Friday, February 29, 2008
Great Day
The kids and I had such a great evening together! The boys wanted to make dinner for the fam. tonight, so I said they could as long as I could oversee and help when needed, and it was so fun, they did awesome, scrambled eggs, toast, salad and cucumbers was our feast. Then they thought we should maybe have something special, like dessert. So I decided to take the kids out since Justin had a meeting. So Cameron, Jalen and Miah and I jumped in the van and went to Martins to buy some ice cream. They each picked an individual thing of either blue moon or orange sherbert and then I picked chocolate. On the way the home they all decided it would be fun to share all the different kinds, so we all huddled together at the kitchen table and mixed our ice creams and fed each other and shared spoons and laughed like crazy. Then we played soccer in the basement, me as the goalie and all three kids kicking balls are me ( I love it). Then our bedtime reading time, "Little house on the Prairie". I read for twenty minutes and the whole time ALL THREE of them combed my hair. It was Miah's idea and the boys wanted to do it too. I happen to like people playing with my hair, so it was awesome! They had a blast. Then we had our prayer time all together tonight and then off to bed they went. Such little angels. They truly are a blessing!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Lots of work to do
This week I am working a lot, which means I am working about 10 hours! Which for me is a lot! The fitness club I work at is awesome, and I love the other employees. A few weeks ago when I was sick the other instructor subed for me a lot, so this week she is really sick, so I am teaching all her classes plus all of my own. It is kinda fun, but I wouldn't want to do it often. It is a good reminder to me that I don't want to be working, I love being home with my kids and even home during the day when they are at school, so I can prepare the house and myself for when they get home! So working 5 hours a week is my max! Plus I am a little soar... teaching 3 classes a day is a bit much! (But a part of me loves it!!!!)
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Joel Osteen
I love Joel Osteen. I loved reading his first book "Your Best Life Now". Now I am reading his 2nd book "Becoming a Better You". He is a very inspiring author and the personal stories from his life and from the life of his family members are so encourageing. So....... I wanted to share a "story" from his book. It is from page 277-280.
"Throughout Scripture, the person who truly trusts in God is compared to an eagle. The eagle has some pests, one of which is a crow. He's always squawking, always causing the eagle trouble. The truth is we all have a few crows in our life. You may have an entire flock of them.
Certain people can rub us the wrong way; they can irritate us if we allow them. We need to take a lesson from the eagle instead. When the eagle is out flying, often a crow will come up right behind him and start to pester him, aggravating and annoying him. Although the eagle is much larger, it cannot maneuver quickly. To get rid of his pest, the eagle simply stretches out his eight-foot wingspan and catches some of the thermal currents, and he rises up higher and higher. Eventually, he gets to an altitude where no other bird can live. The crow can't even breathe up there. On rare occasions, eagles have been spotted at altitudes as high as 20,000 feet, nearly as high as a jet flies.
In the same manner, if you want to get rid of your pest, you need to rise higher. Don't ever sink down to the opposition's level. Don't argue; don't try to pay somebody back; don't give them the cold shoulder. Be the bigger person. Over look their faults. Walk in love and dare to bless even your enemies. In the long run, crows can't compete with eagles.
Friends, you are an eagle. You've been made in the image of Almighty God. Learn to live above your circumstances. Rise above the petty politics at the office. Don't let people pull you into strife and division and get you all upset and gossiping.
You can do as the eagle and rise up above. An eagle lives in the high places where he is close to God.
You may not be able to change certain aspects of your life, but you can rise above them, Turn those situations over to God. Make a decision today that you are not going to allow those things to upset you and bother you anymore,
Interestly, the crow has to flap his wings tenaciously simply to fly. He has to work constantly. The chicken can barely get off the ground; not matter how much he flaps his wings. Yet an eagle merely catches the right wind currents and he'll soar. He doesn't have to be like the crow, working and straining all the time. He just puts his wings out and rests in what God has given him, letting the winds carry him.
Maybe you've been in a difficult situation for a long time. It just doesn't look like it's going to get any better. The storm is raging and you are discouraged. Life looks gloomy and you have found yourself living lower than God intends. You need to do like that eagle and rise higher, above your circumstances.
At times, I have been on an airplane about to take off. The skies outside are gray, overcast and depressing. Then the plane takes off, climbing throught the clouds. Finally, we break through the dismal skies, and behold, up above the clouds the sun is shining and the sky is bright blue. You can tell the air is crystal clear.
Now here's what intrigues me: The sun was shining the whole time. I just had to get a higher perspective to see it. Similarly, the clouds in your life are only temporary. It may look dark and dismal right now, but the sun is up there, shining brightly. One of the best things you can say to yourself when you are tempted to get discouraged is, "This too shall pass. It is not going to last forever. The clouds will dissipate one day, and I will see the goodness of God again in my life."
