Purple Prose:
blogging

Today's letter in the A to Z challenge at www.a-to-zchallenge.com is...

S is for Sweet, Sweet people.
Sometimes, people do things and it makes you smile (I guess smile could have been our S word-- actually lots of words could have been.)
I want to say a BIG Thank You to the people who participated in the first Faith-Fiction Friday. It actually did better than I thought it would-- especially for the first week. It will be a weekly event here at OTMA so I hope you come back and participate again. I LOVE reading short stories, and like I said, there aren't many places on the web for short Christian fiction. Please head over to that post and click on the people who linked up. Each have a wonderful blog and would appreciate the visits.
Yesterday was also a big day for one of our FFF participants. She had a lot of firsts-- First blog party, First writing contest (though it not really a contest-- the ideas the same), and the first time she copied a button code. You can read all about her exciting day at Catching Foxes.
I also want to thank the Sweet, Sweet People who have encouraged me and this blog (along with my other blog) over this past year. I would name you all, but I'm afraid I'd miss someone and I don't want too.
And lastly, the Sweet, Sweet People who take the time to make blog hops every week to spread God's word. There are a lot more, but 3 I participate in are Laura's at Beholding Glory, Shanda at A Pause on a Path, and Tracy at My Daily Walk in His Grace. Those are just a few of the great blog hops around the web: OH yeah there's Courtney at www.womenlivingwell.org as well.
Today's post is a little scattered, but I wanted to take time to thank the sweet, sweet people who I've 'met' while blogging. To all of the followers and commenters-- THANK YOU!
For all you readers, thanks for taking the time to read. I know your time is precious (and short if you are like me). You didn't have to read, but you do. That means a lot.
For all of the people who send me emails about adding your blog to the Encourage 365 Blog Directory -- you are so sweet. Your emails make me smile :)
Jenifer at Sweet Blessings for giving me something to add to my bio when I sent my queries to agents. (My first magazine writing credits.)
And to my big sister, Kathy, who reads (pretty much) everything I write. And sends me 'Oh wow' texts when I tell her about some "big" (to me) news. BIG SMOOCH!
There are so many sweet, sweet people in the world. Who are the ones in your life? Is there anyone you want to thank for being sweet? Take time to do that today. :)
Have a great Saturday :) Remember, Faith-Fiction Friday is still open if you'd like to add your story.
Much Love,

Who needs some motivation today!

Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Oh my gosh!

I've used this picture before and I'll use it again.

Today, I just didn't want to do anything. I'll be quite honest with you. The only thing I wanted to do is sit on the computer and 'Google' (do the kids still say that? Or is it 'bing' now? Whatever, you get the idea.. I wanted to browse the World Wide Web for information)

I had every excuse in the book for not wanting to do anything, of course.
Spud got evicted today (well partly evicted. Doc ended up doing a shave biopsy instead of a punch. IF it is cancer, I have to go back in 2 weeks and have this all done again with a punch biopsy... Yip to the eee. I'll take a few extra prayers in that department if you happen to think of it. I really don't want that done again. Have I mentioned before that I'm a big baby when it comes to pain????)

When you don't want to do something, what motivates you to do it? One of my biggest motivations is this blog. This is my accountibility. I don't want to be a hyprocrit and say something here that I don't do. I haven't missed one night of my cleaning list since I started this... and I don't plan too (Unless I'm just really sick... or not home.) I don't say that to brag... I say that to hopefully encourage you. "What Would Kelly Clean?" after all lol...

Another thing I have learned is that even if *I* don't feel well (both physically and spiritually), I can open my Bible and find something to motivate me. Yesterday, I found something called SOAP.

SOAP stands for:
Scripture
Observation
Application
Prayer

I encourage each of you to visit that site and see what SOAP is all about. I've done five or six scriptures last night and today using it and it REALLY lets you see what the Bible says to you and has FOR you... So far, it has really motivated me!

Scriptures motivate me. This one from Luke motivated me today. Luke 8:15--And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good hearted people. Who hear God's Word, cling to it, and patiently produce huge harvests (I'm more of a 'I want it now' type of person... ) That scripture motives me to keep blogging.

On top of accountibality and scriptures, my other motivation is pride. Ok, I know it's a deadly sin and all, but I don't think it's horrible to feel proud in yourself (as LONG as it doesn't go overboard... Pride comes before the fall after all). I do feel proud when I'm not feeling well and I DO complete my chores... and I DO blog... and I DO read my Bible. I feel accomplishment I guess more than pride. Yeah, accomplishment is a MUCH better word. Feeling good about yourself is an awesome motivation. We all need it!

So, again I ask... what is your motivation? What makes you want to do... well anything? What makes you want to clean? To read blogs? To tell people about God? To be a happy homemaker? To take pictures? Whatever it is... what is your motivation? You have to know... because sometimes you forget what it is. Motivation is a sneaky little snake. Sometimes slithers away when you need it the most.

You don't have to tell me. It's personal and it's yours. It's just something good to know for those rainy days when not completing your 'to do list' seems oh so appealing...

