(OK, I’m coming back on here about four or so hours after putting up this post so that I can tell you that it turned out to be one of “My Favorite Comment-Sections EVER”! I’m not kidding. You guys are the world’s biggest blast. But, I’m now in the shopping mood again.)
Good Monday Morning, Sweet Things!
I hope you had a wonderful weekend and that you were able to observe some Sabbath rest and be still for a few moments, knowing that He is God. I had an usually wonderful weekend with unexpected joys. For starters, this was a weekend off. That means I got to awaken slowly on Saturday with no plans whatsoever then had an impromptu call from Amanda saying that she had a few hours to hang out. Turned out Melissa did, too. (The joys of having her back are too many to count!) As we were trying to think of what we wanted to do (and were shopped out and grossed out at the thought), Amanda said, “Let’s go see Aunt Gay’s new apartment!” I’m hoping it won’t be long before you get to know my big sister here on the blog. She has a story that might hit those of us presently slogging around in faithlessness with a fresh bolt of lightening. Her boys (25 and 15) also headed over to her new place at the same time and the thought of us all being together was better than a bubbling plate of cheese enchiladas with chili gravy running all into the rice and beans. (Man, I hate that I just did that to myself.) The six of us were inseparable in the early years when my mom, our Queen of Everything, was still alive and in complete control. (I say that with great affection…and without deception.) I have almost as many pictures of my sister’s boys as I do my own girls. Then a whole lot of life happened and that’s a story for another time. We had a blast together Saturday and laughed our heads off, which has always been a Green (my maiden name) family trait. What we lacked in emotional health, we made up for in humor. As my older brother, Wayne, says, we all have a keen sense of the absurd. And I might add, we earned it.
If you only knew the whole story…but, then again, you could say the same thing to me. Some whole stories don’t need to be told in public but they do indeed need to be redeemed. (To me, the line is drawn where the glory to God and the good to the listeners profoundly exceeds the pain of the testimony. If the listener will likely be left with graphic visuals and oppressive thoughts or pervasive sadness, we need to refrain from telling it in detail. In those occasions, generalities are best. We don’t have to tell people everything to tell them an important something. We also have to be very sensitive to the other people – often family members – whose secrets are inadvertently told as we tells ours. These are HUGE issues that need to be worked through with great sensitivity. Mind you, I’m talking about audiences here. I’m not talking about counseling sessions. We do indeed need to find someone trustworthy and mature in the faith, with a gift for counsel, to hear our whole story.) All this to say, if you’re alive enough to read this blog, you’re story is not yet finished and you’ve got time for a really great turn in the narrative that leads to a brilliant finish. I know that for a fact.
OK, can you switch tracks really fast? I thought we’d do something fun today. I was thinking again yesterday while I was putting on my make up and getting ready for church how ticked I am that L’Oreal discontinued the mascara Melissa and I used to use. It was our favorite EVER and no other mascara does lashes like it did. It’s so annoying when that happens. And what a double whammy after my favorite pen got discontinued! Some of you remember that nail biter. No wonder it’s been such a hard year. (Of course, I’m being ridiculous. I don’t want to insult those of you going through tremendously hard times. Like many of you, last year actually was really rough but, oh, that it would have been over pens and mascaras.) I decided it would be fun today to share your favorite ___________ ever. By all means, don’t share something that’s been discontinued or you will dangle a plastic carrot in front of your Siestas. Beyond that, it can be anything! (Suitable to this blog, of course) It can be your favorite mascara. It can be your favorite book. It can be your favorite recipe. It can be your favorite meal. It can be your favorite memory. It can be your favorite song. Share ONE FAVORITE THING of yours (only 1!) with your Siestas today. It may mean that some of us find a new favorite something this very day.
Start it like this: My favorite (fill-in-your-blank) EVER is… (then, for crying out loud, tell us)
I think this is going to be fun. I’ll start with a really stupid one.
My favorite lip plumper EVER is Sally Hansen “Lip Inflation.” It’s dirt cheap and it feels like you’ve rubbed Tabasco all over your mouth. If it plumps like it hurts, move over Angelina.
What’s your favorite something, Siestas??
My favorite lotion (and I am a lotion-a-holic) is Johnson Body care Melt Away Stress Lavender and Chamomile Lotion.
Before I even knew the name, I called it my World Peace Lotion because everytime I put it on, i instantly felt at ease. And if only the world could feel that for just a second! 🙂 Then I saw the name that it actually is ‘melt away stress’ lotion. This is a running joke in my family – I get lots of good natured teasing. Best thing ever – for my birthday I got like 5 bottles.
Mine too, Kelly!!!!!!! Love to “take a bath” in it right before bed. I feel like a queen when I hit the sheets!!!
My favorite place to be is on the beach in Maui, book in hand, with the warm sun shining down on my face while listening to the ocean waves crashing. I am craving a Hawaiian vacation!
