Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Sandwich

Uncategorized, , , , ,

Here in this town there is a running joke. Being in the South means, we don’t get a lot of snow. Usually it is more ice and when we do get it EVERYTHING shuts down and people suddenly lose all common sense and still think they can drive. So, if the weather man even mentions “winter weather” there are 2 things the stores run out of. Milk and bread. Just those two things. Running joke being these people eat a lot of milk sandwiches in the winter. However, I did the same thing yesterday. Grant it, I’m not sure if the weather man ever forecasted “winter weather” but I had gone all weekend without milk. Having a toddler AND being the cereal lover I am, that was too long. Plus, It is January; the month after Christmas and before tax returns come in….Momma is broke! Being broke means we eat sandwiches. Here lately these sandwiches have been tasting really good too for some reason. Nothing fancy, just basic sandwiches. Well, we ran out of bread by Sunday. So, yesterday, Tuesday, I run to the store when I get off work and by my milk and bread. Feeling like a goober with my milk sandwich ingredients I get home and start getting the real stuff out. Ketchup, mayo, cheese, all that jazz. Lastly I go for the sandwich meat. Guess what is gone. Was there Monday, not there now. Really?! Looking forward to eating my sandwich all day and I still can’t get it. Being a toddler mom I do have the pb&j. Then I see something in the pantry. Instead of pb, I used Nutella. It didn’t quite hit the spot though. So, of course, I still spent the rest of the afternoon looking for something to snack on. I hate it when your taste buds get excited for something they can’t have. It leaves you eating everything in sight trying to fill that seemingly bottomless pit. Cravings will get you everytime.

“Part of the secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.”
― Mark Twain

Struggle Bus Coming Through

Uncategorized, , , , , ,

Sometimes I feel like an inflatable lifeboat in the middle of a hurricane. Even though the holiday season is over, this momma is still recovering; mentally and financially, but mostly financially. Christmas is one of the hardest seasons on an income and this recovery process is rough. Getting a third job seems more and more necessary. Seeing the good side of things gets harder and harder. However, I know God has plans for me. I know He is going to take care of me and guide me through these troubled waters. Until I see land I just have to keep on rowing and just stay afloat. Doing this means I just gotta keep trusting and turning to Him.

With all this, I have to be real and say that this was brought upon myself. Last spring, summer, and this past fall I was fine, I had enough money to put back, but I am one that likes to shop in my free time and well, you get the picture. I mean, my son didn’t need ALL of those clothes and toys. Trust me, he has plenty, of both! I did have some big necessary purchases in the fall, but still, I tend to splurge more than I should. I argued with myself multiple times of day about my spending, but I kept on trucking. Of course, these good days were the days I was putting God first. Yet, the whole month of December He was pushed to the back burner again. Honestly, He has been there this month too. Just in the nick of time, the scheduled classes and d-groups are starting back up. Yes, it means a busy week but it helps me keep Him in my main line of sight and makes it harder for me to push my faith to the side. I know I have to keep reading, and learning, and spreading His message and love.

This struggle bus will push on!!

**Am I the only one that sees Ms. Fritter from Cars 3 when talking about the struggle bus? undefined

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” –Romans 8:18

#Mondays

Uncategorized, , , , , ,

It’s a Monday again. Usually I am not one to complain about Mondays, but I certainly could have slept on sleeping when my alarm went off this morning. I thought I was going to be really late to D-Group, when in fact I was only like 5 minutes late. Plus, there was only 1 person on the road that almost caused a wreck. Just an FYI, it is always best to look before you merge into a lane; but all was good. I went on to work at 9 and I overcooked my pop-tart. There is no toaster so I was heating it up in the microwave which I have done too many times to count. This time, I left it in there just a few seconds too long. The thing about overcooked pop-tarts is, when done in the microwave, they don’t burn. Instead, when they have cooled off enough to be edible, they get HARD. I’m not talking crunchy hard, I mean they quickly
become chewy like the candy sugar babies,
undefined and then they become a brick. Needless to say I am anxiously awaiting 2:00 so I can have something in my belly other than half a chewy pop-tart and a Pepsi.

Days that start out like today tend to make you wanna use a few choice words every now and then. Maybe call a person a name or too.
FEAR NOT!!! The Lord is with you!!

“For we live by faith, not by sight.” –2 Corinthians 5:7

No Coincidences

Uncategorized, , , , , ,

Last night was the first night of me leading a small group class. A midweek class. I decided to do the study “Becoming Mom Strong” by Heidi St. John. I was super nervous, I have never led anyone in anything. Especially not a bible study. I am not a teacher and in no way an expert on anything. I was truly surprised by the number of ladies that were there last night. Almost 20 ladies are in the class. Not only did I get to break the ice with people I don’t know at all, I got to see other connections being formed. This was my first glimpse into what God has been telling me to do.

