I’m joining the party during the weeks of May 4-15 and get this house in tip top shape! Even though I won’t win the e-book, it is still worth it to have a sparkling clean house. It’s clean now, but I want to do an overhaul!

Since Kris has been harassing me to write a new post, I decided that today while Kyla is napping I shall write. Our family has been well. Kyla had her glaucoma check up on Monday [4-13] and her pressures are perfect! The acuity has dramatically improved in her right eye and the doctor does not see a need for eyeglasses at this time. We got the car back on Tuesday, and I am thrilled to have my trusty Civic back in my hands. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday [although Kris' days off] were filled with work, work and more work around here, my parents’ house, and Kris’ grandparents’ house. The guys determined the only way to get rid of the ’squeal’ in my car is new brakes, which will be installed ASAP. Kris hung a ceiling fan in Pa-pa’s kitchen and did a superb job. And…he and my dad put up a ceiling fan in Kyla’s room, which is awesome. Her room is ‘officially’ finished. He’s going to put up one in our room and hopefully replace the light fixtures in the kitchen, as well.

Today Kyla and I made the most of a gorgeous, sunny day to walk to the store, pick up a few items, and stop and smell the flowers, literally! She loves looking at the pretty pinks, reds, purples, and oranges that have been popping up lately. That’s about it for a family update. I’ll have to drum up some ideas for some devotionals. If you have any ideas, feel free to leave a comment!

Over at SimpleMom they are celebrating a great milestone– 10,000 subscribers! In celebration of said event, they are partnering with Crocs and giving away 10 [T-E-N] pairs of awesome looking shoes! They are super comfortable and have many knock-offs, but there is nothing that comes close to the real thing. It’s like Kroger cheese compared to Sargento; you use it if you have to…but…there is no comparison! Congratulations again and be sure to stop by and send your regards! Here’s a glimpse at a sexy pair of Crocs!

In the Bible, God clearly speaks that some have more than others. In a natural [not manipulated] capitalistic system of economics, there are inevitably rich and poor people. However, there are poor rich people and rich poor people. Both rich and poor are a state of mind. Though the widow had but a mite, she was a wealth of blessing, and though the rich man had all, he had nothing– without Jesus. God calls us– okay, demands — that we use our talents and money as good stewards. He desires that we are good managers of the 90% of our goods and services. He takes care of the 10% and usually– okay all the time– increases it a hundred-fold. He would not condemn bad trees and vines for not producing fruit and then do the same Himself. He does the best with what He has and blesses us. Why don’t we do the best with what we have been given.

I’m not talking about living a life of poverty and give everything away. I’m speaking about being wise with things. Don’t waste the water because it wastes money– not because ‘Mother Nature cries when you do.’ Get the best deal at the grocery because you don’t know what expenses might arise– car breaks down, etc. Consolidate trips to the store and errands because it wastes gas– not because the earth is going to boil over. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul tells about a man putting away childish things. A good example of childish behavior is wasting. Children [undisciplined, of course] don’t care about the little bit of cereal left in the box or if the water runs while brushing teeth or even that candy is going to rot their teeth and cost hundreds in dentist bills. They simply don’t care about those matters. Instill the value of saving and cherishing into your children’s hearts. Don’t teach them to be stingy and selfish, but giving and compassionate and respectful. You will be teaching them to be mindful of their things, your things, and God’s things. However, the best way to teach them those values is to live them– day in and day out– with the rising of the sun to the going down of the same.