What I love Wednesday!

I am linking up with Jamie at http://littledaisymay.blogspot.com/ today. Join us!!!

~I am loving that it is Wednesday
~I am loving to our wedding is 3.5 weeks away.
~I am loving these engagement pictures that Erica took

~I am loving that I will soon get to spend the rest of my life with that amazing man.

~I am loving that my "walk down the aisle" music came in and it is BEAUTIFUL! I am walking to Amazing Grace played by Aaron Davis! And while I will probably be crying, the song has so much meaning to me.

~I am loving that my Michael Buble Christmas CD came in. I love love love it!

What are you loving today?

Don't forget to link up over at Jamie's blog: http://littledaisymay.blogspot.com/

And in a short time, we will say "I DO!"

Yes, you read that corrrectly....Ben and I are engaged!!!!!!!!

I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with this man!

In the meantime (lol), I need help planning a small wedding on a budget in less than 4 months.

Who has some good ideas for me?

We already have the photographer(s), ceremony/reception site, date, caterers (gasp! I love my cooking friends!).....help me out with the rest.....

Friday Confessionals

I am so glad it's Friday and I figured I would join in on Mamarazzi's Friday Confessional. Join us and don't forget to link up.

I confess.....

I can't wait to eat at Texas de Brazil for the first time tonight.

I love meat and unlimited supplies of it.

I might try some meats that I am unsure about, just to say I did.

I confess.....

We are having a joint family pool party at our apt tomorrow and I intentionally didn't invite quite a few people to avoid drama.

I am tired of these people trying to always have all of the attention on them.

I confess.....

that I am annoyed when people do not call or show up as they said they would.

this is a huge pet peeve of mine. I mean how hard it is to pick up the phone and say plans changed.

that I stop talking to some people for this very reason.

I confess.....

That I love Ben more every day.

He is the man I want to spend my life with.

He is the one I want to father my children.

He completes me.

Getting to know me.....

Who was your favorite celebrity as a child?
probably Candace Cameron (she played on Full House) or Punky Brewster

What type of pets do you have?

currently, we have none. I keep hoping for one, but probably won't happen until we have a yard.

What is your favorite color?
blues, greens, purples

What is most memorable about your high school years?
Gymnastics.

What word describes you best?
unsure

What is your greatest accomplishment?
um, going through a hellatious (sp?) few years with my divorce, some legal stuff, and major debt. I completely pulled myself out while my parents let me stay in their home for 3 years. When I moved out, I bought a brand new car in cash, all new furniture, and many other things. It was my fresh start and I did it!

What drives you every day?
my family (although some days they drive me batshit crazy as well. lol)

What is your favorite food?
seafood

Where do you want to retire?
not really sure. in the country, that's all I know.

What is your business goal this year?
to get donations for the ALS walk, more than last year and move forward to prepare for next year.

Where do you like to vacation?
somewhere where I can relax and read

Who do you admire?
I admire a lot of people. It's the ones that go unnoticed mainly that I admire. Ex: those that survive or go through a horrific disease; or doctors; etc

What is your mission?
my mission is to help people

If you were invisible, where would you go?
to sleep

What traits in others are you attracted to?
I am pretty outgoing. I like to help people. very sympathetic. able to listen.

What is the kindest thing anyone has done for you?
hmmm. I will have to think on that one.

How do you want to be remembered?
as a God loving woman, a great mom (someday) and wife (again someday), someone who does what they can to help others

What would you do with a million dollars?
go on a vacation, buy a house, start back at school

If you were on an island, who would you want to be with? Why?
I think that I would want to be with Ben. He and I are good together. We have our own "island", it's called our apartment. haha.

You have a 10 minute speech to give at a high school, what is it about?
hmmm. not giving into peer pressure. to be your own person, not a follower.

So What.....

It's that time again, time for so what Wednesday. Don't forget to link up with Shannon to do so what Wednesday! http://www.lifeafteridew.com/

So here we go!

