Showing posts with label Caffeinated Randomness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Caffeinated Randomness. Show all posts
Friday, April 19, 2013
Caffeinated Randomness - Brewed Life
It's been one of those weeks and I still don't think there is enough coffee in the world to help me deal with it. This week I thought I would share some bloggy coffee things that have made me smile this week. I even took a quiz for what kind of coffee I would be. I got :
At your best, you are: straight shooting, ambitious, and energetic
At your worst, you are: anxious and high strung
You drink coffee when: anytime you're not sleeping
Your caffeine addiction level: high
I don't like espressos, but have to agree about the description of me. For those who know me personally, I think you would agree.
This is really how I feel sometimes about coffee. It is dangerous in my house when mommy hasn't had any coffee. I once made an blood work appointment at 10:30 am and of course it was one of those fasting ones. Of course, the lab was running 30 minutes late. I wanted to tell the assistant at the desk that I didn't have coffee and people could get hurt if they didn't get me in and out of there. The first place I went to after was Starbucks. Luckily there was one 10 seconds away from the lab. Oh, if that Starbucks would just go into business with the lab, I think everyone would be satisfied.
Every morning the first thing I do is make a cup of coffee in my Keurig. I do this even before taking my thyroid medicine. I read recently that when you pray you should consider it a personal "visit" with God. While when I have friends over we drink coffee, so I know God would only expect me to treat him the same way.
If I don't get my cup of coffee, people should run. There was one camping trip I decided to take instant coffee and not to shower for the weekend as we were only there for two nights. By Sunday morning, after having the most disgusting coffee of all time, my wonderful husband handed me a towel and $10.00 and told me to take a shower and get a cup of coffee at the campground cafe. I guess for everyone's safety and probably my own (there might of been a revolt against mom), my husband was very wise. Last year I thought I would give up coffee for lent. My husband banned that idea. I then remembered the camping trip and realized I couldn't even get through two days. I don't even want to imagine 40 days without it.
I love Star Wars. Coffee and Star Wars. It is a match made in heaven. ;)
Joy indeed does come in the morning. Coffee and God. God and Coffee. It's what gets me through life.
What kind of coffee are you? What is your vice? Come and join the other Java Junkies with your randomness this week. (PS. I know not all of you drink coffee, but join in the fun anyway.)
Friday, April 12, 2013
Caffeinated Randomness - Warrior
I'm tired
I'm Worn
My heart is heavy
From the work it takes to keep on breathing.
These are the first lyrics of the Worn by Tenth Avenue North. These are the also the words that describe how I've been feeling lately.
I have a friend who calls me a warrior. But I don't feel like one. I feel like the victim. The person tied to the rock waiting for someone to save them. Warriors are powerful. Warriors are strong. Warriors are brave. They are the heroes. They are the saviors. Dictionary.com defines warrior as a person who shows or has shown great vigor, courage, or aggressiveness, as in politics or athletics. That definitely does not describe me.
This version of warrior is seen throughout our culture. You see it in our literature and our mythology. You only have to look at current media to see what society thinks warriors should look like. When I think of warriors in our current media I think of Aragon from the Lord of the Rings series.
He's the fighter in the story. The one who will bring peace. The one who will overcome evil if he takes up his birth right. But what I forget when I think of his story is his heartbreak. His hopelessness. His struggle. His running from what He knows he is. The Battle of Helms Deep reflects this. Ten thousand Uruk-hai against 300 Rhoinians. Then you add a few hundred elves, but still the numbers don't look good. At the beginning of the battle he argues with one of his friends, Legolas, about the battle. Legolas believes the battle to be foolhearty. Aragon acknowledges it, yet says he will fight anyway.
You see that is what a warrior really is. Merriam Webster defines a warrior as : a man engaged or experienced in warfare; broadly : a person engaged in some struggle or conflict. A warrior is tired. A warrior is worn. A warrior doesn't know when the battle will end, but keeps on fighting. A warrior may realize that they may lose the battle, but that the war is still undecided. In this aspect I am a warrior.
For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere. Ephesians 6:12 AMP
We are all warriors. We are all fighting some battle. In fact, we should be fighting. It means that we are worth trying to defeat. It means that we are in line with God. The enemy hates this. The enemy wants us to have a false sense of hope. But it is just that, false hope. Only God can give us true hope. Only He can bring us true peace. He doesn't just send us out into the battle. He doesn't send us out unprepared, as well. He arms us.
Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place]. Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God, And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the [a]firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace. Lift up over all the [covering] shield of [c]saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one]. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit [d]wields, which is the Word of God. Ephesians 6:13-17 AMPWe also don't fight alone. He fights with us.
The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest. Exodus 14:14 AMPGod knows the end of our stories. We don't. He doesn't leave us alone. He is with us, even we think hope is lost. He guides us and fights with us. He will lead us to restful waters (Psalm 23:2) He will refresh us and restore us (Pslam 23:3). Lean on Him in the battle. You may lose this round, but know that the War has been won.
Are you in the midst of a battle? Are you worn? Have you sought out God for rest? Have you leaned on Him for guidance and assistance?
Come join up with the other Java Junkies and share your hearts and struggles with us.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Caffeinated Randomness - Everyday Is....
This month is Autism Awareness month.
Tuesday, April 2 is recognized as International Autism Awareness Day.
Everyday is Autism Awareness Day at our house.