Friend, get a higher perspective. God is on you side. There's nothing to difficult for Him. Be the eagle God made you to be. Stretch your wings and rise to the level where God wants you to live. You were made to soar; your were made for more."
"Throughout Scripture, the person who truly trusts in God is compared to an eagle. The eagle has some pests, one of which is a crow. He's always squawking, always causing the eagle trouble. The truth is we all have a few crows in our life. You may have an entire flock of them.
Certain people can rub us the wrong way; they can irritate us if we allow them. We need to take a lesson from the eagle instead. When the eagle is out flying, often a crow will come up right behind him and start to pester him, aggravating and annoying him. Although the eagle is much larger, it cannot maneuver quickly. To get rid of his pest, the eagle simply stretches out his eight-foot wingspan and catches some of the thermal currents, and he rises up higher and higher. Eventually, he gets to an altitude where no other bird can live. The crow can't even breathe up there. On rare occasions, eagles have been spotted at altitudes as high as 20,000 feet, nearly as high as a jet flies.
In the same manner, if you want to get rid of your pest, you need to rise higher. Don't ever sink down to the opposition's level. Don't argue; don't try to pay somebody back; don't give them the cold shoulder. Be the bigger person. Over look their faults. Walk in love and dare to bless even your enemies. In the long run, crows can't compete with eagles.
Friends, you are an eagle. You've been made in the image of Almighty God. Learn to live above your circumstances. Rise above the petty politics at the office. Don't let people pull you into strife and division and get you all upset and gossiping.
You can do as the eagle and rise up above. An eagle lives in the high places where he is close to God.
You may not be able to change certain aspects of your life, but you can rise above them, Turn those situations over to God. Make a decision today that you are not going to allow those things to upset you and bother you anymore,
Interestly, the crow has to flap his wings tenaciously simply to fly. He has to work constantly. The chicken can barely get off the ground; not matter how much he flaps his wings. Yet an eagle merely catches the right wind currents and he'll soar. He doesn't have to be like the crow, working and straining all the time. He just puts his wings out and rests in what God has given him, letting the winds carry him.
Maybe you've been in a difficult situation for a long time. It just doesn't look like it's going to get any better. The storm is raging and you are discouraged. Life looks gloomy and you have found yourself living lower than God intends. You need to do like that eagle and rise higher, above your circumstances.
At times, I have been on an airplane about to take off. The skies outside are gray, overcast and depressing. Then the plane takes off, climbing throught the clouds. Finally, we break through the dismal skies, and behold, up above the clouds the sun is shining and the sky is bright blue. You can tell the air is crystal clear.
Now here's what intrigues me: The sun was shining the whole time. I just had to get a higher perspective to see it. Similarly, the clouds in your life are only temporary. It may look dark and dismal right now, but the sun is up there, shining brightly. One of the best things you can say to yourself when you are tempted to get discouraged is, "This too shall pass. It is not going to last forever. The clouds will dissipate one day, and I will see the goodness of God again in my life."
Friend, get a higher perspective. God is on you side. There's nothing to difficult for Him. Be the eagle God made you to be. Stretch your wings and rise to the level where God wants you to live. You were made to soar; your were made for more."
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Saturday nite church notes
Great message at church this weekend. Currently our church is doing a series called "I love the 80's" . So all the music and video's are from the 1980's. It is really fun. Tonite they sang "Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi, and also "Time after Time" by Cyndi Lauper. But the heart of the message is what I really loved. So I thought I would recap the notes that were handed out.
Everyone has treasure.
When you love someone, you also love what they treasure.
Question? If your house was on fire, and you could only save one thing (besides people or pets) what would that be?
The answer to that question gives you an idea of what you treasure or value the most.
Then Rob gave us a few questions to consider over the next week.......
1. Do I have money in the bank but no peace in my heart?
2. How hard is it for me to do the right thing when it is going to cost me something?
3. Do I have financial margin? The issue is not money; the issue is lifestyle.
4. Does the fear of not having enough impede my ability and willingness to give?
"For where your treasure is there your heart will be also." Matt. 6:21
Everyone has treasure.
When you love someone, you also love what they treasure.
Question? If your house was on fire, and you could only save one thing (besides people or pets) what would that be?
The answer to that question gives you an idea of what you treasure or value the most.
Then Rob gave us a few questions to consider over the next week.......
1. Do I have money in the bank but no peace in my heart?
2. How hard is it for me to do the right thing when it is going to cost me something?
3. Do I have financial margin? The issue is not money; the issue is lifestyle.
4. Does the fear of not having enough impede my ability and willingness to give?
"For where your treasure is there your heart will be also." Matt. 6:21
Cameron's writing skills
Cameron is 6 years old and in kindergarten. He loves school and one of his favorite things to do is write creative stories. Yesterday he asked me if he could send an email, which he has never done before, so I said sure and got it ready for him. He typed the whole thing himself and I sat and watched as he sounded out the words and typed in what he was thinking. It was so awesome I had to share it with you all.
