and looking forward to the grand entrance on the very day and time He has picked out for me.                      


Blessings, Connie   

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Simple Woman's Daybook



FOR TODAY: January 10, 2012

Outside my window...a beautiful January sun setting.

I am thinking...how difficult the release of a child is.

I am thankful...I don't have to cook dinner tonight.

In the kitchen...evidence of people living here.

I am wearing...clean clothes:) (I even showered today:)

I am creating...a talk on ways to romance your hubby.

I am going...to chose to be nice.

I am wondering...what the pages of my journal will say this year.

I am reading...an old book on properly writing love letters.

I am hoping...to be able to make it to the gym each morning this week.

I am looking forward to...getting our finances in order, again.

I am learning...I need to focus on my relationship with my man.

Around the house...are signs of spring and I get confused and forget it is January.

I am pondering...a post on funerals.

A favorite quote for today..."People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care."

One of my favorite things...getting a great shot. 

A few plans for the rest of the week: my dad's Dr. appt., kids classes, menu plan.

A peek into my day...financial advisor appt.(yes another one), kids speech, dinner with 
in-laws.

This is one of those shots that I got.  It is one of my favorites.
Grandma Vicki and her grandchildren.

                      If you would like to participate with your own daybook or simply read other entries
                         please visit Peggy at http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/
                                                          Thanks for stopping by!  
                                   Blessings, Connie   
                                       
            
           
                      

Thursday, January 5, 2012

George Lucas, Math Corrections, Guinea pig nails, and the smell of Cake Batter!

These are the things that filled my day today!
No, George wasn't over for a visit, one of my children will be presenting a speech on him, this Saturday. It is so well written and he enjoyed the research very much, being that he is the biggest Star Wars fan ever. Today we had a conversion on doing things that are sometimes hard to do. This involved the memory work that goes with presenting a speech. We talked about how sometimes, you have to buckle down and work overtime to get things done and when it is something we don't care for doing it is even harder. Which brings me to the math corrections...............

'Deep sigh'
Oh math corrections! As I speak with my child, I realize, I have approximately 3 weeks or so of math corrections waiting for me. YIKES! My own words convict me. Math was never my favorite to do and it's not my favorite to correct. It may be time to just buckle down and get it done. Now that you all know, I give you, cyber-space, permission to hold me accountable. Just for the record I have been moving it from place to place with me trying to get it done, but have been interrupted.
Which brings me to the Guinea pig nails.....

Teaching Textbooks Algebra 2, Textbook with Answer Key  -
I don't know if you know it or not, but, guinea pigs feet are a very important. They have their major arteries in their feet. They need their nails clipped about once a month and if you clip the nail to far down you could really hurt them. Oh my. Who is going to do this? Not me! So there is a sweet girl named, Stacey, who works at the pet store that does this and she did a great job. We will be seeing her monthly:) Thanks Stacey!!!! She went on about how good our Ruddie is and Carter started to beam. Then when we got in the car, Carter says, "Mom, did you hear how she kept going on about Ruddie and how good she was?" I replied, "Yeah, I did. You know how you feel so proud right now, that is how I feel when someone tells me how good you are." In reward, Ruddie got and apple and Carter a quarter! A lesson learned in this animal adventure.
Ahhhhh, the end of the day. I made it and as I sit and type, the aroma of cake batter fills the air. Cake batter blondies. As good as they smell, they taste 1,000 times wonderful. Oh, the lessons I learn from this child of mine. She just decides she wants to do something and does it. Me, well, I have to work into things. I think about it, talk about it, get use to the idea of it, and then if the feeling doesn't pass, I may do it. I am getting better, especially when it comes to the kitchen, but I have plenty of room to improve.


Thank you Lord for the lessons I learned today.
Thank you Lord for the gifts and talents of my children.
Thank you Lord for the joy of being able to train and teach them.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Word filled Wednesday

Luke 11:10
For everyone who asks receives;
the one who seeks finds;
and to the one who knocks ,
the door will be opened.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Simple Woman's Daybook entry





FOR TODAY: January 3, 2012

Outside my window...sunny sky and bright, white, crisp, snow.

I am thinking...how fragile life is.

I am thankful...for God's new mercy today.

In the kitchen...Tapestry of Grace binder open wide and letters from thankful friends.

I am wearing...new jeans, green cashmere sweater with a brown one on top, and my scarf.
(It is cold in here.)

I am creating...more work for myself.

I am going...to take one step at a time.

I am wondering...how my friends are holding up after a loss.

I am reading...some books on entrepreneurship.

I am hoping...to use my time wisely.

I am looking forward to...being back in a regular routine.

I am learning...how to talk to teenagers.

Around the house...lots of books.

I am pondering...how my time here is very short.

A favorite quote for today..."With great power comes great responsibility."
Uncle Ben from Spiderman

One of my favorite things...laughter.

A few plans for the rest of the week: ortho, pick-up chickens, funeral, Mini Church.

A peek into my day...financial advisor appt., kids speech.

Homemade Sweet Cinnamon Rolls made with love.
YUMMY!!!

If you would like to participate with your own daybook or simply read other entries

JOURNEY

Life is not a problem to be solved; it is an adventure to be lived.
~John Eldredge