After the class I got to witness even more. One of the moms came up to me with tears in her eyes and told me how much she needed this. A few years ago she had gone through something similar with her husband and hasn’t fully found a solid ground yet. In that moment I had nothing but confidence and reassurance that I was on the right track. The need I thought I saw in the church was even bigger than I had realized. I asked this mom if she had gotten into a sunday school class since then. Being a fairly recent single mom, she was nervous because most of the classes that meet in the hour she attends are couples classes; or are at least labeled “couples”. Now, 3 other ladies had stuck around for a few minutes and when one of them heard this mom needed a class, she immediately jumped in. Turns out this lady is starting up a new class this Sunday. No labels or anything.

A little bit later me and the new leader were walking out and she told me she had received a list of people to reach out to who may need help getting connected within the life of the church. Those that need a church family to lean on. It just so happens this mom that is going through all this is on that list. God was in that room!! Never before have I been so reassured that I was doing the right thing!!

This was just one of the connections I saw happen. I witnessed with my own eyes. I now see just how much my vision was needed for this.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens”
–Ecclesiastes 3:1

It’s Been A Minute

Uncategorized, , , , ,

Hello all. It has been a minute since I have written anything. It hasn’t been for lack of topics, rather lack time and energy. Good news is, the new job so far is going great. Haven’t learned everything I need to, but it is coming along. I am starting to see the possible reasoning behind God’s plan to move me here.

When I started working at the Church over a year ago, I didn’t necessarily expect to be doing that job forever. After a few months I knew I wouldn’t be staying in that position specifically. I had a feeling God had a different place for me. However, I thought I would just be changing roles, not place of employment. Whenever they told me about the position being eliminated I wasn’t ready. I thought I still had stuff to work on before this point. I thought I would be in that position until time to take on a different role. Yet, now I think I am starting to see God’s plan.

I am now working at the local United Way office as an office assistant. Basically, the same kind of stuff I was doing at the church, but a little more involved. I am getting to go to events and sit at a booth and talk about what we have going on. I get to go to libraries to sign kids up to a free book program we have. I am in staff and board meetings. As like normal office assistants there is the paperwork I process as well. I was put here to get involved in things in the community. I am starting a single mother ministry, how could I be successful without getting into the community. God knew I would need this to reach those that need Him most.

One aspect of this job is the networking. I am getting to know people who give back to the community. I get to know more people in the community. God used the church job as my stepping stone to getting the ball rolling on a new ministry. To see the hole that needs to be filled in His kingdom. I believe that He put me here at United Way for me to grow, and for the vision I have for the ministry to come to life. I am here to make a difference and spread His light and love to the single mother’s that don’t know Him yet, or that don’t feel they deserve His love. I am here to lead them to a church home so that they can come to know Him and to love Him.

We never will know what step is coming next. As long as we step with God, He will lead us down the right path.

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
–Proverbs 16:9

So Long Christmas

Uncategorized

As much as I love Christmas, I sure am glad for it to be over. I am actually ready to get back on a normal schedule. Working on Monday, then not working for 2 days out of the middle of the week, then back to the weekend really messes up my internal clock. I keep forgetting what day it is. But, good news, the torn up wrapping paper, and now empty boxes have been burned and are gone with the wind! Just one more “holiday” to get through until normal life can resume. That is a loose term, holiday. A new year is a big deal I guess, not quite sure why it is a holiday. All I know is, I’m off in the middle of the week again, and the day before is the day I turn 28. I’m not sure if it is just me or not, but it’s weird to hear myself say that. I think part of my brain still sees myself as a teenager sometimes. I am an almost 28 year old with a 3 year old son. I truly am an adult. Earlier this week I joked that you know you are an adult when you become truly interested when the trash will run through the holidays. Since we barely live inside city limits nobody actually cares if we burn trash. Good thing too cause ours was overflowing!

With the return of somewhat “normal” life, hopefully my son’s potty training will get back to normal. I have worked really hard not to spoil this child but this past weekend I found out “only-child syndrome” is in all of them. The first night the cousins were here he peed his pants; TWICE!! Going #2 has been our biggest hurdle but #1 he has had down for a long time! Then, Sunday morning my niece starts to cry over something and crawls into Granna’s lap. Seeing this caused my turd-bird to forcibly crawl from his chair to my lap. Really child, I would rather not wear my orange juice!
Trying to keep up with the cousins does wear him out though. He missed several naps but slept later than usual so I’ll take it; even if he is a little cranky today. Getting back to normal schedules can’t come fast enough! This is why God gave us a few months between Christmas and Easter; Recovery, not just for our bodies, but for bank accounts as well. Between the gas to go places and the presents for everybody I think I actually heard my debit card sigh earlier this week.

No Coincidences

Uncategorized, , , ,

About 2 weeks ago I got news about my position in the office being eliminated. Well, after 2 weeks I now have a new job starting January 2 at United Way. What leaves me awe struck isn’t how fast I found a replacement job, but the circumstances around it.