(Email sent to Grandpa Red)
"necs wec cin i cum to yor hos to print sum pagis
the we wil mac tem in to culren bucs
and i wil hav 2 batman and spiderman cu lrenbucs and we wil
finish the
legoset and mabe we cin mac supthen withe thewud."
Isn't that awesome. I love it! And the crazy thing is that I always know exactly what he is trying to say.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Safety at all cost
I was just reading my emails and came across a disturbing one. Two days ago about 3 houses away from us, a lady got up at 3:00am and went to the kitchen for water and found a tall man with a ski mask on IN HER KITCHEN. He fled to the garage and no one has caught him since. He stole a cell phone and a wallet. Is that crazy or what? We live in a very safe little sub-division, and so I got a little freaked out. I called Justin out to tell him about it and he could care less. He was like... why are you telling me this.
So I went around the house and checked all the doors and in the garage I moved the big BBQ grill in front of the door, so if they did break the lock, it would make a really loud noise if they opened the door and it would be hard to even push the door open. Then I locked both vehicles and brought the keys in and hid them. Then I locked the door from the garage to the house and put the garbage can in front of it, again to make a loud noise if they were to get the door open. Then the Slider door I put a stick at the bottom, so it is impossible to open, and then the front door I locked up at three places and then I moved an ottoman in front of the door and put a big toy piano on top of the ottoman, again to make a really loud noise if someone were to open the door.
Justin laughs at me and thinks I am afraid. But I think I am just being responsible and human. I would rather be alittle over board than have some stranger in a sky mask in my kitchen at 3:00am.
All that said. I do believe that God is watching over us and protecting our home and our family always. (I guess I am just helping him out)
So I went around the house and checked all the doors and in the garage I moved the big BBQ grill in front of the door, so if they did break the lock, it would make a really loud noise if they opened the door and it would be hard to even push the door open. Then I locked both vehicles and brought the keys in and hid them. Then I locked the door from the garage to the house and put the garbage can in front of it, again to make a loud noise if they were to get the door open. Then the Slider door I put a stick at the bottom, so it is impossible to open, and then the front door I locked up at three places and then I moved an ottoman in front of the door and put a big toy piano on top of the ottoman, again to make a really loud noise if someone were to open the door.
Justin laughs at me and thinks I am afraid. But I think I am just being responsible and human. I would rather be alittle over board than have some stranger in a sky mask in my kitchen at 3:00am.
All that said. I do believe that God is watching over us and protecting our home and our family always. (I guess I am just helping him out)
Monday, February 18, 2008
long time, no internet
hi ya'll, it has been awhile, due to circumstances, we have not had the internet at home for about 4 months, so I was unable to communicate to the world.... but, we are now back in the 21st century and so should be able to keep up with you all again.
Things in our home are going well. Three beautiful, amazing children bring us more joy than should be allowed. This winter wonderland is keeping us all in most days lately. I really think this is the coldest winter I remember since like 1985. We have been enjoying these winter days at home though. I know these are precious days of cuddling and TV watching, fort making, book reading, puzzle working etc days!
Thoughts of a summer vacation are getting finalized. Oh the excitement is building! I really don't know who is more excited mom and dad or the kids. This will be our 1st Big Family Vacation for the Maust family!! History in the making! We will keep you posted on the details!
Gotta great book I am digesting.... Joel Osteen's " Becoming a Better You". I loved his 1st book and now am equally enjoying his 2nd book! I would recommend his books to anyone and everyone.
Cameron has lost 2 teeth now to date. I can't believe my baby boy is losing teeth! And already getting in his adult teeth.
All three kids are so special and unique it is hard to describe how awesome they are! School is going good for all and we are already planning for next year with Cameron going into 1st grade and Jalen in kindergarten.
Peace to you all!
Things in our home are going well. Three beautiful, amazing children bring us more joy than should be allowed. This winter wonderland is keeping us all in most days lately. I really think this is the coldest winter I remember since like 1985. We have been enjoying these winter days at home though. I know these are precious days of cuddling and TV watching, fort making, book reading, puzzle working etc days!
Thoughts of a summer vacation are getting finalized. Oh the excitement is building! I really don't know who is more excited mom and dad or the kids. This will be our 1st Big Family Vacation for the Maust family!! History in the making! We will keep you posted on the details!
Gotta great book I am digesting.... Joel Osteen's " Becoming a Better You". I loved his 1st book and now am equally enjoying his 2nd book! I would recommend his books to anyone and everyone.
Cameron has lost 2 teeth now to date. I can't believe my baby boy is losing teeth! And already getting in his adult teeth.
All three kids are so special and unique it is hard to describe how awesome they are! School is going good for all and we are already planning for next year with Cameron going into 1st grade and Jalen in kindergarten.
Peace to you all!
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