So what:

if I have had a wonderful stressfree week or two without talking to certain people.

if I am preferring my life that way.

if Ben and I are watching a ton of movies lately for free on Blockbuster Express.

if I watched Matthew McHottie on The Lincoln Lawyer last night and decided I needed to find him and marry him. (forget about that wife and family he has, lol, just kidding).

if we are going out of town with family and friends this weekend.

if I need to run by the "beverage" store tonight.

if I need to make cupcakes and frost them tomorrow night.

if I am so excited about next Friday (my birthday for those that don't know) and the date that I have with my 3 year old nephew at the movies

So, link up and join Shannon for so what Wednesday!!!
http://www.lifeafteridew.com/

My weekend recap.

I felt like this past weekend was super busy and I didn't have time to relax. I am exhausted today. haha.

Friday after work, I went to get my hair cut and colored. I got a totally new style and color/high light combo. I love it. Just a little shout out, check out William Edge Salon. They are amazing!!!! www.williamedge.com/

Saturday, I got up early. Got a pedicure, then went to Target to see what kind of summer sales they were having. I got some decent stuff for pretty cheap. I love Target.

I came home and unloaded the car, then Ben and I headed to Aldi for a little grocery shopping.

We came home, grabbed a quick snack, then headed over to Kristin's apt. We met Rebecca and Mike there too, then headed to the Vigilantes game!!!! It was so much fun. Who knew arena football could be so fun? lol

Sunday, we went to Church. Then we headed to my Mom and David's house to catch up and hang out. It was a good time.

Last night, I cooked a pork loin with cranberry sauce. I used Pioneer Woman's recipe. I swear, everything that I have cooked of hers has turned out amazing!!!

So that was our busy weekend.
This weekend is looking to be a little more relaxing, as we will be heading to Turner Falls, OK with some family and friends.

Love

Today is the one year anniversary of when Ben and I started dating.

Ben is the man I have always dreamed of. He is a Godly man, he is caring, he is compassionate, he is 100% the love of my life, and my rock. I can't imagine him not being in my life forever.

So, with that.....

Happy Anniversary Ben! I love you more everyday!

Don't forget to go link up: http://www.perfectlyimperfectjenn.com/2011/06/breaking-ice-vol-3.html

I have some new followers so I thought this would be fun for y'all to know a lil bit more about me!


1) Tell one thing not many people know about you.
hmmm. When I start something, I become extremely dedicated to it. Like it turns into a challenge for me.

2) If you HAD to change your first name, what would you change it to?
I actually don't think I would.

3) What are your 3 favorite songs of the moment?
there are actually too many to narrow it down. I like almost every song on the Christian station right now. I can't get enough of it.

4) List 3 goals on your life's to-do list:
get married
have babies
be a patient advocate

5) What is one of your favorite quotes?
"happiness heals like medicine, bitterness kills like a disease"

6) Fill in the blank: If I had an extra 10 dollars to spend . . I would buy __________?
Starbucks!

7) What’s your birth date?
July 29

8) Do you have a hidden talent and if so what is it?
this is a hard one. I don't think I keep anything hidden worth sharing. I am beginning to think I can cook though lol

9) What do you think of when you hear the word "blue"?
blue grass. It makes me think of Kentucky.

10) Finish this thought: I need . . .
to clock back in from lunch and get to work.

YOUR TURN!

I am linking up over at Life After I Dew for So What Wednesday, you should really join in and link up as well. http://www.lifeafteridew.com/

So what if:

•My ADD is out of control today and I can’t concentrate on ONE.SINGLE.THING. Oh look! Something shiny!
•I stayed out to late with a good friend last night and I am tired today.
•I don’t want my frozen lunch today and am thinking about grabbing some fast food.
•we have NO plans for this weekend, and I can’t wait.
•my feelings are hurt because people aren’t the friends I thought they were.
•I am choosing to just walk away from said people instead of trying to mend a friendship that is one-sided.
•we are having Texas Roadhouse for dinner tonight.
•I love Ben more everyday and can’t wait to see what our future holds!

Weekend Recap

Why is it that the weekends never feel long enough? haha

Friday after work, Ben and I ate at Saltgrass

then we headed over to Grand's sports bar to watch some karoake with some friends!

Saturday, we slept in, then headed to my brother's house to hang out, swim, and BBQ. It was a good time. I can't believe how fast my nephew is growing. He's becoming a little man already.

