to remember

Had a very rough day and this verse came to mind:

After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” Genesis 15:1

Living life

I am trying to trust in God that he has a plan for me. Trusting Him to help me make the right choices in life. Sometimes I get so busy planning "life" that I forget about just living life! Help me to remember to go with the flow....

$1.00 makeup!

I posted this on Facebook, but thought I would share it again:)

http://www.eyeslipsface.com/shop.asp

Nordstrom is changing the logo
on their makeup, so they're selling everything for $1!!!

The make-up line e.l.f. (eyes-lips-face) has been bought out by
Nordstrom and will be re-packaged with the Nordstrom name on it. They
are getting rid of the entire make up in ELF packaging. They are
selling everything for $1. You do have to pay shipping. They have
everything - powder, mascara, lipstick, a mineral line (100% natural),
brushes & cases, nail polish, lotions, you name it - it's there.

My day!

This morning was another "cold" morning. Of course, "cold" being a relative word. I am sure some people think it is warm when it is 30 out!

I left my home at 8 am and arrived @ my first client (and good friend). After helping to get 2 year old Sarah off to school, I gave the 6 month old twin boys baths. Then I bundled them up, loaded them in the double stroller and we were off for a nice long 2 hour walk. I did not have my gloves and I nearly froze my hands off!

The twins had a great time sleeping while I pushed them, talk about a good workout! Along the way, I stopped to do my daily pushup's, dip's and ab work.

When I got back to their house, my hands were so numb that I could not unbuckle their straps. Thank goodness, "mom" came home just then w/ Sarah and she helped me get the boys out. They were hungry, so we tried solid food first, then after they had enough of that, the standby bottles were ready:)

At my next family, I picked up Kyle while his brother Blake had Spanish. Kyle & I worked on homework and then he left for soccer. I took Blake for a play date with Ian. Then 2 other kids, Sam & Chloe got dropped off. Once Blake & Kyle's mom got home, I left with Sam & Chloe.

This is where the exciting part of my day began! As we were walking toward the door, I asked if Sam had a key....um, no he did not. The front door was locked (sometimes it is left open). So, my creative brain jumped into gear. We went to the back of the house to the garage. Still not open. So then, I saw the alley way. I tried to climb the wall, but 9 feet was a little out of my reach. So, I called for Sam and I lifted him up the wall (good thing I lift weights!) and he went over without any trouble. Thank god! The back door was open and we all made it inside. We were laughing so hard. It was so hilarious, 3 people in the dark trying to climb a wall, if any body walked by then would have thought we were breaking in. And I guess technically we were!

They went to bed and I rested 'till the parents got home. Then I finally dragged my butt home and started to blog, but by 12:30am, my brain had enough and I fell asleep:)

I am still laughing at last night!! I love memories like that:)

Sleep

Oh, why does sleep elude me? I need sleep!!! It has been a crazy day and another one coming up.
Lord, please let me know you are there and give me sweet dreams.

Good quote

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle" (Plato)

from a friend

I received these kind words from Doug Keen. THANK YOU!!! I really appreciate it:)

“Sarah Stanley is one of the more responsible people that I know. When she sees a task at hand, she’ll give it her best effort in a very determined fashion in order to see it to completion. She is much more the giver than the taker in those situations, preferring to get the job done almost regardless of the amount of personal effort it may take. I’ve seen this approach to things in the full spectrum of her life from professional to personal. There are few exceptions, from my view. The icing on the cake is that all the while she’s going about her business, she remains upbeat, friendly and understanding of those around her. One can’t ask for more dedication with the bonus of a creative, positive attitude, than that. Like most successful people, Sarah does what she assesses needs to be done, even if it’s single-handedly. I would definitely count on her no matter how important the job or fatiguing it may be to complete. To recommend her is indeed a pleasure.” October 28, 2008

Doug Kean , photographer | voiceover artist , Shotz Photos, LLC
was a consultant or contractor to Sarah at Sarah Stanley

Live your life

I recently heard this song and fell in love with it. While I don't agree with some of the lyrics, I think the basic message is clear.

A great reminder for me every moment, every day.
Live in the present!
Live MY life, not someone's else.