Thomas was born 7 years ago. He was a
fussy baby from the get go. He didn't laugh until he was at
least 6 months of age. He didn't walk until he was 20 months and
didn't say his first word until he was two. He had only 50 words by
the time he was 4 years old. I remember going to the Doctor at his
18 month old check up about some of my concerns, but the doctor just
said he was healthy. That he would catch up. I remember
conversations with friends about my concerns, especially after
reading What to Execpt in the Toddler Years? I felt there was
something, but couldn't put my finger on it.
However, for all the things he was
behind, he was ahead in so much. He figured out the mouse and
computer by the time he was 2 1/2. I had to lock the computer for a
few hours a day so that he would do something else. He was so good
at puzzles. He could tell you the letters of the alphabet before he
was 3 (Thank you Nana). Thomas was diagnosed with autism two weeks
before his 5th birthday.
Sam was the opposite baby. He was
happy and had a deep laugh from the get go. He slept through the
night after a month. He napped regularly. He too was a slow walker
and talker. However, once he walked.....he ran. He was into
everything and had more energy than the energizer bunny (even as I
write this in a hotel room, he's running around). I have to admit
that I didn't want to see the similarities with Sam and Thomas. They
were too different in my eyes. I argued with my husband about this. On the way to the pediatrician, I
argued with God. Didn't I deserve a “normal” son? Didn't I have
enough struggles and trials in my life? Why us? Why did we have to
be the statistics?
I actually took Thomas' diagnosis
better than I did Sam's. I wanted to have the typical family, not
the different one. The year Thomas was diagnosised my word of the year
was persevere. I persevered. I pushed through. I embraced Thomas's
diagnosis. I learned more about it. I learned the myths and the
truths. I learned about division in the autism community and I picked sides.
Our family moved from one province to
another, so that we could obtain better services for Thomas and
better services to assist our family. We learned to advocate for
Thomas. We learned about inclusion education (something I had
struggled with before) and learned of the positive aspects of it for
all children. We learned about the prejudice and how to break down
the barriers that people with disabilities face. We persevered as a family through the new “normal” we faced.
Last year, my word was “contentment”.
I will admit that I didn't learn to become content with either of
the boys diagnosis, but I did learn to be content with what I had. I
learned to not look so much into the future and the dreams I had had
for my boys (those dreams were gone and I did grieve them). I
learned to embrace the day. Every day is new. Every day is
precious. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is never here.
Through all of this God has been with
me and my family. He has provided us with amazing therapists. Some
believers and some not. He has provided our family with aides who
love our children and share our core beliefs. Who believe in
inclusion. Who see the possibility each of our boys is. Who see
beyond the struggles.
When I have been literally on the floor
weeping about my life, God was with me. When I despaired about my
children's future, God was there. He has given me strength when I
had none. He brought me joy and peace, when I felt like they were a
dream, never to be grasped. He alone has stood with us.
I know because of Him that my boys are
amazing, wonderful, perfect, wanted and loved. They are not
mistakes. They are part of a larger plan. I may despair of my not
knowing the plan, but He alone has seen the end and it is Good!
What are you and your family struggling
with? What has God been saying to you? Are you leaning on God
through your struggles? Come share the randomness with the other
Java Junkies this week.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Caffeinated Randomness - In Christ Alone
I know today is Good Friday. I wanted to give you a gift of praise that always reminds of Easter and what Easter represents. I hope you enjoy it.
What songs speak to you about the sacrifice that Jesus made? Come link up with the other Java Junkies on this Holy Day.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Caffeinated Randomness - A Dream of a Fish
I am stopping the Caffeinated in the Word study. I'm sorry if you were following it but I do have a good reason. You see I had a dream. Not Martin Luther Jr.'s dream. Not the dream that Fantine dreamed in Les Miserable (although I will write on that dream later). This dream was prophetic. It was life changing. It was awakening. It involved a fish.
Ok, do I have your attention? I should tell you this fish was more like a mini shark. I guess you should also say fishes as there were quite a few of them. There was a dark dingy tank where these fish lived. It was almost inhospitable. There was a 2nd tank with clean water.
I was moving the fish from one tank to another. They were fighting every minute of it. Flipping around almost causing me to drop them. Did I mention I was moving them with my hands? They fought with every ounce of strength until I dropped them in the clean tank. Then they swam around happy and content.
This was my dream Saturday night. I awoke Sunday morning puzzled; trying to figure it out. Then it hit me. You see I have to confess, for sometime I have felt spiritually dead. Oh, I was doing the 40 day study, more intellectually then spiritually or emotionally. I had no prayer life. I felt like a sham. I was angry, resentful, frustrated because of all the trials in my life: ones brought on by myself and ones I had no control over.
This didn't happen overnight and shouldn't have been a big surprise to me as I kept God at an arm's length. I had all but abandoned my prayer life (few contrite prayers here or there). I was cramming through the 40 Days in the Word study and had totally abandoned my Good Morning Girls study (sorry Rubies). I was struggling to breathe. I was trying not to drown in the murky water I found myself in and I was fighting the one who only wanted to help me breath. Who wanted to take me from the mire and bring me to the cool clean water.
I will admit that I did not fall on my knees and beg for forgiveness. I didn't breakdown. I was in shock. I knew I needed to do something but what? I knew I needed to start praying and setting a time for that. I knew I needed to get back into the word. I knew I needed to change. However, I also knew me. If I didn't do this slowly, I would be right back where I started.
