Dark Days and the Ultimate Christmas gift

In dark days like as of late with evil running rampant, why do some get mad at God and cast blame on him, asking him or his followers, 'Why does a good and loving God let these things happen?' My question is why do we not recognize who is truly to blame, who is truly at work? It is Satan, the Devil, who is at work. God sent Jesus to die for our sins and to conquer Evil, which he has done. The devil is still the ruler of this dark world and he is at work every day trying to turn us away from the truth that can save us. God gave us free will to choose, Him or sin (which is of Satan). I beg of you, in love for you, choose God and his son to be the ruler of your life. Do his will. Do not give the devil a foothold in your life. And let us remember this Christmas this gift of our Savior, that God gave to us all. Pay this gift forward and spread the good news and His love. 

Some verses from God's word that are on my heart in light of recent events in our world. Please read them, let them into your heart and let them work in you. 

^{Romans 1: 28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.} 

^{(This is one of my most cherished chapters from God's word.)}

^{Romans 12: 9} Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. ¹⁰ Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. ¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ¹³ Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.¹⁸ If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹ Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
    if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

^{Ephesians 6: 10} Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

^{Hebrews 2: 14} Since the children have flesh and blood, he too (Jesus) shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—¹⁵ and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

^{James 1: 13} When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; ¹⁴ but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. ¹⁵ Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

¹⁶ Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. ¹⁷ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 

^{Romans 15: 13} May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

In closing I would like to say, if we stop living our normal lives because we are afraid from events that the devil has caused, then his plans are gaining a foothold. What we need more is to continue to lead our normal lives, despite our pain, and not be afraid but keep our awesome fear of the God of heaven AND earth. 

a Christmas Song (or two) on my Heart ~ from me to you

Baby It's Cold Outside and I am Dreaming of a 

White Christmas, Dashing through the Snow along the City Sidewalks Dressed in Holiday Style. 

The Jingle Bells are Ringing, Ring-a-Linging 

while we are Rockin Around the Christmas Tree and the kids are seein Mommy Kissing Santa Claus underneath the Mistletoe. From our family to yours, 

We Wish you a Merry Christmas 

and a Happy New Year 

and 

Joy to the World.

Inadequacy, a pumpkin and the bible =

Oh how I hate this feeling! 

I really hate this feeling of inadequacy  Feeling like I do not have anything I am really good at. You know, when people say, "I need this." 

or "I want one of those." 

or "I need help with..." 

or "I bet so-in-so could make me one of those." 

the first person they think of is you to get that thing or to make something perfectly special. I struggle with, time to time, this feeling of inadequacy,  talentlessness and/or failure. 

HA! Who am I kidding? From time to time! More like most of the time. Sometimes I cry out to God, as my heart is aching and my stomach is sick, "What gives!? Why these feelings?" 

uggg I sigh.

 I realize I need to get back to the Good Book and let Him remind me of how good and perfectly made I am by Him. 

No, I am not perfect; yes, I am a sinner. 

Yes, I will struggle, my whole life, with feelings like this and more. But He is always there to return to. To reassure me that this fallen world He has conquered.  That this sinner is forgiven. That I do have gifts that He has given to me and, with faith in Him and some hard work, those gifts will soar and maybe change a life. 

Well, at least bring a smile or a warmed heart; a feeling of importance in someones life. 

Just maybe.......

Maybe these feelings are given to us for a reason, to remind us of where our gifts, our talents, come from. 

God. 

Given to bring Him glory, not us. We are made perfect, perfectly imperfect. What a beautiful thing imperfection can be! As Thanksgiving comes up, what perfectly imperfect gift or talent has God given you to share with others? 

Are you... sharing? 

