Tonight's blog was inspired by our thunderstorm this afternoon. I love a good thunderstorm. Mom taught me as a child to love thunderstorms and not fear them.
Things I Love
Listening to a good thunderstorm
Pouring rain
Curling up in my papasan chair
Bubble Baths
Reading a good book
Romantic movies make me giddy!
Sweet Tea
Rocking on the Front Porch
Curling my hair!
Dancing when the credits roll on a movie
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Dancing with Mom in the kitchen
Cookies and Cream Ice Cream
Target
Polka-Dots
Cookout, Subway, and Chick-Fil-A
Snuggling Up
Jammies
Blogging the Blessings
Day 55
Today's Featured Image is from my front porch in GA!
Another quick note because my day has not been eventful...
I woke up this morning feeling tons better. God is truly my healer. I think that my body was fighting off something.
A coworker of mine called me yesterday and told me about my kids praying for me. They are such a blessing in my life. I can imagine their sweet little prayers yesterday. I know that the Lord heard those prayers! Sweet babes!
I was able to clean today and rest. Rest always does a body good.
I leave you with a song that has been on my mind today.
Thank you Lord for your healing power.
Blogging the Blessings
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Day 52
Praying for the youth and Brett that are on a ski trip this weekend.
I left work early this afternoon because I was achy and had a little fever. I am not one to run fever, and if I have a small one it usually means I am coming down with something. I wanted to be safe with the all the kids and try to get rid of all the germs.
I am doctoring up and hoping my fever goes away.
Thanks to Katherine, another teacher, for staying with my kids this afternoon.
Blogging the Blessings
Day 51
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This was such a sweet sight to me tonight...one of my favorite meals, from one of my favorite places, advertising my favorite camp. God is so good. Colts Kids would not have had this opportunity without it being part of His plan.
This my friends, is blogging the blessings! What a wonderful way to celebrate 50 days of consecutive blogging!
Day 50
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P.S. I did not keep the flyer. I gave it back to be reused!
World Changers is coming to Henderson, NC. I was blessed to sit in on a meeting tonight discussing World Changers coming to Henderson to work on homes through out our community.
About 200 youth from throughout the nation will be staying at Crossroads Christian School and working in homes through the community. Churches are going to sponsor these homes and provide meals for the students.
This is such a great ministry to our area. I am excited for the opportunity CCS will have to minister to these students as they minister to our area. I am already thinking of ways that our camp kids will be able to learn from these students and encourage them.
Here is a link to World Changers if you would like more information about this awesome ministry that works on homes in the US and around the world.
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Watch for ColtsKids Camp flyers in a Henderson, Chick-Fil-A near you!
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YES! Shout with excitement with me! I have been anxious to share this news for a while. Chick-Fil-A is going to place flyers on their trays for the next few days and then will place flyers in the kid's meal bags.
The cow will visit some of the camps this summer and play with the kids. I think that this a great partnership and look forward to working with such a great company!
Stay tuned for some more exciting things that Chick-Fil-A and CCS ColtsKids are going to do together.
I know that this partnership will help us spread the word about summer camp to our community!
CCS parents if you read my blog do not wait too late to sign up for camp! Sign up now!
These statements from this morning's service has resonated with me all day today....
"From the heart we sin against God. From the same heart we worship God."
"The righteous standard of God starts with the heart not the act"
"Sin begins on the inside of us before it is manifested outside of us"
Psalm 51:1&2
"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin!"
Psalm 119:9-11
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you, let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
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Lord may I...
Study your word and hide it my heart.
Pray your word and speak its truth into my life.
Obey your word and not be a hearer of the word but a doer.
If you would like to hear today's message, please visit Raleigh Road Baptist Church Website for an audio recording.
Had the oil changed in my car (Daddy would be proud)
Straightened my apartment
Cleaned my dishwasher
scrubbed the bathroom
Washed Clothes
Created a filing system for my bills
filed my bills
I accomplished a lot today and ended my day with a nice meal at Ruby Tuesday's.