I had bought some index cards on a ring. I printed out some prayer guides I had found on Pinterest. I set out clothes to exercise in. Set my study materials on my craft desk. I had a plan.
I would love to say that I jumped out bed Monday morning in excitement when the alarm went off. I pushed myself out of bed. I did 15 minutes interval training on my treadmill listening to worship music. I spent time in prayer. I worked on my 40 Day study. I felt great the rest of the day. I have done this all week. It's still difficult to get up, but I have noticed a weight lifted from me.
I have spent more time praying. When I feel tempted, I pray. I am currently reading a book on prayer (more on that one when I'm finished reading it). I attended a Woman Inspired conference this week. I feel more alive than I have in a long time. I know it's not because of me or anything I have or have not done.
God was patient.
God was merciful.
God loved me not matter what and only wanted the best for me.
He knew what I needed.
He knew how to reach out to me.
He prepped me to listen and I have.
I am not writing this as a confession or to say that everything has been fixed. Far from it. I have lost it on the kids this week. I have gotten angry and allowed bitterness to appear. I know this is a process. The beginning. I also know that Satan will be around. That I will be tempted to fall and slip back into the dark tank. I would ask that you keep me and my family in your prayers. That we would be protected. That I would have the courage to persevere. That I would continue to run the race. That I continue to rest in His arms and submit to His will.
And to think....this all started with a dream about a fish!
What are you struggling with? Have you taken it to God? What has God been telling you? Are you listening? Come link up with the other Java Junkies this week.
Friday, March 15, 2013
Caffeinated Randomness - Crazy Birthday Month
I have to admit that I haven't done anything this week in regards to the 40 Days in the Word. Time change has really played havoc with my sleeping patterns and this is the first of the two birthdays of crazy birthday month. I have decided to dedicate this week's randomness to crazy birthday month.
March used to be the unbirthday month in my family. It was typically Easter month and nothing else. When I got married, my husband's sister had a birthday in March, but we rarely saw her. The only other holiday was my in laws anniversary on the 17th. They have the best date, if they were Irish. Still March was a slow month. Then another of my sister in laws delivered twin boys on the 8th and 9th respectively. They were born so close to midnight. However, we rarely saw them as well.
This all changed in 2007 with I had Thomas on the 27th. We now had a birthday. The year I had Thomas, Easter was a week after his birth. I have pictures of him in his bouncy chair all stickered up by his sister as she decorated him like an Easter Egg. He started sleeping with one eye open after that escapade. I didn't blame him. I relished having my children's birthdays so far apart (Nicole's birthday is in June). I could plan them both with relish and ease.
March 2008 just before Thomas' birthday I found out I was pregnant again. My due date was November 2008. This was not to be as I miscarried. I was understandably upset. Two months later, I found out I was pregnant again. I was elated. Then I counted. March 2009 was my due date. I would have two birthdays in one month. As my due date got closer, I started planning Thomas' 3rd birthday party. I knew if I didn't, the poor boy wouldn't get one. Luckily I had great friends who helped me in the execution. Thomas wasn't too happy there was a baby in the house, so having a day with his friends and cake was a great thing for him.
Since Sam was born, I've only had one friend with a little one the same age. As a result, Sam has only had family parties with our family and very close friends. This year Sam is having his first official birthday party with his friends. I am having a Milk and Cookies party and at the writing of this blog (Thursday night) I am very disorganized and stressing. I know though that everything will go well that it doesn't matter to the kids that the table looks amazing or that I used my cricut to cut out his name (hoping to get to that tomorrow morning). I will be spending my morning blowing up balloons, baking some sugar cookies for decorating, decorating the table and keeping the house tidy until the guests arrive. After that it's a free for all.
Then it's on to the execution of the next party in two weeks. Thomas has requested a Hotel Transylvania PJ Party. I will be making the invitations this weekend and then next week working on the giveaways.
In all the birthday planning and executions I thought I would share a gift with you. My cupcake and chocolate icing recipes. I hope you enjoy them.
Great Grandma's White Cupcake Recipe
2 cups A.P. Flour
3 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 cup Butter
1 1/4 cup White Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla
1 cup Milk
2 eggs
Pre heat oven to 350F. Stir flour, baking powder, and salt together in small bowl. In a larger bowl, cream butter. Add sugar gradually. Add eggs, one at a time while beating between adding. Stir in vanilla. Add dry ingredients alternating with the milk. Disperse in cup cake liners. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Whipped Cream Chocolate Icing
2 cups Whipping Cream
1 cup sifted Icing Sugar
1/2 cup sifted unsweetened Cocoa
Pour cream into large mixing bowl.
Mix the sugar and the cocoa together, then sift them into the cream a little at a time, beating with an electric beater. Continue beating until the frosting stands up in stiff peaks and is thick enough to spread. Ice cupcakes when cooled.
Do you have a crazy birthday month? How do you celebrate birthdays? Come join in the randomness with the other Java Junkies.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Caffeinated Randomness - An Update and Vlog
This has been quite the few weeks for our family. We have gone through the stomach flu and now we have head colds. My head has been pounding for the last 3 days. I was sure I had a sinus infection. However, it turns out (after spending 2 1/2 hours at the medical clinic) that it isn't a sinus infection....yet. Just the start of one. So I have to take decongestants for 4 days and if that doesn't work, then I have a prescription for antibiotics. It took a lot of will power to buy the Advil Cold and Sinus and not walk myself up to the pharmacist and fill out that prescription. So here's hoping the decongestants work.