Sorry this has been all over the place. This is like the 3rd draft of this particual blog post. I can't seem to get my thoughts in the order I want... Spud is starting to hurt though and I'm going to have to publish this like it is... flaws and all (imagine that).

Much love, happy cleaning, and find out what motivates you... for days when you aren't really that motivated.

Kelly

For the record, yes I completed my "To Do" List tonight :) Huzzah! I found some motivation...

*First of all, I'd love for you to go visit FAITH FILLED FICTION today for our very first story :) Stacey from Shakin' the Foundation did a great job writing it.

*Also, @ Encourage 365, I'm having a giveaway to celebrate 365 days of continuous blogging. Please click HERE to find out details.

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Without getting too much into it, something happened this week that made me question things... actually, it wasn't this one event-- it's been building for quit a while.

I wasn't in the happiest place I've ever been in.

To tell you the truth, I still don't know exactly what I'm going to do.

*I DO know that about every blog post I click on has to do with not giving up.

*The baby woke me up at 3 am this morning (she NEVER does that). I got online for a few minutes before going back to bed and read a post that nearly brought me to tears. Guess what it was about?

*I went to bed and was flipping through channels. I found something called 'Inspirational... ' something, and I turned it on there (I NEVER turn it on those shows). It was exactly what I needed (don't give up... who do you THINK wants you to give up!). I was sleepy, so I decided to DVR it. I thought it lasted maybe 10 more minutes. I checked this morning, and it's over an hour (can't wait to watch it later).

*Last night before I went to bed, I had the strongest urge ever to read my bible. So, I had to. I flipped it open to Psalm 119:8. The last part got my attention: (the psalmist talking to God): Please don't give up on me!

I'm in a doubting time, but that's ok. It's made my husband stand up and really cheer me on. I still have doubts and questions and (I SOOOO can't do that!), but it's ok. I've seen God more this week in my doubts than last week in my 'I can SOO do this' because last week *I* could-- This week *GOD* can.

Sorry for the ramble.

Much Love,

Kelly

Linked with: Women Living Well Wednesday

I tell ya... the girls' little devotional book is at it again... If you didn't read it before, we are reading the 365 Very Veggie Devos for Kids that I talked about here before bed every night. Some of them, I think, are hitting me more than them lol. Maybe I'm just older, and they mean more to me. Or maybe God marked this book 50% off (so the ole stingy Mama would buy it) for a reason... hmmmmmm...

Tonight's devotional is about Thinking Before you Speak...

OH MAN!

I am trying so hard with this one. I promise I am. I've gotten to the point where I say, "Now, I know I shouldn't be saying this... but... " I had a Sunday School teacher tell us once that it was always what was AFTER the 'but' that people truly meant. You've been around people (I'm SURE you have if you live in the South) who say, "Oh, bless their heart, but that girl is as loose as a goose!" If you take the 'disclaimer' out of "Bless her heart" well, it's not the best sentence in the world, is it?

My big one, like I said, is "Now, I know I shouldn't be saying this... but... "

Well, foot, if I KNOW I'm not supposed to be saying it.. then why say it? (Because I'm human and my mouth likes to jabber lol)

Did your Mama ever say "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." Yeah...

Yet something else to work on...

Now, I have to admit, I got kinda discouraged about that. Something *else* to be thinking about. Don't gossip, say nice words, let my actions speak more than my words... that's a LOT to think about, and that's not even the half of what we are 'supposed' to do... but God knows I'm not perfect (Thank goodness!). He knows that I make mistakes. He knows that as much as I try, my mouth jabbers sometimes before I can stop it (I really need to take more time before I speak sometimes.. probably would keep me out of some situations... ). The great thing about God is that you can just ask for forgiveness... and if you are saved, then you get it (or as my kids say, "God's happy again.")

Sorry, I've been posting so much lately. I have a lot going on here lately (well, a lot for me), and when I'm a bit nervous, I ramble (but the good thing about blogging is that I have the backspace to keep me from saying too much lol)

On that note, much love, happy cleaning, and think before you speak... or blog... or facebook... or twitter... And if when you mess up, ask for forgiveness. (Ok, today's little kiddy devo divine 'beating' wasn't as bad as some of the others lol)

Kelly

P.S. if you want you can buy the little 365 Very Veggie Devos for Kids book (that likes to whack me upside my spiritual head) here. It really is a good little book.

I love a good backstory. Orgin movies are some of my favorites. X-Men: Wolverine and Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith are my favorite origin movies. I quite enjoyed watching Wolverine getting his metal skeleton and Anakin Skywalker FINALLY becoming Darth Vader (Yes... I'm a nerd)

So, I got to thinking. Maybe this blog needed a bit of a backstory. It's not as dramatic as losing ones memory, I assure you.

(Get comfy... grab some popcorn.. and in... 3... 2... 1... )

Dun Dun Dun... Duuuuuuuu dun dun... Dundun dun du... dun dun dun dun duuun dunnnduuuudna

A Long Long Time ago... In a bedroom far far away...

Ok, so it wasn't exactly a long time ago... it was more like 2 months. It was around March 2011 to be exact. My friend, Rachel, who is also a July 10 Mama posted a vlog entitled, "How I organize coupons for EASY in store use." (Here is the link... watch and subscribe to her.. she's awesome! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzpulo11Rvs ).