I will leave you with this funny Atlanta lady Megan McGlover. If you have not already watched a few of her videos, let me introduce you to them! She does "weather" videos from the city of Atlanta, Georgia. If you are from Atlanta, or have ever lived in the local area, you may find some of her videos quite funny!
FYI: Flat Stanley is a children's book about a boy named Stanley that became flat when a bulletin board fell on top of him. Since Stanley is flat he is able to slide through thin spaces and fit in envelopes. Flat Stanley has traveled the world in an envelope to different countries, cities, schools, and families. Teachers use this book to create a learning experience for students. If Flat Stanley visits, you take pictures of your adventures and the place where you live. You write letters back describing Flat Stanley's experience with you.
I have a family that I am connected with that we are responding to their Flat Stanley letters. I think this is a neat project to help my students grow in their writing and literacy skills. They are loving the book as I read it to them.
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We are planning on taking him on our picnic tomorrow. The kids had fun listing places that we could take Flat Stanley today!
Any teachers that have any Flat Stanley experience?
Any teachers or families that would like to respond to our Flat Stanley letters?
I really think that it would be cool to get connected with people all over the U.S. and the world. The students could really learn a lot.
When I was 16, I loved Rachel Lampa's song "I am Blessed". Every time the song came on in the car, I would joyfully belt out the song... out of tune I might add. Someone gave me her C.D. and I would play the song over and over in my 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier.
I was reminded of that song today as I thought through how the Lord has blessed me.
He blessed me with free curriculum for our summer camps that fits the camp themes.
He blessed me with a beautiful day that allowed me and my kids to stay outside for over an hour.
He blessed me with a coworker that encouraged me in my job today.
He blessed me with new clothes, literally left in front of my car.
He blessed me with a conversation with a friend that helped me to organize our sports camps and provide resources for the camps.
He blessed me with more camp enrollments today.
He blessed me with a wonderful church family to worship and study God's word with tonight.
He blessed me with a conversation with a mother today about her daughter's spiritual growth. Mother said to daughter while explaining Disney World, "Some people think that Disney World is the greatest place to be." Her 6-year-old daughter responded, "No Mommy, the greatest place to be is with Jesus in heaven!" Truth spoken through the mouth of a babe!
He blessed me with the gift of roses that I was able to see and smell all day long!
Happy day after! I hope that your day was filled with joy as you have spent it with your sweetheart. I enjoyed hearing the Valentines Day stories of my friends and co-workers.
All over the world, men and women celebrated "love" on Valentine's day. Some celebrated with going out to eat, while others ordered food in and spent the night have quality conversation. Others may not have celebrated and called the day "overrated". Some men and women ended the day happy, while others may have ended the night in tears.
Hear this important word...
Jesus is the greatest love that has ever existed and will continue to exist. He is the love worth finding.
John 15:12-13
"This is my commandment, that you love one another, just as I loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you."
My Jesus calls me friend and he laid down his life for me. My friends there is no greater love! In this, I celebrate, rejoice, and worship!
Love is.... (leave a comment below and fill in the blank)
Happy Valentine's Day! Today has been great. The kids loved the games and cupcakes. They are my little sweethearts. Tonight I am busy celebrating Valentines. :) Look for tomorrows post "Love Worth Finding"
Mom sold out of Roses! Praise the Lord. Sorry Fellas!
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Most of the time , at the flower shop, we don't get to read Valentines day card messages. Mom usually hands the men the cards and let them fill out the card. However, sometimes the orders are taken over the phone or the men insist on us writing the cards.
Here are a few of the best ones...
I wouldn't trade you for anything!
I wouldn't trade you for a mule!
You may not like me and I know that I messed up, but I still love you!
Your the only one for me!
Roses are red, Violets are blue, I love you!
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You are more beautiful than these roses!
I'd marry you all over again!
Beautiful flowers for an even more beautiful you!
Just twelve little ways to remind you that I love you (dozen roses)
Around you I lose myself, away from you I find myself wanting to be lost again!
