I walk in faith... so I have HOPE!

      "I am surrendering my Dream to you, Dream Giver. 
        I've decided that it's you that I can't go on without."


      "Ordinary, I am giving you back your Dream. 
        Now you can use it to serve me. 
        Now you can use it to achieve truly Great Things.
        And I am with you always."
                                                      ~Bruce Wilkinson, Author

I had a dream, once... and I had to lay it down. It was a very hard decision to make, but as hard as it was, I let it go. That dream was gone, for a long time. But I got it back! When it was given back to me by the Dream Giver, it was clearer and more concise than I could have ever imagined...

My journey is hard - as you may know, because you may have experienced some of it with me in the past - or you may be walking with me now. However, I have faith in the one who gave me the dream in the first place, because He has never failed me. Often I have felt alone, or abandoned, but when I get through that place that feels so dark and frightening - and I always DO - I discover that He was my silent companion all along. That realization, keeps me walking in faith through any valley, knowing that it will only be a matter of time and I will pass through the darkness and soon, I will see the light ahead that reveals my next step.

My dream, is my name - my heart, my passion - Loving People To LIFE! Every day, every step and every encounter, I have chosen to view as a new opportunity bringing me one step closer to the end result.

"The Land of Promise" 

Day Two...quick update...

Okay, this is day two -- and not the same, uneventful, experience as I had yesterday!

I decided to brush my teeth BEFORE the pull, knowing that it would likely be harder to palate that sesame oil if my mouth was fresh and clean -- it was! I had also read about putting drops of tea tree or peppermint essential oil in it for either taste or medicinal. Those who know me best, know that I LOVE Tea Tree oil, so that was my choice. I busied myself and suddenly a small drop of the oil got back in my throat -- it caught me by surprise and the gag reflex was instant!

I ran to the toilet and spit -- it had only been 2 minutes, and when I tried to regain my composure, I was faced with a little phlegm that was "teasing" my uvula and would not let go (sorry to be so graphic). SO, finally able to choke it out, I braved the oil and did it again. This time completing 15 minutes. There's been a bit of a loosening of mucus (I think) in my chest and nose a bit runny... a sign, I suppose, that the detox has begun!

Teeth are smooth as glass and I can't believe how fast acting the oil is on the plaque. You know how your teeth can almost "cut" or pinch your tongue when you have a good cleaning? All the spaces between your teeth are so fresh and perfect. Well, after only 2 oil pulling sessions I am thrilled to say I DON'T FEAR my next cleaning!!!

Day one "Oil Pulling"....

So, today was my first "Oil Pull"... I am using Sesame Oil. I was a little apprehensive about what to expect with all the testimonies on Earth Clinic about what people have experienced.

I went to the local grocer and found some Cold Pressed Sesame Oil (as opposed to Toasted, or Sesame SEED Oil) that now sits on the bathroom counter to greet me first thing every morning. I keep learning more about it as I go, so my postings may change from time to time -- for example, I did NOT brush my teeth first, but today found out that it is better to do that first. So, tomorrow, I'll brush first!

I took 1 tablespoon of the oil and put it in my mouth. It wasn't as THICK as I thought it might be... thankfully! I started to "swish" it around (no swallowing!) and reminded myself that they suggest finding something to "busy" yourself with so that you don't think about it for the 20 minutes that is required to pull toxins out. I read the grocery ad, changed my clothes, made my DECAF coffee (because caffeine is an ENEMY to Anemics) and promptly spit what was now foamy white oil into the toilet as I flushed it down. Spitting out what more I could, I then rinsed with water and started to drink the recommended 2-3 glasses of water... brushed and flossed my teeth, and was on my way.

The main reason I am writing about it already is to say that I kinda thought my teeth looked a bit whiter... as some have said, but tonight...15 hours later, as I run my tongue across my teeth, they are STILL SMOOTH and clean!!! Something new -- because by this time each day, I can usually feel the proverbial "sweaters" on my teeth that need to be brushed again before bed. NOT TONIGHT!!!

So, tomorrow will be day two. They say it gets easier to tolerate as you keep it up - they also say that if you are going to experience any toxin releases (and icky sicky feelings) it will be in the first 3 days. We'll see. My tummy had a few rumbles today, but nothing I couldn't live with!

