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Grab your coffee and chat with us for the month of January!

We will be discussing topics that are near and dear to our heart! Check out the video below for more details.

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site

Vlogging in January!

Years ago, I received a call that shook the very essence of my faith. It made me question God in ways I had never questioned HIM before. Why wasn’t my prayer answered when I wanted it to be? There were hundreds of people on one accord praying the same thing; for my Pastor’s healing.

Thinking back……The congregation stood still as our Pastor stood in front of the entire church an announced he had received news a while back that he had cancer. The tears flowed down my eyes as I called my hubby to be and shared the devastating news with him. We couldn’t believe it, BUT after getting over the initial shock, we began to pray and believe. My husband gave the most “powerful” pray at our wedding for our Pastor. I believed with all my heart that he would be healed.

Fast forward, an emergency prayer was called and we prayed, prayed, and prayed……Around 9:00 that evening as we were still in prayer, Pastor Dean came walking up to the front podium and announced that our Pastor had made his transition into heaven.

I was 21 years old, and I remember having so many questions…. so many whys…. so many tears. We were taught to pray, to speak life, to speak things into existence, and I DID! GOD, why wasn’t my prayer answered!!!!?????

Have you ever been in a place where you’ve questioned God? Well, you’re not alone. Over the years I’ve learned that my ways are not God’s ways, neither are my thoughts his thoughts. We may experience life altering events that will cause us to question God, but one thing is for sure….. God has a plan for our lives and He knows what’s best, even though we may not always understand….

I have to trust Him in EVERY area of my life, even when I don’t understand my current circumstances. What about you?? Will you trust HIM?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 ESV

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site

Faith Shaken?

As I reflect on this year, I could mention all the things I could’ve done differently, but I’ll leave with this note….I’ve brightened someone’s day. What an honor and privilege it is to be a teacher, mother, wife, sister, granddaughter, friend, and daughter.

With the subject that I teach, I have the opportunity of having these kiddos for two years!!!!!!!!! We share so many memories together; death of family members, frustrations with schoolwork, victories on the court and field, cries, laughs, and so much more! I’m ending the year feeling so grateful.

Being a mom can be a challenge, but I get to raise four of the most creative, caring, adventurous, and god fearing young ladies!

I’m grateful for amazing children, awesome students, the best fam and friends a girl could ask for, and THE most amazing husband for me! Love you all!

Take some time to reflect on the good as you close out your year.

Closing Out the Year With A Smile! :)

I often find myself looking at my past and comparing it to my daughters and their current life.

For instance, when I was kid, we had to wash our own clothes, dress ourselves, cook our infamous pot pies most evenings when mom had to work late, and clean up before mom returned home in the evening.

We were allowed to go outside when she was home, and we dare not let the street lights “hit us,” as she would say!

When it was cold outside, we couldn’t let the “Hawk” get us! Lol. In other words, don’t go outside without a full coat of vaseline, your extra long coat to cover your knees, a hat, and some gloves!!!! Oh, and don’t forget those long johns!!!!

If my mother ever had to come up to the school, I feared for my whole LIFE.

I left my mom notes on her bed so that she wouldn’t forget to sign them when she returned home late at night.

I look at the past, and wonder where did I go wrong with my children??

Anddddddd that’s where the TRAP begins!

I’m not saying that responsibility isn’t important to teach your children, but we can not, I REPEAT……. we cannot compare the two. Don’t spend your entire parenting life comparing your childhood to that of your child’s life!  JUST DON’T DO IT!

Let’s face it….. Our children are a different breed. 😂😂

My children don’t have to do nearly as much as we had to do growing up, BUT it doesn’t mean they aren’t responsible. It doesn’t mean they aren’t good kids, and that they won’t grow up to be amazing women!

Because your/my children will grow to be amazing women, and you know why??? They have an amazing mother in YOU. Chin up, relax, and continue to let your light shine in front of your children.

Don’t give up momma….

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.

Comparison Is A Trap!!!

The holidays are coming, and I don’t know about you, but I like to enjoy myself with my girls without spending a lot of money!

So I’m going to give you a list of the fun things we like to do for free or little to nothing over the break.

