I made this cute little banner to hang over our manger scene.  I saw it on Etsy and thought… I can make that!!!!!!!!  So I did   LOL  As it hangs in my living room it makes me smile.  I walk past it and it truly helps me to remember what it is that I believe.  (Want to WIN one of your own??  read to the end of the post to find out how!!)

I can honestly say that I have deep seeded beliefs.  My entire life has been molded and shaped mostly by my faith and by those who have taught me what SHOULD BE even if that isn’t necessarily what IS.  I know that people are affected by their life experiences but for me it seems that instead of being shaped by experiences in my life, I have been affirmed by them.  If that makes any sense…  I haven’t been changed by these experiences but I now cling to these things that I believe, even more tightly now because I KNOW that these things are true!  From the abundance blessings that have been given to me I know that I am a daughter of the MOST high King.

So today… I will let you in on a few things I believe:

I believe that God, is our Heavenly Father who seeks prosper us and not to harm us, to give us HOPE and a future.

I believe that Jesus, the Son of God, was sent to die on the cross for the atonement of our sins and to make a way through himself to the Father.

I believe that the Holy Spirit completes the Trinity.  I believe that the Holy Spirit is real and lives inside me every single day.  I know that this is true because I can feel that sweet tug and gentle guidance that the Spirit gives me in times of need or joy.

I believe that the Bible is not just reading material.  Its a real, living, inspired God breathed instruction manual for life.  I have read the Bible from cover to cover.  I believe that it important to KNOW the Bible in its entirety to be able to correctly interpret the sum of its parts.

I believe that we are to live according to the laws of Moses but in the FREEDOM of the Church of Acts and in the spirit of the Apostle Paul and the Corinthians.  When Jesus died the veil was TORN and therefore I am happy that we can live in a church that has the freedom to worship.

I believe that the world is a beautiful place, that humans are good whether they have gone awry or not.  I believe that everyone has the ABILITY to do good and choose the RIGHT over the WRONG.

I believe that there is a RIGHT and a WRONG and nothing in between.  There is no gray area.  There is no justification.  I choose not to be lukewarm because I would rather not be spewed from His mouth. (Revelation 3:16)

I believe in the Truth.  I believe that half truths are lies.  I believe that “thou shalt not lie” and I have a very guilty conscience which rarely allows for stretching the truth!  LOL

I believe that my life was divine instituted and the plan for it was conceived long before I was.

I believe that everyone has a purpose in life and once their divine purpose has been fulfilled their time on earth is finished.

I believe that there really is something to be being a “good” person.

I believe in random acts of kindness.

I believe that lots of things that happen to us in life are RARELY about “us” and more about who we are to BE to someone or what we are charged with doing to help someone else.

I believe that you are to choose the right no matter what the outcome.  It doesn’t matter what the bum on the street is going to do with that dollar bill, you are to provide it to him.  Whatever you do for the LEAST of these brothers… you have done for Christ.  (Matthew25:31-46)

I believe that there are miracles that happen around us each day.  We should take a little time everyday to be still and know that HE is God.  To SEE the wonder in the world that we live in.

I believe that you must STAND for SOMETHING or you will FALL for ANTYTHING.

I believe that Christmas is magical and that there is nothing more beautiful that the glow of a Christmas tree.

I believe that children can hear the heartbeat of God.

I believe that love never dies.  I believe that love bears ALL things, believes ALL things, HOPES all things, ENDURES all things.  I honestly believe that LOVE never fails.  It may get lost along the way but it will never fail.

I believe that the best smell on earth is warm baked cookies and the smell of my own pillow.

I believe that no matter how hard you try you will eventually fail at something in life but that should not stop you from trying.

I believe that no matter hard you fall you can ALWAYS get up and move on.  There is no “laying down to die”.

I believe that sometimes you have to help YOURSELF.  There is only so much that others can do for you.  Sometimes even Doctors need your help to be able to help you.