As a result of the three day headache, I have spent very little time on the computer. Nor have I read anything. I have been watching mindless tv. Did you know during the day you have the choice of soap operas, cooking shows, talk shows or American Gypsy Weddings? I now know why I don't watch daytime tv anymore. What happened to the actual history shows on History Network or science shows on the Discovery Channel. What do Pawn Stars and American Choppers have to do with either of these channels?
This past year we have had an amazing aide assist us in our home and at Sam's school. She has worked with the boys and our team of therapists in working on their speech, behaviour, and mobility issues. This last fall she got married and just before Christmas found out she was pregnant and subsequently, gave us her notice. We are sad to lose her, but excited for her future. Needlessly to say the last few weeks have been exhausting as we have had no assistance in the home. I thought I had a new aide, however, she had taken another job. Tomorrow I have 3 interviews set up. It's quite stressful just thinking of it. I hope that of the three it will be hard to chose one.
A few weeks ago, many of us were challenged to vlog without any makeup by Jennifer of Finding Heaven. I actually did vlog. Then I ran into technical difficulties. It appears that my web cam filmed it at super mega data, instead of normally. I tried to upload it to YouTube and after 18 hours was told that it wasn't able to upload it. My husband fixed everything for me yesterday - Thank you honey! I hate watching myself. I've tried to watch this a few times and then turn and run for the hills. If you decide to watch this, warning it was early in the morning. I had no make up on. I hadn't finished my first cup of coffee. In fact, I got the stomach flu the next day, which could explain a whole lot. LOL. Watch at your own risk!
What have you been up to lately? What are you watching during the day and will you share? Come join in with your randomness with the other Java Junkies.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Caffeinated Randomness - I've Been Hacked
I've been hacked.
Usually when people say this, there is some apologies for the e-mail virus sent out to their address book. Other times its in frustration over information lost or a redesign in their website.
My website hasn't been redesigned. Neither has anyone received an e-mail from me that came with an attached present or some ad about increasing the size of .... (This is a clean blog you know.)
I know when other's have been hacked on Facebook and Twitter it's usually something about "My youngest daughter is the best child I have." or "bwahahahahahahahahahahaha My sister is the best person in the whole wide world. I wish i could be like her. She is soooo awesome, and cool. Yahhhhhhh I kiss the ground she walks on." (actual post)
That's what usually happens. But nothing like that happens in my world (ok except aforementioned Facebook post by my sister.) My hacking is usually something Dutch. That's right - Dutch. Not normal Dutch things like the flag, the Queen (who is abdicating this year), the dykes, villages, engineering accomplishments, or even cute kids dressed in traditional Dutch costume. Nope. I get Dutch soccer players or as they say in Europe, Footballers.
At least my hacker has some taste and only post pictures of the top Dutch players. I mean, I wouldn't just want Dutch soccer players randomly posted to my blog, cell phone, Facebook and Pinterest accounts. I have some class you know. Only the best for me. I get pictures of Dennis Bergkamp, one of the best Dutch strickers
or Frank Rijkaard, Marco Van Basten, and Ruud Gullit (my current wallpaper).
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| Love the hair |
Don't try to pronounce these names. You probably would sound like you had a cold.
You see my hacker is a Dutch soccer fan. He follows the national team standing. He cheers on the team and some of the individual players during the European League. My hacker surprises me with pictures of his all time favourite player, Bergkamp, a lot. If you haven't figured it out my hacker is my hubby. He's even posted a blog prior to this one. I have to admit, it's not really a hacking. I asked him to blog for me as I am fighting a head cold. He loves me that much to do a guest posting.
How has your loved ones hacked you? What is something that you and your husband like to do together? Come join in with the random hacking this week with the other java junkies.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Caffeinated Randomness - In the Word Campaign
Lately I've been looking to the right side of me at church. I've been looking to the left side of me. I've been looking to the people in front of me. If I could, I would look behind me. I'm not looking to see what they're wearing. I'm not looking to see if they're listening to the sermon or sleeping. I'm not looking to see if their kids are sitting still or wiggling around. I'm looking to see if anyone else is opening their Bible. If anyone else is looking at the Word while our pastor is preaching. Has anyone else brought their own Bible and are they marking it up? Is our "overhead" dependent society (thanks Evil Twin for that one) become so complaisant that they no longer bring their Bibles to church or even open the ones offered in the pews because it's up on the big screen?
I'm not judging, but this is something that has been bothering me. I mean if they are not opening their Bibles at Church are they opening their Bibles at home? It's something that I think about. I'm not pointing fingers and not saying because I bring my Bible to Church that am I holier than those who do not. I never grew up in the Church. I didn't have any one in my life that read the Bible or knew the word. I'm surprised sometimes how I always felt called to God. He definitely had me in the palm of His hand. So the questions are if we aren't in the word, how do we knew what we are called to do? How are we to learn His ways? How are we to teach the next generation about Him and His purpose for our life? I believe the same questions I have, have been hanging over the leadership of our church, as well. Our church will be participating during lent in the Saddleback church study - 40 Days in the Word.
