Handmade Gifts & Birthdays

Birthdays are celebrated in my family usually in some form or fashion. I love giving something that is handmade, unusual, and/or unique. Sometimes if I am unable to make the gift myself I will turn to someone who is crafty and purchase a handmade or handcrafted item. There is something about a handmade gift that is special...I think that it is the time, the effort, and extra thought. There are times when handmade gift are not called for...it all depends on the person...I have learned this first hand. I made my dad a UT Deco Mesh Wreath for Father's Day and he did not like it...he thought I was playing a joke on him, so he left the wreath at my house! I had to deliver the gift and place it on the front door. Everyone else loved my creation, but he don't appreciate it because he doesn't see the point to decorating the front door. Oh well...this was a lesson learned for me! But for my granny a handmade gift "Deco Mesh Wreath" was exactly what I wanted to do for her since I knew she would love it!

Here are the directions on how to make a Deco Mesh Wreath yourself...these aren't technical terms, but they should help you figure out how to make the wreath at home if you have never made one before.

Deco Mesh Wreath

Supplies:

• Work wreath with branches
• Deco Mesh (assorted colors and sizes of ribbon width)
• Embellishment(s)

Directions:

1. Unroll about 3 feet of your art deco mesh. 
2. Scrunch up the end of the mesh into a small bundle in your hand and place it against the top of wreath. Use the branches on the work wreath to secure the bundle by twisting to secure it in place.
3. Grab and scrunch another section of mesh and place this bundle against your wreath about and use the second set of branches to secure the next bunch of mesh.
4. Scrunch, bundle and tie mesh to the wreath until you have worked all the way around the wreath. Keep using the work wreath branches to secure to deco mesh in place.
5. It is best to start on the outside of the wreath and work your way to the inside. If you see some bare places, go around the wreath again, adding bundles between your first layer of bundles.
6. Cut the mesh from the roll very close to your last tied bundle.
7. Fluff up the puffy sections of mesh between the bundles to give your wreath a full look.
8. Embellish as desired.

 

 

Back to why I made the wreath...This weekend my Granny Trixie celebrated her 81st birthday. Some call her Tippy, mostly the great grandkids, but to me she will always be my Granny Trixie. We had a small celebration of life for her on the farm at my parents’ house. A total of 18 were in attendance out of a possible 24 people. A few cousins and their families were unable to make the journey because of distance, but we were blessed by all those in attendance. I hope everyone can make it next year for her 82nd birthday. She was super excited to see everyone and her expressions were priceless.

Here is a photo of Granny Trixie and I & the gift I made for her for her birthday. I love my Granny and I am very thankful for her! I am the youngest of 7 grandchildren and I will always be her baby girl even though she now has 5 great grandchildren. She calls me Lara Jane, even though my name is Lara Christen. My middle name is after her...Edith Christeen. She has been there through some of the rough moments in my life and some of the greatest times of joy. If I ever need advice and council that is sound, honest, and very truthful I can always count on Granny Trixie. Sometimes she gives the advice and council without even being asked. I guess that is a grandmother's instinct. I might get a little history and fluff with in the mix too, but that's OK. A lot of characteristics from my granny make up the "Savage Girl" in addition to many traits and characteristics from others.

I applaud granny for her patience on all those Saturday mornings I visited her on the Savage farm in Vernon. She helped my mama begin my culinary training in the kitchen when she would let me "help" make biscuits and wash dishes when I was big enough to standup in a chair.   

Tonight at church I was reminded that older generations are to help train-up our younger generations and share their wisdom and expertise to help teach others. I have always been accepting of advice and teachings from others especially my elders. This lesson made me think of my granny since she is the matriarch of the family. To me my granny has always been a good example in training-up those that are younger. She is an example of Titus 2 in teaching the younger generations in the family concerning what is good, to love their husbands and children, be self-controlled, to be kind, to be a keeper of the home, and not to show evil toward God's word. She taught everyone in the family in some form or fashion, but that doesn't mean that everyone always listened to what she had to say every time. I'm not perfect, my family members at not perfect, and neither is my granny, but then again no one is! Everyone makes mistakes along the way, and she has always been woman enough to own up to her mistakes and I believe she passed that down to everyone else too. She is loving, accepting, and forgiving of others faults and mistakes even when we might have displeased her with one of our decisions. I believe these are gifts of godly women that everyone should implement.

I am going to leave you with one question...just answer it to yourself for you will be the one who has to give an account for your life, not me..."What are you doing in your life to help teach others like is outlined for us in Titus 2?".

