The Grace Effect book was a thought provoking book that talks about a child that was rescued from an unimaginable life. Author, Larry Taunton, shares his personal experience of what Grace truly looks like. It also challenged me to think about my own life and what types of things am I will to sacrifice to show The Grace of my Lord and Savior.
I would highly recommend this book to others.
http://booksneeze.com/reviews/blogger/28091?ref=badge
I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review from Book Sneeze.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
A Look Back
I posted my personal goals last month and have been wanting to take some time to revisit them & see how I'm doing. Hopefully, this will be a great reminder for myself & I will have a bit more success throughout the year instead of a short term...idea.
So...here is my check in from the past month:
**Spend quiet time in the Bible each day.
While I have not been in my Bible VERY single day. I will admit I was in it at least 5-6 days per week. I was doing really great until about 2 weeks ago. Time to open up & get my nose back in the Word. It is the BEST thing I can be doing for me & others around me!
**Stick to ideas set for a least 2 months then revisit them & reevaluate.
Some ideas that we have been trying around the house have actually been working. Last week...I fell off the wagon, but our schedules are printed & back in action. We will revisit at the end of this month to see how it is going.
**Exercise for 15 min each day (for 1 month), 30 min (2nd month) working up to 60 minutes
FAIL! I exercised 2 times in January.
**Eat healthier
I've thought quite a bit about this....not necessarily making any "changes".
**Look over budget bi-weekly & make sure it is on track
Yep
**Look over goals/dreams with Phil monthly
Haven't done this...maybe tonight. I actually have a full night at home without any running.
**Write 1 note to someone each week & mail it. (Had to put the mail it in there because I tend to write notes and then they never make it anywhere but the trash because I find them a few months later on my desk waiting for me to give to the recipient.) PATHETIC, I know...just tying to keep it real.
I will admit, I am still doing a lot of "thinking" of who I want to write notes to.
However, today one letter was mailed & sent!
**Birthday letters to m children & husband.
Haven't had birthday's yet.
**Date night with Phil 1 per month.
January was full of many things for our family. Date night was not able to be squeezed in. However, I do feel like Phil & I made the most of the time we were given together to at least talk. (Which is always helpful whenever life is busy!)
**Weekend get-a-way/cabin with Phil
This is coming up... CAN.NOT.WAIT!
**Show love of Christ to ALL.
I try...not sure how I am doing this. (Forgot it was actually on my list.) Will try to think about it more often.
**Figure out each family member's Love Language and act upon it filling each of their Love Tanks.
I haven't actually re-read the Love Language book I discovered that My Love Language has changed & some thought has been put into other family members.
**Read 12 non-fiction books.
2 non-fiction books read in January! 10 to go!
**Raise funds to travel to SD with Phil.
Need to start thinking about this one.....
**Continue to research ways/pray what we can do HERE for Pastor Peter in Nigeria.
Have been thinking...not much action on my part.
**CONSISTENCY
Still something I struggle with, but feel I am doing better.
**Organize each crevice of home & purge what needs purged.
Well...ummm....yea...Oh..I did transform a space into my home (I forgot). I rearranged a corner to be used for one of my children to do school at. It is working GREAT!
**Create 1 memory book per month to get photos in order.
FAIL! Maybe I can create 2 this month.
**Decorate home & make it our own.
We have started to do this.
**Get some sort of portable electronic device (iPad, laptop, Kindle Fire, etc.) **I am away from my home A LOT and this could really help me get some things accomplished while sitting at a rink or waiting in between games.
Phil and I have actually talked about this. Will wait and see what we decide on.
**Cook meals with Love NOT necessity.
My family actually LAUGHED at me when the saw this goal. However, I must admit, because I wrote down that I want to cook meals with love...my outlook on preparing meals has changed. Now, do I cook EVERY single meal with love. (Not yet.) (Don't ask about our meal of only vegetables & applesauce last night.) However, just thinking about how it is a Blessing to be able to cook for my family has made such a change in how I prepare for meal times. And I am pretty sure my family has noticed a difference.
WOW! I am feeling pretty proud of what I have accomplished in the month of January. I am a firm believer that if you write down your goals you are more apt to achieve them. I honestly, didn't think I had accomplished much of anything in January. However, reflecting on this past month has proved to myself, that I have accomplished some things.
How about you? Did you make some goals for the year? Have you taken a step to revisit what you want to accomplish? Take a moment today to do just that!
