Thank You's and Event Announcement

Thank you to September's advertisers: Author Rhonda Weston, The Smell Goods Lady, Itiel McVay, and The Success Instigator, Rhonda Nails. It's been awesome promoting your delightful services & products.

Do you have girlfriends you get together with from time to time and you always leave their presence uplifted and feeling released? Well I do and we call ourselves, "The Good Life Girlfriends; We Get Together to Get It Together." We're bringing you a Women's Day Workshop on Saturday, December 1st, 2012 in Raleigh, North Carolina. We got great speakers and giveaways for you and your girlfriends. Click here to learn more and register for our early bird special of just $10.00!

...of Me Time

This past weekend excited me to no end! On Monday afternoon when I woke up, I felt really good! Usually, Monday’s come with such unfavorable emotions because the weekend has ended while the upcoming weekend seems so far away. I did, however, have to sleep a lot on yesterday to “make-up” and therefore did not do any writing or very much social networking which could have “put me behind,” but the beauty of working for myself AND from home quickly eliminates that!

Saturday I relished the company of one of my sisters, two aunts, and seven cousins for a monthly ladies night. First we had dinner at Hibachi Supreme Buffet followed by some chill time at the home of Charlita, graphic designer of the “My Heart Speaks…” book cover and a foot-stompin’ great time at Club Tempo! My sister and I not so discreetly ended the fun with gut-wrenching hilarity at the prior events while lying in bed.




Sunday morning came rather quickly, (especially since our fun didn’t end until after 4 a.m.), but with an awesome opportunity; I met fellow Light Caster, Itiel of Smell Goods 98™ at Panera Bread! It’s one thing to interact with someone via the World Wide Web and another to interact face-to-face. Meeting “IRL” makes it palpable and makes the connection something so much more. We enjoyed one another and have made plans to meet again! Being greatly encouraged, (details in another post later), the next meeting is eagerly anticipated!



Itiel & Larie

Upon my return home, “Evelyn” asked, “Mommy, did you have fun without us?” After mischievously chuckling and nanoseconds of wondering if that were a trick, rhetorical, or sincere question, I honestly & proudly answered, “YES I DID!”
Bunches of thanks to Anton, my husband, for his support in me spending time with my family; to my sister Loren, Aunts Joann & Charlene, and cousins Kimberly, Catina, Charlita, Crystal, Melanie, Barbara, and Tamika for a wonderful ladies night; to Itiel for agreeing to meet with me, work with me, and the edification! Big hugs and sloppy smooches to you all! LOL

smooches,

...of buying "My Heart Speaks..."

"My Heart Speaks..." the book, is now available for purchase!

Thank you for the support, it feels really good!

smooches,

...of two announcements

1. I am honored to have been invited to appear on the Kings Chapter television show, which airs Thursday nights at 10:30 p.m. and again on Friday at 9:00 p.m. on RTN channel 10, (local network in Raleigh)! I went to Raleigh on Saturday for the recording and I will be sure to let you all know when my interview airs! A big thank you to T. Barnes and Fella for the invite!

2. "My Heart Speaks..." the book, will be available for purchase at Her Write-ful Life's webstore for $13.00, ($5.00 for shipping), on June 1st. However, as of today, you may reserve copies by leaving your name in the comment section at Her Write-ful Life.




I am very appreciative of the encouragement you all have given to me!

smooches,
Larie

Y'all are just so encouraging to me. I tell ya, I had been really hesitant about writing so personally because I do not want to offend or scare anyone. However, y'all have responded well to the overflow of my heart and I thank you! No one has been critical or threatening. Thank you for allowing me to strive to encourage other Christians to speak out about their "perfeck" lives, testifying to God's prescence in their lives and also to end the sterotypes about us being exempt from depression, chronic illnesses, hurt feelings, sorrow, crying and the many other things there are.

I've said all that as thanks to Loren at "The Magoos News" for selecting "My Heart Speaks..." as a recipient of this award:



Thanks, Loren, I really appreciate this award and it has encouraged me.

Now, I was told that there are rules:

1. You can only use one word!
2. Pass along to 6 other bloggers. (However, Larie says that she wants everyone who reads this post to award it to a blogger of their choice, *cheesy smile*)
3. Alert them that you have given them an award.
4. Have fun!