And a note to my "followers"... I have been working on some additional blogs that are involving my "passions" like, Month of Meals, Low Carb Living, Organizational Helps and Staging and Decor Hints. I will be adding blogs in those topics - if you wish to follow me there, keep posted here. I will create links to them once they are ready.

See you tomorrow!!!

Detox, anemia and stuff that ails you!

So after my post last night I started to "look around". I found another really great and informational website for CURES to common problems. I'm pretty excited about it and thought I would share with anyone who is interested... The site is called Earth Clinic, and is just LOADED with home remedies, detox's and helps. Not to mention people who have experienced the miracles of the healing remedies. I have found very LITTLE that is negative, but there is some - which I think is always good. Balance, you know?

So, in an attempt to cure my anemia, endometriosis and whatever else may be lurking inside, (they have a whole list of diagnoses that people get from their doc) I have decided to try the "Oil Pulling" that they talk about, and the Black Strap Molasses (*gag*) with some Farina to make it palatable. They also recommend Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) for the fibroids/endometriosis... not so sure I am BRAVE enough for that one yet!

This "Oil Pulling" thing sounds intriguing... the multiple side BENEFITS of it are pretty awesome! Whiter teeth, more energy, weight loss, vision improvements?! I'll let you know when I see things change!

I am anemic...

And it can really be a DOWNER!!!

People tell me often that my "color doesn't look good" and "are you feeling okay?". So, tonight I post this question "Can chips and salsa help anemia?" to which I got a reply of YES... REALLY?! WOW!

...and that got me thinking... I've just taken advice from people and occasionally a medical person who often tells me to take Iron. Yeah, yeah, yeah... I recently started taking sublingual B-12 dots which seemed to help IMMEDIATELY. But I am certain that my eating has been my worst enemy. I eat about one meal a day, and then not always the best because of our living situation. I've worked VERY HARD to FORCE myself to pay attention and make sure to eat something of value for every meal.

And now, I found this link on Anemia... informative and helpful. Do YOU suffer from anemia? Check it out!

SOLD!!

So, here's the thing... I have been staging and home managing for three years. Many of you know this about us already...when we moved in October, we left the company we were staging for, because we could not find another, and were in financial straights.

In December, the 14th exactly, Ted got a call for work after having been off for almost 18 months. It was bittersweet. We were happy that he had work, but sad that we would have to part, for an undetermined time. He is still gone.

In the meantime, I still LOVE to re-purpose, re-design, re-stage, and re-arrange. It makes one feel so GOOD and gives a newness to an old situation.

So, while on one of my trips to meet Ted halfway, I was "iced in" due to a major ice storm. During that week, I decided to use the time to help out my aunt and uncle who were thinking about selling their house. They'd had a realtor come and see it and give some feedback. He said there was a lot to be done...they told him what I do and he thought that would be great -- so here we go!!

It was a bit of a challenge, because most of the stuff was "well used" and there wasn't any money to purchase new things. But I was determined to make it "new"...if only to help THEM enjoy it and feel better.

The realtor loved the changes, and called to say he had someone he wanted to show it to. The call came on Friday...showing on Saturday... AN OFFER WAS MADE ON SUNDAY, and the house wasn't even listed yet!!! So, does STAGING SELL HOMES???

YES INDEED!!!

IDEAS abounding!!!

I haven't written for a few days... not the best "consistency" in my opinion, considering my desire is to write every one to two days. I'm getting there, tho. When I originally started this blog, I was only making entries about twice a year, IF I remembered. More often, it ended up being an "Annual Update" of sorts to force me to do my Christmas Newsletter (do people really read them when I send them?).

I am working on this marketing thing daily and every day I get more and more excited!!! This guy is really GOOD! I am stirred... with so many ideas, several of which are informational blogs that I could be writing - or will. "Organizing a Large Family", "Parenting Ideas and Helps", "Marriage Building", "Menu Planning and Month of Meals", "Budgeting" etc., "Products I Like and Recommend", "Staging and Decor Ideas" "Low Carb Lifestyle" or....?

I need some input -- what do YOU think would be a good place to start? I feel like I could do several and enjoy them, but want to be GOOD at what I do -- not overwhelmed with many "Blogging To Do's" every day. So, REALLY, what would YOU suggest???

