Over the Top

Tea, a new blogger, is writing a novel and is participating in NaNoWriMo. So far, she has written 23,709 words. Way to go, Tea! She received this Over the Top award for her blog and has passed it along to me. Thank you so much, Tea.








The rules for accepting this award are to copy and change the answers below to suit you and pass it on. Answers can only be one word! Pass the award to your favorite bloggers and alert them they have been awarded.

Here are my answers to these questions:

1. Where is your cell phone? desk
2. Your hair? brown
3. Your mother? wonderful
4. Your father? sad
5. Your favorite food? Mexican
6. Your dream last night? weird
7. Your favorite drink? water
8. Your dream/goal? writing
9. What room are you in? office
10. Your hobby? decorating
11. Your fear? everything
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? home
13. Where were you last night? home
14. Something you aren’t? singer
15. Muffins? sure
16. Wish list item?
17. Where did you grow up? Alabama
18. Last thing you did? ate
19. What are you wearing? shorts
20. Your TV? den
21. Your pets? none
22. Your friends? good
23. Your life? great!
24. Your mood? content
25. Missing someone? hub
26. Vehicle? white
27. Something you’re not wearing? shoes
28. Your favorite store? Target
29. Your favorite color? blue
30. When was the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? yesterday
32. Your best friend? husband
33. One place that I go over and over? Walmart
34. One person who emails me regularly? sisters
35. Favorite place to eat? Casa Napoli

I think that the following blogs are over the top, and I want to pass this award to them:

Melinda at http://parentingconfessions.blogspot.com/

Mary Leigh at http://bluecottonmemory.wordpress.com/

Prairie Chick at http://prairieprologue.blogspot.com/
Teresa at http://toomanyheartbeats.blogspot.com/
Becky at http://farmgirlpaints.blogspot.com/

Sweet dreams,

Deb

Big Girl Boots

Black suede. One-inch heels. About two sizes too big for her. Handed down from an older cousin. Doesn't matter to her. She thinks she's something. Cause she's got big girl boots now.

For a four-year-old, she puts together a way cool outfit. Black skirt. Pink leggings. A super sparkly, rock star shirt. And of course, her boots.

Ready for action. Adventure. Amusement. She goes outside.

She knows the rules: Stay in the yard. Don't go near the street.

But you know how it is when you're wearing big girl boots. You have the illusion of being in charge. Confident. Competent.

Well, the same thing happens to her.

She does pretty good for awhile. Sits on the golf cart. Tries to turn the steering wheel. Pretends to drive.

Then, she pokes leaves through the fence into the neighbor's yard.

Next, she walks down the driveway toward the street. Stops. Sits down. Picks up a handful of pine straw and throws it into the air.

Hmm. Probably a good time to call her back to the house. But first, I finish dusting the bookcase. All I need is thirty seconds. Done.

I turn.

Oh, that girl!

She walks up the steps. With the mail in her hand!

Which means that she got the mail out of the mailbox. Which means that she walked to the street.

By herself!

Which means that she broke the rules.

Because of those big girl boots.

She was so sure that she could do it. So sure that she would be ok. So sure that she wouldn't get caught.

But her sense of confidence. Of certainty. Of competence. Were mere illusions.

I know what it's like to break a few rules. And to trust in an illusion. To think I'm in control. To be certain that I can push back parameters that God put in place for my protection.

And not get hurt.

My granddaughter couldn't do it. Neither can we.

He has a reason for establishing rules and boundaries.

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance (Psalm 16:6).

God's boundaries exist to protect us. As we learn to accept His guidelines, we'll find peace and joy that won't disappoint.

Unlike illusions and big girl boots.

That betray. And leave us with blisters. Bruised. Broken.

Maybe one day soon, we'll replace those boots with a new pair of shoes.

Sweet dreams,
Deb

A Blogger's Heart

The wonderful world of blogging! What I've learned so far. I am not the queen of tech. I wish that I were. And good writers allow you to enter their world. But good bloggers invite you to come into their heart.

Like Mary Leigh. A few months ago, she gave me my first blogging award. And now she's given me the Heartfelt Award. And when you read her blog, you'll discover the most important things in her heart. Like love. For her family. Her friends. Her God. And us.

I like that kind of heart. Don't you?

Thank you, friend, for sharing both your heart and this award.


Here are the rules for receiving the Heartfelt Award:

“This award is bestowed upon blogs that are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose six more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.


I'm passing this award along to the following bloggers who touch hearts:

Chanda at http://www.ecocheapmom.com/
Beth at http://athisfeetinprayer.blogspot.com/
http://okgranny.blogspot.com/
Cindy at http://lettersfrommidlife.blogspot.com/
Joy at http://ponderinginhispresence.blogspot.com/
Prarie Chick at http://prairieprologue.blogspot.com/
Sarah at http://cultofdeception.blogspot.com/

Sweet dreams,
Deb

Thanks

I love November! What a great time to give thanks. And to say thanks. Some special blogger firends have blessed me with awards. So now, I have the privilege of thanking them. And, I get to pass these awards along as well.

Thanks, Prairie Chick for giving me this:
Here are the rules for accepting this award:

1. Say thanks and give a link to the presenter of the award.
2. Share "10 Honest Things" about myself.
3. Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have enouraged me.
4. Tell those 7 people they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving this award.

Here goes! Ten honest things about me:

1. I'd rather eat chocolate than sleep.
2. Hate onions.
3. Am afraid of big crowds and small spaces.
4. Like pedicures.
5. Not a good conversationalist.
6. Get my hair colored.
7. Training for a half marathon.
8. My favorite sleepwear is a tee shirt.
9. I don't like dogs.

