I love quotes!! And I thought that I would share some of my favorite ones!   

Talked to my sweet blonde haired boy today. He's seven and so his idea of fairness is very black and white. Anywho, we were talking about who he liked and I was getting the full description. Then the tables turned..."miss Miranda, who do you like?". What???? Not the way I wanted this conversation to go.

Me: "I don't have a boyfriend" Blondie: "but you have to like someone, everyone likes someone."
Me: "..."

Well, because I am the crazy, "tell-a-7-yr-old-my-life-story" kinda girl, I told him....(in hindsight, I think that might have been a mistake) He thought about for a moment and after a long pause, said "He sure is lucky!".

All I could think........ "if he only knew Blondie, if he only knew"

I LOVE my blonde headed cutie :)


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“It hurts to love someone and not be loved in return, but what is the most painful is to love someone and never find the courage to let the person know how you feel.”



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I have been going through alot of soul searching lately. I am trying not to be the bitter single girl who keeps wondering when it is Her turn. I am trying not to look at others and think, "When is it my turn?". I am trying to be okay with how my life is right now and focus on what the Lord wants me to work on in my heart to be the perfect compliment to my husband's heart. But, like I said, I am trying...it is hard. I don't want to be bitter- I know to be patient, I know to wait on the Lord... But again, knowing and doing are two different things.

I have found myself recently praying for someone. My general prayer is : Father, shape him into the man you have intended for him to be, whoever he is to be with. Mold me into the woman you have planned and guard my heart that I may save it for the one you have chosen". I am clinging to these words lately. Tonight, I was reading my bible study and came across this chapter in Isaiah. Something about it calmed me. I read his words in verse 9. “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts."
What a good thought. God's plan and path is so much better than I can ever plan. I have an idea of what my husband should be, but God has chosen one that will be beyond my wildest dreams. He has chosen one....he has a CHOSEN one for me...now all I have to do is to wait, but i will never be standing still.

Isaiah 55: 1-13
Invitation to the Thirsty

1 “Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.
2 Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and you will delight in the richest of fare.
3 Give ear and come to me;
listen, that you may live.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
my faithful love promised to David.
4 See, I have made him a witness to the peoples,
a ruler and commander of the peoples.
5 Surely you will summon nations you know not,
and nations you do not know will come running to you,
because of the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel,
for he has endowed you with splendor.”
6 Seek the LORD while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.
7 Let the wicked forsake their ways
and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the LORD.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
12 You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.
13 Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper,
and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the LORD’s renown,
for an everlasting sign,
that will endure forever.”





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Can I just take a minute and say GRRRRRRRRRRR!!

Whew... feel a little better...

My prayer, O Lord....

I am constantly amazed at the MIGHTY hand of God.  Todays lesson in Bible Study was on Spring Cleaning.  To look at your heart and see what needs to be fixed in there before you start trying to fix things on the outside.  Perfect for the week I have had... :)

After my book post that I wrote yesterday, I felt so much better just being able to get it out, and process it all.  I have not posted the link to any outside sources (Facebook)... that may come later.

I did have to work on one of my idols today, though, for it is there, every Sunday, at church.  I am trying to figure out just how he got on the throne and how to get him off, without ruining the friendship or looking like a complete loon.  Usually, as crazy as this seems, I chose my outfits wisely, make sure I am wearing perfume and double check my hair as I walk out the door... doing all of this to make sure he notices me, not just for the pure innocence in taking pride in how I present myself as a leader.  As I was getting ready this morning, God placed a thought on my heart.  "Miranda, you could wear sweat pants and a ponytail or the best fitting dress and hair do.  Either way, he should notice you.  If he doesn't, then so what?  He isn't it."  So, although I did make sure that I looked good, it was because I wanted to be presentable, not to get him to notice me.

The hardest thing about this idol is that I have completely made it something in my head.  I have assumed things and have listened to good intentions from friends.  There have been events that in a "normal" path of dating would mean things, but he is the farthest thing from normal.  And he hasn't done anything wrong.  In fact, he has called me out on things that have made me a better person.  So, in my worldly mind, I am  having to take full responsibility for putting him on the throne, and it is a hard thing for me to swallow.  There was no one or anything else that put him up there... just me.  The energy, time, and consuming thoughts about what was going on was all my doing.  As hard as it is to admit it, I have to take responsibility for this.  So this idol is a.... work in progress.

Let me preface this post by saying that this is a candid shot into the inner workings of my brain and what I have been thinking lately... proceed with an open mind and understanding.