Life is...exhausting...

Well, after spending the ENTIRE DAY looking through digital photos, I am now waaaay too tired to BLOG! BUT, I am committed...to keeping up with it!!!

The photos you see here...there are three of them... is the beautiful view from my new house!!! Yep, we, thanks to a wonderful friend, are moving. Once the agreement is signed tonight, we will be renting this home right on the North end of this beautiful spring fed lake!!! Sooo, come and see us... look where we can sit -- and waste away the hours -- with a view, or the sun, or floating in the clear water!!!















So, when shall I expect your arrival???

...home again home again jiggity jig!

Well, I made it home. After a day and a half of white knuckling driving, I am here. And although I had a wonderful time, it feels GOOD. At least HERE they know what to do when it snows!

As I said before, I kinda took the weekend off, while with hubby...but am SO EXCITED to get back on track with my online money coming in. Seems we, the students, just struck GOLD where the mentoring and hand-holding is concerned. It has been a bit frustrating, because of the simplicity of it. Jeremy is teaching the whole gambit, including things like "how to get a gmail account". Which is good, but when you already know some of the stuff, it makes it hard to wait for "the good stuff". SOOO, he is listening... and has given me FORTY, count them... FORTY VIDEOS to take step by step. He promises that on day 17 we make our first money. As I said, I took my first step at making $ but the site has confused me a bit, so I am now digging deeper to figure out what it is (in those videos) that I missed!

For anyone who missed it, scroll down my blog here and see what's up. I'm SO EXCITED, but will NOT RECRUIT for this! YAHOOOOOOO! If you WANT to see it, find the link on the left side of my blog or click here to see it . Watch the vids that are there, you'll be quite impressed, I think! Jeremy is now friends "in great standing" with all of the big whigs in eBay, Google, Facebook, Twitter, etc... HE KNOWS HIS STUFF! Downhome guy from Lincoln, NE - what could be better?

Oops, sorry -- I promised not to recruit! I'm just so excited about him. Talk to you soon!

...the view from here...

Well, being in Kansas City with Ted has made it somewhat more difficult to stay consistent with my daily postings here, but I am trying!!!

Today, we awoke to about 4 inches of snow. Until now, I have watched how the weather works here. It snows, it blows, people crash, and it's gone... today, I have learned that the snow actually DOES STAY in Missouri when it's deep enough! And oh how still things are around here! NO ONE wants to MOVE here. Pretty funny, considering this is probably a typical snow in MN and IA.

It's STILL snowing, though. And given the way I have seen KC respond, I'm not so confident in my plan to leave for home tomorrow. I am confident in my vehicle, but the way people seem to "freeze" (no pun intended) with snow around here, THEIR unpredictability of response is what makes me most nervous. The highways here are all THREE lanes, but when it snows, no one spans out -- they all use ONE.

You can't define the parking lot from the sidewalk here -- except for where the cars are. I guess they don't plow here either!

Regarding my money making endeavor... it's the weekend, I took it off to "play" with my husband!

from one classy woman to another...

My grandmother was a CLASSY woman in her prime.... actually, BOTH of my grandmothers have always emanated class and grace and incredible beauty. I have been blessed for 45 years to have both of my grandmothers with me. They are both still alive, and I was thinking about them, and our history, during my 3 hour drive today.

My paternal grandmother is beautiful, opinionated, yet to herself... and not too revealing of herself and her feelings and beliefs. She never really reached out much to my sister and me, so we only know so much of her, what she has allowed and revealed. My maternal grandmother, also beautiful and opinionated, is one who LOVES "relationship" and for as long as I can remember, she has gone out of her way to keep good relationships with everyone she holds dear. Drawing us out, asking about our lives and sharing hers with us. I am grieved, because I rarely see them anymore. I live so far away, and my trips "home" are so often short and every moment calculated and planned. Sometimes, when it works, it is only for a few moments. How things have changed...they have changed.

Both are aging, they were born on the same day only a year apart... one will turn 89 this year, and the other is to be 90. Everytime I see them, I wonder, will this be the last time? So many years of memories and love...it will be a hard day when the phone call comes that they have gone. I think I have moved into "protective" mode... my heart does not want to feel the ache that I know will be inevitable.

