tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55672546407108412772024-03-05T05:41:46.786-08:00Four Violet
Take a Moment to Pause and Savor the World around You...Embracing all of Life’s Simple Moments.Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-83485915919588528632019-06-25T15:19:00.001-07:002019-06-25T15:19:33.847-07:00Packing Away....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKIFFhLTAPyf4OB4nfYjscJ0OM8uEuqlyvizZSH-SGPkxG518nSxz_9120gadjsw51sw5eokqwwaoy0mww2Sh-Penmlffh_xix6egzqDv8qfPVSk7sTlKFyLOLCKu3OKQlzt0-qTWvW1J/s1600/IMG_2628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKIFFhLTAPyf4OB4nfYjscJ0OM8uEuqlyvizZSH-SGPkxG518nSxz_9120gadjsw51sw5eokqwwaoy0mww2Sh-Penmlffh_xix6egzqDv8qfPVSk7sTlKFyLOLCKu3OKQlzt0-qTWvW1J/s320/IMG_2628.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Lot's of self discovering going on while we get ready to move into our RV full time. Still have so much to do it's unreal, but it's getting easier to let go of the stuff I deemed so important at one point or another. I feel like a surgeon clearing plaque from an artery. So much clutter and crap, how did I ever breathe in this mess? Holding onto memories and mementos like a life raft has made it almost impossible to enjoy the present. I see this clearly now. I feel a huge weight lifted from my shoulders. And even though I have to constantly stop and pause while going through this process I do feel the relief deep down.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Now for some much needed sunshine. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">:)</span>Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-29632744664914547272019-05-14T21:18:00.001-07:002019-05-14T21:18:04.624-07:00My Authentic Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJD0DpeuoJoQop0XNTpbZVfs9Uvs41afaa79mpNTYrGkX-N43HLvwMUVpis28ZY0Qn6ID0xswjEH9EJ3zojoW9eFnuCc9mMmWWnM6n5ypiiCTv39P1DEB4lk8gUN-iuD4EiZKJdHUfgZgP/s1600/christopher-burns-471173-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJD0DpeuoJoQop0XNTpbZVfs9Uvs41afaa79mpNTYrGkX-N43HLvwMUVpis28ZY0Qn6ID0xswjEH9EJ3zojoW9eFnuCc9mMmWWnM6n5ypiiCTv39P1DEB4lk8gUN-iuD4EiZKJdHUfgZgP/s400/christopher-burns-471173-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have been wavering back and forth between having a blog about autism, homeschooling, my faith, encouragement to others, health, lupus, loving someone with an addiction....honestly the list could go on and on. But, nothing truly sticks, nothing feels right. Then why the pull, why the desire to sit and type or journal in one of my 72 journals. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I love to write and I love to talk and I..... well that's all I have. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I heard someone recently say do what your good at. But, for someone who grew up in a world of trauma and was told on an hourly basis that she would never amount to anything this is a tough thing to figure out. What am I good at? How can I better someone else's life? I would love to be able to take pain from another individual, sooth someone's heart or give peace to someone who has had their heart literally ripped out of their chest because of a betrayal.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">But what keeps me motivated to continue even if nobody is listening? My main problem is hushing that small doubtful voice I have deep inside. That my authentic self is enough. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, let's give this one more try. No more homeschool posts, no more tips about autism or living with lupus. Something else is coming to the surface as I continue to pray about this season of my life. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Living Life Authentically.... one post at a time....</span>Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-12974484237783704512019-05-05T14:44:00.002-07:002019-05-05T14:44:28.642-07:00Healing while Letting Go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrj8aG-6Jtu2wyNVjMxh8VaBOpPyn15ZL1vxaX9xBM9l4BR9hTe6_LvcR-7H4fvwC8mYh1EC04M4kK333Oj9gbz77kKGLzOe8G-TZBA9TQ-0U_U7Qr9AfRk43fczo6dnBwNEAqJbACFB7/s1600/andrew-neel-133200-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJrj8aG-6Jtu2wyNVjMxh8VaBOpPyn15ZL1vxaX9xBM9l4BR9hTe6_LvcR-7H4fvwC8mYh1EC04M4kK333Oj9gbz77kKGLzOe8G-TZBA9TQ-0U_U7Qr9AfRk43fczo6dnBwNEAqJbACFB7/s400/andrew-neel-133200-unsplash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">As I go through all this junk that's been suffocating me for years I find myself gasping for air and clawing these holds I've had grappling onto me like barnacles. I have this sinking feeling in my stomach and my knees feel weak when I look at the storage boxes filled with paper, photos and half done projects. I see a life that I longed for and a life I failed at. I see a life I thought I wanted and a life I neglected. It brings me to continuously pause as I contemplate my future. What I see, what I want, what I plan to do. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No more dragging ghosts of "never was" behind me, no more dead end schemes that filled my head with lies. No more reminders of things left undone because they serve me no purpose. Going forward my days will be light filled with meaningful treasures. Wrapping myself with what's familiar, not with illusions. There will be no more fakery, no more lies will leave my lips to seep into my mind and corrupt my inner-voice. I will move softly down the path before me, only taking what I must to survive. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSGwOKgf8HUn2qU4AktpdpsP6cV-yxNgdculpFxlYJG_ggoKiWMJuTJWwRQ-HUIMoiJlRfX-0dYawrf_vuVhtZzJQzdy4uCjB4ms54PotbOQgEn6fAUwmKqjSImOAeUWAwfkr3jOtmLAC/s1600/darius-bashar-771460-unsplash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuSGwOKgf8HUn2qU4AktpdpsP6cV-yxNgdculpFxlYJG_ggoKiWMJuTJWwRQ-HUIMoiJlRfX-0dYawrf_vuVhtZzJQzdy4uCjB4ms54PotbOQgEn6fAUwmKqjSImOAeUWAwfkr3jOtmLAC/s400/darius-bashar-771460-unsplash.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Roadblocks are now platforms as I choose to thrive in my own skin. I will cherish what I have always had, what God formed me with. I will choose to illuminate, I will use the fire he created me with to be the force to get things done, to be content and to choose happy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As I pack away these things to allow them to go out and breathe life for someone else I will remember them briefly and thank them for be apart of this journey. No regrets, no disappointments...only looking forward and beyond. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Warm heart, thankful spirit and peaceful mind awaits, it is here, it is now in this present moment of today. </span>Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-86142119924197577492019-04-16T14:30:00.004-07:002019-04-16T14:30:58.394-07:00Vietnamese Egg Rolls<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTp1BHR77yYci65eOQTZOMHvETPBCzCuIxe-rb_KHh1V1SKhuRsPUmT-I-cDlkoLapglbZBNQVKQJ1eOCyo_jVSVZvcE9Y6knwzeXxtgd333T0skM-JXbBxMax_1joNNA_luo5TDFFtog/s1600/IMG_9016.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTp1BHR77yYci65eOQTZOMHvETPBCzCuIxe-rb_KHh1V1SKhuRsPUmT-I-cDlkoLapglbZBNQVKQJ1eOCyo_jVSVZvcE9Y6knwzeXxtgd333T0skM-JXbBxMax_1joNNA_luo5TDFFtog/s320/IMG_9016.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We just had family in town for a visit and we brought out the wok for one of our family's favorite meals.... Vietnamese Egg Rolls!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Let me share with you what's in the filling and how we make them.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">These egg rolls are
crispy, salty, earthy and porky...it honestly can't get any better. :)</span><br />
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</span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></h3>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<ul><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Pork Filling</u></span><br />
<li class="p-ingredient"><span style="font-size: large;">2 lbs ground pork</span></li>
<li class="p-ingredient"><span style="font-size: large;">1/2 cup dried Woodear mushrooms (re-hydrate in water for 30 minutes or until soften then finely mince)</span></li>
<li class="p-ingredient"><span style="font-size: large;">2 oz dried vermicelli/cellophane
noodles (approximately 1 cup, re-hydrate in water for 30 minutes or until
soften then finely mince)</span></li>
<li class="p-ingredient"><span style="font-size: large;">3 green onions (trim off ends and slice thinly)</span></li>
<li class="p-ingredient"><span style="font-size: large;">1 small white/yellow onion (peel and finely dice)</span></li>
<li class="p-ingredient"><span style="font-size: large;">1/4 teaspoon granulated white sugar</span></li>
<li class="p-ingredient"><span style="font-size: large;">1/4 teaspoon black pepper</span></li>
<li class="p-ingredient"><span style="font-size: large;">1/4 teaspoon salt</span></li>
<li class="p-ingredient"><span style="font-size: large;">1/4 teaspoon garlic powder </span></li>
<li class="p-ingredient"><span style="font-size: large;">2 tablespoons of oyster sauce</span></li>
<li class="p-ingredient"><span style="font-size: large;">1 beaten egg yolk (to seal the egg rolls)</span></li>
</ul>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyo8OUX3fcYj04XPxsmkOoNqBtUUIiSRmmXIGLgQ1itaFR7VreKiXLwr2MLOzhR2DhFBCJAUyJylz0GF3vQ_axvOM6eBa76WAikJ9VeMxEygehq_FqgMfDcNe-X0mTxcMNsihgTT4AXMc/s1600/IMG_1937%2528Edited%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1543" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyo8OUX3fcYj04XPxsmkOoNqBtUUIiSRmmXIGLgQ1itaFR7VreKiXLwr2MLOzhR2DhFBCJAUyJylz0GF3vQ_axvOM6eBa76WAikJ9VeMxEygehq_FqgMfDcNe-X0mTxcMNsihgTT4AXMc/s320/IMG_1937%2528Edited%2529.jpg" width="308" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">In
