Reprioritizing....or....Love the One You're With

I was talking with a good friend the other day about the complexity of relationships.  We had both come to the conclusion we needed to be better at giving the person we are spending time with our undivided attention.  The person standing before us or sitting beside us is in our presence at that exact moment in time for a reason.  I should be loving on that person, and listening to them...instead of constantly checking my cell phone for messages, or instead of going through my mental to-do list when I should be listening.   

I do love my blackberry.  It's always blinking to tell me I have a new message of some sort.  I have three email accounts send all their messages there.  My fellow tweets and Facebook buddies messages all come to me on my little pink battery.  I have the world of information at my fingertips, and I allow the world to preoccupy me too much of the time.   I have friends who I've learned to not check my cell phone when I'm with them, because they've made it clear it offends them. You know what?  In the time I'm with them, I don't miss it.  We are laughing, talking and simply enjoying each others company.  Why can't I do this with everyone?

In Fusion we have been talking about regrets.  My overall addiction to technology (my blackberry and my laptop) has seriously hurt some of my relationships, and for that I am truely sorry.  I've put messages, sometimes messages from people I've never actually met...before the person sitting right next to me.  This is my regret (well, one of many but that is a different blog post all together *smiles*) Instead of dwelling on this regret though, this is something I can easily control.

So here is what I promise.  When I am with you, you will have my undivided attention.  I will do better job asking questions about you or your day instead of being so self consumed.  I hope to leave our conversation feeling like I connected with you. Hopefully because of this you will understand....

If you send me a text, IM, Facebook message or tweet that I don't answer right way, or if I hit ignore on your incoming call.... it's not because I don't love you or don't want to hear from you. It's simply because I'm trying hard to love the one I'm with.

Manic Monday #180

I haven't played along in awhile, so here we go:

Are you usually late, early or right on time?

I used to always be early, cause that is how I was raised. If you aren't 15 minutes early, you're late. (Thank you, mama).  Although lately the snooze button has been getting the best of me, and I tend to just misjudge exactly how much time I need to accomplish abc so I can get to xyz. That being said, I hate being late, and this new habit of mine is one that I need to break.


What would be harder for you, to tell someone you love them or to tell them that you do not love them back?
This one is easy.  I've lost too many people I love too waste time not letting them know I love them.  If I say "I love you", I mean it.  However, I'm a strong believer in Love being a verb, not a feeling, it's something that you do.  I need to get better at being "Love". If that makes any sense....

As far as telling people that I don't love them back...back when I was dating this got me into more than one jam.  I don't like hurting peoples feelings, and me not feeling the same as they do...well hurt their feelings. So unfortunatley I had a nasty habit of letting things drag on too long, which (as you know) hurt them worse. Oops.


Which would you rather have: a high salary or job satisfaction?
Again, easy.  Job satisfaction. I would love to be doing a job that I felt like I was making a difference in this world.  Where if I could make one person smile or one persons life just a little bit easier. yeah, that would be cool.

Well, I guess that is all from me today.  Have a great labor day!!!

Oops, almost forgot to give you think link to see & join in on Monday Meme fun, click here.

Peace & Love,
Apryll

He is Jealous For Me......Shalom

To say this last couple weeks has been crazy does not begin to explain it.  I've gone between floating on "cloud 9" to lying face down on the ground in humilty and heartbreak. I've been elated, confused, fearful, and sad. I have been a mess.  I was becoming this ugly person that I don't like, but didn't even really see it. I'm lucky enough to have a friend who wasn't afraid to tell me I was being ugly and didn't care if it made me mad to hear it.  Hopefully this friend still believes in the potential of the person I am, and not the person I was allowing circumstances and petty fears turn me in to.

This weekend I received the gift of peace.  With my precious husband at work , and my friends busy for the holiday weekend I had lots of time in quiet contemplation.  I believe God knew I needed this, He knew I was standing at a cross-roads, I was lost and getting off track.  He knew I was getting consumed in the events in my life and everything happening around me...He knew I was about to crumble.  So God gave me peace...quiet.

At first the peace was uncomfortable.  I'm not good alone, so on Saturday when I reached out to a friend and was told "I'm busy this weekend"...I was like "ok, I get it".  I cleaned my house more than it's ever been cleaned before.  I slept...a lot.  I prayed, I sang, I danced by myself in the living room, I cried, and I slept some more.