And last but not least... We only got this card one time.
1. I agree, beware of internet ordering. You may end up with flowers that arrive in a box. Box delivered flowers are not shipped in the vase or in water. You will have to arrange the flowers once they arrive.
2. Ordering flowers online with big companies is not wise. These are called "flower order gatherers". These orders are taken online and sent to the real local florist to fill the order. Ex. You may order an $85 arrangement. The florist receives the same order for $50. Where does the money go? The money goes to the order gatherer and your recipient does not receive what you paid for in the beginning. You may call to complain and they will blame the florist. This is not the florists fault. These order gatherers will make promises that the florist can not keep. The customer always suffers.
3. The local florist is the best bet! You will receive more for your money and the designers will create something specifically tailored to your needs. Beware of this guys advice with Google. Ex. There are several local florists listed in my mom's small town. However, she is the only local florist. These florists even list a local address. They lie! It is deceiving.
4. If you are from out-of-town, call the florist and ask a few specific questions. What address are you located at? Are you an answering service for the florist? Are you in the location of the florist? Some larger local florists do have answering services. However, you should be able to tell by spending a few minutes on the phone. I promise calling is worth the hassle!
5. I disagree to only choose a florist that has 6 more full-time paid employees. The amount of employees does not always necessarily mean the quality of a florist. I have known several premiere florists that did not have 6 full-time employees. My mom does not have 6 full-time employees. There are plenty of premiere and quality florists that don't have that many people working. Most florist will hire seasonal help just for Valentines day delivering. They may also hire seasonal designers.
6. Why are flowers so expensive on Valentine's Day? Don't blame your florist. I promise the florist does not mark up the prices of flowers. In fact they wish that they could sell you the flowers for cheaper. However, wholesalers and distributors mark up the prices of flowers before Valentine's day because of the demand. Roses can go up 50 cents over night. A florist will do the best that they can to ensure you receive quality for the best price.
7. Build a relationship with your florist. If you haven't already, start now. Florists can cater better to your needs if you build a relationship with them. A florist can't know you by reading a generic order over the internet. You will have more creative and tailored designs this way.
8. Don't try to design the flowers yourself. They are the professionals! You will have better results this way. Designers choice is always the best way! You can tell them the types of flowers you like if you are nervous. Ex. I don't like carnations. If you build a relationship with a florist, they will know these things about you.
9. What about cheapo Valentine's Day flower deals? These are deceiving! Most of the time these flowers are what other florist may be ready to through out the door. Also, they are a cheaper quality of flowers that will die much quicker! Tonight, I went to a local store and saw some men looking at roses. I wanted to tell them that the roses they are looking at will be dead by Valentine's Day. Florists always have better quality flowers.
Hope this helps you!
Please be in prayer for my mother and father. Mom is really really sick with some kind of cold. I have never heard her sound so bad. She needs strength for Monday! Pray for her healing. Please also pray for my Daddy. His knee is red and swollen. They think it may be a bite of some kind. He is having trouble walking. Please also pray for his healing. Mom and Daddy can not be sick on Valentine's Day. This is vital.
To all of my florist friends out there.... I will be praying for you Cydney, Cydney's Dad, Susan, and Lauren! Have a fabulous Valentines Day!
I like the teary eyed ones. I like the cheesy ones. I like the teeny bopper ones. I like chick-flick movies! I love that around Valentines day there is always a good chick-flick movie on the TV. Days leading up to Valentines Day I am always watching Romantic Chick Flick movies!
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The morning of Valentines Day is always an early one. In fact we were lucky if we got sleep.
Mom is always organized and knows what orders goes where. She has this meticulous plan of how the delivery process should go. Each delivery vehicle is equipped with water for flowers, maps, pens, we missed you cards, a phone book, cell phone, pepper mints and food for the drivers, and flower emergency kits.
Cupid Richard on the other hand has a philosophy of the more orders he can grab for delivery the better! He walks in like a tornado grabbing up orders. He is a man on a mission. Mission: Get the job done. Mom just turns circles. They balance each other out.
