Grasshoppers and Giants

And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them." -Numbers 13:32-33

Have you ever felt like a grasshopper? I mean, have you ever felt like everyone around you was bigger and better than you? I suppose that's how the Israelites were feeling when they were sent to explore the land of Canaan. It was believed back then in their culture that the Nephilim were a race of giants that were created by presumably fallen angels and daughters of men. I have found no biblical evidence of this on my own, but still, I can imagine that the "giant-sized" men were rather intimidating to the Israelites.

There was one man who was bold enough to speak up and think differently though. His name was Caleb.

Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." -Numbers 13:30

Caleb was a man who believed God would do exactly what He promised... give them the land! He was not intimidated by the "appearance" of the people currently living there. Instead, he was confident that with God on their side, they would prevail.

Oh to have that kind of confidence! I myself have walked into situations where I felt rather small. Or perhaps someone just said something to me or about me that made me feel that way. It's times like those that I wish I could have the positive outlook that our friend Caleb had.

The story goes on to say that none of the Israelites that tested God and grumbled and complained against Him would set foot in the promised land. They wandered in the desert for 40 years where their children served as shepherds, suffering for their parent's unfaithfulness. After 40 years, their children were finally allowed to enter in and enjoy the land that their parents rejected. Only Joshua and Caleb survived to inherit the promised land together with their children.

"But because my servant Caleb had a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it." -Numbers 14:24

How certain are you that God keep his promises, no matter how big the obstacles look, and how small you may feel? Are you willing to follow Him wholeheartedly, no matter what? I am! And I want to pass a generational blessing onto my children. I don't want them to suffer for my mistakes the way that the Israelite's children suffered.

Father, change my heart and give me a different spirit, like your servant Caleb. Create in me the kind of confidence that Joshua and Caleb had in You. I want to follow after You wholeheartedly, unafraid of the giants in my life.

In Your Mighty Name,
Amen

Company Girl Coffee 2.27

"A woman is like a teabag- only in hot water do you realize how strong she is." Nancy Reagan

Good morning! Or for some of you, good afternoon! Grab a cup of your favorite tea. I read this quote on my calendar this morning and had to share it. In fact, it is very appropriate for me this week, and this month in general. If you had come by for coffee yesterday, you would have found me tired, frustrated, and not up for company. But today I am singing a different tune! That's what a good night's sleep and a prayerful attitude can do for you. : )

I will spare you the details and instead, share one of my favorite moments this week. Last night after dinner I popped in my son's library video. I was desperate for the kids to settle down and be quiet. Are any of you familiar with the book "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day?" It's one of my favorites. Well, evidently, they made a movie of it! :) Not only that, but they put songs to it!

Picture me, cuddling with my five kiddos, watching this video. It was perfect. For 29 minutes we watched and laughed together as we chanted with Alexander "I'm having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day! I think I'll move to Australia." By the end of the video I was in a much better mood. I didn't even mind so much that I've come down with pink eye, my youngest has the flu, and Mt. Washmore is taking over again. Because some days are just like that...even in Australia.

This week I am trying to spend less time on the computer so I will make my list brief.

1. Rain. Bye, bye snow! Spring is just around the corner!


2. Coupons. I saved BIGTIME this week on groceries.


3. Sweaters. I'm wrapped up in one that's warm and cozy right now.


4. Our dog Max. He is both playful and cuddly.


5. Ken Griffy Jr. is a Mariner again. Yep. I'm thankful for this because it makes my DH happy!


6. Dimples! They're just so cute!


7. Chocolate...I can't get enough of the stuff!


8. My Company Girl tote bag. It came in the mail yesterday.


9. Nap time. It's when my house is quiet.


10. Hot tea. I've been drinking a lot of it since I got this cold.

Strength to Face the Day

By the time I left my house this morning for church, I was very discouraged. Since my DH is on staff at our church, his position requires him to be there early to set up and get ready for service. That leaves it up to me to get the kids ready, pile them into the van, and drive them to church every week. It seems like every Sunday something comes up that makes life rather difficult for me. I have been battling a cold lately so I didn't sleep very well last night. I spent 15 minutes looking for my 2 year old's 2nd shoe. (You'd think I'd get him another pair for such an occasion!) Then BC decided to whine when LR took "his spot" in the van. Finally though, I took a deep breath, crawled into the driver's seat, and backed out of the driveway.

On the way there, I found myself questioning if my heart was right. Was I prepared to go and meet with God in church with my mindset? Why do I always end up with the same grumpy attitude on Sunday mornings? I know that once we are there, it is worth every ounce of effort that it takes to make it. I am always glad that we went.

Today's message was titled "What's it Worth to You?" The real question that the Pastor was getting at was "What is HE worth to you?" We all find time to fit into our lives what we value. One of his points was that each congregation member that showed up today valued God and this church enough to attend this morning. We all carved out time in our day to make it to church. I'm pretty sure that his sermon and its timing were NOT coincidence this morning. It was exactly what I needed to hear.

At the end of service we always sing one more song but this week we sang two. The second song was a familiar one and it started like this:

When we see you, we find strength to face the day.
And in your presence all our fears are washed away.