I realized in all the chaos of life, there is something constant....God's love for me. 

Psalm 139:7-10 "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." 

He has given me a husband who loves me, wonderful parents, and grandpa who is pretty amazing.  Who am I to question His love?  Who am I to say what I have isn't good enough, or act like a child when I don't get my way?  Yet even in my childlike ways, he cares enough to bring me out of the depths, out of the dark and into His PEACE.

This song has been my mantra this weekend, I've put the lyrics below:




He is jealous for me,
Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realise just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.

And oh, how He loves us so,
Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all

He is jealous for me,

Loves like a hurricane, I am a tree,
Bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.
When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realise just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me.


Yeah, He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves.
Yeah, He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves.

We are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes,
If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking.
So Heaven meets earth like an unforseen kiss,
And my heart turns violently inside of my chest,
I don’t have time to maintain these regrets,
When I think about, the way…

And oh, how He loves us so,

Oh how He loves us,
How He loves us all


He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Oh how He loves.
Yeah, He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves us,
Whoa! how He loves.

Shalom,
Apryll

These Are My Mountains

I got to spend a day last week in the beautiful Rocky Mountians...here's some pictures along with one of my favorite folk songs.

For these are my mountains

And this is my glen

The breas of my childhood

Will know me again

No land's ever claimed me

Tho' far I did roam

For these are my mountains

And I'm going home

These Are My Mountains

Scottish Folk Song

For fame and for fortune, I wandered the earth
And now I've come back to
This land of my birth
I’ve brought back my treasures
But only to find
They're less than the pleasures
I first left behind

For these are my mountains, And this is my glen
The braes of my childhood, Will know me again
No land's ever claimed me, Tho'far I did roam
For these are my mountains, And I'm going home.

The burn by the road sings, at my going by
The whaup o’er the head wings
With welcoming cry
The loch where the scart flies
At last I can see
Its here where my heart lies
It’s here I’ll be free
Chorus

Kind faces will greet me
And welcome me in
And how they will greet me
My ain kith and kin
This night round the ingle
Old songs will be sung
At last I'll be hearing My ain mother tongue
Chorus

Busy Day

I've had such a busy day, but I really enjoyed it!

Today I:

Put a new anti-virus program on my laptop.

Went to the local Farmer's Market, Wal-Mart, and the health food store.

Had lunch with my handsome husband.

Came home and started making home-made Kombucha, yogurt, and buttermilk!

Right now I have 3 loaves of bread rising and almost ready to go into the oven!!

Whew, I'm tired but it was all fun. Now I need to work on my lesson for class tomorrow. Our church is doing a series on the 10 commandments, and tomorrow is Adultery. Tomorrow I have to teach a group of teens about Adultery. Yikes!

Have a great day, happy Saturday!!

Apryll

Having fun with Photos

Hey ya'll, I've been playing with Picnik again. Here are a couple of my photos.

Before:



After:




Before:



After:

Finding Out Who My Friends Are...or Aren't

First I have to apologize...I haven't updated my blog in so long and now I'm coming on here venting. Feel free to click on by and not read this blog. This has just been a rough week (and it's only Tuesday! HA!)

I guess I won't jump on the pitty party and spill it all out. I won't put you all through it. How 'bout I just post this video because this is what is on my mind? As disappointed as I am in some people I thought were friends...I'm truly greatful for the few really great friends I have. When times get tough is when the truth comes out. Or as Tracy says:

This is where the rubber meets the road
This is where the cream is gonna rise
This is what you really didn't know
This is where the truth don't lie



All the lyrics if you want to sing along:

Find Out Who Your Friends Are - Tracy Lawrence

Run your car off the side of the road
Get stuck in a ditch way out in the middle of nowhere
Or get yourself in a bind lose the shirt off your back
Need a floor, need a couch, need a bus fare

This is where the rubber meets the road
This is where the cream is gonna rise
This is what you really didn't know
This is where the truth don't lie

{Chorus}
You find out who your friends are
Somebody's gonna drop everything
Run out and crank up their car
Hit the gas, get there fast
Never stop to think 'what's in it for me?' or 'it's way too far'
They just show on up with their big old heart
You find out who your friends are

Everybody wants to slap your back
wants to shake your hand
when you're up on top of that mountain
But let one of those rocks give way then you slide back down look up
and see who's around then

This ain't where the road comes to an end
This ain't where the bandwagon stops
This is just one of those times when
A lot of folks jump off

{Chorus}

When the water's high
When the weather's not so fair
When the well runs dry
Who's gonna be there?