So here it goes:

1. Where is your cellphone? bag
2. Your hair? covered
3. Your mother? mommy
4. Your father? daddy
5. Your favorite food? mexican
6. Your dream last night? forgot
7. Your favorite drink? root beer
8. Your dream/goal? unhypocritical
9. What room are you in? bedroom
10. Your hobby? entertaining
11. Your fear? FLYING
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? sane
13. Where were you last night? Mt. Olive
14. Something that you aren't? private
15. Muffins? homemade
16. Wish list item? sanity
17. Where did you grow up? Portsmouth
18. Last thing you did? Portsmouth
19. What are you wearing? jammies
20. Your t.v.? kids
21. Your Pets? none
22. Friends? tolerant
23. Your life? transparent
24. Your mood? writing
25. Missing someone? myself
26. Vehicle? suburban
27. Something you're not wearing? earrings
28. Your favorite store? Micheals
29. Your favorite color? colorblind
30. When was the last time you laughed? yesterday
31. Last time you cried? forgot
32. Your best friend? unchanging
33. One place that I go over and over? crazy
34. One person who e-mails me regularly? spam
35. Favorite place to eat? Granny's

...of an award update

I forgot to post the description and "rules" for this award! Sorry!

"For those receiving this award it is bestowed on to blogs that are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to six bloggers who must choose six more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."




Thanks a bunch of bunches to Kathy at "Blessed Beyond Imagination" for passing this award on to "My Heart Speaks..." it's nice to know that the overflow of my heart has not scared her away. She sends encouraging comments and e-mails as well. Kathy is sweet and awesome! I told her that if I ever get around to coming to Florida, I want to hang out with her and Kim. They seem to have A WHOLE LOT OF FUN!

Thank you again Kathy, smooches!

I'm passing it on to:

A Word to Take Away
Audience of One
MomsWeb
Arise to Write
It's By Grace
QueenBee and Company

...of respecting Anton's work

Yesterdays post highlighted Anton’s Air Force career. Many of you commented with gratitude for his service to our country. Thank you all for your appreciation and recognition of the dedication that Anton puts forth.

“Take your wife to work day” was written to encourage other wives in taking time to understand what it is that their husbands do outside of the home. For me, it’s not just about watching Anton work, going to work with him blesses me further in being able to stay at home. I get to actually see what he has to go through, (sometimes it’s not peachy), to make it possible for me to keep house. In ignorance, those of us who stay at home may sometimes have the ungrateful audacity to assume that we are “stuck at home all day while our husbands get to get away and have adult interaction.” Trust me, my husband would rather have the company of our children as opposed to the adults that he has to work with all day.

Ladies, if you are blessed to remain at home with or without children while your husband goes to work, shout joyful praises of thanks to God and then communicate to your loving husband the admiration you have for him as provider. Thank him! Find loving & creative ways that express your respect & gratitude for his daily sacrifice of leaving his family, who he’d much rather spend his day with, to enter a realm where he is unloved, disrespected and unappreciated.

“…and the wife must respect her husband.” Ephesians 5:22-33 NIV

...of a faulty M.I.A. status

I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOO SORRY!!!

Everyone and everything is fine. The kids and I stayed one extra day in Virginia because one of my sisters decided to come up for the weekend. When we returned home, the Internet was out. A repair person came out and found out that it was disconnected from the outside. I have no idea how that happened but he got us back up and running, for the moment.

The next day, the Internet was disconnected again!!! I called tech support and was informed that I needed to upgrade my computer because it was not a problem on their end. It seemed that this computer was not communicating with the modem. When Anton arrived home from work I filled him in and he said, "That makes absolutely no sense!" He messed around with it for a while and then finally called tech support again the next day.

He was told that he just needed to reset the password. Okay, simple. Weeeeeell, we were still unable to retrieve a connection. (All the while we are using our cell phone because we have Vonage, so we went way over our minutes for the month.) So again two days later, Anton called tech support...

WE WERE GIVEN THE WRONG PASSWORD!!! HA-HA-HA, TEE-HEE; not really, but I'm gonna laugh anyway!

I did miss the fellowship and encouragement from all of you. I was too lazy to go to the library to at least post once to let you all know what was going on and that all was well. I do apologize. I've seen the comments and e-mails you all have sent checking in on us and I thank you for the great expressions of love demonstrated.

So, my heart is constipated, are y'all ready?...

...of a "hidden" lesson in an award

This Lemonade Award was thoughtfully given to this blog by Deb @ One Single Minute! This award is given to a blog that shows great attitude or gratitude. I guess Deb knows that I'm gonna make lemonade with the "lemons" in my life instead of letting them rot! :)

Thank you, Deb.