a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, onions, mushrooms, noodles,
all spices and oyster sauce. Mix until thoroughly combined.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Gently pull the wrappers apart. Set on plate and keep covered with a damp paper towel.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Place
about 2 Tablespoons of filling on one wrapper and roll as show
in the photo above. Before completing the roll, use a small amount of egg
yolk to seal it. Continue until all wrappers are rolled.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgrktEi_LEKQ3fxKM10FPbtIu9DoCaftymxpAJxsThtwo2M2qskrjVepKqg1Xhek73t_hWTf3RYg3BtRICWmIbHA5u3Q1KqEu1-i9MKxgxCQfN2jpkfWQas02oB5f6Yg7Xlat0ZJ4qt0/s1600/IMG_9330.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgrktEi_LEKQ3fxKM10FPbtIu9DoCaftymxpAJxsThtwo2M2qskrjVepKqg1Xhek73t_hWTf3RYg3BtRICWmIbHA5u3Q1KqEu1-i9MKxgxCQfN2jpkfWQas02oB5f6Yg7Xlat0ZJ4qt0/s320/IMG_9330.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fill
a
heavy pot or wok with a few inches of vegetable oil and heat to
approximately 350 degrees. Fry egg rolls in small batches until golden
brown,
turning as needed. Place on cooling rack. And serve wrapped in fresh
lettuce leaves. <br />This is one of our family's favorite meals, Enjoy!</span>Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-49494421421736479982019-03-06T17:23:00.001-08:002019-03-06T17:23:18.370-08:00The Upside to Downsizing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoDrcIfh-FGbnkX5vAuza4hYvAQc96JZquIz8H2lQ7he7s9qp_kazZtdGqJ_5BHSqXtXVB2ksi-2uZGrWkOItMPa-MXnaiUkhuEXeVT2fktg_s9-38oygd4XV0bZJlRcuzSpg4p-_yWvc/s1600/2C411DD3-2283-44BE-978A-DC1BC751E53F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoDrcIfh-FGbnkX5vAuza4hYvAQc96JZquIz8H2lQ7he7s9qp_kazZtdGqJ_5BHSqXtXVB2ksi-2uZGrWkOItMPa-MXnaiUkhuEXeVT2fktg_s9-38oygd4XV0bZJlRcuzSpg4p-_yWvc/s400/2C411DD3-2283-44BE-978A-DC1BC751E53F.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of this things I'm looking forward to while downsizing is the reduced amount of clutter and mess. We will have 6 cups, not 57...yes that is how many plain cups we have. Not talking about coffee mugs, tea cups, thermal cups, travel mugs, squeeze bottles and we even have a handful of sippy cups still hanging around. We don't need all of that and it's so easy to grab another cup instead of rinsing out the one you have and reusing it. Or at least that's how it is in our house. I feel like I am forever washing dishes and as soon as the sink is clean I look away and the crusty mountain has returned.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What I decided to do is make a donation pile, a take with us pile and a store for later pile. Right now in the kitchen I am getting rid of anything plastic, if it's chewed on or scratched up I will toss, if not I'm donating. We are keeping a set of hydros, a glass and mug a piece and the same goes for plates, bowls and our set of silverware. Everything else gets donated along with all of our tupperware. We will take a baking dish, muffin pan and small cookie sheet, the rest will be donated. We have a pot and pan to take and the rest.... if you say donate it then you guessed right. We will take our instant pot and that's it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">To store until we move out of the rv into a sticks and brick home are things like cookie cutters that we have used for 20 years, canning stuff, favorite cookbooks, my huge mixer and that's about it. There just isn't much we truly need as a family. Over the years we accumulated stuff in the hopes we would find happiness. The whole filling a God shaped hole with stuff scenario. But, that's not us anymore, we are a work in progress...don't get me wrong. When I walk into Target I sometimes breakout into a sweat when I walk past the $1 section up front. Which is really more like the $3 and up, up, up section. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, that's the way the kitchen is coming along. Next will be clothes, knick knacks, linens, toys, books, garage and then the dreaded homeschool room. I'm most terrified of the homeschool room. Follow along though with us, I can use all the ideas and suggestions I can get to make this a smooth process. Take care and God Bless!!!</span><br />
<br />Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-30552861960681559852019-02-13T15:32:00.000-08:002019-02-20T15:32:28.602-08:00Downsizing Books <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3ReoAQsTkvb8XrsLNGdw9Rlm_73_vVY5CNpCDtlC_ZatMxfqyjvDDdeZt5FGoCyIfy0hcX1mvhyphenhyphenjPvVqJ__xciaEBvsHPXAR4NZ0HUwZUG7HwmimipZ7A4AwnyIPS2XUBf15090hGOXA/s1600/CB5128A6-BE1D-4A5D-A8FD-D6260B440395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3ReoAQsTkvb8XrsLNGdw9Rlm_73_vVY5CNpCDtlC_ZatMxfqyjvDDdeZt5FGoCyIfy0hcX1mvhyphenhyphenjPvVqJ__xciaEBvsHPXAR4NZ0HUwZUG7HwmimipZ7A4AwnyIPS2XUBf15090hGOXA/s320/CB5128A6-BE1D-4A5D-A8FD-D6260B440395.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I know I have shared over on Instagram that we are selling our house and moving into the RV for at least a year. I am so excited to do this because living here in CA is so expensive and we find ourselves with very little leftover at the end of each month. We have this huge house and basically we have 3 rooms we don't even use. We are always together and would much rather live smaller and take that mortgage payment and do something fun with it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">With that said...the downsizing has begun. And let me tell you that hardest things to let go so far are my books. I love books, the paper, the smell, the weight of them in my hand. They are my favorite collection and one that I am having to really think about as I go through I decide which to keep, which to store and which to let go of. The good news is that my husband is sensitive and amazing. He is encouraging me to let go of books that have already served their purpose and to allow them to serve others. Having that mentality has made this process easier instead of feeling like I just have to toss them to downsize.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm doing the same thing with school supplies, skincare, bedding...basically everything. I have so much homeschool stuff....I could open a store. So, I will be hosting some kind of sale locally soon. YAY!! I have been keeping it thinking one day grand kids will use it, but the way things are going they will probably just soak in education through an online source. No, knowing my kids it will be traditional book learning for them. I decided to keep classic books, the kid;s favorites and sets of interests. Like anything History wise I will run it past Skylar before I sell it because he loves that subject. Mahala has said she wants her kids to use all the Apologia Science books. So, we will toss the notebooks and keep the hardback books for her and her family. All the workbooks never used, educational games and references I will sell.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's a ton of work right now, but it will be worth it in the end. :)</span>Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-71694616151653590252019-02-05T15:53:00.000-08:002019-02-17T21:42:39.122-08:00Illustrate My Faith~ God's Promises<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFgM2aswBfE7YIUlkiDwApC9dBzM14Q6eZQB1Lf9nK63PQeyknAtOm0F8flkg_24A14VzZC9yb99sB_XxOqGQMXGySSiHGTTNDF1VDe_lP_ySfUz0GkDfP5CyVucOKiYL8HBvLU75KGW4/s1600/IMG_6065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFgM2aswBfE7YIUlkiDwApC9dBzM14Q6eZQB1Lf9nK63PQeyknAtOm0F8flkg_24A14VzZC9yb99sB_XxOqGQMXGySSiHGTTNDF1VDe_lP_ySfUz0GkDfP5CyVucOKiYL8HBvLU75KGW4/s400/IMG_6065.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Wow...I have been reflecting like crazy over here.... Part of my Daily routine that I strive real hard to do is to Read my Bible and Journal along with Illustrate whatever comes to my heart. </span><br />
