Away in a Manger

Luke 2: 12
" This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. "


Well, here we are on the 5th day of Christmas and I've only written a blog one other time this entire month. Sheesh! We've got a lot of catching up to do. Just a few things going on at the "LOAE" (Lipstick on an Elephant), residence...

 Let's start here. A few Sundays ago, my family and I went to a "drive-through nativity" at a local church. What a wonderful experience it was for the whole family. My toddler sat on my lap as we looped around to see all of the actors and live animals out and about, bringing to life the Christmas story. Everyone enjoyed it. My 10 year old even admitted she thought it was great. Being the sap that I am, I immediately started to tear up the moment the actors that played Mary and the angel Gabriel began their scene. What a wonderful reminder of the reason for this Christmas season.

The next Friday, we...MOVED!!!! Yup, that's the big news I was going to share with you, we moved! One week before Christmas, we moved to a beautiful, temporary, townhouse. The week before Thanksgiving, we put our house on the market and within 2 days had 2 offers. We quickly found a big beautiful townhouse to rent because settlement was scheduled within the month; and here we are. It has been such a whirlwind. And I've seen God's hand orchestrating it all. The timing for my family of every last detail, God had it covered! Now, I did use the word "temporary", here. We are hoping to start building our dream home soon. Please pray for this process for us and with us. I know that God has the perfect place for our family to finally settle in.

The week after we moved...Christmas came. "Somehow or other it came just the same! " (Dr. Suess). We managed to get settled enough in that week to purchase a Christmas tree, decorate it, bake cookies, shop and wrap gifts for the whole crew! On Christmas Eve, we met my family at our local church and experienced a wonderful family service full of lessons and carols. My mother pointed out it was the first time in many years that my brother, my parents and me had Communion together. So special!  What a whirlwind it has been; stressful, but also a time full of hope and happiness, too.

Christmas Eve, sprinkling Magic Reindeer Dust .
Someone is so excited!!

Christmas morning, after opening gifts.

This week we are still unpacking and trying to get temporarily settled in. We are so blessed to have been led to this house (go to this link to see the beautiful homes that Ten Oaks Homes builds). I pray that this season has brought you, and continues to bring you, much comfort and joy. Hope was born that starry Christmas night, in a humble way, for all people. The most innocent precious lamb, born in a manger, that was God himself incarnate, born as a sacrifice for us so that we may live eternally. "The hopes and  fears of all the years, are met in thee tonight".

Here's our tree Christmas morning before the children opened their presents.
I just love our new living room. The wood beams on the ceiling are very "Fixer Upper"-esque, and I have a gas fireplace!!

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Not Chip or Joanna

Proverbs 21: 9
" Better to live on a corner of the roof than to share a house with a quarrelsome wife. "


What a verse, LOL! My poor hubby. Although, I have to say in my defense, sometimes it could go either way. Last Thursday, my hubby and I celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary!! Let me tell you, it has been a wild ride! I married a man that knew the instant he met me, I was "the one". He also knew that I had 3 children and that I was going through a divorce, and that my divorce was...shall we say, "less than pretty??" We dated for 3 years before we got married and then, 9 months and 3 days later had our first baby boy. Then less than 2 years later we had our first baby girl, then the year we turned 40 our next baby girl was born, and finally 4 years ago we had our last baby. It's been a crazy, busy life with lots of ups and downs, but a good life grounded in our faith and our hope, and most importantly, our love. Thank you for loving me and being my biggest advocate all of these years, my Love. I can't wait to spend the rest of my years with you.

Here we are about a week before our anniversary in Annapolis.
We were married in Annapolis and lived there for many years. What a beautiful city!