What you need to do is be thankful for the life that you got.
You know what I'm sayin'.
Stop lookin' at what you ain't got
and start bein' thankful for what you do got.
Let's give it to 'em baby girl.

You're gonna be a shining star
With fancy clothes and fancy ca-ars
And then you'll see, you're gonna go far
'Cause everyone knows who you a-are

So live your life
Instead of chasing that paper
Just live your life
Ain't got no time for no haters

Just live your life
No telling where it'll take ya
Just live your life
'Cause I'm a paper chaser

Just living my life
Just living my life

Never mind what haters say, ignore 'em 'til they fade away
Amazing they ungrateful after all the game I gave away
Safe to say I paved the way for you cats to get paid today
You'd still be wasting days away, now had I never saved the day

Consider them my protégé, homage I think they should pay
Instead of being gracious they violate in a major way
I never been a hater still I love them in a crazy way
Some say they sold yay and no they couldn't get work on Labor day

It ain't that they black or white, it has an area the shade of grey
I'm west side anyway, even if I left today and stayed away
Some move away to make a way, not move away 'cause they afraid
I brought back to the hood and all you ever did was take away

I pray for patience but they make me want to melt their face away
Like I once made them spray, now I could make 'em put the K's away
Been thugging all my life, can't say I don't deserve to take a break
You would rather see me catch a case and watch my future fade away

You're gonna be a shining star
With fancy clothes and fancy ca-ars
And then you'll see, you're gonna go far
'Cause everyone knows who you a-are


I'm the opposite of moderate
Immaculately polished with the spirit of a hustler and the swagger of a college kid
Allergic to the counterfeit, impartial to the politics
Articulate but still I'll grab a nigga by the collar quick

Whoever having problems with their record sales just holla T.I.P.
If that don't work and all else fails then turn around and follow T.I.P.
I got love for the game but ay I'm not in love with all of it
Could do without the fame and rappers nowadays are comedy

The hooting and the hollering, back and forth with the arguing
Where you from, who you know, what you make and what kind of car you in
Seems as though you lost sight of what's important when depositing
Them checks into your bank account and you up out of poverty

Your values is in disarray, prioritizing horribly
Unhappy with the riches 'cause you piss poor morally
Ignoring all prior advice and fore warning
And we mighty full of ourselves all of a sudden, aren't we?

You're gonna be a shining star
With fancy clothes and fancy ca-ars
And then you'll see, you're gonna go far
'Cause everyone knows who you a-are

So live your life
Instead of chasing that paper
Just live your life
Ain't got no time for no haters

Just live your life
No telling where it'll take ya
Just live your life
'Cause I'm a paper chaser


Got everybody watching what I do
Come walk in my shoes
And see the way I'm living if you really want to
Got my mind on my money and I'm not going nowhere

So keep on getting your paper and keep on climbing
Look in the mirror and keep on shining
'Till the game ends, 'till the clock stops
We gon' post up on the top spot

Living the life, the life
In a brand new city got my whole team with me
The life, my life
I do what I wanna do

I'm living my life, my life
I will never lose,
I'm living my life, my life
And I'm not stopping

So live your life!

A new day

I hope today is a better day then yesterday.
Help me to relax and breathe!
Help me to not be overwhelmed.
I know that the time you have given me here on earth, it is Yours. Help me to be a blessing to the people I come in contact with

And I am thanking God for friends. They are wonderful.

~peace~

What a day

So, here it is almost midnight and I am beat. Today has been an extremely long day!

To start with, I am still sick and taking more drugs. So my system is in overload. I get to my first client and I was shaking so badly that I thought I should go to the ER right away. I called my best friend, Lori and she told me to sit down. Oh, and I was also feeling very nauseous. Not a good combo when you have a baby in your arms! After sitting down for a few minutes, I forced myself to feel better.

My clients were great today. First the 6 month old twins had their checkup and also shots. Poor things.

Then in the afternoon with my second family I made Play Doh with Blake(age 6). He loved it! It is really easy to make. Next week we are going to make edible Play Doh. That should be fun:)

My third client of the day was this evening. After dinner, baths, reading bed time stories to the kids & putting them down, I was able to watch the Biggest Loser. The parents had a dinner to attend so it was nice and quiet.