Anyway, so basically this all started from a coupon post on Youtube. That's right... How random is that? No big revelation (yet)... just watching a youtube video in my messy room... and wanting to save some money.

That video lead me to start couponing. I LOVE it! I'm not an extreme couponer by any means, but I do love to do it. I started looking up Coupon Binders/Notebooks on youtube (because I'm nerdy and boring that way ) and found this... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eQg0AY5eyE&feature=channel_video_title I don't know why I love this video so much... maybe it's her voice, but I do. Its where I first became introduced to term 'Homemaking Binder'.

I'd never heard of one before... but I was intrigued! I should say that I can't remember anything. I used to stress out over bills that I was afraid I'd forget to pay, or something at school for K that I'd forget and she'd be left out. I thought this Binder Idea was all that!

SO, I made myself one...

And have loved it since!

Here is my first post about it... http://ohthatmomagain.blogspot.com/2011/04/home-making-binder-day-1.html

So that binder (which I started for bills and for me to remember) evolved into something that involved a 'cleaning list'.

I didn't clean...

That's a lie..

I DID clean. I didn't live in a pig sty, but I didn't go out of my way to clean.

Here is a backstory to my backstory (A Flashback if you will)... Who was going to clean our house was always a point of argument between me and the hubs. We both work full time so it was hard to figure out who was going to do what. We have had our fair share of spats over who was going to wash the dishes. When I was pregnant with #3, there was a 6 months span when I didn't vacuum (I KNOW!... I'm kinda ashamed about that). So don't get the idea that my house has ever been emaculate. It HASN'T... and don't think that it is now... its MUCH better than it was... like 100x better, but I still have small kids and we still have messes which is ok. I'm not seeking perfection here :) Just tidiness.
The point being... I never put much stalk in cleaning. My sister has already asked "Who are you and what have you done with my sister?" lol and my mother wanted to know what has came over me... because *I* was the kid at home who never dusted under anything because, "No one is going to look under it anyway." (Oh, I'm sure my poor Mama cringed). I'm telling you this to say that I TOTALLY understand not wanting to clean. However, something has changed inside me where I actually LIKE doing it.

Basically after searching and watching numerous youtube videos on homemaking binders, I went to http://www.moneysavingmom.com/ (which is an AWESOME SITE!) and printed off the sheets for the binder. On the sheets, it had chores to do for the day... and I DID like lists so I found myself completing them.

Then I started blogging about it...

And people started commenting...

And that made me want to do more...

And now its just something that I really do enjoy doing. Its part of my routine.

If you are wondering about my husband and what HE does... let me say that since *I've* started cleaning more HE'S started cleaning more. I found him windexing the windows in the laundry room today WITHOUT ME ASKING (*THUD*).

I truly want to inspire you all to do at least one cleaning/organizing thing a day. I hope you join our weekly Quest (Found here... http://ohthatmomagain.blogspot.com/2011/05/heads-up-our-summer-quests.html ). This week's Quest is to organzize your shoes. I'll post about how I did on either Thursday or Friday. (Congratulations to Kathi-Ann for already finishing!!!!)

I guess to sum up... I've always wanted to be more organized, but had no idea how to start. Because of Rachel and her youtube channel (again subcribe!! She has awesome giveaways!), and searching coupon binders, and then homemaking binders, I have found a system that REALLY WORKS for my family and I sincerly SINCERLY hope it does you too.

Much Love

(Let the Credits Roll... )

Kelly

Today's letter in the A to Z challenge at www.a-to-zchallenge.com is...

Z is for Zzzzzzz... Seriously, that's all I could come up with Z.
I thought about zebra, because at school that's what my little kids say start with Z.
And I thought about 'Zippity Do Da' because today is the end of the A to Z challenge for April and to celebrate I'm taking a few days off of OTMA blogging...
I thought about Zoinks-- because I like Scooby Doo.
I thought about Zane, Billy. The guy that played Cal on Titanic--
I thought about words like: ziggy or zany or zipper.
But in the end, I could only come up with one Z word that encompasses all of the A to Z challenge AND the Bible in 90 Days challenge coming to an end--- Zzzzzzzzzzzz
As in...
Kelly needs a nap :)
Much Love,

By the way, I have a new story added in the 'Published Stories' tab above. My story 'One Man's Mess' is "Today's Story" at www.onefortyfiction.com. I'd appreciate it if you headed over and left a comment. :)

Today's letter in the A to Z Challenge is...

O is for Opportunity.
I have some query letters out right now for the book (which I don't know if it will ever see the time of day-- if God wants it too it will... ). I've written some for publication and contests..
But do you know what's missing?
Writing for fun :)
Sometimes when we get so focused on something, we forget that we started it for fun (like blogging-- and having kids... ).
SO, I've decided to bring the fun back-- and I want you to be a part of it. This Friday, I'm starting Faith Fiction Friday.

