I LOVE Thanksgiving! The hints of the approaching holiday season are no longer hints – ITS TIME!

THE HOLIDAYS ARE UPON US!!

Can you tell I’m excited?!?

I’ve been thinking a lot about Thanksgiving. I’ve been thinking that I don’t really think of all the things that I should be ever so grateful for. There are very few times when I sit and let the blessed goodness of God wash over me for all of the good things and wonderful people He has placed in my life. I would bet that is probably true of you as well. Its not that we don’t want to, it just seems there is never any time.

So, I say we MAKE time! Ten minutes. One time, this week, take ten minutes to ponder over all of the wonderful things God has done in you, for you, through you and around you. Ok, maybe not ALL of the things, (lol) that may be a bit overwhelming!

So pick five things you are thankful for and really meditate on depth of richness they provide in your life. I will share my five with you:

5. Our home – I love it. We have a beautiful view, good neighbors and it’s roomy and cozy at the same time.

4. My job – I truly enjoy my job. There is something different and memorable every day! Plus I have good benefits.

3. Our church – We have a caring Pastor who is personally involved with my husband and me. I am especially blessed by our wonderful women’s ministry that is filled with talented and caring Christian women.

2. My family – The craziness they bring to my life is something I wouldn’t trade for the world. Their love and support is priceless. You will not find bigger hearts (or louder voices, lol) anywhere!

1. My wonderful Husband – His love, patience and strength are amazing to me. He has changed my life; he has changed me, in so many incredible ways.

Now it’s your turn. Whatever your five are write them down, talk about them, and even sing about them! THANK GOD for ALL of those things!!

See you around a Thursday, ~Rena

“I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus.”

1 Corinthians 1:4

My husband and I were sitting down with another couple; Friends of ours who have taken on a sort of mentor role in our lives. This couple is older then we are, they have children our age, and we really enjoy spending time with them.

Somehow the conversation came around to the kitchen sponge. We “shared” with our husbands what the sponge CAN be used for: washing dishes, wiping of the counter, stove top etc.  Then we started “sharing” about what they had used it for, but SHOULD NOT, lol!  For instance, the sponge for cleaning dishes should NOT be used for cleaning the inside of the garbage can, your shoes or the plunger!

We laughed and shrieked with EEEWWW! And OH NOOO!! The guys shrugged their shoulders with “what’s the big deal” looks and applauded each others creativity! We all talked about day to day stuff. The wives sharing knowing looks about things our husbands said, and husbands shaking their heads at the things we said. We had such a wonderful time.

And I almost missed it! I am such a creature of habit, I don’t adapt well to change, lol. Visiting with our friends is not part of my routine on a Monday evening. But, I am so glad we did! Friendships as adults may not look the same or work the same as friendships when we were children, but they are still such an important part of life! Let’s not lose sight of that! Friendships are such a wonderful blessing; friends make the burdens a little lighter and the good times even brighter!  Don’t miss out – take even just a few minutes and reconnect with a friend today. You will both be glad you did!!

See you around a Thursday!

~RENA

Review Crew

“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.” Proverbs 27:9

It was one of those days. It seemed like I’d spent my entire work day being the ‘yes girl’. It was finally time for me to go home. Or so I thought. After having to make two unplanned stops that seemed to take an eternity (everything feels like an eternity when you want to go home!), battling traffic and the heat, I FINALLY got home. I was only there long enough to make dinner, eat, and then leave again to go to the grocery store. On my way out the door, I mentioned to my beloved husband that I WOULD be watching Dancing With The Stars. I stopped when he asked “why do you have to record it if you’re watching it?” Like a flash of lightning his endless DVR list of already seen T.V. shows and movies flashed before my eyes. The response in my head – “WHO MADE YOU KING OF THE DVR?”

God’s quick hand kept my mouth shut, and His gentle spirit touched my heart and my brain. It was just a question. There was no intent to irritate; my hubby was not TRYING to be the straw that broke the camels back. He couldn’t really understand the day I was having. It was JUST a question.

I turned to my husband and said “you know how you like to keep your shows….?” He nodded his head and smiled (oh how I love that smile). I smiled back, blew him a kiss and sailed out the door.

So here’s where my thoughts went on my drive to the grocery store…..It wasn’t that big of a deal. But, in my “state-of-mind” I was ready to help blow it all out of proportion! Ever have one of those days? Weeks?  Years? How much time and energy would I save if I would let the Spirit back me up a step, and believe the best of others no matter how bad my day went? How much faster would my sour attitude improve if I let the Spirit pepper my heart AND my speech with grace? Maybe on those “bad” days, we could just be aware that we’re having a bad day. They happen, its ok. But, it’s not ok to let our bad day spill out on to other people. Maybe, instead of being ready to “share” our bad day with others, we should let others share their good day with us. Stuff happens, let it go and move on!

“This is the day the LORD has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it .” Psalm 118:24

When I got home (the second time, lol) my wonderful husband had washed all the dishes, put away all the groceries and went to work in his office while I watched DWTS. And, after, we shared dessert. Turned out to be a pretty good day after all!

Rena

IE Review Crew

Good Morning…
I have been up since 2:00 a.m. Why? Haven’t a clue…I feel a bit buzzy and a little bit lightheaded but not sleepy. Weird? I know!
Anyway today is Monday and I thought I’d take a moment to share with you some fun IE Mommy news.

The IE Mommy blog enjoys offering sensational giveaways and review but we really don’t want to take away from what getting to know you or you getting to know us. Which is why I started the Just Me Monday posts. They give me a chance to be real and open with you my readers and friends.

Because my reviewers and I want you to know who we are and get a feel of “us” when you read our reviews we will be introducing bi-monthly posts from Joe, Rena and Michele.  Check out our new “personal post” line-up:

Monday – Just me Monday – You’ll get a little taste of who the “real” IE Mommy. I’ll share my heart, my passions, my inspirations and my giggles with you.

Tuesday – Get a man’s perspective on life. Read all about Joe’s journey as a Christian, a dad and a husband on Faithful Tuesday Posts

Thursday – I shared with you the excitement of her wedding and her gorgeous wedding pictures…now get a flash back or flash forward of what it is like to be a “New Bride” in Rena’s Wednesday’s posts “Discoveries of a Newbie Bride”. It will be sure to make you smile, giggle and cry right along with her.

Friday – We end our week walking in Michele’s shoes as she talks to us openly and candidly on what it’s like trying to be a step-mom to two teenagers while trying to blend a family to God’s glory. You won’t want to miss a Faithfully Blended post.

Well friends…that’s it. I hope you’ll enjoy our new addition to The IE Mommy…and we hope we’ll get to know each other just a bit more. Remember you’ll see our posts on the 2nd and 4th week of the month!

Christine

The IE Mommy