A little blast from the past

Justin and I found this really fun website where you can upload your picture, and see what you could have looked like, had you been alive in past decades. Here are a few of mine...

This one really scares me. It's actually quite similar to the way I really looked in high school...loved the bangs.

For those of you who have been longing for me to ditch the flat iron, and take on "big-hair"...here it is.

Ummmm?.....

CREEPY! I look just like my mom when she was my age!

Hottie...what can I say

Mom stuff...

I never thought it would be possible to love so unconditionally, care so little about perfection, or care so much about seeing a smile. I can't believe the transition I made from life being all about me, to devoting almost all of my time to caring for someone else. Being a mom has changed everything about me. I truly feel like it has softened my heart. Time passes much, much too quickly. I just want to soak up every moment with my little love. Javen Wayne, such a joy.

Making some changes

This is just a sample of some of the "snacks" we have around our house. I was cleaning out cabinets today and realized they are loaded with teeth-rotting, pound-adding, heart-hurting, CRAP! Justin and I used to eat extremely healthy when were first married. In fact, we lived much healthier lifestyles all together. We worked out 3-5 times a week, hardly ever ate fast food...my how the times have changed. 

Neither Justin or I are too concerned about gaining a couple of pounds, it wouldn't be the end of the world. But, I can definitely feel the affects of my poor diet and lack-of-exercise in other areas, the biggest one being energy-level! 

I realized that I am primarily to blame for this life-style shift. I am the one who does the grocery shopping and prepares meals. I am responsible for the diet and health of my family! So this week I am making a change. I'm tired of polluting the body God gave me. I don't want Javen growing up with a mouth full of cavities, and addicted to candy and Kool-Aid like most kids. Healthier food like fresh fruit and veggies, are more expensive. But an extra $15 a week to buy better food is worth the sacrifice for me and my family.

I also plan to start exercising this week. Not setting the bar too high since I haven't been in the gym since March...let's start with 2 or 3 times this week. I'll keep ya posted!

Any healthy, yummy recipes??? Let me know!

Hmmm...

No, I have not been crying, and No, I am not high...these are my eyes after a week long battle with infection, and 2 hours spent in a smoke filled room last night.

Justin and I are not gamblers by any means, but in honor of our cousin Tifani turning 21 this week, we were invited to go down to Isle of Capri to celebrate. I found a lucky seat at one of the 2 cent slot machines and ended up breaking even. Justin headed to the roulette table, and by the end of the night, he was up $45. Nothing lost, a little gained, not a bad deal. Friday night at the Casino was packed. I noticed lots of gamblers who would greet each other by name, some who were having friendly conversations with the dealers at the tables. At least 50% of the people were smoking, and many were drinking. It was a community of addictive personalities. These people had found their niche, a place where they are accepted for the decisions they make, because no one else can stop themselves either. The casino closes at 4:00am, because of people who have told themselves "One more try, just one more try" all night long. What if the dream of "hitting the jackpot" was all you had to live for? Every day it consumes your mind, and every weekend that dream steals your time and money. I can't imagine walking into a casino with no self control, being willing to lose it all, in hopes of gaining something.

The Casino is not a place that Justin and I plan on returning to any time soon. It was entertaining and fun to be with friends. Luckily we didn't lose anything, but our opinion is that gambling just isn't smart.

What about you? What is your opinion on gambling, and how have you seen it affect the people in your life?

GRRRRR!

Right now, I am cursing my oozing eye. Because of this infection, I have decided not to go to KYC tonight, for the following 3 reasons; 

1. Pink-eye is highly contagious and I don't want to infect anyone else, especially the little ones in the nursery.

2. I can barely see anything more than 10 feet from my face, which could result in a massive headache by the end of service.

3. This ridiculous redness and swelling makes me look like a victim of abuse.

I am so upset about this, why does this have to happen tonight?! It's a big night at KYC. Joshua from Fishers of Men ministries is going to be at service, and talk a little bit about the kids that we sponsored. It would be awesome to meet him! It is also small group kick-off night. All of the small groups are going to be recognized, and every single teenager in service is going to be put into a small group, if they aren't already! I sooo wish I could be there with my girls! 

It's funny, I often think "Man, I need a break from ministry. Just a couple weeks off would be so nice." Well here I am, at home on a Wednesday night, and the only place I want to be is at church. 

the Pink of the Eye

SICK!!!

As you can see...something is not right with my face.
As of right now, my entire family has pink eye. Either my pain tolerance level has significantly decreased since I was a kid, or this is a particularly painful case of pink-eye. It literally feels like my eye ball is bruised, so it hurts to blink. My vision is blurred, so I can't  watch TV or read without getting a headache. My eye is producing monstrous goobers, which grosses me out.I don't ever remember having this severe swelling with my childhood pink-eye episodes...weird. This, is not fun. Hopefully it will pass quickly, headed to good old Walgreens to pick up some prescription drops this evening.

2 New Additions to our family!

This is Dorcas and Isaac. Two children, living in Africa with little more than the clothes on their back. Justin and I have made the decision to touch the lives and futures of these kids through monthly sponsorship. Think about this number...$30 a month literally gives life to these kids. That small amount of money supplies them with food, clean water, and other vital supplies for an entire month. Consider your life in comparison to theirs. Nothing about our posessions is eternal. The only things that matter in this life, are the things that are done for Jesus Christ. 

The faces of Selly and Isaac are already seared into my mind. They will be in our thoughts and prayers. They will receive letters and birthday gifts from us. What a privilege, thank you God.

"Show me how to love like You have loved me. Break my heart for what breaks yours, everything I am for your kingdoms cause." Hosanna by Hillsong

God's heart breaks when He sees his precious children alone, hungry and hurting. True love is sacrifice. What are you sacrificing for the cause of the kingdom?

My favorite kind of day

Today was just one of those days when at the end of it you say "That was good". This morning I took Javen to the park to enjoy some of this autumn-like weather we are being blessed with mid-August. Then I used his nap-time this afternoon to finish up 2 paintings that will be headed to Areopagus tomorrow morning. I have wasted a couple of canvases over the past few weeks, trying to force myself to be inspired. They didn't turn out well, but I am happy with these two! These pieces will be on display at Areopagus coffee shop, and are available for purchase. Photographs don't really do justice to the details and texture. Drop me a comment for details and pricing! And to top it all off, tonight is KYC where I know I will get to soak in the presence of God...my favorite place to be.

My husband, the hunter.

A couple of days ago, Justin decided to take it upon himself to rid the neighborhood of "rodents". These being small, innocent animals such as squirrels and rabbits. So far, there have been 3 casualties, and one poor creature that is probably laying somewhere paralyzed. Justins schedule hasn't allowed him to do much this year as far as camping, hunting..."manly things". I guess being the back-yard killer will have to do for now. P.S. Any animal activists out there, please don't report us, I'm on your side!

I'm a blogger!

Now that I have my very own iMac at home, I am really excited about starting my own blog! Here are a few potential topics...

1. Thoughts on God/Family/Life

2. New creative discoveries such as music, art, photography

3. New creative projects

4. Thoughts and shout-outs to friends and small group ladies

5. Any exciting or abnormal activity in a typically normal life.

6. Wants/wishes

7. Hopes/dreams/goals

Any other suggestions?

Nothing specific for tonight, check back soon!