Coffee for Breakfast

Daydreamy that is... As my husband and myself are approaching a certain age that is not considered youngsters, we find ourselves thinking hard and often about our future. We feel like now is the time (even though younger would have been better!) to really consider how we would like to live our older years together. We are young enough, and healthy enough, to make our future comfortable...if we work on it NOW. We have some lofty goals to meet. We have moved over fourteen times during our marriage. Most moves were job transfers. Because of the temporary timeline of some of these jobs, we made a decision to rent rather than buy. Renting was necessary until we were in a place we would "settle". Since we have been in our current area for about 5 1/2 years, I guess we are staying. We now find ourselves at a point in life where most of our peers may be paying off their mortgages, or close to it. We find ourselves just beginning. We are finally ready to buy. We have locat...

  For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Gal. 5:13-16 This verse strikes a very raw nerve in me this morning. I wonder if one of those desires of the flesh might be a human feeling of being understood? Do we bicker, argue, and gossip because we feel like no one understands us? I hear it and I say it. "They don't even know me. They couldn't possibly understand my pain. They would understand my reaction if they only knew what I've been through." EXCUSES. I think we all have them. We excuse our own behaviors. We know how our own heart aches. We excuse our own words to others. We know what we were try...

"Do what you can with what you have." These words have been on my mind all week. Especially when I come up with excuses for not doing certain things. "I don't have (fill in the blank) to do this or that." "I'll do it later, when I have more (time, money, etc.)." Or one of the most common... "I'll start (fill in the blank) on Monday." Monday comes and goes, week after week. Time moves forward. I get older with each passing day. One of my favorite verses in the Bible is found in Isaiah 43:19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. I want to be a part of this new thing God is doing in my life. I want to be fully aware of His presence working in my life. I want to obey His words to my heart. "Do what you can with what you have." I believe the time is now. No more procrastinating. God says He is doing ...

I've been on a quest (a long drawn out quest) for a healthier lifestyle. I won't pretend to have it conquered. Not even close! On the other hand, we have started to make some positive changes. We are attempting to eliminate all processed foods. This is going very well. I say attempting because we will continue to use things previously purchased. I grocery shop on a very tight budget and can not bring myself to throw some items out. I'm happy to say we don't actually buy very many processed groceries to start with. This change has been fairly easy as long as we are eating at home. The only challenge has been eating out (very seldom) and fast food (daughters, quite often). The choices may be limited at fast food places, but they usually do have a few items that could be considered "healthy". I have chronic thirst. I am known to have something to drink at all times! I know this could signal a health problem or dehydration. (I'm working on it!) The ma...

Just browsing a little, hoping to be inspired. I looove this idea: creative baby shower idea! On my "to do" list: trinket tray cutest little trays Eat the fruit, make the bed: My granddaughter needs this! Oh the possibilities! doing this soon Hope I can find some time to create something wonderful in the very near future.

Most of the time, it seems to me, disagreements happen because of simple misunderstandings. Other times though, "it goes much deeper than that". (to quote a very misguided individual) Those are the words used to explain a person's wrong actions and attempt to make it sound spiritual at the same time. Well, that's not a new trick. Satan quoted scripture to Jesus after he had fasted for forty days and nights. I didn't just miss that. Did you? Jesus had been fasting. What happens to your body during a fast? I've personally never fasted for forty days but I'm pretty sure my flesh would be pretty weak. So, here comes the enemy, trying to sound "all spiritual", while simultaneously attacking while you are in a weakened condition. Wouldn't a person be able to be used of God in a much deeper way if they only used discernment, and maybe a little common sense? Let's say, for example, you have prayed to be used of God. You have a made up mind to ser...

My earlier post came about because of a recent bible study. I was studying the book of Ruth last week. I love Ruth. This time though, I studied from Naomi's point of view. Here are some notes from my journal. Oh Naomi, how much more closely I can relate to you right now than Ruth. I've always liked the book of Ruth...from Ruth's perspective. Looking at this story from a different point of view has been eye-opening. First of all, when life came tumbling down around her, Naomi did two things that are not acceptable in church circles. She changed her name from 'Pleasantness' to 'Bitterness', and she blamed God. (Naomi answered the people, "Don't call me Naomi [pleasant]. Call me Mara [bitter], because the Almighty has made my life very sad. When I left, I had all I wanted, but now, the LORD has brought me home with nothing...) BUT, God was about to move in her life in ways she had never dreamed! God had already set in motion His plan of redemption. The...

Feeling SUCH an urge to update my blog... Just wanted to let any curious readers know that all is well at the Bracknell home. (just in case you were wondering) I have another urge to say: "The truth is... I'm with a wonderful Christian man, living the dream...wonderful family, wonderful job, fabulous life!" LOL So, let's keep it REAL here. The real honest truth is this... I am married to an awesome husband who loves the Lord. He is wonderful because I am not living in a fantasy world. He is wonderful because he loves me so much he admits his shortcomings. He can do this, as can I, because our love is unconditional. I am definitely living out my dreams. Is this because everything is perfect? No. It's because everything is imperfect and I don't live under the pressure of having to pretend. My wonderful family... Yes I have a wonderful family! They are wonderful to me because they are mine. If you knew them like I do, you would have to agree! I'm ve...

