She's Just Not That Into You?

Did you see this flick? I didn't, but I can pretty much guess what it's about. The hard part about my single days was I was pretty aggressive when I locked eyes on a guy & I also had a hard time taking "No" for an answer. Even when those I really trusted (my p.'s) would declare, "Heather! He's just not into you!"...I'd ignore them. And, of course, it was a sobering day when I finally faced the fact that he wasn't that into me.
When Raul & I dated, he dumped me once & flew to Mexico w/ his fam for vacay. The cycle started: I wouldn't take "no" for an answer while trusted confidants tried to tell me he wasn't interested anymore. But guess what?? After a couple of months of not giving up, I was able to woo the Cuban back. I was able to say, "He IS that into me!" Whew, right?? So I just have one little question...
When they gonna make a flick titled, "SHE'S just not that into you?!" ;-)

Fashion Inspiration?

Do you agree with this? Lemme know. I'm debating if I do.

Cool Quote Friday

"God just wants to use you and me,
the way we are.
He's not looking for superstars.
He's looking for us."
-a pastor

Right Words; Wrong Moments

I love my bible, but I have difficulties reading, so I'm always asking God for clarity & retention. He always comes through. It's amazing how He leads me to His right words at my wrong moments. Lemme break it down for ya:
Health storms:
Jesus answered, "It is not this man's sin or his parents' sin that made him blind. This man was born blind so that God's power could be shown in him."
John 9:3
Marriage storm:
So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate. Matthew 19:6
Ministry storms:
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10

Forgiving Those Who Hurt You

In my life, there's been 3 people I've had to work hard at forgiving. And lemme tell ya...it was a lot harder than holding up a little sign like DJ is here. There is overwhelming biblical reason to forgive--I believe all of it. But for me, there's also a practical reason to forgive. You see, not forgiving meant having those who hurt me AND my unforgiveness toward them move into my heart. Forgiving them meant evicting all of that and allowing God to move in. And more God in my heart has led to more peace in my life.

The Tower of Tinker Toys

Raul, Andy & DJ got rev'ed up at the challenge of building a Tinker Toy Tower all the way up to our ceiling. Mission accomplished. It was so tall to the ceiling that it wouldn't fit in this pic.

Ya know, this happened in the bible. All mankind got together & thought they could build an amazing Tower of Babel that would reach the sky & be their answer to unity, power & fame. God had other plans in mind. Read His outcome HERE.

The "Babel" syndrome isn't confined to Tinker Toys & Old Testament stories. I find it manifests itself in my life too. Take Twitter & Blogging for example. How high do I build myself in these networks? And would I be OK with God's outcome if He stepped in? Hmm...

Probably My Darkest Post

For 3 days, I've wrestled with something I've never thought about before. It started when I read something Jesus said, "If they made it very hard for Me, they will make it very hard for you also." And then what Peter said, ...Lord, I am ready to die for you!" And then I thought about the 9/11 terrorists who willingly (but instantly) DIED for their faith. And then I thought about this article, "Turkey Christian Missionaries Horrifically Tortured Before Killings." And as it's all swirling around in my head, I'm left asking myself, "You'd be willing to DIE for your faith, but would you be willing to be tortured for it? Have any of you ever thought about this before? Cause for me, it's put my faith at a defining crossroad.

Retro American Idol?

I've been hit & miss with American Idol. But tonight, it was good hang-time with my Cuban to watch the finale. I noticed they had quite the retro American Idol line-up: Santana, Cyndi Lauper, KISS, Lionel Richie, Queen Latifah, Steve Martin (?), Rod Stewart. Though I'd personally give Best Gig to the more current "idol," the Black Eyed Peas, who do you think had the best gig last night?

The Journey of Weakness

All of us have weaknesses. But did ya notice they can change over time? Here's a broad look at my weakness journey:
>Elementary - vulnerable/too impressionable
>Middle School/HS - low self-esteem/peer pressure
>College - addictions/loss of identity/jealousy
>Young Adult - drama/jealousy/needy
>Adult - anxiety/insecure
I realize this is somewhat personal, but if you're feelin' it, feel free to chime in and leave a comment. Cause there's strength when we realize we're together with what makes us weak.

Trendspotting: 5 Good Summer Things

Ok, my trendspotting post returns! This time, it's 5 products I recommend for the summer. These products have been good to me, so I thought I'd share them with you:

1. Ed Hardy Men's Cologne by Christian Audigier - Oh yummy yummy. This scent is unique and off the chart. I even let Andy and DJ wear it so I can smell it on them!
2. Schick's His & Hers Titanium Razor AND Trimmer - It's a "2-n-1," it's waterproof & it works well. A great all-around product, esp with bathing suit season upon us.
   