{Chorus}

You find out who your friends are
(yeah, yeah)
You find out who your friends are

Run your car off the side of the road
Get stuck in a ditch way out in the middle of nowhere
(Well man, I've been there)
Or get yourself in a bind lose the shirt off your back
Need a floor, need a couch, need a bus fare
(Man, I've been there)

Man, I've been there
Oooh yeah.

Technology I'm Drooling Over

I love to read. For people who know me, that statement comes to no surprise. I remember being in High School sitting in the library reading a book. This is what people are supposed to do in a Library, right? Anyway, I remember my friend Heath flipping paper clips at my "Gone with the Wind" book, and telling me I'm boring when I read. I don't understand the problem, I mean I'm completely entertained. :) And more poor husband tolerates a lot when I find a good book...you know a the-house-could-be-burning-down-around-me-and-I-wouldn't-notice kind of book. Oh, how I love to read; I love to get lost in the story; for a few moments(hours) escape reality.

My house is over-run by books, and I've donated countless books to the library to make room for more. I keep a catalog of books I've donated to the library so I can still check them out later. You get the idea?

All if this add's up to the one piece of technology I want more than anything. The Amazon Kindle 2. This thing is amazing!! Some of my favorite features, and surely would be my husband's favorite if I had one:

1) It holds 1,500 books! No more begging him to build me a 3rd bookshelf. :)
2) Books are cheaper, most books sell for around $9.00 (See it saves $, honey *wink, wink*)
3) The Kindle 2 has a read to me feature, so when I should be cooking dinner I can listen to my story and pay attention to what I'm cooking at the same time. (Hear that, no more burnt dinners.)

Hmmm...the more I think about it, the Kindle 2 could help me have marital bliss. :)

Do you have Kindle? What do you think?

Blessings,

Apryll

Tips from Simple Living Manifesto

I don't know about you, but my life is chaotic. I don't even have children yet, and I feel like I'm always running from one place to the next or double booking myself. I like hearing other peoples ideas on how to make my life a little bit easier.

In part of my search I found an article called Simple Living Manifesto: 72 Ideas to Simplify Your Life.

He has a lot of great tips on here, so I thought I would share some of my favorite's with you. There are a lot of great ones, some I won't list yet because they could be their own blog post and I want to expand on them.

1) "Make a list of your top 4-5 important things. What’s most important to you? What do you value most? What 4-5 things do you most want to do in your life? Simplifying starts with these priorities, as you are trying to make room in your life so you have more time for these things."

3) "Evaluate your time. How do you spend your day? What things do you do, from the time you wake up to the time you go to sleep? Make a list, and evaluate whether they’re in line with your priorities. If not, eliminate the things that aren’t, and focus on what’s important. Redesign your day."

5) "Simplify home tasks. In that vein, think about all the stuff you do at home. Sometimes our home task list is just as long as our work list. And we’ll never get that done either. So focus on the most important, and try to find ways to eliminate the other tasks (automate, eliminate, delegate, or hire help)."

18) "Free up time. Find ways to free up time for the important stuff. That means eliminating the stuff you don’t like, cutting back on time wasters, and making room for what you want to do."

20) "Spend time with people you love. Again, the list of 4-5 important things probably contains some of the people you love (if not, you may want to re-evaluate). Whether those people are a spouse, a partner, children, parents, other family, best friends, or whoever, find time to do things with them, talk to them, be intimate with them."

36) "Learn what “enough” is. Our materialistic society today is about getting more and more, with no end in sight. Sure, you can get the latest gadget, and more clothes and shoes. More stuff. But when will you have enough? Most people don’t know, and thus they keep buying more. It’s a never ending cycle. Get off the cycle by figuring out how much is enough. And then stop when you get there."

45) "Find a creative outlet for self-expression. Whether that’s writing, poetry, painting, drawing, creating movies, designing websites, dance, skateboarding, whatever. We have a need for self-expression, and finding a way to do that makes your life much more fulfilling. Allow this to replace much of the busy-work you’re eliminating from your life."

