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Woke up

After these all night and morning,

we woke up to a few surprises.
Surprise # 1:

but I chose to focus on Surprise # 2:

Then I called the cops…
This is what I get for living near Hud housing with kids that are out for the summer, roaming neighborhoods looking for trouble.

Our neighborhood gets vandalized weekly and the police are so understaffed that they can’t do anything. So my husband and I have decided to get a infrared camera to post under the eaves of our home, to catch the little buggars who feel they can egg our cars, write bad words or obscene gestures on our driveways, race down our streets/through our yards, and bash and uproot our mailboxes. Maybe then the police can do something.

blessings, faithful fridays

Faithful Friday

Today is a me day. I’m tired after a month’s worth of a lot of crazy stuff going on, and after a full week I’m ready for a me day.

Photobucket

Blessings from the week have been abundant:

*My contract came back in the mail, with my publisher’s signature…so it’s official!

*I ordered a book from them to see the quality of their product, and I’m very pleased with what I see….great graphics on the cover, nice heavy paper, and a very well put together book. I know even more that my upcoming book is in good hands.

*My Gladiola’s (purples and pinks) are blooming all over my garden. I’ve been waiting for almost 2 months for the flowers to sprout out from the leaves. Yay!

*My son’s temper tantrums have settled down some this week. This is a huge blessing in my world.

*My husband’s health is back to normal thank the Lord.

*My Grandmother turns 88 TODAY. She came in town this week and we had a great party with her.

*I’ve got such a wonderful new boss at a new job I took to supplement me in my efforts, while starting up my photography business. He’s a kind and generous person who really cares about every person in his office. What a concept to walk the walk in this area. While most bosses say they do…my new boss proves he does daily. I’ve been very blessed.

Please keep in mind that my contest for Faithful Friday’s starts this coming FRIDAY. I’ve successfully figured out the code to post the button above to your blogs on wordpress.  Use this code:

<a href=”https://blessed1.wordpress.com/”><img border=”5″ alt=”Photobucket” src=”http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/wornoutwoman/blessingsbutton.jpg”><img /></a></a>

Happy Friday and remember to give thanks to God for all things great and small when you’re blessed.

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Child Prostitution Ring Brought Down

I have to say a big PRAISE GOD for this weeks big story in the news. You can go to Yahoo for their updated story on an entire ring of Child Traffickers that were caught and prosecuted.

Nothing makes me more ill than the thought of someone being so vile, as to turn an innocent child into a sex pawn for their own gain. What kind of person wants not just to hurt another person, but to ruin the moral fiber down to their core? What kind of monster would break a child? It makes my skin crawl to know that there are those out their profiting off of this type of activity.

The Justice Department’s sting focused on the following cities: Atlanta; Boston; Dallas; Detroit; Houston; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Miami; Montgomery County, Md.; Oakland, Calif.; Phoenix; Reno, Nev.; Sacramento, Calif.; Tampa; Toledo, Ohio and Washington. Now I hope they broaden their scope and continue on with their persecution of these vile human beings and rescue more children, who’ve either run away or been thrown out by their families. No child, no matter what problems they’ve caused or dealt with, deserves this.

I read in People Magazine today at the salon about Elizabeth Smart and was so happy to read she has a happy ending. Most kids don’t have a moderately semi happy ending, and she’s in the minority. She’s now trying to help those in her shoes, those abductees that are brought back home trying to find some normalcy in life. Thank the Lord for her miraculous survival skills and will to press forward.

In reading this I ask you for two things: Pray for the runaways and throw away children and teens in America and abroad…because some are shipped to other countries. And pray for the F.B.I and any government organization in their efforts to infiltrate these types of cells.

One of my good friends here in OKC, is traveling to Cambodia in July on a rescue mission for children sold and trapped into sex slavery. Please pray for her traveling mercies, and the children she comes in contact with. Pray for her safety even though she assures me she’s only dealing with the children, who are already rescued and need to be cared for.

