Archive for September, 2012

« Older Entries

31 Days To A Positive Attitude

Sunday, September 30th, 2012

Have you ever thought about improving yourself? Oh, I bet you've probably wanted to lose a little weight or tried a new hair-do…but what about your attitude?  Have you ever really thought about investing in some personality self-improvement?  If you're anything like me, then you've probably experienced some disappointment that directly resulted from your attitude.  It can make a person feel miserable (at least me, anyways) and if we're being honest here, it can really make the people around us feel miserable.

As much as I hate saying it, I will — I don't want to be that girl, the one with the rotten attitude.  But sometimes, I am!

Did you know that having a positive attitude can actually improve your health, emotions, relationships  career & even finances?  It's true, it can!  Over the next 31 days, I'm challenging you (AND ME) with tips, helps and downright must do ideas to have a POSITIVE ATTITUDE!  I'm probably the last person on earth who should be handing out attitude advice…but when the Lord says, "Do it!"  I'm doing it!

So, buckle up bloggy friends and pray for me as I move forward this whole month of October writing solely about attitudes.  You can bet your sweet biffy, there will be challenges along the way.  The devil will be seeking me out, specifically firing his negative darts right towards me and my own attitude.

My prayer is that someone (anyone) will make the change in attitude that's stopping them from living a life that is full of joy & peace.  I'm planning on being honest with you because that's all I've got and hiding behind a blog will not help either of us.  So some of my posts may be a window into attitude weaknesses that I'm not so proud of.  What I'm saying is…I'm dying to self here.  A positive attitude at the end of 31 days will be totally worth it!

————————————————————————————————-

What is 31 days?  Go HERE and find out.  I'll be joining The Nester and a ton of other cool bloggers by linking up everyday and spilling out my attitude mojo goodness.  You're sure to find something there to challenge you and teach you something new.

Tags:, ,
Posted in 31 Days to a Positive Attitude, Royal Proclaimations | 5 Comments »

Ode to a BMW

Friday, September 28th, 2012

 

This car nightmare has gone on for over a month now.  After breaking down on the side of the road, far far from home….hauling it home with a trailer….calling all over Indiana and begging mechanic friends alike….then hauling it again to a shop in another town to a guy who said he could fix it–we're back at square one.

He can't do whatever it takes to repair the blown gasket (or whatever the horrible never to be repaired problem is).  His advice (along with many others) is to just replace the whole engine!  Which is all cool except that it's another couple thousand dollars to do that.

The repair job was quoted over $2000, so add on some more thousands!

I've stressed about it.  I've fretted about it.  I've caught rides after rides because of it.  I'm over my head with worry about it.  I seriously can't stand anymore conversations about this dang car.  It is causing me mental and physical pain!

Do chronic problems bother you like this?  Tell me, I'm not crazy!?

After hubby picked me up from school yesterday and told me the latest bad news about the car (he'd met with the mechanic and hashed over the latest issues).  I went outside and walked around with my dogs for a mental break.  Then out of nowhere….I felt the Holy Spirit telling me not to worry.  This would work out.

How?  I still don't know.  All I can say is that I'm trusting GOD to handle it.  

Lord Jesus,

I'm so good at wringing my hands with worry.  Thank you for that brush of reassurance to remind me…I don't have to!  Having reliable cars is important to you (like it is to me) and I know ONLY YOU CAN WORK THIS PROBLEM OUT!  Please work in a mighty way and bless this situation.  I'm handing it over to you.

Amen

Tags:, , , ,
Posted in Royal Proclaimations | 7 Comments »

5 Ways To Survive a Rough Week

Thursday, September 27th, 2012

It's that time again…when life gets a little crazy. Fall break is fast approaching (please hurry, break) and everyone is rushing to and fro with jobs, school and activities. The mornings are getting darker, the days seem longer and everyone feels extra tired.

Oh and here in Indiana, it's raining!

Tell me I'm not alone. You're tired too, right?

When I feel this worn out and still have a few days left to my work week….I begin to get really grumpy! Does that happen to you? I've searched my brain for ways to cope and all I can come up with are little things that each of us should be doing anyway.

1 — Go to bed at a decent hour. This is my biggest downfall. I feel so tired at night but instead of hitting the hay, I fold another load of laundry or clean the kitchen (again). Make a date with your pillow (I'm talking to me) and stick to it.

2 — Eat a simple dinner. I've cooked every night this week and I'm wiped out! I know families need to eat a healthy meal but why not make it something easy. Also, enlist some help with the dinner. It's not going to kill your kids or hubby to pitch in.

3 — Exercise. I'm really talking to me here! If you take just a few minutes to stretch and get your heart pumping….I guarantee it will calm your frazzled nerves and help your body relax.

4 — Read & pray. There's something to spending a few minutes reading scripture and praying that soothes the soul. I'm the biggest failure when it comes to this simple task and my rotten mood is the sad result. It doesn't have to be an hour of Bible study to make a difference.

5 — Take a soothing bath. You might not have the energy to clean the bathtub (like me) and if that's the case, a hot shower may be your only choice. Do it! Then spray on a yummy smelling body spray and hug your family goodnight. Not only will you feel better but the ones you love will be left with a lingering sweet smell from mama!

