Amazed...

Over the weekend Bo and I traveled to Asheville to experience the leaves changing. This is my all time favorite time of the year. I have always wondered why there are people who can't stand the Fall, as I am more amazed in this season than any other. We decided to go to Seacoast Asheville for church and then take a drive through the Blue Ridge Parkway stopping along the way at the Overlooks. As I stood there and looked over the ravines that were covered with the beauty of colors. Enjoy the pics that share a little bit of our time yesterday!

Shout joyfully to God...How awesome are your works. Psalm 66:1,3

The Little Red Wagon

Just a Thought for Thursday:

Is there a colleague that you especially appreciate — a fellow teacher/coworker that has really come along side of you and lightened your load at some point? Maybe this story reminds you of that person who was able to give you just “the lift” you needed! Have you told that person how thankful you are for them?

The Little Red Wagon

Some days we skip along, pulling our wagons with great confidence–so full of energy that the load seems light.

Some days the load seems heavy and we need someone to help us pull our wagons over the bumps in the road.

Some days we are just tired. We sit in our wagons and let someone else pull us along for a while.
And some days it’s kind of nice to share our little red wagons with a friend.

As you think about yesterday, and make plans for tomorrow, keep in mind that there will be times when you can help pull someone's little red wagon for a while. After all, helping to pull each other's little red wagon is what makes it possible to face the challenges the day brings.

When One Door Closes...

As many of you know Friday was Bo's last day with 98.9. It was a bittersweet day where we were sad and happy in the same time frame. I know God has a plan for our lives and every moment that we question is a moment that He already has figured out and resolved. Leaving the radio station was a decision that we made together and I am thrilled at the time that WE will have together now. I see it as a "see you later", rather than a "goodbye". Bo wants to grow his business and not be held to a time that he can travel with other obligations.

I am also excited in that we can get into a healthy eating routine, spending time together, and the most exciting part that I am looking forward to is joining Bo sometimes in the Food For Life minstry where we learn more in our faith from those who are less fornuate than ourselves. Homeless men and women can provide us with insight into life in a way that I don't think that I see it. I take for granted small things that are daily habits and daily routines.

I am amazed at how God uses our lives to teach us lessons that He already has planned. It is like He has opened the next door in our lives and the little beam of light is showing through.

So for today Live, Love, and Learn from Jeremiah 29:11.

For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future!

How Busy Are You?

I was sent this this morning and as I read it I realize that God sent it to me for a reason. I think that I stay busy some days, but have NOTHING to show for the busyness.
Today Lord, help me see the priorities that you have for my days, my weeks, my months ahead!

“We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.” 2 Thessalonians 3:11 (NIV)



I love empty calories. I confess. Chocolate brownies are my favorite.
Although I try to tell myself the eggs inside make them healthy, the truth is there is little in that fudgy goodness that brings value to my body. Besides the moment of pleasure in my mouth, brownies only fill my need for calories but offer little nutrition.

Being busy can have the same effect. We can fill our days with busy-work, then flop on the couch after dinner, exhausted and empty. And yet we look around our homes and wonder why a week’s worth of mail is stacked on the desk, dirty clothes drape over the hamper and the kitchen floor is a sticky slip and slide…but we were so busy!

Much like the woman who spends $100 at the grocery store and has nothing for dinner, if we aren’t wise about our busyness, we will find ourselves frustrated at how little gets done. Like the brownies and their empty calories, there is activity that keeps us “busy,” but produces little benefit.

One area of temptation to empty busyness is my computer. The nature of my work requires that I spend a lot of my workday at the computer. If I sit down without a plan, two hours can pass and nothing is accomplished – except for watching videos of really cute puppies. However, when I’ve taken the time to set goals for my day, it’s easier to stay focused.

The same is true for my housework. When I take a few minutes to identify my priorities for that day, the tasks that need to be accomplished usually get done. Otherwise, it’s 7 p.m. and I’m wondering what’s for dinner.

Today’s key verse caught my attention recently. I realized we’re no different from those early believers addressed in it. Only our idleness looks different—it looks like busyness. In fact, we often convince ourselves that it was necessary to get caught up on the news, visit a friend’s blog or research next year’s vacation. Important? Yes. A priority for today? Maybe not.

There is a time for brownies, getting caught up with friends and online research. There is a time for rest. After all, God ordained the Sabbath. There is a time for play. Even Jesus enjoyed a wedding reception with His friends. The key for productive busyness is to know what time it is.

Instead of trying to figure it out ourselves, a wise woman seeks God’s direction for her work and rest. What has helped me avoid empty busyness is taking the time to pray about God’s will for me each day. My quiet time always includes a to-do list. In addition to spending time just enjoying the Lord’s presence, I also seek His guidance for my day.

I sit at my kitchen table, cup of coffee in one hand and pen in the other, and ask God to show me His priorities. He is always faithful to help me create a list of what needs to be done that day—not the next day or next week, but that day.

My challenge is to be a good steward of my time—both at work, play and rest. I’ve spent too much time on empty pursuits. Busy isn’t always bad, only when it’s empty. And brownies aren’t bad either, at the right time.

Dear Lord, You are the Creator of time, and so often I neglect to seek Your will for my days. You have called me to a place of stewardship with my time and I need Your help. Please show me when and how to be productively busy—and when to set it all aside and rest or play. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Fall is finally here..

I love fall and those who know me know that I think that this is the most wonderful time of the year. Over the past week Bo had to go out of town. I am not a fan of business trips, but I know that they are a must in the business of marketing. While Bo was gone he bought a few prizes that made my heart happy. Not only do I love fall, but the color of burnt orange is the most beautiful color of leaves, CU tigers, bracelets, and even scarves..

Thank you honey for the surprise gift!