Follow Your Dreams

This morning my son read his morning devotion while gulping down his breakfast as quickly as boys do everything. After he we finished reading the devotion he had asked if I had read todays devotion of his book yet. He knows I always read his devotion along with my own. I do this so I know what he is reading, being taught and also, so that if he has any comments or questions regarding his devotion; I know exactly what he is talking about.

Although he doesn't always say much about his morning devotions, Ill occasionally hear from him "that was a good one!" and before I have the chance to respond he is off to his room to do whatever it is he is anxious to get back to..... (coughing under breath) his Mine Craft computer game addiction. He knows he isn't allowed on the computer in the morning before chores, breakfast and devotion. Which often leads me to wonder if he says "that was a good one!" only to let me know he read or should I say glanced over his devotion? At least that is what I think sometimes. I don't make a big fuss over it only because I want to keep the experience of his daily devotions positive. I don't want to jump on his case about it, then get him upset at my nagging about it, only to then resent the fact I am having him read them anyways. So, even if there are days he glances over his devotion, I do not doubt that when its necessary that GOD speaks to him no matter how quickly or not he reads.

Today for an example. I do not doubt that Hunters devotion struck a cord with him and instead of reading as fast as possible, it grabbed his attention and he read it and took it to heart. This morning I didn't get the quietly walk off after the read or the quick "it was a good one!" Instead, he asked me if I had read todays devotion just yet. To my disappointment, I hadn't gotten to it. But being the quick thinking mom I am, I replied back and said "no honey, whats it about? Will you read it to me?" In which he began to explain to me the devotions topic and point in his own words, which then gave me the opportunity to talk to him and explain to him what certain things that he had read were trying to imply and say to him and all of us about FOLLOWING OUR DREAMS!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29:11-12

Hunters devotional book that I found for him over Christmas is "Heart of an Athlete." Its a FCA (Fellow Christian Athletes) Devotional book. What I like most about it, is that its written by different real athletes and coaches. The main writer of the book is NFL Kicker, Matt Stover; Super Bowl XXXV Champion Baltimore Ravens.

It's not a book just for boys. Its for ANY athlete out there. Its for coaches, parents of athletes or anyone with a completive desire or dream.

As an athlete with a passion for sports, you have a unique view of life through a competitive lens. And yet, your drive for success and commitment to your sport may lead to being set apart from other, distancing your from friends, family, church and school.

God doesn't intend for you to go at it alone. He wants to be included in your athletics and in every other area of your life. Heart of an Athlete makes it easy to receive regular spiritual training that won't take over your workout schedule. - Heart of an Athlete Book

They say "it won't take over your workout schedule" because they know and understand a devoted athlete is busy and probably have short attention spans because their minds are always focused on how to improve for the next game the next win.

Its a short read, easy read for all ages and its set up in a friendly manner for athletes. They break it down is READY, SET, GO and OVERTIME reads in each devotion. Less than five minutes to read each morning.

Todays story was about a guy who remembers calling to his parents and telling them he was coming home yet again. He had tears in his eyes, as the Clevland Cavaliers had become his third straight NBA team that he had failed to make.

He didn't understand why this was happening to him. He thought for sure his high hopes of realizing his dream to play in the NBA had arrived when he was drafted out of the University of Iowa. But it was becoming more clear that dreams don't always come true. He felt lost. His identity was basketball. It was his life. He thought "what could the future possibly hold for him now?"

Shortly thereafter that he received an invitation to play full-time with a sports ministry team. For the next nine years he was able to travel the country (and the world) playing basketball and sharing his faith with thousands of people. The tears were long forgotten as God began using him in ways that he had never imagined.

Doesn't that seem to be God's favorite thing.... doing things in away we never imagine?

Today Dan Frost still ministers to leaders in our nation's capital and he still says that daily he is reminded just as much as he did back when he was shedding those tears and thought his dreams were lost, that GOD still holds his future then, today and tomorrow... and the futures of those around him.

What Dan is simply saying is this; "Dream BIG, follow your dreams..... but hold those plans loosely, resting securely in the knowledge that our Father may have a far different plan from our own." -Dan Frost

Having a son that is an amazing naturally talented athlete of my own. Being a girl growing up with sports and with my own competitive juices; a husband that was a professional football player and Hunters dad who is one sports driven dad himself; Hunter almost didn't stand a chance to be anything but an athlete. I always joke and say he was born with a puck in his mouth and bat and stick in his hands.

Hunter is 11-years old and his dreams are big already. He talks about wanting to play hockey at Havard. He aims to be a professional hockey player when he graduates Harvard, as many young boys and girls probably dream. When I say these things, I mean them. My son (with the help of his dad) talks about it all the time. His dad is training him that sports come before everything else (not a believer in God). While I try to train him that GOD is first and then everything else after. Its very real to him and he believes this is what his future plan will be. But I know its got to be confusing for him with two homes completely opposite of one another. One is sports driven, self driven...and the other is God driven, family driven and selfishness driven. Both so similar and yet so different by one missing factor..... GOD!