Watching the Biggest Loser was actually kind of bittersweet for me. Phil got eliminated. It was also his 20 year wedding anniversary. He surprised his wife with a ring and a vow renewal ceremony. They said how much they loved each other, how they were best friends. How my heart longed to have that soul mate. Why is finding love so hard? I have been pondering this question for quite some time now. I so want to love my best friend, share life with, do things together, be there for each other, help others, have a family and show the world that we love each other! I am trying so hard to trust that His timing is perfect, but I am getting restless. I need to be patient and wait for the "one". The "one" who I can love, who loves me back, who we share everything with, the one that we can grow together, the one that I can show how much I appreciate him, the one who is ready . Lord, please give me a patient heart. May this waiting period in my life be used to grow closer to you. Help me to trust that you have a plan for my life.

Love, it has been a life long question. One I am sure I write more about. For now, I am me and me alone. Alone to focus on being the best person I can be. To help others in need. For now, time to go to bed....sweet dreams.

~peace~

I can only imagine

A song that is giving me hope!

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By Your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When Your face
Is before me
I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine

When that day comes
When I find myself
Standing in the Son
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine


When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship you
I can only imagine...

Copyright MercyMe

Sick

Being sick really bites! However during my current illness, I am doing what I should, rest. Take it easy...breathe.....slow down....heal. I hope it works!

~peace

Life and trust

What will today bring? I sometimes wish that I would know what to expect so I can be prepared for it. Will I be disappointed? Will I be pleasantly surprised?

I wish I could see the the board game of life, moving along the board and reaching the desired spot "home". But I am not, so Lord, help me to be patient and trust in what you have planned for me. Remind me to "live my life" and go with the flow.

~peace~

Fall and life

As I was taking a walk today, I noticed that it was Fall.....yes I finally realized that:) The leaves on the trees were rich, beautiful colors of orange, red, yellow and brown. As I was walking I was thinking that our lives are a lot like seasons, a lot like tress....not a new thought I know.

Having recently come through some very tough times, I pictured myself as "Winter". My "Winter" was a long a season for me. Everything that I planned for came crashing down. My hopes, my dreams, my wishes, my smile, my spirit, my outlook, my love, my determination, my life, my energy, it was gone. Winter overwhelmed me. Winter took over my body.

Today I can look back on that very long season and see how God worked to take me from the bottom of "Winter" and bring me back to live life. Today I pictured myself as a fall leaf, full of vibrant color. As I watched the leaves fall down around me, I picked one up. As I held the leaf in my hand it reminded me that even though I fall, someone will be there to pick me up. It may be a very painful and long journey, but there is always a season ahead that will make you look back at your life path and see how where you came from. Where I am headed to, I do not know, but I pray & hope that the happy times are ahead. And the Winter season will be less frequent.

I reflected on my winter season and wondered why. I don't know the answer to that, but I hope that I went through the valley of winter to help others. To reach others who are in the "Winter" season. To touch a soul. To trust God. To be at peace. To be a blessing. To share a smile.

When we are in the lowest of our time, God is there to encourage us. He also puts dear friends in our lives to slowly put our leaves back on our tree. He brings us joy. He brings us peace.

Although my tree is not full of leaves yet, I am looking forward to the day when it is. For now, I am happy that my time in the winter "cave" is almost done. Live my life, no mater what season it is....there is a better season ahead. Promise.

Peace
SES

Marathon thoughts

This morning was the morning. At this time right now I was to be running my 3rd marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon. Well, those plans had to be deferred. I have been suffering with a few injury's and could not heal in time to race.

Having been a volunteer coach for the First Time Marathon program, not being able to run with my group is a letdown. I should be there with them. I need to help encourage them. Wait, is this about me or them?

I am learning to "let it go". Once I made my decision to defer to 2009 I have had such peace. Peace that I am learning my lesson to not run injured. Do I want to run for the day or for the rest of my life? I knew the logical answer and made the choice that would let me heal quickly. I am content and know that there is a "bigger picture"for my marathon running life.

