Monday Moods

It's a "Monday Moods" (bold words= moods) kind of a day in this home. It cooled off a bit here (so unfortunate) and I just enjoyed a bowl of Shredded Wheat frosted style... the ONLY way to eat those things. And now, I am enjoying my cup of Blonde coffee brewed right at home in my "Sister Cup" that my sister gave me. 

I am drinking my cup of coffee, thinking of my sister and praying for her. We had such a great time in Tahoe... and not enough time at that. But I am so thankful we had time for just the two of us, like old times. My sister and I are best friends. We may not talk, text, skype, or email everyday but I do know we think of each other everyday... and miss each other even more. We used to spend hours doing nothing, or doing something. From climbing trees, fighting over the Nintendo or remote to the TV, talking to each other through the bottom of the door when we were stuck in "quiet time," driving with the windows down/music loud/and heater up, late night Wendy's runs, watching movies together on her bed, and our heart-to-heart talks that usually ended in slammed doors and tears but always reassured the honesty in our relationship. I love her and I am so thankful to have had time with her and her family. They are a blast... and quite adorable if you ask me? :)

My sister, Rachel... her husband, Vince... and their baby,
Emma-Elizabeth Eden Cruz. :)

After such a long vacation, I am feeling relaxed. I am enjoying the time of NO WORK and ALL PLAY! I mean, I do have responsibilities like... after 9 days of vacation coming home and doing laundry for two people as well as filling up the fridge with nutrious food and making sure the house is clean and making breakfast/lunch/dinner. I mean, no wonder I needed a vacation- a housewife and a full time working woman...! It's all worth it to be married to this man. He does enough for me... he is the bread winner, my lover, and the killer of all spiders- thank God. But none-the-less, feeling relaxed and enjoying my time of no work. :)

I have been reading about the life of Corrie Ten Boom. She is truly an amazing woman. Truly understands the beauty behind prayer and knowing God's Word. I am refreshed and amused by her life. I finished reading "The Hiding Place" and loved it. I am now reading another book by her, "Tramp for the Lord" because I am so amused by her! Both books are such an easy read but the importance of prayer and of knowing His Word is emphasized so much! It's easy for me to live with the knowing I have of "His strength" and "His Spirit in me" but I take it for granted. I lose sight of what "His strength and Spirit" is. I take Him out and say "my strength and my spirit" without even realizing it. Prayer is something I have always struggled with... and I believe most people do. The discipline to be in communication is hard. It's hard enough for me to comment back on my FB, or blog.. and even worse a text message. My friends, if you know me and how awful it is of getting ahold of me... then you could ALMOST understand my prayer life. It's important to be in communication daily. During camping I focused on praying for one friend-when I had a minute by myself, praying. When I was showering, praying. When I was walking to the lake or riding my bike around Lake Tahoe in quiet, I was praying. I decided if there was one thing I wanted to make time for this week, it would be prayer. I am feeling very refreshed and excited to see what prayer will do in my life.

This is a great article about Billy Graham. My FIL shared this quote that I thought was again, refreshing: 

"I would study more, pray more, travel less, take less speaking engagements. If I had it to do over again, I’d spend more time in meditation and prayer and telling the Lord how much I love him and adore him and looking forward to the time we are going to spend together for eternity. (B.G.)" 

Read the article here.

Last, I am praising God for His provision. Long story short... I was given a position to manage at a different store than where I am at now. The management team at that store was really frustrating in communicating with me... and I didn't hear back from them days and weeks at a time (even if I had called to check in). God totally provided me with another opportunity- Michael Kors. I wasn't too sold on it at first. I am not a "brander" and could care less about expensive apparel, jewelry and handbags. But I truly enjoyed the management team and the other employees at the store. Within three months of working there, I have received two bonus checks (1% of my sales for the month) and two holiday competitions (gift card for the store)...! And best yet, a promotion. I have been given a full time "key-holding" position... also known as a sales supervisor... which includes all the wonderful benefits and a raise! I am so excited for this opportunity!!

Tell me about your "Monday Moods" with these words: thankful, relaxed, amused, refreshed, and excited. And thanks for stopping in in!! :) And Amber has a different blog topic today so...  link up below on here: