Princess' Ball

We turned our garage into a palace by hanging various colored vinyl tablecloths (which would have been completely perfect had a strong west Texas wind not torn through the place), brightly colored flowers, and so much more.

Princess Dresses:

The beautiful banner made by an incredible friend:

Balloons make any party grand!

Party favors, picture frame and bubbles:

Cupcakes (made by us!) and some decorations:

Royal Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches (these were kind of fun to make):

**Top 3 photos by Thereasa Gwinn Photography.
**Tissue paper flowers were made by the daughters of my very awesome friend, Kelly.
  

When The Princess Doesn't Show

Saturday, we celebrated our daughter's birthday, which actually falls in the upcoming week. We transformed the garage into a palace and had even scheduled Cinderella to show for the event.

I spent the morning decorating stapling colored tablecloths to the ceiling to spruce up the place, organized tables and ensured every detail was taken care of.  Party time was arriving, and as I set out to open the garage and begin setting the food out, a gust of wind tore through and began ripping down the brightly colored hangings.  One by one they begin falling from the ceiling, much to my horror.  This was not in the plan, and certainly too close to party time to be happening.  I yanked out the ladder, moved the tables, and began trying to redo what the wind seemed to be protesting.  My stress rose, and under my breath I uttered rather non-princess like words.  My middle school aged niece heard my outburst of stress, and not knowing what to do, headed inside.

A dear friend as I was attempting to balance, while in heels, on the ladder, while trying to restore the kingdom.  With the staple gun and double sided tape in hand, we did the best we could, knowing one wall was doomed by the Winds of the Plains.  And it had looked so pretty!  I wanted to scream more profanities loudly, but knew with the upcoming surprise, everything would work out fine. 

Little girls arrived, all dressed up, ready for the royal ball, but Cinderella?  She did not show at all. No, I am not simply weaving a clever rhyme, I am honestly telling you that the princess scheduled to arrive did not show up. We received no phone call, no anything, just a no show princess. There are few words to describe how unhappy I was, yet relieved that we had chosen to not tell our daughter what was planned.

First the kingdom was stormed and nearly ravaged by the blowing winds, and now, the one surprise I knew would make my daughter's day had ended in disaster as well.  While this time I did not utter any foul words, I was trying to hold back my own frustrations because, after all,we did have a garage full of friends and family.

As I thought more about the day's events while I cleaned and rinsed the last of the dishes, all I could think was, "Cinderella did not show up, and the princess I am called to be did not to such a great job either."  I am a planner, by nature, and like things to be a certain way.  In my head is a constantly running to-do list and schedule.  When those things are interrupted, I sometimes, as evidenced yesterday, do not roll with it very well. 

While I know it was the mother in my who was simply wanting an extraordinary party for her daughter that flew into the rage, how much better would it have been if I had simply gone about the task of doing what I could to fix the falling decor and then delighted when my niece and a friend stepped in and began games of "Simon Says," "Red Light Green Light," and "Duck Duck Goose."  I believe my heavenly Father would have been better represented if I had not missed what was truly important: the life of my healthy child, and the beautiful friends who were there to celebrate it.

I called the company not once but three times.  Finally, my calls were returned.  I was told our reservation was lost, there was no record of it at all.  Truth?  I am not sure, but it is all I have to go by.  Our money will be refunded, and said princess will arrive at our house on our girl's birthday to sing to her.  At least they are rectifying the situation, right? 

And me?  I am realizing that even as I inch my way towards 40, still have much to learn in the ways of my royal calling.

The two girls who saved the party, aren't they beautiful?  Like any good princess, they are kind, intelligent, and step in to help, and do it with a smile on their faces.  I can learn a lot from these two.

Romans 8:16-18: The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.  Now if we are children, then we are heirs —heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.  I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

What We're Up To

WFW 1 Timothy 4:12

1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV) Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

There is truly something beautiful and edifying about the faith of a child. Children keep it simple, they do not become concerned with trivial matters, and they will happily share with anyone what they believe. I remember when my niece was four years old or so and told me, "Chelle, we just need to love God and hate that devil." Simple yet profound, don't you think?