Don't freak out on me--
If you have a blog, you are a writer of some sort, so this should be easy, and freeing.
The idea is for me to post a picture on Friday. Your job (and mine) is to write a 100 word fiction OR non-fiction story based on the picture. Post the story in comments (and leave your blog address if you have one so others can visit you). It's that easy.
Does it have to be exactly 100 words? Heck no. It needs to be 'around' 100 words, but you won't get deleted if you go over.
This is just something to be fun-- not to stress over-- to let your creativity soar.
I'll put the post up Thursday night along with the picture so you can have a chance to work on your story.
I'm so excited about this, guys! I hope and pray you are too!
Much Love,
Kelly
Linked with: Oh Your Heart Tuesday Winsome Wednesday, and Women Living Well Wednesday

So... today is the offical day 2 of my homemaking binder experiment/life change and I have to say I love it! Next thing you know I"ll be sporting a 50s dress and 'perfect' hair-do ;)

I feel much more on top of things. Much more steady and not as overwhelmed. I even had time to do extra things that wasn't on my list (ie sweep the kitchen and clean the washing machine and dryer). I'm even blogging about it instead of watching 'The Vampire Diaries'. (Who IS this girl? lol)

And this is just Day 2 of using it. So I'm wondering... will I be this thrilled with this system in a week? A Month? Will I look back on this and think it was a waste of time? Will I decide that this system has been one of the greatest inventions ever? Is it a 'Kelly fad' or a life change?

I want it to be a life change. I really do. I can't tell you how much better/easier/less chaotic the last 2 days have been... but I'm going to use it at least a month to decide if it's worth it or not... right now it gets a big ole thumbs up! I *actually* feel like a housewife (even though I work) and I never have before... and I'm not sure why that is important to me now, but it is.

Tip from me (And I don't give tips easily because I usually don't have any lol):

5 minute cleaning is awesome... get the kids involved and it's great. We had nothing left to do and had 3 minutes left so that's why I cloroxed the washer and dryer).

I still haven't put the menus in my binder yet. I may this weekend.

I really hope some of you join me with the home making binders and coupons. I'd really like people to talk to about it.

Much Love :)

Kelly

This is letter B in the A-Z challenge:

http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/

Today's topic is Blogging.
I'm pretty sure that 90% of you reading this today have a blog (or two or three... ). We all blog for different reasons. I can't speak for you, so I'll speak for myself...
I love to blog because it gives me a reason to write. I love to write. Sometimes, I know that what I write doesn't make much sense, and sometimes it might not get many comments (and those days hurt-- lets just all admit that now). But I do it because I love to have some sort of way to get my ideas out.
And I love being able to link up with other bloggers and learn new ideas. Since this blog started, I've been interested in cleaning, homemaking binders, writing, the Bible in 90 days, etc. I've learned so much about these topics thanks to other blogs I've read.
Some people make money on blogging. I'm not one of those people. I wish I knew how to make money on this lol, but I don't right this second. I'm sure I could use Google ads or something like that-- but, for now, I don't have it. It is a hobby-- a hobby that takes up a lot of time.
Why do you blog? Why did you choose the 'topic' of your blog? What is your favorite part of blogging? What are the challenges?

Much Love,
Kelly
Linked with: http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/ 

This April, I'm participating in the blogging A-Z challenge...

www.a-to-zchallenge.com
I've finished the book (aahhhhhhhhhh :)) so now I have time to actually, you know, blog :)
The A-Z challenge is simple, write a blog post a day starting with A, ending at Z, with Sunday's off (except for today) for good behavior...
Today's letter is A: Adulthood
I'm not going to lie, I don't feel as old as I am... not that 31 is old. But I have a hard time thinking back that it's been twelve years since I graduated high school; that it's not the 90s any more; and that I do in fact, have three kids and an SUV (I had a little red Mustang in high school... )
I'm a soccer mom now. I fix boo boos. I've been a teacher for (oh my) nine years. I write with a 20 month old crawling around on my lap. My joints hurt, and I worry about things like blood pressure-- and sunburns.
I watch more kids shows than I ever have before. I got upset when Nick Jr. got rid of Moose and when the old Marina left.
Adulthood is weird. You pay bills, take care of kids, have a job, clean, work, and have a little time for yourself... and if you aren't careful, you start to miss the 'good ole days' when you were 'young and carefree'.
Except if those really were the 'good ole days', then why did I choose to grow up?
Because I wouldn't trade my kids for my high school days. I wouldn't give up my big ole SUV for my old red Mustang (even though it was pretty awesome). I wouldn't give up my husband for the 'cutest' guy in high school.
I've grown up (mostly). It happened without me really realizing it. One day I was driving with my three kids in the backseat of my big, ole SUV and thought, "Wow, look at that."
How about you? Do you feel like an 'adult'? Do you remember when it hit you that you were?
Much Love,
Kelly
Linked with the A to Z challenge @ www.a-to-zchallenge.com 

This should be interesting to read in the morning...

So, it's 2:40 am.

Yeah, I'm up.

Sounds horrible, right?

Not really when you consider that I went to sleep at 7:30!

I didn't mean too...

I didn't want too...

But my dh was so warm...

So cuddly...

So... zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... er... so tired. He stayed up all day so he could cook us a MONSTER feast of fish (that he caught himself).

Remember my 'Jessie Spano' Day on Thursday? Well, yesterday nearly topped it... HOWEVER, thanks to my sweet husband (who was off last night), he cooked supper while I got to play with Everlee for 2 hours nearly interuption free (save the other ladies who got tired of playing outside, so they came in and played with Everlee and I). Lets say that it was a great (and much needed) break. :)

The fish was awesome! Rock Fish and Stripe which means nothing to me... fish is fish... but they were good fish I'll give them that.

It's always on Friday nights that I go to sleep early. Always, Through the week, I stay up way too late, and on Friday when I 'could' stay up... nope. I conk out... Must be my old age...

I woke up at 1:30 am to a 4 year old's call that her ear was hurting... great! Of course she's not feeling well or sleeping well since we have a 'family date' to the see the Cinderella play tomorrow. Something I'm actually looking forward to... I even bought them nice, new dresses to wear... but oh well... Murphy's Mom Law, right???? Goes with the territory.

SO, in conclusion, I'm going to bed. I will be woken up many more times, I'm assuming, but that's ok. Purple bags under eyes are fashionable... right??????

:)

Hi friends!!

For the next week, I'm having a SAINT SLOAN release party on this blog and you're invited!!! I'm going to start working on the sequel this week so I might be blogging about the progress.

Until then, I want to have some fun :) This week, I'm having a party to say thank you for all of your support. I know I don't get a lot of blog comments, but I 'see' you on facebook and twitter. It means a lot.

To celebrate the release of Saint Sloan and to say thanks for encouraging me, I'm doing a giveaway.

The Prizes:
$15 Amazon Gift Card
1 Free ebook copy of SAINT SLOAN
1 Free ebook copy of CROSSING THE DEEP (my first novel)

You can enter as many times as you'd like. The contest will be over midnight next Friday. Good luck!!! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Can't wait to see if you win? You can buy the book from here :) Go to the right sidebar and click on the 'to buy' links. If I sell enough, my books will be in paperback... and my mother will be happy :)

~Kelly

Hello friends :)
Friday, March 9th is the 1 year anniversary of the "re-issue"
of Oh That Mom Again...
This blog was originally started in 2007 (and that seems so long ago!) as a place for me to write about my girls... and whatever else I had on my mind. It didn't last long.
I wrote a post on the July 2010 due date board and someone said that I should write a blog-- and I remembered.. OH, I had a blog!!
So I copy and pasted my thread post and... well... here we are a year later!
This blog means a lot to me. I've loved doing the cleaning challenges, writing the "What is Love?" Bible Study, leading the 'Bible in 90 days' challenge, and all of the other things that go into running a blog.
This blog has lead to another blog.. a daily devotional one at http://www.encourage365.com/.
Writing two blogs can be a challenge, I'm not going to lie. Sometimes, my brain feels fried. I couldn't do any of it on my own, and I would be wrong to say that God didn't have anything to do with it. HE DOES! :) A LARGE PART!
To celebrate my 1 year re-issue anniversary blogging I've decided to do my first giveaway (YAY!).
If you didn't know, a story I wrote was published in the spring/inaugural issue of Woman to Woman Magazine.

So... here is the giveaway...
To Celebrate my one year anniversary...
One winner will receive a free copy of the Spring 2012 issue of Woman to Woman Magazine!!!!
(I'm so excited about this!)
Here are the rules:
*You DON'T HAVE to be a blog follower (but it is appreciated)
*You DON'T HAVE to 'like' the facebook page (but is is nice if you do)
*You DO have to leave a comment in the comment section of this post.
BUT I don't just want any comment. In order to be eligible to win, you need to finish this sentence...
Sometimes I get aggravated. When that happens I...

You don't have to write a big, long reply-- but I'm a writer-- and I'd love to hear what you creative people can come up with.
YOUR ANSWER WILL NOT DETERMINE THE WINNER OF THE GIVEAWAY. IT IS JUST FOR FUN. THE WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM USING THE PEOPLE WHO LEFT A COMMENT.
Did you get all of that?
To sum up: *Giveaway (YAY!)
*To qualify, leave a comment below answering the prompt: Sometimes I get aggravated. When that happens I...
*Your answer will not be judged. Simply leaving the comment qualifies you to win.
*One (1) winner will be chosen at random to receive a free copy of the Spring 2012 issue of Woman to Woman Magazine
*CONTEST ENDS on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14th @ 11:59 Central Time
*Winner will be chosen and announced on Thursday, March 15th.
I'm looking forward to reading your answers to the prompt (make them as silly or as serious as you wish). A HUGE thank you for participating in this... and for reading this blog this year. It means a lot to me!
Much Love (and happy writing!)
~Kelly
Linked with: Faith Filled Friday 