Breaks

Sometimes a girl needs a few breaks! Recently I got the opportunity to take a break to head South for a few days out of the great state of Kentucky. Don't get me wrong I love my home on the Tennessee and Kentucky border, but sometimes a break from normal routines and life is a great thing to help rejuvenate oneself and get oneself kick started "back" in the right direction.

Breaks give this Savage Girl (& maybe you too)...

Breathing room. (It was a long ride South, so I had lots of time to think, so watch out Monroe County I have a few ideas!)

Rest and relaxation. I went to bed early and slept in every day!

Endless hours of doing whatever you want. Like reading, sleeping, shell hunting, long walks on the beach, bike riding, etc. And yes I did all of these while in Florida!  My biggest accomplishment was getting The Chance by Karen Kingsbury read for my next book club meeting.

My travel partner in crime...Mr. Electric Man! He loved his room at the beach. For those of you who are meeting him for the first time...Mr. Electric Man is my extension power cord control man for all my chargers that keep me connected 24/7. He goes wherever I go.  

Awesomely good food, fun, fellowship & family time.

My aunt and I spent Sunday morning searching for the church building only to finally locate it just in time for worship services ;) There is nothing like driving around the block only to be a few blocks off and when you ask for directions people either don't speak English or send you to the wrong church. This was one time my blackberry came in handy to locate the correct address.

After worship I got to meet the newest member of the Craighead family...baby Shaw...the son of my cousin Sara Shaw and her husband Brandon. I think he is a keeper! I didn't get enough of the little man, so I had to visit them on Tuesday night before I headed back North. If you are headed South and need somewhere to stay give Brandon a yell...his information is located on this website. He recently started a new business in Santa Rosa Beach, FL (very near Destin, FL). He might have the perfect place for you to stay on your next vacation. Tell him a Savage Girl sent ya!

I tried to get a picture of his cute little feet...but Baby Shaw had another plan and didn't think all the picture taking was very fun, but Mila did! Check her out below!

 

 

Kickback & let time stand still ...at least until it is time to go home and go back to reality.

Even Dakota, my aunt's dog, got into this!

Some sun, vitamin D & beautiful picture perfect sunsets. Enjoy them while they last!

I enjoyed my "breaks" over the past few days. I was welcomed back to Kentucky in style last night! It was 74 degrees, warm and sunny in Florida when I left at 8:30 a.m. but I was welcomed home to 47 degrees in Kentucky at 6:30 p.m. Needless to say somewhere between Florida and Kentucky I changed from shorts to pants and from short sleeves to long sleeves. But I would not have it any other way. I'm blessed and thankful for everything I've been given. Now why don't you take a little break and then when you return maybe together we can conquer the world!

Projects versus Partners

I love Spring! Spring means planting, growth, and new life. Spring means projects...for me sometimes this means "house" and/or "yard" projects. Spring means you get to dig around in the dirt. This past weekend the yard projects consisted of spraying my lawn for weeds, spreading ant killer around the house to ward off the little critters from invading my kitchen, fertilizing my rose bushes, and attempting to nip the bag worms on my shrubs in the butt. But today I got to do one of my favorite projects! I got to plant flowers in my flower pots and dig around in the dirt before church. This made for a happy Savage Girl! 

Before I could plant my flowers I had a little project on my hands. So last night I started the flower pot project. I like to reuse items that I have on hand if they are still in working order. I have two really nice strong and durable flower pots that I have used probably for the last 6-7 years. I have had to paint them for the past several years to give them new life. They were an eye sore last night when I started the flower pot project. Last year I had painted them green, but the green paint over the winter decided to chip away leaving a black mess.  

Flower Pot Project "Before"

My mission was to distress the pots and make them look aged, so I took a gamble and experimented with using equal parts paint and Johnson Paste Wax to create a color glaze to paint on the flower pots. Basically I mixed the two products above together and painted them on the flower pots until I had the desired look I was after. 

The end result of phase 1 of the project. 

Phase 2 consisted of spraying the flower pots with a clear spray paint to seal in the color after the color glaze dried completely. Then I had to wait until the flower pots were dry before I could plant my flowers...I'm a little impatient, so I started planting....but I saved the ones above till last:)

I purchased a few new pots at the Dollar General Store to carry out the green and black "look" I had going with my newly repainted flower pots. Then I added a little dirt and some plants...and I was off to planting. 

My updated front door after today's project. 