My hope for getting him this book was to train my son to be a man or athlete of character. Because without character you have nothing. Be an athlete, thats fine! But be one that glorifies God. My prayer being this, that while I support my sons BIG DREAMS and I am his biggest fan, I wanted him to have GOD on his heart first so that if these big dreams are not in GODS plan for him, my son doesn't feel he looses out in life, or is a failure or looses his identity (as so many do).

And this devotion not only touched something deep and personal for Hunter.... it touched something very personal to me as his mom. I too have big dreams for my children. I too want them to be successful, happy and all their dreams to come true. But I also want to be the one to show them and guide them that there is someone who has already written the plans for their lives, and if they only trust in those plans while following their dreams.... they can't lose! EVER! Because one way or another either their dreams will be God's plan for them - they win! Or they won't be and if they know and trust God and allow Gods plans be unfolded - THEY WIN!

So I printed out todays devotion for Hunter, I wrote a note on it and I intend to frame it for him. On my note I said that this devotion was not only a good one for him as he dreams about his future, but that this devotion is still a great one for myself, Mark and his dad to also read. Being all athletes ourselves having big dreams in sports or acting careers, we all have been there where we felt high hopes of the reality of our dreams right in front of us...... and yet something happened and it didn't turn out exactly how we planned. And although we have felt disappointed, shed our own tears. We are living proof and examples of Dan Frost in todays devotions that DREAMING BIG and FOLLOWING YOUR DREAMS is beautiful. Achieving them is the cherry on top. But more importantly its a ROCKSTAR feeling if it all comes about with GOD first in your life and HIM blessing those dreams (or not). And if yours becomes an "or not." You still can get that exciting feeling of mystery knowing that whatever GODS plans are (if not your own plans) its going to be an even more exciting, satisfying and full life you live because it will turn out ......

Like you never imagined!!!!

Trust me.... I KNOW!

Follow your dreams..... hold them loosely and pray for Gods will to be done in your life! Thank him for your gifts. For your dreams. Whatever you do.... do it to GLORIFY GOD and watch out, you may wake up and find yourself living your dream!!!

Plan B (Nashville Part III)

Sometimes life takes us for a surprising turn.  Something you never saw coming.  Something completely out of your control and comfort zone.  Something scary, heartbreaking and even sad.  You don't know where to turn.  You can't seem to gather your thoughts.  You ask God "why me? What did I do to deserve this?"

You may even express what a good person you are, and all the good deeds you do for others.  How you love people with all you have. You give, you pray and you love unselfishly.  Yet, still things turn dark and your world is broken.  Dreams are shattered.  Fears begin to sneak in and attack your every thought. You feel panic approaching behind you at any second.  You freeze.  You almost forget to breath.

People will say they'll pray for you, but that doesn't give you any answers, or any direction to start heading in while you are still stunned by all the pieces of your life you see scattered on the floor around you.

This wasn't your plan.

So who's plan is it?

The enemy?

God?

What happens when God doesn't show up the way "you" thought HE would?

As I have mentioned on my blog a few times, Pete Wilson, has written a book just about that titled PLAN B.  He is a pastor in Nashville and his first book "Plan B" is here.

Pete Wilson

Author of Plan B

 

I have been in touch with him over the last several weeks and its been confirmed that I have the privilege to have a giveaway here of TWO of his books.

Wait... there is more.  Although, not yet confirmed, I am pretty certain I can talk Pete into shipping out two 'signed' copies of this book. 

I'll reconfirm that once I get actual confirmation.  Not sure if Pete will actually have the books in hand himself and ship them to the winners, or if it will be done through publishers.  I am working on that.

Either way... you have a chance to WIN a FREE copy of his book "PLAN B."





 

Since this is a gift from someone else that I get to giveaway,  there is going to be some effort needed (a little) on your end.

We are wanting to help promote this book.  Someone out there is in need of this book in their life.  Maybe you, someone you know or someone you are totally unaware of but is either a friend of yours, follows you on Twitter, Facebook or your Blog.  While you try to win your own free copy of this book, lets get the word out there for others who may also really need to read this book. 

I also am getting a copy and can't wait to read it.  So here is what I am asking of you to spread the word and increase your chance of winning your own FREE BOOK.

• Leave a comment here at the end of this post letting me know you want to win
• Friend me on Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Tweet about this giveaway and book
• Post about it on your own Facebook profile
• Blog about it
• Post about my blog and this giveaway on your own blog (5 extra points)
• Mention my blog on any of the three locations (Facebook, Twitter, Your Blog)

{Copy and paste this link in your Twitter, Facebook and Blog post} (http://www.mistyrice.me/)

When you leave your comment let me know what out of the list above you have done. For each item you can check off above, you get a point.  That means for each point you get, that is the number of times your name will go into the drawing for the giveaway.  