46) "Simplify your goals. Instead of having half a dozen goals or more, simplify it to one goal. Not only will this make you less stressed, it will make you more successful. You’ll be able to focus on that One Goal, and give it all of your energy. That gives you much better chances for success."

72) "Always ask: Will this simplify my life? If the answer is no, reconsider"

He has tons of great tips, and I look forward to learning more. I hope some of these tips helped you. :)

Blessings!

What Your Children Tell Me

I work with a teen youth group at my church. They are a great group a kids, and they keep me young. Today the subject somehow turned to parents. I asked the question: Do you want to have a good relationship with your parents?

Some of the answers were really sweet. One girl said she loves being close with her parents. She wants to be the girl who at 20 years old will still sit on her Daddy's lap.

One kid told me how her whole family will go downstairs and all hang out together watching movies. She also talked about how she loves eating together as a family.

Another kid quietly said how she would do anything to have that. She said they only eat together at the table as a family when she is in trouble as a punishment. She is sad that her mom never asks her how her day was, and would love to have a family dinner all at the table just to have time to talk.

If you are a parent reading this, know this: even if they act otherwise: your teen wants to talk to you, wants to spend time with you, wants to know that you care about their day, and wants you to be a part of their life. While this all came up in todays conversations...it's not the 1st time I've heard statements similar to all of these, from different kids.

Life is precious, time is short, and homes should be a sanctuary. What is one thing you can do, in my opinion, to strengthen family bonds. Eat at least one meal all together around a table with the television turned off. Talk about eachothers day, find out what is going on in eachothers life, pray together. They might act like they are "too cool" for family time, but they love it and crave for it.

Happy Sunday!

Fresh Start - Changes coming

Hello to my handful of faithful bloggy readers. Sorry I've been so slow at updating my blog recently. Mostly it is because I really had no idea what to right about. So over the weekend I have done some serious thinking on bringing focus back to my blog. Thinking about what I'm passionate about, what other might be interested in learning. Here are some new features you can expect to start seeing:

Ideas to simplify your life - I don't know about you, but my life can tend to be chaotic. I've been learning lots of ideas lately to get this under control. I'd love to share with you what I'm learning and let you know how it's working for me.

Tips to get healthy - Let's just face it...I'm not...but I really want to strive for it. I know there is the basics we all know: exercise and eat less calories than you are burning. However, I think there are healthier choices we can be making every day...and more than just in our food/movement choices. I'll share with you what I'm learning here.

Shameless plug day once a week - I have three businesses I'm working on right now. Once a week I'll talk about one of the products and the business that goes with it. To make the shameless plug bareable...there could frequently be a giveaway associated with it.

Techie days - I'm a technology geek. If it's new and great...I have to have it. I don't always get it, but I haven't been opposed to staring in the store window and drooling. ha ha. Seriously, I'm always researching new technology because it fascinates me. Who knows, maybe we'll both find something we can't live without.

Son-Filled Sundays - I would not want to forget the One who makes every day possible. On Sunday's you'll see something about our Lord. Perhaps it will be something that struck me in church, or a simple song, or something that God has just laid on my heart to share with ya'll.

What else do you want to hear about? I would love your ideas. I really love doing research, so I'm not afraid to look into anything.

If you read my blog ever, please know you have my deepest love and gratitude.

Blessings,
Apryll

A Daddy's Love

I stumbled across this video today and that it was wonderful. I hope you enjoy it!!



Blessings!

Manic Monday #161

I haven't played for awhile...so here you go:

Do you enjoy brain teasers or do you find them frustrating?
Hmmm....both? I'm addicted to doing them, but I get really frustrated when I can't figure them out. I won't give up until I do.

Do you have any unusual collections?
Not really anymore. I used to collect pigs, and I have a spoon collection. Other than that, not really. We have a really small house, and so not a lot of room for random collections.

What do people notice about you within the first hour of meeting you (other than appearance)?
Oh gosh, I hope they realize how much I generally care about them, even though we just met. That I want to get to know them. What they probably notice? My addition to my blackberry. ha ha

Your turn to play along. Visit Fleur De lisa at Manic Monday.

Pushing Buttons?

I have several blogs I read on a regular basis, one of which is Melissa's at Stretch Marks.

