Silent Night is one of the, if not THE, most popular Christmas songs of all time. Any recording artist that records a Christmas album is most likely do their version of Silent Night. It's a beautiful song that has six little words that say so much....All is calm, all is bright. These words have stuck out to me so much and for so long that I painted a wooden sign a few years ago as a reminder of the calm and light that Jesus brought into the world. At the time of Jesus' birth, I get the idea that there wasn't much about that time that was calm. Joseph was committed to be married to a pregnant virgin which he had to be struggling with just a bit considering the talking that was probably going on among the people around them. Oh, and don't forget king who ordered death to all infants and toddlers out of desperation to keep his power, and don't forget Mary and Joseph being forced from their home....is this sounding like a calm time? Sounds like a crazy mess to me!....but Jesus brought the calm....the peace that the world had never known.
Pulling out my sign this year to hang up could not have come at a better time. It was a reminder to me that no matter what mess I might be facing, stressing about, trying to figure out, trudging through, or fearful about....ALL is calm and ALL is bright. I might just leave that sign up year round for the constant reminder of the hope that brings peace and light.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Holding My Breath
You know that feeling when you were learning to swim and the day came when you found yourself standing at the pool's edge preparing to jump in for the very first time. The feelings of excitement because this is a huge step in the learning to swim process, and fear of drowning because you don't know if you are ready for this step! So you stand there, holding your breath, waiting for the lifeguard to say it's your turn. Your heart is racing. You're staring into the blue abyss....when actually the water is only about 4 feet deep but to you seems like it's 20 feet deep. Then you hear the lifeguard saying your name, telling you to jump....now is your time! And you stand there frozen for a brief second, hesitating. You want to jump but you just can't move! You're not sure how to, or who will help you if you panic, or where you'll land! But you hear voices cheering you on and you feel the strength and peace welling up until you finally bend your knees and jump. Suddenly, you are under the cool water and for a moment you aren't really sure what you're doing. All that you have learned from the instructors is lost in the bubbling of the water and just when you start to panic, you feel a hand grab yours. It's a strong hand. This gives you the comfort and confidence in knowing that you can use what you have learned. You're not going to drown! You start using what you have learned and before you know it, you find yourself swimming around the pool and jumping in every chance you get! This how I would describe what it feels like to walk by faith and put your faith into action. As you jump deeper and deeper into a relationship with Christ, you will find yourself back at the pool's edge many times, or perhaps on the high dive. When these times come, will you jump....or stand on the edge holding your breath?
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Fear Not!
Sometimes in life it's hard to make decisions. Do we build a house? How do we spend our money? When do we have kids? Do we have more kids? Do we change jobs or careers? When do we get married?...you know, all those BIG decisions that some people seem to make so easily. In our home, decisions are met with the the questions, Is it God's will for us? The question is easy to ask. The answer is what seems to be hard to conclude. What I've been noticing lately is that big decisions seems to bring a sense of fear to me. Fear of making the wrong decision and so then, I just avoid, or over think it to the point of just not making a decision at all and staying where I'm safe, or think I'm safe. The problem with this is that I'm not moving by faith but rather being controlled by fear!
This made me think of when angels of the Lord appeared in the Bible, they would often say, "Fear not"or something along those lines. These angels were messengers from God, bright and shining with all of God's glory. Those they were appearing to where often described as trembling, or terrified. But the angels were saying, fear not....fear not God's glory, fear not what He has sent me to tell you, fear not what is about to happen to you, fear not walking the path that God has set before you. When an angel came to Mary to tell her she would bear a son who would save world, she had faith in God's plan to use her. Surely she was fearful of how she would be looked at, and of what was happening to her but she was reminded to not fear.
While we may not have angels appearing before us telling us what to do and what is going to happen to us, we still have God nudging us, placing burdens on our hearts, and the pieces of our life puzzles seemingly falling into place with what seems like little effort from us. That's when it is clear that our faith is moving us in the right direction and that our decisions have been made according to His will.
The decisions I make are about more than me. It's about moving by faith and not being made stagnant by fear, and being an example of this to those around me.
Luke 1: 30-33 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
Luke 2:9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
This made me think of when angels of the Lord appeared in the Bible, they would often say, "Fear not"or something along those lines. These angels were messengers from God, bright and shining with all of God's glory. Those they were appearing to where often described as trembling, or terrified. But the angels were saying, fear not....fear not God's glory, fear not what He has sent me to tell you, fear not what is about to happen to you, fear not walking the path that God has set before you. When an angel came to Mary to tell her she would bear a son who would save world, she had faith in God's plan to use her. Surely she was fearful of how she would be looked at, and of what was happening to her but she was reminded to not fear.
