Still. . .

Heart racing, stomach flipping; you grabbed my hand, and squeezed tight. You said those words, You are exactly what I have been looking for. My heart, agreed. I had found, true love.

Heart racing, stomach churning; the longing to be together, for good. We embraced. All was right with the world.

That day came. We said I do and promises were made, before God, man, and each other.

Five years later, (today) we have shared so much! Love. Sickness. Joys. Sorrows. The birth of two blessings.



Small spats. Hurt feelings. Learning the art of saying "will you forgive me." The struggle of dying to self, and serving one another in sacrificial, unconditional love. Trips together. LOVE.

BABE, Happy 5th Wedding Anniversary!

My heart still races. Stomach still flips. . . OVER YOU!

2 0 1 0 . . . spells DESIRE

Repentance and Renewal: Looking to the New Year (even, name it?)
Ann asks over at (A Holy Experience)

2010. Name it? Looking ahead. I ponder. . .

DESIRE.

To desire HIS WILL, for my life, above my own:

plans,

desires,

hopes,

dreams,

wishes,

best efforts,

EVERYTHING!


If I could just see the big picture, to catch a glimpse through heaven's eye. . .

I would know.

:: that my way, is not the best

:: that sin, is only fun for a season, but leaves devastating heartache

:: that God wants, the very best for me!

:: that submitting to my Father, brings freedom, not bondage

:: that obedience, brings fruit

:: that there is VITALITY in abiding in the VINE

:: that HE is Sovereign

:: that I can come to HIM, and He will satisfy my thirsty, longing soul

So, yes. . . looking ahead to the new year, I DESIRE

To build my house upon THE ROCK... more

To get my priorities in order. . . more

To ABIDE in HIM. . . more

To use my daddy alarm. . . more

To sound more like gentle, and good... rather than the annoying drip... drop... more

To bask in the JOY of Contementment. . . more

To see the beauty around me . . . more

To enjoy sharing CHRIST. . . more

To trust HIM and memorize His WORD. . . more

To look in the mirror. . . more

To take my time with my children... more

To OBEY the first time. . . more

To REFLECT HIM. . .more

TO CONFESS sin quickly. . . more

To PRAY fervently. . . more

To LOVE with compassion and grace. . . more

To serve my family with a humble heart. . . more

To sacrifice more, in order to reach out. . . more

To pursue holiness. . . more

To choose gratitude. . . more

When the funds allow, to buy more HIGH HEELS , and make more cakes. . .and have a little fun. . . more!

What will the name of your new year be?

Choosing Gratitude

I could take a few lessons from my little boy. . .
In Choosing Gratitude

Here is what I am doing to cultivate this mindset:

Participating in the Gratitude Community

(click below)

Reading Choosing Gratitude

What are you doing?

Granola Bar Devotional

Visit me over at Granola Bar Devotional, where I am a contributing author today!

Come Check It Out! Get Fit In 2010

Merry Christmas To All My Bloggy Friends!

I started blogging back in 2007 to keep family and friends updated, with pictures, and such.

Many stay at home moms can testify to this. . .

that . . . it has turned into SO MUCH MORE!

Over this past year, I have met so many wonderful women of God! Special friendships have been formed; life-long ones, I'm sure!

I'm truly thankful for ALL OF YOU! Thank you for visiting. Thank you for commenting. Thank you for your special friendship!

Just a shout-out to some of my very faithful friends and readers:


1. Debbie, from Heavenly Humor. You keep me laughing, and your tender, sweet-spirit is contagious.

2. Lindsey, from A New Life. You amaze me. You keep fighting. You keep seeking the face of our Savior. You keep healing, even when it is hard.

3. Tricia, from Proverbs Charm and Beauty I wished we lived closer! We are so very much alike! I'm sure we would have so much fun exercising together, making crafts together, doing bible studies together, and just plain having a blast together!

4. Danielle, from Letting Go and Letting God. What a year you have had! Yet you still keep writing. Even when you are still hurting. I think you have found healing in your writing. So keep writing. Keep living! What a privilege to meet you, face to face!

5. Sarah Mae, from Like A Warm Cup of Coffee. I'm so very glad that I found your blog. Keep inspiring young women, to seek to be keepers at home. To love their husbands. To love their Savior. I LOVE You for that!

