(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 is wind (don’t know how to classify it :). Love it. Espeically in the fall/spring when it’s just a bit nippy but not starting to bite yet 🙂
My favorite chapstick is Burt’s Bees. My 10 yr old son calls it “hornet bees” because his lips were so chapped when he started using it and it burned. Now he and I use it all the time and his lips no longer peel and they are soft (and it doesn’t burn anymore).
My favorite spiritual mentor is my precious mother! I hope and pray that one day my daughter and I will share a wonderful friendship like this and that she can glean even a small portion of the wonderful lessons my mother has taught (and is still teaching) this stubborn, independent daughter of the King! If only she lived a bit closer and didn’t still work fulltime…
My favorite thing ever is a strawberry shake from Jack in the Box!!! It’s thick and creamy, they offer a spoon with it!! And it’s not too sweet like other fast food places. It’s very filling too!!!
My favorite goodie EVER is a cute, vintage brooch. (I collect them.)
The favorite place to be, is at the home I grew up, in the lower field, with a bonfire that reached higher than our 4×4 trucks! Lowered the back gates down, roasted marshmallows, hot dogs, and radios turned on with friends everywhere. We were good kids, but the smells and sounds of that campfire as we giggled into the night were memories I will hold dear forever! Now we live in Chicago, and I’m afraid my kids will never know one of the BEST things in life! 🙂
My favorite thing EVER IS… when “my man” found white gold wedding rings in the ocean – 1 of each (man and woman) on our 25th Wedding Anniversary Vacation!! The women’s ring was a diamond anniversary to “sweeten the pot” (in Beth lingo) AND they nearly fit us perfect! Still amazed!
NO. WAY.
That is awesome, Julie!!! That would be a favorite everything ever!! 🙂
My favorite Christmas present ever was my kids getting me a Starbuck’s espresso machine. The morning routine of grinding coffee and making my own latte reminds me every morning of their love and thoughtfulness
My favorite feeling ever is that moment, after the screaming and flailing and burnin’ pain, that the mad baby comes slipping out-screaming at the top of her brand new and working lungs…
My favorite night cream is Mary Kay extra emollient cream. Thick, greasy, and just plumps those old wrinkles right away (temporarily at least). After my consultant retired I had to call all over to find it. 🙂
Oh. My best parents ever. Jim and Bev. Dearest Jesus, I miss them so much that thinking of the greatest ‘ever’ in my life made me think of them and just started tears to run all over my face. I was adopted at birth and am the luckiest and saddest of all kids. Lucky to have had them ‘choose me’ (being ‘adopted’ into God’s family has a very special meaning to me.) Lucky to have had such a beautiful and strong Christian mom who just poured all her faith into me by the gallons. And saddest to have lost her at 14 and my dad less than two years ago. If you’re greatful for someone in your life, tell them. And not just once, tell them often. <3
That is so sweet.
Today is the one month anniversary of losing my mom.
She was a saint and I am missing her so much. You are right about telling them how greatful you are to have them in your life because you never know what is around the corner. I wish I had done it more often.
My favorite book (besides the Bible of course) is “Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and be Happy” by Barbara Johnson. It ministered to me remarkably after the death of my 18 year old son. I love many other books, but she made me smile when my mouth and heart had almost forgotten how. It’s a great read.
My favorite view is a big beautiful orange sunset in the country. aaaahhhhh!
I have many favourite things but today it was reading my daughter’s English assignment. She had to write three interesting facts about her teacher(we homeschool). 1) Mama is shorter then most people (I am 5′ 5″). 2) She is vrey nice. 3) She is loving and genrest. These are her words and spelling. I am 11 weeks pregnant and have not been feeling like I have demonstrated these things to my children in the last weeks! I am glad she can look beyond Mama’s very grumpy days and remember the “good old days” as my son puts it!
Hands down, my favorite thing EVER is hearing from God. I can honestly say there is no greater thrill for me than recognizing the “voice” of my Heavenly Father…the feeling of AWE I get each time He lays something on my heart.
Makes me think of that line in the song “Friend of God” that says “Who am I that you are mindful of me?” 😉
God is so FAITHFUL!
I love this, too. Stops me in my tracks when He speaks.
My favorite color is that purple-ish pink/kinda orange color the sky turns when the sun is setting.You can’t find it in the paint store…only our Mighty God can create it..perfectly..everytime.
Suzette, Look at my post at 10:25. We are definitely on the same wave length.
My Absolute Favorite Food of Any Kind is GUACAMOLE!
Has to have cilantro in it too!!!!!!!!
My absolute favorite sound EVER is a baby’s belly laugh. Makes me giggle like a little girl!!!!
My all-time favorite songwriter is Rich Mullins.
My favorite candy EVER is Reese’s Peanutbutter Cups.
(I observed a moment of silence for the discontinuation for such a fabulous mascara.)
There is this picture of Jesus holding a lamb- I love it- absolutely love it- love it personally and love passing it on to others- wish I knew how to upload it- it’s such a sweet reminder of how He holds us.
Is it the one where the lamb is nestled in His shoulder, kind of? I HAVE that one! I LOVE it-it is a pencil sketch (I guess?) and is just beautiful. I had it framed for our daughter’s room when she was tiny and now that she’s in college, it’s in our bedroom, where I can see it everyday….I LOVE this picture so much.
