January 24, 2011

Oops….I lied….I didn’t stick to my plan

Posted by ShariCakes under Life, Religion & Faith, Unexpected Situations | Tags: , , , , , , |
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Still buried in snow...paperwork...tasks...

Last week, I had a chance to catch-up on some things – a snow (and icy pellets falling from the sky) day came my way. I had the opportunity to get cleaning done, writing, organize goals, reading etc. Just a day to put everything into place. 

This year thus far, has been a little off. Lets just say I didn’t start off on the right foot – directionless, in a funk and just out of it. However, I have come to realize that everything is a learning experience. Almost immediately, I went on a task doing craze – yet I spent most of the day at my desk and  my prioritizing goals were thwarted. Hence the Christmas decor still hangs and I had realized that my devotional time was way behind. WAY BEHIND.

I had neglected my time and devotions. By the time Saturday had arrived I was so strung out. The events of the day only served as more stress and aggravation. Earlier in the week, my car tire had gone flat and Wednesday afternoon was spent in annoyance and frustration. By Thursday my computer had decided to throw another temper-tantrum and more time was wasted on fixing that issue (which is on again/off again).  While Saturday looked up – a day to get things accomplished and working out a way to get a new pc system 🙂 Yay! The events of the new computer hook up only further frustrated me and monopolized time with friends and family.

Late, Saturday night I tried to sleep but couldn’t. I was totally consumed with why the computer wouldn’t recognize the internet connection, why why why???? I was obsessed and throwing all of my time and energy into it. After only a few hours of sleep. I awoke early, headed to the store to get some coffee and gas for the car. I returned home and tried to hook the old computer back up in an attempt to get some configuration info out of it. But it wouldn’t and still won’t start up windows grrr total frustration. I broke down and cried. I felt helpless and stupid and just useless. This was the dumbest thing ever. I decided to take a break and I opened up my Jesus Calling book only to find it had been unread since TUESDAY what???? What happened? I was determined to spend the morning reading through the past week – I am so glad I did. And I wished I had done it earlier. It was exactly what I needed (Jan 17 – Jan 24) each day to focus my time on God and prioritize tasks and events. If I had done my devotions earlier I may have been better prepared to handle the frustrating events of Saturday. After some time with God and some new fresh eyes and a clear mind. I called my ISP people and the problem was solved in ten minutes and I was given further info as well. It was like the answer was so close and simple. And I missed it and I obsessed over it. I never asked for help – I wanted to do it myself. I was stubborn. I need to realize my limits and when I need help. Jesus was and is calling me, He is calling you and if you will let Him – He will lead your path, guide your steps and give you the peace you need.

What are you focusing your time and attention on? What is monopolizing your days? Family? Life?

As always, Grace and Peace be with you,

 

January 18, 2011

Snow Day, Catch up day?

Posted by ShariCakes under Life, Unexpected Situations | Tags: , , , , , , , , , |
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It’s refreshing scene, the crisp and clear day after the snowfall. This is last year February 11, 2010 after a big storm that left two or so feet of snow on the ground here in Emmaus and the Lehigh Valley. I love snow days, even as an adult I have always loved snow days. It is that calm quiet day that gives you the excuse to rest, relax and take it easy. Or to catch up on those things that you have not yet done. That is exactly what I need.  Mind you and I am a procrastinator, totally. I am scheduled and rigid with some things but I often like to go with the flow and see where the day’s events lead (now I work with toddlers, twos and threes so that explains a lot – often times our days are dependant on each moment or the teachable moments). I have just spent the whole weekend at home and I am wondering what I even accomplished?

1. I did get all the laundry done. 2. I learned a lot about our wood stove and how to keep it hot during the day (would love any advice on that too – shoot me a comment :-)). 3. I cleaned my desk – somewhat organization is a constant battle with me. 4. I learned that my motivation runs so low – when I am not scheduled. I am working on this and I would ask you dear readers to pray for me on this. Sunday, Northpoint Ministries‘ Andy Stanley talked about the “cumulative” time that we must all put in to achieving goals – ie time with our Lord, devotional time, prayer, exercise, study etc. And I believe that is one of my many faults. I have not given my little bits of time when I should have to many things.  In all my fury, frustration, procrastination, haste, waste and disorganization….there is something constantly in my line of view…

Everytime I look at my desk, cluttered or uncluttered, my Jesus Calling devotional is always in view. No matter how messy things get God is never completely out of reach. I can always grasp those moments with my Saviour.

My days can be filled with one big task or I can steal away for those moments a little at a time to get to those goals. Instead of feeling defeated and unmotivated I can use my time wisely (also in the NI section of my grade school report cards :-/). My time with my Lord can always “need improvement”. Living fully within the grace the Saviour is all anyone needs.

As cliche’ as it sounds all I am counting on this year is “hope” – the hope that I can put in my time to live my life fully to the glory and honor of God. No matter how hard it will be and those times that will try my patience, faith and self-worth my Lord and Saviour is behind me, beside me and ahead of me guiding and guarding my way.  Jesus is calling me to set aside that time each day with Him to hear his voice and will for each day. My hope and faith is that I can catch up, use my time wisely and richly.

Now, I HOPE I can tackle this icy mess....

...not deep, but see its got an icy cover on it...its gonna be tough.

I am sure I can get it all done today…along with the other stuff – writing, taking the Christmas decorations down, dinner, etc. Pray with me that we all can put those important things first or give those moments each day to achieving our goals and making time (quality time) for God.

Love and Blessings for each moment of your day,

 

September 1, 2010

Hair: Whew….a NOT so bad dye job…

Posted by ShariCakes under Life, Weekend Fun | Tags: , , , , , |
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So I thought I’d be daring. I had been in a major funk lately and needed to so something for myself. The day was hot and miserable. This summer was like a blur except for a few small joys. So I thought…… I’ll color my hair. I thought I had some stuff still hanging around the house so I went searching. I also decided it needed a lifting – so instead of heading to the salon. I flipped my hair over the waste basket and cut off a few dead ends. And tried to fluff up my layers – no one ever really notices. Or its just so bad no one tells me. Anyway….. 

Voila, I found this box of Henna…that natural muddy mixture that “highlights” your hair – I had used it before and it wasn’t too daring. 

I didn’t want to spend too much money anyway on some highlight stuff so this was perfect (or so I thought). So I went to work – preparing the mixture, combing and separating my hair – you know for the full effect. This can get messy and if you get this muddy goop everywhere is will dry and harden and that will be no fun cleaning up. So I prepared for a disaster. I don’t know why but I did. I thought I’d be innovative, as well, I used a plastic fork to “comb” the mixture through my long locks.  Here’s the recap (in photos)… 

Muddy, but with a honey like consistancy....

...don't forget gloves and other supplies....

....you are not painting the bathroom...

Work it into hair from the roots down. It's gritty...

I set about waiting the full 45 minutes – you know for the most dynamic effect. Now I had spent a good hour, preparing the mix, combing and working this stuff through my hair. And then there is the rinsing out of the dried mud-like henna that is the task. So all in all it was a bit time consuming. And the end result… 


FAST FORWARD TO 7:50 

I so felt like Barbara Hershey – the only difference was no one was there to tell me the news. YES, I spent all that time “highlighting” my hair exactly the same color. Amy said, “Your hair smells nice.” I was kinda embarrassed so I first told her that I washed it :-). At least it isn’t purple and well it didn’t fall out. Maybe I will go hog wild next time and actually get a box of highlights and hey maybe even get a professional to cut my hair.  Who knows….