Today, my oldest two daughters (6 and 4) were with me at Wal-mart shopping.
My girls were singing at the top of their lungs.
SERIOUSLY LOUD!
If it had been a Lady Gaga song (which it has before), I would have been kind of red faced. But the song they sung was from a Christmas CD (we are still listening too it), and I thought it best to let them sing their hearts out.
Didn't want to make them not want to spread God's word or be ashamed of it...
As we kept walking (and they were singing), we turned down this aisle where a lady with her cart stood looking at some frozen peas.
My oldest daughter froze...
Quickly, she told her sister, "Shhh! Stop singing!"
She didn't want the lady to hear her singing.
It broke my heart.
But...
Am I not the same way sometimes?
(ok... a lot)
Online, I can spout all these things about God and truly, TRULY mean them because I do want to spread God's word!
I wouldn't have two blogs if I didn't...
But, what about in "real" life?
*Do I pray when I'm by myself over lunch?
*Do I talk about the Bible in 90 days program to people I know?
Am I as bold in the world as I am in my comfortable chair writing on the internet?
I'm working on it.
How is your computer 'spiritual' life different from your 'real' life? Is there a difference? I'd love to hear from you. This is something I really want to pray about and work on.
Much Love, Kelly
***************
Don't forget, you can join the Oh That Mom Again, Bible in 90 days group :). Details are here.
And
Check out day number 200 over at encourage 365 which will be posted tomorrow... 200 consecutive days of blogging! That is definitely a miracle and a blessing :)
Linked with: Brag on God Friday



Happy 2013!!!! Last year went so fast, I have a feeling I'll be writing my 'end of the year' post next week ;)

I've been reading a lot of blog posts about resolutions, and I thought I'd do the same. Maybe 'resolutions' isn't the right word, but my goals for the year.

I'm following Brenda Rodgers from Triple Braided and divided my goals up into 5 parts:

Spiritual

• Keep up with the 365 daily reading and post on my Encourage 365 blog
• Spend at least 15 minutes a day actually studying the Bible
• Have a prayer request notebook to keep beside computer to write down any prayer requests I see throughout the day
• Pray over prayer requests more than once a day
• Pray before writing/editing/promoting. Ask God if I'm going the right direction He has for me.

• Pray for my husband daily
• Watch one movie a week with him (that's a big thing for me because I have a hard time sitting for two hours without writing)
• Pray with him before bed
• Keep the clothes and dishes washed every night (at least one load washed and put up every day), make the bed, deep clean the bathrooms 2x a week, get back on the 'cleaning train' I was on 2 years ago...

• Listen closely to them before I say an automatic 'no'
• Take more pictures as they grow
• Understand that a 'mess' isn't the end of the world even if I am tired
• Nightly prayer requests from them
• Some sort of nightly devotional

• Read at least 10 books this year
• Lose hopefully between 20-50 pounds
• Not be so hard on myself
• Take a deep breath when I feel myself getting upset

• Finish BIG is Beautiful by February
• Work on blog tour for Saint Sloan (coming out soon)
• Write 50,000 words for March deadline submission for Astraea Press
• Write and submit 4 short stories to various places
• Work out a marketing plan
• Work out a blogging schedule
• Work toward a goal I won't name on here but is a big one for me in the next 5 years

If you didn't know, I have 2 blogs. This one and one that is strictly devotional. The devotional one is called Encourage 365.

Starting Tuesday (Jan. 1st), I'm going to start blogging there daily through the 365 day Bible Reading plan (eek! I'm so excited). I've never read the Bible in a year before. I've completed the Bible in 90 days and loved it. I'm looking forward to taking more time with it, though. My brain will thank me, I think lol.

If you are interested in the program, please visit http://www.encourage365.com/2012/12/the-bible-in-365-days.html. There will be no sign-ups, no checking in... just daily devotionals and giveaways at the end of the month based on our reading... plus, I'd love to have a big giveaway at the end of the year for those of us who have kept up with the reading, but that's a ways away.

I'd love for you to participate in this with me... and of course, I'll still be writing, blogging over here :)

~Kelly

Could you use an extra $320 this Christmas? TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO ENTER!! :) CLICK HERE TO ENTER... This is a 12 day series on the STRESSES of Christmas. Day 1 was... MONEY
The second stress of Christmas is...

TIME

Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
The second stress of Christmas that really gets to me... Time spinning faster.. and not having enough Mon-ey...

2. Time
Gracious... TIME! Folks, it's already the 10th of December... DECEMBER!!! I have no idea when that happened. The last I checked it was January (I'm not entirely kidding about that... ) Rush here... rush there... when all you really want to be is home and watching Christmas movies on TV.

My kids get so tired of me going, "Run, Hurry up! We're gonna be late for school!" If it's not every week morning of this world, it's at least the ones that end with 'Y'.

In short... Time doesn't seem to be a plentiful resource.

And why is that? Sure, this time of year we have lots of things to do, people to see, plays to put on (that's what I should be doing right now instead of blogging... ), etc. I can be on the computer writing, blogging... perusing Amazon... and it can be an hour later in no time.