6. Becca, from Growing Up Our Style . Even though I have "known you in person", before blogging . . . I've learned so much about you and your love for God. Keep having a blast with your little ones and giving us all so many fun crafts to do with our own, little ones!

7. Sarah Markley! This year, has been a trying and freeing one, for your family. You chose to tell, Your Story. You were obedient. You will save many marriages, Lord willing, because you were. Never let the enemy tell you that you shouldn't have told it. Even if it brings some backlash and pain. Love you for that.

8. Trish, from A House Upon A Rock. Thank you for your words of wisdom. For speaking, truth in love. For your love for Jesus. Keep leaning on, THE ROCK, sister.

9. Mimi, from He & Me + 3. I love your blog. You make me smile. You are such a faithful commenter. You inspire me with your love and talent, of photography. Keep writing! I'll keep visiting.

10. Terese from Too Many Heartbeats. You continue to lean close to the Father, even in your constant, physical pain. I do not know from experience, what you are going through; but your strength in the Lord is contagious! Keep leaning on Him, daily... even when all you want to do is cry.

11. Ann, from A Holy Experience. I love all that you write. Your words are filled with such warmth, such depth, such coziness. You take me into your inviting farm home, each time your fingers hit the keys. Keep writing. Your blog is one of my very favorites!

12. Danielle, from Delectables. You give us all such yummy new treats to make for our family. Thank you for being such an awesome, homemaker, mommy, and wife!

13. Maureen, from Mo's Marathon. I love that you are being obedient, overseas. That you are seeing the fruit of it, and having a blast, in God's Perfect Will for you! Keeping shining for Him!

14. Monica, from Pixel Perfect. You are such a sweet Mama, Friend, Photographer, Wife, and Shining Light for Jesus. You have experienced joys, family adventures, a new photography business, and great loss this year. . . yet you keep writing. I love you for that!

15. Jessica, from Muthering Heights. Thank you for your blog, that encourages us, each time you write, to cultivate the time, spent with our family. That cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow, for babies grow up.

16. Kimberly, from My Little Corner. I love your passion for life, Jesus, your hubby, your children. I love your zest for life, and your honesty about the struggles of post-pardom ups and the depths of the "downs" that many women are not brave enough to talk about. I thank you for your humility and your contagious spirit. I look forward to getting to know you more in the new year!

17. FOR ALL THE REST OF YOU! I wish I could give a shout out to you all, individually . . . but time does not permit. You are all very precious to me. But children are calling my name~ Mommy . . . you know . . . (smiling).

Welcome!

Welcome to Ordinary Inspirations.  I'm just a normal woman who loves her chocolate, chips, and romantic comedies.  I recently lost 45 pounds and you can follow my journey here.  I cry at sappy Hallmark movies, I dance to musical cards at the grocery store, and I hate to dust.

I'm a curly-headed dreamer who loves my Savior Jesus, adores my best friend called Hubby, and cherishes (most days, te hee) my three children.  I never knew how much I would love being at home full time with my kiddos, but I do!  What a privilege and high calling from the Lord!

In high school I would hide behind science and math classes to avoid any part of reading and writing.  The irony of it?  Now I love to read and write and I do most of it here with this silly thing called a blog.

I love to take pictures, bake yummy things, and make my home cozy and inviting.  I'm a tom-boy at heart turned HGTV junkie! 

It is my desire to glorify God through encouraging and edifying other women.  My prayer is that from reading this blog you will be lifted up and it will motivate you to love God, your spouse and children that much more.

I dabble in blog design so if you are looking for a reasonable price, check out my design site over here.

If you are new here, please take a moment to connect with me.  

I would LOVE to hear from YOU! My email:
curly2880(at)yahoo(dot)com

A-Z About Me:


