I got this new book in the mail called Crazy Love by Francis Chan. I am so excited to read this book.

As I keep reminding myself, the closer I walk with God, and the more I seek Him, the more I recognize Him.

Galatians 5:1

This is from the Crazy Love Book Website :

GOD IS LOVE. crazy, relentless all powerful love

Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and don'ts — it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same.

Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything.

Isn't that so true? When you are in love with someone or something, it changes everything. Usually for the better (unless of course you are in love with donuts or illegal substances- then it's differently bad.).

If you have any desire to have a closer walk with God or need to refresh and renew your relationship with Him (I do!), I urge you to check out this book.

I will no doubt be posting more about it as I go. I'm excited to see and feel what God has planned for my life, my marriage, my future. But mostly I'm thrilled about connecting with God and fulfilling his purpose.

Here's a video introducing the book. Hope you enjoy.

Have a great day!

Love the Faithful City Mouse

Weekend

Since last week I've been dealing with a sinus infection/cold/allergies. I haven't really decided which it is. But whatever it is, I don't care for it. Not one bit. Many kleenexes and cough drops later, I'm feeling better. I hate giving up a weekend to not feeling well.

But I did manage to make it to the "Rock The House" Women's Retreat in a neighboring town, I had already paid for the ticket after all. There was a Friday night and Saturday Morning session. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it was really nice. I went with a few ladies from church and it was nice to come together and worship. There were over 600 other ladies there too. And considering that the town surrounding this event are small, it was incredible how God brought us all together. The main speaker was a woman named Jennifer Rothschild who happens to be blind. She has written several books and songs and tours around with a helper/assistant to events just like this one.

I don't have much to report today. Just a quick hello and hope you are well!

Love the Faithful Citymouse

Random Nothingness Part 2

Yesterday's blog post was labeled "Random Nothingness". There really wasn't an intentional reason for the title, just that when I started typing, I wasn't sure where I was going with the post. Kind of like when you are driving somewhere and you get lost in a thought or daydream and you end up at your destination thinking" how in the world did I make it here safely"?

Somehow my post ended up meaning something. And that is exactly how God works. He let's the random junk in your head turn into somewhat meaningful words. Ok, sometimes. Stay with me here.

Lately I have been making time for my bible. Intentional quiet time. It's a must. Not something I have been good at, but I'm working on it. In case you had the illusion that I was perfect, I am so totally a constant work in progress. There is nothing perfect about me. Except for maybe my Amish meatloaf and even that is a borrowed recipe.

 Back to the Bible- I've been spending some time in Ephesians. It's a great guiding chapter if you are a new Bible owner of even a fresh out of sin Christian or really for anyone needing a reminder how to live. So much is to be learned from this chapter. 

Ephesians 4:29

Do not let unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

This verse is meant for me. You see there is this ugly thing called GOSSIP. It should be a four letter word. It starts with a small comment here, a snide look there and next thing you know it's blown up. It's so easy to do, why is it like that with sin? Easy to crawl into the deep end, but not so easy to get out. Once those words have passed your lips, you can't take them back. Even if the person or situation you are gossiping about never hears them, it's still out there. Kind of like those pics from college with the too short, I need to cover up this bad perm haircut, that somebody thought would be cute to post on facebook. Always there. (Please don't go looking for them!)

We can all remember the saying "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it at all".

Ephesians Chapter 5 starts out by telling us to  be imitators of God, because we are dearly beloved children. Live a life of love just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.

Talk about a tall order.

I can barely give up coffee, I'm not strong enough and I love it too much. Do I love God that much? Do I spend as much time in my bible as I do on the internet or watching Netflix? Is there something standing in your way?

I had a heart to heart with God this week. It sounded like a break up conversation. You know the "it's not You, it's me" talk. Except I wasn't breaking up with Him. No, no. I was telling Him that it's me, the problem is me. I put other un-important things in front of my time with Him. My focus hasn't been clear and I couldn't seem to get my enging started. It just sat in a comfortable idle position. Not moving anywhere. But one day I decided to make it happen. Again. It probably won't be the last funk I'm in either. Life is crazy like that.

It recently occurred to me that there are some people in my life that may be nervous or unsure about this "Christian lifestyle". And then I wondered if I have hindered them or helped them on that journey? I'm afraid that my words or actions or lifestyle hasn't always been encouraging. And I'm not too proud to admit that. If you are out there reading this and you can think of a time when I acted in a way I shouldn't, please forgive me. I really mean that. Remember, we're a work in progress and that doesn't mean that while things are in progress we are beyond doing or saying something we shouldn't. The thing about being a Christian is that people are always watching and listening. That shouldn't scare us, but be a motivator. It's like telling the truth, if you stick to the real story, you never have to remember a lie which often snowballs into many more lies. I've been there too. I want to make sure that my lifestyle reflects Christ's love for me. I want to get it right.

