Expression Number

Your Expression Number is 6

You have an outstanding sense of responsibility, love, and balance. You are helpful and inclined to comfort those in need. You have many artistic and creative talents, but you only use them to better others. You are loving, friendly, and appreciative of others. You have a depth of understanding that produces much kindness and generosity. Openness and honesty are apparent in your approach to all relationships. Sometimes, you can be too demanding of yourself. At times, you tend to sacrifice yourself for the welfare of others. At other times, you have trouble distinguishing between helping and interfering.

What's Your Expression Number?

Whew

We made it friends. We made it through another NaBloPoMo. Hope you all survived in one piece. Time to breathe that sigh of relief, wipe the brow, and rest.

**Thanks to this post, the entries you have read since the 25th were actually typed Monday, the 24th. Sweet.

Avoidance

Right now, way too many people are crowding the stores, waiting in long lines, and playing tug-of-war with a much wanted item. It's madness. And I? I want no part of it. Let others go crazy, spending money on useless items. Here in my house? We'd prefer to stay nice and cozy, in the comforts of our own home, away from the lines, the crowds, the insanity.

If you haven't already, check this out:


And, I'm enjoying the fact NaBloPoMo is almost over. Whew.

Thankful

I am thankful for:

• My husband, who is also my best friend
• Our little girl, who is a total joy
• Family, mine and his
• Friends who encourage, support, and challenge me
• A church full of diversity, and truth
• Laughter
• My Savior

Gobble Gobble

Preparing for Thanksgiving

Best hit the gym in preparation for tomorrow's feast! Besides, traveling lends itself to a need for movement.

Make a difference

This wonderful girl consistently, constantly, is posting about amazing ideas, incredible movements, and ways to help others. It was no surprise to me when I read her post about supporting programs in Africa. And, I had to head over to Mocha Club to investigate this effort for myself.

Mocha Club is about connecting your community with our community in Africa. You start by giving up $7 a month, the cost of 2 mochas. And you get to pick where that money is going. We have many different ongoing projects around Africa - pick the one that YOU love. Then start your team so you can invite others to join you in making a difference!

I have a heart for children, especially those who have been abused, abandoned, and otherwise unwanted. As soon as I saw Orphan Care as one of the projects to support, I knew I had to get on board. Join my team and help support these children.

But Jesus said, "Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matthew 19:14)

I have never been to Africa, have never gotten to see these beautiful people up close. However, I relish in the pictures and stories of those who have had the opportunity to go. Every single person has come back speaking of the beauty, the joy, the love these people have. Oh what a blessing to be welcomed into a culture and a people different from our own.

If I could, I sweep up all these little ones, these children who will one day rise up as leaders, and bring them into my home. Or, maybe I would pack up my home and settle there and welcome them in. For now, this cause will be my way of reaching out; this is just one small way of helping those in need. Faith in action, is there any more beautiful picture of God's love? Nothing expected in return, just a desire to see another thrive in spite of circumstances. I love having this opportunity. Please, help me support these orphans by joining my team.

Sleep is for wimps

It's been two weeks since little one has had a runny nose, so of course, yesterday said ailment returns. Indeed, great timing since today is the last day of her antibiotic for her ear infections. Fabulous. We wouldn't want everything to clear completely up now would we? No, that would be insane.

Her two bottom front teeth are shoving their way further up through her gums, and when a fellow new mom posted about her son's teething problems, I posted a comment that we were lucky, we haven't dealt with that, though ear infections were another story. Boy.was.I.wrong. I apologize here and now my friend, I was wrong, dead wrong. That is the only thing I can figure causing our problems here because when I rub little one's gums, she chomps down on my finger (and might I add incoming teeth are quite sharp) and finds relief. Good times, just in time for Thanksgiving. Wonderful.

Never too early

Never too early
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Little one getting into the Word already. Yea, she knows she needs some Jesus (especially with the parents she was given!!).

Welcome to my world

So much for having clear counters for a while. Oh well, she's worth it.

Bragging

My sister's team won their first game of the NATIONAL NAIA volleyball tournament! WHOOPPEEE!

I'm a bit proud right now! *grin*

**Click here for the full story.

The last 3 weeks

Over the last 3 weeks, I:

Read these books, yes, all 4 of them.

and bought a new crock pot.