Now I have to admit that I am not a huge fan of Pastor Rick Warren. I participated in the Purpose Driven Life a few years ago. There was some information that was quite good, but I did question some of His teaching. (Don't ask me what they were, I don't remember). This is the summary of the campaign from the 40 Days in the Word website:
Now I have to admit that I am not a huge fan of Pastor Rick Warren. I participated in the Purpose Driven Life a few years ago. There was some information that was quite good, but I did question some of His teaching. (Don't ask me what they were, I don't remember). This is the summary of the campaign from the 40 Days in the Word website:
Together with Rick Warren and Saddleback Church you’ve experienced 40 days of Purpose, Love and Community. Now come along with Rick on a journey of 40 Days in the Word, a journey of eternal significance as you and your church will learn how to be not only a “hearer” of the Word, but also a “doer” of God’s Word.
40 Days in the Word is a church wide weekly study of six principles of the Word of God. Together with Rick, the Saddleback Team and great pastors from across the country you and your church will explore the authenticity, reliability, power, comfort, interpretation and doing of God’s Word. This eight week journey, led by Rick Warren, will encourage spiritual growth in every member of your church.
I am excited though about this study. I'm excited that our congregation is being encouraged to spend the 40 days of Lent in the word of God. Being encouraged to study the Word daily. That is what He wants. He wants us to focus on His Word. In conjunction with my Church's participation with the 40 Days in the Word campaign and my participation with it, I will be focusing Caffeinated Randomness on the 40 Days in the Word starting February 15. I might call it the Caffeinated in the Word campaign. It has a good ring to it. Every week I will blog about were God has been leading me in this Campaign and probably post some of the questions from the work book. If you would like to join me, let me know.
Now if you still want to link in during that time with good ol'wholesome randomness - bring it on. I love reading everyone's randomness. I love seeing God working within you. I, many times, learn so much from you all. You make me laugh and cry.
Come link into the randomness this week and share God's work in your life.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Caffeinated Randomness - They're Back.....
Two weeks ago I awoke to great news. We had been anticipating the worse. We had been waiting since the fall for some decision to be made. Plans were canceled. Schedules changed. We survived Saturday nights watching movies and old reruns on Netflix.
But all that changed. Saturday nights are going to back to normal soon. We'll be able to watch Coaches Corner and see the worst suits ever. We'll be able to hear about the blue line and goalie crease. We'll hear words like Battle of Alberta, face off and Lord Stanley.
You guessed it for this Canadian girl - HOCKEY IS BACK!! I know there are arguments about why support the game of overpaid children having a tantrum or rich corporate greedy owners. I really don't care about it. I just want to see the boys playing. I've grown up in a hockey household and have a hockey husband. It has been weird not to hear hockey noises in the background. The cheers when your team is doing well and the angst when they are losing. The stress of when there is 20 seconds left, the goalie pulled and the game is tied.
It's been very frustrating listening to my football friends talk about their teams and their favourite players and I've been silent. I haven't got to cheer on the boys. I haven't got to tease my Pastor when his team is defeated by my team. I haven't got to celebrate cheering for our team while living in enemy territory.
That has all changed. The Boys are BACK!!!!
Is there something you have been waiting for? What is your favourite sport and team? Come join the other Java Junkies in the randomness today.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Caffeinated Randomness - A Review
What would you do if you lost something that should be your most important possession? Would you search for it or would you just let it go?
What would you do if the person who you loved the most hurt you the most? Would you make them pay? Could you forgive them?
Who do you trust, the person who appears to have it all or the person who everyone tells you to stay way from?
Would you help a stranger when everyone told you not to?
These and many more layers of messiness are explored and embraced in an authentic, yet dramatic tale by Shannon O'Donnell in "Love's Memory – The Scotts of Moutain Ridge (Book 1)."
I was privileged enough to be asked to preview this book late last year. I struggle with many Christian Novels as I find them "fluff." Everything is always solved in a happy ending at the end. They seem to be no better than, dare I say it, romance novels. Not that I don't read them. They're the books I read when I don't want to be challenged or think. However, this novel had me thinking. There were so many layers to this story. So many flawed characters who were struggling and in pain. I was challenged to look at my own relationships and perceptions. No one character was innately good and no one character was innately bad. They were human. They were honest and they were messy.
This novel is officially released on January 15, 2012 and would recommend getting it and reading it. I am now waiting for Book 2 and it can't come soon enough.
What have you been reading? What books have pushed or challenged you? Come and join up with the other Java Junkies this week with your randomness.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Caffeinated Randomness - New Years Organization
Happy New Year!!! I hope everyone had a great New Year's Eve celebration. I spent the evening at my in laws with 24 other people (including kids) eating and visiting. It was hot and oily, partially because we ate Oliebollen. I know what you are thinking: What is Olliebollen? It's a Dutch dish that is like an apple fritter. They are extremely yummy. The day after we all went out to the local Chinese Food Buffet and again visited and ate. Luckily it's the new year and we have goals to work on those extra calories.
I know I posted my goals last week. I have been following the Lean pretty closely. I'm already behind on my Bible reading (surprise, surprise) and haven't started on the house yet. I'm still cleaning from the holiday. I have been busy though.
It being the New Year, I know many people are focusing on organizing their lives. I too have been working on some personal organization and family organization. I was privileged in obtaining Kayse Pratt's ebook, "Getting It Together", this week for free. It is a step by step book on creating your family's organization binder. She has included free printables at the end of the book for the reader's use. I love how she has set up the book. It's easy to follow and a quick read. Her printables are cute and clear. My favourite is her Monthly Meal Plan. She has it set up just as I set up my draft one. I always post a calendar style one on the fridge for everyone to see, but love having one available for shopping lists.
