I'm Fickle. OK?

Don't get used to this blog template because I sure won't. This is only temporary, as I am a very fickle girl. I have a friend who is working on a new design for me, but these things take time. I just needed a break from all the dots on my other template.

Paging Dr. Adam

I believe I may need to invest in a lifetime budget plan for chiropractic care because I FELL. AGAIN. Our front sidewalk is nothing but sheer ice. I was on my way out tonight, in the dark, watching carefully so as to avoid a spill. Well, it was next to impossible. I stepped gingerly down the two steps to the main sidewalk, and as I stepped out...down I went. I even lost my cellphone but didn't realize it until we started driving. We backed up and saw it lying there on the sidewalk. No damage to it, as far as I can tell. I wish I could say the same for my body... particularly my left gluteal proximity.

Dr. Adam...I need you!

Why I Love Dr. Adam

Remember this lovely Saturday in my life a couple weeks ago? Well, guess what. I went to the chiropractor today. Finally. And you know what? I feel so much better, and man, I needed that! (I love you, Dr. Adam!) I can't believe I let this pain in my neck go on for 18 days without getting some help. I had various reasons for not going, mostly because I didn't want to make the drive over into the next town to wait for who-knows-how-long to get a 5-minute adjustment.

It's unusual to feel this good after an adjustment, so I'm sort of in awe. I could tell right away that my neck was loose and free moving. I'm excited about what tomorrow might hold... a pain free day? There is hope.

Wordless Wednesday

Teddy's Seat
Originally uploaded by discoveringliz

As Teddy considers this to be the best seat in the house, there's always a line at the bathroom.

Not Much To Say

Hey, guys. I'm not feeling real "wordy" today, so all I want to do is share a video with ya. I came across this at someone else's site a couple weeks ago, and I found myself drawn in by Sara Groves' song. It's been playing in my head quite a bit. It expresses some things I'm feeling right now, in fact, what I feel a lot of the time.

See ya tomorrow...

2/25/08 - Time For Bed?

2/25/08 - Time For Bed?
Originally uploaded by discoveringliz

Rich went to bed early because he hasn't been feeling well with migraines for days. About 8:30 I noticed Dixie wasn't in the living room with me, and I got a little curious to know where she had gotten to. I sort of had a hunch she might have gone to her crate, so I went and took a look.

There she was! She had put herself to bed without a word spoken from me. She must have had a hard day. She rarely goes to her crate to sleep. She'd much rather lay out in the middle of the cold, hard kitchen floor. Crazy dog...

2/24/08 - Goin' To Texas

2/24/08 - Goin' To Texas
Originally uploaded by discoveringliz

Mary is a friend from church. Doesn't she have a great smile? I love this picture I took yesterday. It reflects her personality.

She's a nanny, who has been between assignments for six months. Sunday we had a farewell lunch with her to send her off to her new assignment in Texas. She's going to be caring for 3 children, and it's going to be a challenge. She's loves kids, though, and we're looking forward to hearing about all their antics.

We've been razzing her about everything she can expect in Texas. Of course, we Hoosiers can only guess what things are like there. If anything, we know it's going to be warmer than it is in Indiana. I've told her that she really needs to enjoy the rodeo, and she better get a big hat and some cowgirl boots. I'm going to be expecting a picture in her new garb once she gets settled.

Bye, Mary. We love you!

Discipline and Change

I'm coming off of a tough week, yet it's been good at the same time. It's been filled with surprises, pain, tears, lessons and time spent with friends.

As for the lessons I've been learning, that's where the pain and tears come in. I'm going through some spiritual changes here, and it hurts to be disciplined. There are hours when I believe God is going to make everything right. Then there are moments that everything seems so hard. Moments when I think things will surely fall apart. I can't seem to stay in any one particular place - trust or doubt. I can't even say for sure that my doubt is in God. I think my doubt is more in myself and whether or not I will obey Him. I can be stubborn.

And then there's the question, Why so many lessons at once? Do I really need to be tested in every tender place of my heart? Can't I just have one at a time? I'm feeling it from all sides: in friendships, in weight loss, physical pain, in my marriage, at work, in my church... It feels like the trials are just piled on, one after another. Still, I can't escape the knowlege that God is in control, and He disciplines us for our good. I must come to the conclusion then that if I'm being tested in all these ways right now, God planned it and I am able to bear it.

2/21/08 - Surprise!

