That's Not My Reflection Is It?

Lately, I have been in a bit of a tizzy. I will admit that I have somewhat evolved into a baby bridezilla. No, not the full fledged fire breathing, demanding, one, but a pure baby sensitive, thin skinned, frustrated, toddler bridezilla. The funny thing is that I had no clue that I was turning into a little baby monster. I would sit and watch that show cracking up thinking man, I'm glad I'm not bossing people around and just being mean. However as truth always has a habit of coming to light I found that I was being a big baby. I was allowing myself to become overly frustrated which makes me uber sensitive, whiny, and withdrawn and I wan't as friendly as I was thinking I was. As hindsight would have it I could have been less frustrated if I had not alienated (unintentionally) some very dear people in my life and baby bridezilla would have never been hatched. But God is always faithful to show us ourselves even when we don't want to look in the mirror, or even if we are semi blinded by our reflection.

Sometimes its hard to see little flaws, even when people are pointing them out to you. Thankfully God has a big old magnifying mirror which shows you all of the little flaws, open pores, and developing blemishes that we mere mortals don't always seem to have a keen eye for. Really, its a blessing to get a reality check from God. Why? Well he really doesn't have to let us know we have spinach in our teeth. He could let us walk around thinking we are just the cutest little Christians all the while we could have a little bugger that is oblivious to us, but obvious to others. That's the kind of friend God is, and I am eternally grateful that he loves me enough to let me know that I "aint" always as cute as I think. I am also greatful that I humbled myself and allowed myself to see the reflection in the mirror before it was too late. Bridezilla could easily grow into Wifezilla, and God knows that's not who I ever want to be. I thank him for showing me my flaws and giving me an opportunity to die out to those flaws so that I don't take them into my marrige. The truth hurts but I would rather it hurt me now, than for me to hurt my husband later.

I have to dedicate this post to all of my friends that are involved in my wedding somehow. I couldn't be blessed with a better group of friends, of sisters, of family. To have you all be a part of my special day is a Godsend. There could never be enough thank you's to show how grateful I am for what each of you mean to me. Proverbs 18:24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

GIVEAWAY!!!! Free Ebook Of Choice

Galations 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

My graciously wonderful and simply darling friend Lylah whom I have linked to in a number of posts has decided to extend an wonderful offer of reading pleasure to my readers cuz she likes me a whole, whole lot:) Seriously, I literally opened up my email to this awesome message:

"if any of your readers go to my LCM site they
can pick a gift e-book...they just need to email me and then post back on YOUR blog...what they chose...and IF they want...why... no strings...just want to give away...and bless
women..."- lylah

I mentioned before on my blog that Lylah was an wonderful life coach, and a former single mom like myself. I have read her e-book "Prayers for Your Mighty Man" and thought it was a refreshing tutorial of a woman's strength and power as her husband's help meet. Her wisdom and grace is so inviting that I have contemplated on several occasions flying to Arizona just to sit in her kitchen to chat, watch her cook, and stuffing my face all while basking in the light Titus 2:3. So please take advantage of this wonderful offer as it expires at 7 pm on Wednesday. Check out this link, pick a book, any book of your heart's desire, E-mail Lylah, and post your choice in my comments section along with your name and the"why" behind your choice. While you're picking out your book, peruse through her blog and website, I am sure you will leave fulfilled and possibly hungry:)

Thanks Lylah for passing on such a wonderful treat!!! Be Blessed and Stay encouraged!-smfg

Just Dropping In

graphic from art.com Just dropping in to let everyone know that I am thinking about you all. This has been a very busy season for me and I just have not learned how to balance working, home, and blogging. It is a learning process. But know that when I am unable to blog daily, I have post swirling around in my head and I do wonder what you all are up too. Thanks for all the emails checking on me. I will be back tomorrow Lord willing. Be Blessed and Stay Encouraged!!! smfg

The Lighter Side of Me

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My much older godly single mama twin, (separated before conception) Persuaded was hosting another interesting meme. I figured I would play along and lighten my mood since today I wasn't feeling very creative and am falling into weekend mode a little early. So here we go with all the self exposure. Oh and did I mention that the name of her blog is Tomato Soup Cake if you visit it you will see that the name fits the gal!

Nine Random Things About Me

• I love silly socks with very eclectic patterns. I will wear them proudly and dare anyone to laugh.


• I once embarrassed myself participating in a beauty pageant during college. And it was in front of my peers, classmates, and parents who drove 2hrs to support me. I gave a very stupid answer to a very easy question. And I do mean stupid- just ask my mom!


• I worked for NASA as a graduate intern and hated it!


• I am horrible at 3rd grade math- just ask my daughter!


• My Mom is the coolest- She doesn't play though, but she has bible wisdom that has rarely been wrong.


• I am very afraid of bridges, I cry when I have to drive over them!


• I was in labor on my birthday with my oldest daughter- she decided she did not want to share but to wait till the next day. I still don't celebrate my birthday because I am always trying to plan hers!
• I don't like eggs at all!
• I have been so blessed and encouraged by blogging and by every person who leaves a comment on my blog. Your thoughtfulness makes a big difference in my day many times.