While we may not have angels appearing before us telling us what to do and what is going to happen to us, we still have God nudging us, placing burdens on our hearts, and the pieces of our life puzzles seemingly falling into place with what seems like little effort from us. That's when it is clear that our faith is moving us in the right direction and that our decisions have been made according to His will.
The decisions I make are about more than me. It's about moving by faith and not being made stagnant by fear, and being an example of this to those around me.
Luke 1: 30-33 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
Luke 2:9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Just Keep Pedaling!
I've heard people say,"things were going great and all of a sudden the wheels fell off." This saying has new meaning to me. I headed out with my family for a bike ride this week. The day before this I had trouble with my new big, cushy seat not being adjusted quite right. But on this day, I was ready to ride! It was a great ride for about a mile. As I was pedaling along, enjoying the country evening, I suddenly had a strange, frantic moment. Something wasn't right! Oh, I only had one pedal! Yep, my left pedal had totally fallen off and was laying in the road. Have you ever tried pedaling a bicycle with one pedal?? I'm here to say that it's humanly impossible. My sweet husband only laughed a little and then went right to work at trying to tighten the nut that holds the pedal in place. After he got it fixed, we were headed back on our journey. While I was enjoying the scenery, I was more cautious and almost waiting for the other shoe to drop, or the pedal to fall off again. Unfortunately, we didn't get too far and the pedal fell off. Out of frustration and fear of the same thing happening again, I headed for home. I was done. Continuing on our ride could mean that I would have to stop and put my pedal on several more times, and even risk wrecking my bike.
After returning home, I got to thinking how many times the pedals, and wheels, fall off in life and how people handle it differently. I was frustrated and done trying to ride any further. Once we returned home and the pedal was fixed, I had lost the motivation and enthusiasm I had when I started the ride earlier. My lack of motivation and desire changed my whole family's feelings. They went from wanting to ride again, to hitting the couch with me.
Life has moments when "the pedals fall off" and we lose momentum and desire to keep moving. How we handle these moments can affect not just ourselves but our loved ones, coworkers, friends, and even strangers. When you are trying ot pedal with just one pedal, remember that God's pushing the other pedal. Only with God would continuing with one pedal be possible. Just keep pedaling!!
Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with God.
After returning home, I got to thinking how many times the pedals, and wheels, fall off in life and how people handle it differently. I was frustrated and done trying to ride any further. Once we returned home and the pedal was fixed, I had lost the motivation and enthusiasm I had when I started the ride earlier. My lack of motivation and desire changed my whole family's feelings. They went from wanting to ride again, to hitting the couch with me.
Life has moments when "the pedals fall off" and we lose momentum and desire to keep moving. How we handle these moments can affect not just ourselves but our loved ones, coworkers, friends, and even strangers. When you are trying ot pedal with just one pedal, remember that God's pushing the other pedal. Only with God would continuing with one pedal be possible. Just keep pedaling!!
Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with God.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Don't Miss Someday!
Our church is having a Someday Sunday event coming up in a few weeks. This is a time to encourage those who have perhaps said, "someday I'll go to church" or "someday I'll go to Sunday school." This thought has had me thinking a lot about the three little words, someday is coming.
How many times do we say, or think, "someday, I'll....fill in the blank." I have used "someday" as the go to word when my boys ask about when we'll do something....When will we go to Disney World?...someday.....When can we get a four wheeler?....someday....When will you take us to all the place you have been before we were born?....someday... You get my picture. Saying someday allows us to put off things that we don't think we are ready for. It also is a way to avoid doing things that we just don't want to do....someday I'll clean out the catch-all closet or someday I'll join the gym and start taking care of myself. We also attach a lot of hopes and dreams to someday. Someday when we retire, we'll travel. Someday we'll build the house of our dreams. I've heard retiring and someday being linked together often. But what if your loved one passes away or suffers a serious illness and those long awaited, someday-filled days never happen? What if you put off getting healthy so long that someday doesn't come for you?
The point is that we let so much get in the way of someday actually coming, whether it's our job, our lack of desire, selfishness, or our over committed schedule. Sometimes it may be our own understanding that gets in the way. John 13:7 say, " Jesus replied, "You don't understand now what I am doing, but someday you will." Jesuse knew that someday would come too! Someday is not always for us to know when it will come but rather is it for us to have faith and trust that it will. This can be a hard and challenging someday to wait for. There is a time for everything....including a time for someday to come and not be passed up or missed.
Someday can be a goal to shoot for. I used to say, someday I'll get my masters degree. I am now almost finished with my masters program. That someday goal is coming soon! But it took me working a lot and sacrificing a lot. When the focus is lost, someday never comes. If you just keep hoping, and waiting without working you might find that you become tired, frustrated, and disappointed. Working towards someday can get tiring and feelings of giving up can sneak up fast but stay the course. Be strong, be focused, and endure the low valleys. The ultimate someday will come when we stand before God and hear "job well done." Staying focused on my purpose and working with a servants heart that is about more than me will hopefully get me to that goal.....someday.
