Clear the Stage

What has my life become? I made a list this week. Of 12 things I wanted to accomplish by 2012, and I had every intention of writing a blog about that list. Now, I sit here reflecting on that list, and I realize that every single thing on there is completely meaningless and unnecessary. Don't drink soda. Find ingredients for new recipes. Keep my desk clean and organized. To most people, this may seem like a completely normal list of things to do, but to me, it's just another sign showing me who I am choosing to be. Not a single thing on that list had to do with my relationship with Christ. And, unfortunately, that reflects who I have become. I am an avoider. I try to shove my problems, you know the real, deep down problems that reflect my character, away by doing meaningless thing like making a list of things I won't accomplish, watching tv shows that take me to another world, trying to find new recipes and things I want to buy. I hide from myself until I can't hide anymore. Until I am so exhausted from hiding that I start to blame others. I have idols that I need to get rid of. I try to tell myself that I'm like this because I'm in another country. That's an excuse. If Paul can praise God from prison, why can't I praise him here? Just because I don't have church or I'm not surrounded by Godly people 24/7 isn't a reason for me to let it slide. That's just an excuse. I am tired of hiding. I am tired of lying to myself. I am tired of pretending that everything is ok. It's not ok. And it starts with me making a decision. A decision to praise God no matter where I am, to put him ahead of all those meaningless things I find so important at the moment. I have so much more to live for than meaningless things.

Ecclesiastes 1:14 I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

I am making a choice to praise God, throw out my list of 12 things by 2012, and center my life on the meaningful rather than the meaningless. I have so much more to live for.

Anything I put before my God is an idol.
Anything I want with all my heart is an idol.
Anything I can't stop thinking of is an idol.
Anything that I give all my love is an idol.
We must not worship something that's not even worth it.
Clear the stage and make some space for the one who deserves it.

Tuesday's Top Ten

I really want to start something weekly because I need to stay more committed to blogging. I've been thinking about doing this for a while, so now I'm going to get it started.

This week's Top Ten will be from Pinterest. My top ten picks for Fall.

I love this wreath. I wish I could make something like it, but I wouldn't even begin to know where 


















to find this stuff.

Source: Uploaded by user via Sarah on Pinterest

Caramel Apple Pie

Hallow-Rita. This would be great for a Halloween party.

Source: kirbiecravings.com via Sarah on Pinterest

I also like this wreath, and it doesn't seem too hard to make.

Source: southernlovely.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: kirbiecravings.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Cute idea.. Especially with kids someday

Source: thehighheeledhostess.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Sarah on Pinterest

My mom just sent Teaven and I a box with candy corn and candy pumpkins. I can't wait to eat it.

Source: whitney05.hubpages.com via Sarah on Pinterest

I am one of those people who wants to have a party with friends for  every holiday, so every time I see an idea, I have to save it.

Source: ourbestbites.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Sarah on Pinterest

We're a family...

...and you're one of us now.

Teaven and I would love to introduce you to the newest member of our family, Sader Barnum. He is clumsy and timid now that he has such a big place to live in. He loves to snuggle, and he pees everywhere. He chases invisible monsters and love Teaven's feet. He howls when he is lonely and hates the newness of walking outside. He is stinkin adorable, and we love him already.