Amazing, truly amazing

It amazes me how many adults lack a little thing called common courtesy. I understand a child not understanding this concept, but an adult, really? For instance, last night while playing volleyball, a kid's father came onto the court, mid-game, took the ball and proceeded to yell at everyone on the court, well, at the adults. The reason? He didn't think the kids were getting to play enough. Ironic, since 80% of the bodies on the court belonged to those under the age of 18. Crazy Dad got pulled off the court by one of the employees of the rec and was informed he had no right to do that, nor did he work there so it was not his problem to handle. His kids? Mortified! The problem? He should have asked an adult what happened, then he would have been armed with the complete story, and the problem would have been solved. Instead, he lacked common courtesy, walked out on the court in the middle of a game, and proceeded to make a complete idiot of himself. Bravo Crazy Dad, bravo.

On the way home from the gym this morning, I opted to stop to get gas before taking a friend on an errand. I pulled in behind a woman in an Expedition. In the course of 5 minutes, she did not move, did not get out, and certainly did not get gas. No hazard lights signaling a problem, just a woman in her Expedition...talking on the phone!!! My friend and I were in awe. If you need to chat, fine, but get out of the way! I drove around and found another pump, and two other cars pulled in beside Chatty Expedition. They too had to find other pumps. In fact, I told one of the drivers he should just go find another pump because the woman was on her phone and didn't seem to care other folks might be there to, you know, get gas. Good grief.

Then there's the person who says he will show up to events he's been invited to and never shows. No call, no text, no apology, just nothingness. I get that things come up, circumstances beyond our control arise, and plans must change. But, truly, pick up the phone and let folks know you are not showing up. And to have this happen repeatedly? Well, No Regard Roger, you just won't get invited anymore, I can assure you.

What in the world has happened that adults have lost the ability to show common courtesy and a respect for others? It drives me nuts I tell you, nuts!!!

A rare sighting

This face right here? Melts my heart, every single day. There are moments I just look at her and my eyes fill with tears. How in the world was I so blessed with such an amazing kid? Or, why? Why did God choose to bless us so? I'm sure that's a question I'll never have answered, but that's ok. What I do know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, is that God is teaching me more about love and himself through this child, and having her is making me better.

Word Filled Wednesday

Vintage Pink & Verse
Originally uploaded by chelled.

'The flowers have already appeared in the land; The time has arrived for pruning the vines, And the voice of the turtledove has been heard in our land. (Song of Solomon 2:12)

I love Song of Solomon, so exquisite when its description of love, and romance.

Be blessed today, and for more, wonderful Word Filled Wednesday posts visit the 160 acre woods.

Adoption

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God. (Galatians 4:4-7)

At church Sunday, our pastor discussed adoption. It was a beautiful, wonderful, sermon (I will link it once it is posted). Many families in our church have adopted, some locally, some from other countries. At the end of his sermon, a 20 year old girl discussed what God is doing in Uganda. She lives there, teaching, and is now the mother of a young girl who was unwanted by her own family and village. It is a heartwrenching story, but God is showing his beauty in the midst of the ugliness of a people who had believed this young girl was cursed. I was captivated, intrigued, and in awe of this young girl, and her simple faith to take child in as her own, in a country that is not her own.

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to adopt. In fact, my parents teased me when I was growing up because I turned our home into a home for "wayward children." They never knew who might show up, how long they might stay, or how many meals I may invite them for. But thankfully, I have parents who cared enough to see the value in allowing these kids in.

The week before I found out I was pregnant, I had received information on adoption. However, God had a different plan at that time, and I am thankful for it and the daughter we have been given. But now, with our daughter in our home, my heart is being drawn once again into adoption. Yes, I know that not every adoption goes as intended, that things don't go as planned. However, I have also seen the beautiful transition of a baby into an adopted parents arms, and it was as if she always belonged there.

Knowing my heart's desire, Andy asked me Monday, "So, after yesterday's sermon, how many kids are you wanting to adopt." I looked at him and replied, "All of them?" If space and money were of no consequence, I would do my best to take as many as possible, I really would.

So, we will discuss this further, begin praying, and see where God would lead us. I do know that I want a larger family, but have little desire to be pregnant again. Yea, seems adoption is just where we are headed.

**To listen to the sermon on adoption, click here.

Love

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:1-7)

Hip hip hooray!

My sister is a college volleyball coach. Yesterday, her team won a match that sends them on to the NATIONAL TOURNAMENT! I am so pumped for her, and her team. Whooppee!