Riding with Daddy can bring some adventure. His job is to drive and my job is to jump out and deliver the flowers with a smile. One thing I love is that Daddy will stop and get a snack or something to drink. We don't tell mom. Snacking does not fit her schedule.
One delivery I went on was delivering to a older lady. I jumped out of moms ford explorer with the beautiful flowers in my hand and a smile on my face. I knocked on the door and waited. I hear "Just a minute!" I waited and waited and I waited a couple of minutes more.
Then to my surprise the lady walked to the door in nothing but her brassiere and granny panties! Now answer me this, why in the world did it take her ten minutes to get to the door if she was just going to come to the door in her skivvies?
Oh my!
I have always been Cupid Richard aka Daddy's valentine. In fact, he makes sure that I have a beautiful bouquet of flowers and or a stuffed animal. He is so sweet. My mother on the other hand wants chocolates and a foot massage!
I'm late! I'm late! I'm late! For a very important date....
with you guys!
I only have a few minutes before midnight to meet my goal. I am supposed to tell stories of Cupid Richard and delivering....but there are too many stories for the little amount of time that I have. That will have to wait until tomorrow.
We are anticipating snow tomorrow. I don't think that we are going to have anything much, but there always the dream for snow!
I can remember many rainy and cold Valentines Day.
Sorry for the short and mundane blog, but I did tell you at the beginning of the year that some blogs would be that way.
Many of you know my mother as "Sweetie". Perfect name for her!
One of mine and my mothers favorite Valentines Day candy is the sweetheart candies with messages on them. We love them because you can come up with fun and silly things to say to a person via the sugar candy hearts.
If you dare to walk in the organized chaos of Nancy's Flower Shop on Valentines Day you might would find a bag of those candies lying around along with a great assortment of chocolate. FYI chocolate on Valentines day is for the florist not the girl. This year, give your local florist the chocolates and give your girl the bouquet. Florist need the chocolates to calm the stress.
The week of Valentines day is spent by taking orders, skinning roses (cutting the thorns off), organizing timed orders, skinning roses, routing orders, skinning roses, taking orders, skinning roses.
Bonnie, did you skin the roses yet? Hey Bonnie! Process those flowers and get them in the cooler. Somebody answer the phone!
Yes, the hectic-ness of the week may make your brain tired, but we would not trade it for anything. It brings us utter joy to see the eyes of a lady light up when we walk in with a bouquet of flowers with her name on it. It melts our heart when we see tears in a grandmother's eyes as she has just received a bouquet from her grandson. It brings us excitement when we see men gush when they talk about their sweethearts. This very reason is why I love Valentines Day and miss working at Mom's shop.
There is also one important discussion that takes place the week before Valentines day. What will we wear? Mom can come up with some crazy things for her staff to wear that day. I think that it adds an element of fun to that day. Feather boas, heart headbands, and twinkling necklaces have all been apart of our Valentines Day attire.
Breakfast and Lunch is always provided by Mom. Mom aka Sweetie will make a pot of chili or taco soup for her ladies to eat. You are lucky if you get to sit down long enough to eat a bowl. Well, let me correct myself, Mom would always make sure her employees ate. Mom rarely gets to eat.
Yes, it is hard work, but we have created memories that will last a lifetime and we love the tradition of Valentines Day!
Tomorrow: Delivery Adventures with Cupid Richard aka Daddy!
Valentines Day has to be one of my favorite days of the year. I have "loved" this day since I was a little girl working in my moms flower shop. I would skip school, with permission, to work in her florist. I loved the excitement and business of the day. My favorite is seeing all the young men and old men alike come in and buy flowers for their sweetheart, mothers,
I loved watching some men get creative and request orchids, lilies, and mixed bouquets instead of a dozen roses.
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However, roses are a classic and definitely have their place. (Attention: Men of HC please don't order an orchid the day of Valentines day! My mother will not be happy with me.)
I am a HOPELESS romantic and I dreamed of my prince charming as I worked the day away.