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<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">One of my Bible times this week reminded me of my childhood. I've seen so much darkness in my Life from a very early age. I've carried Secrets, healed from Trauma and most importantly been covered by Christ's mighty Promises. Promises of Hope, Love, Salvation, Comfort, Forgiveness, Strength, Companionship, Grace, Eternal Life....I could go on and on. In my life the list of fulfilled Promises is endless...I am so grateful, for every strife or hardship I can see the worth behind it, the lesson, the strength that it provided me. He has been preparing me my whole life for the days to come. Many steps ahead of me he is there preparing the way for me, even when it makes no sense to me he knows what's best. These passages bellow is what I read and meditated on.....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text 2Cor-4-3" id="en-NIV-28863"><sup class="versenum"> <b><u>2 Corinthians 4:3-10</u></b>....</sup><span style="font-size: small;">3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> <span class="text 2Cor-4-4" id="en-NIV-28864"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.</span> <span class="text 2Cor-4-5" id="en-NIV-28865"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.</span> <span class="text 2Cor-4-6" id="en-NIV-28866"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”<sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-28866a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-28866a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+4&version=NIV#fen-NIV-28866a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text 2Cor-4-7" id="en-NIV-28867"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.</span> <span class="text 2Cor-4-8" id="en-NIV-28868"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;</span> <span class="text 2Cor-4-9" id="en-NIV-28869"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.</span> <span class="text 2Cor-4-10" id="en-NIV-28870"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text 2Cor-4-10" id="en-NIV-28870"><span style="font-size: large;">We are not Abandoned, nothing can Destroy or Crush us. We don't have to live life in Despair....we have the Light, God's Light inside of all of us. When the darkness surrounds us and threatens us all we have to do is let that Light SHINE out into the Darkness...... We are the ones with the power of God, He has already fought and won for us....we don't need to fight, we only need to Believe and have Faith.</span> </span></span>Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-30376438179374943442019-01-31T12:14:00.000-08:002019-02-01T12:15:13.998-08:00The Power of Positive Words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcn8cHSqbXfUdmAw-hc90nnHwB4mi5gvKFUo_VAs12k764khWoLPAF1Xkf6su8_n2v4kqfj7tfjFK4W0zao04WtJw_TBJ22_zNqavFaY_Q2fFebSZm6Gv4e5UyH9WvFQpuPbFc9xIOpnaU/s1600/2F142678-994D-46CB-827F-0D57513714C2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcn8cHSqbXfUdmAw-hc90nnHwB4mi5gvKFUo_VAs12k764khWoLPAF1Xkf6su8_n2v4kqfj7tfjFK4W0zao04WtJw_TBJ22_zNqavFaY_Q2fFebSZm6Gv4e5UyH9WvFQpuPbFc9xIOpnaU/s320/2F142678-994D-46CB-827F-0D57513714C2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I didn't always have the kindest things to say about myself in the past. It's still something I work on daily. I had always heard about affirmations, but thought it was a little wonky, kind of made me uncomfortable to even start. But, one day about 6 years ago or so I was in a place that I was so negative with my words in my head. I became aware of what I would quickly tell myself in new situations or when I didn't get something done correctly or fast enough. It was then that I thought hey, I can be a little wonky now and then. :) So, I started just writing out some positive words and that turned into be saying them quietly to myself and then finally out-loud. Here are a few I used....</span><br /><i> <a name='more'></a></i><br /><i> </i><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>I deserve to be happy and successful</i><br /><i>I have the power to change myself</i><br /><i>I can forgive myself</i><br /><i>I can make my own choices and decisions</i><br /><i>I am free to choose to live as I wish and to give priority to my desires</i><br /><i>I can choose happiness whenever I wish no matter what my circumstances</i><br /><i>I am flexible and open to change in every aspect of my life</i><br /><i>I act with confidence </i><br /><i>It is enough to have done my best</i><br /><i>I deserve to be loved</i></b></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When you begin doing this, it may feel weird in the beginning, just remember you need to use affirmations daily
to make the changes you need and want in your life. By doing this your focus on the negative will change to seeing a more positive outlook on your life. This takes time to cultivate, but so worth it in the end. So, be gentle with yourself... don’t give up on this
if it doesn’t seem to help immediately.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-size: large;">I suggest you repeat affirmations at least twice a day during the
morning and at night....let me know how you are doing with this new daily ritual. :)</span>Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-3001597431491423622019-01-04T16:43:00.003-08:002019-01-04T16:43:49.595-08:00Healing through the New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUOIFFMKbTbIvkF4CHiCLziZrQ4BUsC_Jlj8k6XVOc955TcgoOSroMCGa3KL_ifE_j-WK32HXEY02ooQGGaLbnhbxiyhyphenhyphenju3dvq-N8EzXWlDkE3HHlHHgKI8Rn7tvzWyMPQcPtr3XGSRE/s1600/F237D5E7-48B6-484D-B237-41E79336DAE9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUOIFFMKbTbIvkF4CHiCLziZrQ4BUsC_Jlj8k6XVOc955TcgoOSroMCGa3KL_ifE_j-WK32HXEY02ooQGGaLbnhbxiyhyphenhyphenju3dvq-N8EzXWlDkE3HHlHHgKI8Rn7tvzWyMPQcPtr3XGSRE/s320/F237D5E7-48B6-484D-B237-41E79336DAE9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">We have been walking every single day for the past 4 days....sounds like a small number, but with Lupus it's a miracle. And every day I wake up expecting to not be able to more. The first few mornings were the worst. Honestly I almost didn't make it to the bathroom on day 2. I notice for me I am getting enormous inflammation around my hip joints, shoulders, elbows and hands. My feet and legs are surprisingly totally fine, which leads me to believe that the amount of walking I'm doing my body can tolerate from a structural point. It's just the swelling triggered by the repetitive movement from the walking. I can push through all that, I wont get much else done, but at least I will be consistently exercising and chugging along until my immune system decides to take a chill pill.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have been increasing my water, not skipping on my supplements, taking my CBD oil and rubbing down with essential oils like turmeric, oregano and frank. I've also been adding a healing meditation along with a typical meditation I normally do and have been hitting the hay earlier.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, that's my attack on getting rid of the Lupus weight I've had packed on for the past 10 years. Excited for 2019... what about you?</span>Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-4467134947228563402018-10-23T10:08:00.000-07:002018-10-23T10:08:13.011-07:00Simplify the Spaces You Live In<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1Ta_-kirurO_I7EjXaI4Mi8eNsqUVpaASGNZxK0PknX8ovF6o8WdbsFuUIsGR0yTOhtxbWrYk0On8rzbK4d9WxLDYl6vYfMxLDBz-JramIDQGk0EOwyWwhC8jwc2zOa3w-_laEjLfsjX/s1600/CE41BC52-8A58-4B12-816C-12FD9EA470D4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1Ta_-kirurO_I7EjXaI4Mi8eNsqUVpaASGNZxK0PknX8ovF6o8WdbsFuUIsGR0yTOhtxbWrYk0On8rzbK4d9WxLDYl6vYfMxLDBz-JramIDQGk0EOwyWwhC8jwc2zOa3w-_laEjLfsjX/s320/CE41BC52-8A58-4B12-816C-12FD9EA470D4.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
It's funny how while scrolling through social media you see all these perfect pictures of children laughing in nature. White walls and soft grays, textured fabrics and must have vintage signs that say bakery, farmhouse or have familiar scripture scrolled across them. I don't know about you but everything about that is pleasing to my eyes, but also screams you need to get shopping. And where there is shopping there is money spent, new stuff comes in so old stuff needs to find new homes and then there is the design aspect. Everything must be placed just so to elude simple living and a peacful atmosphere. <br />
I don't know about you, but all of that does not seem simple and peaceful to me. I suggest unless you are already remodeling or moving into a new place to take a different approach. Without looking online write down what simple living means to you. And list out each room in your house, then pick 3-5 things that you could do to simplify your life in this space.<br />
Example, in my bathroom I decided to put towels in a basket beside my shower so I wouldn't have to scream for someone to grab me one from the hall closet the next time I forgot to grab one. I also put all my daily beauty products in a tray on my counter and the less used products away in a drawer. Now I don't have to sift through 5 shades of lipgloss to find my everyday blush pink one. I also made a few little changes to tackle cord clutter and downsized some of my bottles in the shower. Honestly I wish I had a before and after of this space. It was like night and day. And I didn't need to run out and by paint or matching baskets to achieve a more peacful and simple space.<br />
I'm not knocking the whole white walls and farmhouse decor....I personally love it. But, I do believe we can't all redo every room in our house to look instworthy. And we can achieve a more relaxing vibe to our space with just a few changes. And as funds and time permit you can add your favorite farm sign to the mix, add some shiplap, fuzzy blankets and a new coat of white paint. Just stay true to your style and what matters most to you. That way your space represents you and your family. Find ways to rearrange what you already have. Let go of things you don't find necessary to have anymore. <br />
Most importantly relax and have fun!!!Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-34976063423478976512018-10-01T14:25:00.000-07:002018-10-09T14:42:37.627-07:00Daily Affirmations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMVKf69bfACp_mikhymK5508ewrDS9G7Qw8ZkJWhc6lEQZDhM2Iy1HZnBGCszDNcQ7OEiXuVm_zAwiCZpaPFQrY_Mo1G9wpoHM_5DM31VgS4SWppYJXbNd0lwxuwHNvILdEQQv-HV4n7I/s1600/0B081B3B-6335-44C3-A821-E6D6D0FBB645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMVKf69bfACp_mikhymK5508ewrDS9G7Qw8ZkJWhc6lEQZDhM2Iy1HZnBGCszDNcQ7OEiXuVm_zAwiCZpaPFQrY_Mo1G9wpoHM_5DM31VgS4SWppYJXbNd0lwxuwHNvILdEQQv-HV4n7I/s320/0B081B3B-6335-44C3-A821-E6D6D0FBB645.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Daily Affirmations are a positive way to start your day. Or when you
start battling negative self-talk, try one of these instead.