A- Age: 33 B- Blood Type: A+ C- Chore you hate: dusting D- Dogs or Cats: Dogs E- Eggs: Scrambled F- Favorite Snack: greek yogurt and frozen berries G- Greatest accomplishment so far: natural labor H- Hat or Visor: neither... i wish I had a "hat head" I- Ice Cream Flavor of choice: Wegmans Chocolate Nutty Cone J- Juggle: Yes I can! K- Kids:  A blessed Mama with 3 kids L- Love Letters: I love love! M- Married: 8 1/2 years N- Netflix favorite right now: Netflix has been hyjacked with kids movies/shows! O- Oranges or Apples: Granny Smith Apples with Smuckers all natural peanut butter! P- Pen of choice: I'd rather type... I'm a lefty! Q- Quirkiest habit:  R- Random Fact: I can't grow out my nails to save my life. \ S- Siblings: Younger sister and brother T- Time you wake up in the morning: I try not to get out of bed before 7am! U- Underwear: Comfy yet pretty V- Valentine's Day Plans: Staying in with my love and enjoying each other's company! W- Waiting for: Trip to Vegas next month! X- X-Rays: A few Y- Yard Work: Raking leaves, picking up sticks Z- Zoo animal favorite: Tiger

Advertise Here

Ordinary Inspirations is a great place to advertise your blog, etsy shop, or product.  Please email me at curly2880 at yahoo dot com with any questions.

Any 3 month package or higher will also include a blog post about your site.  We could also discuss the possibility of me reviewing a product and/or doing a giveaway.

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Disclosure Policy

Here at Ordinary Inspirations, I seek to comply with the FTC’s requirements for bloggers.  Sometimes companies clue me in to certain opportunities because they know I have readers who want quality products at a bargain. I share them with you when I think you can benefit from them. {I only share the ones I think you will enjoy- because I DO!}

While I’m overjoyed to help connect companies with their consumers in this manner, YOU readers, come first. I am graciously selective in whom I work with and only partner with companies I feel I can wholeheartedly endorse. 

I attempt to always give my honest opinion. {Please note: this is simply MY opinion... it is solely up to you as to what opinion you reach.}

Needless to say, all of this takes work. I invest my time, money, and brainpower to keep Ordinary Inspirations up and running. I try to only accept relevant advertisements. I share products I enjoy and use affiliate links sometimes, which means I receive a small payment when you click through the link and make a purchase. 

Sometimes companies compensate me for my work in the form of free product and/or advertisement space . I am always open with you and let you know when I have been given a product to review or have been compensated to write about a particular topic.

I enjoy sharing my finds with you!  I love a good deal! I enjoy meeting new people and networking!

Above all else, I pray that this spot on the internet called Ordinary Inspirations.... does just that... inspires you to walk closer to your Savior, Jesus Christ!

Little Mirrors

:: eye rolling

:: sighing

:: rebellious tendencies

:: stubbornness

:: a prideful need to express her "will"

:: disobedient

:: angry

The things I see in my dear three-year-old daughter, lately.

Why can't she just be obedient? Obey the first time? Be nice to her brother? Not open 1/2 the presents under her grandparent's tree (yes, this happened, today!)?


We are so quick to point out all the wonderful things that our children do. We all do it. It's okay.

But then I remembered; that, like our children. . . I am a work in progress. That she is a little mirror of myself!

The charming, cute, brag-able habits AND the sinful, ugly ones too!

So, pray with your kids. Teach them. Guide them. Train and discipline them.

But ask the Lord to sprinkle it with LOADS of God-Given- Grace & Patience.

For, after all, isn't our Heavenly Father long suffering and patient with you and I?

Artificial?

A revisited post. Enjoy.



A simile is God's gift to the visual learner; and that I am! It gives me such an excellent comparison.

Psalm 1:3 says "And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."

I adore the beauty of a tree. Especially a nice BIG one that is flourishing alongside a river bank. It speaks of a long life full of health, vitality and endurance!

As Christians, shouldn't this be what others see in us? A life of health, vitality and endurance? A tree that has deep roots will stand the test of the roughest, toughest of storms!

Weirsbe says "A tree is a blessing. It holds soil, provides shade and produces fruit. The godly are like trees, with root systems that go deep into the spiritual resources of God's grace (v. 3). But sadly, many professing Christians are not like trees but are like artificial plants or cut flowers with no roots. They may be beautiful for a while, but soon they die."

To me, there is nothing more hideous & tacky than to see a beautiful green lawn with a bunch of fake flowers stuck in it. I apologize in advance for those of you who pride yourself in showcasing your 'silk garden'; it is just my personal opinion.

Are you an artificial plant, or a REAL, vibrant, living one? Are your roots being dipped down deep into God's Word?

A tree needs light and water to grow. Choose to be BLESSED when you are planted by the river of LIVING WATER!

