10 WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR ENERGY

"I WISH STOPLIGHTS HAD - A SNOOZE BUTTON"

Can you relate?

We watched a great podcast from Michael Hyatt, 10 ways to increase your ENERGY!!! 

Notes from that podcast.......

(1) Most Important - get plenty of SLEEP. Be deliberate about when you go to sleep. Most people need at least 7 hours. Even a quick daily nap can improve your creativity and focus!

(2) EXERCISE daily

(3) Drink more WATER

(4) Eat high energy FOODS - avoid process foods, carbs and sugar. Eat a high protein breakfast.

(5) Take good SUPPLEMENTS

(6) Feed your BRAIN - consume things that are mentally stimulating like books, audios, ect!

(7) Maintain a positive ATTITUDE - instead of saying "I HAVE to do something" say "I GET to do something".

(8) Watch your MOUTH - our language portrays our thinking. You can speak things into existence, so be deliberate with your speech! You can program yourself by what you think and say!!!!

(9) AVOID energy depleting people! Ask yourself - "Am I one who is energy depleting or one who energizes people?"

(10) Connect with God, daily! 

Bad news, Christmas time flies - Good news, you're the PILOT

TRUE CONFESSION:

The 2015 Christmas Holiday seemed to fly by so quickly! 

Each year there is always something I didn’t quite find time to accomplish - SO I’VE ALWAYS WISHED I HAD MORE TIME!!!!

I love Holidays - the decorations and the parties!

But its spending QUALITY time with friends and family, that I love most! 

TIME SPENT THIS YEAR - around the dinner table, talking about things that really matter!

TIME SPENT THIS YEAR - playing games and watching movies, that fill the air with laughter!

I’M GUESSING I REALLY DON’T NEED MORE TIME!

It’s more quality use of the time I already have!

The bad news is time flies! 

The good news is we're the PILOT!

AMEN

The VEGGIE TRAIN - Healthy & Fun

A BIG HIT WITH OUR GUESTS

A WEEK OF CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS.......

THE CHRISTMAS SEASON IS THE PERFECT TIME 

To take a step back from our busy lives and enjoy time with our friends and family!!

"If you go looking for a friend, you’re going to find they’re very scarce. 

If you go out to be a friend, you’ll find them everywhere."

Today was just the 1st of four Christmas Party's here, this week!

Mom had one of her new Card Groups over, and the laughter was contagious!!!

As I watched Mom prepare the food and serve her new friends, it warmed my heart to see the joy she brought to their day! Once again I was reminded of the impact we can all make, in the lives of others! 

THANK YOU, MOM!!!!

"To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world."

Taking Holiday Loneliness - to the throne of God

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS:

Is it really necessary to gather your family and friends together for special events and Holidays? 

Is the event even about them? Isn’t a Birthday just about YOU? Your Anniversary just about you and your spouse?

5 SIMPLE TRUTHS:

(1) Christmas - is ONLY about the birth of Jesus

(2) Thanksgiving - is ONLY about the Pilgrims landing in America

(3) Weddings - are ONLY about one couple

(4) Anniversary’s - are ONLY about one couple

(5) Birthdays - are ONLY about one person 

THE REALITY OF THOSE TRUTHS:

For those of us that cherish our friends and family - we want to be together for these moments.

That is not only normal - its how God wired us, to seek fellowship.

There is nothing strange or selfish about your desire to gather with those you love.

We all want that place of belonging and being treasured by our loved ones. 

IT’S OK TO CRY:

If you're alone because someone close to you has died, or because your marriage or relationship has ended, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. If you can’t be with your children or parents at a distance, realize that it’s normal to feel sad. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season. 

LET GOD THE FATHER CARRY YOU THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT HOLIDAY: 

Psalm 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

TAKE ACTION………..

(1) REJOICE IN THE LORD - Play great worship music in your home and car. Study God’s Word and celebrate that Christ HAS come to free us from our sins and fears—to deliver us from the power of Satan, hell and death.

(2) VOLUNTEER - You don't have to be alone at the holidays. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, your Church or other social events. They can offer support and companionship. Volunteering your time to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships. Volunteer your time to serve or deliver holidays meals for people in need. Ask your local hospital if the children's ward needs volunteers. 

(3) DECORATE OR BAKE - Don’t tell yourself that it's not worth decorating or cooking when it's just you (maybe spouse too). Trust me, the lack of any festivity will make you feel more helpless. What's wrong with decorating your place or cooking a special meal just for yourselves? Chances are that doing the holiday activities that you're used to doing with family or friends will give you a lift. 