In reading this book, I have been inspired to create my own family organization binder. I had one previously when I followed Fly Lady. But gave it up as it just seemed a nuisance. I want to simplify my binder this time. I want to keep track of my menu plans, calendars, inspiration, passwords, etc in one easy place. However, I will not have a section for my cleaning as I have a cleaning list laminated on my wall by laptop.
I am inspired by so many things from Pinterest. I love pinning the crafts and recipes (most of which I will never do). I, for some reason, have only used the cleaning and organization tips, which could explain why my new love is my steam mop. My cleaning sheet I have is based on this pin from Simply {Kierste} .
I however also incorporated the Time Warped Wife's list, as well, in the weekly column.
I switched around the days that work for me and so far between the merging of the two have kept my house pretty clean and organized. I think I can safely say that out of a 10, my house is regularly a 7 or 8. Having a day to focus on a room or areas has kept my sanity and it takes only about an hour to do the job on the room.
I am going to continue to work on my family organization binder. If I create any of my own sheets I will gladly share them with you or if I find any other exceptional sheets on Pinterest I will be sure to guide you to them.
What kind of organization have you been up to lately? Do you have an organizational binder? How do you keep your sanity? Come link up this week with the other Java Junkies and share your randomness.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Caffeinated Randomness - New Year, New Word
It is that time again. Time to forget the past year. Time to focus on the future. An old year is almost gone and a new year is upon us. Time for new goals and a new word to focus on.
This last year has been one of struggle. It has been full of trials. We have struggled with depression. We continue to live with autism. We have been under attack and have struggled to see the light. The dark has been overwhelming. I have been running around with a lack of purpose or direction. I am in constant survivor mode.
Last year my focus word was Contentment. It was a good word for the year. I read books on joy, blessings and hell. I did the Good Morning Girls studies of Ephesians, Colossians, and Proverbs 31. All of these helped me to focus on true Contentment. They helped me to realize my addiction to things and having things. My wanting for something more. I have learned what true joy is. I have learned the difference between living in the light and living in the darkness. I have come to terms with some aspects of my life and have learned to accept what has been placed before me. It doesn't mean I have to like it though. It doesn't mean everything is becoming perfect and rosy In fact, the one thing that I have learned this year is that I'm messy.
No, I am not talking about "messy" in the sense that my house is a mess and my kids are a mess. I am talking about being a "Hot Mess." I am not in control. I am not perfect. Things are hard. Messy is defined as marked by confusion; disorder; lacking precision extremely unpleasant or trying. This pretty much sums up my life. I think it pretty much sums up everybody's life I know. We are all messy. None of us is perfect. I have friends who suffer from depression, anorexia, children who suffer from numerous health issues, marriage struggles, family crisis, child molestation, ... I could go on, but I think you get my point.
I struggle when I see people with supposed perfect lives try to preach their lives to others. I want authenticity. I want honesty. I want people to know about the mess and know that it will not defeat me. I want people to know who is fighting my battles with me and for me. I want people to see that none of us is perfect. We don't have to respond that we are "fine" when we aren't. It's ok to say "I'm alive." It should be enough.
We all come from a long line of messies too. The Bible is full of them. I ran across the following picture last year on Pinterest.
This list represents just some of the messy people in the Bible. God used them all. God loved them all just where they were and just for what they were - themselves. I heard the best explanation of this philosophy on the Survivor Finale by Lisa Whelchel. She talked about the internal struggle that we are both good and bad and God loves us anyway. God loves us just where we are. We need to accept that and stop trying to be perfect or to be perceived as perfect. That doesn't mean that God doesn't want our best, but each of our best is different. We need to be about acceptance not judgement. We need to focus Up and not Out.
If you are still wondering what my word is, it is Messy. I'm going to focus on the messy people of the Bible and how God used them. I'm going to focus on authenticity and honesty. I'm going to embrace my beautiful mess and see how it makes me me. I can't wait. I hope you join me on the journey, mess and all.
Have you picked a word to focus on in the new year? What are you thoughts of messiness? Come link up with the Java Junkies this week and share your randomness.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Caffeinated Randomness - I Won't Give Up
This weekend is my anniversary. I have written about my anniversary before and the horrible luck we have with it and this year is no different. My hubby has to work. However, tonight he redeemed himself by getting me a banana split from Dairy Queen. He was tired from work and went out and got me one anyway.
We have been married for 12 years this year. I can't believe how time has flown, but yet I see it in the lines of our faces. The smiles of our kids. Those pesky hereditary grey hairs.
I wish I could say that every year has gotten better then the next. But marriage is hard work. Some years have been better than others. Both members have to give 100% all the time. Admittedly, I haven't always given my 100%. I have been selfish. I have closed communication lines and hid. I am fallible and human.
Life has thrown a lot in our path. There have been many ups and downs. There have been days of stormy seas where we both probably wanted to jump ship. There have been times when we've committed mutiny against the other. There have been times when all we could do is hold on for dear life and hope for the best.
There have been times when those storms have lifted and we have enjoyed the calm. We have reveled and celebrated all we have been through and accomplished. We have watched our three blessings grow. We have seen our best in them.
