Prime Time Good News

Wouldn't it be so nice to turn on your television and there be nothing BUT good news?  Last week I fasted from TV and Facebook.  It was hard to not to want to check my FB and to turn on the news like HLN which I enjoy.  At least that is what I thought until I fasted...there is a reason why God wants us to BE STILL.  After a few days I realized that the only reason I wanted it on was because I couldn't turn it on and not because I was missing the news and or updates.  Everything in moderation right? Priorities?

Part of what I learned was that I would rather put in my heart and mind all good news and good things and surround myself with happy and those who will build us up.  It is a fallen world we live in and I think we gravitate to those who are like us...that our hearts and minds and souls radiates what is there?  And becuase of where I am on this journey,  I wish there was a station that had uplifting news and positive storie all day, everyday!.  One reason is that there are so many amazing people., elderly, children, men and women who are trying to do their part in making the world better because they made a deliberate choice to DO SOMETHING. 
 
There are so many incredible people in my own community changing the world one person at a time.  It seems in my opinion that they only time we get the feel good stories is when we have a tragedy and the tv stations are there to cover.  But why not all the time?

In the weeks to come, a new blog sharing some amazing stories of ordinary people paying it forward with Deliberate & Intentional Acts of Love or what I refer to as "DIAL" for the day will be revealed to inspire those who want to join in the fun.. 

The world is BIG but yet SMALL in so many ways.  I have always known that if you talk to someone long enough that you will both end up knowing each other or know someone and or have had your paths cross before?  Which brings me to the next question.  Do you believe that things happen randomly?

So what kind of things make news worthy of our time?  What shows would you be willing to watch if some changes were made?  What are your favorite shows now and all time? 

What would a perfect world look like?  What would a perfect child look and be like?  What would a prefect blog look like and what features would it have?  Did you see the movie The Odd Life of Timothy Green?  Great movie!!

 Do you feel like you are living your Divine Assignment and if so was the journey worth it and if not what would it take to get you there??  Do you have a Dream Board or a Bucket List?

Do you have a story to share?  Would your testimony if told change the life of one or many?  Would you be open to sharing yours and what you learned and would you change your life and if so why??

These will be my new topics that I will cover in my blog and what I will call :  The Prime Time GOOD News for today:

Thankful Today:  Thankful for your anwers to one or all these questions today and for leaving a post!  Thankful for answered prayers, great teachers, businesses like Mardel, opportunity to work even if it has me dragging something fierce today and for my newly highlighted hair.  Did I mention I am grateful for my hairdresser who I just adore, the laughs we had today were enjoyed by me for sure!

Quote of the Day:   “Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” Gail Devers

Photo of the Day: 

Bible Verse for Today:  Matthew 11:28-30 The Message (MSG) 28-30"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

Children's Book of the Day:  Have You Filled a Bucket Today?: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids byCarol McCloud, David Messing

Through sweet, simple prose and vivid illustrations, this heartwarming book encourages positive behavior as children see how very easy and rewarding it is to express kindness, appreciation and love on a daily basis. This wonderful book is a winner of seven awards.  Here is an example of the way you get set this up at home and or school.  This is a picture of my sister's door at school.  Isn't this a great idea that she got from Pinterest?     (Let me know if the entire picture shows up because the buckets and fuzzys are a must see!!)

Adult Book of the Day:   do you know who i am by Angela Thomas    Whether you're feeling broken, afraid, or disillusioned, God sees into your heart and knows who you are. But do you know who God is? Through biblical teaching, storytelling, and practical application, Thomas reveals that spiritual fulfillment doesn't depend on getting yourself together but on understanding that God has a purpose for you just as you are

Blog of the Day:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Let-it-Shine/501712550496

I hope you enjoyed the post today and that heart is full of joy and love tomorrow!!

xoxoxo
Diana
 




      

Mother Teresa and Living By Example

So I am doing some research and am hoping that someone, anyone will respond to my last post as well as this one so I know that I am loved....seriously it does make one feel good when someone leaves a post answer but I am very curious wh ich blogs you visit and why.  This all has to do with where I am going from where I have been to making my new dreams and visions come to pass.  It is the first time in a long time that I have been excited about something in a long time...don't get me wrong, I love life and am so grateful for so many things, this is getting me back to living our my passion and involves the most important values in my life, my Faith, my Family and Demi and my career which has been lingering in the midst of fog for a while now while I try to decide what it is I will do...I think I have known for a while but now I am doing something about it.  It is all I think about in my free time and I am eager to get going but need to do a little more research.  So will you help me and would you pass along my blog to a couple of friends.  My goal is to have 25 posts about most liked blogs and websites.  Thank you for helping me out!!!

Quote of the Day:  Mother Teresa,  "I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world."

Thankful Today:  Visions and Dreams, Blogs, Smiles, UPlifting and Encouraging Words, Being a Mom, Prayers answered regarding my mom, New Books and they only cost $1, Trials and Two Way conversations with God.  One of the things I am grateful for is time for photos like this one of all the beautiful butterflies which seem to be abundant in numbers this summer at my girlfriend's house in the country.

Picture of the Day:   

   Hoping you find the JOY in Lifegiving and Treasure the making of someone else's day better JUST BECAUSE!!   xoxoxo Diana aka BiT

What Are Your Five Favorite Blogs or Websites and Why??

That is besides Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram!

So what would the perfect blog and or website have and look like??  

I have to say that I love technology and all the blogs that we have access to daily.  I love how we can always be learning and sharing, don't you?