Setting an Example for the Young

There is nothing like the proud feeling you get as a parent when you see your children serving the Lord and his people. It is also oh so humbling. At church yesterday, as I was trying to hurry my kids out of church to go get breakfast, my son runs a way as he tells me to wait. "What are you doing?" I yell after him impatiently. I take a few steps toward the sanctuary doors to see him grabbing a couple bibles to hand out. You see, we were in between services and people were starting to make their way in. He wanted to serve and I could wait. After being taken back by this, my child, my dad whispers in my ear, "He is learning from example." My dad's example as a matter of fact. He hands them out when it is needed and my boy was watching. I hurried to get out my camera to take in this beautiful moment. The pictures may not look like much but there is no art more beautiful than love in action. I captured it and while doing so, baby girl learned from big brothers example, grabbed the two little bibles on the bottom shelf and went out on her own mission. 

 Titus 2:6-8 ~ ...encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned....
 











1 Timothy 4:11-12 ~ Command and teach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

I wonder..... was God smiling as big as me that morning at such a beautiful sight? 

Welcoming Autumn

The countryside surrounding Vezelay, France in October.

Autumn is here, my favorite time of year. 

The leaves change colors and fall. 

The days grow shorter as the night comes quicker. 

Crisp air brings about cozy blankets and sweaters. 

On the breeze there is a scent of smoke from fires warming cuddling people. 

Fog greets us in the morning with a silent hug. 

The pumpkins and corn grow big and tall, getting ready for the harvest.

Fall surrounds me and brings with it a smile and a wonderful peace to my heart.  

Remembering

My mom came in my room and woke me up. I knew by the way she was acting something was wrong. We watched it together in her room as all the horror unfolded live on the t.v. I was in a blood shot-puffy eyes-horrified daze all day as I worked as a teller at 1st Independent Bank. I was a very quiet day there and, when we did get customers, there wasn't a whole lot of chitchat. I am not sure if any of the lives lost that day is some one I know but that doesn't matter. For those lost and for those who lost, I cry for them all, every year.  And I try to take time to remember what that flag stands for. FREEDOM 

Leaving a Legacy of Unusual

Unusual:  noticeably different from what is generally found or experienced; being out of the ordinary

        Synonyms: curious, extraordinary, funny, odd, peculiar, rare, singular, uncommon, unique, exceptional, irregular, notable, noticeable, particular, remarkable

        Antonyms: common, ordinary, plain, usual, expected, predictable, normal, regular, typical, familiar, ordinary, everyday

For some reason unknown to me, the comment my 8th grade U.S. History teacher wrote in my year book came to mind this morning. Here is the comment he wrote to me, 

"You have a great character (a little unusual) and you will go far in life." 

For a long time, the part of the comment in parentheses had somewhat irritated me. And it hurt a little bit. Ya know. I mean 'unusual'. Being 'unusual' never seemed like a good thing. At least, not to a kid that was going into high school after that summer ended. That place of the popular kids and everyone else. To me, it read that I was the ugly duckling or the black sheep or something close to those characters. So, irritated and hurt and offended, I put it out of my mind.

Then this morning, I thought about that comment and went looking for it. I read it again. 

"You have a great character (a little unusual) and you will go far in life." 

Now, as a parent with a kid off on his first full day of kindergarten, I am pondering this comment. I think about all of it now, not just the part in the parentheses. And as I think about all of it, including that part, it makes me smile. I appreciate it now. It is something that I realize now is a good thing and something that I have continued to be. I see it in me now as a strength and I want to embrace it; to continue to mold that part of my character into something good, something to leave to my kids as a legacy. 

What would a legacy of unusual look like? Well, just look at those synonyms. Funny. Curious. Remarkable. Rare. Exceptional. Notable. Those are terms I can get behind and encourage my kids to strive for in their lives. Is being like all those that are 'popular', all those in the media, like all those images that are pushed on us by marketers and big corporations, all the influences of our modern culture and society; is being like all that unusual? I say, no. I want for myself and for my kids a great character of the unusual sort. Not of the common or expected or familiar.