Today she brought up the discussion of homosexuality on her site. And (as expected I'm sure) she has received a slew of comments on both side of the issue. This is one of those issues that makes peoples blood boil on both sides of the argument. My comment on her site was so long, I thought to myself it could be it's own blog post. So I figured I'd post it. :)

1st hop over to Melissa's site for her blog titled What Do You Say . Read over some of her other postings, I'm sure you'll find you love her as much as I do. Then come back over here and let me know what you think.

Here is my comment on her post:

Wow! Way to jump on to a hot topic issue. :) 1st I have to say I agree with you 100%. I watched that TV show, and couldn't believe the hostility coming from her. What saddens me more than anything is the amount of anger that seems to come from both sides of this issue. It sickens me.

I completely believe the Bible is true and is the work of God. I completely believe the Bible is clear in stating homosexual behaviors are sinful.

That being said, my opinion on the issue in general is that sin is sin. There is no one sin greater than another, and we all fall short of the Glory of God.

I'm a Christian who is tired of the Christian agenda treating gay people with condemnation. We need to take the plank out of our own eye before we point out the speck in anothers. Do we want to win them over to Christ? OF COURSE!! But isn't loving those people unconditionally going to speak God's truth FAR more than speaking words of hate and condemnation?

Melissa, please know I'm not saying your blog did that in anyway. I think it was very respectful and tasteful.

I agree with Kat's comment when she said: "What's really a disappointment to me is how some Christians forget that although some sins do carry more severe consequences here on earth, we have all fallen short of the glory of God. It's one thing to stand up for truth, but quite another to vilify someone or simply minimize their struggle with a sin that's not close to us. Let us not succumb to the sinful pride that prevents us from loving others unconditionally as Christ commands us to!"

Whew...I feel better now. hee hee. Seriously, thanks for bringing this conversation up. :) Blessings!

The Lord's Prayer

I found this on accident this morning, and it totally warmed my heart.

Enjoy!



Happy Sunday!

Blessings!

Non-contributing Zero?

So I've been stalking Melissa's blog for some time now. I consider her a friend, even though we've never met...and frankly she probably doesn't really know I exist even though I've left her some bloggy comment love.

About a month ago her husband posted this video on her blog, and it's hilarious. Why? Because it is so true. Be ready to laugh!



Blessings!

50 Questions

I got this on facebook, and thought I would share it with my bloggy friends. :)

1. What color is your toothbrush?
Red and White

2. Name one person who made you smile today:
My Grandpa

3. What were you doing at 8 am this morning:
Getting coffee from the coffee machine at work

4. What were you doing 45 minutes ago?
Walking around Lowe's

5. What is your favorite candy bar?
3 Musketeers

6. Have you ever been to a strip club?
Yes (it said "ever", and I can't lie)

7. What is the last thing you said aloud?
Jeff, check your email.

8. What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Mint Chocolate Chip

9. What was the last thing you had to drink?
Diet Coke

10. Do you like your wallet?
I don't have a wallet

11. What was the last thing you ate?
Ice cream cone

12. Have you bought any new clothing items this week?
no

13. The last sporting event you watched?
March Madness Basketball...but can't wait until the Mammoth game on Sunday!!

14. What is your favorite flavor of popcorn?
Butter

15. Who is the last person you sent a text message too?
Ummm...does Twitter count? If not...then Jeff

16. Ever go camping?
yes

17. Do you take vitamins daily?
no, but probably should

18. Do you go to church every Sunday?
Yes

19. Do you have a tan?
LOL I don't tan...I have two colors: red or white...currently I'm white :)

20. Do you prefer Chinese food over pizza?
yes

21. Do you drink your soda with a straw?
yes

22. What did your last text message say?
On my way home

23. What are you doing tomorrow?
Absolutely nothing, oh yeah...I never get nothing days. I'm so excited!!

24. WHERE IS 24?!?
what?

25. Look to your left, what do you see?
curtain

26. What color is your watch?
I don't wear a watch...can wrists be claustrophobic? Watches freak me out, LOL. I use my cell...it's pink.