So after a busy day of dentist appointments, shopping and cheer practice, I am beat and ready for bed.  Tomorrow Demi has Bronco Camp at the Jr. High.  It is hard to believe it is that time and it is one week till  school starts and yes, Demi is so excited.  I don't know too many kids who are excited to go to the dentist, doctor, and school...lol!

Thankful for the gift of life and having the day off.  It was especially nice being able to spend time with Demi and my mom and laughing throughout the day.  I love the sound of laughter and fun!!  Thankful for my dentists who we call angels and for getting Kyle to VA today. Grateful for time with one of my bff's today!  Demi and I are truly blessed beynd belief and then some!!  Hope you know how much you matter and how loved you are too!

PS - Thanks for commenting on my blog about your favs this week!!!!!

Have a terrific Tuesday,

xoxoxo
BiT   

Work Love Pray and Online Assessments

As I am reading this book with pracitcal wisdom written for young christian women, I am humoring myself with the young and enjoying the book.  I often have to remind myself that I am 49.  Lol

Over the last 2 years, I have been trying to figure out what I really want to do with the rest of my life whether that be 2 years or 20 years or 40.

Today I took this online assessment and this assessment if based on answers I submitted  to 16 parts where I rated 4 words in the order that they described me from Most to Least.  Here are those results:

http://careerdirectonline.org/personalityID/share/?i=32377C34337C34327C32387CQvnan

I would have to say that this totally described who I am and what I love....My Personality Type is:  NETWORKER.

I would love to get your honest opinions on this assessment as well as the career you could see me doing passionately daily. 

My word for 2012 is VISION and or DREAM.  But over the last 12 years I have forgotten how to do that and fogot how important it is to keep those dreams with goals in front of me daily.  With the onset of motherhood, a business, home, church, family, and financial responsibilites I started surviving instead of THRIVING.  I know I am not alone but I am at the point where I want to do something meaningful with my life and DOER which serves and loves.  I want to look forward to getting up everyday with JOY in my heart while living our my PURPOSE that God has for me in this next season.  I am looking forward to today, the NOW and what is to come.  I can't change the past but I can make a CHOICE to love forward with that love for life again with JOY in my HEART.  Wanna join me?

I also started the ThinkTQ assessment yesterday so that I can live a life of Success On Purpose while achieving my new dreams.  It will help me determine the VISIONS and DREAMS just waiting to be written out with a PLAN.  God has placed some incredible tools in m hands and amazing people to bring me here this weekend.

In closing, my daughter in church today told her group of 7th graders and their moms that I was her HERO?  Me, HERO?  I a humbled and give all the glory to God for equipping me to be that person she can talk to about anything while loving and training her in the ways of the Lord.  Our village has been so supportive and loving and I am blessed and so thankful everyday that God has loaned her to me here on earth to love her so that she can love others as God has loved us.

Have a great week and remember to be the sunshine those you encounter.  You may be the only sunshine they see all day or week  for that matter.   It is always good to leave someone or some place better than you found it.  Thankful for the gift of life, this life today and all that it has brought with faith, family, and friends today!!!

xoxoxo
BiT

Blogs, Books, and the Bible

Hi Friends,

I ran across this prayer with Bible Virtues for our children on Keeping It Simple today.  Love this and would like to refer to this daily.  I did a lot of praying today on the way to her school regarding her schedule and teachers.   Love her counselor and am so excited about Demi starting junior high 2 weeks today. 

http://keepingitpersonal.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/31-Biblical-Virtues-to-pray-for-our-children-printable.jpg

 

I wanted to share some new blogs and books that I am reading or have read recently:

Books:
1.  do you knowwho i am by Angela Thomas
2.  Jesus Calling Devotional by Sarah Young
3.  How to Find Your Personal Path to Success
4.  Soul Detox by Craig Groeschel
5.  The Chocolate Diaries by Karen Scalf Linamen
6.  Stepping Up Bible Study by Beth Moore
7.  Broken Open by Elizabeth Lesser

Blogs:
1.  Jennifer Maggio/the Life of a Single Mom
2.  www.firestarterstories.blogspot.com
3.  Keeping It Personal with Teri Johnson (she wrote Overcoming the Nevers)
4.  One More Serving with Kathy Brunner
5.  Finding your Firewith Kathy Brunner
6.  Blessback with Julie Saffrin at www.juliesaffrin.com
7.  www.mybelieversguidecom
8.  www.thefathereffect.com or www.theperfectfather.org by John Finch
9.  Congratulations, you have tweens

Books that I have heard are good but haven't read yet are:
1..The Harbinger
2. Indvisible by James Robison
3.  Relentless by John Bevere
4.  The Time is Now by Ryan Sobbs
5.  Crazy Love
7.  Unglued by Lysa Terkurst

These are just a few from my list.  If you have read any great books or know of inspiring blogs please share them with us here and please let me know you stopped by so I can visit your blog too!!

Also if you live in the MN area, Teri Johnson and some of these women are holding a conference called Refine on September 20th and 21st.   (You can get the link at Keeping It Persoal)

This summer has been amazing.  No we haven't gone anywhere far away or anything like that, but I have had a little extra money from tutoring over the last several weeks to take Demi to NRH2O, Church Camps, Music Camp, and go to visit her best friend in Forney about 50 minutes away and cousins and gramdma in San Antonio.  We have spent quality time together and we have had some amazing conversations driving in the car.  It is funny that some of our best times together have not cost us anything but gas.  Blessed and broken and like Humpty Dumpty, I am slowly putting the pieces back together again all while attempting and moving toward a life filled with passion and purpose, who would've thunk it after 3 long and challenging years? If this is you, hang in there!