He has his nail pierced hand around the lamb…yes; I know. Pierces my heart!
My favorite mascara is Mary Kay’s Ultimate Mascara because it is the ULTIMATE! Stays on all day (and night!)
My favorite saying is when you find something you like, buy a lifetime supply because they WILL stop making it.
Isn’t that the truth 🙂
My favorite eye moisturerizer EVER is Clinique’s All About Eyes! I use the gel in Spring/Summer and the cream (called All About Eyes Rich) in the fall/winter. I am 57 and this stuff makes puffs, wrinkles way less noticeable without feeling greasy. My skin is sensitive and I have tried everything from olive oil to Vaseline (started getting a film on my contacts–I do not recommend that!) then found All About Eyes! I use it under eyes and on lids in the morning and at night. It’s the most expensive thing in my makeup drawer, but it is worth it–$29! Can you tell it’s my most favorite thing ever?
My favorite indulgence ever is a mocha frappe from mcdonald’s…YUM!
Mine is a favorite place….watching the waves at sunset on the beach at Gulf Shores, AL….surf, sand and God’s beautiful creation.
I totally agree with that!
Does it get any better than sitting on the deck of your condo watching the ocean and the sunset!! Man I love it…
My favorite thing to do right now is pray in corporate prayer with sisters over Joanne Heim and her complete healing. We just got finsihed and it’s fresh on my mind. So much encouragement there.
One of my favorite things is to hear my husband sing praises to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
My favorite memories are playing cards and reading with my dad…when I was little, older and even on his deathbed…He taught me blackjack by the time I could count to 21 and that is what we played when he was lying in the hospital bed. And, still to this day I LOVE reading…I know it is because he always read to me as a lil girl…Men read to your kids…it is precious time well spent! MISS HIM!
My favorite candle is Candleberry’s Friendship Tea or Hot Maple Rum. And gals, I have zero doubt that I’m the oldest one commenting — and let me tell ya– I’m a candle lover and have tried MANY a brand, but this one is a homerun out of the ballpark! (And I have zero ties to the company!)
My favorite tea is peppermint leaf tea with a bit of sugar.
My favorite macaroni and cheese recipe is Martha Stewart’s with several different cheeses and those wonderful buttered Japanese breadcrumbs on top.
My favorite drink at Starbucks is grande decaf vanilla latte!
My favorite sound is my wee grandbabies laughing belly laughs.
My favorite ANYTHING ever is…butter. This coming from a fairly petite slightly health-nut kinda girl. I <3 butter.
I love the sound of a distant train, or church bells. A couple of my favorite things. 🙂
My favorite treat ever is Rice Krispies Treats. I have been known to eat an entire batch. All by myself. In one sitting. 🙂
I am SOOOOOOOOOOOO happy you shared that–I thought I was the only one capable.
My favorite store on the planet is THE CONTAINER STORE : )
My favorite ‘tide me over’ are the Arbonne weight loss chews (dietary supplements). Caramel or chocolate; I’m sure it’s the closest thing to manna from heaven in this day & time.
And my FAVORITE perfume is Clinique’s “Happy”. Been wearing it for years.
My favorite thing to look at is the sky when there is a gorgeous sunrise or sunset. I love the way God lights up the world with his vibrant colors!
Anybody else singing “raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens?”
My favorite restaurant is Chipotle!(love their guac)
Taylor Swift commented in InStyle magazine recently that her Must Have mascara is Cover Girl Lashblast because 4 different makeup artists used it on her at her photo shoots and she loved the results. I’m just saying….
my favorite food (right now……) is those costco tortillas you cook yourself, WITH this extraordinary curry chicken salad (chicken, curry, celery, apples, red peppers… cumin? mayo, you get the idea) inside AND the world’s best guacamole from WHOLE FOODS MARKET on top. i get so excited at bedtime to eat it again the next day, that i can hardly sleep 🙂
My favorite vacation is to go to the mountains (New Mexico is ok; Colorado is best!), rent a cabin, and just relax!
M.J. in Lovington, NM
My favorite lotion ever…Bath and Body Works Freesia. I love the flowers too, but can’t afford them so this is my indulgence!!
I am half way through “Living Beyond Yourself” and I have to say that my favorite bible teacher is Beth Moore!! I have learned so much and have heard huge things from God. This is my first Beth Moore study, but I promise you, it won’t be my last. Thank you, thank you, thank you Beth 🙂
Welcome, Siesta Sharon! Hope you get to see her at one of her Living Proof Live events. I’m doing her Revelation study right now and L.O.V.E. it!
Favorite song EVER: “In Christ Alone”…heard sung by many but nothing tops Travis’ rendition! Blesses my heart, brings tears, and lifts my hands like no other!
Amen. He is my favorite and In Christ Alone is my favorite song. I also love “We Long For You” and “Made Me Glad.” I heart Travis and the praise team.
As a shout out to the women of the Northwest:
My favorite ice cream is Tillamook Mint Chip…and their marionberry pie…and Oregon huckleberry…chocolate peanut butter…well, their Tillamook cheese is really good, too. Okay, wait, my favorite place is the Tillamook Cheese Factory in Tillamook, OR. That ought to cover it.
Hands down my favorite thing is a back scratcher… JUST KIDDING. I LOVE my key word study bible…my favorite thing ever!