Last Tuesday, November 29th, the first episode of season 4 of Fixer Upper came on. I was looking forward to it for weeks. I missed it.  I really like the farmhouse chic style of Joanna Gaines, and love to see the houses completely decorated and beautiful for it's new owners. That would be a dream of mine, to move into a new home completely furnished and decorated from top to bottom. Of course, a fully stocked refrigerator and pantry would  make that dream even better!! But, what makes the show even better is the great rapport and candor between Chip and Joanna Gaines. It would be just another decorating show without the antics of Chip and the eye rolling of Joanna. My husband and I like to watch it together. I'd like to think that we could be the next Chip and Joanna, but probably not. We have renovated and built our share of houses over the years, however, it would take us years to finish a house, we've been renovating our current home for 6 years!! I think the network probably needs a quicker turnaround time than that. Also, my husband would die before he ate a bug or put an old toothbrush in his mouth. He would be great at telling you how to do things properly and perfectly, though.  I, too, could not do what Joanna does because I wouldn't be able to make a decision about the design or decor of the house. I would be a nervous wreck second guessing myself. Our lucky customers would be walking into a house that had hardly anything done, but what was done, would be perfect. And, they would have a bunch of mismatched furniture because I couldn't make up my mind what style I was going for. So, Chip and Joanna we are not. What I do think we have in common with the Gaines' is our faith and I look forward to reading their new book, "The Magnolia Story".  This would make a lovely Christmas gift for the Chip or Joanna in your life (hint, hint!!).

I can't wait to share some more things with you in the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned. And...if you are missing my blog (I hope, I hope). I hope to be able to write more regularly after the busy holiday season.

I pray the start of your December is making all things merry and bright for you and your family!!

Thankful

Philippians 4: 6
" Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. "


Whew, Lord, let me tell you, I prayed specifically last week for something that I have been praying about for a long time. Last week, with this verse written on the page of my journal, I specifically prayed "with thanksgiving". There is no shortage of God working in my life right now. Not a day goes by that I don't see God's plan unfolding, like a flower blossoming before me. I can't wait to share all of this with you, and in the next few weeks you'll know!!!

Another thing that I'm thankful for happened last Thursday. All of my beautiful children were at my parents house at the same time. It rarely happens these days. So I am extremely thankful that I got to spend the day with them.

Here are some pics from my very thankful, Thanksgiving.

I've been making this pumpkin cake for about 24 years.
My 2nd daughter was born in October, so for her first birthday (and many after) she had a fall theme.
I baked this for her, a spice cake with cream cheese icing, yum!

Here was my highlight...

All of my kiddos (+1) together, in the same place, at the same time!!
(the +1 is my daughter's boyfriend)

 and this...

I jumped in on this one.
Thank you, Lord, for my kids!

Today, I encourage you to pray with thanksgiving in every situation. Sometimes it's hard to see God working when things are going bad. But, He's there all the time, and all the time He is good!

(Genesis 15:20, " You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good...")

Happy Wednesday!!

Party!!

Psalm 34: 8
" Taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. "


This verse seemed appropriate for the last couple of  weeks. I've already tasted and seen Thanksgiving dinner at my parents house. Yummy! Then, later this week, my birthday dinner; and then 2 days later, my youngest's birthday; and the next day her birthday party. Lots of celebrating with good food. Not sure about you, but food is important to me. So many celebrations, so much food! So happy!!

Things have been kinda hectic around here lately. I can't wait to share some BIG things with you. You're just going to have to wait, though, because I'm just too busy right now. Not only that but my "baby", who's going to be 4 on Saturday, is sick. Poor thing. And, it's her birthday week, so she needs to get better quick! This year she opted for a superhero themed party. You know I like a good theme. A theme makes organizing a party so much easier. Another thing that is going to make her party easier for me, is that we're having it at the recreation center where she takes gymnastics. Her gymnastics coach will be leading the children for about an hour, and there is a room where we will be able to set up for the party. So no activities to plan for me, just food and a little decor.

 Here are some things that I'm getting together for her Superhero party...

My girl has chosen, Batman, Wonder Woman and Spiderman as her heroes.
This looks like something I could do...

These look like super simple goody bags that I could make with things from the $ store.

I am so fortunate to have a friend that is going to make cupcakes for the party. Here's what I'm thinking...

I like this idea of using boxes as a cupcake stand.

For food, I'm keeping it simple. Pizza, a veggie tray and some chips. I'll also be purchasing $ store tablecloths in black and gold, red and blue. And that is a wrap. I can't wait to share some pics from the party.

I pray you have a wonderful week!

Nifty for 50

Numbers 8: 25
" but at the age of fifty, they must retire from their regular service and work no longer. "


This is now my favorite Bible verse. I may even have to get it tattooed on my tush (I was thinking forehead, but decided I didn't want everyone to know how old I was!). Well kids and hubby, this is it, I'm giving my 2 weeks notice. I'll go ahead and supervise, but ya'll are going to have start pulling your own weight. It's in the Bible for goodness sake! Thank you, Lord, that you have given me a sense of humor, and that at least I make myself laugh!!