She’s involved in the operation that will care take these children to help them learn what true Christian unconditional love is – an innocent, clean, releasing love that isn’t anyway dirty…sexual….or evil. She’s basically going to be deprogramming these children, who are forced into the sex trade as early as infants, to show them a motherly love vs. sexual abuse.

—What a mission she’s going on. I’m going to ask her to be a guest blogger when she gets back from her mission trip on Reality Chicks.

—My heart breaks for all of today’s lost children!

I also have to give kudos to Our Crooked Tree for giving me a link to a non profit org that works to save these children. Please go check them out.

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Faithful Friday contest

Sorry guys–I’m a little late…2 days late to post my blessings for last week.

So many awesome things have been happening that I almost feel guilty posting so many hoorrah’s. Then I look back to the last 3 years of my life, where there was plenty of the opposite in my life and I remember that I still found ways to count my blessings. (beating myself up) I should not take anything away from what God is doing in my life at the moment, as He’s always so good…but now at this time in life…is stearing me toward so many wonderful things. Humble and thankful is what I should feel…not guilt.

Although on top of a mountain now, I’ve seen my share of valleys and they sure will come again. Valleys are where we really learn to trust Him and His love for us. For without those valleys…the mountains would not be quite as sweet. And sweetness is what I have for the moment…praise God and all His glory.

I know first hand how life changing it can be to focus on your blessings in the midst of the lows in life. I’ve seen plenty of lows, and to simply survive I had to cast my eyes and heart on Jesus to make it through to the other side. To see what you’re blessed with DAILY is one of the most important lessons, and to thank God for those being included with it.

I’m going to start a contest for the summer, or for 6 weeks of it anyway. I’m going to challenge ALL of you to start posting on Fridays and link back to me, so that I know you’re participating. Each week, count everything you’ve been blessed with from large to small…even if you’ve got to really search for something….post it!!! And don’t stop there, I want you to encourage you to invite your friends/readers to do this to, and ask them to link back to me. I will keep track of how many links come from your pages.

The contest will be measured by how many links you provide, and how many Fridays you, yourself, participate in. I want to read about your weeks and your blessings. I want to see how God is changing your outlook in life. I want to know what blessings you find, even if it’s a simple one…sometimes those are the best!

This contest will start July 4th, a day a celebration here in the U.S., and it will end August 8th. I will post on Friday, the 4th, what the grand prize will be, but the obvious gift will be what you give yourself by utilizing this contest for your own outlook.

I look forward to reading all about your blessings! Yay!

<a href=”https://blessed1.wordpress.com/”&gt; <img border=”0″ view&current=”blessingsbutton.jpg” = alt=”Photobucket” src=”http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/wornoutwoman/blessingsbutton.jpg&#8221; target=”_blank”/><img http://s24.photobucket.com/albums/c10/wornoutwoman/?action/></a&gt;

This code should work for most bloggins sites, like blogger, buy may not for wordpress. If it doesn’t work for wordpress…let me know & I’ll try to get another code for ya.

amen, appreciation, blessings, budget, business, Christianity, faith, life, love, prayer, thoughts

Soooo today

So today I accomplished some things that made me smile.

  • I sent of my publishing contracts to my new publishing house, and was so tickled.
  • I set a couple appointments for my part time sales job.
  • I ran some overdue errands.
  • And…I just felt at peace with all the change happening in my life.

I know right now my future is not certain, but God’s future for me is. I love that old song that states:

Because He lives I can face tomorrow……Because He lives, all fear is gone…..Because I know…I know … He holds the future….and life is worth the living just because He lives.

Right now my financial status is uncertain but one thing is certain–God is holding me up right where I am and leading me. I feel Him as if He were in the same room with me, and today I’m so grateful just to be right here in the now…uncertainties and all!

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Bop till you Drop


Sorry Terri. This is not autographed. We went to Rick Springfield last night, and my wonderful husband had arrangements to get us back stage to meet him again. At that point I was going to have him sign this photo, from his concert in 2000.

My hubbie had his position backstage all night, since he did his show from there last night and got the opportunity to introduce Rick on-stage. My sister & I weren’t allowed back until after the concert. Security was heavy as many had tried to jump the barricades to get up close. I don’t get some people, but it was funny watching them try something stupid and then get in trouble for it.