Ephesians 5:15,16

"Be very careful then how you live- not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

Just wanted to share some things on my heart and mind. Hope you are having a blessed day. Thank you for reading my blog!

Side note: Charlie ate 2 buttons off of my pajamas this morning. Still haven't seen them...... Oh dear.

Love, The Faithful City Mouse

Random Nothingness

Do you have children back in school? Or maybe you're back in the saddle taking classes yourself? Or maybe you've just started something NEW period? Like a bible study or a new gym membership?

Even though I do not have school aged kids, when the season of "back to school" approaches, I feel like there is the opportunity for something fresh to happen. And of course a new outfit is warranted (along with a new pair of shoes right?!) Fall is by far my favorite season. And here in Arkansas it can practically last until Christmas, weather wise that is. Although right now it's 90 something out. Not my idea of lovely. But alas, I can't control the weather so I'm trying to control my mood.

Here's a pic to get you in the mood for Fall.....

In the evenings I spend my time doing the mundane, like dishes, laundry, cleaning up and sometimes sewing (This is not mundane, I just usually end up flopping on the couch before the sewing happens! ). Speaking of cleaning up- how is that 2 people and one small, adorable beagle dog make such a mess? Sheesh!

So back to controlling my mood. I'm starting up a Bible Study with some beautiful women from my church. I am really excited about this and there will be plenty of posts to come on this topic.

I ordered some new Sunday School material for the kiddies in my class and I'm really looking forward to that too. I was kind of going thru a slump in my spiritual life. Just stuff you know? Does this happen to you?

Sometimes you forget to pray, days or maybe weeks go by and you haven't dusted off your Bible let alone opened it? I hate admitting this, it makes me a so-so Christian instead of on fire. But how do you stoke a wet burned out pile of yuck?

I don't really have the answer, but I do know that it will come back to you. Sometimes Christmas music helps me or drowning my sorrows with a brownie (I don't really reccomend this method). Just saying.

The day to day will always be there, sometimes easier to manage than others.You see I strive to be that "on fire for the Lord" bible girl, I just don't always make it. And Lord have mercy, the devil is always around the corner, usually in the disguise of a bad mood or a negative though or worse!

 But you just keep on, keeping on. One day at a time. The slump will shrug away and the Bible will still be there and God will be so overjoyed to have you back. Like a long lost family member, back home.

I just absolutely LOVE this saying.....

Pic via

pinterest

" The longer we walk with Jesus, and the more we seek His truth, the more we'll recognize His voice and enjoy the freedom found in Him. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." Galations 5:1

Remember HE cares for you. He will bring you thru whatever is ailing you.

And one more pre-ode to fall........

All pics via Pinterest. Of course.

Have a great day!

PS. If you live near a Sonics and have any affection for pumpkin pie- you MUST go and try their pumpkin pie shake. Be still my salivating taste buds!

Love,

The Faithful City Mouse

Date Night

I'm a girl who loves dates with my husband. Even though it's just the two of us, we don't spend all of our time being lovey dovey.  Stuff gets in the way. Like dirty dishes or a lawn that needs to be mowed or plans to do this or that. But I have decided a long time ago that I wanted to be intentional with the time we actually do get together. Which is only the weekends, as many of you know.

Then I came upon Rebekah's Blog at A Bit Of Sunshine. You should definitely check out her blog. I guarantee you will love it.3

She and a friend named Andi, who blogs over at Beautiful Ordinay Day have decided to have dinner dates with their husbands at home. You see they have small children to wrangle and limited budgets and yet want to keep the spark with their hubbys. Can we say FABUlous?! I love it! So their catchy theme of "Dinner at Eight" is so they can get their littles to sleep and then have the evening to themselves. Perfect.

So on our date night I snazzed up the table with candles and flowers and a cute little napkin holder I have been looking for everywhere. Not that I had that napkin holder specifically in mind, but I knew that I would know it when I see it. And I did. I borrowed a pretty vintage table cloth from my mom, lit some tea lights and it was lovely.

I prepared one of my hubby's favorite dinners and a surpise appetizer and dessert. Both he had never eaten but I just knew he would love.

While I was preparing dinner I sent the hubs into the living room with some peach iced tea and spinach artichoke dip and told him to go watch some documentatries on Netflix. He looked at me with wide eyes and said "Really?". Ok, let's get honest here. Sometimes I get on to him about being on the Internet too much. So the fact that I was giving him the green light was unbelievable to him. He was watching something on youtube about gun making or something with saws. Boys.

