Shooting In My Neighborhood

We've had some excitement in our quiet little neighborhood this week. On Monday we were told that Coke Zero would be shooting a commercial at our neighbor's house.

Early yesterday morning the trucks started arriving. Lights, scaffolding, cameras, and even a few police cars began to emerge. By noontime, there was about 100+ people all hustling and bustling around.The activity lasted until 8:00 pm. Then, it started all over again at 6:00 this morning.

Gosh, I had no idea it took so much coordination, camera crew, and green cash to pull off a 30 second commercial. The budget for this project must be pretty hefty.

And, you may be asking...who is the celebrity?

Well, have you heard of Danica Patrick? She is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing. Or, at least that's what Wikipedia says. Danica became the first female NASCAR driver to win a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series pole, turning in the fastest qualifying lap since 1990 in qualifying for the Daytona 500's.

Pretty awesome, huh? And, to think she walked right in front of my very own little yard.Check out the celebrity photos I took while peeking out from my bedroom blinds.

Filming crew setting up for the day

Danica leaving the set. Hint: She's has the GoDaddy green & black racing suit on. :)

Danica getting into her cozy motor coach for some prepping and primping.

She sure is a tiny little thing. Now, here's a woman who is living out her passions and experiencing life in courage ways to fulfill her destiny. I love that!

Now for my other exciting news. I'm launching my website next week!! 

 

For the last few months I've been working with three amazing women to get my site ready. They are helping me create a beautiful online space where you and I can connect. I've created each page with you in mind so I really hope you like it. 

 

To celebrate the launch I'm planning some great giveaways. I'll update you with more details next week. 

Until then, have a fantabulous Memorial Weekend and try not to get a bad sunburn, okay? Oh, and eat plenty of hotdogs (turkey-filled of course) and some apple pie a la mode. Yummy!

Question: What are you doing for Memorial Weekend?

She Speaks With What?

I could see my son up ahead as he walked along with friends, heading towards the designated pick up line at school. I had been patiently waiting for what felt like over an hour. Actually, it was only 10 minutes, but I was in a hurry as usual and the minutes seemed to be dragging on and on and on.

I was still several cars away and prayed that he would somehow look my way but he was too busy socializing with friends. As I waiting and watched, I noticed that Carson was starting to act in a not-so-nice manner towards one of his friends. I could tell from the smile on his face that he thought it was just a playful gesture but his friend didn't seem to be very amused by it and neither was I.

I wanted to hop out of the car and call out his name but the enthusiastic sounds of the students were so loud that I knew Carson wouldn't hear me.  Instead, I sat in the car witnessing the unpleasant gesturing continue, as my emotions rose higher and my blood began to boil.

By the time Carson got in the car I was reeling with anger and I let him have it. Without the skip of a beat, I lit into him with my berating questions. Why did you....?  What on earth were you....? Don't you know....?

With each condemning question, my son slipped further and further into his seat. The weight of my words pressed heavy against his heart and it was showing through in his posture and appearance. He didn't say a word.

The atmosphere in the car grew silent and tense. I was feeling completely justified in my scolding until this verse brushed over my thoughts.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue...Her children rise up and call her blessed. Proverbs 31:26,28a

In the midst of that silent yet sobering moment, I realized that I had blown it BIG TIME.

Did I open my mouth with wisdom?  No

Did I teach kindness with my tongue? No

Was my son going to rise up and call me blessed? Probably not

I knew God was reminding me of that verse as a way of softly pricking my heart because I had chosen poorly in the way I corrected my son.  

My words were harsh but God Words were gentle.

I shouted loudly but God whispered softly.

I was teaching condemnation but God was mentoring wisdom.

My next choice was obvious. I quickly apologized to Carson and told him I was wrong in the way I handled the situation. I told him I was sorry and asked for his forgiveness. We talked through what had really happened and discussed what could have been better choices. 

Restoration took place and we both learned valuable lessons that day. 

As I climbed into bed that night, I thanked God for allowing me the privilege of being a mother. I asked Him to put a guard on my mouth so that I would be slow to speak and quicker to listen. I asked Him to help me become a mom who opens her mouth with words of wisdom and teaches with kindness, not condemnation. 

What about you? Are you a mom or a mentor to someone? Have you found yourself in a situation where your words have not been kind, wise, or loving? What is your hardest challenge when it comes to taming your tongue? 

If someone was describing you today, how would they finish this following sentence?

She Speaks with ___________________ .

Something Special this Mothers Day

I spent almost an hour yesterday looking through Mothers Day cards at my local Target store. There were so many to choose from.

Cards that were scented.

Cards that played music.

Cards that were printed on fancy linen paper.

But, the more cards I looked through the more frustrated I felt.  Each one had pretty sayings, but they didn't quite "say" what I wanted to express from my heart. 

Quietly, I whispered to myself, I wish I could sent mom a card today. But, since she now lives in heaven with dad and is most likely celebrating Mothers Day "celestial style", that won't be possible.

So, I've decided to send my sister and each of my sister-in-laws a card. I hope it brings a smile to their faces this coming Sunday. I'm also sending a card to my mother-in-law who is one of the most amazing women I know!

What about you? Are you sending someone special a card for Mothers Day this year? If you're a mom, I hope your family showers you with love, hugs, and maybe a little something special to remember. Gifts are nice but often times for me, it words of appreciation and an I love you that makes the daily motherly sacrifices worthwhile. You know... laundry, cooking, picking up clothes off the floor. That kind of stuff.  

Whether you're a mom or not, I'd like to give you a little gift. It's a prayer that I've written with you in mind. I hope it brings joy to your heart, peace to your soul, and a smile to your face. If it does, I hope you'll pass it along to someone else that is special to you this Mothers Day. 

As you read through this prayer, insert your name inside the blanks to make it personal and special for you.

 Heavenly Father,
I pray that you would bless ___________ in all of her ways. I ask that your peace will constantly be present in ____________ heart and that Your glory would radiate from her face. May ___________ be filled to overflowing with the fruit of your Spirit. May _____________ always run to You first and cast her cares upon You when she's struggling and needs help. Remind _________each day how much You love her.  Help ___________ to rest in knowing that You promises are true and may she walk in the light of your Word that guides the path ahead of her. Show __________ in special ways that you see her and will always take care of her, until you call her home to be with you. Give _______________ the assurance of knowing that You will never leave or forsake her. May ____________ declare that with You ALL things are possible and that she can do all things through Christ who gives her strength. May the joy of the Lord be _____________ strength so that she can rest securely in You. May __________ beauty come from within, the beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit that will never be destroyed and is very precious in Your sight. I pray that __________ will know the hope to the calling you have placed on her life and give her the confidence to say, The Lord is my God and in Him I will put my trust.

In Jesus name, Amen    

 Happy Mothers Day...a little early :)