God has been speaking to me through HIS Word about living a life that is open and naked before Him, with nothing to hide; to live in purity before Him. One area that hits home for me is the area of fitness. I am determined to lose a certain amount of weight. Why? So I can "run the race" laying aside every "weight" that so easily besets me. (Hebrews 12:1) Just try carrying my bundle of joy, Carson James, around during the day; that extra 20 lbs sure makes a difference! (Side Note: Are you trying to lose weight? Get your own weight loss toolbar at the bottom of this blog)

To do this I am striving towards 3 W's:

Walking: To go for a 45 minute brisk walk 5 times a week!

Water: To drink 8 glasses of water every day!

The Word: To be in God's Word every day!

It is my hope and prayer that by focusing on these 3 things, will help me towards living a pure and unashamed life before God, and a lost and dying world (and dont' forget...whether you realize it or not, they are always watching the way we live!).

CHOOSE to be REAL today. Put away your ARTIFICIAL ways!




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What is H.E.A.L.T.H

According to the world, it is all based on the exterior. If your body looks good, you must be healthy. If your muscles are toned, your skin glows, your teeth are glistening white...

WALLLA! You are a picture perfect Hollywood image! Right? If Hollywood has it all together, then why are they the most miserable, drug-addicted, suicidal human beings on the planet?

To be truly healthy, we need to make sure our SPIRITUAL LIFE is healthy, first and foremost. It is key. It is what I'm striving for.

All my efforts to get into my skinny jeans, to get to my goal weight, to be happy in my mind are just that . . .

Read The Rest Over At My New Blog: Choose 2 Live: Choose Health

An Invite

An invitation to check out my new blog Choose 2 Live: Choose Health

What this blog is about:

Seeking to glorify my Savior, Jesus Christ, by living a healthy and balanced life. Asking Him, to cultivate in me, a passionate desire for Him, above ALL else. To make HIM my sole desire; therefore, removing my need to find comfort in food.

Seeking to be obedient, specifically with regard to the sin of gluttony and overindulgence in my life.

I'd LOVE for you to join me if that is YOUR desire as well.

Hurting People

This time of year is super busy for our family. It all starts with our daughter Riley's birthday in October.

Then comes:

Thanksgiving

Christmas

New Year's Eve (also sweet Hubby and my anniversary)

New Year's Day

Carson's birthday

My Birthday

Valentines day


No matter what time of the year it is, it really never ends, does it?

It is so important, in all the buzz, to remember that there are hurting people.

People with deep wounds;

experiencing great loss.

The recent loss of a child.

A parent.

A loved one.

Miscarriage.

Depression.

Loneliness.

The weary and fatigued, from caring for family members who cannot care for themselves.

A word from the doctor about an ultrasound; that the baby growing in that sweet mother's womb, would not live.


I don't mean to be a downer during this "jolly" time of year.

Really.

Just a reminder, to myself if no one else, that I need to be seeking to minister to others. To weep with those who weep. To truly have a sincere heart of compassion for others.

Are you looking around? Or perhaps, like me, are you so focused on what you need to get done that you are missing taking the time to lend that hand, make that meal, put that arm around that hurting mom?

When I am not actively asking the Lord to make me aware of helping others, my eyes are, too often, fixed on self.

Sometimes, sad to say, I do not want to be bothered. Sounds awful, right? That's my flesh.

But what if it was my parent who suddenly passed away?

My child who only lived for 2 minutes? :: Like Danielle

Miscarrying a second child in my womb? :: Like Monica.

Experiencing deep loneliness and depression?


I would surely want that arm around me!

I would desperately covet a dear sister in the Lord, crying "real" tears next to me, with a sincere heart of compassion!

I would NEED the prayers of those around me, praying on my behalf, when I did not have the strength to pray!

So won't you please, take the time to pray, even now. Ask the Holy Spirit to make your heart sensitive, to open your eyes to those who may be hurting around you.

They are there; we just need to see as Jesus sees.

Jude 1:20-22

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference!

Go and make a difference this Christmas Season.
Be alert, having a heart full of compassion.

Christmas Tour Via The Nester

My daughter kept asking me why it wasn't Christmas at our house yet. Now that I'm back from my Dominican Republic paradise getaway, it is NOW Christmas at our home.