2/21/08 - Surprise
Originally uploaded by discoveringliz

Last week my friend Judy went to Pennsylvania for a week-long visit to see her daughter's family. Their little guy Blake is 5 1/2 mos. old, and his grandma adores him. I have been dying to meet him because I've been told he is the most precious baby EVER, so I've just sort of had to bide my time, looking at pictures and hearing grandma stories.

On Sunday morning Judy was home and came to church... with a surprise. She had brought her daughter and grandson back with her for a visit home. It was so exciting, and nobody was expecting it! Our church was buzzing with whispers of their arrival.

Blake has been making the rounds this week to try to meet everyone. He's been hitting all the good restaurants in town, too. Thursday night we went out for pizza, and I think he really enjoyed it.

It's been so fun to see them. That was the best surprise.

I'm Just Sayin' - Part 2

This is the top and side views of my head, in case you were wondering. (Apparently, I also have a bald spot.) This is in response to Kat's request for me to post pictures of my recent hair coloring. Go back to this post, if you have no idea what I'm talking about. You can clearly see the red. Can't you?

I'm Just Sayin'

For lack of anything better to talk about today, I'm going to launch a complaint. It's a complaint against my family and friends. I know, this is so wrong, isn't it? I just feel like my voice must be heard.

Why hasn't anyone noticed that my hair color has changed? I spent a lot of time at the store last week choosing just the right one. I know it's vain of me, but c'mon. When you spend money on something like that, you know deep in your heart that you want somebody to say something, even if it's only an --oh, you colored your hair. It's a noticeable change. I went from dark brown to dark auburn. I mean, there's RED IN MY HAIR, people! RED.

(big sigh)

Thank you. I feel much better now for having expressed myself. You may now go back to whatever you were doing.

2/18/08 - Snow Again

2/18/08 - Snow Again
Originally uploaded by discoveringliz

Anybody else tired of snow? Seems like we've had snow every other day for the whole winter. This is what it has looked like off and on today in my neck of the woods (northern Indiana).

I guess I haven't been paying too much attention to weather forecasts because I didn't know we were going to get snow today. I looked out my office window at 9:00 and saw this scene, obviously to my surprise. My first thought was, "Ugh!!! More snow?" But then my mind immediately went to my "year in photos," and if that didn't just brighten my day. I quickly ran outside to snap a couple pictures.

Yeah, I'm crazy like that.

A Little Shameless Advertising

I want to let my blog friends know that my sister has FINALLY got her own blog up and running as of today. She's funny, so go over and see her. And if she happens to change her blog design every other day, just bear with her. She is new to all this technical web stuff, so she might get a little design crazy out of the sheer joy of discovery.

Her blog is It's a Small World. (Yeah, we're a Disney family, if you were wonderin'.)

My Valentine's Gift

I realized after February 14th passed that I never showed you what Rich gave me for Valentine's Day. He did get me candy, some Dove truffles. He also got me this ...

A Starbucks Mug!

What a guy!

A Year in Photos

Since I can't do a whole lot today because of my neck (see my previous post), I've pretty much spent the day with my laptop and hanging out at Flickr. Once I heard about this idea of doing a photo "journal" of my life this year, I got excited. The idea is to try to capture in a picture what summarizes your day, and do it every single day. As the year passes, you can see your life unfold in pictures. I love photography and always say I'm going to take more pictures. I just never do. Wouldn't this be a good challenge to get me started on that goal?

I probably won't blog about every single photo I take. In fact, I know I won't, but you will be seeing some of them. I've had fun over at flickr.com, trying to get everything set just the way I want it. I haven't really used their service before, so I had no idea what to do with everything and where the various tools were located. It took me awhile, but I finally figured some things out. The most exciting discovery was when I found the "blog this" button. I can blog on a photo, and they'll send it right to Blogger for me. Thank you, flickr!

Here's the link to my pictures. There's only three right now, but if I take a picture every day there will be more uploaded soon.

If you'd like to read more about this photo project, you can head over to Photojojo where Project 365 is explained.

2/16/08 - Coping With Pain

2/16/08 - Coping With Pain, originally uploaded by afunnygirl72.

Remember the other day when I posted about my neck and shoulder pain? Well, I had been feeling progressively better each day....until TODAY. I woke up with extreme pain on the left side of my neck, and I can hardly turn my head to the right. Ugh! It's worse than before.

I may have aggravated whatever is already going on in there. I awoke in the middle of the night and discovered my left arm up over my head. I have no idea how long I had been sleeping like that. That's sure to put a kink in my neck!