The end result of my flower pot project :) I think they turned out pretty sweet! What do you think?

I planted a few other things because I got a little plant happy at the two greenhouses I visited. Hopefully I can keep this little guy alive! All of the ferns and succulent plants came from a greenhouse in Hartsville, TN and the annuals I got at the Monroe County High School Greenhouse that supports the local FFA chapter. 

  My tipsy pots! I've had these for the past several years and I love them because they give vertical and visual interest to my yard. Today I planted it full of new flowers for Spring and Summer. FYI there is a steel post in the ground a couple of feet that the clay pots are hanging on.

My favorite quote of the day came from John Pippin tonight at the Mt. Gilead Spring Gospel Meeting, "You need a partner not a project". I have lots of projects going on all the time as you can tell from my post tonight, but a relationship with someone else should be a partnership not a project. With projects you transform and change things...or at least try to change things, but a partner is a person with whom one shares an intimate relationship with. So until I find that "partner" in life to share with I am seeking to be content with waiting for "the one" and I am striving to strengthen my relationship with God. "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" Matthew 6:33. 

Weight ~ The Reality Series

Yes, I am going to blog about a work program on my personal blog! Call me crazy, but it is something that I believe in and want to be successful. Here is a press release I just sent off to the newspaper about a program that I having coming up in Monroe County. It is call "Weight ~ The Reality Series" and it is open to anyone. Continue reading for all the details. I hope that you will join me in the series if you want to be healthier too! If you need to contact me my information is below also.  

Warm temperatures and sunny days add up to spring fever and that means getting outside and becoming more active after a long winter. For some warm temperatures, also mean that many will begin to think about their body. If you are anything like me then shorts, bathing suits, and tank tops give you the heebie-jeebies! Whatever the case may be, it is important to make sure you are healthy and have a plan in place so those heebie-jeebies do not send you into hiding for the summer. If you are in search of a new program to help you think about your body in a real way instead of how the media wants you to think, then look no further. The Monroe County Cooperative Extension Service is offering a new program that you might want to take advantage of this Spring & Summer!

Weight ~ The Reality Series is an 8-week series we will offer on Tuesdays April 30-June 18. We will explore an aspect of weight control through healthy eating and living, share healthy recipes and ideas, weigh in, and engage in learning about the human body. Based on the latest research, this program gives you more options to create a plan that will work for you. Whether you’re interested in learning some new ways to eat and be active, or exploring how your clothes influence the way you see your body, Weight ~ The Reality Series offers many choices. There has to be a better way to achieve a healthy weight than the latest fad diet! You’ll learn how to make your plan flexible and to keep it working over time.

I know my personal goal is to be healthier and reduce my body size. Heart disease and diabetes run in my family, so over a year ago I decided to start living healthier. So far, it has paid off and I have been able to lose over 50 pounds. If you want to reduce your body size like me, then this series might be for you. Your concern might also be your health, but you might also be thinking about looking better in clothes, having more energy, enjoying new and favorite foods, being able to move more easily, and feeling better about yourself. Whatever your case may be, consider joining us with our new series called Weight ~ The Reality Series.

We do not yet know how people maintain weight loss after the 8-week course. National research suggests that maintaining a lower weight is very difficult, but one way to succeed is to create your own program designed specifically for you.

The series dates are April 30 ~ May 7 ~ May 14 ~ May 21 ~May 28 ~ June 4 ~ June 11 ~ June 18. The series is open to anyone and will be held at the Monroe County Cooperative Extension Service. We will weigh-in each week from 4:30 p.m.—5:30 p.m. and then we will have a short program at 5:30 p.m. The cost is $10.00 and is due by April 30 when you weigh-in. If you divide $10.00 by the 8 weeks that is just $1.25 each week! At the end of the 8-weeks the participant losing the most percentage of weight will win 50% of the “money pot”. The remaining 50% of the “money pot” will go towards costs associated with running the program and for door prizes that will be given away throughout the series each week. The winner will be announced on June 18. If the group wants to continue the series in July we will continue and/or if new participants want to join the group that can do so at that time.  

If you’re ready, so are we. Contact your Monroe County Cooperative Extension Service office to register for this series. It’s a better way to a healthier you. Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

Leadership via Moses

Tonight I was reminded about true leadership while attending a local gospel meeting. Here are seven key things that I learned tonight. 