In the Bible it says Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinks in his heart, so
is he…” What we think, we’ll eventually say and what we say is very
powerful. We can speak words of life and we can speak words of cursing.
The Bible warns us to guard our thoughts and mouths. Proverbs 18:20-21
says “From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled; with the
harvest from his lips he is satisfied. The tongue has the power of life
and death and those who love it will eat its fruit.”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="copy-paste-block" style="text-align: center;">
<div>
<b><span style="color: black;">*I have unique attributes and abilities because I am a Woman.<br />
I am strong.<br />
I am wise.<br />
I am precious in the eyes of God.<br />
I can love and be loved.<br />
I have power to choose my course in life.<br />
I accept my self for who I am.</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: black;">*I replace my anger with understanding and compassion.</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: black;">*I know that God’s unfailing love surrounds me and that I can trust Him.</span></b></div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: black;">*I have everything I need. I trust my ever-increasing ability to eliminate the non-essential and appreciate that which matters.</span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="copy-paste-block" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="copy-paste-block" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black;">*Whatever
I need to know is revealed to me. Whatever I need to have comes to
me. Wherever the Lord leads me is exactly where I need to be.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black;">*I pray for wisdom and direction in every area of my life.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black;">*<span style="font-family: "arial";">I
don’t need to figure everything out. I don’t worry if I don’t
understand things in my head, because my trust is in the Lord, and not
in my head. God is the Source of everything I need, and I place my
trust in him.</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black;">*My thoughts are positive, Words encouraging, Habits constructive, Deeds good.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black;">*I
trust that everything comes at the perfect time and in the perfect way.
The Lord works everyday miracles. He always serves my higher good.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black;">*My heart is my home, and with God’s help, it will be a place of love.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black;">*<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="font-family: "arial";">I
am born spiritually and become a new person. Old things pass away and
all tings become new. I look at the world through new eyes and listen
with new ears. I think new thoughts, take new actions, and have a new
life.</span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black;">*I
trust that everything comes at the perfect time and in the perfect way.
The Lord works everyday miracles. He always serves my higher good.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black;">*<span style="font-family: "arial";">Faith
isn’t something I must have before I move in the direction of my
dreams. Instead, it’s something that develops after I start moving.</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black;">*My heart is my home, and with God’s help, it will be a place of love. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black;">*I Am Not Alone…..<span style="font-family: "arial";">I live in a world created and sustained by love.</span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black;">*I
have opened my heart and mind to the power of God’s love, and I dare to
call God my Father. My heart, mind, and will are all heading in the
direction of God’s love, and I am a whole person. I love God with all my
mind, all my heart, and all my strength. There is no ambivalence in my
relationship with God.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: black;">*My
heart is my home, and I should feel comfortable there. It should feel
good to be at home with myself. If I don’t feel good inside, I need to
make some changes in the way I think so that I can change the way I
feel.</span></b></div>
Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-62945899413126554572018-01-23T11:09:00.005-08:002018-01-23T11:10:08.830-08:00I Am Capable!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXDL8lmhUHfzdB3t44ndn99JKJ99fkN_uIlXDCa3QuyfIGPWOwlkyZfeZYhN2W9efLtwUNWwdnLjpSKaFZvXe-RFed5zNKbmQe0yEm4BseeBvnLPoCItDgFpu4R_FQ-fEuU0Xt7GzEtqz/s1600/IMG_1545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXDL8lmhUHfzdB3t44ndn99JKJ99fkN_uIlXDCa3QuyfIGPWOwlkyZfeZYhN2W9efLtwUNWwdnLjpSKaFZvXe-RFed5zNKbmQe0yEm4BseeBvnLPoCItDgFpu4R_FQ-fEuU0Xt7GzEtqz/s400/IMG_1545.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">When I was in college I took Spanish for 3 semesters. I loved my teacher and it was so fun to celebrate each week with food or drinks while making small talk with the words we all learned that week. Everyone would laugh and have a great time, I could tell only because of the laughter, not because I understood a darn thing coming out of their mouths. Yes, I took Spanish for 3 semesters, but learned nothing other then how to count to 10 and a few odds and end words. My teacher took me out off campus to eat and was like Sheila...dear, you just are not going to get it. Save your money for something else....anything else. It was totally funny we laughed together, because I knew he was right. Even though this sweet teacher was not negative at all to me ever, I held on to these words and put them with all the other words that was ever said to me regarding my self worth or capability. He meant no harm, but I allowed it to fester and become much more then he ever knew. I might have been laughing on the outside, but on the inside there was so much more going on with me.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYJ80by5m0H3B-z0R2Ipt-6AxftK8SsNJbuQYTYRRJ38SASX_eS3WM-nJJI-udUQfxoTxNCgQRIT2kzq9dvLla0ds0uYT5NGN7SYKaeTW2YK1tVqR3vZh6IgfXeNqfh_hNQdxmOM6VmNT/s1600/IMG_3211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYJ80by5m0H3B-z0R2Ipt-6AxftK8SsNJbuQYTYRRJ38SASX_eS3WM-nJJI-udUQfxoTxNCgQRIT2kzq9dvLla0ds0uYT5NGN7SYKaeTW2YK1tVqR3vZh6IgfXeNqfh_hNQdxmOM6VmNT/s320/IMG_3211.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Fast-forward to homeschooling my kiddos and foreign language comes back into the picture. This time it's German. I have always been fascinated with the German culture and come to find out I have German speaking family living in Germany. For years I felt like it wasn't possible to learn another language and I tried to not pass those beliefs onto my kiddos, but it was my true feelings at the time. It wasn't until I really embraced the whole self care self love practice that I felt the urge to try and learn German....for me, not a grade or to be able to say I know another language. I have a desire to learn and you know what, I am actually learning German. If I woke up tomorrow in Germany I would be able to tell everyone who I am, that I'm hungry, need coffee, where I want to shop and several other things. It's only been a few weeks, but I have confidence in myself and I know I am capable. Did you read that? I am capable!!!!</span>Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-36650986347587480872018-01-21T19:16:00.002-08:002018-01-21T19:23:49.814-08:00How to Start using Essential Oils<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1seYESrb_7mQjsnSLRHqlteie2ZeVGWFz73vEmlUEwvv5c9vek4b4qH7JdtkjaKxCQVODWIvcJkFAstaLClPv6mOJIDQBjOIKWrKTiNmdVCmOGMhiDa4iKMkrWU60aeEW3vok7STDrWn/s1600/IMG_3095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1seYESrb_7mQjsnSLRHqlteie2ZeVGWFz73vEmlUEwvv5c9vek4b4qH7JdtkjaKxCQVODWIvcJkFAstaLClPv6mOJIDQBjOIKWrKTiNmdVCmOGMhiDa4iKMkrWU60aeEW3vok7STDrWn/s320/IMG_3095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Well, it's very Simple... I will be updating this part of my Blog as often as possible. I NEVER talked much about oils, even though we have been using them for 4 years now. I didn't want to get into the "sales" part of it. But, my Family and I have benefited so much I just feel now is the time. I can't continue to enjoy the benefits without sharing with all of you so that you too can feel the difference in your lives without always reaching for a pill.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have used a few different brands and right now I am committed and benefiting wildly from DoTerra's Essential Oils. Feel free to hop over to my Wellness Advocate page and look at all the Plant Magic they have to offer your sweet Family!!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><strong><em>Click Below</em></strong></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.doterra.com/US/en/site/sheilaquach"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">DoTerra Oils with Me</span></strong></a></div>
Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-4668468961870330062018-01-19T18:22:00.000-08:002018-01-21T19:05:58.302-08:00Special Needs Parenting<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIblshx_2k1S2qTq01DNU1C1mKEVYzdKVgAxGFM475MmjouN6HT9iHbOLmP86UWp-kQipOI1D5DcADF4931hKUJUUDmzH9BdjiHBvM6xxLY3EtgmZPAik_1Wrj1vmvCqkm_lEOApd9w70S/s1600/IMG_9785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIblshx_2k1S2qTq01DNU1C1mKEVYzdKVgAxGFM475MmjouN6HT9iHbOLmP86UWp-kQipOI1D5DcADF4931hKUJUUDmzH9BdjiHBvM6xxLY3EtgmZPAik_1Wrj1vmvCqkm_lEOApd9w70S/s320/IMG_9785.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's hard to talk real sometimes...everything on social media is so perfect, planned out, organized and airbrushed. My life just isn't like that, not at all. I don't want it to be, but I do want to be happy and content. I do want to live my best life the way that gives me joy. So, even though my life looks messy on the outside, on the inside there are a ton of moments that bring me much joy and contentment. But, as a special needs family I will say there are also those other moments when I wish I could live behind some of those well planned out airbrushed squares. I look at those little pics or read those posts and think....if only my kids would do that, I wish our family could be like this. Or wait for it.....I wish I was as happy as that Mom is!!! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">HAHAHAHA I know in my heart of hearts that this Mama is struggling just like the rest of us, but I can't help but think she makes it look so much cooler then what I do. And to top it all off my dealt hand gets worse. I want to do all those things for my kiddos. Actually back in the day.... before Instagram and Pinterest I was that Mom who had all the magazine articles clipped out and arranged in categories for holidays and birthday parties. I had craft piles of inspiration and cake ideas galore. I had lists of fun lunch ideas and ways to express love to the kiddos by coming up with random traditions and holidays for just about anything. I was crazy Mom and loved it and my 2 oldest kiddos LOVED it. I Loved that they Loved it....we were happy, I had my role all laid out in front of me. Nurture, Love, Create Memories, Teach, Hold, Hug, Encourage, Feed....fast forward to when we became a special needs family that all changed. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju66xIWI0LVHu7s74KafU1vhMWm-BSm4v7ouljs4JSJl8mZS4MdoinuWdI_inK35_FI6qEQeOyU2Z1OI1Vodeue_OCr575f38yK3HHP_V9asq2AsrVihl73Q3N-rpfXkBe0b5fxijXXhje/s1600/IMG_1541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju66xIWI0LVHu7s74KafU1vhMWm-BSm4v7ouljs4JSJl8mZS4MdoinuWdI_inK35_FI6qEQeOyU2Z1OI1Vodeue_OCr575f38yK3HHP_V9asq2AsrVihl73Q3N-rpfXkBe0b5fxijXXhje/s320/IMG_1541.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I mean the roles are very similar, but most of them get accomplished in a total different way then before. For instance Hold or Hug, my two oldest would greet me in the morning with a hug. When we left each other or if one of them was sick, it was a hug or comfort they longed for and I knew how to provide that. Kaden is the opposite, a few weeks ago he had a cold that lasted about a week or so. The first 3 days he just screamed, banging his head and honestly it was all hands on deck to keep him safe and resting. Do I blame him? Absolutely not, it's not his fault and when time passes he apologizes for most of what he even can remember. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The reason why I'm writing this is because now he is 10, almost 11 and it still takes reminding that it is what it is. Kaden will never fit into anyone's picture squares as beautifully as he does mine. That said though....this means I have to let go of expectations, let go of past parenting glory days that are not going to resurface and magically work with him. This is a struggle I have as I walk through the rooms of my house lonely because I feel unneeded and it sometimes seems like I just wait for the next meltdown so I can spring into action.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What I have done is basically parent Kaden where he's at, not where his siblings were at his age. And I have found interests that give me happiness. Along with routines that fill my spiritual cup to the brim. Practicing self care and self love is so important with any parental role, but definitely if you have a special needs family member. I plan on sharing more about what I do daily and to show my true struggles with being a special needs Mom. I'm a work in progress, but it's worth all the work!</span>Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-33977823179060561002018-01-13T16:04:00.000-08:002018-01-13T16:11:22.910-08:00Getting stuff done!!<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCcyw87JfG7gVr8gvDzDh-CYeZfumXCRZyT231VlghL8Y1bn8UmkhfiT3-E75tkwTwRSuVSVq-Z8snQFSzJJG_tUoEe6Bg9lvkdQ0D-pLxDDWCkrZ1W-4714XsDhAO-ZbPDDk5VYq0uUi/s1600/IMG_6668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJCcyw87JfG7gVr8gvDzDh-CYeZfumXCRZyT231VlghL8Y1bn8UmkhfiT3-E75tkwTwRSuVSVq-Z8snQFSzJJG_tUoEe6Bg9lvkdQ0D-pLxDDWCkrZ1W-4714XsDhAO-ZbPDDk5VYq0uUi/s320/IMG_6668.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">All the Christmas decorations are completely down, put away and ready for a long 10 month slumber. Something inside me always feels a tiny bit sad when the last box is stored. I love the smell of cinnamon and pine, the flickering of burning candles and twinkle lights. But, I also like the feel of a fresh clean slate that always comes after the Holidays. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This year we are doing a ton of downsizing and it all begins now. What is our goal? For 2018 to be lighter, less cluttered, allowing us more freedom to travel and do the things we truly value. So, even though I reluctantly packed away my Christmas I hold onto the Spirit of it all in my heart as I start plowing through one room at a time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">First up....my room! You have no clue how many books I own, it is ridiculous...like crazy town!!! That alone makes me want to curl up and take a nap. :) Instead of hibernating though I have decided to divide my books into reference, donate, read and pass on to a specific person. I will update later how this goes. I was amazed at the reference pile, you would think I lived before the internet....oh wait I did! :)</span> Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-31026995628324193502018-01-13T15:29:00.003-08:002018-01-13T15:29:38.199-08:002018 Update!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpUcuZNTT8_OZXwuwfzN3pbrqfPPrKQjlrxptD4iS4E-Pc31h6IpQBAyr9t4hNdvXsYQWTdNJBEI7maojHp0vaL1qhOUxM3G6hvHMMorlGz5dlGi6k78F3Rtzki4Tcxx3WpT9VHjDRAua/s1600/2016-04-25+20.36.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpUcuZNTT8_OZXwuwfzN3pbrqfPPrKQjlrxptD4iS4E-Pc31h6IpQBAyr9t4hNdvXsYQWTdNJBEI7maojHp0vaL1qhOUxM3G6hvHMMorlGz5dlGi6k78F3Rtzki4Tcxx3WpT9VHjDRAua/s320/2016-04-25+20.36.31.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Trying to separate my two blogs that actually went from 5 blogs to these two have been ridiculously difficult. I'm still sorting it all out, but I see light, there is finally light at the end of this online tunnel. That said I will be uploading new content a few times a week here along with Reviews on the other blog. Still sorting out the social media between the two blogs, but that's fine....I just need to get posting. What made it so difficult was having a separate blog for Autism, Homeschooling, Life, Health and so forth was just too much to keep up with along with Reviewing 150+ products a year. And not to mention just living life...with Kaden and homeschooling....and did I mention Kaden?