3. Ralph Lauren's Notorious Perfume for Women - maybe I was initially attracted to it for it's title :) But this stink-pretty has a great, long-lasting, unique scent.
4. Jergen's Natural Glow. Tan in a Can? Close. Tan in a Tube! This stuff keeps your skin moisturized AND tanned AND won't have ya lookin' like a raisin when you're older.
5. Aveeno Baby Sunblock - Andy (my 4 y.o.) has sensitive skin. This sunscreen has worked very well for his skin. But I like it 'cause it's actually worked for our whole fam. Why buy 4 different bottles of sunscreen when I can just buy this one? Great stuff!

What product do YOU recommend for the summer-summer-time? Do tell!

Former Places of Employment

Is it just me or did any of you enter the workforce at 16 and go through like 20 jobs til college? Here are some of the fine establishments I worked for:

• TJ Maxx
• Burger King (accepted the position, but never showed up. That's so wrong!)
• Sweet Street Ice Cream Shop
• Walgreens
• County Seat
• State Farm
• Rocky Rococo's
• SunTanners tan spa
  

So where did you take your first job? (and BTW, if you are still AT your first job, you are incredible!)

I'm Failing to See the Resemblance...LOL!

Can I Have a Mother's Day Do-Over?

OK, I am making this confession this one time 'cause I know I'll never do this again....I didn't call my Mom on Mom's Day (nor email her). But I've got an awesome mom, who's got an overflowing abundance of grace. So I'm using this post as my Mom's Day do-over (& hoping her grace will receive it). "Hey Ma, look at this recent pic of us....all 4 of your kiddos are walking with God, healthy and smiling. You done good, Ma. Happy Mother's Day!" Love, Heath

REAL Fashion Advice

I enjoy following fashion trends, finding great deals or creating outfits. But this morning, when I read this, it kicked my butt that none of that matters if I don't hold this fashion advice HIGH above and FAR beyond everything else: "So clothe yourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience...Even more than all of this, clothe yourself in love." The real fashion advice here? Every morning when you get dressed, do you consider what outfit you're dressing your attitude with?

Your Mama

Question:
Fam, why bring your Mama to Flamingo Road Church this weekend?

Question:
Mom, why bring your fam to Flamingo Road Church this weekend?

Answers revealed HERE

Little Man; Little Moments

The night I got home from the hospital, DJ climbed into bed beside me just to catch up on life. I'm grateful I didn't miss that moment with my little man (grateful for the pic, too).

This weekend, it's Mother's Day. Make time for your kids to catch up with you. A conversation with them is worth more than jewelry or flowers. Jewelry tarnishes; flowers wither. But moments with our kids don't do either.

Said It Before, Sayin It Again..

...we've gotta have joy & we gotta be laughing. When it hurts & when it's hard. When we're in the valley & when we're under a cloud. When we're sick & when we're broke. Last week, Raul snapped this pic just before they took me away to the operating room. I don't show this pic to brag & I don't show it to get pity. I show it because when I look at this, I can see that even when it's tough, the joy of the Lord is my strength!




Dear brothers & sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
James 1:2

Being Paid to Lose Weight?

Lately, Kirstie Allie has been in the spotlight. On Oprah, Kirstie said, "The most painful thing for me is that I have all these people that I inspired & then I let them down." She went on to say, "When you're a spokesperson for a weight loss company…somebody weighs you every week...When I didn't have that anymore…I just said, 'I'm going to cut myself some slack.'" As a result, she gained 85 pounds.

I don't have wisdom to speak directly to Kirstie's tough season, but indirectly I get it because I went through my own tough season with a different addiction. If I was granted an opportunity to speak to Kirstie, I actually wouldn't say anything. I think I'd hug her & pray for her.


'With human beings this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matt 19:26

5 Relationship-Books Giveaway

Last weekend, my Pastor did a great message on relationships [click HERE to hear it] so I thought I'd give away 5 of my relationship books:
1) Love for a Lifetime -Dr. James Dobson
2) Finding the Love of Your Life -Neil Clark Warren
3) Help Me I'm Married! -Joyce Meyer
4) Going All the Way -Craig Groeschel
5) The Marriage Mirror -Ed & Lisa Young
If you want one, just leave a comment & let me know which one & I'll get it to you. If you don't live here, email your address HERE & I'll mail it to you. (first come, first serve) Thanks!

I'm Not an Earth Lover

I'm not an Earth Lover. I'm a Creation Lover. I love love love the creation God has made all around the world. I'm also grateful for God's creation in my own yard. So today I walked around my yard & took 5 pix of it. Clockwise: Bougainvilleas, Bromeliad, Hibiscus, Gardenias & Magnolia. God says He makes Himself known to ALL people. And by His creation ALL around the world, I think that's one of the coolest ways He reveals Himself.