On a sad note, my cousin, Brian Isbell died back on June 23rd from prostate cancer at the young age of 38.  His memorial was moving and given by his 2 best friends from high school.  One who spoke about him and all their fun and adventures which he did often.  He loved the outdoors, salsa dancing, skiing, rafting, biking to name a few of this outings.  The second was a letter to Brian, thanking him for all he was and all that he brought to others with his loving and easy-going nature.  Life is so short but I know you don't need me to tell you that.  The most wonderful thing was that he gave his life to Christ and was baptized in his last 3 weeks so we will meet again in heaven someday soon.  Until then he is in no more pain and is celebrating with our family up there today.  Makes me smile just thinking about it. Here is the picture that I took when God said to me, "No more worries Diana, Brian is coming home to me now.  This picture is amazing and at the time, I took this the sky was opening up and the sun peeking out and I just knew what I heard was from God.  I had been praying that he would ask Jesus to be his Savior nnd God answered the prayers of many who wanted to secure his place in heaven so that someday we would all meet again.  I had been so afraid that this wouldn't happen because he was skeptic and thinking about the other frightened me too.  Brian's  best gift he could have given was this to his new bride and family ever!!

Today is my sister, Donna and her husband, James' 24th wedding anniversary.  They are both such an inspiration, not only have they built a marriage centered around God, they have managed to survive with many challenges over the last 5 years with the scare of cancer with their youngest son and a loss of income, their only income and somehow, someway keep on going for their other 6 kids when it would have been so much easier to give up.  Happy Anniversary Sis, here is to 24 more filled with JOY, PEACE, HEALING, GRACE AND LOTS OF LOVE!!!

Here are just a few photos to celebrate our sizzling summer and Demi turning 12 back in June:.

These girls are Demi's best friends up top, Kenz and Alyssa and the bottom picture is with her two cousins, Sami and Lexi that live in San Antonio.

Today I am thankful for God's grace, His love, His plans, the many wonderful people I have met and served at Mardel, quality time with Demi, time to read, answered prayers, technology, my mom's new and fresh attitude towards us and my nephew coming back from his 8 month deployment this week.

Remember it will bring you great joy to seize an opportunity to make the world a better place with A Random Act of Love.

Have a wonderful and joy-filled Tuesday!!

xoxoxo,

BiT

  

Looking for DONATIONS for a Silent Auction

I have a friend/coach who is undergoing a stem cell transplant for the next 6 weeks at The Mayo Clinic and then will have 6 weeks of recovery.  There is a charitable fundraiser next week on July 26th at 5pm and they are looking for gifts and donations for women.  They have tons of sports things being that Coach "Gib" Paul Gibson has been the head baseball coach at the local high school where I actually went, LD Bell.

Anyway, I am hoping that maybe a friend or 2 will step up and want to help me out.  It would have to be something that could be mailed out and to me by next Thursday. 

I would be willing to pay for shipping too if need be so that we can make this a success with High Hopes of being help to pay for the costs involved with his stay in MN for 12 weeks. 

I also have a 501c Tax Id if you need a copy of the letter and poster regarding event.

Thanks so much and remember to hug your loved ones....today is the gift you cannot get back so enjoy the simple things with your family!!

**SOME AMAZING BOOKS**
1.  Lifegiving by Tammy Maltry
2.  Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
3.  Don't Waste Your Sports by Mahaney
4.  The Circle Maker by Batterson
5.  Harbinger

PS - are you aware of any blogs centered around Single Moms/Parents Ministry?  If so would you share them with me?

Again, have an amazing Wednesday friends and remember to be thankful for the little things and be a blessing to someone just because.....

xoxoxo
BiT         

Wonders of Wednesday and Blogging Tips (Borrowed from www.ChristianSuperMom.com)

Top Ten Ways To Be A Successful Blogging Mama



Published on March 27, 2012 by Rosann at www.christriansupermom.com (I borrowed this today from her site!)


34I recently read somewhere (although I don't recall where) that there are more than 3.9 million moms with blogs. I don't know why, but that number really blows me away. I think the biggest reason I'm in awe of that figure is when I think of how difficult it is to be a full time mom and maintain a successful blog at the same time.


Let's be realistic here. Blogging consumes a lot of time and effort. Unless it's done in the middle of the night, it takes us moms away from our husbands and our children. In fact, as I'm writing this, my husband, being incredibly supportive and understanding, is in another room of our house relaxing without me! My children are sound asleep for the night.


When it comes to blogging, what actually defines Success? How do we make our blog stand out from the other 3.9 million mom blogs? Because, if we don't stand out, if our words aren't touching the hearts of our readers and aren't really striking a chord with them, then why exactly are we spending all this time writing in the first place?

To be successful in blogging, while also being a great mom and wife, is an art. This art form starts in our everyday decisions and reactions. And only you know what's right for your blogging mama journey.


Here's How I've Managed To Be A Successful Blogging Mama


#10 - Have A Plan


When I started blogging, I had a mission in mind. My family and I had been through some really rough times . I felt strongly that God was calling me to share the heart of our story with others, giving Him all the glory through our testimony. I also knew I was on a faith journey to become a better mom, a better wife, and a more devoted child of God.

Inspiring and encouraging other women in their faith walk has become my writing mission. For me, blogging isn't just about sharing my day with you, it's about writing with authenticity, who I really am. Broken. Flawed. Sinful. Yet so loved by God anyway. And it's about sharing my journey to become better. I know you are also on this journey and can relate with my imperfections, as well as the joys of being a woman, wife, and mother.

#9 - Take A Vacation


I watched an episode of the kids show, Arthur, one day with my daughter. Perhaps you've also seen it. One of the female characters had started a blog and she became so wrapped up in blogging that she never left her computer. Eventually, she ran out of things to write about.