So this is a picture of how my day will look - Ibuprofen and Dove chocolate. How else does a girl spell relief? It's really too bad because the sun is out, there's not a cloud in the sky, and it's not snowing. I'd rather be out there enjoying that, but I guess the Lord has something else planned for me. Remember? God is sovereign and in control of every detail of my life. (Just need to preach to myself here.)

By the way, I'm starting a new project. I will be capturing my life in photos through the rest of the year. One photo a day. I got the idea from The Gremlin Wrangler, who got it from someone else's photo blog. I think it will be pretty cool. I'll be putting up a link to my flickr page, if you care to follow along.

Who Is Sovereign? - Part 2

I decided I would continue on with my lessons from War of Words because I'm still in chapter 5, and I need to chew on it for awhile. I read a short section this morning to add to what I've already studied.

In order to change the heart of our communication, author Paul Tripp teaches that we need to believe some things about God. If we believe anything other than the truth of the Bible, our hearts will be full of idols and our communication will betray what's really going on in our hearts. What we're talking about is belief in the sovereignty of God in all things.

Today's reading was his third point, God rules over the specific details of our lives. That means every circumstance we face, good and bad, God has purposefully allowed in our lives. It means that every person who rubs us the wrong way, who seems to be out to get us, who we wouldn't mind if they fell off the face of the earth, God has brought them into our lives with a purpose. As much as I'd like to believe it's accidental or I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, it's hard to argue with the reality of God's control of everything. The amazing thing is that God not only directs me specifically, He's also directing every other human being specifically at the same time. It's one of those things about God that is just so hard to fathom, yet who else but God could do that?

So why does God allow the bad circumstances and the difficult people to touch our lives? It's to refine us like gold.

Job 23:10b says, When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. (NKJV)

As we go through the "fire" of trying, it brings to the surface the idols that are in our heart. We are so quick to think that a difficult person is what makes us lose our temper or causes us to be bitter, but in reality the pride and selfishness and bitterness was already in our heart. The situation just exposed it. Therefore, the war of words comes into play. What comes out of our mouths reveals what's in our hearts.

Luke 6:45b says, For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (NKJV)

So as I hear my ungodly communication in the form of unkind, unthankful, bitter words, I am quickly made aware that I've got a heart problem, and it's time to get to the root. Once I see the idol that's there, I can confess it and allow the Holy Spirit to start bringing about change.

I'll end today with this quote from the book:

Maybe you have communication problems over things you think are problems, but God does not. We often focus on people and situations, while God's focus is on us. He is using the things in our lives as tools for accomplishing his work in us. (Paul David Tripp, War of Words, pg. 75)

If you're interested in purchasing the book, you can go directly to Amazon through my affiliate link in the left column. To read the previous post about this topic, this link will take you there. Who Is Sovereign?

Me and My Blog

Well, here is a rare picture and, unfortunately, not one of my best. I would've primped a little more, but Rich was ready to take the photo NOW. I hate having him help me because he always wants to know what I'm taking pictures for. By now he should know it has something to do with OhAmanda.com And, of course, once again that would be the case.

I heart my little blog, and I've only been at it for a few months. It didn't take long to become an addict (much like that Peppermint Mocha gig, but I digress). I can't wait until I celebrate my one-year bloggiversary, just like Amanda.

Nothing But The Best For My Sweetie

Tonight we were on our way home from church, and the girls we always give a ride to were chattering away in the backseat. They started talking about Valentine's Day. One gal said she hoped her mom would give her some chocolate. One of them was sharing that her mom had gotten her a Valentine's gift, something that she's wanted for FIVE YEARS. (She was very dramatic.) The other two asked her what she got. She said, I won't find out until tomorrow. So finally I asked, When is Valentine's Day? Is that tomorrow? Rich was like, Yeah!

Uuuuh...I thought it was Friday. Obviously I've really been paying attention. But the good thing is that I saw a commercial for Walgreens tonight, and they advertise they have everything I need for my valentine. I'm so glad there's one right on the corner across the street from where I work.

What A Pain In The Neck!

I've had a tough couple of days. I woke up Sunday morning feeling like I had whiplash, and it was quite the surprise because I haven't done anything that would cause an injury or strain. The only thing I can figure is that the fall I took at the back door about a month ago is just now manifesting itself. The jarring must have sent my spine out of alignment, and this neck and shoulder pain is the final result.