Sunday morning, we went to church.

then home to do some cleaning and laundry.

Yesterday evening we went to Mom and David's house to celebrate Father's Day with David. We had a really good time and it was good to see family.



This week doesn't appear to be as crazy as some recently, but we will see.

Happy Monday Everyone!

Joining up for confession Fridays over at http://www.ourdandelionwishes.com/

I confess that I can't wait to go to the Farmer's Market in the morning

I confess that I can't wait to see my precious nephew, Declin, tomorrow afternoon
(he's the little one on the left)

I confess that I am also excited to see my brother and sister in law as well

I confess that I am done with one sided friendships. From this point on, I will be walking away from them. "the things we tolerate define the quality of our life."

I confess that I am so proud of our Dallas Mavericks

I confess that I am also excited that because the Mavericks won, I am wearing jeans at work today.

LOVE

a love survey on Ben and I

♥ What are your middle names?
Marie and James

♥ How long have you been together?
11 months today!

♥ How long did you know each other before you started dating?
3-4 years

♥ Who asked whom out?
I think I might have asked him out actually. ha!

♥ How old are each of you?
Me-33 next month
him-30

♥ Whose siblings do/did you see the most?
mine, but not very often for them either

♥ Do you have any children together?
nope, maybe someday though

♥ What about pets?
no pets.

♥ Did you go to the same school?
No, I went school in Texas and he went to school in South Dakota

♥ Are you from the same home town?
nope

♥ Who is the smartest?
We both have our smart moments and "blonde" moments lol

♥ Who is more sensitive?
I think this is equal for us, actually.

♥ Where do you eat out most as a couple?
Texas Roadhouse!

♥ Where is the furthest you two have traveled together as a couple?
from DFW to South Dakota in April

♥ Who has the craziest exes?
probably me

♥ Who has the worst temper?
definitely me

♥ Who does the cooking?
that would be me

♥ Who is more social?
Me

♥ Who is the neat-freak?
we both are

♥ Who is more stubborn?
this might be a toss up as well

♥ Who hogs the bed?
he does!

♥ Who wakes up earlier?
during the week, he does. On the weekends, I do.

♥ Where was your first date?
we had dinner and a movie at my apt.

♥ Who has the bigger family?
not sure actually. I met a ton of his family while I was in SD.

♥ Do you get flowers often?
Not too much.

♥ How do you spend the holidays?
Thanksgiving and Christmas 2010 were with my family. Maybe we can change things up this year though.

♥ Who is more jealous?
we both have had our moments

♥ How long did it take to get serious?
really quickly.

♥ Who eats more?
him. he normally eats what I don't finish. lol

♥ Who does/did the laundry?
we both do. every Saturday and/or Sunday

♥ Who’s better with the computer?
Both

♥ Who drives when you are together?
Him 99% of the time

50 life lessons

I got this from a blog post by Caroline at http://carolineandfredsmithwick.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-02-07T09%3A05%3A00-06%3A00&max-results=10
who got it from Regina Brett's "50 Lessons Life Taught Me"


1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.


2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.


4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.


5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.


7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.


9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.


10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.


12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.


13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.


15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.


16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.


18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.

19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.


20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.


22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.


23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.


24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"


27. Always choose life.


28. Forgive everyone everything.


29. What other people think of you is none of your business.


30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.


31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.


36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.

38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.


40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.


41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.


42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.


43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.


44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.


45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.


47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.


48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.


50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift...

What I'm Loving Wednesday!

Go link up with Jamie at http://littledaisymay.blogspot.com/ with WILW

today I am loving that the Mavericks won last night!!!!

I am loving the amazing man that is my boyfriend, Ben. (I have no pics of him alone, I need to fix this)

I am loving our new break room "store"

I am loving the pool parties that we have been to the past 2 weekends and will be attending this weekend.

The ABCs of me!