So just imagine what leaving a legacy of unusual could do... 

from an ordinary day to an extraordinary day

While garage sale-ing a couple of weekends ago I found a free box full of magazines. Jack Pot! Those are one of my favorite things to find at garage sales. I picked out a large handful to take home and have been reading ever since. One of the free magazines I brought home was a copy of Better Homes & Gardens from June 2004 and in it is an article titled, "A Day Like No Other." It was written by a Michele Meyer and I loved it so much that I wanted to share it with you all. Since I could not find it online, I am going to give you the main points she makes with a little of my own additions here and there. I hope you enjoy it and that it inspires you like it has me. 

My stack of free magazines with BH&G June 2004 on top.

Michele writes, "It's all too easy to put off so many of the little things in life, so you should make a commitment to trying these suggestions as soon as possible-today, in fact." And we should because, if we are not already aware we should be, life is short. We put things off until tomorrow because there is always tomorrow. Right? Maybe not. And if there is, those years fly by and I hope that my family, my kids will look back to see extraordinary days instead of ordinary or ugly days. 

"Here then are 12 suggestions that you can put into action" to turn today, an ordinary day, into an extraordinary day. 

1. Love To Be Loved ~ Offer each family member a warm hug and kiss whenever you part or reunite. You'll not only remind them that they are loved, but you'll also feel more loved yourself.
2. Listen. Really Listen ~ There's a line from a movie that goes: "Are you listening or are you waiting to speak?" Often we're so busy crafting our response that we hardly hear what others say. Break yourself of this habit.
3. Create A Secret Affection Code ~ Devise a gesture, like tapping the tip of your nose, to silently signal your spouse and kids "I love you" in public. Then put it to use daily.
4. Daydream For A Moment or Two ~ A mental break not only lets you destress, studies say it also boosts creativity and improves sleep and eating habits. So take time to be a momentary space cadet.
5. Use Humor in Frustrating Situations ~ While stuck in traffic or the slowest checkout line ever, look for the absurdity of a situation-and often you'll find yourself chuckling instead of stewing.
6. Watch Your Kids Sleep ~ No matter how old they are, a few moments of seeing your kids' peaceful, beautiful faces in repose can make up for the (many) hassles of parenting. Sneak in tonight and have a quiet look.
7. Boost Someone's Confidence ~ Have each family member say something positive at dinnertime. It doesn't always have to be about a person; it could simply be about their day.
8. Hold Someone's Hand ~ Few experiences are as tender as a hand slipped unexpectedly into another's. Touch is an incredibly important part of life. It makes you more alert and attentive. It builds intimacy. And it just plain feels good.
9. Climb a Tree ~ Blow bubbles, do a cartwheel, climb a tree, or read one of your child's books for yourself. Reconnect with childhood.
10. Keep Your Fan Mail ~ Create a file folder and sock away any written compliments you get from your spouse, kids, siblings, and friends. Add to it each time you receive something that makes you feel good about yourself. Then return the favor. 
11. A Little Bit Goes A Long Way ~ Feel overwhelmed by a daunting task or tasks? Instead of procrastinating and dreading them, take one step toward completing them, no matter how small. Once you do, you build momentum. 
12. Linger Every Day ~ Forgetting how to dawdle is a tragedy. Make sure it doesn't happen to you. So once a day, take a few minutes longer at something than you normally would. Snuggle with your spouse in the morning after the alarm goes off instead of leaping out of bed. Savor a cup of coffee (or tea) while reading the newspaper instead of downing it on the way to day care. Life is busy enough. Before today ends, carve out a small chunk of time just for lingering. "Women run from one task to another and forget to take time for themselves," Patricia Averill, PhD, says. "Taking just 10 minutes every day reminds you that you're valuable too."

Me and baby girl lingering in the hammock in the backyard.

And you know what? You are. 
Lets all help to make it an extraordinary day for each other.