I managed to get to all church services and keep my duties at the piano. Although, Monday I woke up to the same amount of pain, so I stayed home from work and spent the morning hours in bed because that was the most comfortable. Gotta love that! It was also bitter BITTER cold outside, so it was another good reason to stay home. Today I'm feeling much better, but I'm only at about 80% yet. I did get to work today because, unfortunately, I learned that being in bed all morning is not the most exciting thing to do day after day.

And for one last update on the Girl Scout cookies... Rich went to the council office near his job this afternoon, and they are still taking orders for cookies, which will arrive during the first week of March. He put in an order for me. What a guy!

Who Is Sovereign?

I believe God is sovereign. Psalm 139 says that He fashioned my days before there were none of them. So why do I find myself living as if He isn't sovereign? My unbelief manifests itself in the way I communicate, and often just in the way I struggle in my heart over disappointment about something that didn't go my way. I must be honest. I've been struggling.

I've been reading a book by Paul David Tripp called War of Words: Getting to the Heart of Your Communication Struggles. This is a book about communication, but it's different from others on the subject. This author talks about the true source of our communication problems. Gets right to the root of them. You see, what I believe in my heart is what will come out of my mouth. That's why Proverbs 4:23 says,

Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

If I don't nip a heart issue in the bud, my mouth is going to tattle on me.

When I first mulled this dilemma over, I was bothered. I won't know I've got a sin problem going on in my heart until the words coming out of my mouth indicate it. That's no good. By then, it could be too late. Words can't be taken back. Words are weighty things. I need to get a handle on this. What's the solution? It goes back to the heart. What am I putting into my mind, and what do I believe?

Chapters 4 and 5 in the book are so critical. I had read chapter 5 last week but didn't highlight. I went back to read it again last night with a highlighter, and it was as if I hadn't read it the first time. It was heavy, and I couldn't even finish the chapter because there was plenty to chew on. Tripp teaches that we have got to believe in the sovereignty of God, not just when everything goes well for us but also in the midst of trouble. Otherwise, our communication will be all about our plan, our agenda, our self-interests. We end up trying to control people and circumstances to get our own way. Quoting Tripp (pg. 69), he says...

Only when I submit to the rule of God, who has a perfect plan and is in complete control, will I begin to live and speak as he has purposed....When my heart is more controlled by a desire for the creation (a person, possession, position, or experience) than it is by a desire for the Creator, I will seek to control my world (and the people in it) to get what I want.... But when we understand God's sovereignty and submit to his rule, we can live and speak as God has designed. This is the polar opposite of living and pseaking according to our plan, for our control, and for our own glory.

This is where I was hit between the eyes. He called me on it. This is my sin. I want to be in control, and I've thoroughly disregarded God's rule in my life. I want all that to change, though, because I know there's no joy there. I want to please God.

So today has been a pensive day for me. I want to break this sinful habit of unbelief. I have to continually think on the truth that God is sovereign. He has designed this day, and whatever happens is what He planned for me. Tomorrow I'm going to have to remember all over again that God is sovereign and has designed my day for me. He always does what's best for me.

I know I haven't done this book justice, but I highly recommend it.

Thin Mints, Tagalongs and Samoas... Oh my! - *Update*

I need to update you on the Girl Scout Cookie pursuit. I did receive an email from a very nice Girl Scout organization person shortly after my post. She informed me that they would be happy to sell me some cookies at their local office THIRTY. MINUTES. AWAY. Hmmm... not sure it's worth it to travel 30 minutes to get cookies. I mean, that's 30 minutes there and 30 minutes back. When I told hubby about the predicament, he generously offered to stop by the office that is only a mile up the road from where he works. Why, thank you Dear!

I haven't seen a cookie yet, though.

Where's Liz?

Can you guess where I am right now?

Anyone? Anyone?

Well, I'm at Starbucks, of course, enjoying a Peppermint Mocha.

No, not really. I was just kidding. I'm sitting in my living room.

But I could be blogging at Starbucks, if I wanted to be. Know why? Because my husband just bought me this brand-new laptop yesterday. Woo-hooooo! It is so cool. I really could go to Starbucks and drink a Peppermint Mocha and blog all at the same time because I'm wireless, baby! WIRELESS.

Thin Mints, Tagalongs, and Samoas...Oh My!

Somebody tell me... How did I miss these?!? Anybody know where I can find some Girl Scout cookies? I only know one Girl Scout, and she didn't call me for a cookie order. By the time I realized 'tis the season for cookie ordering, I was already too late. One of my friends already received hers and is surely chowing down, while I remain cookie-less.