The first giveaway will end next Thursday (April 15th) at midnight. I'll announce the winner sometime  by the weekend.  That gives you a full week to get the word out about this book and blog about it.  If you tweet multiple times, or mention it in your status MY BLOG (www.mistyrice.me) and the GIVEAWAY during this week, leave me another comment so I can check it out and add that to your count.

{Copy and paste this link in your Twitter, Facebook and Blog post} (http://www.mistyrice.me/)

Sound like fun?  I think so. I am super excited about this giveaway.

So go out and spread the word.

Also, although I couldn't resize this video to fit my blog post, I wanted to share it anyways for those that have not had the chance to see it.  

Here is the video promo of the book "PLAN B" that I filmed on my visit to Nashville.  

There you have it (Part I, Part II and Part III) of my trip to Nashville.  A pretty exciting trip all done in a 24 hour period.  Crazy right?

God is so amazing that way.

Have a blessed day.  

**For those that don't want to wait or participate in the drawing and rather just purchase your own book, I have given you the link right here to do so.  

Plan B (Nashville Part II)

Yes, I know this is really, really, really..... REALLY OVERDUE.

However, my life shortly after that made that trip to Nashville, took an unexpected turn of it's own, and I am currently dealing with my real life "Plan B."

Remember this post? I traveled to Nashville to film a video promo for Pete Wilson's book 'Plan B'?

You will have to check out THAT post for photos and video from the filming shoot if you missed it.

Do you remember me also saying that I had negotiated Pete a little 'trade out' for my travels to Nashville?

Do you also remember me saying that I would write another post with those details?

Well, lucky you... this is that post today. *smiling* Its seems like months ago, but this was only February.

By the way, are all of you ready for Easter this weekend? I am finding it harder and harder to prep for anything ahead of time like I used to do so well. I am becoming more and more of procrastinator and I don't like to say that out loud. I don't considered myself to be one to procrastinate at all. I am a go getter and doer. Until these last couple of years now having two children, schedules and travels to keep up with, I now seem to plan for holidays, birthdays and special occasions at the last minute.

My point is...... I am going shopping this evening after Morgans nap for the "Easter Bunny."

Nashville Part II.

Once upon time......

Just kidding!

Two-years ago this month, I was a pretty BIG pregnant girl women, ready to burst. My dear BFF told me of another pregnant women and of her blog. We (the blogger and myself) had the same exact due dates of April 14th. Both of us were also carrying daughters. I thought how fun and exciting, and I couldn't wait to get online to check out her blog.

Unfortunately, my BFF being the best of friends she is, would not allow me to view this bloggers website until AFTER I had given birth to my own daughter. That of course, for me, is NOT cool. I went into asking question after question, for I wanted the details and to know WHY? I don't like being in suspense at all.

She would not share no matter how many times I bugged her about it.

On April 14, 2008 at 8:16 AM I gave birth to my healthy beautiful daughter MacKenzie Morgan Paige. It was a beautiful spring day in Florida. I remember it well.

About a week or so after going home with my new bundle of joy, my BFF finally gave me the link to that blog.

I remember getting the kids down for bed, husband in bed and I was sitting up on the couch alone with my laptop reading her blog. Tears begin to fall, my heart ached and broke for what I was reading.

Her story touched me so deeply, and I instantly grew a bond with her forever.

A lot of us being in the same blogging circle know her well and her daughter's story.

Her beautiful daughter Audrey Caroline, was diagnosed with a heart defect and wasn't expected to make it to birth. A week before her due date, her mother was scheduled for a c-section to deliver her little girl. On April 7th, Audrey Caroline was born, and she lived for 2 1/2 hours. Her mother was able to hold her, hear her little heart beat, kiss her, feel her breath and see her eyes. After 2 1/2 hours in her mothers arms, and her sisters sitting on the bed around her and their mother, she quietly slipped away and into the opened arms of Jesus, her Heavenly Father.

I cry as I type this, thinking about her story. I remember how I felt the first time I read her story and two years later I still feel that way.

April of 2008... two mothers due on April 14th. Two mothers gave birth to their daughters. Only one mother went home with her arms full, and the other went home broken hearted and with empty arms.

Something about that seems so unfair. Even though I am the mom with the full arms.... it still feels unfair.

April 2008, one angel God chose to stay for His purpose, and one chosen to return early for HIS purpose. Little Audrey Caroline has touched so many lives in her months in her mothers womb and her brief 2 1/2 hours here on earth. I only hope and pray that I can reach that many lives and share the story of my Savior as that little redhead beauty has. I hope that I am able to raise my daughter in a way that is pleasing to Jesus. That she becomes a so filled with her own love for Jesus, that she'll be used by her creator to tell a beautiful story that was written by Him.