I believe that you should live like you were dying and enjoy every single moment and every single breath.

In the spirit of today’s post… I am offering a little giveaway… I handmade myself this bunting to go over our manger scene this year and I want to share this with YOU!  Leave a comment and tell me what it is that YOU believe and I will randomly choose a commenter to receive a copy of my “believe” banner to add to your holiday decor!  YAY!!!!!  Comments will close on Monday at noon.  I hope to ship this Monday afternoon so that you can get it ASAP!!!  So get those comments rolling and let me know what it is that YOU believe!

Recent Comments:

• XXX says A tip to save some cash when enjoying movies it that instead of heading to the movies on a busy [more]
• daphne says I JUST LOVE YOU!!! You always amaze me. You’re wonder womman of another kind!! I know it’s hard to BE [more]
• Jen says We are currently going through a pregnancy possibly affected by VACTERL…having more tests run. Would like to discuss some [more]
• Jen says Hi Amber! It’s lunchablemommy – actually not on A full cup anymore, so I wanted to send you my [more]
• Tracy says Love it! That is something Maggie would do. She loves Disney Princess stuff too. LOL. [more]

• November 24, 2009 -- Be Still my heart… (er.. nose)
• November 12, 2009 -- For God has NOT given us a spirit of fear…
• November 11, 2009 -- It can’t end this way….
• November 10, 2009 -- Heroes and Villains
• November 9, 2009 -- 7 weeks Till Christmas

Leah (who has an incredibly cute little girl!) awarded me this award:

So here are the rules:
1) Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged me.
2) Tell those 7 people they’ve been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving.
3) Share “10 Honest Things” about myself.

So my 7 awards go to:

1: Michelle at MoneySavingMadness.com because she always has the inside scoop and breaks the news on so many new hot deals!

2: Briana at Bargain Briana because she rocks the Meijer deals!

3: Heather at Life in a Small town because if we met IRL we would be buddies ( I just know it!)

4: Rhoda at Southern Hospitality because I love to oogle at her amazing decor posts!  I wish I was as adept with spray paint as her!

5: Lynette at Dancing Barefoot on Weathered Ground because she never fails to inspire me!

6: Jessica (and Eithene) at From the Banks of Jordan because Eithene and Kyleigh are sistah’s (almost like sisters but in different states!

7: Kelly at CHD Babies for her valiant effort at bringing awareness to Congenital Heart Disease

And about me……. 10 honest things…

1) I am WAY too addicted to many series TV shows this season!  I mean really when you MUST watch your  TIVO’ed episodes the same week because it fills your memory completely… that means you have too many!  (Seriously… House, Castle, Grey’s Anatomy, The Office, Community, Law and Order, NCIS, Eastwick, Modern Family, Cougar Town, and the list goes on… sigh).  It is one of the things Troy and I love to do together though, snuggle in our bed and watch our big ole TV…

2) I sleep with the TV on.  I have never been “afraid” of the dark I just need something to distract me when I am drifting off to dreamland.  I used to be scared that a Tornado would come through town and I just KNEW that if it came late at night Bill Meck (local weather guy) would make a bulletin on TV and I would somehow magically wake up and hear it!  As of late, its just to drown out the noise in my head… (won’t go there).

3) I wear flip flops in the snow.  No joke. Not just after pedicures (which I haven’t had in over a YEAR now!  sigh… thus is the nature of Dave Ramsey…) but like all the time!  I have recently switched to ballet flats (which I loved as a kid and STILL love now!)

4) My favorite piece of clothing is my 3/4 sleeve Zebra jacket!  I paid way more than my budget on it and have worn the life out of it and still can get rid of it!

5) I am a bit of a scrooge.  I just cannot bring myself to go into a Gymboree store when I know there is a Yard Sale, Ebay listing, Craiglist or Consignment shop out there that will have those items in them in less than 3 months for 1/4 of the price!!!  I know… its a sad state of affairs.  There is also something about the $9.99 price tag threshold… I think every piece of clothing I own (except the Zebra jacket) I paid $9.99 or less for!