I entered my email at the website for somebody to contact me about how to get my hot, little hands on these babies, but I haven't heard a peep. Not a peep!

In order to more fully understand the urgency here, I need to tell you that for like the past 5 years I thought I had an allergy to flour, which I don't, and I haven't had a Girl Scout cookie in years. Years, people! THIS. IS. VERY. URGENT.

My favorites are the Thin Mints, and I would easily order 5 of those precious, little green boxes. (You too?) I would also be happy with a box each of Tagalongs, Samoas and Peanut Butter Sandwiches. Oh my! What's a girl to do?

Then I was reading over at Musings of a Housewife, and (ugh!) she's got cookies, too! Stashed in her car! Oh, the tragedy of it all. I need cookies!

Works-For-Me Wednesday

My shopping suggestion for Works-For-Me Wednesday is to shop through MyPoints.com. If you're going to do any amount of online shopping for just about anything, I highly suggest you go through MyPoints in order to earn points. You earn points for dollar amounts spent at a variety of online merchants like Old Navy, Overstock, QVC, Walmart, Office Depot, 1800Flowers, Hallmark, and the list goes on... The points you earn are turned into gift cards to use at your favorite places like Target, Walmart, Starbucks, Panera, Olive Garden and lots of other stores and restaurants. The way I figure it, if you're going to shop online anyways, you might as well earn something while doing it.

Crochet

As I've enjoyed crocheting blankets, I've also found that it's a months' long project to finish just one. I've made one baby blanket and only a second one that was abandoned halfway through because it just didn't look right. That was a bummer because I ended up having to go purchase a store bought gift for a new mom at our church when I really wanted to give her a handmade gift.

I've lately been anxious to find a simple baby bootie pattern because they would be fast to make and I wouldn't need months of advance notice on when the shower was going to be held. I could start working on them right now in various colors and be ready for the next baby that comes along. I have also toyed with the idea of selling some on Etsy, if they looked good. (I know Amanda would approve.)

I chose a bootie pattern from my book today, and I started working it with some leftover yarn I have from the blanket I never finished. From the few rounds I have already completed, this seems to be a winner. I'm pretty excited about it! This could open a whole new world for me in crochet. I'll let you know if the booties turn out well.

Heaven

Following my blog from last night, a quote borrowed from John Piper's God Is The Gospel, I wanted to continue along this thought. Would Heaven be Heaven if Christ were not there? I believe we Christians get so caught up in all the things we are promised are awaiting us in Heaven, that we neglect to remember the One who will be there.

How many times do we think about the streets of gold, the mansion He's preparing, no sickness, no death, no more tears, seeing our loved ones who have passed away, only to neglect the most treasured gift of Heaven? All those things are incredible and and have been promised to us to enjoy, but I believe they are only the fringe benefits.

Seeing Christ in all His glory and being able to embrace my Savior who reconciled me to the Father is what Heaven is. If there were no golden streets, or mansions, or loved ones, it would still be Heaven if it were just me and my Lord.

He is my delight. He is my hope. He is my joy. He is my reward.

Sunday Thoughts

I just want to give you something to think about today. Do you place value in the glory of who Christ is?

The critical question for our generation - and for every generation - is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ were not there?

- John Piper, God is the Gospel

Starbucks Gift Card Winner!

Drum roll, please....

The winner of the Starbucks $10 gift card is commenter #20... Leigh! I've sent you an email to inform you of your winning. Please be sure to contact me with your mailing address, and that gift card will be on its way to you.

Thank you, everyone who participated. This has been the most fun I've had since entering the blog world. Many of your comments made me laugh because you really do heart Starbucks as much as I do.

Hope you'll stick around for more bloggy fun.

Aloha Friday

It's been a crazy week here with my bloggy giveaway. My blog was smokin', and I have been busy reading lots and lots of comments! Anyways, I decided I will just take it easy today and play along with An Island Life and Aloha Friday. I ask the question...

If you found out that you were allergic to your pet, would you find a new home for your pet, or would you deal with it and cope with allergy shots and medication?

I ask this question in light of yesterday's post, finding out that my husband is NOT allergic to our cats or dog. I'm just curious what everyone else would do if faced with this difficult circumstance. I guess for us it would depend on how serious the allergy was. Most likely we would've gone the medication route.

So what would you do? Any thoughts?