JOTOS.... My, My, Monday

This past weekend has probably been one of the best weekends that I have had in a very long time. I was able to hang out with friends and just relax. There is no greater feeling than that.

Now...

My thoughts for today...

I don't claim to be "the world's greatest Christian" or "super spiritual" at all, however, I feel like I am very in tune with what God has for me to do and say. Today, I want to talk about being genuine in a superficial world.

Porcelain Dolls.

They're nice to look at, but after a while, they're boring and aren't very pleasing. You can't cart them around with you, or they'll break. You can't change their clothes, they won't come off. You can't wrap it up in a hug, it's too hard... sometimes, we as people can be the same way.

We want to be pleasing to the eye so we do everything, and wear everything we can to make people believe that we have it all together. Buy the right clothes, carry the right hand-bag, make sure every hair is in place, and laugh off any criticism as people being "jealous". At the end of the day, we are left hollow inside. There's nothing to us but what we plaster on the outside for people to see. Then we wonder why it is that we cry ourselves to sleep every night.

Why be porcelain when you can be real? Being real takes so little. You wear what you are comfortable in, you spend what you're comfortable to spend, your hair reflects your true personality, and you feel good about yourself! You don't have to try to fit in, because you DO fit in! You are you!

I myself have struggled with this before as most of you know. I hated the word perfect. It  plagued my every thought. Now? Now I have no problem being me. You know why? Because being real is so much easier than being fake! There's enough superficial in this world without me being the same way. ;)

I LOVE this quote!

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JOTOS.... Finally Back Friday!!!

This blog post will serve as an update of sorts...

I am so happy to be back! I have no excuses for not blogging more other than the whole [busy] one. I have missed sharing my thoughts with you all!

She was a gorgeous bride!

Update on me: I am doing well! Not having any bad flare ups of PCOS. I am taking and selling a product called Plexus Slim that has helped me SOOOOOO incredibly much! My doctor made me go off of it for a while and put me on a medication that was supposed to "help", well, the only thing is helped was my clothes to shrink!!! I ended up GAINING 15lbs! So, now, I am on a mission to lose those pounds and take charge of my health my own way. (If you're interested in Plexus Slim check out my site: www.lindseystrawn.myplexusproducts.com) I am inching closer to the big "2-1" every day! I cannot believe it! In other news, my sister was married on July 6th! She and her hubby are doing well and have settled into married life nicely in Arlington, TX.

Update on MY hubby: He is also doing well, just getting over being sick for a few days. He is working now with my Uncle and loving his job. I am so happy for him! He is currently writing his first book. [Already talking with a publisher too! Eeeek!] My job is to keep him focused and writing! It's gonna be a great one, I can tell you that. I am so proud of him for reaching for his dreams despite everything he, and we, have been through recently.

Trip to the Zoo:)

Update on Mr Atticus: He is now 7 years old! :( He is getting so big, I just can't believe it. When I met him, he was just 3 years old. MAN! Time has flown by... We are getting our house all ready for him as he makes his way back to Texas after a long week of fun with his Gammie and Gampie in Branson, MO. I love it when he is here!

Isn't she adorable??

Update on Grandma: She is doing AWESOME! She not only looks great, but she is feeling great too! There have been some challenges and lots of adjusting, but she is a champ and has taken everything in stride and came out victorious on the other side. I love her so much and am so proud of her!

Now.... life in general.... 

I have dealt with a lot of emotions this year. From fear, to pride. Anger, to sorrow. Happiness, to depression, and everything in-between! Through it all though, I never once stopped trusting God to work it all out. He has great plans for me and even though I can't see or know what they are... I STILL believe! ;) (Love that song!)

I think a lot... and as a result, I have mini-sermons that float around in my head and at any given time jump out of my lips and into existence. It's quite comical actually. I am not a "preacher" or a "minister" by any means. I just like to help people.

Today my thoughts are...