Thankfully, as a mom, my parenting responsibilities do pull me away from the computer on a regular basis. But that's not necessarily enough. There is still a need for taking a vacation. There's a need for us women to get out into the world and live life! Some of my greatest writing inspiration comes from spending time with my children, my husband, and my friends. Even in the simplest activities.


#8 - Be Intentional In Spending Time With The Kids


Determined, a go-getter, and extremely focused are really great words used to describe me as a person. However, when it comes to those words mixing with my role in motherhood, guilt is the word that seems most accurate. I can very easily lose myself in my passion for writing and suddenly realize hours have gone by and I've not spent any quality time with my daughters. When, not if, but when this happens, guilt consumes me.


To avoid this trap, I try to be intentional in setting time aside each and every day to spend with my girls. It doesn't matter if that time is spent reading, coloring, or baking something fun together. It just matters that I'm completely tuned into them, and nothing else, in those precious mommy-daughter moments.


#7 - Be Flexible


Every mom knows life doesn't always go as planned when little kids are involved. Sometimes they get sick, other times they are simply temperamental. Regardless of how they're behaving, it's important to remember to be a flexible blogging mama. Maybe it's best to walk away from that twitter chat or the article you're three quarters of the way done writing (and don't want to lose your train of thought on) to snuggle up with your emotional child for a bit.


I've found that often times, a quick hug, kiss, and a few moments for my daughter to crown me princess for the day, is all she's craving before continuing on with her playtime nearby, while I finish up an email or a blog post. My willingness to be flexible prevents many a temper tantrum and shows my child that she is indeed important to me and loved.


#6 - Get Up With The Roosters


None of the success I've had in blogging, motherhood, or juggling the two has come from my own doing. God drives this ship every time I make a parenting choice, sit down to write, socialize, or brainstorm. He inspires my heart and soul with the words that you (and I) need to hear most and His Spirit lights the path for my day.

But none of this happens when my relationship with Him is dry or barren. So to cultivate a deep relationship with my Creator, I get up at 5:30 every single morning and spend time in prayer and His presence. I listen quietly for God's prompting and whispers. Then I immerse myself in His Holy Word. Somehow, someway, by seeking first His Kingdom every day, I'm able to juggle the busyness of life as a blogging mama.


#5 - Find Creative Solutions


Even though my daughters are past the age of sleepless nights, motherhood and all it entails is often still an exhausting feat for me. When I'm feeling weary, my creativity slips away. Before I know it, writers block sets in and I notice an inability to respond to my children with loving, creative solutions.


The obvious answer here is to get more sleep, but that's not always an available option. So I simply try my best to keep an open mind and eye on opportunities as they present themselves. For example, when my daughter is clingy and I desperately need to get something accomplished, I'll turn to my iPhone for a new educational app that she can play with and explore. It's an instant distraction for her and opportunity for me.


Likewise, if I'm feeling a sense of writers block, sometimes just going through my keyword traffic stats (what keyword phrases led someone to click on my site) will give me a great idea for a topic to write about. Here's an example of an article I wrote based on the keyword phrase "I just want to give up."

#4 - A Little Bit Of TV Never Hurt Anyone


You may be stunned and appalled to read this, but I allow my daughter to watch TV while I'm writing or otherwise working on my blogging. She loves to watch movies and is perfectly content to sit on the couch engrossed in one of her favorite flicks while I sit nearby typing away. We're literally in the same room with each other.
Sure there's all the controversy that too much TV isn't good for our children and I would agree to some extent. However, the quality of shows we allow our children to view are educational in nature and not harming them in the least. My children are also extremely active, have wild imaginations, excellent vocabulary for their age, and a insatiable love for reading. So, I don't really think a little bit of TV time will hurt them.


#3 - Connect With Your Audience


Blogging isn't just about writing, it's also about engaging in conversation and relating with my readers. Not only should I be providing quality content for them to read, but I also need to let them know and feel they are appreciated. Remember? There are 3.9 million other blogs out there they can choose to read. They don't have to read or visit my blog. For this very reason, I refuse to respond to reader comments with an automated "thanks for visiting my blog" message. I read and respond to every comment as quickly as possible and I read and respond to every email I receive from a reader.


I don't know about you, but nothing sours my respect for a fellow blogger faster than being ignored by them. Especially if I'm a fan who reads all their posts, comments on their facebook status updates, and tries to show them I appreciate their efforts. My success has come from genuinely connecting with my readers. Each one is important to me. Each one is a friend God has brought into my life.

#2 - Use Effective Time Management


Blogging is time consuming and running a home has its own set of demands. The only way I've managed to juggle it all with any success has been by moving quickly and efficiently. I'm never idle for too long. I try to keep a daily routine for general house cleaning, by doing simple things such as emptying the dishwasher first thing in the morning. Doing at least one load of laundry from start to finish every day. Grocery shopping the same time and day each week. Teaching and expecting my daughters to pick up after themselves, and make their beds each morning. And having one day each week assigned for more deep cleaning tasks around the house.


Likewise, with blogging, I keep a routine. I always write blog content or work on other writing projects at the same times throughout the week. I engage with social media during specific set times in my schedule. I usually read and comment on other blogs, during the afternoon hours, particularly if I'm waiting for the oven to preheat for dinner. Rarely do I do anything writing related after 6pm.


#1 - Embrace Technology


This has been the greatest method for me to juggle it all. I use Microsoft Outlook to keep my core values, my mission, my projects, my appointments, and my daily task lists organized and at my fingertips each day. Additionally, my iPhone has become a wonderful resource for checking and responding to email while on the go, and for doing things like approving comments in WordPress when I can't be at my computer, or catching up on Facebook when I'm standing in line at the grocery store. It has also proved to be a wonderful source of entertainment for my daughters when we are out and about. I wish I would have thought of the use of the iPhone during my recent trip to Home Depot with them!

