Invested - Don't Miss This Opportunity

A few years ago, I was feeling very "spent" (actually, most days I still feel spent, but that is beside the point.)  Then, I heard a sermon by Rick Warren.  In it, he talked about not "spending our lives, but investing them."  He explained that once we spend ourselves or our money, that it is gone.  There is nothing to really show for it long term.  BUT, when you invest yourself or your money, there is a return.  I really try to live by that principle of investing myself, my time, and my money rather than just spending it.  As you can tell by my parenthetical statement in the first sentence, I am not always successful at the investing thing.  When I take the time to see my life as an investment, it really makes all the difference.

I have an opportunity to share with you where you can invest in the lives of people, not just spend your money.  Over the last few years, my friend Mandy Houle has been leading others by investing and calling us to invest in clean water.  God had done amazing things through the "fishes and loaves" that she has offered.  I have had the opportunity to be a part through donating items for the raffle and even winning a couple of times.  Let me tell you, her enchiladas and guacamole and Sassy Sweet's cupcakes are AMAZING!!

This year, I have taken one of my new passions, essential oils, and am sharing those as a part of the raffle.  I have donated a bottle of Thieves Oil and Lemon Oil from Young Living.  I LOVE these oils and think you will, too.  More than that, I love investing.  God can take all of our small investments and bring a BIG RETURN in the lives of His people.

So, pretty please, will you go here and join us with your own investment.  Hey, and you may even win a cool prize.  BUT, even if you don't, you are investing in clean water.  You are investing in the lives of people.  You are investing in sustainability.  What better return could you get for you money!!

11 Years of Sam

My little Sammy Jo Jo turned 11 on Jan. 30.  This boy has been sick on literally every Birthday except his 10th Birthday.  This year, was no different.  He was sick and missed going to school that day.  He also did not get to do our fun activity that we had planned, going to Sky Zone.  I was so sad for him.  We still tried to make the day special with some special meals.  

He started off his day with mini donuts

He had Panda Express for lunch

We ended the day with the meal of his choosing

He wanted me to make Pioneer Woman Mac n' cheese, green beans and Cheesy biscuits.  I added in some pork chops for our meat.

I can tell from this pic that he is sick.  Look at those eyes.

He chose root beer floats for dessert.  Unfortunately this is the only pic I got of that.

 He got a "new to him" iPod

(Laila was a photobomber)

 and some Disney Infinity Marvel guys

along with some cash and candy from his siblings and grandparents.  

Just last week, we finally made it to Sky Zone for some jumping fun!!

Sam, 

Even at 11 years old, you still have a smile that can light up a room.  I love that you still have that tender hearted, loving spirit about you.  As your song says, that I have sung to you since you were born, "You bring me so much joy!"  Your sensitivity to the Spirit of God in your life is such a deep thing.  Not many boys your age have that sensitivity.  I pray that you always lean into that and the things of God.  He has something very big for you, Sam.  Your life is a testimony to His Work.  Your 11th year was a big one from your emergency surgery to your African travels.  You had a lot of opportunities to grow into a stronger man.  On this side of it all, I see that growth in you.  With that strength that you have also comes challenges.  I pray for truth over your life in every way.  That you believe the truth that you are valuable and that you matter to us and to God.  That you speak the truth in every word.  That you defend the truth in and for others.  You have a wisdom beyond your years.  Use that to the glory of God!  

I love your sense of humor.  I love your hugs.  I love watching you play basketball and baseball.  I love that no matter the outcome of the game, you come out smiling and always say, "I had so much fun!"  I love that you care for others and are sensitive to the feelings of others.  I am amazed at your Lego creations.  You are such an important part of our family.  Don't ever doubt that!  I pray blessing over your next year of life!

Love,

Mom