As a coach of a team, I learned quickly that I could not grow my team by allowing some to sit idly by while others worked hard. I learned that I needed to push those who were lacking to achieve greatness. I also VERY quickly learned that in order for them to achieve greatness, they had to be afforded an opportunity to show what they HAD learned rather than be criticized for what they HAD NOT learned. Too many times I let others show up and show out all the things that they knew how to do while some, who were just as capable, were left to pick up whatever was there afterwards... shame on me. Never, never, never should someone be left out. Never should a person be made to feel less than someone else. I had to do a serious self check. I had to realize that in order for them to be great, I had to let them. ME. It was me that was keeping them from greatness, not them. They could do it, I just gave them excuses as to why they couldn't. I handicapped them before they ever had a chance to show what they were made of. Now, I have learned from that mistake and I am ready to assemble another team of WONDERFUL and GREAT people.

What's the moral of the story? It's simple really... Just because someone is less qualified don't excuse them from doing bigger and better things. Reward those who deserve it, yes. But also allow those who aren't as advanced to grow. Give them responsibility. You may be surprised at what will emerge. Just like a Parent with a child... in order for them to mature, you have to give them responsibilities.  Out will emerge a responsible, mature, and grateful adult.

SO, that's it for me today! Hopefully I can check back in next week!

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JOTOS...Tuesday, Tuesday

The weather today left a lot to be desired. It was rainy and nasty all day! It makes me sleepy! (Haha)

I haven't blogged since last year!!! Can you believe it?! Happy New Year to you all. I hope it was wonderful:) Mine was spent with family and friends, just relaxing and having a quiet evening at home. (Wish I got to have more of those.)

Today I have a lot on my mind... I have been reading Facebook posts, and reading comments on Instagram, even tweets. I couldn't help but notice all the bitter words flying around. It made my heart ache. Bitterness is such a horrible and ugly thing. It creeps into your heart one crisis or emotional breakdown at a time and allows its roots to sink in and wrap themselves around your soul. It creates a dark place in your heart that is walled off from even God himself. What an awful, awful way to live.

Why do we allow ourselves to become so bitter? Why do we say things that we can never take back? Why? Because we are hurting humans. If you've ever been hurt you know the pain of healing. It takes a lot to heal after a major blow. The more blows you take, the longer and harder it seems to heal... It's natural. I feel though sometimes, we are like little children who keep poking and picking at the scab that develops on our heart after we've been wounded... We pick, and poke, and scratch at and aggravate it until we allow the infection that is bitterness to set in. Then we wonder what went wrong and begin to accuse someone else of being the cause of all our pain and suffering. When in reality, had we left it alone, it would've healed naturally and on it's own. It's simple really, the metaphor, stop fussing and fretting over whatever situation you see yourself in... Allow it to heal or work out, gradually, over time, so that you don't have to ever revisit it, or nurse it again. Don't allow bitterness to set it and cause you to speak things out of anger.

Bitterness looks good on no one darling.

Live your life as a pleasing sacrifice, holy, acceptable into God. Beware of bitterness! If you find yourself with a bitter heart, pray for God's peace and love. Peace to calm you and love to heal you.
Lets get right church and go home!!

I hope I have encouraged you in some way!

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JOTOS... Serene Sunday

Ahhhh Sunday...

There's just something about Sunday afternoons that I find relaxing. Even if there's an agenda, even if I know it's gonna be a late night, I always enjoy the few hours of downtime on a Sunday afternoon.

Sounds of football are filling the room as I sit and type this overdue blog post. I'm sure it's a sound we will hear pretty often over the next day or so. The Holidays always seem to bring it to surface for sure. Not that I'm complaining, because unlike most women, I actually enjoy watching/listening to football. My team(s) of choice? (NFL) The Houston Texans, (NCAAF) The Texas Longhorns. I'm a Texas girl all the way!