{a} age: 32
{b} bed size; Queen
{c} chore you hate; cleaning the bathtub. Ben does that chore the best anyway!
{d} dogs; None
{e} essential start to your day; Dr Pepper or Coke
{f} favorite color; blue.
{g} gold or silver; Silver definitely or white gold.
{h} height; 5'5"
{i} instruments you play; None.
{j} job title; which one? I have 2: Appraisal Management Coordinator and 4506-T processor
{k} kids; someday
{l} live; I live in Irving
{m} mom's name; Rhonda
{n} nicknames; Am, Ber, Bear, AmberS
{o} overnight hospital stays; none
{p} pet peeve; I have a lot and I can't narrow it down to my biggest one. *gasp*
{q} quote from a movie; "don't talk about me like I'm not here!" "drink your juice Shelby" (can anyone guess the movie?)
{r} right- or left-handed; Right for writing and eating, left for anything else
{s} siblings; 1 older brother and 2 younger step sisters
{t} time you wake up; I wake up around 7 on both the weekdays and weekends. I just can't sleep in anymore
{u} underwear; for me or him?
{v} vegetables you dislike; peas, lima beans
{w} what makes you run late; I like to be early for everything
{x} x-rays you've had; Teeth, hand, tummy, brain, sinuses, the list could go on and on
{y} yummy food you make; I make a lot of good food actually. lol
{z} zoo - favorite animal; monkey!

These are my confessions....

I'm hooking up with Lindsey over at http://thebargainblonde.blogspot.com/ for this one.

I confess that I am totally excited about going to Taco Casa with my honey and some good friends on Sunday before we head to the movies.

I confess that I can't wait to get up in the morning and go bargain shopping for some summer work clothes.

I confess that I want to be on a white sand beach, like maybe in the Virgin Islands, right now.

That's all I have for today!!! Happy Friday!

Need to vent and get opinions

I have had a post on the “tip of my tongue” for days and have debated on/off about writing it.

Warning: I’m going to tell you in advance, if you think this blog post is about you, it probably is.

Lately it seems that all people do is crap on each other. Whether it’s talking trash about someone and hoping they don’t find out. To flat out being mean to people. I have been seeing it happen to a ton of people I love and care about recently, including myself.

Honestly, is it worth it? It’s childish and immature. What kind of fulfillment do you receive from it? Does it make you temporarily feel better about that person? Does it make you then wonder if they will find out what you have said, so now you are nervous?

I just don’t understand. A majority of my life, I have kept male friends closer than females, because of what I stated above. Men don't act like this. If they get mad at you, they either tell you or act like it didn't happen and move on. I honestly don’t understand why women are so vindictive sometimes.

Does anyone have an answer?

Walk to Defeat ALS 2011

I think it's time that I post a blog on the Walk to Defeat ALS 2011.

This is a walk that is very personally important to me, as I lost my Grandma to ALS on Christmas Eve in 1997.

http://webntx.alsa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=NTX_about_als


Just what is ALS? Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease, first described in 1869 by the noted French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot. Although the cause of ALS is not completely understood, the last decade has brought a wealth of new scientific understanding about the disease that provides hope for the future.

Lou Gehrig first brought national and international attention to the disease in 1939 when he abruptly retired from baseball after being diagnosed with ALS. Most commonly, the disease strikes people between the ages of 40 and 70, and as many as 30,000 Americans have the disease at any given time. ALS has cut short the lives of other such notable and courageous individuals as Hall of Fame pitcher Jim "Catfish" Hunter, Senator Jacob Javits, actors Michael Zaslow and David Niven, creator of Sesame Street Jon Stone, boxing champion Ezzard Charles, NBA Hall of Fame basketball player George Yardley, pro football player Glenn Montgomery, golfer Jeff Julian, golf caddie Bruce Edwards, musician Lead Belly (Huddie Ledbetter), photographer Eddie Adams, entertainer Dennis Day, jazz musician Charles Mingus, composer Dimitri Shostakovich, former vice president of the United States Henry A. Wallace and U.S. Army General Maxwell Taylor.

ALS is a neurodegenerative disease that usually attacks both upper and lower motor neurons and causes degeneration throughout the brain and spinal cord. A common first symptom is a painless weakness in a hand, foot, arm or leg, which occurs in more than half of all cases. Other early symptoms include speech swallowing or walking difficulty.