 

While he was chipping and dipping, he hollered into the kitchen how nice this was and it smelled awful good in the kitchen! That made my heart very happy that he was enjoying himself :)

The menu was this:

Appetizer: Spinach Artichoke Dip with tortilla chips

Main Course: Amish Meat Loaf with garlic mashed potatoes and corn (I forgot the green beans!)

Dessert: Mini Kiss Pies (So delish!)

Drinks: Peach ice tea with dinner and Sumatra Blend Coffee with dessert

We listened to Mumford and Sons while we ate dinner, this is a fav for us. And it reminds me of Fall and happiness which is always good!

After dessert we watched A Lot Like Love. Have you seen that movie? With Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet? I've seen it about 17 times, give or take a few. I love it!

It was a really nice evening. And it's amazing what happens when you don't nice, intentional things for your hubby. He felt loved and appreciated and romanced :) You know how great you feel after something special has been done for you right? Do that for someone else. You won't regret it. I promise.

 

Happy Monday! Hope your weekend was great!

 

Love, The Faithful City Mouse

Just Think....

Just Think

You're here not by chance, but by God's choosing.

His hand formed you and made you the person you are.

He compares you to no one else- you are one of a kind.

You lack nothing that His grace can't give you.

He has allowed you to be here at this time in history to fulfill His

special purpose for this generation.

If you were wondering what your purpose is today or you're struggling to figure out what to do in a specific situation, just think.

I printed out that above statement and have it on my desk as a daily reminder of God's love.

You can find it HERE from Dayspring. They have a lot of great resources.

Enjoy your day!

Love the Faithful City Mouse

Friday

Not much to report here today.

The hubs comes home today. Which makes my day super, fantastically awesome. I've got something sort of special planned for him. A date night, at home. I kind of slipped and told him about it. I have this bad habit about not being able to keep a secret. But he doesn't know ALL the details. Or what I'm going to make or how I'm going to snazz up the table. He also doesn't know the movie I picked or that I'm going to actually do my hair AND wear lipstick. Wowee :)

I've been loving this song. So of course I thought I would share it with you.

Francesca Batiselli, she rocks. Literally!

Have a blessed day! God loves you!

Stay tuned for pics on date night!

Video courtesy of http://www.klove.com/ via youtube.

Any plans for the weekend?

Love, The Faithful City Mouse

Inspiration Workshop with Gussy Sews

I'm linking up with Gussy Sews today for her inspiration workshop!
This weeks prompt is Front Porch. The idea behind these inspiration workshops is to inspire others. And you know how loved to be inspired right?! :)

I'm the type of girl who would LOVE to have a big wrap around porch. With rocking chairs and lots of potted flowers. A little table to place my snacks and drinks, a cozy place to read all day or eat breakfast with the hubs. A place to watch the traffic go by or just sit around and be lazy. Can I be honest? I love sitting around and being lazy. Especially with a good book or magazine. And even better if it's a somewhat cool or chilly evening/morning.

A porch can serve many purposes, whether it's a backyard porch or a front porch. And the possibilites of decorating are endless!

So here it goes.

Here are my dream front porches.

Picture Courtesy of http://tinywhitedaisies.tumblr.com/page/22

Picture courtesy of http://pinterest.com/pin/8698963/

Do you have a dream porch? Please share!

Have a blessed day!

Love, The Faithful City Mouse

I'm A Bookie

I love to read. A lot. I can remember most summers in my life have involved reading. Even when I was young and reading during the summer was not required, I loved it no matter what.

The love of reading was shared to me by my mom and grandparents. They could often be found with their noses in a book and they passed it along to me. My mom would take me to the libray and it never ceases to amaze me that with the swipe of a plastic card, you could take home handfuls of books. Isn't that incredible? Those librarians have a lot of trust.

I used to love reading the Bernstein Bear books with my cousins. I wonder if they remember that? We would pile onto one of the beds at my grandparent's home, all snug in our jammies and my grandpa would read to us and do all the voices of Papa Bear and Mama Bear. And even when it was just me, my grandpa would read The Little House On The Prairie books. One chapter every night, sometimes  two if I was lucky.

Then I devoured books like the Babysitter Club series, Nancy Drew, Judy Blume books. Even in my adult life I sped thru the Harry Potter and Twilight Books. What can I say? I love books.

And if you read yesterday's post, you will know that I love coffee. And doesn't a mug of coffee go so very well with a good book?

I think I need this, really bad.

Pictures courtesy of pinterest.com

What books have you read recently?