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So there you have it a tiny update...2018 is looking really good over here!</span>Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-42372218873931697892017-11-07T11:14:00.001-08:002017-11-07T19:40:17.198-08:00Working on Time Management<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvRwgM9ypnjDS8FhOrLCoOBPtGM17-qg0Z8PQQ8nhFSI1otztEBykdxob88pGWfdetrSmSfGImfsKezNcbZtKRAZM1Pm1WQ8ZWx0kK-VTBolVtNy0aoCDgtH0sfbFbcnx7AsGIa7t0B_E/s1600/IMG_2158%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1244" data-original-width="1600" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvRwgM9ypnjDS8FhOrLCoOBPtGM17-qg0Z8PQQ8nhFSI1otztEBykdxob88pGWfdetrSmSfGImfsKezNcbZtKRAZM1Pm1WQ8ZWx0kK-VTBolVtNy0aoCDgtH0sfbFbcnx7AsGIa7t0B_E/s320/IMG_2158%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I long to be over here and connecting with you through posts, but my Four Violet Reviews Blog has me so busy. I can hardly keep up with my personal journals and Bible journaling.... and that is a must for my sanity. I do promise to get better, to manage my time so that I spend less time thinking about writing and more time actually doing the writing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have been painting a lot lately, like 3-5 hours a day. I enjoy researching scripture and making these little cards to use in my Bible and planners. I have made tons of them...to say the very least. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="text Ps-39-4" id="en-NIV-14517">“Show me, <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, my life’s end</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-39-4">and the number of my days;</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-39-4">let me know how fleeting my life is.</span></span><span class="text Ps-39-5" id="en-NIV-14518"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>You have made my days a mere handbreadth;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-39-5">the span of my years is as nothing before you.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-39-5">Everyone is but a breath,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-39-5">even those who seem secure</span></span> Psalm 39:4-5</b></div>
Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-82733665230983313862017-10-16T16:07:00.000-07:002017-10-16T16:07:35.251-07:00Blessing Roll Call<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6OMLb7qMTbw/WeU6SxlUBVI/AAAAAAAAKdw/KXulPAv-tRwJnVEWDebsSK3GkBisetG1QCLcBGAs/s1600/francesco-gallarotti-2498.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6OMLb7qMTbw/WeU6SxlUBVI/AAAAAAAAKdw/KXulPAv-tRwJnVEWDebsSK3GkBisetG1QCLcBGAs/s400/francesco-gallarotti-2498.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We
have had to do a lot of praying and research these last few weeks. And
honestly I am worn down....worn down to the point where my days are
just what ever they become. My expectations are low and my heart is
opened wide to receive whatever it is that the Lord has planned for me.
Blessing Roll Call.....This month the Lord has saved my family from
contracting something horrid from our filthy bathrooms that haven't been
touched with so much as a Clorox wipe in like forever. He's given me
cooler weather and has kept the smoke from local fires to a minimum so I
can still go outside and take a few minutes to myself while stuffing my
mouth with a GF, vegan muffin. The sweet Lord has opened my world up a
little more and given me some new Friends and support through social
media that I wouldn't have had if I waited till Kaden decided that going
out of the home was safe and acceptable. Literally as I lay awake in
bed and my Hubby saws logs like a lumberjack I can feel Jesus beside me
lulling me to sleep while magically erasing all of my mind clutter.
Thank You Lord....for giving me peace, hope and love. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Another Day... Another Challenge... Another Prayer... Another Answer... Another Blessing</span>Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-35255785822581584882017-09-28T11:47:00.001-07:002017-09-28T11:49:06.759-07:00Raising Green Thumbs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7cGpQKnQa7o/WcvwzVOJk0I/AAAAAAAAKYY/9mkhLgS7Muc8MFszASg2Us-SgQJUL8_sgCLcBGAs/s1600/2014-07-26%2B15.45.21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7cGpQKnQa7o/WcvwzVOJk0I/AAAAAAAAKYY/9mkhLgS7Muc8MFszASg2Us-SgQJUL8_sgCLcBGAs/s400/2014-07-26%2B15.45.21.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I never
was one to garden, I couldn't even keep cactus alive. I loved the idea
of planting and having a garden, but it wasn't really in me. Or so I
thought...to be honest the problem was that I didn't take the time to
slow down and actually have a garden. You can't just throw seeds in the
ground and boom be done. It takes care, tending, hoping, loving and
protecting. </span><br />
<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I
think having a garden changes a person, allows them to slow the
whirling thoughts and focusing on the here and now. Over the past few
years I have tried to live more intentionally and not just devouring all
the hours and minutes with mindless activities. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k76Iiby7Lg4/Wcv0gjf-s3I/AAAAAAAAKYo/1JKo2Dmf8Ak5Z5Ml0wcnhgv-dtTwsPAagCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8132.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k76Iiby7Lg4/Wcv0gjf-s3I/AAAAAAAAKYo/1JKo2Dmf8Ak5Z5Ml0wcnhgv-dtTwsPAagCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_8132.JPG" width="300" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This
is what I want to pass down to my kids, especially Kaden who struggles
with fits of rage every single day. And I see the automatic change in
him when he is out in the garden. I Love It!! I Love watching him pluck
off dead leaves, watering and even encouraging the little fellas
lagging behind in growth. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The
number 1 thing I think all children should have in their lives is a
garden. Every single day Kaden is out there in the gardening tending to
it, he simply must. He knows that the health of the plants depend on
him and in return he gets to have beautiful flowers and yummy fruits and
veggies. Oh, and the occasional insect friend. :)</span><br />
<br />
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<br />Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-13383607129572296042017-09-14T13:57:00.000-07:002017-09-14T13:57:19.769-07:00Spoon Theory....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Y7oHu-pjak8BvVZx4hCzCE_9oB87NR8Ml89NjAl_rvCCcPBjB_Rd39DxjQ_Dkl7qV4ALeZaDqrSoNpoIquD1QpiIr7D2kxRS0Smz68Tygh1x_vM4En93-nwY2D6vKnGLSKY0eGtTJBk-/s1600/83C73CAA65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Y7oHu-pjak8BvVZx4hCzCE_9oB87NR8Ml89NjAl_rvCCcPBjB_Rd39DxjQ_Dkl7qV4ALeZaDqrSoNpoIquD1QpiIr7D2kxRS0Smz68Tygh1x_vM4En93-nwY2D6vKnGLSKY0eGtTJBk-/s400/83C73CAA65.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This is kind of long, but if you truly want to know what my life is
like with Lupus then read. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">By Christine Miserandino <a href="http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_new">www.butyoudontlooksick.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">My
best friend and I were in the diner, talking. As usual, it was very
late and we were eating French fries with gravy. Like normal girls our
age, we spent a lot of time in the diner while in college, and most of
the time we spent talking about boys, music or trivial things, that
seemed very important at the time. We never got serious about anything
in particular and spent most of our time laughing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As I went to
take some of my medicine with a snack as I usually did, she watched me
with an awkward kind of stare, instead of continuing the conversation.