Loved visiting the blog of http://www.christiansupermom.com/ today and seeing this amazing list.  Hoping that this summer I will get a plan together for the new chapter of my life.  The ideas just keep coming and I am off to go and purchase a book called I Can Do Anything if I Just Knew What That Was by Barbara Sher which was recommended by a friend on FB. 

I want to also get back to blogging and truly sharing our life and God's blessings with loved ones but am not sure that blogging is where they would come due to the quickness and readiness of Facebook?  What do you think and are you using your blog as a way to make an income? 

Also are you aware of how someone like myself with a very limited budget could locate someone to design a new blog and update this one?  Thanks in advance for trying to help me out.  This is long overdue for sure!

What are you thankful for today?  Love my new bible study by Beth Moore called Stepping Up and loved seeing her on James Robison's Life Today and her message about listening to God when He tells us to do something.  It was about an encounter in the airport which may be on You Tube where she is brushing a man's hair.  If I find it I will come back and post for you because it is an amazing testimony about how God will work in our lives if we listen.  Thankful for our church and that our children are off to children's camp at Metrocamp 2012 in Glenrose Texas for the next 4 days.  Grateful for the hearts of members who give so our angels can attend and worship our Heavenly Father.  Thankful for a day to rest and do nothing after being gone out of town to San Antonio and then back to get Demi ready for camp.  So excited about my tutoring schedule filling up for July and being able to equip and encourage my sweet friends in Math and Reading with hopes to get them ready for the next school year.  Love my students and the time parents allow me to spend with their children.  Thankful for AC in this TX heat.  Thankful this week that my cousin accepted Christ before he passed this week and was baptized.  I was praying for this and am filled withJOY knowing he will greet me there someday.  Life is short so I am grateful for the gift everyday!!

Be back to see what you are thankful for and thank you for stopping by today to visit me!

xoxo

BiT

A-Mazing Monday - Love a New Day and Week!!

So after taking down thousands of pictures this past Friday and having my laptop cleaned up, I am able to reconnect with the world!!!  Woohooooooo!!!!

It has been 3 long months since last writing and there is much to share.

Demi has graduated from 6th grade and elementary school and is so excited about Junior High.  It is bitter sweet as she leaves behind so many wonderful memories and friends as she embarks on a new journey filled with new memories and friendships.  

Her new journey has already begun with her trying out for the gymnastics team.  She made it!  She wants to try out for cheer but she has to wait for 8th grade so we thought this would be a great way to stay in shape and make some new friends. She also tried out for band and will be playing the flute. 

She completed her first year with Cheer Rex http://www.cheerrex.com/ and loved every second it!  She has just mastered her back handspring from a running roundoff stance (can you tell this was not my thing?  haha).  So proud of her and the effort she puts in at every practice as well as in spare time.  I think she was born to cheer unlike her mom.  LOL

It has been a whirlwind of a spring for me, working 3 jobs all of which I love and enjoy except the 15 hour days.  With the grace of God I have been able to maintain the pace at my age despite being pre-menopausal(sp) (this is another beast within itself,  LOL).  The only drawback is the countless hours and time away from Demi.  I am praying that God will open some new doors soon so that I can be here for her more and start working on my dream of being FABULOUS @ 50!!  It is amazing the guilt a parent feels for so many things but it is something I need to do to sustain life for us at the time.  She is an amazing young lady who just goes with the wind, thank goodness and never complains which does make it easier.  Without my mom and a few friendo and sister helping me with Demi with school and cheer, we could and would not have been able make this happen for the past year.   We are so blessed and all the thank you's does not seem enough.  The phrase "it takes a village" is being lived out by us as I am always saying these days about children and raising them.  I don't know about you, but this certainly fits us.  I am on the other end of this since I have been on the giving side of this for so long.  I miss it but know this is only one season and it has certainly shown us how much we are loved.  If only others knew the love of God, family and friends as we do.   

Summer is here already, can you BELIEVE it? Time flies and the older you get the faster it goes too!  Lots planned with church camps, gymnastics camp, drama camp, reading goals and cheer practices weekly.   Although all these things will be fun, it  will be our community service projects that will bring
us the most joy by being able to share God's love with others who may not know
His love.

So blessed to have some down time to enjoy some activities with my angel while she still wants to with her mom.  I am looking for one or two new projects to do with her this summer in our community if you have any ideas.  Is this something you do with your kids? 

I am going to take a lil time today to scoot around the blogs to see what everyone has been up to the last few months and hoping to get back scrapping this summer!!!!! 

Remember to hug those you love and find a way to make the world a better place today by one deliberate/intentional act of love!!!

xoxoxo
BiT

Choosing To Look At Everything In Your Life As A Gift...

So happy it is Friday and that it has been an awesome week!!!

This is so true:

There are 86400 seconds in a day.
Every second is a
Gift from God.
Make them Count!
Eph 5:15-16

I am so excited, I started making my soul book about "me".  I am looking forward to finishing it this weekend so I can start putting my pictures in it and then journaling....woohoo!!!

On a movie note, we just watched The Dolphin Tale.  Great movie!!!  We watched Mr Popper's Penguins last night, funny and cute movie.  We don't do movies very often but when we do, we love what we watch and rent from RedBox!!!