Unfortunately my poor husband quickly came down with some strange stomach problems after eating some food he’d bought. He says his tummy was upset before hand, as he’d not eaten almost all day. I’d given him a sugary frozen lemonade earlier in the evening and he said the sweetness upset his stomach, but I don’t think the lemon ice started his downward spiral. It may have contributed to it, but he had some severe issues.

Scarrily enough, multiple vomiting in-sued and he passed out. He was as white and clammy as I’d seen him last time I had him in the hospital, which gave me the gut feeling that something was more wrong than sugar ripping into him. I hurried passed security, to ask for a medic. No barricade was going to keep me from my man.

It took a few minutes, but the medics arrived… as well as some lookey-loos. What is it about some people, who have to interrupt while someone is obviously sick? And continue to try to talk to them — oblivious to the fact that they’re feeling as if they’re on their death bed?

Seriously…my husband wanted to die on the spot from not only how he was feeling, but the fact that it was in public view….and 2 ditzy blonde girls want to ooh and aah over him? And then have the audacity to ask if my husband can get them backstage to meet Rick?

—>AAAAAh, that would be a BIG FAT NO!!! I had security send them off immediately.

Long story short we were in the emergency room all night and morning, where in my opinion they discharged him too early. IF a man can’t walk and is barely mobile, someone should be wise enough to keep him under observation!! We got home and he continued vomiting until 4 a.m.

I prayed and prayed that God would bless him just enough to keep meds down. Thank God for answered prayers! He’s finally keeping some meds and a little Gatorade down, and is resting comfortably at the moment.

The official diagnosis was the flu. BUT he had no fever or no symptoms prior to the food he ate at the concert. After eating, within 10 minutes he was vomiting. To me, my wife-dar, tells me that it’s food related…especially with all his food allergy history.

Here are some pluses for the day:

*We’re so blessed that he didn’t have any anaphylaxis issues.

*We’re so blessed the my son was at my mom’s, where he stayed the night.

*We’re so blessed my sister and boyfriend were there to help facilitate the operations of getting my poor sick husband into his work truck, so I could drive him out of there.

*I’m blessed by the fact that at the last minute, I rode to the concert with my sister instead of on my own car…that way I didn’t have to factor in an additional car in the scenario of leaving. My husband could have NEVER driven himself, and my car wouldn’t have been in a safe place overnight

Will you all please pray for my hubby? Pray that God gives him is healing peace? Pray that God blesses his stomach and intestines, so that we can keep liquids down him?

Thank you all!

blessings, Christianity, faith, family, family bonds, life, love, relationships, thoughts

Faithful Friday… with a few answers

My last post I invited you to ask me some questions and a few of you were bold enough, or maybe when I asked to keep it clean…only three of you could stay within those parameters. Not sure which, but here ya go with my answers:

territerri

What do you and your husband do to keep your relationship fresh and fun?

Wholly Molly, I didn’t know we did have it fresh and fun! I think because we like some of the same quirky stuff, we enjoy a lot of extra activities together like concerts and events. For example, this Saturday we’re going to go see Rick Springfield rock out and get to meet him back stage. We did this in back in ’99 and now I’m repeating the same fun concert again. To know that my hubbie thinks of me, to provide me with such awesome entertainment…makes me always consider him fresh and fun. So far he’s snuck me back stage to meet: Phil Collins, Hall & Oats, Jim Brickman, REO Speedwagon, Rick Springfield, Tom Selleck, … man there are more but I won’t keep the list going.

ric booth

How did you get started blogging?

I started on Myspace about 6 years ago, and branched out from there. I wondered over to blogger and then wordress. Writing is in my blood, so needless to say it got addicting quite fast.

What does your husband think of your blogging?

He thinks it funny. He always tells people about my various blogs and repeats stories I’ve blogged in laughter. He’s secretly wished he could sneak in on one of my blogs and give his point of view of what I’m posting. LOL!

alece

What is your biggest regret and why?