Jeremy Camp - There Will Be A Day

Love this song. Amen Jeremy, amen. I cannot wait for that day.

*Reposted because the other video didn't show.

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

You Are a Tree

You love every part of the holidays, down to the candy canes and stockings. And you're goofy enough to put a Christmas tree ornament on your tree!

What Christmas Ornament Are You?

How true, how very true!

Doctor doctor

Today, I get to take little one to the doctor, for the third time, in two weeks. Ugh. Really? This is getting old.

Oh the joys, oh the joys.

I love this gadget

I read about the Ped Egg on this blog a few days ago and decided I must get one. Off to Target I went, headed straight to the "as seen on TV" display (yes, I go so much I now exactly where said display is), and grabbed a Ped Egg. Although, they didn't have the cool pink ones, so I took what they had. And can I just say: I LOVE IT! My feet are a hot mess on any given day thanks to working out, my preference for not wearing shoes, etc. I get nasty callouses and they crack. Yea, ewwww! But this little device? I think it's the answer to my foot woes. Whooppee!

WFW: Run the Race

Marathon with verse
Originally uploaded by chelled.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it a slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

In 2005, I completed the Walt Disney World Full Marathon. Yes, a full marathon, all 26.2 miles. It was a hard race, a mentally and physically draining couple (like 5-6) hours. There were many times I wanted to stop, pull off to the side, and say, “That’s it! I am finished! Everything hurts, and I am done with this madness!” But, I kept going. In the moments that were really hard, I would reach down and feel the baby’s sock I had pinned to my waistband. The year before, my nephew had died, and his sock was my gentle reminder to press on, no matter what. Crossing the finish line was an extraordinary feeling, one that demolished so many negative thoughts from my past. With the decision to keep going and to finish, I slowly started to quiet the voices that resonated in my head telling me I would never measure up.

When I was young, my father completed many marathons. Unlike me, he was a good runner, finishing in under 4 hours. Throughout my training, I would call him for advice, encouragement, or just to complain to someone who would understand. He was the first one I called when I finished at Disney. His only response to me was, “Now you know you can cut it.” I wept, and could barely utter out a “thanks Dad.” My father knows me, he knows the harsh words I had endured from coaches, he knew I had problems feeling like I was good enough. My father knew exactly what to say, and how to let me know he had been rooting for me, and had believed in me all along.

Even more than my earthly father, I have a heavenly Father who knows me, and loves me, and calls me his own.
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. (Isaiah 43:1)

Can a woman forget her nursing child and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands. (Isaiah 49:15-16)

I am proud of the Mickey Mouse shaped medal that I have, and I am equally proud of the medals I received after completing the Music City Half Marathon, but nothing, nothing on earth will compare to the honor I will receive when I enter Heaven’s gates. As my Father welcomes me in, and says, “Here child, I have prepared a place for you at my table.” When He calls me home, and ushers me in, and stands up to welcome me, that will be the prize I delight in above all others, and the prize worth continuing on for.

For more Word Filled Wednesday, visit the 160 acre woods

*This picture was taken following the Music City Half Marathon in 2007

Day to Honor

Thank you, to you, and your families. May God bless and protect you for your choice to serve our country.

"I do not seek, O Lord, to penetrate thy depths. I by no means think my intellect equal to them: but I long to understand in some degree thy truth, which my heart believes and loves. For I do not seek to understad that I may believe, but I believe, that I must understand." - Anselm, 11th century monk

After reading this post Sunday, and hearing a sermon entitled, "Why Would Anyone Want to Kill Jesus," I came across the above statement while doing my Bible study lessons for the week. Funny how God so often seems to repeat himself. Or maybe, He just knows how stubborn and hard-headed I am, so important things must be repeated for me.

I am OK with that, and I'm more than OK with the fact I do not have to understand every aspect of God to know Him.

Simplicity

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19)

A friend of mine returned yesterday from a mission trip to Africa. As she stated, she came back changed. I can only imagine. How could a trip like that not change a person? I have not spoken to her yet about what she learned while she was there, and what God showed her, but she did post some pictures. And those pictures got my mind to thinking.

The kids in the pictures? Their faces are filled with such joy and excitement. Their dark skin shines with beauty and their smiles are radiant. They look, in spite of their circumstances and surroundings, content.

