Days 186, 187, 188. Stuff.

My sweet mom checks this blog every day.  It's part of her morning routine.  She'll patiently wait through the days I'm behind, and happily comment when I've finally caught up.  :)  I was just talking to her this morning, explaining that I haven't really been "in the mood" to blog.  I don't really know why.  I go through spurts.  There are things I'd probably do well to get out of my system, but it's likely that you'd not really enjoy reading about them.  Most of the time, I prefer to keep things here light and fun.  But I do go off that course from time to time.  Be warned.  :)  You may occasionally find out a few of my opinions now and again.  Here's a little piece of my heart this evening:

What brings you joy?  REAL joy?  Not the temporary happiness that a good clearance at Kohl's might fulfill (which, is what my pictures will be about today, mind you)... but REAL joy and peace and contentment?  Do you have it at all?  Joy doesn't mean you're always happy.  Joy is deeper, more constant... a soul-status.  When times are rough and things aren't really going the way you'd like, big things or small, where do you find your strength?

I LOVE the book of Nehemiah.  I guess that's not a common "favorite" in the Bible.  I think Nehemiah is sadly overlooked, in my personal opinion.  Read it sometime, if you never have.  You might be surprised.  It's the story of a man that God calls to lead the restoration of the city walls of Jerusalem.  After hundreds of years of the city being in ruins, Nehemiah gets the job done in fifty-two days.  After the fact, they work on restoring the city within the walls, physically and spiritually.  Nehemiah has amazing focus and determination, all the while, depending on God to continue giving it to him.  He stays on course, remains undistracted.  I find this characteristic extremely admirable.... probably because I have an awful time achieving it myself.  Oh, I am SO easily distracted. 

My absolute FAVORITE verse:

Nehemiah 6:3. And I sent messengers to them, saying, "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?" (vs.4) And they sent to me four times in this way, and I answered them in the same manner.

See?  He's consistent.  He's focused.  He has determination and purpose... God called him to do a GREAT work, and it didn't matter who or what got in the way (and trust me, PLENTY got in the way!)

So, are you still reading???  :)  Have I bored you yet??  Back to the topic of JOY:

Nehemiah 8:10b.  ...for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

The wall was built.  The city was getting a fresh start.  And the people came together to worship... and REMEMBER.  They'd fallen away from God, once again, and they had a big ol' come-to-Jesus meeting (yes, I know Jesus hadn't actually come yet... but you know what I mean.  Work with me.)  They confessed their sins, they were reminded of what kept them holy and set apart, and they were sorry and grieving and just plain bummed out that they failed their Lord.  Nehemiah tells them, "OK, we've done business with God, and we've gotten right with Him.  Now, pull yourselves together!  Don't live in the past.  Don't wallow in your sins.  CELEBRATE!  Find your strength in HIS joy!"

Our joy.  Our strength.  Our passion.  Our peace.  Our contentment.  Our satisfaction.  Our security.  It should all rest in Him.  We don't have to do anything on our own.  We don't ever have to feel alone.  That is certainly cause for our ultimate, unending, celebratory JOY!  I just LOVE it!
 
Well, if you're still with me, I'll lighten up now, and include some pictures.  I'm counting these for three days' worth.  Remember... my 365 project... my rules.  :)
 
A couple of weeks ago, we celebrated my birthday.  My parents still give all five of us kids (as well as their grandkids) the same gift.  It may be in the form of cash.  It may be a gift that cost that same amount.  But you can always bet they'll give it.  :)  I got mine in cash this year, and I managed to save it for an entire week.  Then, this week, it was burning a hole in my pocket, and I found deals that were just to SWEET to pass up.  And it's just too fun to splurge guilt-free!  Thank you, Dad & Mom!  :)
 
Enjoy a few of my findings.  Keep in mind, these are just a FEW.  I wouldn't dare show them all, because you'd be embarrassed for me, AND if you see me wear them, then I've eliminated the element of surprise! (Here ya go, Mom!  Love you!)
 
 

$2.40!!!  Oh, my heart just dances with happiness.

The whole lot of it... around $12.00.  Yep, $12.00!!!  SWEETNESS!

$5.00.  Oh, they are adorable.  Even better, they allow me to look eye-to-eye with my husband.  And I can't tell you how much I love that!  (KS2 told me I'm not allowed to begin a sentence with the word "and."  When did my kids get so stinkin' smart?)

A little treat for my oldest son.  Another $2.40 find.  He will like it.  He's into some of the trendy things these days.  :)

OK, one more topic, and I promise I'm finished.  This is my most recent, favorite find at Trader Joe's:

I bought it last week, and finished the whole thing.  I LOVE chai lattes.  This makes an AWESOME one, I assure you!  But ALAS!, this week they were out.  :(  So, I had to settle for this:

I don't know if it will be as good.  It's a powder rather than a liquid.  Oh well, we'll see if it gets the job done.

On that note, it's Friday evening, and I'm anxious to spend the rest of it with my sweet kiddos.  PEACE!