1. Each year, we start our break off with a day of watching Hallmark Christmas movies. We grab the blankets, pop some popcorn, dim the lights, and pile up on the living room floor and couch! Movie days are the best!

2. My mom lives in Chicago, so she grabs me tickets from her local library to museums, and we pack our lunch, and head out on our way! If you’re diligent, you may find a free park, if you’re willing to walk a little! The tickets allow us to enter several museums across the city for FREE, and we can go multiple times to one museum during a 7 day period. Last year we explored Peggy’s Museum and the Adler Planetarium. We had an absolute ball!!!!!!!!

3. If you live near Orland Park Civic Center, drive on over around the Christmas season, and you will be amazed at the Christmas figurines and lights for great picture taking! One year, we literally drove right past it! We had no idea it existed. Absolutely free and so much fun!

4. I have four girls and we try to fit in weekly dates! My Leah baby loves to try different foods, so one day, we grabbed our coats, got in the car, and explored our local town! We found a quaint little shop, and enjoyed a nice little date away from the others. My two little ones like to enjoy a hour or two at McDonalds Playland, and Des loves a good late night movie date. So we wait for the daddy and the kiddos to go to sleep, choose the latest show of our choice, and enjoy the comfortable seats at one of our local theaters.

4. We also like to take a visit to our local dollar store or Walmart and agree to spend no more than $10-15!!! We always settle for hot cocoa (at least 2 packs), popcorn of course, Boston baked beans, and the kids each choose a snack of their choice. Sometimes we grab a box of cake and frosting and we all get in the kitchen to make our Funfetti Cake!

5. Moral of the story, just get out there and have fun spending time with the fam!!!!

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.

Holiday Fun, At A Price We Can All Afford!

When the seasons change, so do my allergies.

Over the last two weeks, I’ve missed three days of work:(

I hateeeeeeeeeee missing work, but today, I took my meds, put my phone on silent, crawled up on my couch, and slept the day away. I woke up to peace and quiet, which is rare in the Jackson household. I’m feeling so much better!

Moral of the story, sometimes you just need to press the reset button. Life will continue, but our health is so important.

I’ve also had to reevaluate my eating and working out habits. Time to tighten up on my eating and get my behind in the gym! I feel so much better when I’m eating right…..I’ve learned that my allergies are triggered when I eat horribly!

So my goals for this week will be to consume more veggies and fruit.

I’m feeling a detox coming real soon.

Detox of the mind…

Detox of the body… Let’ssssssssssss go

Update on our family’s 30 day challenge…..It’s going really well. We’ve seen some changes and we will continue to love unconditionally. ❤️💞

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.

Pause….Breathe…..Reset

Sometimes we get frustrated, sad, and downright disappointed! I’m here to encourage you to keep pushing, keep praying and thanking God, because you have the victory through him! Will you begin your 30 day challenge with us??

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.

Don’t Count Them out!

Hey, I want a divorce.

I’m tired of the back and forth about how I should live my life,

The tug-o-war about who’s right or not,

The late night rustling and wrestling because you don’t sleep anyway.

I can’t focus at work, can’t focus on my babies; because you are constantly in my face!

Wait, we were never meant to be. It was never supposed to be a marriage.

So on this day, I rip you from every piece of me, every fiber of my being, no longer attached to me, because you see, I am married to Jesus, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the great I am, who has always been all that I needed.

Fear, negativity, and everything keeping me from my destiny, your time is up, leave me now. You can’t have my kids, hubby belongs to our daddy, and yep, everyone attached to me WINS! I’m divorcing you this day, now and for good.

GAMES OVER…

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.

I want a divorce

Posted in Life Challenges

Sadness by Candice

Ever have moments where sadness seems to overtake you???? Me too. What do I do? Well it depends.

The other day, when I felt sad, I quickly dialed my momfriendster (mom, friend, and sister all wrapped in one, lol). I called her to talk about something else so I could get my mind off of the thing that was causing me to be sad and somehow it ended in prayer!

Talk about shedding some tears and feeling grateful.  This was just what I needed.

