Pray for Japan

By now, everyone old enough to comprehend the news probably knows what has happened in Japan.  For a few days following the earthquake pray for Japan was a trending topic on twitter and everyone had something on their social media accounts about what was happening across the globe.  The people in Japan still need our prayers.  And after reading an article on foxnews.com title, "Japan's Nuclear Rescuers: 'Inevitable Some of Them May Die Within Weeks" it is evident that the people of Japan need our prayers more than ever.  

The workers of Fukushima 50 are risking their lives to prevent a meltdown of reactors that were extremely damaged by the March 11th earthquake and tsunami.  Each worker know that they are being repeatedly exposed to dangerously high radioactive levels but are willing to do so in order to cooling systems back online.  Please join me and take 90 seconds out of your day to pray for those risking their lives in Japan and anywhere else around the world to help save others.

Verse of the Day

As my husband and I were driving in the car this morning I was telling him how I feel more stressed for some reason.  I actually don't really know why but I just do.  His response was, "Rest in peace babe."  I immediately cut him off and gave him a look.  He continued his sentence and said, "For He has already conquered all."  It took me all but 3 seconds to process what he said.

Philippians 4:6-7 says:

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

Jesus is alive.  He is with us now, at this very moment.  Even in the most stressful situations we must be at peace knowing that He is with us.  After I realized that I took a step back, apologized to Adam for giving him a look and thanked him for a peaceful heart!

What kind of basketball fan are you?

A fellow basketwife of mine from Traveling Allowed wrote a funny piece called "What kind of basketball fan are you?"  Check it out!

As I read the following categories I started laughing out loud because I've met at least one wife that could fit into every category.  As for myself, I had to go back and read them twice before I could make my decision.  First and foremost I am The Knowledgeable Wife.  I've played and watched basketball my entire life.  I don't want to sound full of myself but I really know the game (just ask my husband who always asks for my analysis of the game once it's over - ha). But along with The Knowledgeable Wife I am guilty of being The Critic as well.  Anyone how has seen European basketball knows that 80% of referees are absolutely horrible (was that too harsh?).  Bad calls both ways, bad calls one way, making up calls after the messed up the last call, etc., it never ends.  And I am the first to call Adam out when he needs a little boost or wake up call.  To top it off, I love to give the referees my two cents; never in a rude way but you will most certainly hear me yell, "I am sorry Sir, but that was an AWFUL call."

So to all my basketwives/girlfriends/fiancees what type of basketball fan are you?

Verse of the Day

I want to remind my readers that you are all so beautiful!  Simply gorgeous inside and out!

Psalm 139:14

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 

your works are wonderful, 

I know that full well.

Anthony Robles: One-legged Wrestler

In the midst of some heated March Madness games was the Division 1 Wrestling National Championship. As soon as Anthony Robles took the mat I was shocked that a one-legged wrestler was about to battle for the National Championship and much to my surprise, he won! It was amazing to see what he could do. I know nothing about wrestling but I do know he is good, really good.

Divorce in Professional Athletics by Erin Crispin

Once again Erin has blown my mind with a fabulous series of posts titled, "Divorce in Professional Athletics."  It is a topic that many people who are not married to professional athletes have questions about.   And on the flip side I have met many wives along my journey that are constantly worried about what their husbands are doing while on the road.  Please take a look at her recent series to get some insight on how some basketwives and their husbands keep their marriage strong!

My Walgreens Trip: 3/15

I decided to change things up this week since Rite Aid didn't have anything that I needed nor wanted.  So I went to Walgreens this week instead.

My total OOP was $5.24.  I also received $1 RR that is good at Walgreens or at Walmart.  Not my best deals but not too shabby!

(This picture excludes Jayden's $.25 Transformer Chocolate)

Hillsong United: Aftermath Concert

On Friday night, Adam and I headed to Boston to go see Hillsong United in concert.  One of the bandmates said he would leave tickets for us last week so when Friday rolled around we couldn't wait to get down there!  Adam was able to meet with someone he had been emailing with for months now but has actually never met.  Of course they talked basketball the entire time but I guess that's what you do when you both have played professionally!

There are no words to describe how amazing the concert was.  The presence of God was everywhere!  The feeling of people coming together to sing for the same reason was just unreal.  I felt honored to be there and it was a night I will never forget!  Boston was their last stop for this tour but I am pretty sure they come back to the states in late July or August.  If they're playing anywhere by you, you should really check them out!

Playful Words

Parents, I need advice.

