OMgoodness! Watch this!

Hat tip to Laurel who posted this this morning. Just got around to watching it (it's *finally* naptime! LOL) When I tried to explain what worship was like here and at our revival two weeks ago, I felt like I couldn't get the message across. THIS would be JUST what it felt like! This was posted on the blog of the worship leader for Beth Moore.

WFMW: Crayon Removal From Walls

Can't take credit for discovering this one but thought I'd pass it along. Found a tear-out section in a recent Family Circle magazine about stain/spot removal. It had a TON of good ideas and I was going to put it aside for a rainy day. But, this one caught my eye and I tried it immediately.

Since Flicka had sneaked a few crayons into her bedroom one naptime, there has been a curvy blue crayon masterpiece on her wall over her bed. Apparently saying "only on paper" ad nauseam just hasn't sunk in yet.

So, Family Circle suggested using an old toothbrush and some white toothpaste to remove crayon from painted walls. I was a wee bit skeptical. So, off I went to Flicka's little toddler heaven aka her bedroom last weekend to try it. Ya know what? IT WORKED! With a little elbow grease, no more crayon! An added bonus? Her room smelled minty clean! *wink*

Good and successful stain removal ideas? THAT works for me! Check out Shannon's site today for more making-Mom's-life-easier ideas!

Wordless Wednesday

In Other Words

"When God is involved, anything can happen. Be open and stay that way. God has a beautiful way of bringing good vibrations out of broken chords." ~ Chuck Swindoll~

I had two thoughts on this quote this week...one focusing on Luke 1.37 "For with God nothing will be impossible" and the other focusing on the "broken" people of the Bible. At the risk of repeating again God's abundant grace and mercy in Heather's "possible" results following "impossible" struggles with cancer lately, I'll go with the later.

God uses imperfect people. They were "broken" but obedient (eventually). *wink*

I've seen the following around the Internet. I've even heard it preached. Don't know the original source but I found something similar here:

"Abraham was old, Jacob was insecure, Leah was not attractive, Joseph was abused, Moses stuttered, Gideon was from a poor family, Sampson was codependent, David had all kinds of family problems, Elijah was deeply depressed, Jonah was reluctant, John the Baptist was eccentric, Martha was a perfectionist and worried a lot, Peter was impulsive and hot tempered. Paul was sickly, and Timothy was timid. Regardless of their imperfections God used each of them in His service. God can use you also."

How often do we think - well, God can't use me for this ministry. I'm not ready. I don't have the skills. I don't have the gifting. I don't have (whatever). We seem to have to be reminded over and over and over that we don't have to be perfect - just obedient. Isn't that easier? No working toward an impossible attainment - just do what He asks. It's not that difficult. Or is it? And, why do we as believers seem to be always trying to talk God out of our part in His plan? We need to have enough faith to step out and just do it!

I'm as guilty as the rest. I've only stepped out into seriously unfamiliar territory a handful of times when I felt God was directing me to do so. But, it ALWAYS resulted with an outcome I feel was gifted of God. Each time it gets a little easier but I still have trouble hearing Him occasionally and/or feeling His "nudges".

So, what can we do to hear Him more often? LISTEN! LOL Also, increase our faith and discernment. It's like the proverbial snowball - each step forward in faith will begin to build and build our faith, hearing, and confidence where God will use us more to bless those around us.

Wouldn't it be great to know that God chose *YOU* to step into someone's life to bless them?

For more folks take on this quote, go to Joy In The Morning who is hosting In Other Words this week.

Back on the Wagon

Well, this blogging thing has been an awesome accountability tool for me...I've read with my kids, I've cleaned the basement, I've read my Bible, and now I'm hoping it'll help me lose weight! Count me in for the May Day Weight Loss Challenge!

My weight was never a problem until I went away to college and it has been going up and up and up ever since. I eat as an emotional/stress response plus my ADD triggers some wicked impulse eating where I'll have half a bag or box of something GONE before I realize what I'm doing! LOL I gained so much that it actually impeded me getting pregnant. Then, having babies in a mid- to late-thirties body didn't help matters. I have a poor back from an old injury which has gone from being an occasional pain to chronic, every-day-painful, activity-limited issue.

After Pojke was born I decided to do something before I turned 40. I didn't want that birthday to show up on my doorstep and still feel like this. Having kids later in life also made me recognize that if I don't start taking care of myself, I may not get to see all the things my kids do and achieve as they get older.

So last summer, I started a Weight Watchers copycat program running at our church. From July to October, I lost nearly 30 pounds! I felt amazing! But, as fall turned to winter, the weather became less hospitable for outside exercise and the seasonal garden veggies ran out. I put back on about 7-10 of those pounds.

Well, I now have 10 months 'til my 40th birthday and I have a significant chunk still left to lose before getting back to a healthy weight. So for this challenge that runs today through September, my goal will be another 30 pounds. Also, I'll be walking an hour at least twice a week with my MOMS Club.

Each Tuesday those participating will be posting how they are doing. If you are interested in joining much of the mommy blogosphere, join us at Tales From The Scales - a blog especially created for this challenge! Good luck to all!

Following the Lord's Lead

I made her cry. The young mom I've passed a dozen times when we pick up our kids from the nursery after service. I don't know her well. And, I made her cry.

While our church is not large by any means, it's grown enough in the last few years that we don't necessary get called every time the prayer chain is activated like we used to. But what I did or didn't know at the time didn't matter to God. I did what I felt He was asking me to do. I sang the song.

I was sitting up on the platform before service with the other singers, Da Hubby on piano, and the worship leader. Then, one of our pastors opened up service. Before prayer, she directed everyone's attention to the young couple sitting in their usual seats. As Pastor Deb began to speak, I didn't think anything of them sitting there alone. Their kids were probably in children's church and the nursery with Flicka and Pojke. But, one wasn't. One was in the hospital. An hour away. And, they were here. At church.

Apparently, last Saturday evening, the father had their eldest in his vehicle and they were in a bad accident. The father was fine but their son was not. Broken bones. Stitches. Head injury. The couple had spent the last week at the bedside of their son while dealing with discussions of possible rehab and the repercussions of the head injury.

I looked at Da Hubby across the stage, caught his eye, and mouthed the words - "my song...it's for them!" And, we both teared up. He nodded.

During prayer, all I kept thinking was "here I am, Lord, use me"

We sang our scheduled songs. More prayer. Then, offering. Then, it was my turn.

I shared the (very) short version of Heather's story. And, I said I felt I had been directed to sing this song and up until now I hadn't known why. But, then I made eye contact with that young mom and said "but, I think I do now".

Da Hubby said I did wonderfully. I thought I sounded awful! I couldn't quit crying. *wink* I don't think it mattered. I made her cry, too.

Pick Me, Oh, PLEASE, Pick Me!

Jules over at Everyday Mommy is having a contest this week in honor of Mothers' Day. She is awarding one new TypePad or Blogger page design. Now, since I don't want any more competition, whatever you do, don't click here! *wink*