Truth be told, I would much rather hear the theology of my young daughter than most pastors and Sunday school teachers. She knows God loves her, she knows He cares for her and protects her. She often tells me, "I can't wait to be in Heaven with God and Jesus; it's going to be so fun!"

I know that our child, and many of my nieces and nephews are being raised knowing Scripture. I am thankful for the fact they are having seeds of Truth planted into their lives. The harvest will be bountiful in each of their lives, even if the road to maturity involves some slips and stumbles.

Each night as we pray with and for our child, I am thankful God is allowing me glimpses of eternity through her eyes, her hugs and in the simplicity of her faith.

To enjoy more Word Filled Wednesday posts click here..

WLW: Meals on the Go

This week's topic: Healthy eating and fast food are two things that don't normally go together. How do you eat healthy during busy seasons of life? What are your go to meals when you are short on time?

The key here is to plan ahead. If I know what lies ahead of me each week, I know when I need to have meals prepared ahead of time so I am not caught by surprise. However, sometimes appointments take longer than expected, and emergencies arise.

What do I do when I need to grab a meal and go? I use either an AdvoCare Meal Replacement Shake or an AdvoCare Meal Replacement Bar. Both are not only delicious, but also a great balance of carbs and proteins. The shake can easily be mixed in a handy dandy shaker cup with water. Both also help with chocolate cravings, which is an added bonus.

Moms

AdvoCare: Helping students find good health, good income

Students find good health, good income - News - The Herald - Informing Arkansas State University since 1921

To learn more about AdvoCare and the benefits of becoming a member, click here.

WFW Proverbs 22:6

Proverbs 22:6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. 

It is important to teach our children, and teach them well, Scripture's truth.  They will learn from our example, whether or not they should read read the Bible, how and when to pray, and so much more.  As parents, we have the unique opportunity of being the first to teach our children God's word.  We get to show them how to pray and let them know the value found in praying.  What n extraordinary role to know that we are the first in our children's lives to point them toward the Lord.  Incredible isn't it?  

To enjoy more Word Filled Wednesday posts click here..

WLW: Stress

This week's topic: Stress can be a big deterrent to weight loss. It causes us to lose sight of our weight loss goals and focus on the momentary problem. How do you handle that? How do you stick to your determination and not give into temptation?

Allow me to be honest, I do not always deal with stress well. More often than not, daily exercise keeps stress at bay. Can you see why the two months of inactivity following my wreck and surgery did not sit well with me? There are few things like a nice hard workout that helps me keep a reign on stress. Sometimes, I just need to take a little walk, sometimes I blog, sometimes I take a nap, or I call my mom (or a friend) and try to work through what is bothering me.

There have been times that stress had led me right into our pantry and grabbing snacks I did not really need. While we do not keep high fat foods in our house, and our daughter's snacks do not ever sound appetizing to me, too many calories is too many calories. Perio. I have found that reminding myself of Scripture, or reading the Bible itself, relieves some of the burden caused by stress.

As long as there are people in the world, we will encounter stress. What may work for me may not work for you, but it is important that we each find healthy ways to manage and deal with stress.

Find out what others do by clicking the button at the top of the post.

One Step Forward, One Lead Backward

There was not a day last week that I was not sore.  After 2.5 months of not being able to exercise, beginning CrossFit upon my release was going to do that to me, and I knew it.  Even more, I loved it.  I loved knowing my muscles were working, being pushed, and being revived.  I am sure I heard them yelling "hooray" and "ouch" simultaneously. 

I have every intention of returning, to go back for more torture heart pumping workouts just as soon as I finish the z-pack I was put on today.  For what?  Strep throat.  Nice.  (And this is where I begin to whine for a moment.)  So, after wanting to simply be able to exercise again, I am finally able to.  And now I am sick.  This does not sit well with me.  I do not want to miss tomorrow morning's workout, nothing in me wants to, except that my throat feels like it is on fire and I periodically cough uncontrollably.  There's also the fact that I am not a believer is "sharing the wealth" when it comes to germs.  Nope, I would rather keep this one to myself. 