...of gift #15

PATTY @ Patterings is my last friend of the "original pep rally" to receive a thank you for cheering me on with your blog and encouraging comments on this blog gift! Patty will receive this frame that I painted and added the candle and heart to. The red & white paint represents Jesus' blood, (which makes us Sister's), washing us 'white as snow.' And the candle symbolizes the light that you have been to me, Matthew 5:16, with allowing my heart to speak...

I bumped into Patty while I was reading someone else's' blog. She had been talking about marriage and what she was speaking about raised questions for me because I was not doing as I know I should have been towards my husband.

I commented to her about expounding on what she'd been teaching and she replied to me via e-mail with a link to something else she had written, and we have been corresponding here and there since.

Thanks Patty, I love you!

smooches,

Larie

...of gift #14

TARA @ The Kelly Korner is my chosen friend today for a gift! I love Tara's blog because I feel as if she has phoned me to tell me about her day. And she keeps nothing back! It's awesome!!! Ya know how a friend will call you sometimes and start the conversation like this, "Hey girl, guess what I just thought about...," that's how I feel when I visit The Kelly Korner.

Thanks Tara for making me feel, "at home" each time I visit... great hospitality skills!!! I love you.

smooches,

Larie

OH YEAH, the gift! Tara gets to collaborate with Edie from Rich Gift Graphics on customizing scripture tags. Just go over to Edie's and let her know what you would like on your tags. And please do upload a picture so we can all see what you decided on getting!!!

...of gift #13

This beautiful plaque is inscribed with Proverbs 17:17. And it goes to...

...DEB @ One Single Minute! I am most blessed by Deb's contributions to At The Well. Deb seems to lovingly write about what's on my mind. She gives scriptural advice and I am happy to receive her instruction. Thank you Deb and I love you!

smooches,

Larie

...of gift #12

Maybe I'll get a sweet treat from my friend who receives these cookbooks! :) And so, inviting aromatic pleasures will fill the home of...

...TRACY @ Thirsty For Him! I found Tracy while blog-surfing. The title is what made me click on her site. After "visiting" with her, I too wanted to thirst for the Lord!

I am currently participating in a 5-week 'Heart Transformation' study with Tracy on Tuesdays & Thursdays. We also correspond via e-mail from time to time and I am loving the friendship that we are cultivating.


Thank you Tracy, my friend. I love you!


smooches,


Larie

...of sober instruction & gift #11

"How do you know that you have faith if your faith is not tested?"

Wib @ Beautiful Days has thoughtfully passed along this award to My Heart Speaks... thanks a bunch of bunches Wib!!!

My friend, your gift today is a gift card to Target! There's even an eco-friendly bag coming with it for you to place whatever you purchase in it!!! And...

...MAISHA @ God first. He will handle the rest! We have known each other for two years now. We met in 2007 on a flight to Japan. Our family was returning from visiting in Virginia and her family was just arriving to begin their tour of duty.

Maisha is still in Japan, however, we keep in touch via the Internet and care packages. We are currently reading 'Created To Be His Help Meet' together, (again), and meeting up with one another Monday & Thursday evening on instant messenger to study what we've read throughout the week. Last night, I was not able to complete our study because God confirmed through her that I have fallen from holding the title of my husband's Help Meet.

I wasn't mad at her, I was disappointed in myself. Ahhhh, ya know that saying, "The truth hurts!" Any-hoo, thanks Maisha for loving me and doing this study with me again. And yes I know, there is not a Target in Japan! However, gift cards can be used online and when you get your stuff in the mail, you can put it into the bag and "pretend" that you actually went to Target! LOL. I love you!

smooches,

Larie

...of celebrating God's faithfulness & gift #10

Ahhhhhh, the conclusion of writing your own Psalm. Thank you Karen, for this challenge, seriously, thank you! Psalm 31:19-24

You will be glorified in Your awesomeness. My eyes will see, faith strengthened, & tongue sing; THANK YOU JESUS! Never again should I feel forgotten, yet being perfected in You, LORD God. I will not yell in panic, “How long are You going to keep me here God?” anymore.

God’s children, my Brothers & Sisters, love our Father, (remember, love is a verb-it requires action); He maintains those who are faithful. If your mouths proclaim hope in our LORD, then so, your actions should mirror that. “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:24 NIV

Check out some beautiful handmade gifts at Creations By Chara because that is where today's gift comes from. This cell phone charm was handcrafted by Chara in her favorite color, purple. Thanks to God for blessing Chara with this gift and way to go Chara for not being afraid to use it.

And so, this chic cell phone charm goes to...

...VONNIE @ My Back Door! "Mommy" Vonnie and I "met" at Faith Writers. She lovingly commented on a story that I wrote and directed me to another story for advice. With thanks, I commented back to her and she then commented back to me and so on.