Oh, but wait, I want to run a marathon before 2008 ends....

Good luck to all my friends running this morning, I am there in spirit!

Today, Saturday, Oct 25, 2008

Today was a good day for me! Thank you God!

Even though it was dreary and damp outside, my heart & mind were full of love and thankfulness. I was able to take a yoga class. The class was a time for me to unwind and think about nothing-or try to think about nothing!

Today was also clean sheet day-yeah:) I love clean sheet day!

Then this afternoon, Carli and I went Halloween shopping. We had fun getting small treats and laughing at all the drivers on wet/slick roads. Yes, the cars I talked to got out of my way:) LOL
We went to one of her favorite stores-Sephora-and try on makeup. We had a blast! I had been looking for the past few weeks for a game called "Blokus" and I finally found it today at Target! So, tonight, Carli, Rachel and I played it. I love family game times.

Tonight, I baked some treats and decorated boxes for Halloween, while watching the Penn State game vs Ohio. PSU won and I am so happy about that!

And oh, yes checking Facebook to make sure I know what is going on in the FB world!

Listening to the news now and thanking God for giving me one more day on the earth. This week a teenager was killed, another one of friends had a still born and another friend lost twins. I pray that God may give them the strength and courage to face each moment ahead.

~ Peace & blessings

The things we do

I have been thinking a lot about the things we do. Do we do "things" so we get attention? Or do we do things so others may have a better moment, a better day, a better year. I pray that the things I do for other people may bless & touch them in a whole new way.

You never know when you do a "thing" for someone how it may impact their life. One of the reason's we are on this earth is touch lives.....so the next time I don't feel like doing a "thing" let me remember that God has put me at that place in time to impact someone.

I think all too often we think that "things" have to big. But in fact, I think the little "things" is what makes the most difference. A smile, a note, an email, a kind word, a hug are all simple ways that we can let someone know we care about them.

The things I do=touch a life.

Bikram Yoga

Having recently been encouraged by a friend to do something for me, I have been trying to put it into practice. Since I have been sick, I knew that I could not do too much exercise, but I thought of the perfect activity that would accomplish two things, time for me & to sweat the germs out! Bikram Yoga. For those of you who don't know what BY is, it is HOT yoga, and by hot, I don't mean hot girls/guys, I mean the room where the tempiture is about 105:)

It was the perfect day for the class! Raining and dreary outside, but inside we were toasty warm:)

One of my goals in life is to stop thinking so much, just be in the moment and to breathe. Yoga-hot or normal-is the perfect setting for me to practice this. Do I succeed every time? No, I do not. I find my mind drifting off and then I run to catch up with it. Breathe, Sarah breathe! However, today I found that my practice was indeed about being in the moment and learning to keep my mind focused on the pose despite the drops of sweat around me:)

Peace!

Life

Life has it's twists and turns. As soon as one battle is won, another enters the scene. It is through these life battles that our story is written. At times when we are in the midst of our life story, we don't often see the outcome.

I should replace the "we" with "I". Having recently come through some tough times, it was hard to see the other side. Although I and we will always have battles, it is through these times that we become stronger people. Our story may help one person. Our story may help a village. Our story may help a nation. No mater who it helps, we know that it has made us the person we are.

Oct 20

My best friend Lori, gave me a birthday card with this quote. I read it every day!

Trust in yourself.
Dare to be bold.
Cheer yourself on.
Make yourself proud.
Be any age you want.
Dance to your blessings.
Dream on purpose.
Laugh a lot out loud.
Yesterday's gone.
Tomorrow's not here yet.
The present is now.
Dare to be you!

It's done

Well, after much debate and thoughts, I have deferred my marathon 'till 2009. I feel at peace with the choice and look forward to getting healed!

Choices

We all have choices, some may seem big to us while to another they may seem small.

For me, I have choices. Do I run a marathon or wait and get healthy? That is the question!

Happy October

The start of a new month and every time the 1st rolls around I think what will this month bring? Regardless of the events that happen I pray that I will remain strong.

I still trying to figure the blog out and look forward to updating my stories about my life on a regular basis-stay tuned! :)