This blog is dedicated to all those who are within my circle of influence.  You know who you are.  You are the ones who encourage me, pray with me, speak life back into me or you give me a good ole laugh.

Even though I’ve learned over the years that not one person can meet all of my needs or wants (that’s what God is for), we sure do compliment one another.

Cheers to You who know your purpose, and walk in it everyday!!

I’m grateful today for the love I have yearned for for so many years; the peace I prayed for; the joy I strive to obtain in each day is truly found in Christ!

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.

I see you…..

Yes you, the mom who lost her darling son, yet remains as strong as an eagle.

Yes you, the single father who lost his loving wife to an unforgettable tragedy.

I see you too; the child who wakes up everyday to cruel words from friends and family.

And I can’t forget about the baby girl who just longs to belong.

Can I tell you how awesome and powerful you are….

How fearfully and wonderfully made you are….

HOW LOVED YOU ARE!!!! I see you, and so does our Heavenly Father.

#painistemporary #thistooshallpass #ISEEYOU

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.

I SEE YOU

Posted in Life Challenges

Journey With Me by Lee (Day 21 of 31)

Day 21 – January 21, 2018

God wants me to love and everything within me is screaming, NO!!! I don’t want to do it! I don’t want to admit it, but God not only loves us incredibly so, but He Is LOVE.

When He said to me to love, it was not a suggestion, comment or a question. It is His commandment to me. I don’t want to admit it, but He is not asking my permission, but demanding my obedience.

“Father, why can’t I love others from afar? I can pray for and give and help when needed. Why do I have to engage into their lives and on a regular basis? This is so uncomfortable for me.”

“Yes, I know it is. I have hidden many things in love. If you do not obey, you will remain in bondage and never walk in total freedom–the freedom I placed in my Son. Every victory in your life is hemmed in my Love. I gave everything so you would find all you need, in Him. Remember, I gave everything to you for love’s sake. You must follow my lead.”

In a moment’s time, my insides began to heat up. I am very warm. I reach for my fan and turn it on. The heat continues to burn within. I am now sweating, so I keep the fan on. In silence, I hear only the humming of the fan.

I get a quick glimpse of the compassion I lost, the simple task of just sitting with a friend, without saying a word, because no words are necessary, only my presence. I am sad, because now I realize the negative impact I left behind because of my lack of love.

Daily Reflections: Forgive me for my selfishness. Yes, I will obey and love….

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.

Posted in Life Challenges

Journey With Me by Lee (Day 20 of 31)

Day 20 – January 20, 2018

So now that I have a clear revelation of what is going on with me. I asked, “What do I do to move forward? Where do I begin?” This is going to sound cliche, but its what I heard: love and receive His love through others.

By nature I am a loner and I generally don’t trust others, because I have been hurt sooooo many times, too many to mention (does anyone know what I’m talking about?).

I don’t want to get too close to anyone either, because then I begin to feel vulnerable, and I don’t like that or being in anyone’s debt. When you reach out to others in love, you are expected to open your heart up to them, otherwise the relationship is one-sided and phony and will fade away into nothingness. Trust me I know. I’ve had a few of those with family and friends. If you’re not going to honestly open yourself up, then do not bother.

So all of these thoughts ram-sacked my mind when I heard the word, “love.”

“Father, I don’t want to. Please, is there any other way? ‘Let this cup pass from me….’ ”

I know my next statement should be: “However, let your will be done and not my own.” But I don’t want to say that, because if I do, His will for me is to love and in doing so, I must trust someone else with me. I’m not ready to face disappointment again. This is hard for me….

I know what it looks like to allow others to enter your safe zone. People are messy, and selfish, and mean-spirited, and hateful, and envious, and jealous, and competitive, and nasty, and talk about you, and ignore you, and leave you out, and treat you as though you are invisible, and forget about you, and are pretentious, and, and, and, and ‘sometimy’, and You want me to open up to that, Father? At least show me who “they are” first and then I’ll decide ….

Daily Reflections: The struggle is real today…..

DISCLAIMER:  This information is not intended to offer any advice, but intended for entertainment and informational purposes only.  These are only our suggestions.  We do not advocate any particular service or site.