She then asked me out of the blue what it felt like to have Lupus and be
sick. I was shocked not only because she asked the random question, but
also because I assumed she knew all there was to know about Lupus. She
came to doctors with me, she saw me walk with a cane, and throw up in
the bathroom. She had seen me cry in pain, what else was there to know?</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I
started to ramble on about pills, and aches and pains, but she kept
pursuing, and didn't seem satisfied with my answers. I was a little
surprised as being my roommate in college and friend for years; I
thought she already knew the medical definition of Lupus. Then she
looked at me with a face every sick person knows well, the face of pure
curiosity about something no one healthy can truly understand. She asked
what it felt like, not physically, but what it felt like to be me, to
be sick.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As I tried to gain my composure, I glanced around the
table for help or guidance, or at least stall for time to think. I was
trying to find the right words. How do I answer a question I never was
able to answer for myself? How do I explain every detail of every day
being effected, and give the emotions a sick person goes through with
clarity. I could have given up, cracked a joke like I usually do, and
changed the subject, but I remember thinking if I don’t try to explain
this, how could I ever expect her to understand. If I can’t explain this
to my best friend, how could I explain my world to anyone else? I had
to at least try.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">At that moment, the spoon theory was born. I
quickly grabbed every spoon on the table; hell I grabbed spoons off of
the other tables. I looked at her in the eyes and said “Here you go, you
have Lupus”. She looked at me slightly confused, as anyone would when
they are being handed a bouquet of spoons. The cold metal spoons clanked
in my hands, as I grouped them together and shoved them into her hands.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I
explained that the difference in being sick and being healthy is having
to make choices or to consciously think about things when the rest of
the world doesn’t have to. The healthy have the luxury of a life without
choices, a gift most people take for granted.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Most people start
the day with unlimited amount of possibilities, and energy to do
whatever they desire, especially young people. For the most part, they
do not need to worry about the effects of their actions. So for my
explanation, I used spoons to convey this point. I wanted something for
her to actually hold, for me to then take away, since most people who
get sick feel a “loss” of a life they once knew. If I was in control of
taking away the spoons, then she would know what it feels like to have
someone or something else, in this case Lupus, being in control.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">She
grabbed the spoons with excitement. She didn’t understand what I was
doing, but she is always up for a good time, so I guess she thought I
was cracking a joke of some kind like I usually do when talking about
touchy topics. Little did she know how serious I would become?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I
asked her to count her spoons. She asked why, and I explained that when
you are healthy you expect to have a never-ending supply of "spoons".
But when you have to now plan your day, you need to know exactly how
many “spoons” you are starting with. It doesn’t guarantee that you might
not lose some along the way, but at least it helps to know where you
are starting. She counted out 12 spoons. She laughed and said she wanted
more. I said no, and I knew right away that this little game would
work, when she looked disappointed, and we hadn't even started yet. I’ve
wanted more "spoons" for years and haven’t found a way yet to get more,
why should she? I also told her to always be conscious of how many she
had, and not to drop them because she can never forget she has Lupus.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I
asked her to list off the tasks of her day, including the most simple.
As, she rattled off daily chores, or just fun things to do; I explained
how each one would cost her a spoon. When she jumped right into getting
ready for work as her first task of the morning, I cut her off and took
away a spoon. I practically jumped down her throat. I said " No! You
don’t just get up. You have to crack open your eyes, and then realize
you are late. You didn’t sleep well the night before. You have to crawl
out of bed, and then you have to make your self something to eat before
you can do anything else, because if you don’t, you can't take your
medicine, and if you don’t take your medicine you might as well give up
all your spoons for today and tomorrow too." I quickly took away a spoon
and she realized she hasn’t even gotten dressed yet. Showering cost her
spoon, just for washing her hair and shaving her legs. Reaching high
and low that early in the morning could actually cost more than one
spoon, but I figured I would give her a break; I didn’t want to scare
her right away. Getting dressed was worth another spoon. I stopped her
and broke down every task to show her how every little detail needs to
be thought about. You cannot simply just throw clothes on when you are
sick. I explained that I have to see what clothes I can physically put
on, if my hands hurt that day buttons are out of the question. If I have
bruises that day, I need to wear long sleeves, and if I have a fever I
need a sweater to stay warm and so on. If my hair is falling out I need
to spend more time to look presentable, and then you need to factor in
another 5 minutes for feeling badly that it took you 2 hours to do all
this.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I think she was starting to understand when she
theoretically didn’t even get to work, and she was left with 6 spoons. I
then explained to her that she needed to choose the rest of her day
wisely, since when your “spoons” are gone, they are gone. Sometimes you
can borrow against tomorrow’s "spoons", but just think how hard tomorrow
will be with less "spoons". I also needed to explain that a person who
is sick always lives with the looming thought that tomorrow may be the
day that a cold comes, or an infection, or any number of things that
could be very dangerous. So you do not want to run low on "spoons",
because you never know when you truly will need them. I didn’t want to
depress her, but I needed to be realistic, and unfortunately being
prepared for the worst is part of a real day for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We went
through the rest of the day, and she slowly learned that skipping lunch
would cost her a spoon, as well as standing on a train, or even typing
at her computer too long. She was forced to make choices and think about
things differently. Hypothetically, she had to choose not to run
errands, so that she could eat dinner that night.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When we got to
the end of her pretend day, she said she was hungry. I summarized that
she had to eat dinner but she only had one spoon left. If she cooked,
she wouldn’t have enough energy to clean the pots. If she went out for
dinner, she might be too tired to drive home safely. Then I also
explained, that I didn’t even bother to add into this game, that she was
so nauseous, that cooking was probably out of the question anyway. So
she decided to make soup, it was easy. I then said it is only 7pm, you
have the rest of the night but maybe end up with one spoon, so you can
do something fun, or clean your apartment, or do chores, but you can’t
do it all.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I rarely see her emotional, so when I saw her upset I
knew maybe I was getting through to her. I didn’t want my friend to be
upset, but at the same time I was happy to think finally maybe someone
understood me a little bit. She had tears in her eyes and asked quietly
“Christine, How do you do it? Do you really do this everyday?” I
explained that some days were worse then others; some days I have more
spoons then most. But I can never make it go away and I can’t forget
about it, I always have to think about it. I handed her a spoon I had
been holding in reserve. I said simply, “I have learned to live life
with an extra spoon in my pocket, in reserve. You need to always be
prepared”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Its hard, the hardest thing I ever had to learn is to
slow down, and not do everything. I fight this to this day. I hate
feeling left out, having to choose to stay home, or to not get things
done that I want to. I wanted her to feel that frustration. I wanted her
to understand, that everything everyone else does comes so easy, but
for me it is one hundred little jobs in one. I need to think about the
weather, my temperature that day, and the whole day's plans before I can
attack any one given thing. When other people can simply do things, I
have to attack it and make a plan like I am strategizing a war. It is in
that lifestyle, the difference between being sick and healthy. It is
the beautiful ability to not think and just do. I miss that freedom. I
miss never having to count "spoons".</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After we were emotional and
talked about this for a little while longer, I sensed she was sad. Maybe
she finally understood. Maybe she realized that she never could truly
and honestly say she understands. But at least now she might not
complain so much when I can't go out for dinner some nights, or when I
never seem to make it to her house and she always has to drive to mine. I
gave her a hug when we walked out of the diner. I had the one spoon in
my hand and I said “Don’t worry. I see this as a blessing. I have been
forced to think about everything I do. Do you know how many spoons
people waste everyday? I don’t have room for wasted time, or wasted
“spoons” and I chose to spend this time with you.”</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Ever since this
night, I have used the spoon theory to explain my life to many people.
In fact, my family and friends refer to spoons all the time. It has been
a code word for what I can and cannot do. Once people understand the
spoon theory they seem to understand me better, but I also think they
live their life a little differently too. I think it isn’t just good for
understanding Lupus, but anyone dealing with any disability or illness.