Have a great day! Read a Book!

Love, The Faithful City Mouse

Coffee Talk

There is something serious I need to talk about. It's about coffee. I love it. Like LOOOOVE it.

I have tried to give her up, to down her glories to decaf, to cut back the amount of cream/sugar I use but really, I just love it the way I love it.

The hubs, he thinks I'm addicted. And you know what? I think he's right. But I have proven that I can do without. You see lately we have been trying to be healthy. And we started juicing. We tried replacing meals with juice. It worked. For a little bit. And then all I thought about was food. We're still working on it though, and incorporating more fruits and veggies, salads over starches, lean meats, nothing fried. It's hard friends. Really, really hard.

But back to coffee......

You see I have a history with coffee. It started back in high school at one of my first jobs. Let me introduce you to Starbucks. But of course you know Starbucks right? Right?! If you don't, don't feel bad. This city mouse who moved to the country made friends and even married a guy who had never.been.to.Starbucks. I had to step back and take a deep breath.

Don't get me wrong, I am not in love with the $5 price tag for a recycled cup of deliciousness at Starbucks. But it did turn me into a coffee snob. As in you likely will not find me drinking the liquid they claim to be coffee at a gas station. Don't be offended by that. I still love you. My Folger's loving husband brings me home coffee sometimes from his travels around Arkansas. He knows the way to my heart.

My mug collection alone is reason enough to never give up the liquid gold. Starbucks mugs, destination mugs, matchy matchy mugs, company is over mugs, mugs I use when I'm sick, mugs I use for pens and pencils in the office (do you do that too?).

I love it best from a percolator or a french press. It's really enhances the already bold flavor I'm fond of. You won't find me drinking or making weak coffee. Although recenty for the sake of our budget, we tried drinking Black Silk from Folgers. It's the darkest Roast they do. It wasn't bad at all and pretty nice on our wallet.

I wish that I was a drink- it -black kind of girl, but really I'm a cream and sugar kind of gal. And I love the holiday season with it's festive flavored creamers. Since I live more than 100 miles from a Starbucks (Gasp I know!) I like to recreate my own coffees. With the peppermint mocha creamer or the white mocha or even just plain hazelnut. And last year my husband shared his love of pumpkin and created a pumpkin spice latte for me that could bring a grown woman to tears. Whip cream and all.

Do you think an entire ode to coffee is too much? Not me. I love it. But I bet you have already figured that out haven't you? :)

What are your thoughts on coffee? Love it or leave it?

Inspiration

Do you look for inspiration? I do. I don't always know where to find it, but when I do, I just know. Kind of like I just know if it's going to be a good hair day.
And sometimes inspiration just finds me. Thru a blog or a conversation or somethin I pass by while driving down the road. Mostly I get my inspiration from a good chat with the hubs and a big mug of coffee. Somehow he always gives me a boost in the right direction, even if he doesn't know he's doing it. And there are blogs. You know how much I love blogs. And how I love HER and HER. They have such fresh ideas and inspire me with every post. It's a love, love thing you see. :)
Once I started writing a blog, I started keeping an "Idea Book". I write down future blog posts, ideas (hence the title), recipes, scripture, songs and whatever else floats my fancy.

Do you do this? I urge you to jump on the "Idea notebook" if you don't already. Even if you don't have a blog, it can be really helpful to jot down those thoughts or notions that you come up with during the day at your creative peak, but then forget later on around the afternoon slump.

Afternoon slump= that time in the afternoon where you feel fidgety and bored and the vending machine at work is calling your name to eat a pack of Zingers. Danger.

And when I thought my ideas and inspiration was exceptional, I was somehow introduced to Pinterest. Yes I have mentioned this before. :)

And if you look to the right, you can follow me on there.

But be prepared. You will no doubt become addicted. Just saying.

However, once you settle down and can pin calmly, you will love it. And you will be able to create your own virtual idea book. Even better, it's FREE.

You can find pics like this.....

Craft Room Inspiration..........

Or a cute outfit combo like this.......

How and where do you find inspiration?
Please share!

I see there are several readers, from various countries everyday! That makes my heart oh so happy!

Say hi! Don't be shy!

Have a great day!

Love The Faithful City Mouse

Healthy

I hesitate to talk about this topic. There is so much that surrounds it. But lately it has been on my mind and heart a LOT. Getting healthy isn't something that is going to happen over night, but small changes that lead up to a  lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle.

This is not easy to even think about for me. I have a serious sweet tooth. As in I could eat an entire bag of oreos. By myself. Then have thoughts of hiding the evidence. And then confess this all to my husband in a mess of tears and regret. Have you been there? Do you do this too?