So, in 2 weeks I will be 50. And since you all are clamoring to know what I would like for my birthday, I thought I'd let you in on some of my favorite gift ideas for people in my advanced stage of life.


1. A Day of Beauty.

Many salons offer Spa or beauty packages, for a day of pampering.
Jordan Thomas is a local Salon that has several options, some even include lunch!
Check out some of your local salons for packages and specials.

2. A new outfit (to coincide with said "Day of Beaty")

I love this perfectly preppy ensemble. All of this is from Talbots.

or this adorable sweater would be perfect for a girl who could never have too many navy & white stripes...

Whale &  Nautical Stripe Tinsel-Decorated Sweater- Talbots
Perfect sweater with a pair of jeans and some cute leopard flats.

3. Alex & Ani bracelets.

I'm in love with this Sunflower design. The sunflowers remind me of my baby Angelo,
and this bracelet actually benefits the Alzheimer's Association. 20% of the proceeds from each bracelet sold, will advance research and support for those living with Alzheimer's.
Sunflower Charm Bangle/Alzheimer's Association- Alex And Ani

4. Candles.

I love my home to smell good, and it puts me in a good mood.
Candles are always terrific gift.
Home for the Holidays- Yankee Candle

5. A new phone case and a wireless charger...

OtterBox makes great durable phone cases. While I love my Kate Spade phone case, I've dropped my phone a few times and it didn't take the shock as well as I would have liked (it's peeling, sorry Honey!).
OtterBox Commuter Series- Best Buy

I have no idea how a wireless charger works... but I love the look of this one.
TYLT VU Wireless Charger- Best Buy

Just a few nifty gift ideas for someone who might be turning 50 soon. But I bet these are some good gift ideas for just about any mom on your Christmas or birthday list.

I pray you have a great Thursday!

It's in the bag

1 Samuel 17: 40
" Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with the sling in his hand approached the Philistine. "


I have never carried 5 smooth stones in my bag. But, in my bag/purse, I can easily carry several bottles of water, my wallet, makeup bag, change purse, my daughters epi-pen, a stack of napkins from Chick-fil-A, some straws, and enough snacks for my entire family of 6. It feels like I'm carrying around 5 smooth boulders sometimes! Whew, what a week we've been having. I have experienced highs and lows like nobody's business. Thank you, Lord, that the election is now over!! I pray that as a nation we can move on together in peace and in unity: one nation, under God. I know that some of us felt like we were approaching Goliath with only stones in our bag. To some, victory; to others, the agony of defeat. Thankfully in the Bible story above, David was victorious, and his faith in God got him through many other "giant" situations. Not only did David trust in God, he praised and worshipped him. The Bible has a book full of David's ups and downs, highs and lows in the Psalms. Through it all, David trusted in God and worshipped Him. I encourage you to come to God on bended knee in prayer, and with hands raised in worship. He will reign forever, and ever. Allelujah!

Now back to my bag...my purse. As you may or may not know, I have a very limited budget for my clothing and accessories, which is why having a blog in which I comment on fashion is pretty laughable at times. But, we all like to look good and find a good deal, so I'm your girl. I had been keeping an eye on a bag at Nordstrom that I just love. It's a reversible, faux leather tote from Street level. The price isn't bad, either, you can pick one up for under $50. I was going to try to get one until...this bag!!!

This bag!!!  I bought this faux leather reversible tote at...Walmart!
And, was under $50, well under $50. It only cost me $9.97!!!

Here I am actually using the bag in black.

and here in brown.

Cute, right??

Now don't get me wrong, I wouldn't be sad if someone wanted to invest some money and get me a great new handbag... but for me, right now, I'm perfectly content. Thank you, Lord, for all you provide for me and my family. We work hard and want to enjoy the fruits of our labor, but not at the cost of what is important or necessary for our family, church or community.

I pray you enjoy your weekend!

"Ask her Grandma..."