6) I don’t eat Vegetables.  Like not any, ever, I do not like them Sam I am.  I do not like them on a plate.  I do not like them with a Steak!  The closest I come to veges are potatoes, corn and salsa!

7) I am smitten with polka dots.  I don’t care what atrocity of an item it IS… if its polka dotted it automatically looks better!Recent Comments:

• XXX says A tip to save some cash when enjoying movies it that instead of heading to the movies on a busy [more]
• daphne says I JUST LOVE YOU!!! You always amaze me. You’re wonder womman of another kind!! I know it’s hard to BE [more]
• Jen says We are currently going through a pregnancy possibly affected by VACTERL…having more tests run. Would like to discuss some [more]
• Jen says Hi Amber! It’s lunchablemommy – actually not on A full cup anymore, so I wanted to send you my [more]
• Tracy says Love it! That is something Maggie would do. She loves Disney Princess stuff too. LOL. [more]

Random Posts

I know that I have talked about Miss Eithene many times before.  Her mom, Jessica, and I have spent many late nights chatting about how our girls must have been separated at birth.  Eithene is still struggling with a great many issues and in light of my recent breakdown about germs from school I feel a little foolish.  Even in spite of all of Eithene’s medical challenges she will be attending pre-school soon.

My real reason for writing though is that Eithene’s family needs YOUR help.  I know that I have the best friends in the world and I try my best not to ask for donations or money but if you can find it in your heart, and wallets… I would like to ask for help for a friend.

I don’t want to go into too many details but suffice to say that this year has been and may continue to be rough as Eithene’s dad is a teacher and is having a hard time finding a teaching position.  Eithene needs a stroller / wheelchair like combo that is VERY expensive and is NOT covered by their insurance.  This would help out tremendously in their daily lives as well as school.

THIS is what she has to pack around with her at any given time to sustain life.  This is what she will have to take to SCHOOL with her everyday.  Can you imagine sending your child to school toting all of this?

Right now THIS IV pole is their only option for her being able to be mobile enough to go to school and try to live a normal life.  This stroller chair would make life incrementally better for her and for her family!!!

I would encourage you to visit their blog:  http://fromthebanksofjordan.blogspot.com/ Say a prayer and ask God if he is leading your heart to send even a small doantion to their family.  This is a family that would TRULY appreciate your help.  Please know that they have NOT put me up to this.  This is something I felt that I wanted to do as I don’t have the means to send money myself but if I did I would surely have written the check by now.  You can contact Jessica directly through the blog to set up with her an arrangements…

THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.  It hurts me to see my friends struggle with all of this medical junk.  Our children never asked for this, nor did we.  But we find ourselves in the unique position to live life with bitterness or to live it more abundantly.  If anything I know, this is a family who chooses the latter!!!  As much as we have been through, this family has been through double that and is STILL there…. Please send your prayers to Eithene and her family.Recent Comments:

• XXX says A tip to save some cash when enjoying movies it that instead of heading to the movies on a busy [more]
• daphne says I JUST LOVE YOU!!! You always amaze me. You’re wonder womman of another kind!! I know it’s hard to BE [more]
• Jen says We are currently going through a pregnancy possibly affected by VACTERL…having more tests run. Would like to discuss some [more]
• Jen says Hi Amber! It’s lunchablemommy – actually not on A full cup anymore, so I wanted to send you my [more]
• Tracy says Love it! That is something Maggie would do. She loves Disney Princess stuff too. LOL. [more]

Random Posts

Immy and Ivy are in a contest to win some merchandise from the amazing Princess Ratbag store!!!  If you remember back, Ivy is a friend that I met her mom Tiff through the blogosphere.  She has an autoimmune disorder that causes her to blister from a condition called Pemphigus.  Currently they are undergoing IVIG treatments and I know that this win would go a long way to boost morale in Tiff’s neck of the woods (that neck being Australia!)  Please go to the following links and cast your vote!!!!!!!!!