A year went by and here we are with another passing year. Has it already been two-years? Two years since my little princess was born, and two years since her little princess took her last breath? A part of me is sad in many ways. Sad because my little girl is growing up so quickly, and very sad to see that my new friend isn't getting to celebrate the birthday of her little girl once again. Instead, its another hard milestone to face.

I read her blog (every post) and I always admire her beauty, her strength and even her humor. I had hoped to meet her one day, and always imagined what that greeting would be like. I imagined us both just meeting eye-to-eye, face-to-face with an instant bond, huge hugs and tears down both of our face. I simply just wanted to hug her. Not that she necessarily would want to hug me back the same.

Never did I know this day would actually come, and I would have the chance to meet her.

Then Nashville and Plan B came into the picture.

I am sure most of you know who I am talking about.... and with out further waiting. I asked Pete if he would have any pull with setting it up so that I could meet my sister in Christ, Angie Smith.

Not only did Pete know Angie well, she also attends his church where he is the pastor. He wrote me back with wonderful news and a few more surprises.

1) Yes, that he was able to set it up so that I can meet Angie.

Angie, also knew of me, as we had been in communication through the blogging world, and as well she new my BFF and a couple of others from my church. Small world, right?

To my surprise she told Pete she knew who I was and was just as excited to meet me.

As if that wasn't exiting enough, Pete also told me that her husband Todd Smith, who is a singer in the band Selah, whom was supposed to be out of town, is now in town, and will also be joining in that greeting. He made dinner reservation for his wife Brandi, (whom I call a friend of mine now) himself, me, Angie and Todd Smith.

2) I then get another email a few days later saying that one of Angies BFF's, and also blogger/mommy, Jessica Turner. Whom I also follow and know through blogging. That her and her husband, Matthew Turner, also wanted to join us for dinner.

WOW!!!!

What an unexpected, joyful, wonderful and amazing surprise for me.

I arrived in Nashville. I filmed the video. The book will be released in one month now.

Then evening falls and its time for dinner.

Yet, I am given another surprise.

Angie and her entire family are meeting us at The Wilson's home, so her little girls can hangout with their little boys (3 girls and 3 boys, by the way).

Its time.

They arrive, the doorbell rings and my heart beats with excitement and I must admit, I'm a little nervous. I didn't want to play out my original imagined greeting there in the house in front of all the kids and other adults. So I gathered my composer, I walked around the corner and I see three beautiful little girls walk through the door and one of the most beautiful women (inside and out) that I have ever met. We both smiled, hugged and smiled again. I am quickly introduced to her daughters, Ellie, Abby and Kate, and her husband Todd.

They are everything you would expect them to be in person, and much more. What a lovely, God centered and God loving family.

We finally get the kids settled in with the sitter and we load up in Pete and Brandi's car. The cold air so crisp and fresh.

You would have thought we've all been friends for years during that drive to dinner. We were talking and laughing, telling story after story. It was a very humbling and rewarding moment.

Once we arrived at our dinner place, Bri Bistro Italiano (need I say more?). We are quickly greeted by Jessica and Matthew.

Okay, I seriously started to wonder if everyone in Nashville were as nice as these folks I am having the pleasure to eat dinner with tonight. Jessica gave me a hug, I shook Matthew's hand and instantly became friends.

Jessica is one smart cookie. This girl is fun, and loves to share in on good deals. Such a great personality and big heart for moms. Matthew, a doting dad, and a blogger himself. I need to find his blog again. They are new parents to a little boy, and both just love him and God so much. Such a pleasure to have met them.

As we are seated around our dinner table, the conversations all quickly begin, the food is being ordered and laughter fills the room. At one point I remember fading off into my own thoughts for a second, while looking where I was sitting. I was sitting with some amazing people. I felt that God was up to something but I wasn't sure what exactly. All I know is that in that moment, everything was right. I felt blessed.

At another moment, I remember sitting there thinking about Angie as she sat there next to me, telling many of her funny stories. And she had lots of funny stories. As she was talking, I remember thinking of Audrey. Thinking "this beautiful mother next to me, lost her child." I quickly had to break my thoughts or I would have just lost it right then and there. I honestly just can not imagine that kind of loss or pain.

However, I remember thinking that I had not mentioned Audrey at all. I didn't want to be the one to bring up something so fragile and painful. I also didn't want to be just another one of those that didn't bring it up, like it was the forbidden fruit to talk about, or to have her feel that she wasn't able to talk about her daughter with me. When I saw the door open for a moment to ask her, I gently tapped her arm and said "I think about Audrey often." She smiled, her eyes so gentle and you could tell how much joy it brought to her just to have heard the name Audrey. As we talked for a moment, we also got to talking about her current pregnancy. What a beautiful pregnant lady she makes. She had the "glow" although before dinner that evening she wasn't feeling all that well. This pregnancy has made her tired. She is expecting another daughter and soon she will be the mother of five princesses.