I was touched by her heartfelt advice to me and we began to get more personal with one another and I then nominated her as my honorary mother, and guess what...SHE ACCEPTED!!! She told me about her blog, I visited, and now, I blog!

Vonnie also has a daily "Morning Song" e-mail that I am grateful to receive as well. I will not spill the beans on this part of her ministry, so if you want to know more about it you have to visit her site.

Thank you "Mommy" Vonnie for your stepping up as an "older woman" counseling a "younger woman," Titus 2:3-5. That takes courage here lately because a lot of us "young folk" do not need sober guidance...we can handle it all on our own! (sarcasm)

I love you!

smooches,

Larie

...of awards & gift #9

Hey!!! I know I haven't posted on Saturday in a while, but I needed to do so today because I received two awards from Beautiful Days earlier in the week, but because I was participating in writing my own Psalm with Karen, I didn't post them.

So, here they are, and I thank you so very much. Oh, by the way, they made these awards themselves!!! Great job!

And, since I'm up here, I will give my friend this gift,

and the recipient is...

...MISS JANICE @ Etiquette with Miss Janice! I was drawn to Miss Janice's site because I am interested in etiquette. I just loved the tea party series that she did. Thank you Miss Janice for your instruction in an area that seems to not exist anymore. I love you!

smooches,

Larie

...of lament-less-ness & gift # 8

We are done lamenting with writing our own Psalm! Today, Karen said we can move on to verses 14-18 of Psalm 31.


This makes me feel better because I felt as if i was whining. I am also afraid of what else God is going to tell me that I am hiding!

In spite of my fears LORD, I have to trust You. This means to lean on You, believing in Your ability to support me. I look back to past “stormy seasons” and see that it was just that, a season. Besides, You have not neglected to allow my “favorite” seasons to outnumber the rest.

You LORD God are in control of my life and You are constant in Your love. Therefore, I know that You are going to deliver me. I am no longer being chased. Father, because of my pride, please don’t let me be shamed. I’m sorry. My fears & affliction will be shamed. In their shame, their lies that I believed will be exposed and then laid to rest.

This heart was made for a bloggy friend who has encouraged me with their writings. That is why the book and pencil are there. Please to continue to write so that others will feel the same! The ribbon signifies a bond that ties us together, "Blest be the tie that binds, our hearts in Christian love..." and the heart is mine, this heart that you have encouraged to speak. Thank you, beloved friend. And "my heart belongs to..."

...KAREN @ Surviving Motherhood! How fitting since she is the one responsible for my heart's "meltdown" the last three days! :)

Karen and I "met" while I was blog surfing. Her bloggy name, Irritable Mother, was displayed on another blogspot and I just had to know what she meant by that. I clicked it, and clicked with what she was blogging about!!!

We have communicated via e-mail and I feel as if I met her at a past duty station and we have just been keeping in contact since then. I hope to actually meet her at her next speaking engagement, but it's just to get my book autographed!!! LOL

Thank you "Irritable Mother" for also being my "Relatable Friend," I love you!

smooches,

Larie

...of more lamenting & gift # 7

It's day four of writing my own Psalm per Karen's suggestion over at Surviving Motherhood. We are fashioning our personal Psalm after Psalm 31. Today we continue on in our lamenting from verses 9-13. I commented to Karen yesterday that I feel as if I am whining. Therefore, yesterday, it was hard for me to write, it was scary and I did not know why. I was looking forward to today thinking that we were going to be done, but...

LORD, I was tired of verses 9-13. Well, tired of writing it I mean. It's okay to read it because I know that I will eventually come to the end of it. But not "being in control" of my own lamenting is different. I thought I was done, had nothing else to say, but obviously not. Okay, wait, I'm not being honest and You, LORD God know this. This is why You have led Karen to have us continue in this section.

Father I am tired! I want to yell, "I GIVE UP!" Why God? WHY DO YOU WANT ANTON TO GO TO KOREA???? This is so not cool! LORD I do not want to hear that it is a testing of my faith, I do not want to hear that I can handle it, I do not want to hear it, I just don't!!!


I do not want my husband away from us for a year! Yeah I know that other families have to do so why should I be special, but I don't care LORD, I don't. We can not be separated, I need Anton and our kids need him. LORD we NEED each other!


Yes all my reasons for not wanting him to go are a result of my affliction; me, selfishness & pride. I'm scared LORD, and I know You know that I am and why. Do You just want me to say it? Is that it? Okay, LORD I do not want Anton to go to Korea for a year without us because I am scared that *******************! But You know this LORD God, You know everything. WHY DO I HAVE TO PUT MYSELF OUT HERE LIKE THIS?


