Hot Tub.

I have been trying to convince certain people, that I love, that it would be in our BEST INTEREST if I purchased a hot tub. (Mind you I would be taking money I was going to put towards something a little more legit (paying off my car) but that is beside the point). Though I was never told outright it was a bad idea.... I'm pretty sure the response I got was, "You're not so go with money...are you?" OUCH! It's a deep cut those words.... though, extremely valid when it comes to me buying stuff I want..........sometimes my self-control is on the DL.  [Down Low]

Since I have brought it up a few times... with no positive response, I've decided to reason with all of you!

Reasons why we need a hot tub:

1. Back Pain.... we both have horrible backs, so it would save us the cost on massages, medicine, etc. (So it pretty much pays for itself.)

2. Family bonding time, a family that hangs out in warm water together, stays together.

3. Year round use. So it's practical.

4. Another way to heat food that is in packaging if your oven or microwave stop working. 

5. Relaxation, I have hectic days from time to time... mama needs to relax. (Saves certain people having to massage my back)

6. Instant Attitude Improvement. It's scientific... trust me, I Googled it.

7. Another reason to buy more bathing suits.... (I can just see the grimace now ;))

8. Foam Party. Epic Foam Party.

9. Encourages a healthy diet. Because the less clothes you have on, the more you are aware of the ridiculous that is your body.

10. Finally, it doubles as a tub if need be. That's just logic right there. And I like being prepared. 

Seeeeeeeee..... It's a need more than a want. A NEED. 

The Good Shepherd. (Thursday Thoughts)

Do you ever have one of those nights where you sleep but it's a 10 minutes here 10 minutes there kind of sleep? Well I have....my loves decided it was one of those nights last night. So today I am a bit of a zombie of sorts. I know there are places I need to go and things I need to get done but I am in a fog (thank you iPhone calendar for keeping me on track!) So pardon my disorganization....

This week I ordered a few new devotions for myself, I have one handy for little ones but I haven't had one just specifically for me for a while now (other than the Bible itself). So I splurged and invested in a few. But until they get here I still am reading and exploring and rediscovering things that I learned in my youth. I love that about life and the Word, there is never a right time to go to it, but even better there is never a wrong time. It takes two seconds to find a verse or passage that can change your entire outlook for the day. I love every inch of that thought. 

Here is what touched me today: 

^{John 10:14} “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— ¹⁵ just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. ¹⁶ I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. ¹⁷ The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. ¹⁸ No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

There is something so powerful in this, for me. (Pardon the rambling) It is so simply put. It is so basic. He is the Good Shepherd. He is the barrier for us in all times of our life, whether we choose to believe it or not. He is the Good Shepherd. That statement right there just hit home with me today. For so many reasons. He chooses to stay when others run away from us, even in our times of trouble He is there. He wants to see us succeed, even when others do not. If we stray He is there waiting and protecting us. That, my friends, is all the pixie dust I need. I love knowing He is there, no matter what. Period. 

So have a wonderful day, this day before Friday. God has today covered. 

Bethanie Nicole Photography