So...here is my check in from the past month:
**Spend quiet time in the Bible each day.
While I have not been in my Bible VERY single day. I will admit I was in it at least 5-6 days per week. I was doing really great until about 2 weeks ago. Time to open up & get my nose back in the Word. It is the BEST thing I can be doing for me & others around me!
**Stick to ideas set for a least 2 months then revisit them & reevaluate.
Some ideas that we have been trying around the house have actually been working. Last week...I fell off the wagon, but our schedules are printed & back in action. We will revisit at the end of this month to see how it is going.
**Exercise for 15 min each day (for 1 month), 30 min (2nd month) working up to 60 minutes
FAIL! I exercised 2 times in January.
**Eat healthier
I've thought quite a bit about this....not necessarily making any "changes".
**Look over budget bi-weekly & make sure it is on track
Yep
**Look over goals/dreams with Phil monthly
Haven't done this...maybe tonight. I actually have a full night at home without any running.
**Write 1 note to someone each week & mail it. (Had to put the mail it in there because I tend to write notes and then they never make it anywhere but the trash because I find them a few months later on my desk waiting for me to give to the recipient.) PATHETIC, I know...just tying to keep it real.
I will admit, I am still doing a lot of "thinking" of who I want to write notes to.
However, today one letter was mailed & sent!
**Birthday letters to m children & husband.
Haven't had birthday's yet.
**Date night with Phil 1 per month.
January was full of many things for our family. Date night was not able to be squeezed in. However, I do feel like Phil & I made the most of the time we were given together to at least talk. (Which is always helpful whenever life is busy!)
**Weekend get-a-way/cabin with Phil
This is coming up... CAN.NOT.WAIT!
**Show love of Christ to ALL.
I try...not sure how I am doing this. (Forgot it was actually on my list.) Will try to think about it more often.
**Figure out each family member's Love Language and act upon it filling each of their Love Tanks.
I haven't actually re-read the Love Language book I discovered that My Love Language has changed & some thought has been put into other family members.
**Read 12 non-fiction books.
2 non-fiction books read in January! 10 to go!
**Raise funds to travel to SD with Phil.
Need to start thinking about this one.....
**Continue to research ways/pray what we can do HERE for Pastor Peter in Nigeria.
Have been thinking...not much action on my part.
**CONSISTENCY
Still something I struggle with, but feel I am doing better.
**Organize each crevice of home & purge what needs purged.
Well...ummm....yea...Oh..I did transform a space into my home (I forgot). I rearranged a corner to be used for one of my children to do school at. It is working GREAT!
**Create 1 memory book per month to get photos in order.
FAIL! Maybe I can create 2 this month.
**Decorate home & make it our own.
We have started to do this.
**Get some sort of portable electronic device (iPad, laptop, Kindle Fire, etc.) **I am away from my home A LOT and this could really help me get some things accomplished while sitting at a rink or waiting in between games.
Phil and I have actually talked about this. Will wait and see what we decide on.
**Cook meals with Love NOT necessity.
My family actually LAUGHED at me when the saw this goal. However, I must admit, because I wrote down that I want to cook meals with love...my outlook on preparing meals has changed. Now, do I cook EVERY single meal with love. (Not yet.) (Don't ask about our meal of only vegetables & applesauce last night.) However, just thinking about how it is a Blessing to be able to cook for my family has made such a change in how I prepare for meal times. And I am pretty sure my family has noticed a difference.
WOW! I am feeling pretty proud of what I have accomplished in the month of January. I am a firm believer that if you write down your goals you are more apt to achieve them. I honestly, didn't think I had accomplished much of anything in January. However, reflecting on this past month has proved to myself, that I have accomplished some things.
How about you? Did you make some goals for the year? Have you taken a step to revisit what you want to accomplish? Take a moment today to do just that!
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Reminders from my Nathan....
I must admit, schooling my children from home certainly has had its challenges. There are days when it seems like we have worked all day & have gotten nothing accomplished. There are days when I feel like there just isn't enough of me to meet the needs of everyone.
However, there are some days like today where a little something happens that makes my heart swell & it reminds me of one of the reasons of why we have chosen to school from home.
Natalie was sitting down attempting to do Literature on her own. She was getting frustrated because the new vocabulary words were pretty difficult and she was asking for some help in knowing what they are.
From the other room, I hear Nathan say, "Finger Stretch it, Natty."
You see, finger stretching is how our Phonics program teaches little ones how to read. Nathan half way through his Kindergarten year is reading more and more words each week. He will take a word like cat and sound out each sound C-A-T....raising one finger for each sound. Thus, finger stretching.
While Natalie was not going to be able to finger stretch her new vocabulary words...I thought it was great that he recognized a skill that could help her.