Jayden has just started getting into action figures.  He loves Batman and Transformers.  He has never watched either of them on TV or in a movie so I have no idea what he is so into them.  While he plays with them he often uses harsh words such as "kill," "dead," "hurt," etc.  Those words are definitely not allowed during regular play.  When I asked him why he is using such harsh and mean words he responded by saying, "Momma, bad guys need to die because they hurt other peoples feelings.  They are mean and the good guys are killing them so they can win!"  He said it with some much passion as if he was making the world a better place.

For a just turned 4 year old, I think while playing with action figures there are plenty of other words he could be using.  At the same time, he did make a pretty valid point.  So parents, non-parents, and everyone else, what do you think?  Please, your honest feedback would be appreciated!

Joe Crispin: Watch & Think

For those of you who don't follow Joe Crispin, I suggest you do.  He is an excellent writer and his posts are really worth reading.  Incase you missed it, I have to share with you a piece he wrote on March 3rd.  He titled it "Watch and Think."  He talks about 2 videos; the new iPad video and a video of the people of Kimyal receiving the New Testament in their native language for the first time.  It really makes you stop and think about what you are valuing the most in your life.

Check it out!

Jayden's 1st Basketball Game

Once a week Jayden goes to the local YMCA for Rookies Basketball. He gets so bashful when he gets on the court sometimes (which is so out of character for him). On the last day of class, the teacher allowed them to play a game. As you can see, these are beginner basketball players but Jayden really did enjoy himself. He thinks of it as a "team" he is on just like Daddy!

Remembering Wes Leonard

I overheard someone talking about the story of Wes Leonard last night and this morning when I hopped on the computer to check it out I was speechless and in tears.  What a tragic story of a high school athlete.  The least we could do is pray for his family, friends and their community.  Please pray with me!

My Trip to Rite Aid: 3/4

You've been reading about my trips to Rite Aid and I have another one.  I didn't get too much but I also didn't pay too much either.  It's a win/win situation in my book.

Items Purchased
4 Nivea Lip Care
2 Colgate 360 Toothbrushes

Total OOP: $.82.

P.S. One would imagine the Nivea Lip Care is for me, but my dear husband loves it!

Deal of the Week: Dr. Pepper

I don't drink any soda besides an occasional glass of ginerale.  However, like I mentioned earlier, if I can get something for free I would buy it anyways and donate it to our local food bank.  

This week at Stop & Shop and Big Y, Dr. Pepper is on sale for $1.  There are little peelies that hang down in front of the display for .55 cents off 1 Dr. Pepper 2 liter.  Once that is doubled (both stores double everything under a dollar) it is FREE!

I have 11 bottles of Dr. Pepper that I am donating today!  Not the healthiest option to donate but it is still something.  And for a random fact, I can't even bear to take a sip of Dr. Pepper.  The smell of it makes me sick.  Happy shopping! 

Hillsong United: Aftermath, cont.

A couple of my friends came through with their favorite music so I wanted to share it with you.  But first, I have to tell you that Hillsong United had a SOLD OUT crowd last night at the Staples Center.  Can you believe that?  I can't even wrap my head around the fact that the LA Lakers sell out the Staples Center and now a praise and worship band did the same.  God is real good!

Erin, from Married to a Baller shared here list here:

1. Steven Curtis Chapman- Not only a wonderful guy in person, but a great musician who has been making quality music for a long time. My favorite albums would have to be "Greatest Hits", "Declaration", "All About Love" and "Beauty Will Rise"
2. Tenth Avenue North- "Over and Underneath" and "Light Meets the Dark"
3. Nichole Nordeman- "Woven and Spun"
4. Casting Crowns- "Casting Crowns" and "Lifesong"
5. Cademon's Call: "In the Company of Angels: A Call to Worship"
6. Sovereign Grace Music: All 3 of their children's CD's are great, plus my favorites are "Sons & Daughters", "Upward: The Bob Kauflin Hymns Project", "The Valley of Vision" and "Worship God Live" Plus all are on sale right now for very cheap at http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/category.aspx?categoryID=5
7. Out of Eden: "Out of Eden: The Hits"
8. Reilly: "Let June Decide"
9. Matt Redman: "Ultimate Collection"
10. Newsboys: "Adoration: The Worship Album"

And Maria from Pieces of My Mind shared here list here:

Audrey Assad
Chris Tomlin "Arriving"
"Here I am to Worship" (It's a bunch of worship songs from various artists)
Jennifer Knapp "Kansas" and "Letting Go" though I like her work in general 
Newsboys -- OK, The Breakfast Song is something I could wake up to daily. I like their other work too, but I love the way this one makes me smile though I wouldn't necessarily call it worship. 
Lacrae 
And my favorite song of all: The Happy Song on "Here I Am to Worship" CD.

Need a little boost in the morning?  I am telling you these songs will do just that!