The one thing that neither of us have done is quit. We have held on. Through good and bad. I recently heard the song "I won't give up." by Jason Mraz. This song really was written for us. It talks about the truth of commitment Of staying through the times that are rough. How we learn from them. How we evolve. How we are not to give up.
God brought us together. We made a commitment. We honour those commitments, not just for us but for our children. God knows we are worth it. He is our strength through times of trouble and our joy in times of prosperity.
I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up
Happy Anniversary.
Come join the other Java Junkies in the randomness this week.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Caffeinated Randomness - Light
This has been a bad week. I have been struggling. I have felt tired. I have felt like I am treading water through stormy seas. I have felt lifeless. I have felt alone.
I know these feelings are just that feelings. They are not truth, but lies that the enemy wants me to believe and embrace. He wants me to feel like I am in the darkness, the cold. He wants me to feel alone. He wants me to draw away from Truth. He wants me to be in the shawdows. He wants me to be in the cold.
These feelings come from a lot of places. My life. My past. My future. Life is tough. There are no easy answers. It is full of uncertainties. You can never be sure of what you will be given. You can never be sure of what you will face. You can either live in the pit or we can jump and take air.
This week I was taught that by my kids. We had a large snow fall last week and like typical Southern Alberta weather, we have gone from -10 C to 5 C within a few days. The snow is melting but it makes great sledding possibilities. There was no wind on Tuesday and the sun was struggling to come out. A friend and I decided to take the kids sledding. We dragged our sleds to the school and walked to the hill. My kids immediately climbed up the hill and went down.
I went down the hill a few times. At first it was frightening. I was scared. I wasn't going to be in control. I was going to go fast. I could flip off the sled. I could sled into someone. These things were going through my head. I was allowing my fears to control me.
My friend dared me to go down the part of the hill where the kids had built a jump. I took the dare. I pushed myself off and flew. I had no control. I could have gotten hurt. I could have.......and I took air. It was exhilerating. It was refreshing. It was life changing. I had pushed passed the lies that Satan had told me about that hill.
Life is like that. You can take the plunge and embrace life and all the possiblities it gives you.
You can live life cautiously and crawl down the hill.
Or you can persevere through the struggles that you face and keep pushing yourself through those obstacles.
God wants us to take air. He wants us to live a life free from fear. He wants us to take risks and trust His guidance. He wants us to embrace the light. Because only in the light are we truly alive.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that."― Martin Luther King Jr., A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches
What are you embracing? Are you willing to let the light in and take air? Come join up with the Java Junkies this week and share your randomness.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Caffeinated Randomness - Are We Forgetting?
Ever since I can remember, I have remembered. I was taught to respect the day, the reason and those who gave so much for so little. I remembered wearing my poppy with pride. I remember being honoured with carrying the wreath. I remember the honour of carrying our flag during the ceremony. I remember practicing with the choir the songs we would sing in honour and remembrance.
I am proud to come from a family that served in World War II and the Korean War. I am proud that my dad served in Afghanistan. I am proud of a sister who serves in our armed forces. I am proud of my in laws and the sacrifices they made during the war in occupied Holland. I am proud of my father in law's uncle, who was a leader in the resistance. I am proud of those Canadians who liberated them after the long winter of 1944/45.
Yesterday, I got the pleasure of watching my daughter sing at her school's assembly. I got to pin the poppy on Tman's shirt. I watched as children lead the ceremony. I watched as children, chosen for their citizenship, carried wreaths made in remembrance. I watched as parents listened to the guest speaker speak of her childhood during the war and the loss of freedom that we take for granted.
What do you do to remember? How do you continue the legacy? Come join the java junkies and share in the randomness this week.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Caffeinated Randomness - Finally, They Have One for Us
One of my favourite children's book is
“Click, Clack, Moo. Cows that Type”. I love the cows and the
chickens and especially the duck. Oh that duck. I also own Thump,
Quack, Moo: A whacky adventure”, starring the same duck. I feel so
sorry for Farmer Brown in each of them. The animals always seem to
get the upper hand just when he thinks he has won. I think the
author, Doreen Cornin, really understands that families want to enjoy
reading books together. The humour is not dumbed down for the kids,
but is multi-layered so that adults will enjoy it.
This past week, during our family trip
to the library, I picked up a new book called M.O.M (The MomOperating Manuel). I thought the premise was hilarious and thought
my daughter would enjoy it. It was only after I got the book home,
did I realize that Ms. Cronin had written it also.
M.O.M. Is written to children about how
they can properly care and feed their mothers - physically and
emotionally through SNEW (Sleep, Nutrition, Exercise and Water). I
mean how many books are there about parenting and caring for our
children. It was about time that they start reading books about
caring for us. It shows the level of tiredness that we moms face
and how kids can help us. They also come with warnings for not just
the kids but dads too (like dad not commenting on our clothes).
I laughed my way silly through this
book. My daughter also laughed through this book. It has opened up
doors of communication. Like what to do during a major malfunction
(Ms. Cronin recommends escape). I will admit that I lost it the
other morning. When talking to Nicole after, I asked if she remember
what to do during major malfunctions. “Hide!” I reminded her to
take her brothers with her.
Nicole's favourite part of the book is
how to camouflage oneself if you are dealing with a minor
malfunction. There were suggestions on how to blend into the houses'
interior. I think that may be why she has been closing the door to
the office when she and Thomas are on the computers. Or maybe they
are just trying to stop me from finding out how much time they are
actually on the computers.