(4) TELL SOMEONE - Don't hide the fact that you're spending the holiday/event away from family, tell someone. And don’t be afraid to tell someone that you need them. It’s okay to invite yourself.

(5) OUT OF YOUR HOUSE - Line up a special treat for yourself, like a concert, a massage, a short trip or something else that will get you out of the house and make the day memorable. 

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(6) CHILDLIKE - Do some of the things that you did as a child, like watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, go ice skating, take a bubble bath, read a good book, make Christmas cookies, hot chocolate or popcorn balls.

All these tips have help me, and I hope they help you!

But all LONELINESS has brought me (and still brings me) to the throne of God. Even if I’d never had a family to share my Holidays with, I have my place as a child of God. I belong to Christ. And He is also mine. We are family, we are one. And with Him I will always be home!!!!

I pray if you are lonely and hurting this holiday season to be comforted by peace in knowing Jesus Christ. I pray that God would provide relief to aching hearts as He sets the solitary in families. He’s done (still doing) that for me and I know He’s faithful to be near to the brokenhearted and save those whose spirits are crushed!!! REJOICE IN HIM!!!!

It's NOT the ornaments that make a - UNIQUE TREE

Many of my friends are surprised to hear - "I ONLY BUY CHEAP ARTIFICIAL TREES."
Years ago I discovered a unique trick when decorating my Christmas Trees, its adding more green picks to the tree!

Yes - I start with a very plain/cheap artificial tree! Before the lights & ornaments go on my trees - I ADD A BUNCH OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF EVERGREEN SPRIGS!!!

I also use this same thought process with GARLAND! I love to buy at Hobby Lobby - but I don't buy their pre-decorated 6' garland for $89.99 each, especially since I would need 3 of those 6' garlands for  projects like our fireplace!

So instead - I buy very plain 6' evergreen garland, for $15 each. Then I add a variety of picks to create EXACTLY the look I want, at a much better price!!!

"Sweet" Celebrations May Stretch YOU

Yesterday was a total blast creating food art - Turkey & Corn Candy COOKIES! I’m a part of an incredible Accountability Group - and we were pulling off a SURPRISE Birthday Party, for one of my BFF’s Alana!!

I was expecting a possible 60 women to start arrive by 6:00pm. But at 4:00pm - I was still knee deep in frosting cookies, with a house yet to vacuuming and a much needed SHOWER!!!

Once again I was reminded that "Creativity requires letting go of CERTAINTIES” and “Sweet Celebrations May Stretch YOU” (tee-hee)!!!

But seeing the smile on "THE BIRTHDAY GIRLS FACE" was more than enough reward, for me!!!!

Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes and focusing on the FUN RESULTS, blessing others!

Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun.

"MICE" ARE INVITED TO EVERY MEAL

MEALS & MEMORIES ARE MADE HERE

NEED A GREAT STUDY BIBLE?

A Beautiful Bible - I truly enjoy reading it with it's footnotes, maps, inserts about the people etc...I high recommend this study bible!

Tyndale's Chronological Life Application Study Bible NLT is a remarkable resource. 

I’m far from a Bible scholar, but I absolutely love this Bible! The overview of the periods is clear and informative yet concise. This Bible is easy to navigate and a great way to change up the way we study.

AN ENJOYABLE WAY TO UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE

Have you read the book "The Story" yet?

It helps you to chronologically follow the main plot line of the Bible.

This is a wonderful book if you want something that is easy reading. It is like the Bible in novel form. 

NOT a replacement for regular Bible reading but a nice way to get an overview of the Bible in a short period of time.

While I'd suggest that everyone read the entire Bible (KJV is my favorite) I can also recommend reading "The Story" as a quick way to familiarize yourself with all the main stories the Bible offers.

THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD - IS MORE THAN JUST A CLICHÉ. God goes to great lengths to rescue lost and hurting people. That is what The Story is all about: the story of the Bible, God's great love affair with humanity. Condensed into 31 accessible chapters, The Story sweeps you into the unfolding progression of Bible characters and events from Genesis to Revelation. Using the clear, accessible text of the NIV Bible, it allows the stories, poems, and teachings of the Bible to read like a novel. And like any good story, The Story is filled with intrigue, drama, conflict, romance, and redemption; and this story is true! ... From the foreword by Max Lucado and Randy Frazee: This book tells the grandest, most compelling story of all time: the story of a true God who loves his children, who established for them a way of salvation and provided a route to eternity. Each story in these 31 chapters reveals the God of grace the God who speaks; the God who acts; the God who listens; the God whose love for his people culminated in his sacrifice of Jesus, his only Son, to atone for the sins of humanity. ... Features: The story of the Bible in its own words. Selections from the NIV Bible with short transitions to connect the reader to the continuing story. Events, characters, and teachings of the Bible arranged chronologically Timelines of Bible events New International Version (NIV) Bible text Church families around the globe can now embrace The Story for a full ministry year through worship services, small group studies, and family activities. 

NEED HELP WITH YOUR PRAYER LIFE?

You will be blessed by a book my Pastor Lynne co-authored - “Secrets to Powerful Prayer”

I have read many books on prayer, but this is one of the best I've seen for getting into the practical essentials of biblical prayer.

Our Pastor Lynne and her husband Pastor Mac - have influenced Scott and my Prayer Life, like none other!!!!

I highly recommend this wonderful book to anyone looking to understand prayer on a deeper level or to anyone teaching or leading a prayer group..........

FASHION IMAGE: ONLY 1 CHANCE AT A FIRST IMPRESSION

"Dressing For Success - Within Your Budget"

*You only get one chance at a 1st Impression!

Where to begin - "The Bare Bones" 

*Embrace & Enjoy Your Unique Body Type!

*All buying decisions address creating a balanced Body Frame.

*Eventually understand your Clothing Personality & Color Pallet.

4 Areas of Financial Investment - in order of PRIORITY:

(1) "Your Undergarments" 

*Like building a good foundation for a house.

(2) “Your Hair, Glasses, Make-Up & Nails"

*When people are listening to you talk - these are the area's they are

focusing on. Do these areas say, "I pay attention to details" or 

"I just got out of bed"

(3) “Your Accessories - Shoes, Purse, Jewelry & Belts"

*These investments will last long after a garment wears out,

or the clothing trend ends.

*Business items first, then date night or leisure accessories!

(4) “Your Garments”

SHOP The Finest Stores First - study the current look

and how they achieved it.

*Then BUY at the Store you can afford, even Consignment.

*Avoid any trend that opposes your unique body concerns.

*Buy interchangeable & timeless clothing pieces first.

*Buy one time event clothing, only when your budget allows.

FYI - Make sure your clothing doesn't have loose threads, rips or missing a button. Clean & Pressed Clothing costs you nothing!!!

FASHION IMAGE: EMBRACE YOUR UNIQUE BODY TYPE

Where to begin - "The Bare Bones" 

*Embrace & Enjoy Your Unique Body Type!

*All buying decisions address creating a balanced Body Frame.

*Eventually understand your Clothing Personality & Color Pallet.

FASHION IMAGE: EMBRACE YOUR UNIQUE STYLE

FASHION IMAGE: THE 5 FACTORS THAT DETERMINE YOUR FASHION PERSONALITY

FASHION IMAGE: YOUR FOUR INVESTMENT AREAS

4 Areas of Financial Investment - in order of PRIORITY:

(1) "Your Undergarments" 

*Like building a good foundation for a house.

(2) “Your Hair, Glasses, Make-Up & Nails"

*When people are listening to you talk - these are the area's they are

focusing on. Do these areas say, "I pay attention to details" or 

"I just got out of bed"

(3) “Your Accessories - Shoes, Purse, Jewelry & Belts"

*These investments will last long after a garment wears out,

or the clothing trend ends.

*Business items first, then date night or leisure accessories!

(4) “Your Garments”

SHOP The Finest Stores First - study the current look

and how they achieved it.

*Then BUY at the Store you can afford, even Consignment.

*Avoid any trend that opposes your unique body concerns.

*Buy interchangeable & timeless clothing pieces first.

*Buy one time event clothing, only when your budget allows.

FYI - Make sure your clothing doesn't have loose threads, rips or missing a button. Clean & Pressed Clothing costs you nothing!!!

FASHION IMAGE: YOUR UNDERGARMENTS

"Your Undergarments" 

*Like building a good foundation for a house.

FASHION IMAGE: YOUR HAIR

“Your Hair, Glasses, Make-Up & Nails"

*When people are listening to you talk - these are the area's they are

focusing on. Do these areas say, "I pay attention to details" or 

"I just got out of bed"