Ahhhh.... what a night. What a trip.

I still sit here all wide eyed and amazed, how God shows us HIS love, beauty and grace every single day. I often wonder how often does God try to say hello to me in some subtle way that I miss every day, or take for granted?

Because of conflict in schedule of work and travels, I wasn't going to make that trip to Nashville. Someone else would have filled in my spot. Instead, God said "no, this is YOUR trip Misty. I have some special people for you to meet."

And that I did.

And as if that wasn't exciting enough..... I have MORE SURPRISES to come (Nashville Part III). You are going to like this.

Look out for that post to come very soon. Not like in a couple of months soon, but in like a day or two soon. Its so exciting that I can't wait to write the post and publish it already.

I hope you and yours has a very blessed Easter holiday.

18 days....

and my butterfly will be two years old. I can't believe it. Sniff. Sniff.

contagious

Dictionary entry overview: What does contagious mean?

• CONTAGIOUS (adjective)
The adjective CONTAGIOUS has 2 senses:

1. easily diffused or spread as from one person to another
2. (of disease) capable of being transmitted by infection

Familiarity information: CONTAGIOUS used as an adjective is rare.

Dictionary entry details

• CONTAGIOUS (adjective)

Meaning:

Easily diffused or spread as from one person to another

Context example:

a contagious grin

Similar:

infectious (easily spread)

When we think of the word 'contagious' we normally think of something bad. It typically says to our brain "stay away" and "don't come in contact".

Today we are going to think of 'contagious' as something wonderful and tell your brains to "catch it" and to "try and get it."

My example for today is my neighborhood crossing guard.

I don't know his name. I have never had a conversation with him (until this morning), becuase with his kind of words, there is no need for more sometimes.

I have wanted to take his picture to show as an example many times, but didn't want him to think I was weird or anything. Instead, I looked online and found other photos of cross-guards to use in this post. However, I just had to get HIS photo, because I want to give you a face of the man that I am talking about.

This morning on my way to take Hunter to school, I rolled down my window and said hello, and asked if I could take his photo. In which he joyfully smiled. It gave me the opportunity to A) say hello to this friendly stranger I see every day and B) use this as an example to not only myself, but to my son.

The conversation went like this:

Me: Honey, you see this guard here on the right?

Hunter: Yea.

Me: Watch him when I pull up, he will be smiling.

Hunter: How do you know?

Me: Because, he smiles every day, haven't you noticed?

Hunter: (Looking with curiosity out of the window)

Me: See, he is smiling as he always is.

(I pull up to the stop sign and roll down my window)

Me: (to cross-guard): Good morning. I was just telling my son about your contagious smile.

Crossguard: Good morning (with a hand reaching to his hat, as he nods his head in a delightful greating).

Me: Do you mind if I take your picture and use you as an example?

Crossguard: I just hope there isn't anything in my teeth. (smiling)

Me: Thank you and have a wonderful day.

Me: Did you know that by choice that gentleman chooses to smile every day? Noone knows what his week has been like, or if he had a bad morning or if his life isn't all fun and joy right now. Because even if it was, he makes the choice to smile and be happy and thankful with his life today, and now.

He could choose to just stand there, be grumpy and not smile or look anyone in the eye. But he chooses other wise.

Just like you chose to express attitude this morning over something small. You need to learn to make better choices in the type of attitude you want to express and show to those around you.

I want you, buddy, to practice being positive and contagious, and see how many people you can make smile and feel good in your day.

Then, I gave him an example for him to use at school today.

There is a young girl in his class that for whatever reason will do things that are gross, out of dares of her classmates, just to get the attention from them. Her recent stunt, licking the classroom floor with her tongue. They all laughed at her and say how gross she is. Although, she laughs with them and doesn't seem to mind it, I think later it could, or maybe already is when she is by herself and not having to put up the "front" to her classmates.

Me: (continuing) Hunter, if they try to dare her to do something today, or she is even asking for a dare. Its all because she just wants attention. Why don't you surprise her, stand up for her and say something like "Julie (name change for her privacy), I think you are funny without having to do anything gross. You don't have to do gross stuff to make me laugh."

Maybe those little words by one person can change the way she feels about herself and how she feels she needs to behave to get the wrong kind of attention.

Now, if only we 'adults' can have that same kind of class. Well, we can, but most of us choose not to.

I always laugh and say that we are just a bunch of over grown kids ourselves, some never willing to just grow up and be mature.

So, today I encourage YOU to make a choice and choose to be CONTAGIOUS. Be contagious in our body launguage, your facial expressions, your tone and your words. Choose to smile today and pass the contagiouness on. Make someone else smile today.

Today, I ask, who can I bless today? How can I be contagious? How can I choose to make a positive choice over a negative choice? Yesterday, I had a choice in my life, in a very important area of my life. I chose to do make the contagious and positive choice, and boy am I thankful I did.