Just my thoughts for today... and for those of you wondering about my marketing endeavor, I have only to report that I received approval for my affiliate marketing manager and publishing application. Yippee!!! This is a HUGE step. If I could FIGURE OUT the website on my own, I would have made my first money yesterday... but the "newbie" that I am, I will have to get some more training and help to make sure I do it right!!! Keep watching, it's only going to be more exciting!!!

Guinea pig in training... WATCH and see.

SOOO, here we go!

Actually, I have been doing this for awhile. There are only a select number of students. I started in this training program almost 2 weeks ago. It is VERY exciting and I really believe that it is going to work.

I love, love, LOVE that it is NOT a multi-level-marketing program and I do NOT have to be the "nuisance" friend who recruits all my friends and family and 23rd cousins! SO FEAR NOT!!! I promise, I will NOT contact YOU! IF, as you watch, you think you like what you are seeing, and IF you start to see I am "going to coffee or dinner", or other FUN things with friends... and it's always "my treat", well, then hopefully that will mean that I am seeing success - I will expect that you will be brave and ask me how it's going and if it's working, so you can learn too.

The program that I am on is posted in a link on the sidebar of my blog here, titled "Make Money with Your Blog". If you want to see it, go for it. Nothing is required to snoop around!

I sure hope NOT to be eating crow in a few weeks...but I will blog my progress all the way!

...let go

...once again I find myself faced with a familiar, yet cold and lonely road. It's time to let go.

This is not the first time I have been here, no... in fact this is the third time. It doesn't seem to get any easier with time.

I remember, years ago, when we worked in youth ministry and we, ourselves, were not so far from the step out of the nests we had known for so long as safety, love and direction... this made it easier for us to "help" the parents of the kids that we worked with. It was my heart to encourage the parents to "trust" their son or daughter. Telling them, "You have done the best of all you know how and it is time for them to fly." The age of accountability. "Choices they make, are not necessarily always going to be right, or the ones you would choose..." But those choices bring lessons. Some quick, some easy and some very difficult lessons.

It's my turn, again... The love and lessons I have worked on for years, are about to reveal themselves again... My son, recently 18, has told me of some of his plans... I do not agree, and he knows this... but he knows my love -- and has said "You don't need to worry momma, you raised me right..."

I am grateful for his openness and honest communication. It's something that a parent longs for. He has seen my failings twice before...and hopefully the successes of right advice I have given too. His life decisions now are based upon things he has heard, and seen, and his own "stepping out" of my nest.

I am scared for him... as I was for each of my others. It is such a long way down from the nest... But it is time now, for me to trust God... and him... that the steps he makes and the doors he chooses to open will be walked through with grace and wisdom of what he has seen before, and courage to know that a failure is only another step towards success... and character. I love my sons so very much... and want to protect them, because I know, and I have learned all the wickedness and traps in the world that have been set against them. Hopefully he knows, hopefully they ALL know that I am here... not to control, or to dictate, but to listen, to hear, and to share from my own life experiences... if only they will ask, I am here... but now, I let go... and watch him FLY!

...time to go ...what next?

SIGH... back to my "ho hum"...

This has been a fantastic "weekend"! I arrived on Thursday afternoon. It was almost 40 degrees and I found I was comfortable without my coat! That was very short lived ...I brought the cold and snow with me...

Getting here, I felt like Cinderella going to the ball... we hadn't been together for three weeks except for webcam and email. The simple act of touching when we kissed, was exhilarating. I'd had no idea how much I missed it, and him. We've gone to church, to visit old friends we haven't seen for 15 years, to the movie "Dear John", dinner via the kindness of other friends to the SmokeHouse BBQ...having sampled DELICIOUS "Sweet Corn Nuggets" that I am DETERMINED to conquer myself. Then, a drive to the plant (where he works), to the local ski slope (Hahahahhahaha, that was a laugh!) back to Nebraska Furniture Mart and then to the Legends... fabulous meals for two in the room (made by us), another movie "Valentine's Day" ...Just US ...all leading up to today.