I really don’t have any regrets on anything. Yes, there are things I’d be wiser about now, but if I hade done them differently in the past…I wouldn’t be exactly where I am right now. I’d never regret that.

What has been the highlight of your life so far?

Seeing my son be born into this world, and watching him grow into this amazing little person, destined to do such big things for God. That is and will be my biggest highlight.

What is one thing you’d like to do before you die?

I think I take steps to do exactly what it is that I should be each day, so that I don’t have to worry about want I’d want before I die. BUT if I had to make a list:

finish learning to play the guitar

Make my son a list of things to do when he grows up to be a man

Make my son a video so each year he’d have a message from me

Make sure my family is all in order

Man you all had some great questions…thank you thank you thank you for giving me something to think about.  I like knowing what’s on your mind and having to answer such insightful questions.

To move onto Faithful Friday, I’ve had a great week. It’s been a low key one as far as work is concerned. Everything I’m trying to wrap up keeps getting putting up, not by my choice, but it’s allowed me to let go of a few things and move on mentally to my new path.

I have two date nights with my husband this week. Thats HUGE!

My husband adores his job.

I got my contract via email this week from my publishing house.

My son took my business cards to VBS so that he could be reminded of me all day, but ended up handing them out to teachers b/c he wanted to get me some business! My son is the biggest blessing of all.

I hope you all have a peaceful weekend and please say your thanks to God for all your circumstances and blessings!

faith, life, thoughts

Blog love with some questions for kicks

Tara R. at If Mom says it’s OK gave me a lovely award last week that I’ve yet to post. So drum roll please….

Thank you Tara! I appreciate your kind words and recognition. I encourage you all to go by her blog and check her out. She’s a heartfelt writer, who’s always has something interesting to say. Every time I go I enjoy her latest post, and for her to read me is a huge compliment.

Blogger’s I feel deserve this, who write with intent and purpose:

  1. A new blog friend on my blog roll, Alece at Grit and Glory always blogs with purpose. She’s a strong Christian girl who is obviously in love with the Lord and writes from the heart.
  2. Joe at Jeoprah-Parenting with Humor deserves this too. He’s not your typical stay at home daddy blogger. He shows us women and men a thing or two about how cool daddies can be. From tips on making the perfect pigtails without pain, to giving his two cents on any topic…he’s a must read.
  3. Heather at Especially Heather provides a daily look at her life as she and others battle cancer. She inspires everyone with hope and heart. Please go support her blog as she uplifts so many through her journey.

I know the rules state you have to tag more bloggers with this award, but I’m running out of time before heading to work. Those that are tagged…you don’t have to participate if you don’t want to. Just bask and enjoy your award. Only forward it on if you choose to.

Here’s the questions part.

I often see some of my fav bloggers open themselves up for questions and thoroughly enjoy reading their answers, so I thought I’d do the same thing.

  • Ask any question you choose to and I’ll answer as honestly as I can in my next post.
  • Keep it clean people…but ask away and I’ll post you and your question with my answers in a few days. Thanks all!
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Fridays are full of Blessings 6-6-08

Well anyone who read my latest post knows how well my week has gone. God is so good!

*My grandmother has been praying for 3 years that my book would get published. She faithfully and tirelessly would get on her knees every night, and pray for multiple things…my book being one of them. How wonderful was it for me to get to call her this week with the good news? She started crying and rushed off to church Wednesday night to tell everyone about her grand-daughter, the author. She lives in a small town, and I’m sure reveled in the moment. To me that was a huge blessing.

*My son got to be on stage with my husband, in introducing KC and the Sunshine band. My son got to turn to the crowd of about 1,000 and shake his booty to warm up the crowd in hopes of KC coming out to start the show. My little guy was a hit! The crowd roared in laughter as my husband then introduced the band, before joining the rest of us in the crowd for the show. IT was a blast. It was my son’s first concert and he had so much fun.