And now, my dear Nathan, who is so competitive has to stop his school day to participate in Natalie's Math Football Class Connect. It is simply amazing that he can sit beside her and answer the math questions that are being asked to each 3rd grader. Nothing is funnier than listening to him jump up and down & cheer as the boys score a touchdown & boo when Natalie answers a question correctly to block an extra point. **Please note, that he is always let down in the 3rd & 4th quarters as they move from addition & subtraction to multiplication & division.
While keeping everyone focused on their personal daily tasks can sometimes be a challenge. However, it is times like these that I realize that everyone is still learning regardless if it is at their grade level or not.
What have you witnessed today that makes you grateful for decisions you have made in your life? Take some time today and find 3 things that you are thankful for.
However, there are some days like today where a little something happens that makes my heart swell & it reminds me of one of the reasons of why we have chosen to school from home.
Natalie was sitting down attempting to do Literature on her own. She was getting frustrated because the new vocabulary words were pretty difficult and she was asking for some help in knowing what they are.
From the other room, I hear Nathan say, "Finger Stretch it, Natty."
You see, finger stretching is how our Phonics program teaches little ones how to read. Nathan half way through his Kindergarten year is reading more and more words each week. He will take a word like cat and sound out each sound C-A-T....raising one finger for each sound. Thus, finger stretching.
While Natalie was not going to be able to finger stretch her new vocabulary words...I thought it was great that he recognized a skill that could help her.
And now, my dear Nathan, who is so competitive has to stop his school day to participate in Natalie's Math Football Class Connect. It is simply amazing that he can sit beside her and answer the math questions that are being asked to each 3rd grader. Nothing is funnier than listening to him jump up and down & cheer as the boys score a touchdown & boo when Natalie answers a question correctly to block an extra point. **Please note, that he is always let down in the 3rd & 4th quarters as they move from addition & subtraction to multiplication & division.
While keeping everyone focused on their personal daily tasks can sometimes be a challenge. However, it is times like these that I realize that everyone is still learning regardless if it is at their grade level or not.
 |
Nathan & Natalie on her Math Football Class. |
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Top Fifteen!
I love writing. Thus why I decided to write a second blog this week. Only this time, I'm not going on a rant. Haha.
I am addicted to music. I have such a wide range of musical tastes it's difficult to decipher which one I like the most.
Soooo, basically I'm gonna try & break this down. I'm going to list 15 of my favorite songs of all-time. Now, mind you, I highly dislike edited music...so if something in any of these songs offends you...well, I advise you to stop reading my blog. Music is an expression, remember that.
#15-
http://www.youtube.com /watch?v=BfOdWSiyWoc&ob=av2e Can't Stop- Red Hot Chili Peppers.
This song is the bomb. The music video, makes it even better. I cannot watch it without laughing. I love RHCP's creativeness & downright strange sound. They're different, and I love them dearly.
#14-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHqo2FDJSU0
Get Out Alive- Three Days Grace
It's amazing. End of story.
#13-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KQsH_c5aUg
In One Ear- Cage The Elephant
Holy moly...when I first discovered this band I immediately couldn't stop listening to them. They're one of my favorite bands in the entire world. This song shows a "I don't care" attitude & I adore that. CTE, ftw.
#12-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3PafOUkl9Q
The Lonely- Christina Perri
Ahhh, this girl's voice makes me cry. Her music is so honest and true. She's gorgeous and when she sings it's like none other.
All I Wanted- Paramore
Paramore was my outlet to all my pre-teen angst. I think I know every word to every song. 'All I Wanted' really shows the talent of the band. With Hayley Williams wailing on the vocals you can't help but realize what a talented individual she is.
#9-
#9-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIulZ0Vw2z8
Mayday Parade- Terrible Things
Not a huge fan of the band...but this song is so beautiful. It's a depiction of life & what sometimes happens. Listen to it, you won't regret it.
#8-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQqR1tmzClQ
Don't Look Back In Anger- Oasis
Should I even go into detail? Oasis might be one of the best bands that was ever around. This is that song that I'm always belting out in the shower. "Annnnd soooo Saaallllyyy can wait."
#7-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGfyJA66OBc
Stop Crying Your Heart Out- Oasis
Another Oasis song? Yes! :)
Buried Alive- Avenged Sevenfold
One of my favorite bands. I don't care if I have to save cash my entire life, before I die I want to see them in concert. This song is sick!