As many of you know, I have been going to a bible study called "No Other Gods" by Kelly Minter. Let me just say that this is one of the most fantastic bible studies I have ever done. Not only does it incorporate stories from the Bible that I have only glanced over, but asks thought provoking questions that make you look at yourself and go,"DOH!"
Last week was a crazy week and I was unable to do any of the reading. Feeling bad, I really thought that I would just skip the Monday night meeting and get caught back up the next week. I had to stop by the church to grab something and stopped off to talk with someone about an incident. I had every intention to go home, put on my pj's and start into a full out "woe is me" pity party due to a previous conversation. (I will not delve into the details of said conversation) I decided to call a friend, a Godly woman who always helps me to sort my feelings out and get down to the bottom of it all. She answered and must have known my silent plan. She told me to meet her for dinner and then we could go to Bible study together. Well... that was not in my plan. I said sure, planned to meet her at Panera Bread and quickly took a u-turn.
As I sat there waiting for her, I thought about why I was having a pity party. I had tried to tell someone something that I felt was important to only be set aside for phone calls and other interruptions. Although these interruptions were not foreseen, it made me feel that what I wanted to say was not going to be heard. How dare someone not listen to me! I mean, doesn't everyone know that the world revolves around me? I thought I had sent that memo out when I was born??


All kidding aside, the bottom line was that I got my feelings hurt and up went the wall. The wall of "ME, ME, ME" So, as I sat there eating my delicious creamy tomato soup, I started to talk to my friend. I told her what happened and how hurt I was because I was not being listened to and MY feelings were not being validated like I thought they should be. And yes, my friends, it was at this point that I realized how incredibly whiney I sounded. She kept looking at me and smiled, took a slurp of soup and then took a breath. "That, my friend, is Satan, whispering in your ear that YOU deserve better than this, THEY are taking advantage of YOU, don't they know who YOU are and how much YOU help out?" I didn't want to admit it but I knew she was right. "It is not about you, it is not about them, it is not about anything other than GOD!" she explained. "You need to figure out why you are doing this and why you feel like you shouldn't be anymore. Write them down, explain it to the party involved and most importantly PRAY." I told her that I had felt like all I had done was whined about the situation and that wasn't my intention. "You, Miranda, are the only one that truly knows in your heart if you are whining about it, or it really is something that you feel you do not need to do anymore."


As I sat there listening to her tell me of times she struggled and asking me questions about life, she asked me what else was going on. I looked at her quizzically and then thought about what she meant. See, like most women, I cannot compartmentalize. I cannot look at one situation, turn it off and go to the next situation with a clear mind. I look at one situation, get my emotions going and then go to the next situation with my emotions in tow, leaving me looking like a bag lady.


She gave me great wisdom and truths...all of which I knew in my heart. The big question I have? How do I get my head in sync with my heart? For you see, I have never had a time in my life that I did not know the Lord. I have always known He loved me and I have loved HIM. I was raised in a christian home and did not have the "Come to Jesus" meeting like many testimonies I have heard. I have had 28 years of HIM in my life. So, I sometimes get frustrated with myself when I seem to let these truths that I hold dear to my heart slip from my head and let the lies and untruths cram up there.




Cut to next scene: BIBLE STUDY


I walked into bible study now really not feeling it and slightly embarrassed that I had to be reminded of the many truths that were talked about over soup and salads. I did not want to be there. I was dreaming of my soft pajamas and warm bed. I found the nearest chair and sat down. Holly, one of the facilitators opened with an activity where we had to take a letter of the alphabet, think of a word that describes God, and go through the whole alphabet, using the words we thought of as a prayer. Honestly, I wanted to get up and leave, because with the thought of this activity came the realization that as long as I kept that "ME, ME, ME" wall up, I wouldn't have to deal with the fear, the uncertainty and the jealousy that is deep down in the depths of my heart. These three words freak me out beyond any imagination.


I had the letter H. Holy, heartwarming, and hungry... my three words to describe God. The prayer started with A...B...C... and continued on. I did my part and said my H words. Then as we got closer to the end, I began to agree with the words the other ladies used to describe Him. Magnificent...Praise-worthy... By the time we reached Z, I was feeling it a little bit. I began to pray for God to open my heart and use this time as a time of praise and worship...I asked him to help me sort through my feelings and break down the "ME" wall.


He must have been listening because he did just that. Holly had a song to play after we were done with the ABC pray. I am all about music, and I use music and lyrics for prayer time like others use scripture or read a devotional. Music is the medium that I prefer to use when worshipping and dealing with things that God has laid upon my heart. As I sat and listened to the words I felt the tears well up inside of me...

and I will follow

Friends, imagine this for second. In a room of about 15 women, you can hear the sniffling and almost blubbering of a run down and broken 28 year old. I am not one to cry in front of people. I will barely vocalize my dislike of something unless I am extremely passionate about it, unless you are a close friend. In fact, this blog has proven itself as a very valuable tool in my communication skills. As the song continued, God broke the wall down and left me feeling naked and exposed. It was the most uncomfortable, yet freeing feeling I have ever felt.

I have had some break thru's before. I have had moments where I was the kicking and screaming 2 year old and God had his arms around mine, letting me have my tantrum but standing firm in me doing what He wanted. This is the first time where I felt so physically broken and exposed. I walked out of the room and gained my composure. A few of the ladies at my table and my sweet friend sitting at another table gave my smiles as I came back. No one asked me to talk, which I was so thankful for. God had opened my eyes and I intently listened to the rest of the Bible Study. Every bible verse, quote and question seemed to be directly asked to me.