Where oh where did my healthy self go?  The car wreck must have thrown her way off balance so her return is coming slowly.  But come back I say, come back!  You must come back!  Please.  I am not sure whether to be annoyed and frustrated or just start laughing.  Sheesh, if it's not one thing it's another (or some ridiculousness like that).  I figure I will be back at the gym Tuesday, so my body just needs to be ready.

(In)Spired -- Redeemed Collection

Thanks to DaySpring's April (In)spired Deals review (ie: they send me awesome items, I blog what I think about them), I received these two lovely items:

Redeemed - Truly Beautiful - Makeup Bag:

Redeemed - Truly Treasured - Wallet:

The flip side of the wallet:

Honestly, how abolutely adorable are these two items?  I adore the vintage look, especially of the wallet.  And the makeup bag?  Oh honey, that awesome bag not only has great scripture on it, but also has some great organizing pockets.  And I love anything that allows me to organize and organize well.  Even the inside of each bag is beautiful!  They truly had women in mind when creating these items.  Both are made from oil cloth for easy cleaning.  Did I mention how adorable they are?

For the month of April you can receive 20% off of select items in the Redeemed collection. The makeup bag and wallet are two of the items that are on sale.

To read other reviews, please go here.

Live UStream Mixer with Rachel & Colt McCoy and Danny McDaniel

Hear from Rachel and Colt McCoy along with Danny McDaniel tonight, April 12, at 7:30 pm central or 9:00 pm central.

Click here to go to live webinar.

WFW: Isaiah 26:8

Isaiah 26:8
Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.

May our hearts cry "yes," may they walk obediently in the direction the Lord is calling each of us.  May we say no to the things of this world, the beautiful deceitful trappings that would steal us away from our heavenly Father.  May the desires of our hearts, be for Him and Him alone.

To enjoy more Word Filled Wednesday posts click here..

WLW: Snacks for the Children

This week's topic: What healthy snacks do you fix for your children? What are some of their favorites?

Mercy. Please tell me I am not the only one who gave birth to one of the pickiest eaters ever created. Others exist out there, right?

As of now, I am happy my child enjoys fruit. She likes most fruits and these are great snacks, so is the yogurt she likes (which is usually greek yogurt that is actually bought for me). She also enjoys pretzels and cheese. As she gets older, I will be doing my best to work in some raw vegetables. Or vegetables of any kind if I am being honest. I also hope she'll enjoy some almonds or walnuts along with her fruit in order to balance out carbohydrate and protein intake.

We also like smoothies around here and if I can get them to mix correctly, there are even some vegetables snuck in there (insert evil mom laugh here).

On most days, we limit snacks to ensure our stubborn child will eat at meal times. Remember, she's picky. Sometimes a growling tummy is our only hope to get her to eat. Oh the joys of parenting.

Happy WLW friends. Click the link at the top of the post to join in, see other posts, and find out next week's topic!

Released!

Friday I was told I was fully released from all absolutely horrible and life draining restraints involved with working out, and such.  What did I do Saturday?  I headed over to CrossFit with my sister of course.  You didn't really think I would do something silly and ease back into this did you?  Of course not!

While I am using a lot less weight than typical, it feels so good to be out and sweating, and feeling like I may die at any given moment.  My lungs are near exploding (thank you anesthesia), and every single muslce in my body hurts.  But, I love it!  Seriously, from neck down my mucles are hurting.  Putting on deodorant provided a massage, washing my hair causes some pain and wincing.  Let me be honest, I have to warm up and stretch first.  HA!

Give me a month, I will be back where I was and getting even stronger.  Yes!  Full release!  Since my doctor released me, I will even forgive him for calling me a trouble maker.  Time to drink some water, do some more stretching, writhe around on the foam roller and plant some flowers with my sweet girl.  Enjoy friends, enjoy!

Risen

**The picture above was taken in Israel, at the Garden Tomb. The empty tomb.

Good Friday, Indeed

Matthew 27:35-37
When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. Above his head they placed the written charge against him: THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.

A few believers to the end, stood by. Others, threatened by his truth, were satisfied. The veil would soon tear as prophecy was fulfilled. The son of man, the son of God, on the cross, crucified.