Ivy is HERE She is the last picture in the 7th row from the bottom.  In a yellow skirt and purple hat!!

Immy is HERE She is the middle picture in the 2nd row from the bottom in a brown and teal skirt sitting against a wall!!

Thanks in advance for helping my friends out!  I would also highly encourage you to hop on over to Tiff’s blog and read some over there!  She is a pretty amazing person with a gift for photography and writing (a girl after my own heart!) .  Visit her at: http://www.mythreeringcircus.com/Recent Comments:

• XXX says A tip to save some cash when enjoying movies it that instead of heading to the movies on a busy [more]
• daphne says I JUST LOVE YOU!!! You always amaze me. You’re wonder womman of another kind!! I know it’s hard to BE [more]
• Jen says We are currently going through a pregnancy possibly affected by VACTERL…having more tests run. Would like to discuss some [more]
• Jen says Hi Amber! It’s lunchablemommy – actually not on A full cup anymore, so I wanted to send you my [more]
• Tracy says Love it! That is something Maggie would do. She loves Disney Princess stuff too. LOL. [more]

Random Posts

The ONLY family picture of us in existence… I think.  I do honestly believe this is the only picture that exists with ALL five of us in one frame… without some photoshop magic.  I made it my goal to get ONE pic out of the beach of all of us and I think Daphne accomplished it beautifully… and in only 4 minutes with a heck of a STORM coming in!!!  It was truly insane!

And a great pic of me, Troy and Daphne… love ya girly!!! ( Do I look kind of high in the pic???  Geez… those meds were really still messing with me at the time… side effects on these suckers are KILLERS… let me tell you …)

But truthfully I MUST say thank you to everyone I KNOW had a hand in this.  The same women who always come to my rescue no matter where I am or how long its been since we last were together or picked up the phone to say hello.  These are the people who are more like family than friends who no matter where you go in life or how long its been, when you are together its like its been NO time at all.

To Daphne, Margie, Julie, and Cristy (and I am SURE more that I am missing… if I missed you you better speak up now before I get mad at you for not fessing up!)… you have no IDEA what each of you mean to me… I have no words.  LOVE YOU!!!

Recent Comments:

• XXX says A tip to save some cash when enjoying movies it that instead of heading to the movies on a busy [more]
• daphne says I JUST LOVE YOU!!! You always amaze me. You’re wonder womman of another kind!! I know it’s hard to BE [more]
• Jen says We are currently going through a pregnancy possibly affected by VACTERL…having more tests run. Would like to discuss some [more]
• Jen says Hi Amber! It’s lunchablemommy – actually not on A full cup anymore, so I wanted to send you my [more]
• Tracy says Love it! That is something Maggie would do. She loves Disney Princess stuff too. LOL. [more]

• January 12, 2010 -- Coming Home!
• August 26, 2009 -- Wordless Wednesday
• August 24, 2009 -- What the world needs is people who have come alive…
• August 14, 2009 -- “Never a ship… sails out of the bay
• November 8, 2009 -- Christmas Card Preview!

• XXX says A tip to save some cash when enjoying movies it that instead of heading to the movies on a busy [more]
• daphne says I JUST LOVE YOU!!! You always amaze me. You’re wonder womman of another kind!! I know it’s hard to BE [more]
• Jen says We are currently going through a pregnancy possibly affected by VACTERL…having more tests run. Would like to discuss some [more]
• Jen says Hi Amber! It’s lunchablemommy – actually not on A full cup anymore, so I wanted to send you my [more]
• Tracy says Love it! That is something Maggie would do. She loves Disney Princess stuff too. LOL. [more]

• August 28, 2009 -- Another few faves from Gulf Shores…
• August 14, 2009 -- “Never a ship… sails out of the bay
• January 12, 2010 -- Coming Home!
• January 6, 2010 -- First SNOW!
• November 8, 2009 -- Christmas Card Preview!