The biological mechanisms that cause ALS are only partially understood. The only known cause of ALS is a mutation of a specific gene: the SOD1 gene. This mutation is believed to make a defective protein that is toxic to motor nerve cells. The SOD1 mutation, however, accounts for only 1 or 2 percent of ALS cases, or 20 percent of the familial (inherited) cases.

Familial ALS represents between five to 10 percent of all cases. The rest arise spontaneously and mysteriously, making seemingly random attacks on previously healthy adults. ALS can strike anyone, anytime.

Physicians have limited choices for treating ALS, and the options that do exist have come into use within the last 10 years. Studies suggest that patients' length of survival and quality of life are enhanced by night-time breathing assistance early in the course of the disease and by aggressive application of alternate feeding options to assure good nutrition once swallowing becomes difficult. At this time, Riluzole® is the only drug that has been approved by the FDA for treatment of ALS. In clinical trials, Riluzole® has shown a slight benefit in modestly increasing survival time.

Stem cell and gene therapy are promising areas of research. In a variety of studies, ALS mouse models are being used to develop treatments that may someday lead to similar human clinical trials. Gene therapy is one field of research where The ALS Association is concentrating support for more study.

More significant advances of research into ALS has occurred in the last decade than all of the time since Charcot identified the disease. Advances in technology and the genetic revolution are aiding researchers in unlocking the ALS mystery. As more scientists focus on this perplexing disease, the outlook for new understanding brightens each day


For several years, I have been a team captain and raised money for this walk. However, for the last 2 years, I have participated in the walk commitee as the food and beverage coordinator for the walk. This involves me getting food/beverage donations while continuing to raise money to fight this horrible disease.

This is where I would like to step in and ask you wonderful bloggers for help. Our goal for the walk this year is to raise $300,000. Can you help me with this? Anything will help!

My personal webpage is: http://web.alsa.org/goto/asimm24 and it will give you info on donating, etc.

Thank you in Advance for those that are willing to help fight this horrible disease.

Day 25- What I would find in your bag

For those of you reading daily, I did skip yesterdays post for personal/private reasons.

Day 25- What I would find in your bag


oh goodness, my bag is the catch all. I will try to take some pictures later and add to the post, but right now, it's just going to be a list.

wallet
make up bag with feminine items, lotion, prevacid, advil, nail file, 3 chap sticks, and a lip gloss.
2 anti-bacterial hand gels
deodorant
sunscreen
hair brush
keys
multiple lighters
cigarettes
a small journal for taking notes during my ALS meetings and at Church
asthma inhaler
advil cold and sinus
multiple ink pens

Day 23- Something you crave for a lot

Day 23- Something you crave for a lot


I crave Dr Pepper. yuuummmmmmmy! I keep trying to give up soft drinks and then I get that craving for Dr Pepper and I cave. It's terrible.

My savings for today!!!!

This is a Walgreens trip and a CVS trip

Items bought:
4 AXE body sprays
4 Suave body washes
4 Degree Deodorants
1 Reach Toothbrush
1 (375 count) QTips
1 cool mint Listerine (1L)
2 cans of AJAX with Bleach
1 (1.47L) Cheer liquid laundry detergent
2 (1.47L) Purex liquid laundry detergents
1 sunkist 20oz soft drink (not pictured)
2 plastic lawn chairs (not pictured)

Total spent: $47.61

Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else

Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else

hmmm. I like to think that my morals are better than a lot of people's in this world.

My love for God makes me different than a lot of people.

I think my past (the ups and downs) have made me more cautious than others.


I don't really know that I am THAT different than others. We all make choices that lead to our destiny, I just hope that I choose the correct one at that time.

Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy

Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy

Day 20- What does your future hold/where would you like to be?

Day 20- What does your future hold/where would you like to be?

Only one person/being knows what my future holds and that is our Heavenly Father.

I would like to think that one day I will re-marry and start a family, have the career of my dreams, live in the hill country with a big beautiful country style house with a wrap around porch and a porch swing.....but in all honestly, its not my choice, it is His.

So I wait to see what he chooses for me.