My favorite necklace ever is from The Vintage Pearl – it is hand stamped with “Be Still” and has a bronze heart with it, a dear sweet reminder of a loss we suffered last year, and a reminder to be still before God when life goes crazy. Erin has some amazing talent – please feel free to visit her website (and blog!) – http://www.thevintagepearl.com
My favorite perfume is Beautiful. Just makes me happy!
My favorite anniversary gift my husband ever gave me is my bright yellow garden wagon from Lowe’s. He knows I love to play in the yard and would rather get dirty than have another piece of jewelry to try not to lose.
My favorite thing ever this week is that my SSMT spiral with my verses written in it now has my 23 year old co-worker who carpools with me learning scripture right along with me. He comes from a very difficult background and said until last week only knew “Jesus wept.” and a rusty John 3:16 and now he is raising his hand in praise when saying the second line of Zephaniah 3:17 “He is Mighty to Save” Indeed He is !
This made ME weep reading it this morning. Love. It. Love. HIM.
I find another line in the Zeph.3:17 verse very comforting also – “He will quiet me with His love”.
I believe this is my favorite favorite EVER! Oh, God, set him on fire with Your Passion!
My favorite year ever was 2010! Hubby retired from the USAF, our younger son graduated college and got married, we moved from SC to OK, our first grandbaby was born (BEST THING TO HAPPEN EVER)and we celebrated our 25th anniversary….among other happenings.
Wow, congratulations Angel!
Hokievsmokes bull winkle! You have had one rockin’ year….congratulations!
Thanking your hubby for his service to our country, and to YOU for being a military spouse!
My favorite ice cream is Blue Bell Snickerdoodle. It is to.die.for
My favorite part of every weekday is sitting at the kitchen table with my precious 12-year-old twin daughters, studying Kay Arthur’s Inductive Bible Studies for Kids, while sipping English Breakfast Tea and nibbling on English muffins topped with a little butter and Simply Fruit. Lovely!!
My very favorite band (and the funny thing is I don’t follow “bands” 🙂 is needtobreathe!! These guys get my feet tapping and my hands clapping! If you are driving around Houston and you see a crazy lady singing her lungs out and playing the air drums, that will be me with “the Outsiders” album playing LOUDLY! 🙂
My Favorite treat is DQ Pecan CLuster Blizzard!
My favorite thing is being able to spend time with my Mandy in a bookstore.
I just love a bookstore!
My most favorite part of this past week was realizing that Bagel Thins now come in cinnamon/raisin. Ah, bliss! Now I can be on a diet and not feel like I’m knawing on cardboard!
My favorite is Dove dark chocolate. I pop it in my mouth and savor the smooth rich flavor (and dare anyone to ask me a question until it is completely gone)
My favorite thing ever is spending time watching reality TV with my best friend.
My favorite flip-flops ever are the Sanuks with yoga mat material for the soul. And my favorite place ever to wear them is Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina!!
My favorite word is HOPE.
My favorite treat EVER, is taking my three giggly little girls to Sonic happy hour after school for half-price slushies. (And I have a Strawberry Sprite, most refreshing drink EVER!) The girls get so excited to go, their sweet little lips turn purple, red and blue, respectively, and I get to listen to them squeal and chatter about their days. Also reminds me of when my own sweet Momma would take me and my sister to Dairy Queen after school as a treat when we were little. Something special about starting little traditions with your own kids.
(Also, I LOVED how you put into words where you draw the line about how much and what to share. I’m a writer by trade, hobby and complete obsession and it really blessed me to read that! :))
My most favorite thing that I just LOVE ♥ is watching my solar powered rainbow maker (that my daughter gave me), send rainbows sailing around the walls & floor of the bedroom!!!!!
My fave lipstick is Burt’s Bees Lip Shimmer in Fig. It will match any outfit you wear and has a lovely minty taste.
My favorite ice cream EVER is Mint Chocolate Chip (Blue Bell or Baskin Robbins)! … since I was a little girl at Broadway Square Mall in Tyler, TX, where I took my first lick and my single scoop fell right onto the floor. My sweet mom was so aggravated … I got a redeemed scoop; and I order it in a cup now! Glory days!
My favorite thing is the sound of my husbands sweet voice. (he is in Iraq)
Thank you, Katrena, for your sacrifice!!!
May he be guided safely home to you soon.
Mine is about to deploy again too, this time to northern Afghanistan. I remember when he was in Iraq a few years ago, how much I missed his hands. I would look at our wedding pictures and long to have him hold my hand again…
Amazing how God takes something so ordinary and makes it so special about the ones we love the most.
This one makes me cry. Hugs.
I am also sending best wishes and thanking you both for your sacrifice! Mine did an Iraq tour and is heading overseas again this summer. I would wear his shirts to bed 🙂
Thank you. I don’t know what else to say except that.
and God bless you all.
My favorite critter is my 10 pound purring Calico, Callie, a.k.a. “Pookie Britches”. Nothing like cuddling with a sweet kitty.