Ok so its supposed to be wordless but you know me… wordless just doesn’t fit!  I took this photo while sitting on the beach in gulf shores.  One morning I was watching the waves roll in as my dad, Troy and Owen played, hunted shells and snorkled and I had a few quiet minutes to think about the vastness of God’s creation and how amazing it is that we can go through life so very busy that we miss it.  I could have spent my entire vacation doing nothing but this above and being perfectly happy.  Just sitting with my kids, my camera, my family and my Heavenly Father and knowing how much I am loved.  Its truly amazing.

Another funny thing is that I should come across this photo and think of the parable of Wise and Foolish Builders which is found in Matthew 7:24-28:

The Wise and Foolish Builders

²⁴“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. ²⁵The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. ²⁶But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ²⁷The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

²⁸When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, ²⁹because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

I find it no coincidence that this be brought to mind during this particular week of our lives.  There is so much going on right now and I try not say too much.  I never want to be the person who looks like they are begging for sympathies, because truthfully even if I walk this entire life alone … no one but me and God… then I am fine.  At any rate…. we will not be loosing our house this week or this month.  Which would bring up the fact that it had been in question.  Yes.  We had received a notice to accelerate our loan to foreclosure back in November and December but our mortgage company has given us a “workout”.  We don’t know the exact terms of that yet but we are praying they are favorable.  If not we will be forced to put the house on the market and sell it fast or declare bankruptcy.  There I said it.  Personally, our finances are a mess.  We made some poor decisions with debt which snowballed into HUGE and awful debts when Kyleigh came along and with me facing down a medical battle they coud become insurmountable without a miracle.

I have prayed and cried and worried all that I can and now I have to know that I have built my “house” on the rock.  No matter what physical dwelling I am in, my home, my house is this family and we have weathered much worse storms already than a bankruptcy or a foreclosure.  We will make it through this also.  Someday we will look back and know that this is the time when God has carried us.

As a side note of praise… we were afraid that we had owed some hefty back taxes but God has relieved us of those.  There had been a LARGE accounting error and now we are FREE from that!  Not only are we free from penalties and interest owed to the IRS but THEY owe US!!!!!!!  PRAISE GOD!

So… if you are out there and praying… please be in prayer for some big upcoming decisions in our life.  We have some opportunities ahead of us and we want to make certain that we are doing exactly what HE has planned for us!Recent Comments:

• XXX says A tip to save some cash when enjoying movies it that instead of heading to the movies on a busy [more]
• daphne says I JUST LOVE YOU!!! You always amaze me. You’re wonder womman of another kind!! I know it’s hard to BE [more]
• Jen says We are currently going through a pregnancy possibly affected by VACTERL…having more tests run. Would like to discuss some [more]
• Jen says Hi Amber! It’s lunchablemommy – actually not on A full cup anymore, so I wanted to send you my [more]
• Tracy says Love it! That is something Maggie would do. She loves Disney Princess stuff too. LOL. [more]

• April 28, 2010 -- Have a little talk with Jesus…
• November 12, 2009 -- For God has NOT given us a spirit of fear…
• August 24, 2009 -- What the world needs is people who have come alive…
• April 10, 2010 -- TOPS in Lex FEATURE!!!
• March 5, 2010 -- Priorities.

YES!!!  The new site is here.  Feel free to look around but know that all of the links are not yet viable.  I have a lot of work to do still but at least we are in a format that is much more user friendly now!  Check back soon as the blog will continue to grow and change over the next few weeks!