Beware! If you were one of my close friends, my mom would recruit you to work on that day.
We always try to get Daddy to dress up as cupid. It has not worked thus far. Maybe this year is the year....
This week I am going to devote my blog to Valentines Day memories of working in the Flower Shop. Some are quite hilarious and others are sweet. Be sure to stay tuned.... stay reading!
What's is on the lineup for Super Bowl commercials this year?
According to Fox, not this ad....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRCZkGshQGc
The commercial was rejected by Fox Sport because it contained "religious doctrine". According to brief research on my part, the commercial was written and produced by a non-profit company whose mission for the commercial is:
"Fixed Point Foundation hopes to encourage fans to look up John 3:16 and consider its meaning."
The commercial will be aired on some local stations in Alabama, where the organization bought out air time.
What I know is this, God is sovereign. Nothing surprises Him or catches Him off guard. This happened because God allowed this to happen. Actually, I believe that the commercial might just get more attention because of the "fair and balanced" decision of Fox Sports.
Mama always said "A clean desk always makes for better work"
I agree! I went to look for something today and I ended up cleaning junk out of my desk and removing some clutter. I moved my pen jar. The kids love to come grab pens and pencils out of my jar. Not anymore! They are organized and sorted. Markers on one side and pens on the other.
One thing I will never take off of my desk is the evangacube. My kids love to come grab it and flip through the different parts of the gospel story. One little girl grabbed it today and said, "Will you tell me the story again?" Oh what precious words to hear from the mouth of a babe! Telling her the story was the most important thing that I did today. She listened intently. God is good.
Here are some more of Mama's sayings...
"I didn't fall off of a turnip truck yesterday"
"Don't make me knock you into the middle of next week!"
"You would have thought I had given her a golden monkey."
"Don't put the cart before the horse."
"As easy as sliding off a greasy log backward"
"You are barking up the wrong tree"
"That ain't Daddy's cup of tea"
"Don't bite off more than you can chew."
"Don't count your chickens until they hatch."
"Don't let the tail wag the dog."
"It's time all old dogs are dead. Aren't you glad you are a pup?"
I have debated all day whether or not to put this on the blog today....
I am still debating as I am typing...oh well here it goes.
I, Bonnie, have been eating way to good and too much! :-) Too much Cook Out. Too much Pinos. Too much good cooking. Too much! I have noticed that I have gained weight since I have graduated seminary.
I don't think that I am fat, but I do need to lose the weight that I have gained!
Can I blame it on metabolism? Surely my metabolism has not started slowing down at 25.
Excuses! Excuses! I just need to get back to exercising and eating less.
So, here I embark on a new journey, along with the blog, getting back to my normal weight. This will be slow and healthy. I know that I will feel much better if I am at my normal weight again.
I have noticed that I have been sluggish and tired lately. Exercise and healthier foods will do me well.
I do not plan to write about this much, but I am sure that it will be apart of my blog somewhat. :-)
Alright, everybody to your feet! I want you to do the Scat Man!
I have placed a tutorial video below. I expect a full fledge dance session to start immediately in homes across America.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVnC7vXkG48
I have a recent addiction to the local restaurant called Cook Out. Cook Out is a local fast food chain in North Carolina and South Carolina. They have the best cheese burger and fries. Right now they have a combo plate with two sides, hamburger, and a LARGE tea for 4.70! Sweet! Gotta love a good meal for cheap-o
Tonight I noticed this on their cup.....
Notice anything on their cup?
Look really good....
Yep! You see it!
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave is one and only son that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life."
Today was the 100th day of school! Man this school year has passed by fast.
One of my colleagues played the neatest game with her students. She placed 100 stickers numbered 1 to 100 all over the room in three different colors. The kids had to find the stickers and color in the number on their hundreds charts. The kids had a blast searching for all the numbers!
I had my 7th grade students type a list of 100 things that they have learned thus far this school year. Oh, you guessed it...I got moans and groans. However, I softened the blow with chocolate candy! :-)
Summer camp is coming fast!
Day 30!
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