I'm giving Scrap to these honest writers:

Mary Leigh at http://bluecottonmemory.wordpress/
Lidj at http://mla-crownofglory.blogspot/
Jennifer at http://gettingdownwithjesus.blogspot.com/
Julie at http://juliegillies.com/
Elaine at http://www.peaceforthejourney.com/
Teresa at http://toomanyheartbeats.blogspot.com/
Andrea at http://aparsonswife.blogspot.com/

And Teresa passed along the Superior Scribbler's award to me. Thanks, Teresa. Here are the rules for this award:

1. Each Superior Scribbler that I name today must pass the award on to 5 most-deserving bloggy friends.
2. Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author and the name of the blog from whom she has received the award.
3. Each Superior Scribbler must display the award on her blog, and link to this post, which explains the award.
4. Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit This Post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. That way, we'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor!
5. Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on her blog.

I want to share this award with these superior bloggers:

Heather at http://hkudlaontheroad.blogspot.com/

Tea at http://myhomemakers.blogspot.com/

Margie at http://momentscapturedintime.blogspot.com/

Lisa at http://mypassionatepursuit-lisa.blogspot.com/

Jennifer at http://www.dustbunnyhostage.com/

Teresa also awarded me with this:

I'd like to share this Sunshine award with all of the above-mentioned bloggers. All of you make my day brighter and blessed.

Sweet dreams,

Deb

Tech Problems

If you're stopping by to pick up an award, I'm so sorry. I posted. And viewed. Went back to edit. Had an HTML problem. Wouldn't let me re-post after making a change. Have never had this happen before.

I don't know how to correct this. But will work on it. I so need tech help.

Sweet dreams,
Deb

Images

Thank you. Thank you very much, Moses. We appreciate your sharing the second commandment with us, but we think we've got that one under control. We would never make, worship, or grab hold of any graven, golden image. Would we?

I mean, men could show a slight susceptibility in this area. They're the ones whose brains have a component that can sometimes record, store, and retrieve images with digital-like accuracy.

But we women are ok with this commandment. Right?

Uh, well. Maybe, we should take a closer look.

Because I'm thinking that I have a few image problems that require attention.

Like, self-image, you know? How I want to be viewed in a certain way. A certain light. And what I need to do and to own so that I can create the new me that I think I should be.

I think that re-inventing my image would start with buying a new house. One that has kind of an open concept. A smooth flow. Sparkly, shiny stainless steel appliances. And granite countertops. Gleaming. Girl, I might even become a gourmet cook!

Yeah, you're right. Don't think that's going to happen. Cooking is so not my thing.

...I know!

A newer automobile would improve my image. How about a sport utility vehicle? Red. Or silver. It doesn't matter. But, for sure, I've got to have leather seats. Power everything. And a sunroof. Can you picture how cool it would be to cruise around in a set of wheels like that?

And stylish apparel. Couture created just for me to conceal what needs to be hidden. And to accentuate any positive that a designer can contrive. I'll be in vogue and will live by the golden rule of design: Shop till you drop.

So, yeah. Sometimes, I attach a lot of importance to image. And to things. To looking successful. To fitting in socially.

When I get a little crazy like that, He's so good to re-direct me. He talks to me. He speaks to me through His word.

Just this week, I read a verse that helps me to better understand what Moses said about images.

All who worship images are put to shame (Psalm 97:7a).

God doesn't want us to worship any images. Not even our own. And not the ones that we fantasize about, either.

The house that we live in. The car that we drive. The clothes that we wear. Are these things important?

Sure, they are. To an extent.

They are necessary. They are blessings. They are resources to be used for sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

But we are not to think too much of them. Or about them.

We don't worship them.

We worship Him.

Our loving God. Our provider. Our Savior.

In whose image we are created.

How do you handle image problems? I'd love for you to share what helps you.

Sweet dreams,
Deb

His Girl

Lately, I've been thinking that, maybe, I'm not the right girl for the job anymore. Like, maybe, the job requires someone who's smarter. A better writer. Someone who's not so much a material girl. But is more spiritual. Yeah. Definately, more of that.

Also, someone who is prettier. Skinnier. And a better cook. OK. OK, then--a girl who actually does cook--would probably get the job done more effectively.

To what job am I referring?

I'm talking about the job that He's called me to do.

The one where He wants me to "hold out the word of life" Philippians 2:16a.

Actually, He's called you, too. He wants all of us to share His great message through some venue.

For me, it's to hold out His words of life to friends. Family. And others. By writing.

That's my dream.

Sweet, right?

Yeah. But I'm just not sure if I can still be His girl like that. I mean, I sin everyday. I let Him down. Disappoint Him.

Just this week, I had a "conference" with a co-worker. I didn't like what she said. Or how she said it.

And, yes. You are so right. Shouldn't have gone there, but I did.

She said, "Yadeya...Ya...." Then I reacted, "YA...YA...YA...."

And that's the condensed version of how our little parley went down.

His girl. Failed Him in this situation. And in many others.

Should I quit? Is that what He wants? I think about giving up. But He keeps working in my heart. And in my life.

I'm learning about repentance. That repenting involves confessing my sins and turning away from them. And that's good. But that's not all.

True repentance centers around the love relationship that a holy and just and merciful God wants to have with us His sinful but precious children.

True repentance includes the privilege of receiving some things from God.

Things like love. Forgiveness. Restoration. Renewal.

And an invitation.

An invitation to return to the work. The calling. The dream that He put in our heart.

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Can separate us from His love. His great love. His mighty love. His strong love.

His passionate love. His intimate love.

Nothing can separate us.

What's your calling? I'd love for you to share your dream with me and how you hold out Jesus for all of the world to see.

I'm so glad that I'm still His girl.

And so are you!

Sweet dreams,
Deb