Women Judging other Women

I got this email this morning from Proverbs 31. It makes a LOT of sense in my life right now. It seems that women do this and its extremely hurtful to judge other women. I see it happening all around me all of the time. Now, I will not say I am innocent, but I am really trying hard to not judge people. Please look into the 2 websites I have listed below and read the email that was sent out today. If you get a chance, please answer the questions I have asked at the bottom of the post. God Bless!

Proverbs 31: http://www.proverbs31.org/
Lysa TerKeurst: http://lysaterkeurst.com/


May 19, 2011
Women Judging Women
Lysa TerKeurst
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble…” 1 Peter 5:5 (NIV)

How differently might our lives be if we women didn’t have to fear the harsh criticisms of other women? Might we be willing to step out a little bolder for Jesus? Might we be willing to be a little more vulnerable? Might we live our lives a little less guarded?

Oh sweet sisters, women judging other women must absolutely break God’s heart. The crazy thing is when we judge others, we elevate ourselves past the ability to recognize our own propensity to sin in the very area we are criticizing. Show me a woman who is leveling a judgment against another person, and I will show you a woman who is wrapped in sin herself.

If it’s not the very same sin she’s criticizing, it will be a sin just as dangerous — pride.

It is a subtle shift that Satan invites us into. Voicing criticisms against others will coat the eyes of our soul with smut so thick, we become blinded to our own sin. Pride and self-righteousness will detour us from God’s best path and lead us on a treacherous journey of denial. We’ll deny our own sinfulness. We’ll deny our own need for grace.

Those who can’t see their own desperate need for grace, refuse to freely give grace to others.

Now, if you’re like me, you may be tempted to start making a mental list of those who you have felt judged by and you started praying a few sentences back: “Please let so and so read today’s devotion. Oh I hope she sees herself in this and gets a whammy of conviction.”

But, let’s stop making that mental list and receive this message personally. Even if we aren’t naturally critical people, this is an area we can all grow in.

I recently read a wonderful quote outlining a beautiful plan when we feel tempted to judge someone else. Francis Frangipane in his book Holiness, Truth, and the Presence of God says, “Anyone can pass judgment — but can they lay down their lives in love, intercession and faith for the one judged? Can they target an area of need and rather than criticizing, fast and pray, asking God to supply the very virtue they feel lacking? And then persevere in that love — motivated prayer until that fallen area blooms in godliness? Such is the life Christ commands we follow!” (pg.11)

I know just posting this devotion will not suddenly make the world tip on it’s axis and shake all of us women into breaking the cycle of criticisms and judgment. However, maybe, it will be a start. If it causes even one of us to fall in front of Jesus in repentance and allow Him to wipe clean our spiritual eyes — it will be a great start. Now, let me be that one.

Dear Lord, may I first fall in repentance into Your loving arms of grace. Thank You for the harsh ways I have been judged lately for it has made me so aware of how hurtful this can be. Forgive me. I am a woman who desperately needs grace — therefore, I should be a woman who freely offers grace. When I am tempted to be critical of someone else, help me hold my thoughts and my tongue. Instead of voicing those things, help me bring them to You in honest, sincere and heartfelt prayers. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Visit Lysa’s blog by clicking here if you’ve ever been blindsided by a harsh comment. She’ll be sharing 3 crucial things to remember before responding.

If this devotion resonated with you, don’t miss Lysa’s new 6 week DVD teaching set, What Happens When Women Say Yes to God. For more information, click here.

The accompanying Yes to God Bible Study workbook can be found by clicking here.

Lysa will be speaking in more than 40 cities this year. Click here to see her schedule. She would be honored to meet you.

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can’t compete with prices offered by huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

Application Steps:
The next time I feel critical of someone else, I want an action plan so that I can respond biblically. Don’t you? Why not write out today’s scripture verses on an index card and carry them in your purse. Below the Scriptures write, “Instead of criticizing, I will commit this person to prayer. I will stand in the gap for them with love and persevere in my prayers. I commit to keep my mouth closed but my heart wide open.”

Reflections:
How did it feel the last time I was judged by someone?

Why not resurrect that stinging feeling each time we are tempted to be harshly critical of someone else? The hurt we felt can be put to good use if it prevents us from falling into the trap of judging others.