Because, at the end of the day, I too was blessed. My family was blessed. And it simply felt nice to put a smile on someone else faces and bless that person even more.

Try it, I dare you. Go out and be contagious!

Oh, and while I am at it, say hello to your cross-guards. He/she may not be as happy and smiley as mine, but maybe your hello can make them smile at that very moment! Make their day. Appreciate your cross-guards. Even if you can't stop, roll down your window and smile, honk your horn and give them a big smile and wave.

You can say a lot without words, just like this fella in this photo does everyday!!!

paper

I hope everyone had a warm and sunny weekend like we did here in South Florida. Oh, ooops, where are my manners. Sorry my TEXAS friends and family, just had to rub it in a little.

Seriously, nine inches of snow in TEXAS, in March?? Whoa!

My mom sent me this little video via text message of her snow filled yard she woke up to this morning. I never had snow like that as a kid that I can remember in Texas.

Well, it was indeed very beautiful here this weekend. I ended up spending Saturday afternoon at the baseball field watching my little man play an awesome game. The ending was such a fun one to watch. Then I got home and went to the pool for a couple of hours. I met this really beautiful young 22-year-old college girl. I asked her if I can take the chair next to her and the conversation quickly began with no pause. She was studying finances and already has been offered a job in Manhattan come 2011. We talked about life, boyfriends, careers, marriage, the future, children and so much more. I often found myself admiring her long beautiful blonde hair and her youthful tall (5'10") figure and full lips with beautiful teeth. Part of me wanted to envy her and throw myself a pitty party of feeling so old. After all we were 10 years apart.

But as we sat there chatting and getting along so well, the age gap disappeared. She really had her head on strong, and suddenly I didn't feel so old sitting next to her. I just felt like a girl chatting with a another girl. After all that is what we really are, just two girls sitting there chatting.

There were so many things from Beth Moores book coming to mind as I sat there and spoke with her. I took that very opportunity to share some of the book with her and hopefully sent her on her way feeling a little more secure at 22 years old, as I am trying to be at 32 years old. It was refreshing to be outside and hear someone of her age to be so mature.

But lets not talk about the two hour sunburn suntan on one side of my body and face I walked away with. I guess, if you see another blonde girl with the opposite side of her body sunburned as well, you will know who my acquaintance was. *giggle*

So, a guy sent me a letter this morning that he wrote and gave to his pastor and wife. He and his wife were struggling of their 23 year marriage. He wanted a divorce. He didn't share details with me, but he said he had been reading my post and that God placed it on his heart to share with me. I asked him if I could share his letter with everyone here on my blog.

He replied: YES, You may use it!! For I think that ALL MEN should hear this!!!

Here is what he wrote to his wife and shared with his pastor:

Hello,

First, let me thank you for allowing me to stand up today! I wanted to say more about the Paper, Sorry for not giving you one!!

God has brought a SIMPLE piece of paper in my life to see what I have!! PLEASE, Let me tell you the story??

I was getting ready to write something on a PLAIN piece of paper one day and I was told to stop! It was like someone telling me to just look. I looked at the paper over and over, then I heard "turn it over." When I did, it was the same as the other side. "Now, look back at the other side with a magnifying glass. Do you see the imperfections?" Yes!

This piece of paper is like US! On the outside we look pure, but if you look closer you can see that we are not. Is ALL paper the same? NO! Like us we are ALL different on the INSIDE.

While looking at the paper, I noticed how delicate it was, like a woman's heart. Then... I was to tear it. It tore easy, like a woman's heart does. And then I wrote something on the paper then erased it. Is it really ALL gone? NO... some of it still remains. Does it ever go away? We would hope, but it does not.

I can tell you that about 2 months ago "I" was ready to give up on our marriage! I had had enough!! This is when all this paper thing came about! I was asked to look at both sides of the paper........ They look the same to me, so WHY? I was asked "do you think that the grass is greener on the other side?" I had to stop there, take a long look at myself! WOW.... Its not! Its the exact same!

My wife, she asked of 3 things of me that is dear to her heart. I really had a set back, because "I" wasn't giving that to her. I was starting to see were this was going! I was scared!

I have made a commitmeant to look at my marriage a different way than I was looking at it. Now, I see my bride like I saw her almost 23 years ago! I have a lot of work to do and I intend not to stop! In other words, I will finish what I started!

Wow. Right?

I know. He told me he could tell I was a very Godly Women and to stay that way. That he had once turned away from God, angry at him for things physically happening to him over the last few years. He asked if I would just pray for him and he would pray for me the same.

Most of my readers are female. Occasionally, I will get a brave male reader to step out and say hi, or comment about a post I have written. One male reader once said that although my blog is predominately geared towards women, that the way I write, is refreshing and interesting. He liked hearing things from a 'womens' perspective.