Getting ready for school with Mom's Manager

So, everyone that has a school aged kid knows it's back-to-school time. Time to gear up, stock up and get back to a routine. Well, my little guy is starting kindergarten this year and all this back-to-school stuff is new to me. Okay, yes, I did go to school when I was his age so it isn't completely new to me but, now that I am the parent, this planning out new routines and stocking up on supplies and getting mentally prepared, is new. 

And a little overwhelming. And exciting. And worrisome. And fun. 

Mom needs a manager. 

Well, what to my pleasant surprise, while shopping for school supplies, there it was. Mom's manager. Ready for me to take it home at the sale price of $3.99! A full 18 month planning calendar to keep the whole family on track and together. I am so excited. I love these calendars because you can give each member a color so everyone knows what is going on with who. And, as a helpful bonus, it comes with some stickers to flag certain events and doings. 

I am in love!

Their sample page of how to effectively use
the planner. 

The stickers that came with the calendar.

With our manager in play, I feel like we are ready for school to start. And for our first ever school year start, I hope this helps to keep us organized, on track, on time and, most importantly, sane! What helps you get your school year off to a good start?

Delight in the house of God

A Psalm

About a month ago, I went blueberry picking with my mother-in-law and my two kids. It was beautiful out, in the country, birds chirping and the sun shining down. My kids picking and eating and getting dirty while I was filling my bucket to fill my freezer for the year. Life was good; life is good. And then I found it, the little birds nest, tucked away in the bush, a reminder to me from my God.

Psalms 84: 1-4 (NIV)

How lovely is your dwelling place, 

O Lord Almighty!

My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. 

Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young- a place near your altar, O Lord Almighty, my King and my God. 

Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.

Yes, how lovely it is. And I am blessed. I will praise you!

Visiting A Vintage Gathering

Well, I finally made it to one of the vintage gatherings. I have driven past it the last couple years, always on my way to some other commitment, frustrated because I couldn't stop. Not this year! And boy was it fun! I wish I had had more time to stay and look around, really take it all in, but I had my two little ones and when they are ready to go, everyone knows it.

One of many great vendors, Roost Reimagined
had some beautiful pillows and clothing. 

In my short time though I did get some pictures and met some of the great vendors. Everyone was so nice and the selection of products was unbelievable.  One dresser my mom was looking at only lasted about five minutes and it was sold off to a new home. 

Denise and friend of Junque Soiree were so
gorgeous I had to get their picture. 

             

And although I did not come home this time with any treasures, you can be sure I will try to next time! I have the bug now and there is no looking back. Maybe some day I will be one of the vendors getting my picture taken. hmmm....!

One of my favorite treasures from the gathering that I wasn't able to
come home with at Mack and Momma. Just beautiful.

So here's to finally making it to A Vintage Gathering and to many more! I hope ya'll enjoy the pictures and join me next time in supporting local artists in their passion for mixing old with new and giving a new life to someone else's junk. 

Wasting Not

Waste Not, Want Not ~ If you do not waste things, you will never be in want of things. 

Willful waste makes woeful want ~ Do not waste anything thoughtlessly. 

As I was cleaning out my closet today, tossing a fair amount of old tee shirts in a pile, I thought about these two sayings. Hmmmm.... What new use could these old tee shirts serve now? Then the memory of my dad's rag box in the garage came to mind. When are we never in need of a rag to clean with? There are just somethings to clean that I do not want to use my wash clothes on. Some jobs need a rag you can use and toss. So I decided to take my old cotton tee shirts and start my own rag box.

First step, cutting off the arms.

Second step, cutting tee shirts at the seems. Now each tee shirt has become two square rags.

I have to say, looking at my pile of rags, there is a smile on my face. I did not waste. And I will not be in want or woe next time I have a dirty chore to do. I took something that was going to become trash and turned it into something useful and wonderful. Wonderful in that every time I go to grab a rag from the box, I will smile again at what I have made and how fashionable my chores will be.

>smiles<

RE: MishMashedMe

Hey ya'll! 