I was to leave today... I am still here because in KC they aren't as adaptable to the cold, snow and wind... four "multi-car pileups" today alone! He called on his way to work tonight...with a little more "upbeat tone" in his voice. It seems there is a very real possibility that a job will be opening up in mid-March back in the cities.... "home"... where he belongs! So we pray, for favor in that or another position back in MN.

I hold you military spouses in the highest respect! I did before, but now have a very different understanding of just what it takes to be away from each other... HERE, HERE!!!

I love you...

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today, not unlike any other, is Sunday. But today, is Valentine's Day. It comes but once a year, and poses as a "reminder" to some, that it is time to re-iterate and show your love to someone special or several "someones".

It is a time to focus on what is really important... things, or people?

I am not a "flower" girl, although it is sure nice now and then when my husband shows up out-of-the-blue with a single rose, or, if he didn't spend a fortune, a bouquet... but, even more meaningful to me -- his heart. I have also taken the same initiative with my kids...one day, they will appreciate really knowing what is in my heart, the value in it changes with time... yet, remains - PRICELESS!

We are not wealthy, financially, so some time ago, we bought leather bound journals for each other. These journals go with us everywhere. In a moment of longing, or passion, or love... or just "thinking about you"... we are committed to take out our journal and write, from the depths of our heart -- and re-iterate what we think the other should just "know"...our love. I have also taken the same initiative with my kids...one day, they will appreciate really knowing what is in my heart, the value in it changes with time... yet, remains - PRICELESS!

This journal doesn't fade or die with time, and at any moment I can take it out to remind me of what we have spent so many years working on...and why. Flowers fade and die... the words in this book, I NEVER grow tired of reading!

...I WILL CHANGE!!!

So, here I am... I made the long haul to Kansas City, MO...and I did it all by myself! At the advice of a friend, I went to my local library, got a couple of audio books and headed South! It was actually a rather soothing time. A.L.O.N.E. I can't remember when I actually TOOK time alone, and focused... just to do something for ME. It was very nice.

I had taken an "evaluation quiz" online at one point...to see "where I fit best" or what would be my best "career move"... and it has me thinking, about change. Change that I need to make in my own life. About how other people must "read" me when I make comments and such. I don't like what I have realized. I am so negative and hard on MYSELF. I almost INSTANTLY "hear" the negative in any remark, comment or advise given to me. So, I am changing. I WILL CHANGE!!! I am working on it. I've posted the link to the quiz, if you wish to take it. Here are MY results:

YOUR LEAD ROLE

CARETAKER

You begin by asking:

'Is everyone okay?'

You are acutely aware of everyone else’s emotional state, particularly if you sense they are feeling hurt or slighted. You are instinctively inclusive, always looking for ways to draw others into the circle and make them feel wanted, heard, and appreciated.

Your best quality:
Your open heart

Always:
Be willing to ask people for favors in return

Be careful you:
Don’t get so consumed with other people’s feelings that you forget your own

Your smartest career move:
Any job where you’re paid either to play on a team or lead the team.

YOUR
SUPPORTING ROLE
EQUALIZER

You begin by asking:
'What’s the right thing to do?'

You are sensitive to how everything in the world is connected, how movement in one part of the world causes everything else to move as well. Alive to this inter-connectedness, you feel compelled to keep everything aligned.

Your best quality:
Your innate sense for what is right

Always:
Lead with your values

Be careful you:
Don’t become too obviously defensive when your values are challenged

Your smartest career move:
Any job where you’re paid to speak up for people who’ve been wronged.

Cinderella at the ball!!!

I'm here!!!

Those of you who have been following me on facebook, know that my husband, Ted, has been working in Kansas City, MO since December 14, 2009. Valentine's Day will be TWO MONTHS that we have been apart, except for a couple of "meetings" in Des Moines -- midway. His weekends were spent WORKING, until a couple of weeks ago... THIS weekend, I decided to come all the way to KC to see him.

The anticipation and excitement to get here was almost unbearable.... I can't even begin to explain how wonderful it was just to see him IN PERSON!!! ...and when we touched... GASP! It took my breath away!!!

I hadn't realized how "empty" I have really been feeling with my other half two states away. Just to hold each other and close my eyes was... well, healing.