Let's face it, some weeks are just long and exhausting. This week has been a doozy for me and I still have another workday left to go. Don't worry, I'm taking my own advice tonight and following the 5 survival tips I just shared.

What do you do when the week beats up on you?

Tags:, , ,
Posted in Royal Proclaimations | 1 Comment »

Who Loves Ricky?

Wednesday, September 26th, 2012

It’s no secret, some people are hard to love. Even me. Especially me. I fall hard into the unlovable category, in case you didn’t know. Today, it’s my turn to love someone who needs it. His name is Ricky.

He drums his fingers loudly on the desk and he blurts out odd words at inopportune times. He’s often wearing the same clothes for days at a time and he looks pretty messy everyday. But, he wants my attention. Even if it’s negative.

Most times, I give it to him. Oh yea, I ride his case. Pushing and pushing him to stay focused, to get back on task. I give him the same worksheets over and over. He loses everything. In my mind, I can’t understand why Ricky can’t just do his work. And turn it in. In one piece.

20120926-115654.jpg

See, take a peak inside my heart. It’s flawed and smeared with little bits of yuck! I have this idea that everything and everyone has to be perfect. It’s a terrible weakness. I pray for God to make me more pliable and accepting.

Especially with the Ricky’s of the world.

Who do you need to love today?

Tags:, , , , ,
Posted in Royal Proclaimations | 5 Comments »

Doggone Po-Po

Tuesday, September 25th, 2012

Monday's have a way of ruining a perfectly good weekend, don't you think?  When I hopped forced myself out of bed this morning, all I could think of was skipping school and sleeping in.  I had a booming case of Monday blues.

I'm blaming this dang fall weather, it's beautiful!

Which brings me to Gracie.  She's got a thing for playing outside.  Pretty typical for a dog, I know.  But today, something went way wrong with our normal after school playtime.  I walked around outside with both dogs while they ran around sniffing for bad guys and doing their business.  Then, I remembered that I had a plate of leftover rib bones to give them inside.  In order to do this, I knew I'd have to seperate them…or else.

So, I left Gracie on the back porch and Lizzy inside while they chomped down on their tasty treats.  Safely apart.  I forgot Gracie was still out there after a while and went to call for her.  She was nowhere in sight.  I called and called….no dog!  Gavin came in and I told him to drive around and find the runaway.

No luck.  Girlfriend was gone!

After dinner, I went out and called for her again (also known as annoying all my neighbors with my BIG MOUTH!).  Still, she didn't come home.  Then, I saw my elderly neighbor walking up the driveway.  I sent Gavin out to speak with her and get the news.  I was so nervous that it would be bad.

I really wsn't expecting to hear…..SHE WAS AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT downtown!

She followed this same neighbor (who walks all over town) all the way into downtown.  She walked right beside her along the sidewalk just as if she was on a leash.  When they reached major intersections, my sweet neighbor held her by her collar for fear she would get hit in the busy traffic.  She realized that she couldn't just let her go free downtown by that point…so she stopped by the police department and dropped her off!

Oh my gosh!

How embarrassing!  Gavin and I raced up to "claim" our property.  It was pretty funny to walk up to the window and see your dog hanging out with the clerks.  Everyone (dog included) acted like it was the most normal experience in the world.  Ya know, helping out at the police department when I can!  Crazy dog!

It seems everywhere this she goes…..she makes best friends.  Even at the Po-Po!

Tags:, , ,
Posted in Royal Proclaimations | 20 Comments »

Pumpkin Party

Sunday, September 23rd, 2012

I spent my weekend welcoming the fall.  There were pumpkins to pick and the weather couldn't have been more perfect.  See these two darlin's?  They may never outgrow the pumpkin farm.  I don't blame them, I'm still a fan myself.

20120923-221929.jpg

Because, look!  On Sunday, when the rest of the family is yelling at the football game on tv….you can sit outside on the porch and paint all your cute pumpkins with your best friend/sister.

20120923-222017.jpg

All while wearing spiffy hats, of course.

20120923-222056.jpg

20120923-222108.jpg

Assisted by very helpful dogs too.  Looks like Miss Lizzy is giving some important directions.  More cream, please.

20120923-222124.jpg

Love the finished product, girls.  You are so creative!  Wouldn't it be fun to paint stuff everyday?  I could seriously work on crafts stuff all day long.  Too bad jobs hog up so much free time!

20120923-222146.jpg

More pumpkin pretty.  Isn't the fall amazing?  It's been nice and cool all weekend.  Which is good.  On Saturday, we were doing this….again!  —–>

20120923-222249.jpg

The family that hauls cars together…..stays together!  Right?  Geez, I hope so.  This trip was to the mechanic who is going to make it all right again.  Yippee!  It's going to cost a pretty penny, but it will work and not just sit in my driveway for everyone to dodge around when they pull in any longer.

I am happy!  Maybe the whole week will go this well, huh?  Happy Monday!

Posted in Royal Proclaimations | 22 Comments »

« Older Entries