My favorite nail polish ever is Sally Hansen Hard As Nails
Xtreme Wear in Cherry Red. I can’t pay the cost for a pedicure, so I do my own. They last a full 3-4 weeks with hard wear (lots of flip-flops, running in tennis shoes, and lost of swimming with the kids). I loove not having to think about doing my nails for so long!
My favorite coffee Ever is Paul Newmans Almond Biscotti!I make that in the morning and watch the sun come up.
My favorite drink EVER is a coke icee (7-11 is the best). They make me happy.
My favorite activity is hanging out with my best friend Denise and talking about what God is doing in our lives. We are so blessed!
My favorite time of day is walking in the door and seeing my husband stop whatever he’s doing to come greet me with an embrace, kiss, and a “hello, beautiful!” as our new puppy chases after to get in on the greeting.
We’ve only been married for 6 months and God called us to a city (days after the wedding!) that we are REALLY struggling to enjoy. Walking through my door to my husband’s greeting reminds me how good God truly is, even when we’re struggling in a new location.
right now MY FAVORITE SNACK EVER is strawberry yogurt and granola.
it has to be yoplait ORIGINAL smooth and creamy strawberry yogurt from the giant tub and cascadian farm ORGANIC oats and honey granola!
i eat it for breakfast, snack and lunch and then snack again at night. i tell myself it’s healthy even though i’m afraid to look and find out that indeed it’s not.
Favorite $35 ever spent each month
Sponsoring a World Vision child – for me, no amount of money has ever been spent better and no amount has ever been so empowering & eye opening
Today’s my WV child’s birthday. I was just sitting here praying for her. I agree, it is definitely money well spent!
My favorite Bible study of all time is Believing God. It changed my life and saved my marriage because it taught me to BELIEVE God could do ANYTHING. God brought it at the PERFECT time in the 9 months before we separated.(And I’m not even going for teacher’s pet!)
My favorite thing is holding hands. Especially with my little people.
One of my favorite things are fresh flowers throughout the house, Trader Joes has the best bouquets!
My favorite way to kick off the Christmas season are the Starbucks holiday red cups. They make me ridiculously happy.
My favorite lotion is SHEA Cashmere Hand Creme from Bath and Body Works. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!
My new favorite drink comes from my New Keurig Coffee Machine. My husband got me one for my recent birthday and we ordered the Timothy’s White Hot Chocolate! It’s soooooo delicious!! A cup of comfort for sure! :0)
Don’t you just LOVE that coffee maker?! So convenient and delicious!
My favorite place in the world is Israel. I love every moment that I spend in God’s beautiful land.
DITTO!!! I would sell everything I own (except my horses) and move to Israel in an instant!!
My favorite thing ever is a week of 70-80 degree days in February. Gotta love the South!!
Okay, since you mentioned mascara…
my favorite (new) mascara is Loreal’s Double Extender. It’s designed for eye color. I have green eyes so I have the green/hazel eye mascara. One end has a brush with black mascara, the other has a telescopic (I think. At least that’s what the other mascaras with this type of wand are called.) brush with a color to compliment your eye color. So this mascara illuminates.
Can I tell you–IT WORKS! My mom told me about it and I’ve had several people ask me if I have new mascara or something in the past week since I bought it.
My favorite flavor combo is mint and chocolate…ANYTHING mint and chocolate!!
Great….
It’s Girlscout cookie time so you can find your fill.
Being in Louis and Sharon Fabric store with a bag of dove chocolates as I survey the beautiful choices 🙂
My favorite moment of last week was when my almost 3 year old granddaughter and I were snuggled up close under a blanket, watching a Dora movie, and she said, “I love you Gigi.” Nothin’ beats that!
Tracy Carden Whitesburg, TN
My favorite coffee ever is the Spring Blend from Fresh Market. I have to buy enough each spring to last the entire year because heaven forbid they make some spring blend in the fall. My boys also enjoy this little favorite with mom – sippy cups are great for coffee (decaf of course). They don’t know our stash is almost up and we have a full month before Spring begins and Fresh Market brings it back to their wonderful stores.
My favorite drink ever is diet pop (no, not soda or Coke). I drink it all but prefer Diet Dr. Pepper over all others.
Right now I’m having a caffeine fit. I haven’t had any today. With two boys ages two and four I’m really in need of some caffeine, and will have to head to the store or McDonald’s or Sonic (I LOVE their Rt 44 diet vanilla Diet Dr. Pepper, especially during Happy Hour) to remedy this problem.
My favorite milksake EVER is Vanilla Shake from Chik-Fil-A. Yum!
My favorite things ever, are Brighton shoes. Any kind really, but I LOVE the flip flops. Leather uppers, in any color (my favorite is pink with little silver hearts). They are expensive, but so worth the cost. They last forever!
Oh, I melt in a Brighton store! They really do have the best shoes.
My favorite perfume EVER is Coco by Chanel.
My favorite thing to drink is Lipton diet green tea. It’s got Vitamin C, antioxidants and no calories!
My favorite thing is Blue Bell’s banana pudding ice cream. I just wish they sold it here is Wisconsin!!
My favorite movie is The Sound of Music again and again and again!!!!!