My uncle, Kevin, has been down for a visit from Arkansas. Things have definitely been interesting since he arrived. He got here just in time for all the Christmas festivities. Christmas Eve, my Mom hosted the big Christmas dinner at her house. Then, Christmas Day, we ate breakfast, and exchanged gifts again at Mom's. Around lunch time, Kevin wanted some Mexican food. Well, we figured everything was closed but we tried anyway. 2 hours later we decided on just getting TV dinners from Walgreens and hanging out at home. Well, the weather decided it wanted to drop 20 degrees in 2 hours and kick up winds strong enough to knock down a small shed. So, when we got inside Walgreens, the power went out. We went ahead and got what we needed thinking it would all be fine at home. At the checkout they were accepting cash only and tallying everything up with a pencil, notepad, and an iPhone. Poor things had no idea what things cost, or how to add everything plus tax. (Goes to show you how little kids are ACTUALLY learning in school. Sad. ) Finally, a after checking out, we made out way home only to find that the power was also out there. Still, we didn't let that stop us. We lit up the stove, (thank God for gas powered stoves) put on a griddle, and started slowly heating up the burritos we bought. When they finally finished, we ate and shot marbles in the living room until it was finally time to go our separate ways to sleep. (Our power wasn't restored until nearly midnight) Needless to say, Christmas was very memorable this year.

Tomorrow is my Dad's birthday. Can't believe he will be ## years old! Haha. He said that the Plexus (a supplement for losing weight that my husband and I sell) that he's taking may not be working anywhere else but it sure is making his hair thin! I hated to break to him that it wasn't the Plexus making his hair thin out, that was all him. Maybe I should get him some Rogain, or a toupee for his birthday!

My 20th birthday is also coming up. My friends say I'll be so sad that day, but I am actually so excited to be 20! Can't really say why, because I don't know, I am just very excited.

Hope you all have a safe and blessed New Year!

P.S. If you're looking for a wonderful lotion/moisturizer, check out this St Ives cream! I love it!!!! Leaves your skin soft am is so affordable. Approx. $5 at Walmart!

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JOTOS...Sweet Saturdays

Hello everyone!

Only 3 more days until Christmas:)))

We are spending this weekend with my in-laws. Mama is busy making peppermint bark, Faith and I are playing on the wii and Dad and Noah were going to pick up a few last minute things from Wal-Mart.

This time of year is my favorite! I love the smell of sweets baking in the oven and candles burning on the countertop. It makes my heart warm!

This Christmas, more than ever, I have felt sentimental. Not sure if it's because of everything that's happened as of late, or if it's just me growing older. No matter what it is, I have learned to cherish every laugh, every candid picture and every corny joke. I cannot believe how fast time flies. It's so very bittersweet.

This Christmas, take a minute to look back, and relive all the wonderful memories. Every parade watched, every pie baked, every ornament hung, everything.

Love you all!!!!

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JOTOS....Festive Friday Filled with Joy!!!

I love this picture! Excuse me, hello everyone!! I am back! Sorry for the long vacation, you see, I have been planning a Christmas musical for my church over the last several weeks and have not been able to blog as often as I would like. BUT I'm back now;)

Joy is in fact contagious. If you are joyful, those who come around you will sense that joy and in turn become joyful themselves:) it's so simple to spread! Give a little Joy this Christmas;)

Honestly, I cannot believe we are 11 days away from 2013! That is insane! Our years seem to be flying by quicker than we can enjoy them. It's sad. I feel like I can't hardly enjoy a holiday before its over. Guess that just goes to show you how busy we are. We definitely need to slow down and simplify our lives. We would all be much happier AND healthier.

Quick update on grandma: The chemo did its job and all that's left of the cancer is ashes!!!! However, to prevent it from returning, they will still do the removal surgery on her bladder in Mid January. Please keep her in your prayers!

Noah and I have been doing... Okay...he lost his job right after we got back from our anniversary trip but quickly started looking for a new one. He was hired on to Schwans Food Delivery a few weeks ago and started on Monday! God is faithful. Now, I'm not gonna lie, it was really rough for a while... But God always provided right on time!! I am blessed.

Tonight begins our weekend full of Christmas festivities with all of our families. Should be fun!!!

Love you all!

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Happy Birthday Pixie!!!!