What book have you picked up lately? Was it funny? Was it informative?
Come link up with the other java junkies and share your randomness this week. I'm linking up with Marissa at the Reading List and her great reading meme, The Cozy Book Hop. I hope you will go visit her and her other reading junkies. They have some great reading ideas.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Caffeinated Randomness - I thought I graduated....
I was a high school nerd.
I was.
Really.
I was always on the outside watching
the “cool” kids. Wishing secretly that somehow I could break
into their clique. Wishing I was part of whatever fun they were
having. But if you had asked me then, I would have told you I didn't care.
That they were just dumb jocks and self righteous girls. That they
should really look at themselves before they said anything. I even
antagonized them. I mocked them openly. I flaunted my grades to
them. I let them know that I didn't need them. They made sure I was
never included. It was a vicious circle.
Of course it probably didn't help that
I was on the Health Team (we promoted healthy lifestyles). I was in
the Library Club (self explanatory). I was a very minor lead in our
high school musical, Grease (I played Ol' Lady Lynch). I was in the
Cooks Training Program (we ran the cafeteria). During one of my
spare blocks my senior year, I volunteered in the school office. I'm
really just digging myself in further about my geekiness.
I hung out with the social misfits.
The rockers, stoners, smokers. Ironic, when I was a complete nerd.
They accepted me though for who I was and we had a lot of fun. They
also were tormented by those alleged “cool kids.” Of course, not
to their face but behind their backs (I'm pretty sure the cool kids were
scared of the people I hung out with).
Even after high school my social scale
never really flew. I hung out with people like myself. For a while
I hung out with my ex-boyfriend's bag pipe band. I was also a member
of the Society of Creative Anachronism (we pretended we were in the
middle ages). It really was as bad as it sounds.
I've never fit in at places I worked at
as well. I continued to feel like I was on the outside. I never
really got along with some of the women I worked with. I wasn't
invited out to lunches. I was invited to evening drinks. I made out
like I didn't care. But I would go home and cry. I sometimes would
even cry in my cubicle.
I have always made my own circle of
friends. Friends who accept me for who I am. Friends who don't
judge. I am a very brutally honest person. Sometimes I say things
that others don't. Sometimes I shock people. I have lost friends
because of this. I don't go against society norms, but I try to be
honest. Maybe people don't like that. It's easier to not be honest
I guess.
You may wonder why I am writing this.
I feel on the outside again. I know some of this is just that a
feeling. I am on Twitter. I am on Facebook. I obviously blog.
There are many times I'll post something on Twitter or this blog and
no one comments. I posted last week on Twitter, that
“realizing more and more how much of an outsider I have
become.”
No one commented, although supposedly I
have 143 people following me. I'm not complaining. Just stating
fact. I linked up to a fellow bloggers blog this week. She has on
average approximately 60 people link up every week. Only one person
commented on my blog and she is one of my regular followers. (Thank
you Andi). Lately people on social media have posted or tagged about
going to Allume. (Allume is a Christain Women's Conference inspired
by Incourage). I am sure that the 400 ladies in attendance will be
lifted spiritually. But there is a little of high school involved in
it all. They go on and on for months about it. They all tweet about
buying their tickets. They all ask who's going. They all tweet
while they're there. I'm not saying that they shouldn't, but there
is a little of the haves and haves not.
This isn't just about the social media
world either. How many of us don't fit in with the clique at church?
How many of us can stand during coffee time and nobody come and talk
to us? How many times do people leave our churches because we
haven't welcomed them in.
It's hard to put yourself out there.
We wonder why we all walk around with masks on. We wonder why we
can't be honest? Why are people so scared to put themselves out
there? We are afraid of how people will perceive us. We are afraid
we won't be accepted for ourselves. We are worried that people won't
like us for who we are and not what we bring to the table.
Someone though does love us. Loves us
for who we are, not what we are. Loves us even through all the
scrapes, scabs, or bloody mess that we are. We are created just as
He wanted us. Some of us are taller. Some shorter. Some thinner.
Some not so thinner. Some quiet. Some loud and obnoxious (that's
me!). God loves us just because we come. Nothing more. Nothing
less. He doesn't love us because we fit in. He loves us because He
fits us in. We are only made complete through Him. We need to
remember this. We need to remember that we only need to find
acceptance in Him and nothing else. We need to teach our children
this truth. I believe that until we do, the vicious circle of the
haves and haves not will continue. The masks will remain. We will
never be truly authentic as it is.
This has been very painful to write. I
have had to remember those times where I've broken down feeling
unaccepted. It hurts as a child and cuts as an adult. The wounds
are barely healed. But He is healing them. He is working in me to
start this change. To open peoples minds. To tear off our masks.
To be as authentic as I possibly can. I pray that this be a place
not of judgement, but a place of authenticity. A place of peace and
laughter. A place of belonging.
Have you ever felt like you didn't fit
in? What masks are you wearing? Come link in with the Java Junkies
this week and share your randomness.
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- Michelle
- Alberta, Canada
- I'm a 39 year old (oh yeah I'm telling you my age) Stay at Home mom. A former Bad Girl now reformed sinner, I'm married to my Y2K guy and raising 3 great children from God. Proudly Canadian, however, missing the West Coast, I currently live in the prairies watching the farmers fields produce as I learn how God produces the fruits in me.
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Middleman
Tormentinator
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