I don't understand...

I don't understand... how people can be so hateful.
I don't understand... how people can be so rude.
I don't understand... how people are OK making others question their value.
I don't understand... why people can't just be respectful.
I don't understand... where this horrible bullying comes from.

What happened to treat others like you want to be treated? What happened to watching what comes out of your mouth (or through your fingers since a lot of it is online)? What happened to courtesy?

I am tired of seeing people brokenhearted over stupid things. You don't have to like everyone, but you need to be kind to everyone. I am tired of seeing people feel their worth comes from others when it ONLY comes from the Lord. I am sad to see the kind of world we live in where people can't just be nice or stay out of the way.

Lord... I lift the brokenhearted up to you. Let them feel Your goodness and comfort. Let them get their rest in You. I lift those who don't know you up to you. Let them know you Lord. Turn their hearts and their minds so they see their actions are not of You. Let there be peace Jesus. Let there be comfort. Let there be love. In your mighty name, Amen.

Regarding Cecil the Lion

I keep thinking about this story in terms of what we experienced going to South Africa last summer... When you go out of the country for a hunting trip, you have to trust 100% in your guides. You'd have no way of knowing details about the land or animals that they would. You trust that they will get all the permits and do the right thing if you are paying them the money to take you out hunting. If they lead you astray and you didn't know what you were doing was wrong, I don't believe that is your fault in this type of situation. There are so many other things going on in this world that should get some attention rather than the death of a lion. Hunting a lion isn't something new, its a pretty common thing in the hunting world and for this guy to get death threats over it is just crazy to me. What would happen if even half of these people would be up in arms about finding a cure for cancer or what planned parenthood is doing? Just my 2 cents. :::stepping off my soapbox :::

Thanks Influenster... I am loving my new Dove deodorant!

@Influenster sent me a new product to test complimentary, the new deodorant from #Dove. I am enjoying my #dove48hour #contest!

It's the advanced care antiperspirant deodorant that lasts up to 48 hours. The smell is nice, doesn't seem to get on my clothing, and keeps me smelling fresh. The one I am using is Caring Coconut. It's truly #loveatfirtswipe!

Raising Teenagers in 2015

I'm going to be completely honest here... as a parent of preteen/teen age kids, I am scared. How did we get to a place where we talk about suicide daily? How did it happen that we need to have suicide prevention training? How do people throw around the words "Go Kill Yourself" and think it won't have an impact? These are not conversations I ever had 20 years ago. 

My heart is breaking for my community. For the depression. For the stress to be perfect. For all the death that's happening at people's... children's... own hands. It seems like every week I hear of another teenager who has taken their own life. 

What was so bad?! What were they going through that caused them to do what they did? I am not judging... I am seriously just asking. I want to know. No, I NEED to know. I have a 15 year old and a 12 year old in my house and I need to know how to protect them. I am TERRIFIED of this life and these ways. 

As a believer, we are not of this world. I understand that day to day life can wear on us, but in the big picture, those little struggles we are going through won't mean much in the end. I spend so much time in prayer every day... praying for my children, their friends, our community. That they know they are loved... that they are worthy... that there is a purpose for their lives. 

Any moment that one of my kids starts to act differently or seems blue, I panic. I couldn't imagine either of them doing something to hurt themselves .I want to be observant but not overbearing. I want to teach my kids it's OK to be sad at times and give them healthy ways to deal with it. I want them to recognize signs of depression in their friends, but I don't want to plant ideas in their heads so they start seeing things that aren't there. I want to know how to speak with them to know if it's just a moment they are going through or something we need to get help with. 

I don't want to assume I know all the answers. I don't want to blow something off as "attention-seeking" that could be more. I need divine intervention to tell me the difference between moody and suicidal. 

I know I cannot change the world... and I know I am not alone in this struggle. I just want people to be nice to each other. Quit the bullying. Quit the harassment. Stop picking on people and just love them. No one needs to be perfect, we were never called to be. Love people for who they are, not what you expect them to be. 

Please read through this great page I found... it has so much helpful information. Help save a life. 

http://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/teenagers-guide-to-depression.htm

Mug O' Comfort SWAP Reveal!

Thanks http://cgswaps.blogspot.com/, I couldn't have been paired up with a better partner. I loved getting to know Cindy at http://www.inspirememama.com/. From my very first email with her, I knew that our meeting was a God thing. We have a common love for God and coffee, we are a match made in heaven.

She completely spoiled me!! I am so thankful for each and every thing she sent as I could see her heart on every item. Thank you, Cindy... I am so grateful for this new friendship of ours!

a JOY coffee mug with a bible verse.
a box of Caramel Starbucks KCups
a "My God is an Awesome God" block that's sitting on my desk at work
Notes with my initial
a heartfelt letter
little notepads
a basket
a teal organizer
a Faith plaque (that's hanging on my wall at work)
a journal that has bible verses
a devotional book
a devotional CD
a spatula with a bible verse
little bookmarks with bible verses

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Mug O'Comfort Swap

Yay! It's time for the Mug O'Comfort Swap again. I had a lot of fun doing this last year. I love me some coffee and have started a collection of coffee mugs, so this swap fits me perfectly.



Want to join in? Read the info below:

Are you ready to join the Mug O'Comfort Swap?

Don't forget to enter the accompanying giveaway HERE.

Your Swap Objective:

Get to know your fantastic partner and send them an awesome package that has a mug and other mug-related goodies.  Goodies can include things like treats, cocoa, coffee, tea, etc.

Dates to Remember:

• Sign-Ups Start: Monday, February 9th.
• Sign-Ups End: Monday, February 16th.
• Giveaway Ends: Tuesday, February 17th.
• Partners Assigned: Wednesday, February 18th.
• Packages Ship: by or on Saturday, March 7th.
• Show-Off Link Opens: Wednesday, March 11th.

Mug O'Comfort Swap Rules:

• After being accepted, you must post on your blog saying you're participating.  Post must include the button/link back to the sign-ups and must be posted within 3 days of signing up.
• Packages must cost $15-$25 before shipping.
• Send things that fit your partner's preferences-make it a package you'd love to receive!
• You must respond to host's & partner's emails in a timely fashion.
• Packages MUST be mailed on or before Saturday, March 7th. (if you have any problem please contact hosts and partner immediately.) 
• All packages REQUIRE tracking when shipped.  This tracking number must be emailed to your partner and to Chaotic Goddess Swaps when your package is sent out.
• Flaking wont be tolerated.  If you sign up for the swap you are making a commitment to participate and follow through. Flakers will automatically be added to our Blacklist.
• After receiving your package, you must post about it on your blog and link up with the show-off linky when it is open.  This is non-negotiable.

AdoreMe

I was chosen by @Influenster to do another #VoxBox, just in time for Valentine's Day!  Check out this promotion that @AdoreMe is doing on sleepwear. AdoreMe

#adoreme
#contest
#free
#myopinions
#testing

Puppy Love in Utah.

Diesel has taken over our lives so why shouldn't he have his own blog?! 

Check out what's going on in our house at: http://puppyloveinutah.blogspot.com/