I am revamping, redoing, restarting, reviving, remodeling, remaking (hmm anymore re.. words.. nope, that's all I got right now!) things around here. I went through my blog here and deleted some old posts that I was bored with. I changed the background, add some new colors; ya know, things like that. Anyway.... I am going to be doing this blogging thing better (hopefully) from now, on. 

Key word: MORE!

I am excited to see where things go from here. I hope you enjoy what I will have to offer up. So here's to a reworked, revised and refashioned MishMashedMe! (and, hopefully, you!) 

My favorite trends off the 2012 Spring Runways

Spring is just around the corner but why wait for the fashions to arrive! Here are some of my favorite Spring 2012 Runway Trends. I like to pick a couple of the latest trends and add a few new pieces to my wardrobe options. And, with so many great options these days in consignment sales and second-time-around stores, you don't have to go broke looking like you just stepped off the runway. Have fun picking out your favorites!

Whether you like to go bold or keep it soft, this springs color trends have you covered. 

My favorites: Cabaret and Cockatoo! 

These head to toe Florals are one of springs biggest trends. Keep it simple with hair pinned up and minimal jewelry.

Prints especially Florals

Roaring 20's 

Drop-waist and Flapper styles mixed with this springs softer hues bring back the 1920's glam. Oh so feminine!

combining Color Blocking with Asymmetrical Hems

                                                                         Get adventurous with this springs Color Blocking trend. So many possibilities with the options of this season.

Polka Dots are always, in my opinion, a spring essential. Try them in one of this springs hotter hues like Tangerine Tango or Socialite Blue.

Pleats in lightweight fabrics are feminine and flirty. 

Why Being Thin does NOT equal Being Fit

I am tired. 

Tired of feeling guilty because I am a thin person who wants to be fit. 

What is wrong with that!? Nothing! Every single person should want to be and should work every day at being fit. But so many times when I tell people that I am exercising, I feel like they are rolling their eyes and shaking their heads wondering why I think I need to. I need to exercise to strengthen my core, to work my heart muscle, to have more energy and be happy. No, I don't need to exercise to lose weight. Hello! I know that. 

Laying in the hammock in the backyard
with my son on a warm summer day.

I have had this body type since I was born. It is what God gave me, a thin frame and fast metabolism. Does that mean that I get to lay around and eat whatever and still be fit. No!  

My husband and son walking
down a trail, exploring.

Being fit is different than being thin. I want to be able to run after my child and not be completely winded. I want to go on hikes with my husband. I want to climb a small flight of stairs and not have sore, burning muscles afterwards. I want to walk the Portland to Coast with my sister-in-law. I want my kids to see what staying in shape, what being fit, looks like. I want to try to protect myself from diabetes, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's and whatever else I can. There is, in my view, nothing wrong with any of that. Nothing to feel guilty about. In fact, there are some very good things there.

So I am going to exercise. I am going tell myself there is nothing to feel guilty about. There is nothing I have to apologize for. I am going to be a supportive friend to whoever wants to get in shape. And I am going to be fit!   

The Plan:

Hello friends! 
It is a new year and I have a plan. Yes, a plan not a resolution. 
The plan: Get it together!
Get what together exactly? Everything, anything, life. 
All the stuff I have been wanting to try out, to do, to change; this is the year. At least to get the ball in motion in these areas. 
I mean what am I waiting for!? 
Every day is a gift from God not to be taken for granted or to be taken lightly. Go out and put forth the effort. What's the saying? Anything worth having, worth doing is worth the effort. 
Effort
Hard Work
Persistence
Faith
These are words to put into action this year. What is the 'stuff' you ask?
More adventures with the kids and husband
More experiments in the kitchen
More experiments in the garden
More attention to the budget
More time with friends
More praying
More God 
More of everything and anything life has waiting for me and my loved ones.
Do you have a plan? What is it? Or, if not, Why not? 

Life is worth the effort. It is worth doing. It is worth having.