And I also don't want Anton to go because I am afraid that my depression will get worse and then I will have to ask others for help and You know I do not want to do that either because I just don't want everybody up in my business but it's here in this blog now so never mind but that was a concern. I mean I do not want people treating me "delicately" as if I'm going to crack. Don't be tiptoeing around me, just know my triggers and DON'T TRIP THEM LIKE THIS KOREA THING JUST DID!!!


And I don't want him to go because that means that I am left here alone with his mother and brother to take care of them. Yeah I remember the study I just did and the applications. But I really was going to do the right thing LORD! I don't need this Korea assignment to hold me accountable. Do I?


Okay, I need to calm down, LORD I'm sorry, it is so not about me, but this time can it be please? Please don't let Anton go to Korea Father please. Please God cancel this assignment LORD let us stay together for the remainder of his Air Force career, it's only 7 more years PLEASE!

In spite of me, my debilitating affliction, LORD please, please don't let us be separated.



Dear Friends, today's gift is a subscription to Christian Woman magazine! I love this magazine. I've been a subscriber for two years now and it seems that God has used each issue to directly tell me something! I have been able to relate to over 3/4 of the magazine each time. Christian Woman is the only magazine I have read cover to cover! And now, my chosen friend is...



...WIB & RUNE @ Beautiful Days! I have so enjoyed the poems and photos they share. They have been a great encouragement for me as well. No matter how "raw" my posts are, they cheer me on! I love you Wib & Rune!


smooches,

Larie

...of still lamenting & gift # 6

I'm continuing on with writing my own Psalm, modeled after Psalm 31. Today Karen suggested that we expound on yesterday's verses, 9-13.

LORD, yesterday, I only cut loose a little. After thinking about what I said, I realized that micro-managing is not what I am doing, it's taking over. That's just rude. I remain in my affliction because of this. I thought it was enough for me to just admit to You that I am my affliction. After that, I needed to "get out of my own way," that was my job. Silly me, didn't know that I can do nothing that You don't allow me to do.

Young AND foolish.

The enemy I am running from is myself.



Today's gift is a stationary set. It includes a journal, notepad, cards w/envelopes and two pens! So, my friend who receives this is...

...EDIE at Rich Gifts! I love "going" to Edie's place because I feel as if we are in the same room, but she is doing all of the talking! When I read her posts, it seems to flow as a conversation and I just love it.

Edie and I "connected" when I solicited her awesome skills to design this blog. 'Ain't she good y'all?! Check out Edie's graphic site to see the other wonderful things she creates. I love that Edie acknowledges her talent is from God. He is glorified.

Creations 4 His Glory is another spot you can see what Edie's does with God's blessing of crafting. I love you Edie!!!

smoohces,

Larie

...of lamenting & gift # 5

I'm still "hanging out" with Karen over at Surviving Motherhood and writing my own Psalm modeled after Psalm 31. Today we are looking at verses 9-13.

Now oh God, I am begging for Your continued mercy because I am weak. I feel very heavy because I am micro-managing You. This is an act of disobedience, disrespect, and lack of trust. You DO NOT need me to tell You how I want it done. All You need from me is confession, a contrite heart and ashy, sore knees. I can not feel weightless because I am carrying what I was suppose to let You carry. Remind me LORD that I am not You! You don't need Larie's help!

My eyesight grows weaker because I am straining to see what You have not revealed to me yet; hence the reason I strain. It's not clear, & it is not going to be until You, LORD God, make it clear! Ooooh how dull I am LORD.

My children don't know what to expect from me. They would rather be at a friend's or my parent's house. How disgusting it is when my 5-year-old asks me, "How do you feel today mommy?" My husband, in tears, says, "I miss my wife." Then he kisses me on my forehead and says, "I love you Larie. I'll be back, I need to go pray."

God please give Anton his wife back.

A pair of ears will be serenaded with the outstanding voice of Willow Layne. Her first CD, "From The Ashes," was recently released. I've known Willow Layne for 5 and a half years now. I've heard her voice many times and I just love it. It almost makes me want to cry. Read about Willow Layne's inspiration for "From The Ashes" here.

And I share this audible pleasure with...

...NICOLE at Serendipity! This is my sister y'all! I love the way Nicole writes; it's the same way that she thinks. Her writing is mentally challenging and I appreciate it. Girl I'll talk to you later! I love you!

smooches,

Larie