Also… if you have not already done this: Please update your google reader, links, bookmarks, etc to show this page.  The old blogger blog is officially DEAD!

our family blog will forever reside at:

http://family.kentuckystudio.com

Recent Comments:

• XXX says A tip to save some cash when enjoying movies it that instead of heading to the movies on a busy [more]
• daphne says I JUST LOVE YOU!!! You always amaze me. You’re wonder womman of another kind!! I know it’s hard to BE [more]
• Jen says We are currently going through a pregnancy possibly affected by VACTERL…having more tests run. Would like to discuss some [more]
• Jen says Hi Amber! It’s lunchablemommy – actually not on A full cup anymore, so I wanted to send you my [more]
• Tracy says Love it! That is something Maggie would do. She loves Disney Princess stuff too. LOL. [more]

Random Posts

I took a hiatus (again) from Freebie Friday but this weekend there are just too many freebies/cheapies to pass up! Its Memorial Day weekend and everyone is getting in on the Action!

My personal FAVORITE freebie / cheapie of the week is:
20 FREE 4×6 Prints at Meijer – doesn’t say with any purchase. Makes me think its just flat out free!!! valid until May 22 at midnight! GO HERE to print your coupon!

$0.99 dozen Krispy Kreme Donuts this saturday, May 23rd. Limit 1 dozen per customer! Go HERE to find the store nearest you!

$0.99 FLIP FLOPS at Old Navy! Yes, so I know they are normally only $2.50 but for a person who has them in EVERY color this adds up to BIG savings for me! Needless to say I will be there when the doors open!

Grocery Freebies:
A-1 Sauce at Meijer – on sale for $2.50 – use (2) $2/1 coupon from this past Sunday’s paper and $1/2 Meijer Mealbox coupon – makes 2 FREE!!! Great for the upcoming grilling season!
Kraft Salad Dressings – $1.58 each – Use $1.50/1 Q from paper AND $1/1 from Meijer Mealbox = $0.92 money maker EACH!

HBA Freebies @ WAGS:
Colgate Visible White Toothpaste – $4.49 – $4.50 RR = FREE
Bayer Quick Release Crystals – $2.49 – $2.49 = FREE
Skintimate / Edge Shave Gel (in case you missed it last month) – $1.99 – $1 RR = $0.99 – $0.75 Q from the paper = $0.25 each! Not bad eh?
Right Guard Professional (mens) – $5.99 – $5 RR = $0.99 (if you are lucky enough to get the $1/1 then you are FREE. Here in Lexington I don’t think we have ANY Right Guard Q that is not expired… sorry guys!
Dry Idea Clinical – $5.99 – $5 RR = $0.99 – Use the $2/1 IP from coupons.com and this becomes a $1 MoneyMaker!!!!!!!!Recent Comments:

• XXX says A tip to save some cash when enjoying movies it that instead of heading to the movies on a busy [more]
• daphne says I JUST LOVE YOU!!! You always amaze me. You’re wonder womman of another kind!! I know it’s hard to BE [more]
• Jen says We are currently going through a pregnancy possibly affected by VACTERL…having more tests run. Would like to discuss some [more]
• Jen says Hi Amber! It’s lunchablemommy – actually not on A full cup anymore, so I wanted to send you my [more]
• Tracy says Love it! That is something Maggie would do. She loves Disney Princess stuff too. LOL. [more]

Random Posts

**thanks to rebecca at The Copper Brick Road for posting**Recent Comments:

• XXX says A tip to save some cash when enjoying movies it that instead of heading to the movies on a busy [more]
• daphne says I JUST LOVE YOU!!! You always amaze me. You’re wonder womman of another kind!! I know it’s hard to BE [more]
• Jen says We are currently going through a pregnancy possibly affected by VACTERL…having more tests run. Would like to discuss some [more]
• Jen says Hi Amber! It’s lunchablemommy – actually not on A full cup anymore, so I wanted to send you my [more]
• Tracy says Love it! That is something Maggie would do. She loves Disney Princess stuff too. LOL. [more]

Random Posts