I plan on starting a blog series on an interesting statement that the Family Christian Radio is making: Judgment Day is May 21st, 2011. Here is the website:
End Of Days
I am no expert when it comes to the Bible. However, I have studied immensely the Bible and different viewpoints to dates, times, and such.
Come back daily to catch my new information...
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Spring Cleaning
I suppose I could have been a bit more creative with a title for this long-awaited blog entry (haha), alas I will simply call it what it is: spring cleaning at the Martin house.
I am an organizer by nature, and I do enjoy seeing a space neatly arranged. I would even trade most of my prize possessions as long as I still had my trusty label maker! (tee hee). Okay, I'm not that in love with it...but it really takes organization to the next level.
However, even I can hold onto items that would be better used by another. So most often once a year (it happened in the summer last year) I go room to room and clean out what is unnecessary and make sure everything has a home. That is my motto: everything needs a home...a PROPER home. Not just a corner to be thrown.
This year I started a bit earlier than usual, because I was inspired by a dear friend of mine. Her blog can be found here (in case you'd like to follow her 30 day quest): The Enchanted Schoolhouse.
Now, I must admit, I do not have the patience that she does. But I can enjoy the fact that after a week of not reading her blog, I have completed most of the tasks on my own! In fact, yesterday I organized spices and seasonings. It was something I have neglected for 4 years! How do I know it was four years ago that I embarked on the task? Well, because I was pregnant with my Evie who will be four in May. I am pretty sure Z-girl and I sat down and labeled all the spices around the spring of the year.
Currently I have a huge pile of clothing, shoes, stuffed toys (I swear they multiply when put into a drawer together), toys, and nick-nacks to donate.
I should be ready for a pick up by next Monday...any suggestions on where to donate? I usually do Purple Heart or Salvation Army. Always looking for a reputable organization to donate.
I am an organizer by nature, and I do enjoy seeing a space neatly arranged. I would even trade most of my prize possessions as long as I still had my trusty label maker! (tee hee). Okay, I'm not that in love with it...but it really takes organization to the next level.
However, even I can hold onto items that would be better used by another. So most often once a year (it happened in the summer last year) I go room to room and clean out what is unnecessary and make sure everything has a home. That is my motto: everything needs a home...a PROPER home. Not just a corner to be thrown.
This year I started a bit earlier than usual, because I was inspired by a dear friend of mine. Her blog can be found here (in case you'd like to follow her 30 day quest): The Enchanted Schoolhouse.
Now, I must admit, I do not have the patience that she does. But I can enjoy the fact that after a week of not reading her blog, I have completed most of the tasks on my own! In fact, yesterday I organized spices and seasonings. It was something I have neglected for 4 years! How do I know it was four years ago that I embarked on the task? Well, because I was pregnant with my Evie who will be four in May. I am pretty sure Z-girl and I sat down and labeled all the spices around the spring of the year.
Currently I have a huge pile of clothing, shoes, stuffed toys (I swear they multiply when put into a drawer together), toys, and nick-nacks to donate.
I should be ready for a pick up by next Monday...any suggestions on where to donate? I usually do Purple Heart or Salvation Army. Always looking for a reputable organization to donate.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Main Financial Goal for 2011 - Get out of credit card debt
When I state the above, I am very specific in my desires. I have a budget, a plan of action and specific in the amounts I will be paying off each month.
Due to surgeries on both Jim and I in the last 3 months, I often feel like the 2011 financial goal will never see fruition. However, I am still a bit hopeful.
Last Friday, our girls' school had a lovely financial workshop. It was centered around how one could provide a Christian education, but I did learn a few very awesome tidbits in the process.
Initially we were taught about making S.M.A.R.T goals:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Results - based
Time bound
I was quite pleased to see my financial goal for 2011 was SMART. I suppose it may or may not be achievable with the onset of new debt from medical bills. However, my hope keeps that letter of the acronym alive.
I also plan on determining if the products and services we pay each month are the best for our pockets. For instance, do we need the life insurance we are paying for? Or do we have the best mortgage rate possible? Or do we pay too much for our car insurance? I plan on determining these amounts in the next month or two. I found out, to my disappointment, that there really isn't a benefit for having car insurance with the same company for a long time. Apparently, AAA raises the rate of their long time customers; which is so backward to me. Of course, AAA might still have the best rate for my car insurance. However, time will tell on that.
I will be prudent and make this happen. Now it is online and I have witnesses. :)
Due to surgeries on both Jim and I in the last 3 months, I often feel like the 2011 financial goal will never see fruition. However, I am still a bit hopeful.
Last Friday, our girls' school had a lovely financial workshop. It was centered around how one could provide a Christian education, but I did learn a few very awesome tidbits in the process.
Initially we were taught about making S.M.A.R.T goals:
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Results - based
Time bound
I was quite pleased to see my financial goal for 2011 was SMART. I suppose it may or may not be achievable with the onset of new debt from medical bills. However, my hope keeps that letter of the acronym alive.
I also plan on determining if the products and services we pay each month are the best for our pockets. For instance, do we need the life insurance we are paying for? Or do we have the best mortgage rate possible? Or do we pay too much for our car insurance? I plan on determining these amounts in the next month or two. I found out, to my disappointment, that there really isn't a benefit for having car insurance with the same company for a long time. Apparently, AAA raises the rate of their long time customers; which is so backward to me. Of course, AAA might still have the best rate for my car insurance. However, time will tell on that.
I will be prudent and make this happen. Now it is online and I have witnesses. :)
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Touched by an Angel
A month ago today, I began reading a blog that has completely touched my life.
Sad and Chara, originally named Our Little Secret, is a blog written by Chad regarding the pregnancy process from a man's perspective. However, when I started reading the blog, February 6th, the first blog post illustrated the untimely death of Sara and the critical condition of baby Miranda.
I do not know these people. I learned of their tragic story from a Facebook status or two. However, I was instantly captivated into the lives of these beautiful people. I went back to the earlier posts Chad wrote about discovering he was to be a father (the day before Father's Day 2010), and quirky tales of Sara having to use the restroom a lot!
I was following the blog every day, or every time Chad blogged about his little Miranda's struggle to keep alive. However, when he lost Miranda too, I only would read the posts every week or so. I was so heartbroken for him.
I still am. But I am so impressed at Chad's ability to continue to blog. In fact, his perspective is admirable and I am inspired each time I read the latest entry.
Angels live among us.
Sad and Chara, originally named Our Little Secret, is a blog written by Chad regarding the pregnancy process from a man's perspective. However, when I started reading the blog, February 6th, the first blog post illustrated the untimely death of Sara and the critical condition of baby Miranda.
I do not know these people. I learned of their tragic story from a Facebook status or two. However, I was instantly captivated into the lives of these beautiful people. I went back to the earlier posts Chad wrote about discovering he was to be a father (the day before Father's Day 2010), and quirky tales of Sara having to use the restroom a lot!
I was following the blog every day, or every time Chad blogged about his little Miranda's struggle to keep alive. However, when he lost Miranda too, I only would read the posts every week or so. I was so heartbroken for him.
I still am. But I am so impressed at Chad's ability to continue to blog. In fact, his perspective is admirable and I am inspired each time I read the latest entry.
Angels live among us.
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