Proverbs 17: 6
"Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children. "


So yesterday, I was watching my friend's little girl (we'll call her "Madeline") who is 18 months old, while my daughter and her friend were in gymnastics. A little boy, who was there with his grandmother, had gotten some cookies from the snack machine while he was waiting for his big sister. Very sweetly, he asked his grandmother if he could share a cookie with Madeline (so sweet!), until she said...and I quote, " Ask her grandma if she can have one. " Yes, in this little story, I am referred to as the "GRANDMA"!!!! Someday, I want to be a grandmother, but right now, as none of my children are married, not so much. I realize that I am old enough to be a grandmother, too. My own parents were only 46 when they became grandparents for the first time. I also know that there are many other people who are grandparents way before they are 49 (I'm almost 50, but not quite there yet!). I suppose it was an honest mistake (humph!), but I don't have to like it! Moral of the story: Don't ask a woman if she's pregnant; she might not be, AND, don't assume a woman is a grandmother, it's way more flattering to ask if she's the mother and she'll love it that you thought she was young enough to be one!

My 50th birthday is now less than a month away. As you may have read in, Fine with 50?, the closer I get, the less thrilled I am about it (especially after the whole grandma thing!). Last night at the dinner table with my adorable family, I tried to tell them what I wanted for my birthday. I never finished my thought. Nobody was listening. I was interrupted and the subject was changed before you could say "Jack Robinson" (I'm not sure why that phrase came into my head, I guess I'm just getting old!). Help!! I'm not ready to be an old grandma yet! I wouldn't mind being the "hot", beautiful grandmother...but I digress. I'd love to know what your tried and true anti-aging tips are. Be honest, be clear, be specific.  Is it essential oils? Which ones? Is it a lotion, a potion, a regimen??? Is it exercise, diet?? Which ones? What are you wearing? (let's be honest, just because you can still fit in clothes from the Juniors Dept doesn't mean you should still be wearing them!).  Please comment below and tell me all of your secrets. I wanna know! I'll give them a try and write about them. Sounds like a plan.

I pray today, that if you are a grandmother, that you embrace it: grandchildren are a "crown". I know how I felt when my brother had children, so much joy and love, and I don't really like him all that much (joke, Mom!).  I can't begin to imagine the love, and the joy I'll feel when my own children begin their families. Lord, children are such a blessing, each one of them. I have had the joy and felt the pain and the overwhelming pride at being called a mother, thank you, Lord, for each of my beautiful children. One day, I hope to be called grandmother (I'd prefer mother and have to correct someone), and wear that crown with pride!

Here's a recent pic of me that I took before I went out to dinner with my 13yr old and her bff.
I didn't feel grandmotherly! I took it because my daughter told me I looked cute ( she's always been my favorite!).

**Don't forget to leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you,  and tell me about those anti-aging tips. I feel like I'm fading fast...**

Easy Treats!

Matthew 11: 30
" For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. "


Being a Christian is easy! Right??? Let me put that into perspective for you. Being a Christian in this fallen world has definite challenges. But becoming a Christian and living a Christian life can be so simple.
Here you go...

Being a Christian in 3 easy steps: By Michelle Genovese.

1. Pray - Do it now and do it often. Ask the Lord to come into your life and confess your sins and try not to repeat the same sins over again. Do this often every day!

2.  Love-  Love the Lord your God with all your heart. Praise and worship comes in handy here. And, go back and do some more of #1- pray.

3.  Love some more- Love your neighbor as you love yourself. (This might be the toughest of the 3...). Yes, even the rotten neighbors, even the Democrat/Republican neighbors!!! Definitely hit some more #1 here, too.

Simple and easy. Right???

Thank you, Lord, that it's so easy to come to you and be with you and tell you anything and everything. Thank you for making becoming a Christian and living a Christian life such a simple and easy concept. I pray, Lord, that you would remind me daily of just how easy it is, and that I would follow these 3 easy steps every moment of everyday. Lord, even when I forget and live my own way, you won't leave me or condemn me. You love me, and welcome me back into your arms just as easily. It truly is that simple.

Today is Halloween!! And I do have to keep it simple around here. I have a crazy, hectic life, and right now it's even crazier and hectic"er" (I know hecticer is not a word, but perhaps it should be). So this year we didn't go all out, we kept it super easy. All of my decor was either from the dollar store, grocery store, or a local discount store. Easy (and cheap!), but so fun!