So, maybe tonight, this letter was placed on this guys heart to share with me, because there is someone out there that maybe needs to read it also. And since he doesn't have a blog to share it on...... its being shared here.

I think it is important for all of us to simply take the time and be aware of how we communicate with one another. Too often people forget to use their "sensitivity chip" that we all have programed in us. We get too caught up in our own thoughts, words and feelings that we forget about how we could be making the person around us feel.

I have been guilty of this SO MANY TIMES. I have also been victim of it SO MANY TIMES.

Although, that letter was written to his wife. It can be used as an expression for all of us as human beings. We are all fragile. We are all the same, but different in many ways too.

I love visuals and I will never look at a piece of paper the same. I want to take this myself and practice being more sensitive to those I come in contact with. Be more aware of my words, my facial expressions and let them know I am there.

This goes for our kids too.

Way too often adults (parents) are so caught up with being parents, that they forget they're children, and are just as fragile. I see it a lot in the sports active parents/kids. Parents often forget how easily their words can hurt a child. Words that will stick with that child for a long time, and may never fully be erased from their memory or hearts.

We all demand respect. Everyone deserves respect. Your husbands, your wives and your children. So the next time you feel like being selfish and just spewing out your words.... think of the delicacy of the person you are looking at and think "PAPER."

No such thing

as perfect people.

I owe everyone an apology. As I said in my last post, I have never fasted before. Ever. With having never fasted before, I also didn't know that when you do choose to fast, you are not supposed to tell others, or share it or 'boast' about it.

I wasn't boasting about it on my blog. My heart is not of that nature. I was simply giving everyone the explanation why I wouldn't be on my blog, Facebook or Twitter, so when you didn't receive a reply from me, you knew it was because I was away.

I apologize for not knowing the scripture more on this, but now I do and I have learned.

Thank you all for the prayers, emails, comments and support. Sometimes you can feel so alone in this world, right? Thank God for not letting us actually BE alone in this world.

I am back, and boy did I have an interesting week. I am pretty tired today, as I had a pretty rough night last night.

I continue to need your prayers. I really do.

I'll share when the time is right, but don't worry, GOD knows exactly what I am dealing with. He knows my hurts, my fears and my hearts plea.

I do need a miracle.

God may have decided to close that door for me, and that's okay. I am still blessed and I still believe with all my heart and soul that He has GREATER things ahead for me. I have to keep my head up and my strength up for that.

This morning I ended up over sleeping an hour and my son was late to school. Although, he didn't seem to mind. I was that exhausted after my day and evening yesterday. I woke up this morning feeling like I have been hit with a ton of bricks, and the bricks are all just sticking to me like this huge massive weight as I walk around. Ugh.

But this morning while making up the beds I heard this song come on 'Perfect People' and it caught my ear and I know God was saying hello to me and reminding me that 'there are no such thing as perfect people" and that I am free from trying to find away to be perfect. I am free of trying to be the perfect wife. I will never be. I am free from trying to be the perfect mother. I will never be. I am free from being the perfect women. I will never be.

But I am "fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalms 139:14

Never let them see you when you're breaking

And never let them see you when you fall

That's how we live

And that's how we try

Tell the world you've got it all together

And never let them see what's underneath

We cover it up with a crooked smile

But it only lasts for a little while

There's no such thing as perfect people

There's no such thing as a perfect life

So come as you are, broken and scarred

Lift up your heart and be amazed

And be changed by a perfect God, yeah

Suddenly it's like a weight is lifted

When you hear the words that you are loved

He knows where you are and where you've been

And you never have to go there again, no

There's no such thing as perfect people

And there's no such thing as a perfect life

So come as you are, broken and scarred

Lift up your heart and be amazed

And be changed by a perfect God

Who lived and died to give new life

To heal our imperfections

So look up and see love

And let grace be enough, oh

There's no such thing as perfect people, yeah

There's no such thing as a perfect life

So come as you are, broken and scarred

Lift up your heart and be amazed

And be changed by a perfect God

By a perfect God, yeah

By a perfect God, yeah

By a perfect God

By a perfect God

Be changed by a perfect God

Be changed

You know how often in life when it rains..... it POURS!

Well our trip to Disney was no exception.

This gives you a little idea of what my trip to Disney World was like with the kids. I'll post more pics and more upbeat post here soon. I haven't fully gone off the deep end. I am trying to keep my spirits focused on God and the bigger picture, although right now, in the midst of the storms.... I feel like I could die. And a part of me has.

Greater Things.

As things are continuing to change in my life, I see Greater Things ahead of me. Through all the heartache, the doubts, the questions, the whys.... I still praise and give thanks. I still see visions of greater things that God has planned in my life.

When I feel like everything just seems so messed up and so confusing, maybe even wrong... I stop and I trust in Him, and then I see GREATER THINGS.