1. Moses was a man of many successes. His goal was to lead his people out of Egypt and into the Promise Land. He took action within his life and exhibited leadership by allowing God's will to be used within his life. He wondered in the wilderness for 40 years, but he eventually made it to the Promise Land according to Matthew 17:1-4. 
2. Leadership is not "power over people" but it is "power with people". The power and action within leadership comes when we "power WITH people" instead of making things a dictatorship and having "power over people" by telling them what to do. The key is work together to reach a common goal because together we are better than one. 
3. Our differences when working on teams and within groups is what makes us stronger because we become more challenged. When we are challenged we become more vulnerable and we begin to open ourselves up and that is when we begin working through problems and progress is made. Being comfortable is bad, because it shows that we are not open to differences and challenges. Step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself to something new then you will see your true inner strength. 
4. Experience is how you react to things...not what happens to you. See the beauty in your experiences instead of the cause and effect it might have on the things you might or might not get to do.
5. The worst sin ever...is rebellion! Submission takes wisdom. Moses was helped by his father-in-law, Jethro, to to see that one must submit unto God even if others that are to follow you do not listen and follow your lead (Exodus 18:17-19). We must realize that "here" is damage that has been done. We must realize "why" it is a problem. And then we must take the solution given and do as God would have us do even if no one follows. The key is that we submit and do the will of God otherwise we'll be rebelling like everyone else. This might mean that we have to get out our "Muscle and Shovel" to dig deep to seek out the wisdom of God's word.    
6. We each are responsible for ourselves and only those things that we come in contact with that we can control. We each have choices to make. Others can influence us or make an impact on us, but ultimately you are responsible for you! You can choose to be happy, glad, mad, or sad.  
7. God makes the impossible...possible, the weak...are made strong and righteous, the lost ...are made His children.  As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not (Romans 4:17). 

What is your mission in life? Do you have a vision for your future? Does it include being a leader? Open yourself up and allow yourself to be used by God. A few of my goals this year have been to put God first in my life and to have a servant attitude & give back to others. My prayer is to be a faithful Christian leader and servant while being patient and content while waiting for God's plan for the next stage of my life to be revealed. What's yours? 

Fishing on the Savage Farm

Tonight I got the pleasure of eating dinner with my parents. My mama had went "fishing" earlier in the day for these lovely creatures and she was willing to share the "catch". This is one meal I would never turn down! I remember going "fishing" with my Pa Ralph on the family farm to "catch" these in the Spring time. Sometimes you would have a great day while other times you would come up empty handed.

These are morels but are more commonly known as "dryland" fish in the South. They are yummy mushrooms that are found in the springtime in the woods near fallen trees or old tree stumps and very moist dirt. They cost upwards of $200 per pound and are used in some of the finest restaurants around the world, but they can be found for free in the woods if you go "fishing".

Mama cooked up these little "dryland" fish for dinner tonight by battering them in cornmeal and then she deep fried them until they were golden brown. Needless to say these are not diet friendly, but yes I had to eat my annual dose of them.

  

Needless to say this Savage Girl is very satisfied tonight after having dinner with her parents!

My kind of "fishing" for "dryland" fish is "catching" them in the store! I like to give my "catch" as gifts. Mama got a box of "dryland" fish for Christmas this year. I caught them on a visit to Columbus, Ohio while at the NEAFCS National Meeting. I think the Savage Mama was happy with her gift, don't you think?    

Good Deals

I love a good deal and I also I love being able to stretch my money as far as it can go. Please understand that I purchase whatever I need or want as long as I stay within my monthly spending plan. I am fortunate to be able to do this because I do not have a lot of debt and I want to keep it that way. I try to purchase items second hand if possible or discounted. Now this is not always the case, and yes, I make exceptions to the rule sometimes!  

My new wardrobe...

I like to use the mantra of “buy used if you can...if the quality is great”. Recently my mom and I took a trip shopping to Lebanon, Tennessee. We visited a few local thrift stores because I was in need of a new Spring and Summer wardrobe. Losing weight has a few advantages! Both stores where we visited were half price because it was a special savings day, so we got lucky and got to save even more money! I found some great pieces to add to my closet! $64.39 got me 3 skirts, 3 dresses, 1 suit, 1 shorts, 2 pants, 16 shirts and 6 capri pants. If you did not count already that is 32 items! All of the items were either lightly or never used and all were name brand and fit nicely.