*My son asked me why it was special to get published. I gave him an analogy that he could understand a little better:
“You know when I teach your Sunday school class and I ask questions, that all your classmates raise their hands to answer?”
“Yes.”
“Well everyone wants me to pick them, right?” (head nod)
“I can’t pick everyone. I can only pick one person at a time to answer, and when I do pick that person it makes them feel pretty special…right?”
“Yah.”
“Well a publishing house is like me, the teacher, picking one person, like the student, to feel pretty special. LOTS of people want their books published, and they can only pick one.”
“WOW! Mom, that makes you special! I’m so happy for you!”
—This was a special moment for me because he got the big picture. He even answered the phone within minutes of our conversation and told my sister excitedly how his mommy was getting published!

*I put my notice in at work, in plans to focus on my photography/writing. Two days later I got another photography job, for July.

*Today is one month till my birthday! Yay! I told my son I’d be 36 years young. He responded with, “Yah, you are young…but I’m younger! AND your skin is getting thinner every year!” Okay now I’m imagining my veins showing through my skin when I’m 70, and wrinkles everywhere, but I’m still blessed.

*This week we bought our tickets to Oahu/Maui for my brother in law’s wedding, in July. We couldn’t afford to buy them until now, so we were blessed that our finances finally fell into place PLUS we found some tickets at a rate we were happy with considering how late we were buying them.

*My future sister in law, whom I adore, asked my son to be their ring bearer. So not only do we get to stand on a beach and watch them take their vows, but I get to watch my baby be a part of it. I’m so happy.

*I confirmed that I can stay with my aunti and uncle on Oahu, on our 3 day trip, before heading to Maui. That will save us a lot of money with room and meals. They’ve not met my husband yet so not only do I get to introduce my son to them, but my sweet husband. It’s going to be a huge blessing to show them where I went to school, lived in which houses, and attend church on Sunday at my church home. This church sits down in the valley, where the breeze flows through the slatted windows from the mountains above. I’m blessed to think of how peaceful that will be.

*My husband used his academy sports gift certificate and came home with a big 40″ X 12 ft pool for our back yard. It will give our son the practice he needs swimming for our trip next month. The mere fact that he’s home at 5:20 at night, from his new job, is a huge blessing….but that now he’s home to take care of the back yard and now put in a pool is bonus!

*Lastly I took my first Zumba class with my sister at the gym, we recently joined. I loved it and lasted the whole class. I got to shake my booty and have fun with my sis!

I hope you all have had a great week!

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Some Big News!

It’s been a dream of mine since I was in 4th grade to be a published author. It’s been this ‘thing’ I always knew I’d do, and now it’s come true. I’m a very blessed girl and God is so good.

Today I checked my email and read an email from my new publisher, Vanilla Heart Press, that started out with:

“We’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading Finding Kylie, especially the back stories in the novel, and the depth of the characters, along with the intertwined subplots. Therefore, we’ll be sending you a contract offer on this manuscript.”

My mother was at my house and I read the entire length to her as her eyes started tearing up. She couldn’t have been prouder of her little girl. All I know is that I’m so happy and blessed, and I’m still shaking my head. Is this really happening to me?

A lot of you have asked about my book and what it’s about. So let me just give you a little blurp:

It’s a dual story line following mother and daughter through past and present day times to uncover hidden secrets with a little love story thrown in. It’s gooooood stuff.

Here are some other things that happened today that were exciting:

*Already I’ve had someone in the Public Relations business, who knows my husband, offer to handle all my PR for free.

*The proprietor at Toby Kieth’s Restaurant has agreed to have a launch party for me when it comes out, in downtown OKC.

*One of the top ranked radio morning shows have agreed to interview me when we need to promote the book.

*I used to work at the state paper, so today my old boss gave me the book editor’s name. I figure in a month or so, I’ll make contact and see if I can get in front of them.

I wanted to send a big thank you to all of you who have been praying for me. I’ve felt God’s hands surrounding me today as if he’s just holding me up and whispering His blessings in my ears/heart. What a great God we serve and how undeserving are we all of his faithfulness? I hope I’m on track in His eyes and am still shaking my head at how much He loves me.