Some things I want to focus on are:

1. Drinking more water, everyday.

2. Make time to excercise at least 3-5 days a week. Like a workout video or taking Charlie for a walk at the park.

3. Seriously think about the food I consume. Is it worth it?

4. Not beat myself up when I do splurge or eat something unhealthy.

I already pack my lunch most days and bring a nalgene bottle with water and lemons. Sometimes 2 bottles.

I will be 30 in November. And this is not where I want my body to be. But I'm staying positive, knowing that I have the power to change it. I can and will get healthy and live the life the active, vibrant life I dream about.

Some things I would love to try are:

Kayaking

Hiking

Running

Horseback Riding

Shopping at any store I want to! Not just the big girl stores. (I hate those stores!)

A verse that has come to mind when I think and pray about this journey is from Philippians 3:13 " I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead."

Maybe this verse will speak to you too. In whatever circumstances you are in, wherever you are at right now. Looking back will never let us move forward. If you are finding it hard to move forward, look deep. Is there someone you need to forgive? Maybe it's yourself. Don't be so hard on yourself. Learn to love yourself thru God. He thinks a lot about you and wants you to succeed.  He will help us thru this.

Have a great day!

Love the Faithful City Mouse

Monday Blahs And Thankfulness

So here it is Monday. Again.

As some of you know, I'm not a fan of Mondays. And lately I've been feeling blah. Nothing serious. Really.

But since I want this blog to be positive and encouraging, I'm not going there.
I am going to be thankful instead. Thankful for God's love and all that he provides.

I am also going to be thankful that I wake up and go to my job where so many people around the country right now are struggling to find one. And I'm going to be thankful that our fridge and pantry are full of food for the eating. Our clostes have clothes in them (and all over the laundry room)!

Thankful for all of that.

I know this is short, but I haven't had much coffee yet and this is all I've got today.

But before I go, I will share some very random pictures. From Pinterest of course :)

And this one could make me laugh all day long.....

Have a happy Monday! At least try :)

Love The Faithful City Mouse

Wednesday Bounty

Happy Wednesday! We've made it thru half the week. Whew!

As some of you know, we have a garden. 5 raised beds to be exact. Here is a picture in the beginning stages.

At this point we only had lettuce, squash, potatoes and onions. And it looks like 2 mature tomato plants from the Amish family we love. (Seriously, Teddy wants to move in with them.)

We have really enjoyed the veggies we have gotten out of this garden and all that we have been able to share with people from church, family and friends.

And in case you forgot how much I lalalalalalove tomato sammy's, read about it here.

Today after work I came home and flopped on the couch. It is SERIOUSLY hot here folks. Like if I had left a crock pot with a roast in it on the hood of my car today, I think I could have had a really delicious supper. Right now my thermometer says 107. This is Arkansas people, not the Sahara. And this girl is NOT made for the heat. Just saying.

I eventually made my way outside, let Charlie romp around a bit and started checking out the garden. Earlier in the week we had a lot of green tomatoes, and today, well this is what I brought in.

Aren't the colors great?

The yellows are some of my favorite. The reds are Arkansas Travelers. And the cukes, well they're just cucumbers. :) All were started by heirloom seeds.

Even Charlie wanted to check it out. Can you see him stretching to see over the table? I heart my little beagle boy.

For all of you battling the hot weather, I'm sorry. Hang in there. Fall has to be coming soon right? RIGHT?!

And for all of you reading that are not in this horrible heat, don't talk to me about. At least not right now. :)

Have a great day!

Love,

The Faithful City Mouse

Tuesday

I took a little break from blogging and the computer. The weekend got busy, enjoyed time with family, hanging around, yard work, house work- you know, the usual suspects.

Then Monday came. And I was living in stomach flu city. Yuck.

Mondays are not really a favorite thing of mine anyway. In fact, Mondays have long had a bad reputation. For most people working Monday- Friday and get to enjoy the Saturday/Sunday weekend, Monday is a wake up and back to reality. Do you feel like this too?

And you see my husband works on the road during the week and weekends are all we have together. We try and make the most of it. Even if it's just laying around watching netflix, playing in the backyard with Charlie or whipping up something delish in the kitchen. Being together trumps everything else. It's pretty great being married to my best friend :)

Here is an old picture of Teddy in my parents kitchen. Making his famous brownies.  (I won't even tell you what my mother in law calls them!) I really love a man with a backwards apron on :)

And here is one of Teddy and Charlie. My two favorite boys :) I could just kiss those furry faces all day long!

Have a great day!

Love The Faithful City Mouse