Also I tag anyone who wants to play and I tag AnnaS, Terry, and Rosheeda. You're it! Yes, you. YOU! The cute one behind the keyboard!( stolen from persuaded)
Here are the Rules:
Link to the person who tagged you;
Leave a comment on their blog so that their readers can visit yours;
Post the rules on your blog;
Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog;
Tag 7 random people at the end of your post;
Include links to their blogs;
Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Tag I'm It!

My blogging buddy Terry from Ornaments of Grace tagged me on her blog yesterday in a cute and interesting book meme and you know what I really had to think on this one! I don't read too many self help books because in my eyes they all have the same message, and I read mostly history, fiction, and books related to my occupation but I have read some that I thought would make me seem a little worthy for this wonderful game! Thanks Terry!

One book that changed your life: Get Over Yourself by Tanya Pinkins a soap actress that went from Hollywood to Welfare and rose from the ashes!
One book that you have read more than once: What to Expect When Expecting- as if I forgot the first time:)
One book you would want on a deserted island: My Bible
One book that made you laugh: Any Shel Silverstien book when I was a kid, whichI have now passed them on to my daughers.
One book that made you cry: The Rapture and Fox's Book of Martyrs- Don't remember who they are by, but I just knew I didn't want to be lost when God comes back, and I cried at the faith and steadfastness of those who endured true persecution for Christ. ( And yes I know that's two books, sorry:)
One book that I wish had been written: How to Walk Correctly and Pain Free in Heels for Dummies :)
One book that you wish had never been written: Harry Potter
One book you are currently reading: Powerful Prayers for Your Mighty Warrior by Lylah Ledner! Its a great e- book for married and single women, her link is on my favorites!
One book you have been meaning to read: Emotional Purity by Heather Paulsen- I wish this was written when I was younger, but I want to read it so that I can raise my daughers to embrace emotional purity because I feel this foundation will help them fight fleshly pulls to impurity! Her blog is also on my favorites.

I would like to pass the torch on to Llyah, Persuaded and Just Me if you are reading this then TAG you are IT!!!!

The Reason For It All!

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In case I don't get to post again or you don't get to visit my blog before the Holiday, I wanted to take a moment to first thank you for your contributions to my ramblings, musings, and thoughts. I wish each and every reader a Blessed Holiday Season for which ever holiday you celebrate. It has been a wonderful couple of months blogging and I am excited about the year to come. Lord willing I hope to hear from you all throughout the holiday season and even more in the new year. Even if it is just to say I am still alive! I plan to continue blogging during the holiday if time permits as I am on vacation through the first of the year and my time is promised to my precious babies and my family! Be Blessed and Stay Encouraged! Remember that Jesus is the reason for this season!smfg

A Merry Heart

Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
Today I am dedicating my blog to someone who I consider a very good friend who's kindness and thoughtfulness inspired today's post. I posted yesterday that I was having a testy day. What I didn't add is that I was mentally, physically and emotionally drained. I didn't mention it because I didn't want my readers to think I had what I like to call a whiny post.... I didn't want to seem as if I were whining about my day, but honestly I was exhausted and wasn't my usually chipper and quick witted self. My broken spirit literally dried my bones!! But, I thank God for the friends that he has given me. Notice I say given me, not the ones I chose but the ones I let my husband pick out for me. He knows what and who I need best in my life and I let him choose.

Proverbs 27:17
Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
My dear friend sent me a few hilarious emails centered around a topic we rival harmlessly about. I immediately broke out in hyena-like banter and felt so much lighter afterwards. All day I have been laughing about the email and thinking less about the shots the enemy tried to take. There is an old saying: " Laughter is good for the soul" indeed it is.

Proverbs 18:24
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.
When my children ask me what I am laughing about when I think about funny things my friends say or encouraging conversations, I simply use it as a teaching moment. Mommy is laughing at something a friend said. I teach them that God will send you people who when you least expect it will encourage you, no strings attached. I will teach them that a true friend is most happy when you are happy and sad when you are sad. They will pray for you when you know they are praying and they will pray for you privately, they will always be honest and tell you things you don't want to hear but need to know about yourself. I show them scripture about how a true friend is supposed to be, and if your pray and ask God to give you friends, he will give them to you according to his word. Its important for them to know at a early age that God sends them the best friends, the friends they choose may be fair weathered! Plus I want my children to have pure, saintly friends, ones who will not taint them with teaching contrary to the things of God!

I thank God for my friends who are like family to me. Our situations may not be traditional, but God will surround us with people he has chosen to be our natural friends, but our spiritual family. I think of this scripture that another friend would use to encourage me. Psalm 68:6 God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

We have to embrace those friends and family who build us up spiritually and naturally. We have a duty to teach our children about praying to God for true friends who will help contribute to them having a merry heart!

God Bless you and stay encouraged!
And to my friend- Thanks for all your prayers and encouragement Gal 6:9 will come to pass sooner than you think! gOOOOOO fg