Then, I went and looked at some pictures a few former students have posted, and it saddened me. Where the African children show excitement and enthusiasm, and even and innocent silliness, the American kids have pictures that would make your head spin. It seems they are trying to prove something, though I have yet to figure out what. They have to stand in model like poses, complete with the pouty faces, throw up some hand gesture, or show their beverage of choice for the evening. Why in the world is there such a contrast?

I wonder if we have come to view our country as the land of entitlement rather than the land of freedom. What has happened that our kids, the younger generations, have no clue who they are, their importance, or significance in this world? Why do they not know their own value, that they are worth so much more? We are failing them, badly. By buying into the theory that the need more "stuff," we have stripped them of the ability to find joy in life itself. They cannot figure out their own beliefs, and cannot stand up for those beliefs because it is never quiet enough for them to realize those things. There must be constant entertainment, constant noise, constant movement. We have not told them that is ok to be still every now and then and just be. Be the person God created you to be, not the one others say you should be. We have not made them face themselves in a mirror to show them their own worth, to look deeply into themselves and know they are precious and wonderful beings. If they day comes that they have everything stripped away, that they only have what the need rather than everything they want, I am not sure they will make it. I am not sure, in those moments, their faces would be filled with joy. That saddens me.

Those African children in the pictures? I believe they are free, struggling and in need of help and assistance in some ways, but they are free. They are free to play, to be creative, to dance and sing without inhibition. I love that. Here in America? We need to reprioritize, we need to step up. Stuff does not, nor has it ever, equaled love and caring. Stuff cannot replace relationships. We need to take time, to slow down, and sit face to face with one another and dive in. Sounds good doesn't it?

Another way of helping? Check this out, which I saw posted on De-Composition (thanks G for posting this):

For more on Advent Conspiracy, click here.

Christmas Came Early

A friend of mine called to say he was coming by to bring us some of his daughter's toys that needed to be cleared out of the house. She's since outgrown these items, and they, kindly, chose to pass the goods on to us. A lot of goods:

With the exception of the creepy pink unicorn, which talks in an even creepier voice, we're keeping it all. In fact, everything is perfectly stored. And that giant elephant? Our girl loves it. And me? I love these kinds of blessings! My mom? She responded to my story with, "So close to Christmas? What am I supposed to do then?" Silly lady.

You gotta get in on these

Click the button to find out more about 7 prayers a day for you children

For the great ornament exchange, click this button:

Another Great Song

The movie, Fireproof, in addition to being an incredible story, also has great music in it. John Waller's song, While I'm Waiting, caught my attention. In fact, it brought tears to my eyes. Visit his site, check out his stuff, buy his cd. The whole thing is wonderful. As for While I'm Waiting? Just read below:

While I’m Waiting
Psalm 5:3, 27:14, 33:20, 37:7, 38:15, 40:1, Isaiah 30:18, Lamentations 3:24
John Waller
"The explanation for this song is simple, I was waiting on God and I was hurting when I wrote the lyrics. I probably wouldn’t have written a song if my friend, Mike, hadn’t encouraged me to document what I was going through during that time. I’m sure there are few people who can’t relate to this song, but the important thing to remember while we’re waiting on God is to not just wait but to actively wait. Serve, worship and be faithful with what you have, where you are… “even while (you) wait.”

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience

While I’m waiting
I will serve You
While I’m waiting
I will worship
While I’m waiting
I will not faint
I’ll be running the race
Even while I wait

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it’s not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait

I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting
I will serve You while I’m waiting
I will worship while I’m waiting on You, Lord

© 2007 Travelin’ Zoo Music (ASCAP) (admin. by EMI CMG Publishing)

Slumber Party

Last night, little one, at 6 months, had her first sleepover. Yes, you read that correctly. My 6 month old slept in someone else's house last night. I'll admit, I didn't like it much, not much at all. A dear friend, who hosts the Bible study I attend Thursday mornings, said to me after our study last week, "So, when is this little one going to stay here. Let me look at my calendar. What day works best for you. Wednesday night will work, then you can get her at Bible study Thursday. Check with Andy, I'll pencil it in."

It was a whirlwind of a conversation that left me with little choice but to agree. Granted, we trust this family completely (obviously) and if anyone outside of our own family is going to have our baby for an evening, we would choose them. But it was so hard to come home and not have her here. The movie we saw was excellent (take some tissues!), and dinner was great. After dinner, I had to control myself to not take the wheel from Andy and direct it towards where our girl was staying. It.was.hard.