I also like to purchase items on clearance, with a coupon, or discounted. Yesterday, I went shopping at a local closeout store during lunch called “Kentucky Closeouts” and I got a deal! I have had my eye on a Keurig coffee maker for some time now, but I have refused to pay the high price. I knew eventually they would end up on clearance somewhere or in a yard sale, but yesterday I got lucky and found one in town! So for $25 I got a Cuisinart Single-Serve Coffee Maker which retails for $150 to $250.00. I think I got a great deal! I took a gamble because the store does not accept returns but I thought the benefit would be great if it worked because it would help support my morning coffee habit. I love that the coffee maker come with a reusable “K-cup” already. If you do not know about the Keurig coffee makers, a reusable “K-cup” is a feature that allows you to use your own coffee grounds instead of having to purchase the “K-cups” in the store.

The new addition to my kitchen...my Keurig coffee maker.
FYI I could not live without my Kitchen Aid Mixer!

With all my great deals and purchases aside here are some helpful tips & tricks and inspiration that I try to stick with when shopping:

• "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms" (1 Peter 4:10).
• Avoid places where you will be tempted to purchase items that you necessarily do not need “now”.
• For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. (I Timothy 6:10)  
• Avoid going to the store period. I know I will be tempted to purchase items unnecessarily if I make multiple trips within one week, so I try to limit my trips to the store to about once a week.
• Try to have a plan before going to the store and try to stick to your list.
• Use money to help provide for your family. According to 1 Timothy 5:8 "Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."
• Before making a large purchase, ask yourself “Is this the best use of my money?

Good luck getting good deals on your next shopping trip! 

Spring Cleaning

Have you done any "Spring Cleaning" lately? The past few weeks I have been trying to do a few projects around the house to prepare for company that is coming to my house this week. I try to keep my house neat and relatively picked up most of the time. Sometimes I get busy and things don't always get put up instantly when I am finished using them, but for the most part my house is usually "company ready". But I still like to clean a little deeper if I know I lot of people are going to be in my house for some strange reason. I know call me crazy! I also know keeping a clean and tidy house will not get me to heaven any faster...and I hope that a cluttered office at work doesn't keep me from heaven! So after tonight I am ready inside and outside of my home for my company since I just finished my "Spring Cleaning" projects. Here are a few of my favorite rooms in my home. 

I love my kitchen! I love cooking and baking in here,
but this single girl doesn't get in here nearly enough
since cooking for 1 is crazy. Yes, I eat a big majority
of my meals at home but they aren't all "home-cooked".  

The other 1/2 of the kitchen. No matter how much company
I have over we always end up in the kitchen! I am thinking my
salt and pepper collect has outgrown their shadow boxes.
Don't you think?!?! 

After a long day nothing is better than this bed...
Can you tell it's special? I love it!
(It's been in my family I'm guessing  over 50 years.)

I addition to the "Spring Cleaning" at my house I have also been doing another type of "Spring Cleaning". I have been attending and participating in a ladies bible study over the course of the past several years. In the last few months we have been cleaning house together! We just completed studying the book "Spiritual Spring Cleaning" by Debbie Schmid. This book helped me realize that just like our houses need a little "Spring Cleaning" so do our lives. We must all go through a spiritual cleaning periodically in order to be truthful to ourselves and live up to our fullest potential as Christian ladies and gentlemen.God laid out a perfect cleaning manual for everyone in the Bible. We must study the scriptures in order to find His plan of salvation. 

This year I have been challenging myself to dig deeper into the scriptures and focus more on my spiritual life. My goal is to get to heaven one day and take others with me. I am not perfect and God knows that. That is why His forgiveness and His grace is so important. His grace saves us through faith if we have belief and obedience. If we confess our sins and repent we are forgiven, but He told us that not everyone will enter the kingdom of heaven. Only those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven will enter heaven. We have an easy plan to follow...God's plan is:  

1. You must hear the message (Romans 10:17). 
2. You must believe that Jesus is the Son of God who was sent to Earth to shed His blood, so our sins could be washed away (John 8:24).
3. You must repent of your sin. (Luke 13:3).
4. You must be willing to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Matthew 10:32-33).
5. You must be baptized in water for the forgiveness of your sins (Acts 2:38)
6. And you must remain faithful and obedient until the end of your life (Revelation  2:10). 

We all will have to give an account for our lives to God on judgement day according to Romans 14:12. If we want His love, His grace, His forgiveness, and His gift of the Holy Spirit then we all have to obey His Plan of salvation in order to have an eternal home in heaven. If you're not a Christian and have got questions let me know and maybe I can help you before it is too late. I might not know the answer instantly, but I sure know a good book we can use as a reference plus I'm sure we can always use a life line by praying to God and/or calling & seeking out the advice of another Christian! 