Hopefully, they don’t take so much for granted or their life in
general. I give a piece of myself, in every sense of the word when I do
anything. It has become an inside joke. I have become famous for saying
to people jokingly that they should feel special when I spend time with
them, because they have one of my "spoons".</span>Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-28314540449406725142017-08-27T18:00:00.000-07:002017-08-27T18:31:58.203-07:00Coming Soon!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMe3GLvNqHB92VZXaQkG1B6D7-eGP4DIMRX76wEkPYfPq6Tc4rFzCMw1Cf6uGZlIanQ2fFwU9iI9IWTelDM9uGmuDrWjlorHFDctgqMK7iyX1nrLN6JZ1oDO4R0fWh5Wb4FBRV7nIXCyY/s1600/StockSnap_5JVPSVP7EI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMe3GLvNqHB92VZXaQkG1B6D7-eGP4DIMRX76wEkPYfPq6Tc4rFzCMw1Cf6uGZlIanQ2fFwU9iI9IWTelDM9uGmuDrWjlorHFDctgqMK7iyX1nrLN6JZ1oDO4R0fWh5Wb4FBRV7nIXCyY/s320/StockSnap_5JVPSVP7EI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am migrating my Blog over to this New Space....it will take some time, but I plan to have all my Recipes, Devotional studies, Herbs and oil education, a peek into our Homeschooling life... as well as Marriage and Family articles here soon. And so much more....I can't wait to have everything up and running! :)</span>Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-61367235763373401452017-08-27T16:07:00.000-07:002017-08-31T11:39:05.149-07:00Goodbye Mr. Monday.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRJn28XDfMBOyheACr8yvhuEtFG9heTyfoDGQz26O7ZVsPxWzkGOE-PywqI9WhjPztSTPFPid3gU5juFgXHA_Zsya-40oOEG0cmli8rsm0SdwYm-7M0jPBJ-pOM03-gXA7I6JkGdk9bVA/s1600/IMG_6441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSRJn28XDfMBOyheACr8yvhuEtFG9heTyfoDGQz26O7ZVsPxWzkGOE-PywqI9WhjPztSTPFPid3gU5juFgXHA_Zsya-40oOEG0cmli8rsm0SdwYm-7M0jPBJ-pOM03-gXA7I6JkGdk9bVA/s400/IMG_6441.JPG" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"> I decided while on our RV trip that when I got back home I wouldn't be doing anymore Mondays. I mean honestly who Likes Mondays? So, I have decided that Mondays are going to be kind of like "warm up" days. So, that I can gear up for the other 4 days and following weekend. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My weekends look like this: big family breakfasts, movie marathons, game fests and a mad dash around the house picking up messes. So, on Mondays I used to drag around and beat myself up for not being productive enough. Not, anymore! I make sure that the important things are accomplished like feeding my Family and my Soul. Then I make sure the kids Read, complete some sort of project or chore like Mahala just finished cleaning her bathroom from top to bottom. And I make sure I'm organized and ready to go for the next 4 days of school and complete any phone calls, emails or assignments I'm working on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This change has given our Home a more relaxed atmosphere and I have found that we are so productive the rest of the week. I enjoy lighting candles, listening to music and slowly move into full force by Tuesday. Tomorrow I plan to prep my Nature Journal for September, make some phone calls, work on a review that includes Pirates and Grammar, double check my school supplies needed for Mahala this coming week and read books with Kaden along with his sensory time. Anything else that happens is just gravy....mmmmm gravy, speaking of that I have my recipe for my country sausage gravy coming up in a few days. :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The cool thing is, that other things do happen, they happen naturally. And I love that, so by taking the pressure off of our Mondays we tend to accomplish a whole lot and still feel less stress and more satisfied at the end of the day. How do you handle Monday Mornings???</span></div>
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<br />Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-30607346934976513682017-08-22T11:19:00.000-07:002017-08-22T11:56:02.355-07:00Tuesday Self-Talk ~ Gratitude<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLITTAsWPziv6MuRNc4L7otxAce9Bz9vL9fBZsgVGshoxMddFAfhmmgiMEGJh0OgLxryGTYq3dAueOQLMWY0LQgqa6pdXpbFhaKX5t87gSKmoXyP8MUj1OEJkhAUxcW7wey7SEHh2ePv0a/s1600/B67Z7OGA7X.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLITTAsWPziv6MuRNc4L7otxAce9Bz9vL9fBZsgVGshoxMddFAfhmmgiMEGJh0OgLxryGTYq3dAueOQLMWY0LQgqa6pdXpbFhaKX5t87gSKmoXyP8MUj1OEJkhAUxcW7wey7SEHh2ePv0a/s400/B67Z7OGA7X.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Gratitude, what does it really mean to be Grateful? Gratitude is an act, a look, a warmth in our soul that seeps out of us when we have it. It's like a contagious smile from a stranger. It feels good and clears away the yucky mental fog of all the past days that might not have made our favorites list. Sometimes we go through our days on autopilot not even giving our actions a second thought. So, how do we keep that glow of Thankfulness? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We make a decision....we wake up every morning and make the decision to be filled with Gratitude. We vow to not let the little dark things build up into full on Demons. We vow to be Seekers, I have been a Seeker my whole life. Even when I was a little girl and lost my 2nd parent in just over a year I looked for Light, I was Thankful and had Unshakable Faith. That act of being a Seeker has been what has kept me above the line many many times when I could have just slipped deeper into despair. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I say all this because I do not have a rosy picture perfect life by any means. But, I'm often reminded that even on the darkest night if you look up into the heavens you can see the twinkle of little stars that really aren't so little at all. But, to us they look that way and with Faith we can Believe and know that those lights are way Bigger then any problem or person down here on Earth. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Are you a Seeker? Do you look for the good around you? Do you see the value in choosing your Attitude? I would Love to Hear your Stories of Gratitude! </span>Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-35061980685157791852017-08-09T18:29:00.001-07:002017-08-09T18:29:58.299-07:00Luke....Love Your Enemies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0OTK1qh8YCyHJEhMcRpDaZsb6xolBfIcGyzLXKSuSdaWRS2U1PAxKcVsTWTYNfmMejojifBC3ZXz55cGGne-ZNNKRQ_Ez-vhYvRT2Z5_jcgLiKJhRL1pkytxkW7SILyuL1zAltvmonYG/s1600/S6L7VPE6JQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="373" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN0OTK1qh8YCyHJEhMcRpDaZsb6xolBfIcGyzLXKSuSdaWRS2U1PAxKcVsTWTYNfmMejojifBC3ZXz55cGGne-ZNNKRQ_Ez-vhYvRT2Z5_jcgLiKJhRL1pkytxkW7SILyuL1zAltvmonYG/s320/S6L7VPE6JQ.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;">I've been looking through my old
journals a lot lately. I enjoy seeing what I thought was important at
the time, big obstacles that challenged me or truly outrageous funny
moments. It gives me a gentle reminder of the past, helps me understand
the present more and gives me guidance while looking forward into the
future.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">I was reading in <i>Luke 6:27-36 It's
easy to Love and be Kind to those you already care about. Your reward
will be great to those who, Love their enemies, do good....hoping for
nothing in return.</i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">I have had my share of Enemies, I have
had to Forgive and move Forward. Some of my biggest hurts in life were
not over earth shattering issues. Sometimes the smallest issue can have
the biggest impact on our lives. And that also goes for acts of
Kindness and Mercy. Every day we are Blessed to go out and spread God's
Grace, the Grace He showered down on us even when we didn't deserve
it. If you find it hard to Forgive and move Forward bring it to God,
let Him lighten your heart so that you can spread God's unconditional
love throughout your day...... </span>Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5567254640710841277.post-48977547936823089402017-08-08T15:34:00.000-07:002017-08-09T18:58:08.234-07:00Tuesday Self-Talk~ Affirmations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is
my very 1st Tuesday in my Tuesday Self-Talk Series here at Four
Violet. Make sure to check it out each week,
because we are commanded to Love ourselves and what better way to do
that then to Power Up our Self-Talk!!! No more Negativity!!! God
created us Beautifully in His likeness. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I have found that Daily
Affirmations are a positive way to start your day. Or when you
start battling negative self-talk, try one of these instead. :) In the
Bible it says Proverbs 23:7 <u>“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…”</u>
What we think, we’ll eventually say and what we say is very powerful.
We
can speak words of life and we can speak words of cursing. The Bible
warns us to guard our thoughts and mouths. Proverbs 18:20-21 says “From
the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled; with the harvest from
his lips he is satisfied. The tongue has the power of life and death
and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Bellow are just a Few
Affirmations to get You started, I'll share more each week. I have mine
written on index cards on my bathroom mirror, dash of my van, at my
desk and in my planner.....get creative and let your Self Love Flooooow!</span>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: black;">*I am strong.<br /> </span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: black;">*I am wise.<br /> </span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: black;">*I am precious in the eyes of God.<br /> </span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: black;">*I can love and be loved.<br /> </span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: black;">*I have power to choose my course in life.<br /> </span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: black;">*I accept my self for who I am.</span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: black;">*I replace my anger with understanding and compassion.</span></b></span></i></div>
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</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: black;">*I know that God’s unfailing love surrounds me and that I can trust Him.</span></b></span></i></div>
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</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: black;">*I have everything I need. </span></b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: black;">*I trust my ever-increasing ability to eliminate the non-essential and appreciate that which matters.</span></b></span></i></div>
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Sheilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16088648997897145149noreply@blogger.com0