I haven't posted in a while, but thought I would drop in to share a couple of new or new-to-me blogs I've been enjoying! I ran across this while browsing this morning. God is always right on time! I guess this is just something you cannot fully understand until you walk through it. When we have young children we strive to do all the right things thinking the end result will be the deserved payoff for all our efforts. As we grow through life we learn a little... Another blog I would love to share is Find and Seek , written by my very own oldest daughter! Very gifted writer who writes from her heart. She is not afraid to be exactly who God called her to be. Hope you enjoy reading! I hope to post new pictures soon of some finished projects!

Have you ever met someone completely impressive? Of course we all probably have. It just seems that my idea of impressive has changed through the years. I'm sure that as a teenager I would have been thrilled with meeting a celebrity. Maybe Rick Springsteen? Lol. Maybe In my 20's I would have appreciated meeting any number of successful career minded people. That would have impressed me and given me hope for my future. As I headed into my 30's I became a fan of a few high profile homeschool speakers. I definitely would have been impressed to have personally met a few of them. Now, as I have entered my 40's, my priorities have changed. The absolute most impressive people I meet are authentic. I'm impressed with a person who is not afraid to be exactly who God made them. They know they are a forgiven sinner, covered by the blood of Jesus. Their life and their words are full of mercy and grace. They give others what God has given them. Now, that is impressive. I know a...

As I was browsing a few of my favorite blogs this morning, I ran across this on Message International. These words rang true in my heart so I thought I would share them here. I encourage you to read Lisa's books. They are deep and life-changing. She is a gifted from the Lord author. Reading a few of her books have ignited a fire in my heart to draw closer to God. They challenge me to be who God called me to be. A prophetic word for women & church leaders... I woke this morning with such an urgency to share the following excerpt from Lioness Arising. I believe it is an urgent and prophetic word for Church leaders and God’s women. I shared this portion with John and he said he wished EVERY church leader could hear it...so here is our attempt. Feel free to re-post and share as you feel led. Then turning to the woman, but speaking to Simon, (Jesus) said, “Do you see this woman? I came to your home; you provided no water for my feet, but she rained tears on my feet and dried them ...

Just a little over a year ago, we drove our son to Teen Challenge of El Paso. I remember having mixed feelings and being full of various emotions. On one hand I was reluctant to leave my son in the hands of strangers. But mostly I felt so proud of the decision he had made and I felt he was totally safe in God's hands. I recall having the most restful sleep that first night. I experienced the peace that passes all understanding. I didn't go to bed worrying about his safety for the first time in several years. Dear Shelby, A few months before you made the decision to go to Teen Challenge, God promised our family restoration. I'm so overwhelmed with the goodness of God. He never fails us. I am so proud of you for making a stand to change your life and serve God. I am a very blessed Mama! I know this has been a hard year, but growing pains are never easy. I am blessed to have a son who can stand up and do hard things. It is amazing to be a witness to the power of God. With God,...

Proud daddy! Big sister testifying how she had to stop fighting with him and start fighting for him! She has her best friend back! Teen Challenge staff and former graduates speaking. A hug from Pastor Albert. Teen Challenge Graduate! Shelby giving his testimony. Shelby with the cake that Ms. Mary made him. The family! Kaitlyn singing to her big brother. Shelby with Teen Challenge director, Pastor Albert Iberra. Shelby with the girls! I'm so proud of my son!

God and I have been having some awesome talks lately! Actually I'm learning to do a lot less talking and a lot more listening. It's amazing the things we can learn if we can just learn to be still...and listen. I've always known my calling. I have never really doubted it. God placed a huge desire in my heart to be a wife and mom. I've always known my ministry begins in my home. Do I think I have done a great job? Hardly. Some days, yes I do okay. But it is the days that I feel I only-sort-of-kind-of-maybe resemble what God called me to be that I learn the most. I learn that I wasn't meant to walk this journey alone. God wants to walk beside me. He doesn't complain that I need Him every hour! He loves it! Sometimes fear tries to grip me. It says, "Your kids see how impatient you are" or "You'll never be able to manage this household properly". I could go on and on. But I am learning to hear The Voice . The One who speaks the Truth . I don...

Today I recieved a newsletter from Teen Challenge. Featured in the newsletter was the following featured student: Shelby Dean Slaton Age: 19 # Siblings: 4 Favorite Sports Team: Cowboys Favorite Meal: Cheeseburgers Favorite Author: Rob Bell/Shane Claiborne Favorite Scripture: "He who dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalm 91:1) Brief History: My drug problem started at age 13. Over the years I would suppress my anger over my parents' divorce through the use of more and more drugs. By the time I was 18, I was a chronic drinker and smoker. A day didn't go by that I wasn't getting high on various drugs. I lost all my relationships with my family and hated who I had become. The drugs became my identity and I didn't like that. My Turning Point: I believed that there had to be something more to life than dying daily and destroying anything and everything I put my hands on. My mom had always told me about Chr...

Thought I would post a few links. This is my list of blogs that I have been reading lately. When creativity is running low I can always find some inspiration. This site has some wonderful ideas. I especially like that she uses mostly thrifted items. I also love her ideas for photos. Another recent find is this. Love her creativity. This site truly "inspires" me. Yes, I would love to copy several of her ideas, but her blog has helped me to create some of my own. (in my mind!) One last blog that inspires me is this! Yes, I know this has nothing to do with the usual creativity I post. This is creativity on a completely different level. I read this blog and start to believe I could do this. I am inspired!