Showing Kindness = Sweet Success

Occasionally I like to brighten someone’s day and show a little kindness. This morning I had the idea to bake lemon bars before church and then take some to a Christian shut-in sister. She loves sweets and I knew this would brighten her day, so I took a few extra minutes this morning to bake this recipe and this afternoon I made a visit. Needless to say she was surprised and excited about what I brought her. Yes, I bake yummy things even though I am trying to watch my figure and be healthier. The key is moderation and portion control. I didn't want the other half of the recipe to go to waste and I knew that if they stuck around at my house very long I would overindulge, so I took some to my parents this afternoon and some to our ladies bible study tonight before church. Needless to say the recipe made a bunch of lemon bars and I still had some left after distributing them to my peeps, so I shared the wealth to other friends at church who were not in bible class. I am happy to report that they are all gone now and the smiles and giggles I got from the 2 year old and the 97 year old today were priceless. I call this a sweet success! I know I can count on Samuel and Ella Mae to help me eat the sweets I crave when I get in a baking mood again. 

Being nice and showing kindness is when we are good to others, display a pleasant happy disposition, show concern and compassion, and are considerate to others besides ourselves. The Bible teaches us as Christians that we must be kind. Ephesians 4:32 says “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” According to Proverbs 11:17 if we are kind we will reap the benefits personally, but if we are cruel then we only bring on ruin to ourselves. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” Colossians 3:12.

I challenge you this month (or every month) to make a point to show kindness and be nice to someone “just because”. Let someone know you appreciate them and care about them. You could also encourage someone or thank them. Send them a card, bake something like I did, or take them something “just because” to let them know you think they are special. Get creative and involve others around you. It took me 10 minutes to prepare the recipe, it baked for 40 minutes while I got ready for church, and I spent 30 minutes delivering it. This was time well spent in my opinion because I got to brighten someone’s day. What are you going to do to show kindness this month? 

That's The Way We've Always Done It.

What is the deal with people who are stuck in a rut and do not know how to get out of it? Just because it has been done a certain way in the past does not mean that is the correct way that it should be done now. I am tired of people saying "that's the way we've always done it". Things change and people change. We need to keep moving forward instead of moving forward then taking two steps backward. Sometimes things are better if they are changed and adapted. I understand this cannot happen overnight, but we need to be open, honest, and stop having back door meetings that are closed just to keep the status quo because that is how it always has been before. I know I am young and sometimes can be naïve. I know I have much to learn. But sometimes not knowing the whole history and background behind something is a good thing!

A wise mentor gave me the button that is pictured here when I got my job in Kentucky. She told me that I would come upon some challenges in my new job, but that I needed to tell people not to expect what has always been done before. Change is good and is inevitable sometimes, so you best make the changes and decisions yourself based on what you want or think is best for the situation. If you do what has always been done in the past and continue the cycle then you will have a huge mess evidentially to cleanup if the cycle is ever broken. The repair mess will be harder to cleanup than the actual planning and development of the initial change itself.
 
This summer I have been given the opportunity to learn more about leadership through an organization I am a part of called AAFCS. I have been selected for a "Leadership Academy" to help mold and train me on “leading yourself and leading others” into the future. This is an elite group of professionals like me and someone saw potential in all of us, so they selected us to be on the team. I took several leadership courses when I got my master’s degree and I have attended numerous in-services on the topic, but I am no expert and never desire to be one on the subject.  I am a lifelong learner who loves continuing my education. I am excited about this opportunity and I am sure you will hear me blog more about this after I get to experience the academy first hand. I am hoping that I will have a new wealth of knowledge to bring back to my community and the groups I work with.   

However, until then here on my thoughts and reflections on teams and leadership.

• Teams work together based on coordination, collaboration, and cooperation under a leader with a little help of delegation.
• I believe that communication is the key to making things happen when you work with teams.
• A good basic definition of leadership is to influence others toward a shared goal.
• Good leaders delegate and trust in the work of their teammates.
• To delegate means to entrust to another.
• We must have trust, which is basically faith, reliance and confidence in others instead of thinking the worst possible scenario. Hebrews 11:1 says that faith is having the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
• As individuals, we cannot do it all and that is the beauty of teamwork and why it was created in the first place!
• Keep in mind that there is no “I” in team.
• We are all to have trust in the Lord and do good (Psalm 37:3). So, if we put our sight on the Lord, turn things over to him, and do good through our works then I am pretty sure that he will help fill in the gaps where there are deficiencies…but we need to have faith.
• In Matthew 7:15-20 Jesus teaches us to watch out for false prophets though.  “Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” As leaders we need to see the good in people and have faith they will help bear the good fruit to help the team reach the common goal. If as leaders we only think our team will bring in bad fruit, then they will bring in bad fruit because we never gave them a chance to reap a good harvest.
• Rome was not built in a day!
• Whenever our leadership roles and teamwork become overwhelming we need to tell ourselves "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13.
• In the end we all need to live by this rule of thumb, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize" Philippians 4:13 because ultimately we should be seeking to be heaven bound. 