I picked up the tableware all over town. I went with a stripes and witch theme.
I love a good theme.

These cupcakes/muffins were so easy to make.
3 ingredient muffins (spice cake mix, 1 can of pumpkin puree and 1 cup of chocolate chips, bake 350* for 20 minutes),
 and I topped them with a super simple cream cheese frosting.
The decorations were from the dollar store. 

Cider punch rimmed with maple syrup and brown sugar. Easy!
The punch is equal parts ginger ale and apple cider.

See how easy that was? And to keep it even easier, pizza and a bag of salad for dinner before trick-or-treating and viola, Halloween is done! (insert mike drop here). 

Happy Halloween, Everyone! 

Randomly Fall

Proverbs 26: 10
" Like an archer who wounds at random is one who hires a fool or any passer-by."


Sheesh, go to your Bible and read verse 11!! Yuck! Talk about random. I actually randomly choose my Bible verses, I try to let the Spirit lead me to the topic of my writing and look for a Bible verse that goes along with it...or vice versa (Bible verse first...). Random. I pray, Lord,  that in my randomness, I seek you. Your love for me is not random, it is intentional. Your plan for my life is not random, it is intentional. Help me to intentionally seek, believe, hope and worship You in all I do.

I have been taking pictures and doing random things around the house to get ready for fall. I wasn't sure how to put down in words what was going on, or getting a clear idea of what to write about. So, I have a lot of fun random pics to share of fall around my house. So here it is...Randomly Fall.

In and around my home...

                                                                                                                      

                                                                                     

A little fall fashion...

I can't get enough of graphic tees, and this one is perfect

                           for any coffee lover this fall!

(Pumpkin Spice Latte tee- The Pink Silhouette)

                                                                                                                                       

Love my vest and my booties.
Olive drab is a terrific neutral.
(Boots and vest- Stitch Fix)

I hope you've enjoyed my randomness. In honor of this random post, try to practice a random act of kindness today. Not only will you bless someone else, you truly will be blessed as well. 

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Apple Picking

Genesis 3: 6
" When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. "


I always picture an apple tree in the Garden of Eden, it probably wasn't, but the "forbidden fruit" was never actually identified in the Bible so I guess we don't know for sure. Apples are definitely my favorite fall fruit. I love apple cider, apple butter, apple pie, apple cider donuts (oh yes!), apple cobbler, apple dumplings, candied apples, caramel apples. I put them in salads, dip them in caramel sauce, I make applesauce, and my mom just made a Jewish Apple Cake last weekend that was de-lish! Sorry God, if apples were the "forbidden fruit", you should have made that abundantly clear because I didn't get that memo!!

Last week my daughter, her bff, and my mom and I went apple picking at our local orchard. We had a blast. A cool crisp morning, turned into a beautiful,warm, sunny afternoon. Here are some fun pics of our fun day.

But, oh so rewarding!!

Picking apples is tough work!

My adorable mother!

The adorable children!!

The apples were so delicious!

  

Mom and Me!

My baby is getting so big. I love spending these special times with her, before you know it she'll be all grown up!!

Try to spend some extra time with someone you love today, before you know it, time will pass you right by!

 I pray you have a wonderful day!

Fine with 50???

Isaiah 46: 4
" Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who sustains you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. "


Um, where were you yesterday, Lord, when I had the brilliant idea to stop off and get a quick trim at the $10 hair salon??? There was no rescuing going on there! Lord, you've known me longer than my nearly 50 years, don't you know to save me from myself, yet?! However, Lord, in the light of this new morning, and as your words direct me, thank you for my gray hairs (that hopefully no one but my hairdresser will see). Because I have these gray hairs, I have lived half of a long lifetime. I have gotten to grow up with bare feet in the summertime and played with the friends in my neighborhood and my cousins in the creek at my grandparents house. I have had my first kiss, and loved and lost my first beau.  I have seen 7 beautiful babies take their first breaths here on earth, and watched them grow, and laugh, and dance, and cry... I have lived to see and love all of my grandparents, and mourn with my family as you called each one of them home. I have grown with my very young (that's for you, Mom) parents and have enjoyed watching them love my children and my brother's children. I married the man God placed in my life to care for me, protect me, love me and who finds me beautiful even when my gray hairs grow back in. And, Lord, most importantly, I have grown in the knowledge and love of You, something, that I didn't always understand. Thank you, Lord for sustaining me, carrying me, and for rescuing me.