But, we survived, and the uninterrupted time with my husband was quite welcome, and wonderful. Now, to find out if they survived the evening with our girl! Ahhh, I miss her!!!!!!

Word Filled Wednesday

Flower& Verse
Originally uploaded by chelled.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)

Such a simple statement, and yet so powerful. The world formed because of the mighty hand of God. Everything we see, God has created. Isn't that amazing? He didn't need a committee, didn't need to meet with department heads; the God of the universe breathed life, and so it was, and is.

He purposefully chose where mountains, valleys, lakes, and oceans should go. Then, he decorated the earth with trees, flowers, plants, and animals. As if the world was not incredible enough, He then chose to create and breathe life into man.

We have been created, incredibly and wonderfully, by the same God who created the heavens and earth. We should not fear, should not doubt, should never think we are anything less than His. He loves us, deeply. He loves us enough to have created beauty in its simplest form. Enjoy it, breathe it in. Feel the warmth of the sun's heat, smell the aroma of the flowers, gaze upward as the sun sets in the sky. Look around, He is whispering, "Child, see how much I love you? This is created for you. Don't you see me in it? My glory is on display!"

For more Word Filled Wednesday, go to the 160 acre woods.

A little 4-1-1

Ah yes, it's NaBloPoMo time. Joy of joys. Last year I was excited, I even had my topics mapped out on a November calendar. Maybe I didn't stick to it, but alas, I was prepared. So today, I figure, with exhaustion setting in thanks to not sleeping well last night, I am simply going to give you a bit of information about me. Ready? Let's begin.

1. I do not cuss on this blog, or any other, and will delete comments that do contain cussing. I think it's a lazy way to speak, and don't like it. I also try to keep it out of my everyday language.
2. I tend to not discuss politics. As this election has proven, politics brings out the WORST in people (I don't think it's just coincidence the election is directly after Halloween), and I am not talking the candidates here. The media and the "common" man, they are the ones who have really disgusted me lately. I voted, I like my choice, but in no way does that mean I am going to bash the other candidate. There's just no need.
3. I have been married for 5 years, and we didn't date long prior to getting married.
4. We have a 6 month old little girl, our sweet pumpkin, who we pray grows up to love Jesus. At her check-up yesterday, she weighed in at 17 lbs., 2.5 ounces, and 26 inches. She's in the 75th percentile for both categories.
5. Said baby girl is typically not shown on this blog, a choice my husband and I made. We have another blog for that, which is private, and we like it that way.
6. I love volleyball.
7. Faith is very important to me. Recently, I have started writing for Word Filled Wednesday, and I love it!
8. I speak openly about my faith, and often use scriptures in posts.
9. Family is second to God in my list of priorities.
10. I think we live too far from family.
11. The vast majority of pictures you will see on this blog, I took, and all the ones used for Word Filled Wednesday are mine.
12. Sometimes, I have issues with my body, but we're working on it.

There you have it. My list, my post, my "a few things about me." Bored yet?

What Will They Think of Next?

That's right folks, a car powered by...AIR!

From the looks of it however, it appears only those standing at 4 feet or less can ride in it.

A new carmaker has a plan for cheap, environmentally friendly cars to be built all over the country
An air-powered car? It may be available sooner than you think at a price tag that will hardly be a budget buster. The vehicle may not run like a speed racer on back road highways, but developer Zero Pollution Motors is betting consumers will be willing to fork over $20,000 for a vehicle that can motor around all day on nothing but air and a splash of salad oil, alcohol or possibly a pint of gasoline.

Click here for the full article.

Halloween Recap

This year's costume. A friend of mine gave this to me last year, when I was pregnant.





Next year's costume. I found it on clearance at Target. A good deal, and a cheap costume! Niice. I can't believe she'll be so much bigger then.






We decided this is how Andy should dress next year. And me? I will play the part of Grandma. What a crew, what a crew.

Psalm 128

Psalm 128
Blessed Is Everyone Who Fears the LORD

A Song of Ascents.

1 Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,
who walks in his ways!
2 You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
within your house; your children will be like olive shoots
around your table.
4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed
who fears the LORD.

5 The LORD bless you from Zion!
May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life!
6 May you see your children’s children!
Peace be upon Israel!

Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines

It's November 1st, it has begun. All us crazy folks have lined up to begin a month of blogging daily. Hopefully we will all make it across the finish line in one piece.