A simple question

Why is the government taking money from us to give to the banks, who then MIGHT lend it back to us with interest? Does this make sense? Wouldn't it be smarter just to leave it with us in the first place?

Priorities

I had the great privilege to attend Mary Kay's Career Conference in Columbus, Ohio. While the classes and speakers were inspiring and filled with tips, the reaffirmation of the company's value system struck the biggest chord with me.

What other company teaches to align your priorities with God first? "Spend quiet time with God everyday," the final speaker directed us. If your values are not in order, your business or any other area of life cannot be either. God should be first before any other aspect of your life. I have so firmly believed this, that it's no wonder this opportunity fits so perfectly. Repeatedly throughout the two day conference I heard, "Continually thank the Lord for everything you have. Until you are grateful for what you've got, He won't bless you with more." That was a new way to look at the thankfulness aspect for me.

Family is next in importance. This company offers its consultants the flexibility to be with their family. All those sporting games, illnesses, practices, etc. - you can be there and still maintain a successful business. Plus, the Mary Kay family surrounds each other with love and support through all of life's ups and downs.

Finally, we repeatedly heard about the Golden Rule philosophy of Mary Kay. Treat others as you would want to be treated. God brings people into our lives for a reason. He wants us to treat them with respect - make them feel important. Whether they are customers or not, this is a great idea for all of life.

I'm grateful for my Mary Kay opportunity and business. To be a part of a company that really cares with values that I teach my own children is encouraging and exciting. These are tough times, but this company is not feeling it - no, quite the opposite! Our company is debt free and setting incredible growth goals. For anyone interested in being part of this wonderful company, stop by my site at www.marykay.com/pfblevins, and leave me an email. I'll gladly answer your questions and share my joy with you.

What tops your priority list?

Bearing the weather

I Am Mom

I Am Mom

I am the organizer, planner, keeper of the calendar - Mom.
I am the chauffeur, maid, cook, the baker, and I’m sure I could learn to be the candlestick maker.
I am the cleaner of all things, including but not limited to, feces, urine, and vomit of all humans and animals residing in or visiting this home.
I’m the fix this, sign this, wash this, hold this, I need this, where is this? - Mom.
I’m the study buddy, referee, encourager, and helper.
I’m the clock, the nag, and the task-master.
I’m the let the dog out before dawn, feed him, and pull out his burrs gently - Mom.
I dust, vacuum, mop, steam-clean, and spot treat.
I transport kids and animals to school, practice, the pediatrician, the orthodontist, the vet, sporting events, or the fair.
I am the ultimate phone caller, nurse maid, editor, proofreader, and typist.
I go to recitals, concerts, games, and parent/teacher conferences.
I pick up the flying cat hair, and relocate animal and kids’ toys to prevent accidents.
I am the ‘I need money, a birthday gift for my friend, poster board, or permission slip due today’ - Mom.
What I am not is the keeper of the remote, the burper, the farter, or the boss.
I don’t get to choose the car’s radio station, eat the last cookie, or empty the ice cream container.
But, I do love hugs, smiles, kind words, and politeness.

I love tiny fingers through my hair, laughing, and encouraging.
I love to see kids work hard, enjoy life, and do their best.
I love to hang out, watch movies, and joke with my kids.
I love being a parent.
I love being Mom.

Successful landing!

I've been listening to the coverage from that Hudson River "crash." All the TV stations are spending a majority of their program talking about the birds, the plane, the pilot, the crew, the response, and the passengers.

One passenger being interviewed said he didn't believe in God and that he kept his head up when the flight attendants told him otherwise. He figured if that was the end, he wanted to see where he was going.

That is so sad. I see God all over this. The plane landed successfully. EVERYONE survived. God was there. I pray that all on the plane and everyone watching can see God's signature. May He use this situation to reach more for Him.

Thank you, God!

One step at a time

Ever wonder what to do? Even when I have a lot to do, I still get so overwhelmed. Where do I begin? What should I do now? It's especially hard if there are HUGE projects to tackle. Although, when there are a bunch of little, menial tasks, it's hard to be motivated too. Household chores like laundry, cleaning the toilets and sinks, collecting the trash, dishes, cooking ANOTHER dinner all can loom over me. AH! I'm getting depressed thinking about it.

It's on days like this that I remind myself to take just one step at a time. Things will get done if I am faithful and don't fall under the thought of what lies ahead.

Sometimes we spend more time worrying than actually doing, don't we? God wants us to take just one step at a time in our walk with Him too. Life is a journey, not a full-out sprint. So, let's take life and all its burdens one step at a time.

I can't let go!

Our giant outside dog, Copper, loves to find two foot long, 2-3" round logs. He proudly carries his latest discovery everywhere, showing all animals and people, "See what I've got? Aren't you proud? You can't have it."

I offer him a dog bone, something he can actually eat - and he LOVES to eat, especially bones! He dances around, clearly torn between the two desires, but he will not put down the stick for the bone.

Our much smaller, inside dog, Nugent, loves his stuffed toys. A few of his favorites are a monkey, which is missing half its face and an arm from too much love, a duck that he stole from my son, and a soccer ball. He carries one of his toys, hanging out of his mouth. I offer him a bone, and his bottom begins to shake because that stub of a tail is wagging so hard with excitement.

"You can have the bone, if you put down the monkey, Nugent." I try to reason with him, but to no avail. Usually, I have to swipe the monkey to give him the bone.

Why won't they give up the toy for something better?

That always gets me thinking. How often do we do that with God? He offers us so much more - a better life, more love, more hope.

Sometimes I wonder if God wants to tell me, "Put down that fear, Paula. I've got so much more for you - beyond your wildest dreams."

There are a lot of things I hang on to that I'm sure He wants me to let go for something much better. What would he say to you? Do you have a habit, worry, or fear that need to be put down to receive His riches? Do you have a relationship or material items that need to go? Whatever it is, what God offers is so much better. He wants what is best for us.

So, let go, and receive.

Have you gotten your workout?

I got quite a workout this morning. Whew! I made my dreaded grocery trip. I guess WalMart is feeling the economic crunch now too. The very pleasant check-out lady was being more careful with her bagging.

"We were told not to use so many bags. They don't have lots of money right now," she informed me.

So, she stacked already scanned products beside her until she could squeeze them into an open space in an already packed bag. Cans did not get double bagged today. I hoped they wouldn't crash through the already recycled-too-many-times bags. The bags were so full, I could only tie a few of them. Again I hoped - this time that the groceries wouldn't spill out of their bags all over my trunk.

Thankfully, none of those things happened. Instead, because the bags were doubly-full, they were naturally heavier to carry into the house. So, I got my workout and helped the economy today. Have you?

New Year babies

Happy Birthday!! Jan. 1, 2009

Baby Guinea pigs

Want one?

Please?