We talked about jealousy. Oh... jealousy... the green eyed monster. We talked about Leah and Rachel and how Leah wanted to make the path for her. She gave Jacob what she thought would make him love her. She gave him children, yet Jacob's heart was only for Rachel. " Oh man", I thought as I fought back tears, "when God wants to send a message, he sends it loud and clear". I realized that no matter what I did... dating, teaching, being a student, being the director for Kaleo, being a daughter, sister, aunt, (insert the many other hats I wear), I needed to do it for GOD... for he is the ONE that matters, not for the recognition or pats on the back.

I made some realizations that foggy Monday night...

One, I have so many more idols than just facebook.

I have identity, or rather the feeling of the lack of one, as an idol.

I have some people as an idol. I never thought that would happen... all of the examples that have been given in the area of people as idols have been husbands or good friends. "Well" I thought to myself, "I have no husband, and I am blessed to have friends that show failure, so I would never have an opportunity to put someone up on that pedestal." Yeah... about that one... God quickly showed me who I had put up on the pedestal and how quickly he needed to be dethroned.

I have waiting as an idol. Waiting for that perfect guy, waiting for the perfect teaching job, waiting, waiting, waiting.

I want (unknowingly to me until a few months ago) people to think that I have it all together. Show no weakness, show nothing that will make you different. I know exactly where that mentality comes from. A childhood event and fear that was never dealt with, but that is a whole other chapter book post :)

I left the night feeling emotionally drained and physically tired, but had a sense of peace about me that I knew would help me sort through all of the thoughts swirling in my brain. Among all the confusion I knew two things for sure.

One- that GOD loved me

Two- that I had an identity. God made no one like me and that I was to love and care for my dear third graders right now. The rest of my path would be lit up when and only when God lit it up.

I wish that I could write about how I have everything figured out and how easy it was/is to get rid of my idols in 5 days. HA! That is a good joke. I am slowly clearing away the pieces of the wall, taking it brick by brick and laying it down at HIS feet.

I have a lot of work to do, a lot of praying to do and a lot of reading to do. I can feel God working in me to be more bold about my walk with HIM. I feel him putting me at peace with the thing that triggered my pity party to begin with. I know that HE wants me where I am, and although I may feel unappreciated and jealous of those who get to sleep late or go out of town all the time, God has a different plan for me.

I wish that I could say I will never have a break down or question God again, but we ALL know I would be lying.

Oh... the other thing I am certain about? I will never intentionally try to skip another bible study again :)

"Yes! The Duchess dove at the Duke just when the Duke dove at the Doge. Now the Duke ducked, the Doge dodged, and the Duchess didn't. So the Duke got the Duchess, the Duchess got the Doge, and the Doge got the Duke! "

I love watching movies from the 1940's and 50's. I don't know what it is about the mindless, simple stories that were produced post- WW2.   From White Christmas to Auntie Mame, I enjoy watching the familiar actors and actresses that do not find it necessary to use profanity in every breath.  I am a musical freak, so I love that many of the movies that Paramount cranked out included many musical numbers.  I recently found new love in The Court Jester, The Holiday Inn and many others that my grandmother dearly loves!  Some of my favorites though are White Christmas, Singing in the Rain and Wizard of Oz.

White Christmas has become a tradition among my sister in law and I.  We will watch it at least one time during the Christmas holidays while we are together.  It is funny to watch my brothers and dad groan as they tend to find other things to do then sit and watch it with us.

I wish that movies as innocent and funny as these were still being made.

Today is an ice day! I am disappointed of no snow, but the ice makes everything pretty. I do know, however, how dangerous the ice is. That is why I intend to take full advantage of the warmth of my house and the comfortableness of my couch.


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I have been sick since yesterday. I went home from school around 10 and have been laying in bed or on the couch since then. I have done a little work but mostly have watched movies, drank water and tried to breathe. I find the fact that I am sick ironic. I was just complaining (I know, me complaining, :)) about how I just wanted a little time to get caught up. God works in amazing ways and I guess he saw my complaint as a way to show me how in charge of my life he is. And how little control I have over anything!

Funny how that happens. The word "I am bored" have crossed my mind more than a few times today. However, 2 days ago, all I dreamed about was just one day to get caught up. I have no school tomorrow and pray that u have energy to use the "snow day" efficiently.

God has a good sense of humor!

Life has been crazy!  Between school, class, work, church and trying to have a social life, I have not had much time to process anything.  I can't imagine how teachers that have families at home spend 8 hours with her kids and then turn around and take care of her own children.  AMAZING is all I can say!!!

I went home early from school today.  As I drove away, I felt horrible for missing class.  I know that if I am not well, I will just be giving my kids an opportunity to be sick as well, but I actually missed being around them all day!  I do have to admit that I enjoyed being able to sleep and watch some TV :)