Power Verses:
1 Peter 5:5b-6, “…All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” (NIV)

Luke 6:37, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (NIV)

© 2011 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

Are you guilty of judging other women? What are you doing to try to prevent yourself from judging others?

Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them

Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them


I have several nicknames.

Bear - my parents/grandparents have always called me "bear". I used to carry/drag around my pooh bear blanket.

Am - just a shortened version of my name that my mom calls me.

Ber - Nicole randomly started calling me that one day and it stuck. Only a few people use this nickname though.

AmberS and ASIMM are both screen names that I have been called over the last several years.

Nothing to spectacular on nicknames for me. Just different variations of my name.

However, my Grandpa used to call me "doll". I would give anything to hear him say that just one more time.

What I'm Lovin' Wednesday

Don't forget to link up with Jamie at http://littledaisymay.blogspot.com/

I am loving that it's Wednesday, which means only 2 work days left until the weekend.

I am loving that I just found a food co-op that's not too far from our apartment.

I am loving my great friends.

I am loving my Mom!

I am loving my wonderful boyfriend, Ben.

Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have

Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have


This could turn into a long list. I have lots of plans, dreams, goals....don't we all? lol

continue working to get donations/sponsors/etc for the ALS walk in October.

I want to continue working on my Faith.
I want to go back and finish school with a degree in Social Services.
I want to get married and have babies.
I want to be happy. :)

Some of my goals/plans are personal and I would rather not share. There are many more for that above list, but most of them are the normal goals that everyone has for themselves and their families.

followers....readers

If you are reading my blog when I post updates, I would like to ask that you become a follower and/or leave a comment with your blog and name if you would like.

Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why



I would love to switch lives with a labor/delivery nurse or doctor for one day. I think a majority of them are amazing people, and you get that honor of bringing a life into this world. While they do sometimes have to deliver death, it is still a life changing moment that they are a part of.

Catching up.....days 13-16

Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently
Ok, too many friends and family read this blog and this is not the appropriate place to air something like that. Sorry, but I will not be completing this one.


For days 14-16, I don’t have any pics uploaded to my computer like that and I am the only person in the world that doesn’t have an IPOD.
Day 14- A picture of you and your family
Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play
Day 16- Another picture of yourself (baby pic!

These last few days with these have been challenging. I am hoping to get back on track though! Please bare (sp?) with me!

Day 12- Your Blog Story.

My blog story, hmmm. I really honestly don't remember why I started my blog.

I know that my blog was a great place to post updates on my Grandpa (while he was sick and dying) for the family. It kept everyone up to date without me having to email or call each person.

My family/friends that aren't close now get updates on my life via my blog.

What are your blog stories?

So What Wednesdays

Head over to this blog: http://www.lifeafteridew.com/ and link up if you want to participate in "So What Wednesdays"



So what if this is my 2nd post of the day.

So what if I overslept and got to work 10 minutes late.

So what if I am in a crappy mood because I was so rushed this morning.

So what if my triglycerides are high.

So what if I am irritated with stupid people today.

SO WHAT!?!?!?!?!?

Day 11- a person you would love to meet

Someone I would like to meet.

I think I would have to say Laura Bush.

she is extremely classy in my opinion. Her intelligence and the things she does to help children read, etc are amazing.

Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad

Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad


hmmm. I listen to mainly the Christian station in my car. When I decide to put the occasional CD in, it either Brandon Rhyder, Pat Green, Aerosmith, Zac Brown Band, Kidd Rock, Alabama's greatest hits, etc.

Music for the most part makes me happy in general.

Day 09- Something you’re proud of

I am very proud of myself and my participation in the ALS Walk to Defeat event. It's a very trying, emotional experience. But it is an amazing feeling.

Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why

My short term goals for this month:

my health - figure out why I am so tired but not sleeping. Get everything under control with this.

Walk to Defeat ALS - get more donations, etc set up.

Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

The person in my life that has had the biggest impact on me is my Mom. She has been everything to me. Provider, protector, counselor, friend, and the list goes on and on.

I don't have a picture of her on my work computer though. :(

Day 06- Favorite super hero and why

My favorite super hero (I have actually never thought about this until today) is Wonder Woman, if I had to pick one. She seems like a strong person and was someone I wanted to be as a child.