Sticky Note #5

My Saturday was:

1. Lacked good communication.
2. Frustratingly planned (or lack thereof)
3. Expensive (thanks to the car issues)
4. Painful (had a headache most of the day)
5. Disappointing (the "to do" list didn't happen)

But the ending was:

1. Light-hearted
2. Fun
3. Entertaining
4. Relaxing
5. Restful

I like happy endings.

Sticky Note #4

I'm at a loss for words.

I'm slightly stunned.

But mostly, I'm excited to see what God went before us and accomplished today.

"For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me." ~Psalm 18:39

Sticky Note #3

• A friend confronting addictions
• A friend facing serious, life-altering health issues
• A friend in an unhealthy, complicated relationship
• A friend with doubts about life and God

Seems like everywhere I turn, every phone call I answer, every text I read, I'm faced with some new problem that seems huge and out of control. It is discouraging, disheartening and down-right depressing.

But as I began to let the things of life overwhelm me, God brought a passage to mind that I memorized as a child, I think it was back in 2nd grade:

God is my Shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul;

He leads me in paths of righteousness, for His names sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death;

I will fear no evil, for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me, in the presence of mine enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

Surely, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

So I'm resting tonight, knowing that God's grace is sufficient for me and He will use these problems, no matter how bleak they may seem, to not only teach me and my friends a lesson, but to bring Himself glory. And after all, isn't that my purpose here in life?

"Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus

Far surpassing all the rest

It's an ocean full of blessing

In the midst of every test

Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus

Mighty Savior, precious Friend

You will bring us home to glory

Where Your love will never end"

Sticky Note #2

I love being an Aunt. It is actually one of my favorite things about life. This weekend I have the special opportunity to spend the second weekend in a row with my nephew and 3 nieces. I am hanging out in Kansas, half waiting for Baby #5 to make his appearance.

Waiting for a baby is an interesting game of patience and waiting. Knowing that God is in control of the timing is comforting, and only He knows what day this baby will arrive. I pray that everything goes well for my sister's delivery. Just because she hasn't had any complications or problems in the past, does not mean this one will be as well. Everything is in God's hands and I'm comfortable with leaving the details up to Him.

But back to being an Aunt -- Tonight my heart melted when the 2 yr old called to me from the other room: "Jillllll! --- Jillllll! --- Jilllllll!"

Last weekend she couldn't even remember my name, so I heard her, but figured she wasn't actually calling me. After the third time, I went to inspect the situation.

Jill: "Honey, did you call me?"

M: "yuss!"

Jill: "what did you want?"

M: "play game"

So we sat down and played a game.

These are the times that bring a smile to my face and is a perfect "Sticky Note Memory".

Sticky Note #1

When I began my first job in high school, I learned the value of Sticky Notes. As my life has changed over the years since that time, I've noticed their increased importance in my life. Going from a part time job to full time employment, moving out of my parent's home in one city to "out on my own" in another city the demands on my time have changed. Sticky Notes provide me a place to write out a corner of my brain. The act of writing helps my brain retain the knowledge longer.


At work, Sticky Notes are the first thing I reach for when I get a phone call. There isn't much space on the 3x3 piece of paper, but it is enough for a name, phone number and (typically) room for a few words that will later jog my brain as to the nature of the message. (Sometimes, I don't write enough and am left stuttering when trying to pass on the message to my boss, but not often)

At home, Sticky Notes serve as a place for grocery shopping lists, notes to my housemate and errands I needs to run or chores that need to be completed. As a Mary Kay consultant, I also use Sticky Notes to remember orders that I need to fill.

And how can I forget how Sticky Notes played a role in my love life? N, I'm sure this blog will give you plenty of material for your Sticky Note wall of "Why N and Jill would never work as a couple". We are on Sticky Note #7,850 now, right?!

Seriously though, I plan on using this blog similar to how I use my Sticky Notes. Short memories of my life, though I can't promise they'll always be short. Something I can look back and remember. Memories of how God has worked in my life, how He has proven Himself faithful to me. Memories of the funny things my nieces and nephews say and do. Memories of time spent with friends. Memories of my failings, because it is in my weakness that God is shown strong.

To New Beginnings!