Two business ventures I want to share that you can find on kickstarter.com who are rasiing money for good causes:

The Perfect Father blog and The Father Effect:
I have a friend who is trying to make a movie called The Father Effect about growing up without an earthly father.  Would you do me a favor and take a peak at the trailer on youtube asap?  He is trying to raise 100K in the next few days and I am hoping those who share his story will feel compelled to donate and help John Finch's dream come true.  He really does want to change the world and get men to understand their roles and the importance of them being present for this generation and the next.  Please please pass this along for me and for our children.  From someone who works in the school system, I see the effect this has on our sweet angels.

HopeMob and Shaun King:
He is hoping to give back to those in need from donations like you and me.  You can view his idea on kickstarter.com too.  Great ideas and a wonderful way to be a part of a show all about random acts of kindness.  If you know me, you know how dear this is to my heart.

So I will be back to post a few pictures of my book in it's infancy stages so you can see what I create from my brave soul as I start over feeling so blessed and having the desire to live and dream again!  Just the sound of that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy from the inside out.  If you want to join me let me know and you too can make a book with your theme word or OLW for 2012.

Happy Friday and Weekend to you my friends -
xoxoxo
BiT

A Big Thank You to Brave Girls Club

I am so excited to have been given an opportunity to the Brave Girls "Soul Book" workshop!  Thank you so much for the Random Act of Kindness.  I am looking forward to making mine in the weeks to come and enjoyed journaling today what I thought the word BRAVE meant.  I think sometimes as women and probably men to that we don't give ourselves enough credit when it is due and that we beat ourselves up daily.  Why?  When I stopped to think about all the things I have accomplished over the past 20 years I was humbled by what I had learned about myself and how really BRAVE and STRONG I am.  I am incredibly grateful for the wonderful people in our lives that have helped shaped us and continue to support us everyday.  My eyes, heart, mind and soul are open to what God has in store for me this year in 2012.  I have DREAMS again and know that the possibilites are endless.

I have changed my OLW this year to DREAM from Vision so that I could focus more on the NOW and THIS MOMENT IN TIME.  I hope to have my artwork displaying my word completed tomorrow to share.  Then I have to find or make a piece of jewelry so I have it to wear as well.  Here are a list of my words from the past several years:  JOY, BEST, LIVE, HOPE and now DREAM. 

Live, Love, and Laugh until you have nothing else to give and when you don't feel like it, do it anyway!!

Diana 

My Love for Reading and Book Reviews for January 2012

I love Fridays and especially this one because I have a weekend off from Mardel and a long weekend off from work with Monday being a holiday.  Woohoo!!

I have always loved reading but since I started working at Mardel I have had the opportunity to read and review so many wonderful books and the love for reading as grown

So here are a handful that I have read and recommend for different reasons:
1.  Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis
2.  Tim Tebow's Through My Eyes
3.  Tony Dungy's Uncommon One Year Devotional
4.  Jesus Calling for both children and the adult one too!
5.  One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
6.  Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo (There is one for children too)
7.  Courageous (the movie is supposed to wonderful)
8.  Seven Days in Utopia movie and book
9.  Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst (Proverbs 31 Ministries)
10. I Am Second
11. The 10 Second Rule by Clare Graaf  
12. What happened to my life?   Finding New Passion, Purpose, and Joy by Danna Demetre
13. Fearless by Michelle Aguilar (Winner of Season 6 of The Biggest Loser)
14. Don't Waste Your Sports
15.  Do Something Make Your Life Count by Miles McPherson

I have either started and or finished reading all these books and would recommend them to anyone who has a love for reading. 

If you are interested in some good fiction christian novels please let me know and I will give you a few authors to check out this next week.

I am also going to review some new blogs I have become familiar with and will let you know what I love about each of them.  I hope to start sharing several per week as well as share some interesting testimonies
from wonderful men, women, and children I have had the pleasure of meeting along my journey.

Have a wonderful Friday night and if you need prayers please let me know and I will be happy to do that for you and are those you know who may need to be lifted up to our Heavenly Father. 

Remember to love others and give them all you have when with them, talking with them, and spending time with them.  Try to make the world a better place and change the lives of those you know or encounter just because you can in a way that lets them know you CARE.  Together we can make a difference.

Grateful for another day to live a life filled with love and joy while being the best I can walking the walk as a christian, mom, teacher, daughter, aunt, sister and friend. 

xoxoxo
BiT

Happy 72nd Birthday to my mom!!

Grateful for another birthday and year with my mom!!  I had the opportunity to tell her how much I loved her and admired her and appreciated all she has done to make our lives what they are today and were growing up.  Even though I am sure she knows, it really is important to let those you love know it and let them know why, why not?  Life is short and what a beautiful gift you can give someone you love.

Today I stumbled upon an exciting new venture on kickstarter.com and it has really ignited my DREAMS and Vision for the new year even more so!!  It is called HopeMOB and if you want to check it out you can go to kickstarter.com and or to Shaun King's blog at Shaun In The City.  I would love to be involved in a lot of the projects he has planned and would love to join his team.  I love hearing about others wanting to make a difference in others life and love his passion to do the same with lots of people.

So what goals and dreams do you have for 2012?  I would love to hear from you and also to get your thoughts on the above venture.

Have a wonderful Wednesday and I challenge you to make time for a delibrate act of love and kindness making the world better than when you woke up.  Hug those you love and let them know what they mean to you, why not?

xoxoxo
Diana aka BiT    

Saying Goodbye to 2011 and Hello to 2012!!!

I am so excited about the new year in 2012 and what is to come.  I truly believe that God has a plan so amazing and that we are in store for abundance blessings and am excited about loving God with all my heart and all those we encounter in the days, months, and year to come.