27. What do you think of when you hear the word Australia?
Fires

28. What is your birthstone?
Amethyst

30. What is your favorite number?
8

31. Who's the last person you talked to on the phone?
My dad

32. Any plans today?
Day is pretty much over...so not really

33. How many states have you lived in?
1

34. Biggest annoyance right now?
My dogs obsession with fetch

35. Last song listened to?
Ummm...I don't remember. :) Something on the country radio station

36. Can you say the alphabet backwards?
Yes

37. Do you have a maid service clean your house?
Oh yes, I love her oh so much. She is worth every penny.

38. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time?
Sketchers

39. Are you jealous of anyone?
People that get to live in the mountains...I miss them.

40. Is anyone jealous of you?
Not that i know of

41. Do you love anyone?
Yes

42. Do any of your friends have children?
Yes

43. What do you usually do during the day?
work

44. Do you hate anyone that you know right now?
no way

45. Do you use the word 'hello' daily?
no..well...I say "hey" or "hi" a lot...does that count?

46. What color is your car?
silver

47. Do you like cats?
they're ok

48. Are you thinking about someone right now?
no

49. Have you ever been to Six Flags?
Yes

50. How did you get your worst scar?
29 stitches from trying to do an "under dog" on a metal swing...the swing won

Word Filled Wednesday - Draw Near to God

So the amazing youth group I have the honor of working with has been wanting to do an outreach night. A night where they can hang out, get help with homework, play video games, listen to music, etc... We were trying to think of what to call it. They decided to call it 408, based on this bible verse...and also decided that was a good time to meet (4:08) so no one would forget. :) They liked it for what the verse said, which as a youth sponsor just warms your heart.

Hope it blesses you. If you want to see more, visit Amy at:

Public Apology

My Dear Blackberry,

I can't help but notice you've been a little grouchy with me lately. I mean it's hard not to notice with the red light of death and the constant crashes. Well, I got to thinking about it and realize this is probably all my fault. So I wanted to take a moment to apologize for all the times you've been dropped down the stairs, on the side walk, in parking lots. I realize you've taken a lot of hard falls. I also realize you probably aren't thrilled with the number of times you've been submersed in various liquids. OH and then there was the time the dog tried to eat you...

I realize I am lucky, most cell phones with this sort of history quit working all together...yet you keep on going. If you will just keep on working a little while longer...I promise I will not be in motion with you unless you are safely tucked into a pocket or my purse. I promise to keep all liquids lidded, or a safe distance away from you. I also promise to keep you far away from the clutches of the dogs mouth. I promise to handle you with greater care.

See, dear Blackberry, don't you know how much I rely on you? You bring me my email from 3 different email accounts. You give me Facebook updates and you help me keep up with both Facebook and Twitter. The world of information on the internet, you keep available to me at a moments notice with your internet access. I never miss an appointment because of your gentle reminders. Not to mention you help me keep in touch with the ones I love when I'm not at home. While there are times I dream about what it would be like to go back to a simpler time without cell phones, at this moment I would be lost without you. So please, my beautiful pink Blackberry, hang in there with me.

Sincerely,
Bad Cell Phone Owner

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - Hillsong

Yes, I realize I've been obsessed with Hillsong lately...what can I say? They are amazing. :) So I still have love on the brain...I can't shake it lately. I was looking for the song "Amazing Love" that we all know and love...and I found this one instead. It has a great message, and I loved it instantly. I hope you enjoy it.



Here are the lyrics:

I'm so amazed at how You take my life
And love me more, more than I deserve
I'm blown away by Your power to change this life
Once more, I'm planted in You

Who would know, that I was once
On a road so far away from You
All I know is that I live my life
To show the world Your amazing love
Your amazing love

Your love is pure Your love so divine
Your love transforms my soul my mind
Your love has the power to bring new hope
Amazing love
Amazing love

I'm so amazed at the wonder of all creation
I will live to honour You my Lord
You are the gold, treasure of all life
I will rest in You in praise eternally

Who would know that I was once
On a road so far away from You
All I know is that I live my life
To show the world Your amazing love
Your amazing

Your love is so pure Your love so divine
Your love transforms my soul my mind
Your love has the power to bring new hope
Amazing love
Amazing love
(repeat chorus)

I'm so amazed...

If you want to see more Then Sings My Soul Saturday's visit Amy.


Blessings!

We Must Become The Change We Want To See - Gandhi

I spent this weekend taking a group of teen girls from our church to the Revolve Tour. It's this amazing conference for girls put on by Women of Faith.