Maybe the reason time is so fast is because we don't take time to just relax. At my house, normally the tv is on (my oldest thought it was broke once because it was off and thought we should buy another one lol), music from youtube blaring, someone on the computer, phone... something... When you fill your head with all of this, time gets sucked away from you (I'd to see how many hours I've 'wasted' playing games... and checking my Amazon ranking for CROSSING THE DEEP ;))

We can't do anything about the places we have to go, people we have to see, programs we/our kids are in... but we can decide how we spend our 'free time'. If you are rushing here and there, is there a reason? Do you spend too much time on the computer at night and either wake up late or have to do the things you could have done at night in the morning while you are yelling at your kids to hurry up and get ready? (Yeah... I admit... that's me some mornings... sigh.)

What would happen if we slowed down, took a breath, and just enjoyed this time of year? The same 24 hours happen every day, but some feel longer than others. Pray about your time. If there is something you can cut to make things easier on yourself (and it's not a calling God wants you to do)? Are there things you can cut to make your mornings run more smoothly?

Why do you feel like time flies by so quickly during this season? Do you feel like you don't have enough time to get everything done? If not, how can you change it? (I'm asking myself these questions as well... ) ~Kelly Lord, please show us how to use our time more wisely. Let us enjoy the time of the season and not overwhelmed by it. Make sure we know that it's okay to take a breath and reflect, meditate, or even not be on the move 24/7. In Jesus's name I pray, Amen.

If you haven't noticed by now, I love to guest post. It is one of my favorite things about blogging. Now, I love writing posts for my own blogs to be sure-- but there is something, I don't know... special about being asked to write on someone else's blog.
Today, I'm guest posting over at Baby Steps Through the Bible. Megan as a wonderful site and a great love for God. The post I wrote is about a 'different' way to go through the book of Psalms. I hope you will check it out and leave a comment either here or there.
(PS, I know my links are hard to see since they are black like my text, but you can click on this to get to the post... http://www.babystepsthroughthebible.blogspot.com/ )
Much Love,
Kelly

*Happy Dance! Happy Dance! Happy Dance!!!!*

I'm so sorry that I've dropped the ball when it came to blogging about my Bible in 90 Days journey. It wasn't my intention.
BUT, I wanted to share (officially) that today is a big celebration :) Today is October 8th-- 90 days from the beginning date which was July 11th.
I finished the Bible after 78 days :)
I learned so much with this program. SO much more than I thought I would reading the Bible at such a fast pace.
It was the first time I had ever read the Bible-- and I honestly can't wait to do it again.
Some things I learned...
*Revelations isn't such a scary book after all.
*Even Paul had problems with people listening to him.
*The Gospels are hard to read right after another (because they are so similar).
*The 'lesser prophets' books are some of my favorites.
*Judges is my favorite book (but I already knew that lol)
*There are more women prophets in the Bible than I thought.
*Orphah's entire life changed because Naomi had a bad day.
*If you are having a hard time praying, read/pray a Psalm.
*Song of Songs makes me blush.
*The Jerusalem kings were succeeded by bloodline-- the Judah kings were by murder (strangely they didn't stay kings for long lol).
*"Not a single person on earth is always good and never sins." (Ecc. 7:20)
*"Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride." (Ecc. 7:8)
And so, so, so, so more! :)
I liked being accountable to read. I liked that I *had* to spend time daily reading God's word. And I'm looking forward to the next 90 day challenge :)
Much Love, Kelly 