Matthew 27: 45-50
From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).
When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”
Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”
And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

I have heard many teachings on this passage, yet none satisfied what lied deep within. There, in the passage when Jesus says, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" That is the scripture that I could never fully grasp, until I went to Israel.

What we tend to forget, while looking through our western lens at Biblical text, is that Jesus was a rabbi. He taught, everywhere and at all times. When he spoke, he was teaching and using places and items those around him, the Jews, would understand. They had the foundation for what he shared and the point was not loss. Here, on the cross, I have heard many say that Jesus cries out because God cannot look at sin. Really? If that is the case, we are all in trouble friends. If God cannot be where sin is, then He cannot be in our midst, and doesn't that limit his power quite a bit? He is the creator, not the created.

But what does it mean to have Jesus, God's own son, cry out that his father has forsaken him? That line is what is called remez, or hint, a reference to past scripture. Here, on the cross, even before his last breath, Jesus is teaching, and he is reminding them of Psalm 22 which begins:
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from my cries of anguish?
2 My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer,
by night, but I find no rest.

3 Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One;
you are the one Israel praises.
4 In you our ancestors put their trust;
they trusted and you delivered them.
5 To you they cried out and were saved;
in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

As you set about preparing for Easter, I encourage you, as you read through the crucifiction of our Savior, read it in light of the words written in Psalm 22. It will change everything, and have you falling even deeper in love with Christ.

That is what happened for me. As we read and learned about the crucifiction in light of Psalm 22, my heart and soul were torn wide as they shouted, "Yes Lord! Thank you Lord! I am not worthy Lord! Thank you, thank you thank you."  Even today, as I reread the text of the twenty second psalm, my eyes fill with tears, my heart becomes overwhelmed, and my thank you grows louder.

Let us worship him who came, as sacrifice for all.

A River's Call

My Thoughts:
I absolutely adore this series. Maybe it is because I am a mom to a daughter, I do not know, but Melody Carlson has nailed another one right out of the ballpark. The second book of The Inn at Shining Waters Series, A River's Call is as enchanting as its predecessor. This book takes some twists and turns you will not see coming, will pull at your heartstrings in about fifty different directions, and will leave you wanting the next book in the series to fall directly into your lap as you finish the last page of A River's Call. Anna's heart is clear as she longs for her child to grow and learn and discover who she truly is and what is beautiful in the world, yet she also allows Lauren to go and make her own decisions, even when they lead to disaster. The love for things of this world that so easily entangle us have a hold on Lauren, and just as it seems she may break free, one choice leads to another and another, and into a series of decisions that have life changing results.  Grab this book, curl up, enjoy, and then try not to become too impatient as we await the next book.

About River's Call

What happens when the ties between generations are severed?

It is the 1960s and Anna's daughter, Lauren, is confused, broken-hearted, and pregnant. The difficult situation seems to bring out the worst in the selfish girl. When Lauren chooses to stay with her manipulative Grandma Eunice, Anna worries her daughter will never become a mature adult and the relationship between Lauren, Anna and Eunice becomes even more strained. However, when she hits the lowest point in her life, Lauren returns to her mother, the river, and the Inn and Shining Waters. As time passes, Lauren, now a mother to her own defiant teenager, faces a new crisis, one that puts the entire family at risk.

About Melody Carlson

Melody Carlson published her first book in 1995 and she has been writing prolifically ever since. To date, Melody has published over 200 books, making her one of the top 20 most prolific authors of all time. With total sales of over 5 million her award-winning books include: Homeward, Love Finds You in Sisters, Oregon; Limelight; the Diary of a Teenage Girl series; the True Colors series; and the Carter House Girls series.

In her professional life, Melody has worn many hats: from pre-school teacher to political activist to senior editor. Currently, she writes full-time, and freelances from her home. She has two grown sons and lives in Sisters, Oregon with her husband, Chris, and Audrey, her yellow lab. They enjoy skiing, hiking, and biking in the beautiful Cascade Mountains.

**Glass Road Public Relations sent me this book in return for my honest review.