At this conference, we had the opportunity of seeing a young boy named Austin Gutwein. To say that this boy blew my mind would be the understatement of the century. At 8 years old he started what became Hoops of Hope. Here is a run down by Austin from his website on how it all started:

"In the spring of 2004, I watched a video that showed children who had lost their parents to a disease called AIDS. After watching the video, I realized these kids weren’t any different from me except they were suffering. I felt God calling me to do something to help them. I decided to shoot free throws and on World AIDS Day, 2004, I shot 2,057 free throws to represent the 2,057 kids who would be orphaned during my day at school. People sponsored me and we were able to raise almost $3,000. That year, the money was used by World Vision to provide hope to 8 orphan children."

That was just his first year! Check out his website, watch the video...I promise you will fall in love with this kid as much as I have. Then help this kid out, he is going to change the world.

Then Sings My Soul Saturdays - Los Lonely Boys

I have always loved this song. I love the groove, and I relate to message. I think all Christians would. Paul tells us in II Corinthians that our eternal home is in heaven, not built with human hands. David prays "How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints for the courts of the Lord" So it's natural for me to sing out and ask "how far is heaven, oh Lord can you tell me?" My soul wasn't meant to for this earth forever. :)



Want to see more Then Sings My Soul Saturdays? Visit Amy here.

Blessings!

WFW - Love Each Other

I have had LOVE on my mind a lot lately. Not because Valentines day is just around the corner, but because I think we could get a lot further in life if we spent a little more time loving and a little less time judging/condeming.

If you want to see more Word Filled Wednesday's, please visit Amy at


Love you all!!

Blessings,
Apryll

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - Hillsong

My friend (who also happens to be my pastor) Arron Chambers posted this song on his blog yesterday. He did it for the same reason I am doing it today. We both work with the youth group at Journey Christian Church, and the kids LOVE this song. It's moving to see them come alive with worship...we can't skip this song...they beg for it every week. I hope you enjoy it!!



Blessings!

The Queen of Destruction Strikes Again

My sweet little Cairn has once again gone on her path of destruction. You might remember a post from a couple months ago where she destroyed my brand new shoes? Well she has struck again....several times.

It all started on Christmas Eve. Who knew that dogs could climb? Santa was sitting on top of my dresser, and some how my sweet little angel of a dog obtained Santa clause from the dresser top.

Poor Santa lost his beard in the process!! I showed Erin (that is the dog) Santa and told her that I'm pretty sure Santa doesn't visit little girls who cruelly attack him. Well, apparently Santa is more forgiving than I am and didn't hear my threat...because there were treats in her stocking on Christmas morning.

**(Authors note: Yes, my dog has a stocking...doesn't every dog? I do know that you cannot reason with a dog nor treat her like a child. Should Cesar Millan stumble upon my blog, he would shake is head.)**

My friends, it doesn't end there. Last week a BOLO (Be On The Look Out) went out for a missing angel ornament from the Christmas tree. Well, the poor, victomized, angel was found...missing her wings, hair, and halo.

Then last night topped it all. See we were still taking down our decorations, so small christmas items that needed to be wrapped and boxed were set upon the coffee table. Among those items were Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus. Well, about 10pm I heard Erin crunching on something that just didn't sound like a rawhide. So I say "What are you eating, Erin?" to which she promptly jumps up, grabs her treat, and runs into her kennel. Upon inspection I find something that was barely recognizable, but I would know that eye from anywhere. I quickly go to check, and sure enough Joseph was standing there by himself...without his family! I look at Erin, put on my best Brooklyn accent and head bob saying "oh no you didn't?!" I started marching down the hall to her second favorite hiding place (under my bed) and she quickly retreated back into her kennel. Sure enough, the rest of Mary and Baby Jesus was found. Baby Jesus was safe although his manger did not make it. I returned baby Jesus to Joseph promising him a new Mary and a new manger by next Christmas. I can't find it anywhere in the bible, but I told Erin I was pretty sure it's a sin to eat baby Jesus and his mom.

I cannot show you pictures, my friends. They would be just too horrific.

The good news: just a few short weeks after Christmas...the decorations are finally all down, boxed, and back into storage.

Happy Friday!!

That's What I Love About Sunday

I love Sunday. I really do, I look forward to it all week long. I love going to church and spending time with my church family. Anyone who knows me, knows I love the incredible time of Worship...closing my eyes and just communicating with my Savior. I love seeing all my kids, and hearing what they have to say in our Sunday school class. I love seeing all my friends and hearing about their week. One lady I spoke with this morning said that she loves coming to church, it's her favorite hang out. I liked that.