So, yeah, the hair. What was I thinking? I went in for a trim, and I'm not quite sure what happened. After I washed and styled it last night, I literally sobbed.  Should I go back and see if someone could fix it??  I went from chic to sh_ _ in less than 1/2 hour! Of course, my husband doesn't seem to notice a thing... or maybe he's just being polite. I don't even think it's so much the hair that's bothering me because I usually have the attitude that it's just hair, it'll grow back. Last Friday, I realized that there was only 2 more months of being 49. And even though I've written in the past that I was ok with my age, turning 50 really makes you stop and think. I'm past middle age. I probably won't live to be 100. Have I done all the things God wants me to do? Will there be reconciliation where there is currently hurt? Where do you want me to be Lord? ....Will my hair grow back in time to look chic again before my birthday? I'm just going to have to trust and let God be in control, I don't have the answers, so I have to believe that He does. Thank you, Lord, that your words sustain me and give me hope. No matter how many more years you have for me, thank you, Lord for the gift of the first nearly 50.

Here's a pic of my cute chic hair (sob!)...

Here I was, so happy with my hair,  about 7 weeks ago.

Sorry, there will be no pic of my current haircut...ever!

Are any of you currently struggling with getting a year older? Have you ever gotten a bad haircut? Please comment below, I'd love to hear from you. Misery loves company!! (just kidding).

I pray you have a great day today!

New Year

Genesis 22: 12
" ' Do not lay a hand on the boy ', he said. ' Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son. '  "


This is the moment in Genesis when Abraham is relieved of the burden of sacrificing Isaac, his only son from his wife Sarah. Isaac wasn't just any son, he was the covenant child, he fulfilled God's promise to Abraham and Sarah that they would be the father and mother of nations. Quite a promise to an 100 year old man and his 90 year old wife (and I thought I was old when I had my last baby!!). Today in synagogues all around the world, the story of Abraham will be read as they celebrate the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah. Today marks the day that you can begin to have a good year, or a bad year. Thank heaven, I really need a fresh start today, and I'm going to start today as the beginning to my new "good year". Gone is yesterday, today I begin again, new, and fresh. Lord, make this new year a good one!

When the actual calendar new year comes along in January, I am now set. On Friday, my husband surprised me with this great new planner from Anchored Press, that I have wanted. I talked about it in this post -
 I want.... This blogging thing comes in handy, I'm telling you! I can't wait to use it. Not only can I just keep track of day to day "stuff", it also covers meal planning, goal setting, daily devotions, and helps you to keep track of your prayer list. So cool!!!

Here are a few pics of my new planner.

The packaging was even great,
it came with the scripture card and the box said,
"Packaged with Prayer", too cute!

I got exactly the color I wanted!!
(click here to see other styles and colors)

Here's the month at a glance page...

and here's the daily scripture page and daily planning page.

Happy New Year to you! I pray today, that you plan to do good things to help make today,

 and your year, a good one!!

I'm Batman

Leviticus 11: 19
" the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat. "


What's a hoopoe?? I had to look that one up. It's actually a kind of bird with a crown of feathers and a long tapered bill. Why is it mentioned here in Leviticus? Well, you shouldn't eat them! That's ok by me, I wouldn't eat them anyway. Unless it's on a tray and pre wrapped in the grocery store, chances are it's not for me. Nor are we to eat bats. I'm equally ok with that one. Here in Leviticus, God has given Aaron and Moses all of the dietary rules that were to be adhered to by the Israelites. Some of these I can get behind, even today. But others, like in vs. 12, " anything living in the water that does not have fins or scales is to be regarded as unclean to you. ", I just can not! I'm a Marylander for heaven's sake. This is crab country. So, Lord, thank you for the New Testament, thank you that God, through Paul in 1 Timothy (and other places), tells us that, "For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received in thanksgiving.". I still won't be eating a hoopoe or a bat, but this Maryland girl sure is thankful for her steamed crabs!