We sang that over and over again and I began to laugh as I was singing (if that's possible to picture). I get it Lord. I understand what You are trying to tell me. It doesn't matter that I'm going home to the breakfast dishes and unwashed laundry and grocery lists that need to be made. I am in Your presence NOW. That's where I find the strength to face my day ahead. And all of my tomorrows. HE is my strength.

And I left church the opposite of how I left home this morning. I was quite encouraged. Thank goodness the Lord knows just what I need.

Isaiah 12:1-3
In that day you will say:
"I will praise you, O LORD.
Although you were angry with me,
your anger has turned away
and you have comforted me.

Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD is my strength and song;
he has become my salvation."

With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation.

Company Girl Coffee 2.20 and My Favorite Things

Come on in! Grab a cup of coffee and make yourself comfortable. I promise I won't sing. I just thought the song was very appropriate for what I want to share today. Rachel Anne's song and post really got me to thinking about my sister and since it's her birthday tomorrow I thought I would have her as my special guest at Company Girl Coffee this week. She is, after all, my original Company Girl!

My sister is my best friend. We are two and a half years apart in age, but the older we get, the more that fades. We are very much alike, but both very unique individuals. That's what makes our bond so special. Like any other close friends, we have our inside jokes, songs that we reminisce to, and favorite things that we share. On that "note" (sorry for the pun...well, no, not really!) I would like to list a few of our "favorite things."

• Movies: The Sound of Music, Singin' in the Rain, White Christmas,The Muppet Movie, Vision Quest, Top Gun, any Lethal Weapon Movie, Grease
• Music: My Favorite Things, Sisters, Chicago, Carpenters, Carly Simon, Beach Boys, pretty much anything 80's!, Friends (Michael W. Smith)
• Foods: Homemade Mac and Cheese! Fried Potatoes and Bacon
• Memories: Roller Barn, Parades, Tulip Festivals, Camping at Deception Pass, Visiting Grandma and Grandpa on the Oregon Coast
• Activities we did together growing up: Girl Scouts, Theta Rho, Wrestling Cheerleaders, Baton (remember that, sis?), Gymnastics
• Flower: Tulips

I could go on and on down memory lane, but we'd run out of coffee! Suffice it to say, I love my sister. She called me up just the other day to tell me that she heard a song that reminded her of me. We roll like that. We could talk on the phone for hours about everything, and nothing. That's what sisters do. I am so lucky to have her. And I can't wait until the next time I get to see her.

Thanks, sis for always being there for me. Even though we are miles apart with mountains between us, you will always and forever remain in my heart, my best friend! I love you! Have a great Birthday! :)

Thank you, Company Girls, for allowing me to share from my heart how special my sister is to me. Glad you came for coffee and I look forward to visiting with you more through out the weekend!

-Melissa

What Can $15.70 Buy?

A Full Pantry! Thanks to Albertson's, and a little help from a friend over at Frugal Chic Living! Today I became a fan of coupons and planned out, bulk buying. Albertson's is running their "buy 10, get $10 off your next order" sale this week. There are over 250 products to choose from. I happen to like soup, so most of my purchases were Progresso. The trick is to complete separate transactions so that your $10 off your next order rolls over into the next group of items. DON'T try doing this at a busy time of day! It will just frustrate you, the clerk, and all the people in line behind you. I went at 9:00am. Here's what I got for my money:

• 26 Cans of Progresso Soup
• 8 Cans of Pillsbury Grands Biscuits
• 6 Boxes of Fruit Snacks
• 7 Cake Mixes
• 3 Tubs of Frosting

Plus I ended my trip with yet another $10 off coupon so really, I've spent $5.70! Now that's what I call a bargain shopping trip! For more details visit Frugal Chic Living. It's worth the time to fill your pantry but not empty your pockets! : )

Didn't I Just Do That Yesterday?

I've been thinking a lot today as I've been crossing things off my "to do" list. Many times throughout my day I find myself asking the question "didn't I just do that yesterday?" The answer to that is most often "yes." Sometimes the answer is "no," but then it's followed by "you just did that 10 minutes ago." I often find myself cleaning up messes only to have one of my children, or even my husband follow behind me making new messes. It's like being in the Twilight Cleaning Zone. You never know what new mess you're going to find when you turn around!

Most days I don't mind. If I catch the mess maker in the act, I will even politely (or sometimes not so politely) ask them to clean it up. Sometimes, though, I leave the mess with the thought "I'll get to that tomorrow." This is where it gets dangerous for me. Tomorrows can really add up if you let them. That's why I have a list, or a routine, that I refer to on a daily basis.

I have heard this list called many things. In fact, I have changed what I call mine several times. It's currently labeled "Cleaning Specifications," (thanks to Katherine, over at Raising Five) and I have one for each room in my house. Whatever you call it, it is a necessary part of life and without it, sanctuary can quickly turn tsunami. The clutter and mess slowly takes over until it becomes just plain overwhelming.

I am determined not to let that happen. I have to confess. I am NOT a neat person by nature. I'll be honest about that. I have to work hard at keeping my home even half way decently clean. I struggle just as much as the next woman with balancing my "to do" list with my "to live" list. That's why I always come back to my basic Cleaning Spec. List. If I can keep up on the basics, I may be able to keep my head above water. I might, on a good day, even get ahead of the game!

Proverbs 31:27 "She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat." (Amplified)