#4-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5rQHoaQpTw
Bennie and the Jets- Elton John
Yeah, yeah, yeah...out of all the songs I've chosen this is one you probably least expected. Well, I happen to be an Elton John junkie. This song was played throughout my childhood & I will always remember sitting on the floor singing this song with my Dad.
#3-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_GPxe91hWE
Nutshell- Alice In Chains
Truthful, beautiful, music. You can feel the pain radiating throughout this song. It's so real. Unbelievable song.
#2-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DGe-OD52UM
Disenchanted- My Chemical Romance
It was really hard to not put this song as #1. It's been my favorite song ever since I bought "The Black Parade" album. If my favorite band never existed, My Chem would be the first....
#1-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDmB2nYhgQg
You Know You're Right- Nirvana
Yes, Nirvana is my favorite band. This song shows the passion that Kurt had for his music. Set aside all over opinions you have on this band and just listen to the song.
~Hayley
I am addicted to music. I have such a wide range of musical tastes it's difficult to decipher which one I like the most.
Soooo, basically I'm gonna try & break this down. I'm going to list 15 of my favorite songs of all-time. Now, mind you, I highly dislike edited music...so if something in any of these songs offends you...well, I advise you to stop reading my blog. Music is an expression, remember that.
http://www.youtube.com /watch?v=BfOdWSiyWoc&ob=av2e Can't Stop- Red Hot Chili Peppers.
This song is the bomb. The music video, makes it even better. I cannot watch it without laughing. I love RHCP's creativeness & downright strange sound. They're different, and I love them dearly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHqo2FDJSU0
Get Out Alive- Three Days Grace
It's amazing. End of story.
#13-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KQsH_c5aUg
In One Ear- Cage The Elephant
Holy moly...when I first discovered this band I immediately couldn't stop listening to them. They're one of my favorite bands in the entire world. This song shows a "I don't care" attitude & I adore that. CTE, ftw.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3PafOUkl9Q
The Lonely- Christina Perri
Ahhh, this girl's voice makes me cry. Her music is so honest and true. She's gorgeous and when she sings it's like none other.
#11-
Rearviewmirror- Pearl Jam
Does this song even need an explanation? Pearl Jam is one of the greatest bands ever. They unique & different. Not to mention Eddie Vedder has the voice of an angel.
#10-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssAEYv5ws9wAll I Wanted- Paramore
Paramore was my outlet to all my pre-teen angst. I think I know every word to every song. 'All I Wanted' really shows the talent of the band. With Hayley Williams wailing on the vocals you can't help but realize what a talented individual she is.
Kerosene- Miranda Lambert
If I was southern...& blonde...and could play guitar...I would be Miranda Lambert. I love her attitude, her music, and she's got great taste in men. Haha.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIulZ0Vw2z8
Mayday Parade- Terrible Things
Not a huge fan of the band...but this song is so beautiful. It's a depiction of life & what sometimes happens. Listen to it, you won't regret it.
#8-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQqR1tmzClQ
Don't Look Back In Anger- Oasis
Should I even go into detail? Oasis might be one of the best bands that was ever around. This is that song that I'm always belting out in the shower. "Annnnd soooo Saaallllyyy can wait."
#7-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGfyJA66OBc
Stop Crying Your Heart Out- Oasis
Another Oasis song? Yes! :)
#6-
Mammoth- The Devil Wears Prada
No list of Hayley Money's favorite songs would be complete with TDWP. I realize they're not everybody's cup of tea, but I really like metalcore\screamo music. Don't worry, I'm only adding one of these songs on here. I'll save my screamo playlist for another blog. :)
#5-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ses9bV-_BZ4Buried Alive- Avenged Sevenfold
One of my favorite bands. I don't care if I have to save cash my entire life, before I die I want to see them in concert. This song is sick!
#4-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5rQHoaQpTw
Bennie and the Jets- Elton John
Yeah, yeah, yeah...out of all the songs I've chosen this is one you probably least expected. Well, I happen to be an Elton John junkie. This song was played throughout my childhood & I will always remember sitting on the floor singing this song with my Dad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_GPxe91hWE
Nutshell- Alice In Chains
Truthful, beautiful, music. You can feel the pain radiating throughout this song. It's so real. Unbelievable song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DGe-OD52UM
Disenchanted- My Chemical Romance
It was really hard to not put this song as #1. It's been my favorite song ever since I bought "The Black Parade" album. If my favorite band never existed, My Chem would be the first....
#1-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDmB2nYhgQg
You Know You're Right- Nirvana
Yes, Nirvana is my favorite band. This song shows the passion that Kurt had for his music. Set aside all over opinions you have on this band and just listen to the song.
~Hayley
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