We all know offices don’t just make hasty decisions like this. At least not this one. Everything gets prayed over for weeks before anything is decided. So, as my current employers were deciding to take out my position, my future employers were deciding to create a new position in their office. As my door was closing, another was opening.

Throughout those 2 weeks I kept saying that God just has a plan for me and I didn’t know it yet. God is taking me somewhere and using me for something. What that is, I have no clue, but I am going to follow where he leads. (Cue the Gilmore Girls theme song) Going through life without God is like hiking through unknown mountain ranges without a guide and compass. You are going to get lost.

5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” –Proverbs 3:5-6

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.'” –Isaiah 30:21

The Reason for the Season

Uncategorized, , , , , , ,

This time of year seems to be the busiest. Travel plans, gift buying, keeping track of which family is where. We have crammed so much into such a short amount of time that we can’t truly enjoy it. It has also caused us to forget the true meaning of this holiday. Once Halloween is over people instantly get into Christmas mode. Making lists for themselves and lists for buying to give to other people. We can’t wait for those Christmas bonuses and Christmas club checks to hit the bank. We just keep going, going, going, and more going. Going to see family. Going to buy presents. Going to buy decorations. Going to buy wrapping paper. Going out to eat. Going to parties.

For those of us where money is really tight, Christmas is stressful. All of a sudden you have to buy as many cool toys as possible for your kids. The newest outfit for your parents or sibling. Our focus has been taken off of the the reason for the season. The real reason for the season. I too am guilt of forgetting the important part of this season.

Christmas wasn’t just created by marketing companies to bring in buckets of revenue. They just piggy backed for the profits. Christmas is for celebrating the birth of Jesus; the true ultimate gift. God gifted us with the birth of Jesus so that he could die for our sins to be wiped away. For our sins to be forgiven. The reason we gift things to each other is to symbolize the gifts given by the wisemen. Over the years the gift giving has become something completely different.

Don’t let this time of year become too much of a stresser. Just relax and enjoy the time spent with family and friends. Don’t worry about getting the “perfect” gift. Anything given in love is enough for those that love you too.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” –James 1:17

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” –Isaiah 9:6

A Thursday

Uncategorized, , , , ,

Today started off pretty okay. Went to Lowe’s for a heavy duty utility knife. Sam’s for the best wrapping paper ever and a crap ton of tape. (It’s the holidays, one of the few times of year we go through multiple rolls of that scotch tape.) Picked up my son’s medication at Walgreen’s and still had plenty of time before work. Work doesn’t start until 12:30 on Thursdays.

Well, that means a bowl of cereal and then work on my project. This project is for my S.S. Class’ christmas party. It’s a dirty santa gift! I was proud of myself. Got them shells cut and trimmed down with only a minor cut on my thumb! Before leaving for work at 11:30 my little project was pretty much complete and I was having a pretty good day so I wanted some chicken nuggets. Oh, those golden arches are addicting. God had other plans. On the way, my car quits shifting gears. The Tater is an automatic and I couldn’t even do 30 without feeling like I was going to blow my motor. Instead I went on to work and a couple of guys there checked my fluid and even took it for a spin. Of course with them, Tater drove just fine. (Tater is an x-terra the color of a potato and my license plate says “yam”)

I guess, it is just one of those days. Super glad my car isn’t about die, but I could have gone without that little scare. People may think God doesn’t have a sense of humor, but I beg to differ!! Just remember to have yourself, a healthy sense of humor!!

“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” –Job 8:21

His Plans

Uncategorized, , , , , ,

Got some inconvenient news yesterday. The office is eliminating my position to open up a different position. Unfortunately this means I have about a month to find a new job. Hopefully one that will allow me to stay in school. This was not what I was hoping for but I keep reminding myself that God has his plan. He put me here as a stepping stone to get me to where He wants me. This is a scary time but I find comfort in knowing that He has plans for me that I just don’t know about yet. I know He will take care of our family and provide with whatever we may need. When problems like this arise we need to focus on the solution. The solution is God. He will not only provide the right job, but everything in between now and then.

In times like these we all have a choice. Either focus on the negatives, which in turn causes darkness to seep into our hearts. These negatives are going to be the holes that the devil will try to get his foot in. Instead of letting these bad things bring you down focus on the positives. Remember that God has plans for you, you just don’t know what they are. He is constantly working on you to make you stronger, to bring you closer to Him. He will not forsake you as long as you remember that He has everything under control.

If you need proof, here it is. Yesterday before the bad news a sweet lady came in to the office. Her daughter works in the office too, but she stopped at my desk and handed me a card and told me that their sunday school class “adopted” my family for Christmas. What was in the card doesn’t matter. What does matter is that this class was led to help a member of their church. God put it in their hearts that part of their “extended” family was going to need love. That is what matters. I always say that your church family is just that, a family. People you can lean on, and count on, when you are in need. This family is God given just like your biological kin.

“‘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.'” –Jeremiah 29:11

My thanks for my family, and for His provisions will never seem like enough.