So, Valentine's weekend in Kansas City... hopefully I will get a few pictures to share! Thanks to my sweet friends and family who have been so helpful along the way to make this a reality! Aaron and Stephanie Tuott, Marilynn Williams, Sherry Rowley, Don Geisse... and those who offered - I am soooo grateful!

He who sings, prays twice...

I love music... and I love the saying "He who sings, prays twice". Music absolutely moves me, especially when I hear a song that speaks words that resonate from the depth of my soul.

I bought a new CD. Casting Crowns "Until the Whole World Hears" I highly recommend it!

To know You, is to never worry for my life

To know You, is to never give in to compromise, and

To know You, is to want to tell the world about You

Cause I can't live without You

To know You, is to know your voice when You are calling

To know You, is to catch my brother when he's falling

To know You, is to feel the pain of the brokenhearted

Cause they can't live without You

To know You, is to ache for more than ordinary

To know You, is to look beyond the temporary...

More than my next breath, more than life or death

All I'm reaching for, I live my life to know you more

I leave it all behind, You're all that satisfies

To know You is to want to know You more

To know You is to want to know You more

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbvMcb7mOls

Random Acts...

"If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled," and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself." ~James 2:15-17

How "relevant" is this scripture in our world today? When I read this...I can immediately think of several people who would qualify as "in need"...how about you? How many people do you KNOW that are in need? Why is it that Random Acts are in many of our minds as something you do for strangers? Only a few verses earlier we are told "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," my neighbor is right next door...someone I may know closely.

How can I meet a need? I must first take the time to learn what is needed. If I am so absorbed in myself and my issues I will not be able to see when God is giving me the opportunity to do a Random Act and meet a need. Even if I am in need, there is always SOMETHING that I can do for someone else. Find a need and fill it today ~ Put legs to your faith... bring it to LIFE!

Change is coming...

...can you feel it? CHANGE... there's something "in the air". Everyone is talking about it... 2009 was such a roller coaster year for most of us, and I keep hearing people say "2010 is a new year!" and "Something exciting is going to happen this year, I can just feel it!" ...well, I sense it as well, but not sure exactly what "it" will be... 2009 brought the most interesting year for us yet. And we are starting out 2010 in someone else's basement. It can ONLY GET BETTER, right?

As I write this blog, I am sitting here wondering "what's next?" Ted left Minnesota for the only work he could find on December 14, 2009. He sits in a "value" extended stay hotel somewhere in Kansas City, Missouri. I am grateful, that we have had opportunities to meet halfway, because of family that lives in Iowa. Up to this point, we have been able to see each other about every two weeks...

Valentine's weekend is this week. It will be THREE weeks since our last "touch". I am going to make the drive this time. I will finally be able to see where he is, where he works, and live -- for a moment -- in his world. Then, I will return, alone.

It is our dream to figure out a way to earn an income "online" that is completely portable. That way, it really won't matter "where" we are...we will be earning our keep. I think we have found the door to that dream. We have taken a step, that I do believe will make things start moving again financially. As I know, I will share with you... the last thing I want to do is to risk my reputation with some pitch that eventually makes you want to avoid us when you see us! Our mentor, is a humble kind of guy in Omaha, NE. We are one (or two) of only 500 people that he is training up in the ways of his success. He is a multi-millionaire.

If you know me/us, you know our heart is to share everything... and so, the moment it starts to reveal success, you will be the first to know. In the meantime, part of what "makes it work" is to be doing regular blogging. Which you all know (or can see) that I am not so good at. I have a ridiculous tendency to do LONNNNG updates on an annual or bi-annual basis. This will not work, and it is not the way I wanted to do it in the first place either! It is my desire to give HELPFUL updates and information, but in short easy to swallow posts. So after this post, there will no longer be long drawn out posts...I promise, to you my readers, that I will keep them short and sweet. Okay?!

If you have questions or suggestions that you think would be good for posting, I am all ears!!! Please make comments, email or call me with your ideas. Ted always says I have "a lot to offer people" so now I just need to figure out what that is and start offering it!!! There's a very real and likely probability that I will be starting a NEW blog for this... I will let you know when I make that move -- I am thinking about a new name.... "A Cardboard Box" ...what do you think?

Thanks for reading! Oh yeah... HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!