As I reflect on this past year, I am grateful for our life and have tried to embrace all our changes, and there have been many but have tried to look at all of them with a positive attitude knowing God has BIG plans for both Demi and I. 

I truly believe that with God all things are possible with a fresh start and that I have been able to deal with many of them to include loosing our home of 11 years and our means of transportation because of my faith and the desire to live in the now and in this moment.  I choose to look forward and at this time as a new beginning, out with the old and in with the new.  No sense in beating myself up and life is just way too short for that anyways.  I hope that the bigger lesson in all of all of this is that this does not have to define who we are and what is ahead.  So if you have experienced a tough year or two, hang in there.  Hold on to HOPE and know that you are loved and that life will get better.  It always lifts our spirits by going out and helping others with RANDOM AND DELIBERATE ACTS OF KINDNESS AND LOVE AND THE MORE YOU DO THIS THE MORE JOY YOU WILL FIND IN YOUR DAY BY GETTING THE FOCUS OFF OF YOU.  I dare you to join me in the fun and bringing hope to someone else who may be worse off then you and or me just because you could and do it with your children.  This is what I call living and being the hands and feet of Jesus.  Love More and Judge Less.....Forgive Easily and Complain Less....Be The Change You Want to See in the World and Live Each Day as a Gift. 

So here is to goodbye 2011 and hello 2012!!!  Happy New Year to all our family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and those we care about and love dearly.  We hope that you will have faith and believe that this upcoming year will be filled with continued blessings, love, prosperity, joy, peace, good health and all the things that the gift of life brings each day we have to enjoy next year.

On a closing note, my One Little Word that I am focusing on in 2012 is VISION. I will be back tomorrow with more on my word and what this will mean to me.  I am going to commit to my word everyday and if you would like to join me, you can visit Ali Edwards at her blog.

Again, blessed beyond belief in 2011 and I VISION an even more extraordinary year in 2012.

With love and hugs from my family to yours,
Diana and Demi
xoxoxo 

Your Christmas Story.....what would we read about??

If you were to write your story this Christmas and holiday season what would we read about? 

I am hoping to write a story of Christmas LOVE and HOPE by making a difference in a child's life...not my own child but with those I know who are looking for Santa to come this year.  I am looking for a little help and am hoping that "our village" of friends and family will step up and help.

I had a surprising encounter with a family I know this past Tuesday at a "Christmas Party" at my daughter's school for those who are considered homeless and needy, living below the poverty level (which mounts up to more than 70% in our local community) to come and receive a christmas present from a wonderful and local non profit, 6 Stones.  When I walked in I was surprised to see so many families I have known for 5 plus years here in the same situation I am in but with more children.   (Last year if not for some secret santa's Demi and I would have had a bleak christmas but thanks to some of our friends and family, Demi was able to enjoy Christmas which I was grateful for and even though I didn't need anything I was blessed with a few things too!)

It is in times like this that you realize that you really don't know what is going on in someone's life until you take the time to sit and actually have a conversation with someone.  One of my daughter's friends parents are strugglling to feed their 5 children after loosing everything.  And you wouldn't know it if you passed them along the street.   Our lives have been entangled and yet we come from very different backgrounds and environments our lives are not much different and as a parent I heard and saw the love they have for their children and the desire to want to bring them some JOY on one day as any loving parent wants to do.)

Their story:  4 of their 5 children are school aged children and received a present but their 4 yr old daughter did not since she does not go to school and then there are the parents who I know will not have anything and wouldn't think of spending money on themselves.  I mean at the end of the day, don't we all want to know that someone cares and that we are all loved by somebody? 

Now this is where I begin writing my story.....I could have just empathized with them since I have undergone the very same thing but I am choosing to do something...wish I could do more but before the night was over I was able to donate food that Demi and I collected in our neighborhoood over the last 5 weeks.  We were not sure where the canned goods would go but I prayed about it and knew that this was the family we would help.  We also donated our turkey and other food items we received so that they could feed all their children and themselves and not have any worries about whether they would have enough.  (We did share the love of Jesus and I was thrilled to find out they are Christians and that they remain faithful that God has a plan....I truly feel the best gift you can ever give someone is the opportunity to have them receive Jesus as their Savior and what better time then now?)

But I want to do MORE.  Why, because I can and I am not afraid of asking for help.  My hope is to inspire you and your families to be the ANGELS some family needs.  I don't tell you this to pat myself on the back either but to encourage you that you can do something today.....and that it doesnt have to be much.  You can get a group to adopt a child and family.  Invite someone over to enjoy and spend family time that may not otherwise be able to do that....or go visit someone who needs some love and attention.

So what will your story read this Christmas?  One of joy from giving by being the hands and feet of Jesus?  I will say that you will be the one feeling so blessed by GIVING this year and what an amazing LIFe LESSOn you get to share with your children!!

Happiest of holidays to my family and friends this Christmas Season,
Diana aka BIT
xoxoxo  

Kisses from Katie...another great read!!

So lately I have indulged myself in so many books from Kisses from Katie which is a must read to many children's books because I joined my angels at school and my daughter on a 40 book challenge, yes that is to read 40 books.  Now all the books will be include genres such as poetry, biographies, chapter books, classics and I am having a blast!!

I am feeling so at peace this holiday season, something I havent felt in about 3 years around this time of year.  Mainly because I haven't had any money to buy gifts for my child and or family.  I am not getting much this year but it does bring me some joy to be able to do a little and I am la almost done which is a rarity. 

I have a couple of gift ideas to share this weekend which are things your kids can make for teachers and or friends to include decoupaging items and also making cute scarfs.  Do you have any great ideas?