Needless to say sometimes I get discouraged when I hear things like "That's the way we've always done it", "That's just how it is here and you'll just have to excuse us" or "I know you don't understand all the ins and outs here, but...". To me these all just sound like excuses for why people do not want to make simple changes that might start to change lives and help improve the quality of lives of people. Yes, I know I've used those lines before and I will be the first to admit it that I am as guilty as anyone else. I am trying too hold to those above thoughts that I have learned from bible studies, college classes, in-services and trainings. I am trying to put those thoughts into practice in my life with the groups and teams I work with. There comes a time when we all need to say enough is enough. When enough people band together and say enough is enough and become one then maybe others will take notice and join the team. 

Life is not always rosy, happy, and sweet like everyone wants you to believe it is. Have you ever noticed on Facebook that people usually only report the happy smiling memories? Sometimes life is real. Sometimes it involves change and making the first move. Other times it involves setting back and doing your own thing while allowing others to do their own thing and hope they realize something needs to be done. We need to have faith that those individuals will see there needs to be change and they need to initiate it. But we need to be the example and maybe one day they will want assistance when they realize they need help. You cannot make people change, they have to want it for themselves. You can lead by your example, encourage, and join a team of like minded people. But the most important thing to do is keep the faith and maybe one day true leadership and teamwork might be in the vocabulary of those around you.   

Blessings & Thanksgiving

The past few days have been pretty eventful for the Savage Girl. Now, my idea of eventful and yours might totally be different, but I love my life and that is all that matters! Sometimes I wish I could push “pause” and be able to soak it in more, but I know things must continue forward. Pressing rewind sometimes can cause emotions to rise so I believe we need to keep moving forward down the road of life because something better might be waiting around the corner and you will not know about it unless you seek to discover it. If you are in a constant rewind reliving the past how can you ever move forward?

Tonight after thinking, reflecting, and “rewinding” a little about everything that has occurred over the course of the last week I can truly say that I’m blessed and thankful. Keep in mind I am not dwelling on these things…I am just expressing the reasons why I have blessings and thanksgiving this week! 

Family. This past weekend I got to spend Easter weekend with my parents. We traveled to Gainesboro, TN and enjoyed dinner at The Bull and Thistle. Then on Sunday we enjoyed Easter lunch and a little quality time together. Mama and I took a walk on Sunday despite the weather. We were a sight to see with our jackets and umbrellas walking in the rain on the back roads around the Boles community and the family farm, but I would not have traded my day for anything!

Friends. You do not have to see good friends and be 100% in contact with them on a daily basis for them to be called "good friends". It is nice to get random phone calls just because they were thinking of you for whatever reason. With good friends you can pick up exactly where you left off and it is as if you never were out of the picture. Good friends can feed and clothe you. Literally they can do this by providing you with a place to stay, food to eat, and clothes to wear. Then sometimes good friends feed and clothe you figuratively by their actions, strength, and courage. It might be a smile, an encouraging word, a gift, or a reaffirming word saying that you matter. A fellow Christian sister recently shared with me that sometimes you just have to put on your “heavenly attitude”. We do not need to be the “mean girl”…we need to be the person God wants us to be despite the past and if a good friend is really a “good friend” then they should want both parties to be practicing forgiveness, godliness, and contentment. I am also thankful for new friends that have been brought into my life this week. I love building friendships and strong relationships both personally and professionally.  

Work vs. Career. I have a job that I love. Sometimes it is “work” because it is either physically or mentally tiring. This week I have been working on our budget at work, so needless to say I have been crunching a few numbers and this has been “work” for me, but I am thankful for having I job I love! Other times my job is my “career” like in the past few days. This week I got glimpse of the future for our community and I was reminded of the reason I love giving back and serving in my community. We can change the world. It doesn't matter if we are “kids” or “grownups”. What matters is that we all work together and it will go faster…look at the Kid President!  