Tonight my church has put a challenge out for us to fast this week for seven days. I have never fasted in my entire life. I know some people fast a day, some fast for a few days and some have even fasted for longer. Our challenge is seven days. It can be a 'modern' fasting I guess as a way to look at it. We have options to choose from in our form of fasting. It has to be something that really consumes a lot of our time, thoughts and energy (TV, cell phones, food, sweets, social networks, etc.) that would really provide you a challenge to commit to for seven days. This way, every time you are tempted to break your fasting and do whatever it is you gave up for the week, you will be reminded to stop and pray. The old traditional way of fasting, which also was an option to choose from, is going with out food. This way when your stomach growls of hunger you would stop and pray through that hunger pain. You didn't have to fast for the entire seven days without food, but you had choices of giving up certain foods items or number of meals for the day. I personally can't do that for seven days, with my metabolism, current body weight and the stress I am currently under, it would not be healthy for me to do that. Instead, I have chosen to fast on social network sites (blogs, twitter and facebook).

For me that will be (as silly as this sounds) pretty hard. Being alone most of my days other than with the kids, these social network sites are my adult play and interaction into the real world when home all day alone. I realize I visit them many times a day and for that, I realize that would be a huge portion of my day to give in prayer.

All the other fasting options I really don't give much time to as is, so for me to fast on those items, it wouldn't really open more time for prayer during my day (sweets, TV watching, eating meats, etc.) Out of the list, social network sites, I realize, would be the most tempting for me. Therefor, would be the one thing that would give me more reminders and discipline to stop and pray throughout the days.

So here I go.

Thankfully its spring break this week for Hunter and so Ill have both kids home with me to keep me from feeling isolated, lonely and becoming depressed. HA! Then I come back in a week crazy and ready for a different kind of fasting... LOL.

With that, I would like to end by saying a prayer for all of you and ask that you say a prayer for me, and I will be back in a week.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I want to take this time to give thanks in this new day. Thank you for the loving people you have placed in my life to protect me, love me, support me and encourage me. Lord, thank you for the difficult people you place in my path to challenge me to love only the way you could love, even when someone is unloveable. Thank you for my two beautiful children and their unconditional love for me. I am blessed.

Lord, I want to take this weeks fasting challenge to heart. I want to challenge myself to pray without so many distractions in my way. As I start this week with this challenge, I would like to start tonight by praying for my social networking friends, real life friends and family. Even the friends I have never met in person, but have come to appreciate and care for through blogs, Facebook and Twitter. I pray that their week is filled with blessings and joy. I pray for those that are struggling. I pray for those that are hurting, sick and even lost. I just want to say thank you for these friends that through these social networks have become a part of my life. I hope to meet them face to face one day and give them all a real Jesus kind of love - hug. Thank you for my church, Lord, and all the things you are doing with it.

Lord, although I am journeying through some difficult choices and times in my life right now, I thank you for the strength, the peace and the support you have placed in my life. I know this kind of strength and peace could only come from You, Lord. Please forgive me of my sins, and where I fail you and fail those you place in my life to love and protect. Please help me to be quick to listen and slow to anger with those that I feel hurt me. Let me love them like You love them, no matter what. Please provide me with the right amount of patients with my children this week. Let not my personal stresses to be taken out on them. Lord, place people in my path daily and show me how I can be, and allow me to be a blessing in their lives.

Lord, use me. I give You all that I am. I open up all my secrets, my hurts, my issues and my heart. I lay it all out to you Lord, as you know them anyways. I ask that you take all the good and all the bad in my life and use it to Glorify you and to full fill the purpose you have in my life. I want to leave this world known as a God fearing women, with a legacy with your name all over it. Lord, with saying those words, even writing them for the public to read. I ask that you give me the extra courage I need to get up and out of my comfort zone and step out and start being courageous and serving You, by serving others. Let me get out of "Misty's" selfish world, and let me serve and focus on others in need. Lord, I don't know what plans you have for me or where I will end up. I ask that you circumcise my ears and my heart, so I can hear you speak to me, and put my hands and feet into action. Where do I start?

Please remove all my fears and all the intimidations that hold me back, if this is the direction you want me to go. I want to go on missionary trips, Lord, and provide my hands and heart to the poor. I want to work with sick children. I want to encourage girls and mothers. There is so much I know I can do, but I always make excuses to hold myself back. Please remove all my fears and insecurities so I can show up and serve YOU. I want to be broken and exposed to life outside of my little world that I feel is so rough right now. Use me Lord. Use me for Greater Things... in Your name.

Amen.

I pray that you all have a blessed week....... and I'll be back in a week. Maybe.

Just kidding... I'll be back.

In the meantime, I am really behind on uploading pictures on my camera. Ill have plenty when I return of the kids so tonight I'll leave you with these two handsome men to admire. The first two men in my life once I left the nest. These boys are going on 14 years old (human years). They are my little sweet old men now.

Shilo

Milo