I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29: 11-13


I know that everyone goes through hills and valleys...sometimes it just hard to remember that it happens to everyone & it's normal.

I have been stuck in a valley.

Big stuck ~ Big Valley!

Between everyday life, kids, husband, struggling with finances, & working full time, I was feeling defeated.  The straw that broke the camels back… I was in a car accident and totaled my mini van. To say I was devastated is an understatement. Yes…  I thank God that no one was hurt. But I was stuck in mourning for our family car. That mini van was tied to my independence. Without it I am totally dependent on others.  Plus I don’t share well with others. I want my own car!

One day last week I was having an especially hard time. Every morning I read a daily devotional on line. The scripture of the day was Jeremiah 29: 11-13. I thought… wow that hits home this morning. That evening I was surfing through some blogs, guess what… there it was again. Jeremiah 29: 11-13.

I called Husband over.

(I was bawling.)

He loves it when I do the ugly cry….

Me: Look, this scripture came across my laptop/crack berry screen twice today. Do you think it’s a coincidence?

Husband: Well DUH… no! Ain't he precious I think God is telling you something.

Ok so I will try & listen. I then get a 5x7 card and write Jeremiah 29: 11-13 and put it in my pocket. I’ve had it with me since.

The very next day Angie (the better half of this Web/Blog Adventure) came to my house with roses and a card for me. She rocks like that! That is so Angie to bring me pink baby roses and a card when I’m struggling. I love her! I open the card and guess what scripture she has hand written on the card. Yep… Jeremiah 29: 11-13!  

Me: looking up… OK God I get it!!!!!!!  You are my hope and my Future. You will take care of me.

Sometimes I just need a reminder that he is in control…. NOT me!

Thank You Lord!

Don’t get me wrong by no means am I, as husband would say a “tree hugger”. But as time in my life goes by I think I could be making some better choices. So baby steps, here we go.

First step… reusable grocery bags. Love them!   I seem to have collected several of them. Some are just plain bags but a few of them are really great. It has been a nice change from having 9,000 of those dumb plastic bags around. Although my kids are getting tired of running out to the car while the grumpy checker lady glares at me for holding up her line. Of coarse I don’t remember the bags until I’m in line and see the other earth conscious people with their bags.    As the crab behind me is snorting, I give her the “Oh get off it lady, I’m saving the environment!” glare.

You should pick up a few. I’ve seen them for a little as two for a dollar.

The first one I bought was at Trader Joe’s. I don’t know if you’re familiar with TJ’s.  It is a great grocery store. Our closest store is in Seattle. On our last adventure to the area I decided I wanted to scope out good ole Trader Joe. Well due to circumstances out of my control Husband came with me. I guess I forgot to tell him TJ’s is mainly organic. Oh that went over well “What is this? Organic crap?”

All I heard for the two hour ride home is “I suppose now your gonna stop shaving your legs too.” One reusable grocery sack and a cart of organics and the man is so nervous he can hardly see straight.

Moral of that story… Next time husband will wait in the car.

Oh yeah, and I LOVE reusable bags!