(... and not in a good way)
Verse for the week:
1 Corinthians 13:3 If I gave everything to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it, but if I didn't love others, I would have gained nothing.
*********************** Martyr means a person who "suffers persecution and death for refusing to renounce, or accept, a belief or cause, usually religious" (according to Wikipedia.com)
That's not exactly the type of "martyr" I'm talking about today. I'm talking about when we either do something we don't want to do (and huff and puff about it) OR when we list EVERYTHING we have done and get mad when someone doesn't acknowledge it.
Our 'Martyr' today isn't a good kind--- but it is a kind I think we have all been at one time or another.
You've heard the expression "Don't be a Martyr"... yeah... don't think they were talking about how great you are...
So... why are we talking about this anyway?
Well, let me give you an example. I originally wrote this a few months ago. On the day I wrote it, I wasn't in the best mood ever. I was a "situational" martyr-- for lack of a better term.
My husband and I (and our girls) had had a long day-- and a long night with family and friends. I was worn out. Exhausted even. My oldest daughter was tired too and when we both get tired, watch out! I think we were bickering a bit (don't bicker with your kids, btw lol).
Did I mention I was tired and in a bad mood???? Well, my husband (my dear sweet husband) had the "nerve" to ask me to put the baby to bed because he had something to do!!!!
Seriously!
Ladies, you know where I am coming from?!
Before I could stop them, these words came out of my mouth. "WHAT!? Do you have ANY idea what I have done and what I HAVE to do?! I have to get the girls ready, shower, get ready for bed--- etc... etc... "
Yes, I Kelly, your facilitator on this journey of 'what is love' was being a martyr-- a martyr for myself.
Truth is, I could have very easily taken the baby and completed the two minute bedtime routine myself (she was very tired and was knocked out quickly anyway).
But the martyr came out in me. The "DON'T YOU KNOW WHAT I'VE DONE TODAY!" Diva reared her ugly head.
*I* wasn't acting out of love--
Instead I yelled. I was mad. And then later, I felt bad.
And the *worst* part (oh yes, the WORST part) was that I had to eat crow and tell him that I was sorry because once I calmed down I saw what I'd done-- and I really was sorry. I could have handled that much better than I did. Live and learn, right?
Notebook question: Now, it's your turn. Think back really hard (I know it will be hard... ;)) and think of a time when you were a "situational martyr". When you did something, but loudly proclaimed to anyone who would listen (and even to some who weren't) that you WOULD do something, but DIDN'T want too because of all the other things you HAD to do...
It is probably one of the easiest things in the world to be-- a martyr... Now a REAL martyr... a REAL FOR CHRIST Martyr would be hard to be (in my opinion), but one like we are talking about... a "worldly" martyr would be easy, and it is easy.
It is SO easy to boast, brag, complain about everything you have done-- how tired you are-- "Don't you know!?!" etc. Oh, I know...
In a way, when you tell others everything you have done, you are boasting. Boasting that you do all of this stuff-- all by yourself with not help. Please know that I know all about this lol. I really, really do lol (And my husband would vouch for me lol)
When we tell someone all of the things we do, we do it for 2 reasons. 1) For them to be impressed and say, "Wow, that's great!"
2) To vent that we have to do all that and we need sympathy
Look back to your notebook question. Which of the 2 purposes were you looking for?
There are some who do good works only when someone else is looking. There are some who will give $10000 to charity, but only if others know about it. They brag about their financial contribution to their friends. Others only give blood for the satisfaction of someone saying, "Wow, you are awesome!!!"
According to Paul, if our attitudes are like that, then our 'good works' are for nothing-- meaning they are for no Heavenly gain. Our rewards will only be what we gain here on Earth.
Think back on some of the "good works" you do. Why are you doing them? Are they out of the goodness of your heart or obligation? Are they because you want to bless others or to get recognition? Are they out of martyrdom or love?
If you answered love, then YAY! You are doing well. You are right on track. You aren't perfect, but its ok. You are working out of love. And yeah, it's ok to complain at times. We aren't robots. We all do it. But God knows our hearts, and he knows if we are coming from a place of love or 'have too'. If it is out of love, then we will gain more in Heaven than we have on Earth.
If you answered "No", that you aren't sweeping the floor 3 times a day out of the goodness of your heart, then your reward will be the clean floor here on Earth and nothing gained (from that) in Heaven. Which is fine. A clean floor is great-- but what if you could get something more? Something greater?
The GREAT thing about this is that is NEVER too late to change--- and if you falter along the way, that's ok. It's ok to make mistakes. God love us anyway. If you decide you are going to do your daily "chores" anyway--- why NOT pray to do it through love... that way you will get more rewards for it in Heaven?
Plus, anything is better and easier if you want and love to do it.
No one wants or likes to take out the trash (well some might... I won't judge you if you do lol.) To me, it's not a fun or pleasant past time. But lets think on that for a bit:
Notebook Question: Name 3 negatives for taking out the trash.
Now...
Name 3 positives for taking it out.
The basic point of this question is to let us see that even if we have things we don't like to do, we don't have to resort to being a 'martyr' to do it. We can find the positives in it and do them out of love.
Do good, whether anyone see is or not. Give without anyone knowing it to charity. Do the things you 'have' to do joyfully.
Gotta clean the toilet? Be thankful you have one.
Kids break your favorite glass bowl? Be grateful you have kids who can do that. Children are the blessing--- the glass bowl is the thing.
Paul said that 'true love'-- the kind of love we are studying about-- is not boasted about. It is not 'self-martyred' It is not flaunted like a new outfit.
We aren't perfect. We all have bad days. We have tempers. We are human. But the trick is that we need to make that 'bad day' NOT turn into a 'bad week' then a 'bad month' then a 'bad year' and finally a sad life.
We need to do our best to make a conscious decision to understand love and actually try to love others-- not just say we do. Our actions speak so much more loudly than our words.
Notebook Questions: 1) How do you, personally, show people that you love them?
2) Think about your least favorite chore ever. How can you turn that into something you like to do?
3) Name three tools you can use to stop yourself next time you fell like being a situational martyr.
This week concludes the first 3 verses of 1 Corinthians 13. They are usually called The Necessities of Love Our next three verses will deal about the characteristic actions of love.
Next week, we will study verse 4. "Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud." I think next week's study is very interesting and I hope you take the time to stop by and read along.
Here are our daily verses to get us ready for next week's post:
Tuesday: 1 Peter 4:8
Wednesday: 1 Peter 1:22
Thursday: Proverbs 10:12
Friday: Romans 12:10
Saturday: 1 Corinthians 13:4
If you have any comments about this week's study, please leave them below. I'd love to hear from you. If you'd like to participate in daily discussions, please 'like' my facebook page. I would LOVE (pun intended) to have some discussions on there about these verses. Also, my friend, Kathi-ann, has been blogging the verses every day (well, mostly every day) :) You can find her site at http://dothisinremembranceofme.wordpress.com/
If anyone else is blogging through this study, please let me know and I'll add your site.
Onward and upward :)
Much love, and thanks for taking the time to do this study with me. I really appreciate it.
Kelly