I don't think I've had any steamed crabs this season, that's ok though, because they are usually more plentiful this time of year and less costly...Honey, let's get some crabs this weekend!! Last weekend it was out of the question, we were busy! First thing Saturday morning, I ran in my 5K that I told you about last week (see- Go for the gold!). And remember I said it was costume "optional"? Not for me!! I was Batman (or woman, I'd actually prefer girl, but that's another story). So here are some fun pics of me as Batman. I said fun, not pretty, I'm not a pretty runner...so be kind.

Here I am, keeping Gotham City safe.

Starting off...

...Finishing strong!!

I think I might lose the running pants and don some black leggings so I can use this costume again for Halloween. I really enjoyed this run, not because I got to wear this costume (although...so cool!), but because I felt that in a small way, I helped a child and a family.

I pray you have a wonderful week, a wonderful Wednesday, and maybe.... a wonderful crab cake sandwich!!!

Go for the gold!

Hebrews 12: 1
"..., let us run with endurance the race that is set before us..." (NKJV)


I know I've used this verse before, and probably in the same context I'm going to use it today. I'm running in a 5K tomorrow, so any inspiration that I can find, I'm on it! I think the last time I ran a 5K was over a year ago last spring for our local community town run. That was fun because I ran with lots of members of my family (and I beat my big brother, "Joe Athlete"!).  This time, I'm on my own. My brother and SIL are going out of town, and my parents who are both north of 70 now, are claiming they have "injuries". Cop-out! (just kidding, my parents are awesome!).  I am looking forward to it though, because of the wonderful family that organized it and because of the importance of the foundation that the race will benefit.

The D.O. Believe Foundation is dedicated  to raising awareness and funds for childhood cancer research, in honor of 7 year old Dominic Osorio aka "The Dominator", who earned his angel wings in 2009. Did you know that gold is the national color for childhood cancer and that September is childhood cancer awareness month? I didn't. Now that you know, and there is only one more week left in September, I urge you to support this cause, and the families that are affected by childhood cancer, as best you can. You can run in this race, The 7th Annual Dominator 5/10K Run & 1 Mile Walk, and if you live in my area, I challenge you to run along with me. If you're not a runner (or walker), or aren't local, you can also donate just by clicking on this link-  D.O. Believe Foundation.

This race is also superhero costume optional, and encouraged. Well, you know me (or not), don't ask me twice, I'm right on it!! Like little Dominic, I'm going to find the superhero in me. Please take a moment and click on any of the links above and read Dominic's story...and please, make a donation. Thank you!

I pray you have a blessed weekend!

Fall y'all

Galatians 6: 9
" Let us not grow weary of doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. "


 I love the change of the seasons, especially summer to fall. The Bible tells us that "to everything there is a season" (Ecclesiastes 3), and in the verse from Galatians above, Paul reminds us that at the "proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up".  That might have to be my 1st tattoo!! "do not give up"!! That's faith, that's hope. Even when we are in the midst of troubled seasons, the proper time will come and we will reap the harvest. Amen.

Happy 1st day of fall y'all!! I already started to decorate after Labor Day, just here and there. But today, it's official! I can pull out all the stops now. I really don't care to put a lot of Halloween decor outside until well into October, I like a nice transitional decor for this time of year. For me it's about apples, leaves changing color, collecting acorns, and now I want to incorporate some pumpkins, not jack-o-lanterns yet: pumpkins. I've been noticing a lot of white pumpkins and orange pumpkins, and... blue pumpkins! So pretty. Apparently, there really are blue pumpkins! Who knew?! And, blue and orange are so complementary (literally they are complementary colors on the color wheel!). You certainly can't go wrong with that. A special blue pumpkin that I saw in Michael's the other day, was a teal pumpkin (I guess teal is really a blue-green). The teal pumpkin has special meaning for my family. It's the color of the Teal Pumpkin Project. Basically, if you are displaying a teal pumpkin in front of your home, you are providing non-food item treats for children with allergies. What a great idea! My youngest has a peanut allergy and Halloween is a tricky time for her (no pun intended). I encourage you all to take part in this project, it literally could save a child's life.

Here's the cute teal pumpkin, I saw in Michael's the other day.

Isn't this a cute idea?!

Or, you can download one of these flyers- here.

And here's a closeup of the card.

Here is an actual blue pumpkin...

Told you!!
Image found on Google Images- here

I pray that you enjoy your 1st day of fall and that you won't grow weary in your current season of life, harvest time is coming for all who believe and have faith!!