Freedom isn't Free

Happy Memorial Weekend friends,

In the midst of family, friends, food and fellowship, I hope you will take a moment to remember:

Our Freedom isn't free; it literally cost blood, sweat and tears.

I hope you will take time to thank those who have fought and are fighting for our freedoms.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgUcFqd4A7o

Happy Monday

Happy Monday Friends,

My sweet friend Rachel Olsen http://www.rachelolsen.blogspot.com/ has the cutest post today and I just love this one picture she shared.
I needed a laugh today, how about you?

Princess Helper

Happy Weekend Friends,

I'm busy cleaning and organizing my office, actually I'm cleaning and organizing several rooms in the house this weekend. Good grief, how in the world did we (I mean me) collect so much stuff, junk, unused items and clothing?

If it's out of sight is really is out of mind for me when it comes to unused things. I had forgotten I had most of this stuff because I don't think I've even thought about this stuff or even thought of using any of it in at least one year, maybe longer. And what's the rule...

If you haven't used it or worn it in the last twelve months, toss it, recycle it or donate it.

Oh well... Good Will and The Salvation Army will have lots of new things for their shelves.

I don't want you to think that I'm doing this all my myself, Heaven's NO!

My Zhu Zhu pet, Jilly has been keeping me company all day long. Here she is in her princess outfit complete with her tiara. As a matter of fact, we're both wearing our tiaras while working today. Isn't she adorable?

My sweet friend Elise Wallace gave Jill to me for my birthday this year.

I'd better get back to the job at hand.

Happy Weekend!

Kill the A.N.T.S

Hey there sweetest friends,

I thought this was just great and wanted to pass it along to those of you struggling with anxiety and or stress.
Here's a clip from a local television show. One of the therapists I work with was featured yesterday and his advice is sound and very helpful.
Check it out.
http://www.wcnc.com/charlotte-today/Coping-with-anxiety-94133254.html

Only One Thing

Happy Friday Friends,

I'm glad you stopped by today especially if you're popping over after reading today's Proverbs 31 devotion.

I don't know about you, but reading this devotion today hit me right between the eyes. When I wrote this a few months ago, I had no idea it would be published this week.

Lately, I find myself running in circles just trying to keep my head above water. What is it about this time of year? I could understand it if my kids were still in school and we were frantically trying to get those last few projects finished, studying for exams and getting our party on at all the end of the school year parties. BUT my kids are grown, done with school and sadly I haven't had an opportunity to get my end of the school year party on in quite some time.

That being said... I have a confession to make. Its time for me to revisit my priority list, lay it out before the Lord and spend some quiet time letting the Lord reorder my list.

Clearly, His way is the better way. I know it, I've experienced it. When I allow Him to put order to my chaos, everything really does fall into place. Its proper place.

So, once again I'm committed to putting away my Martha mentality and refocusing on the Only One Thing.

How about you? What words of encouragement can you share with us today for keeping your priorities in His right order?

True Beauty

Happy Belated Mother's Day to all my friends,

I hope each of you had a relaxing and wonderful Mother's day.

I had the best time speaking to the ladies at West Cabarrus Church in Concord, NC on Saturday evening.

I was treated just like a princess and enjoyed getting to meet of the wonderful ladies who attended.

The Women's Ministry Director Becky Landrum is more than creative and even wrote the cuties skit ever!!
At the end of the skit, They played this video. How wonderful to be reminded of what's REALLY important in the world of superficial.
Check it out for yourself and let me know what you think.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCTt9O8Kpf0&feature=related

The Simple Truth

Hey friends,

Check out this quote on the Proverbs 31 page on Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Matthews-NC/Proverbs-31-Ministries/99550061960?v=wall&story_fbid=105220232856045

'The simple truth is when we put God first in our lives; everything else will fall into place. Our responsibilities will continue and the demands of life will go on but God will be there to help us bring order out of chaos.' ~ Zoe Elmore, Proverbs 31 Ministries

What are your thoughts?

Helping Others

Hey there Sweetest friends,

Happy Monday!!

First of all, thank you for all of your precious words of encouragement regarding a hurting friend. I took your words to heart as I met with my friend last week. She is a woman of incredible and deep faith and I'm grateful to be her friend. Although she is walking through deep and dark waters she has fully placed her trust in the One who is providing for her every need.

I don't know how your weekend was, but I had a great weekend speaking to ladies at Plantation Estates for the benefit of the Matthews HELP (Helping Eliminate Local Poverty) Center. The Matthews HELP center is a local non-profit that helps feed, clothe and pay the bills of the local residents who are in crisis and they do this without ANY local, state or federal funding. They rely on donations and they run the cutiest thrift store called "Backporch Treasures".

What a wonderful time! These ladies bought tables and then decorated them like you can't believe. I can't remember being in a room full of such talent and creativity. From antique vases filled with roses to black branches dripping with crystals these ladies put their talents to work and filled that room with beauty.

What a great idea to host an event for the good of someone else. Which brings me to our next topic for discussion. How are others ministering to you and how are you ministering to others?
I know you don't want to toot your own horn, but I do want you to share how the Lord is using you and your gifts to benefit others. Please know I'm asking you to share because it is an opportunity to encourage the faithful.

I can't wait to hear