My goal for my career is to improve the quality of lives of local citizens.  I am usually reminded of my “career” in fun moments...like learning to weave the bottom of a stool with fellow workshop participants, reaching over 200 “likes” on The Heart of Tompkinsville Foundation Facebook page, and helping to decorate our downtown. Weird you might say…I’m sure you are asking why did you think of your career in these moments? Well, these things were fun and I have happy memories that take me back to previous months in my career when the planning and development stages were occurring. I was reminded by the people I am serving in the community that learning is lifelong & can occur at any age if you want to learn. Learning can come in many forms! Learning inspires people to constantly be thinking about improving themselves and the others around them through citizenship and personal development.

The Downtown Decoration Committee that I am chairing had to think “outside of the box” to actually create a vision for our Spring decorations. With a little of this “outside of the box” thinking the idea of maypole inspired decorations was discussed, planned out, and put into action. I believe these simple decorations downtown can help get others in the community get excited and fired up about our future locally that local leadership is currently trying to create and discover within our local community which in turn would benefit all citizens.Have you got any ideas Summer decorations?    

Movement. I have a couple of different ways that I relieve stress and both of them use movement. First, I enjoy working out at the pool at our local Family Wellness Center doing water aerobics. This week I have been able to get some “movement” action 6 times within the past week. YAY! It’s all about priorities and goals. Have you set any lately? Second, I enjoy expressing my words on this blog. Somehow typing moves the thoughts out of my brain so that I can make room for more important things…like the things I have been trying to focus more on lately. I want to thank those of you who read my blog and have expressed to me such kind words of encouragement! Thank you.

Fellowship. I few months ago I was asked to join a book club. I am not an avid reader like my sister Anna who is a librarian, but I knew that this group of ladies would help and challenge me in multiple ways and be a source of encouragement & Christian fellowship. So far they have yet to let me down! This month we read Killing Lincoln by Bill O’Reilly. Everyone stepped outside of their comfort zones when our April hostess suggested the book, but after our book club discussion this week we were all pleasantly surprised of the knowledge that was gained and found when reading someone’s opinion and recount on a moment in American history. We all concluded that history read today as an adult is so much more entertaining than when you got grades for it in school!       

Family. Friends. Work vs. Career. Movement. Fellowship. For all these things I am thankful and blessed. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7. 

In closing, I was reminded of what my name meant this week, so I thought I would share it with you. I know this Savage Girl needs reminded of this from time to time so here you go...lucky for me I have a constant reminder of it since it is my name! :) 

Apple Tree Theory

Today I came across the “Apple Tree Theory” and I thought it was very fitting for the Savage Girl and her life philosophy. I do not know where the poem originated but I love it so I thought I would share it with you today.

Girls are like

apples on trees. The best

ones are at the top of the tree.

The boys don't want to reach for

the good ones because they are afraid

of falling and getting hurt. Instead, they

just get the rotten apples from the ground

that aren't as good, but easy. So the apples

at the top think something is wrong with

them, when in reality, they're amazing.

They just have to wait for the right

boy to come along, the one

who's brave enough

to climb 

all the way

to the top

of the tree.

Just a few thoughts on this “Apple Tree Theory”…

Girls—we’re the apples.

Boys—you’re the pickers.

I can only speak for the “girl” perspective, so here it goes. Girls we should practice contentment while waiting at the top of that tree. There is nothing wrong with us! There is someone out there for us we just need to rely on God and have patience and confidence in His wisdom and timing with when the “plan” will be revealed to us.

Girls, we are amazingly awesome and we each are different and uniquely made in the image of God. Good things should not be rushed and pushed because that is when mistakes happen and things get bruised. I know sometimes it sucks, but in the end, it should all be worth it and we should not have to settle for anything less than we deserve.

Sometimes good apples fall from the top of the tree when the right boy is there ready to catch them at the right place and the right time. (But be careful!)  Then there are sometimes when life happens and circumstances cause either the apple or the boy to get scared, but if the love is mutual and true then nothing can separate the apple and the boy. The brave boy will make the climb back up the tree despite the possibility of getting hurt again if the love is mutual and true. So girls if you are scared and do not want to "fall", then wait until the right boy climbs the tree. Patience and contentment are virtues we should be practicing since everything happens in God's timing and within His plan for us.

Maybe I am a hopeless romantic and think too much about fairytales and happy ever after endings! Anyways also thought I would share another cool thing I also saw today about healthy relationships.