I am off to finish my book, God's Guest List tonight after a 16 hour day of working at the school and Mardels.  Did I mention I mention I am subbing at the high school tomorrow?  I haven't been there in over a year and I will get to work with my brother and sister in law.  I am excited about the change of pace and then may go and get my dd to do something fun before I go to Mardels.

Praying for our local students tomorrow and my precious girl who will be taking their 2nd LBA in Reading tomorrow.  I would be happy if Dem passed but am always hopeful that she does well so that she can buld her confidence this year.  (she struggles with reading all year and then does well on her TAKS which we don't have any more replaced with STARR test....I know she can do it with God at her side!!)

Have a terrific Thursday friends and we will see you tomorrow,

xoxoxo
Diana

151. A day off to care for my angel...

153.  A glowing fire from the gas fireplace and logs

154.  Hoodie Sweatshirts on a cold and damp night

155.  Open communication with my 11 year old daughter

These are the last entries in my 1000 gifts journal that I have started while reading the One Thousands Gifts by Voskamp.  Love the book and it's message.

I hope to finish God's Guest List by Debbie Macomber tonight. 

Have I mentioned lately that I love working at Mardel, a christian and teacher store here in Hurst.  I am so blessed to have been hired and if I have to work a 2nd job that it be here where all our guests are sweet and loving.  They have the best products and prices on so many things from books, framed arts, gifts which iclude arts and crafts  and seasonal items.  I leave there with my cup running over most nights and that is after working another job all day.

So I am going to be starting another blog to soon so stay tuned.....I am so excited about what it is all about and this season in my life.

Hope you know how much you are loved and that YOU MATTER in God's Plan...kiss and hug those you love and care about and I pray that you can find beauty in the simple things in your life.

xoxoxo
BiT  

Blessed.Beyond.Belief

Feeling so blessed today!

Hoping everyone has a wonderful and happy Monday today.

Watching my two neices, Bella Rose and Brylee Grace this morning and was remembering the wonderful bonding moments I had with my baby 11 years ago....waking up to smiles while cherishing the many bonding moments while she nursed and cuddled.  I am always amazed at the beauty God has created in these intimate moments as well as the beginning of life and the entire journey of 9 months in the womb. 

Today I am grateful for my family and the wonderful memories I have with my siblings while growing up; and as adults.  I love and cherish my two sisters more than ever now that I am a mom and they are too!  I love my brother but the bonding iwth him is different although as growing up only 13 months apart we were much closer and shared many more things together and with our mutual friends and sports. 

I am going to start my "One Thousand Gifts" journal today with hopes to capture in writing everything that I am thankful for and cherish today and in my past.  One thing I have taken from Ann Voskamp's book is her vibrant and descriptive entries and it has inspired me to really think more deeply about why these things mean so much to me and why I consider them gifts I am thankful for today.

I wanted to share a blog I happened upon this weekend, Sunshine Promises and the story one woman is taking time to share with us women.  If you have time I would encourage you to stop by, you will definitely be more grateful for life and one with your children. 

It is a short week, one I am grateful for and although I am off from school starting on Wednesday I am curious to see how working in retail this holiday season will be for sure.  I love working at Mardel, a christian and teacher store here in Hurst, Texas for many reasons but I am not sure what to expect on Black Friday.  Heck I don't even shop on that day myself but I know God has placed me at this new job for many reasons so I am going to have fun and enjoy it!!

MADE with love, Make a Difference With Love today.....be the reason someone smiles today!!

xoxoxo
BiT         

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen." -Elizabeth Kubler Ross

So love this quote!

Have a great weekend and let those you love know it because we never know when it will be our last opportunity.  Leave the world a better place and find JOY in the simple things you have been blessed with today.   If you love to read, you might enjoy the book, One Thousand Gifts by Ann Vokamp.

xoxoxo,
BiT

11-11-11 Thankful for Veterans Today

Thankful for past. present and current Veterans and Military personnel for their service and our freedom that we enjoy everyday because of their commitments to serve our wonderful country.  To my dad who was a Vietnam Vet, my nephew Kyle Willis currently serving in the Navy and to my cousin Daren McCulley also a pilot in the Navy, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done and continue to do for all of us!!  Also thank you to Matt Mullins who serves in the US Army and is the dad to Alyssa, Demi's best friend. Thank you Matt and so happy you are finally home from the war.

xoxoxo
Diana

Every Child Matters

I hope you will feel encouraged to make an ordinary day into an extraordinary day by being the hands, feet and mouth for Jesus today.  Today I heard the story of Jimmy Graham, the Tight End for New Orleans and it really brought home what I see often with our children.  He never felt like he mattered until a woman adopted him.  I am not saying you have to adopt a child but reach out to those you know may be struggling, become a BIG SISTER to a child, sponsor a child through a school and or volunteer at a local kids club all run by donations. 

My 1st challenge to you this week if for you to find an opportunity for a RANDOM ACT of KINDNESS with a child. 

My 2nd challenge is to find an opportunity for a RANDOM ACT of KINDNESS with an adult or family in your area.

Let's love a little more and be more compassionate with those we encounter.  I know if we did this along with being the feet, hands and mouth for Jesus that our world would be a better place to live.  Let's shoot to Out Live Our Own Lives by making a difference today and this week.

Have a wonderful evening as I continue to enjoy
 the COWBOY game, the RANGERS and a TIM TEBOW win today.  Have I mentioned how much I love SONdays and Texas and this life that God has given me.  I DO!!!

xoxoxo
Diana 

New Blog,,,

I am so excited to have found this blog and website today....check it out!!

http://www.mycraftchannelblog.com/

I will be back to blog some tomorrow with a recap on life and the latest of God's blessings!!

xoxoxoxo

Diana