Then I come home to my husband and hear the sound that is so familiar on Sunday afternoons in our house. You got it, Sunday football...although this isn't just any Sunday football, it's play off football! Call me crazy, but there is just something relaxing about the roar of the crowd, the ref's whistles, the drone of the commentators. I love a good football game.

It made me think of a song by Craig Morgan that I just love. It's called "That's What I Love About Sunday". I wanted to post it here, but it is blocked from being embedded, so follow the link and enjoy. They lyrics are below.

Raymond's in his Sunday best,
He's usually up to his chest in oil an' grease.
There's the Martin's walkin' in,
With that mean little freckle-faced kid,
Who broke a window last week.
Sweet Miss Betty likes to sing off key in the pew behind me.

That's what I love about Sunday:
Sing along as the choir sways;
Every verse of Amazin' Grace,
An' then we shake the Preacher's hand.
Go home, into your blue jeans;
Have some chicken an' some baked beans.
Pick a back yard football team,
Not do much of anything:
That's what I love about Sunday.

I stroll to the end of the drive,
Pick up the Sunday Times, grab my coffee cup.
It looks like Sally an' Ron, finally tied the knot,
Well, it's about time.
It's 35 cents off a ground round,
Baby. cut that coupon out!

That's what I love about Sunday:
Cat-napping on the porch swing;
You curled up next to me,
The smell of jasmine wakes us up.
Take a walk down a back road,
Tackle box and a cane pole;
Carve our names in that white oak,
An' steal a kiss as the sun fades,
That's what I love about Sunday,
Oh, yeah.

Ooh, new believers gettin' baptized,
Momma's hands raised up high,
Havin' a Hallelujah good time
A smile on everybody's face.
That's what I love about Sunday,
Oh, yeah.

That's what I love about Sunday,
Oh, yeah.

Have a great day! Blessings!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - Sister Act 2

I'm sorry, but I just LOVE this movie. This is one of my favorite gospel songs, and this version just makes me smile. Enjoy!

Want to see more? Visit Amy here

Friday Fragments

For those of you looking in your living room in shame, do not fret...you are not alone. Yes, my Christmas Tree is still standing. Maybe I should just change up the decorations a little bit and make it a valentines tree...and then a birthday tree. That sounds good, huh? No? The tree WILL be coming down this weekend...maybe...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I just spent the most amazing evening with the Fusion Youth Group kids. In case you haven't heard it the other 3 million times I've told you...I TOTALLY LOVE YOU ALL. You rock my socks off.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'm not exactly sure what it means to rock someones socks off. So, in case the above statement is in anyway bad, kindly disregard said statement. :)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We might be getting another child..you know...the 4 legged variety. My cousin has a friend (don't all good stories start out that way?) anyway, this friend has WAY too many dogs and he is desperately searching for homes. We are going to test drive a puppy for the week and see how it goes to have 2 dogs and a cat under one roof. We may never see the cat again...it just may be an unforgivable offense in his eyes.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I played the game Apples to Apples for the first time tonight. This game is so much fun. If you are looking for a great group game, I recommend it. I also played Rock Band for the 1st time tonight. I think it's safe to say I will not have a future as a rock star, thank you very much.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hmmm....I guess that is all I have for you today. :) Happy Friday and have a blessed weekend!! Want more Friday Fragments or want to play along? Click here

A Thousand Words Thursday

4 Generations, all together for Christmas for the 1st time.

Want to see more? Visit Jen here

Weather-Proof Your Skin

Manic Monday

Do you have any idiosyncrasies or unusual quirks when it comes to food and/or eating? I'm a boring eater. LOL At each restaurant we go to, I have my "thing" that I order. I cook the same 5 things over and over again...not that I can't cook...just don't have time to be creative.

Have you ever written love letters? If so, do you still have any of them? Oh have I....way too many.... I wrote several to my husband, so if he kept any then I guess there are some in this house. Does that count as having any? I'm the queen of writing a letter and then throwing it away, ha ha. Never kept any for momentos.

How easy or difficult is it for you to say you're sorry? I don't know if anyone would ever say it's easy to say sorry. However, I will always sorry. Life is way to short to let bad feelings continue.

Want to see more Manic Monday? Click here