How many times do we say, or think, "someday, I'll....fill in the blank." I have used "someday" as the go to word when my boys ask about when we'll do something....When will we go to Disney World?...someday.....When can we get a four wheeler?....someday....When will you take us to all the place you have been before we were born?....someday... You get my picture. Saying someday allows us to put off things that we don't think we are ready for. It also is a way to avoid doing things that we just don't want to do....someday I'll clean out the catch-all closet or someday I'll join the gym and start taking care of myself. We also attach a lot of hopes and dreams to someday. Someday when we retire, we'll travel. Someday we'll build the house of our dreams. I've heard retiring and someday being linked together often. But what if your loved one passes away or suffers a serious illness and those long awaited, someday-filled days never happen? What if you put off getting healthy so long that someday doesn't come for you?
The point is that we let so much get in the way of someday actually coming, whether it's our job, our lack of desire, selfishness, or our over committed schedule. Sometimes it may be our own understanding that gets in the way. John 13:7 say, " Jesus replied, "You don't understand now what I am doing, but someday you will." Jesuse knew that someday would come too! Someday is not always for us to know when it will come but rather is it for us to have faith and trust that it will. This can be a hard and challenging someday to wait for. There is a time for everything....including a time for someday to come and not be passed up or missed.
Someday can be a goal to shoot for. I used to say, someday I'll get my masters degree. I am now almost finished with my masters program. That someday goal is coming soon! But it took me working a lot and sacrificing a lot. When the focus is lost, someday never comes. If you just keep hoping, and waiting without working you might find that you become tired, frustrated, and disappointed. Working towards someday can get tiring and feelings of giving up can sneak up fast but stay the course. Be strong, be focused, and endure the low valleys. The ultimate someday will come when we stand before God and hear "job well done." Staying focused on my purpose and working with a servants heart that is about more than me will hopefully get me to that goal.....someday.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
This is my story....
This is my story, this is my song....these words to the beloved hymn, "Blessed Assurance," instantly take me back to sitting in a pew next to my grandma. She sang all hymns with pure joy and unwavering faith but there were a few that I remember seeing a look on her face that was that of pride. This was one of those songs. She knew her purpose and lived it with an unashamed passion. Was she perfect? no....but that's the beauty of it all! We don't have to be perfect because we have the blessed assurance through Christ that when we fall short, we'll be caught and lifted by His grace and mercy. I would say that is quite the story to have pride in!
This week marks my grandma's first birthday in Heaven. Out of the blue, I've had a couple people share stories of her. Then, while practicing for Sunday worship, I find that "Blessed Assurance" is on the song lineup. Today, someone shared that she was the key influence of her loved one becoming a minister/missionary. My grandmother shared her story with so many and while she didn't get to see all the fruits of her sowing, I am blessed to now see what can happen when you have pride in your story and you sing it with all you heart and soul. Her story and song helped lead to my story and my song.....This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long....in everything I do, everything I say, everything I am.
Psalm 40:3“And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD,”
Ephesians 1:13-14 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
This week marks my grandma's first birthday in Heaven. Out of the blue, I've had a couple people share stories of her. Then, while practicing for Sunday worship, I find that "Blessed Assurance" is on the song lineup. Today, someone shared that she was the key influence of her loved one becoming a minister/missionary. My grandmother shared her story with so many and while she didn't get to see all the fruits of her sowing, I am blessed to now see what can happen when you have pride in your story and you sing it with all you heart and soul. Her story and song helped lead to my story and my song.....This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long....in everything I do, everything I say, everything I am.
Psalm 40:3“And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD,”
Ephesians 1:13-14 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Watch for bobcats!
On the way to visit with some friends one evening, my husband asked our boys if they saw a bobcat in the field. I casually looked over but did not see any bobcat. As we approached a house down the road, my husband again pointed out a bobcat in the yard. Now, this is a rural area, and bobcats are known to be in the area; however, spotting a bobcat is not a usual occurance. So, at mention of this second bobcat, I will admit to have been looking more intently. I noticed a dog and told my husband he was going to have our boys thinking dogs were bobcats. He replied that "mommy, couldn't see the bobcat for the weeds boys." I just shrugged his comment off and went back to enjoying our ride through the country. Then, one of my boys shouted out, "Look! Another bobcat!" This time I we stretching my neck to see this animal that is rarely seen. When I looked in the direction my son was referring to, all I saw was a dog! That was it! I proceeded to inform my husband that he had our boys thinking they were seeing bobcats when all they were seeing were your run of the mill dogs and cats! His response struck my off guard....he busted out laughing. Laughing so hard I thought he was going to have to pull over. Finally, he enlightened me....the bobcats they were seeing had tracks and a were steered by an operator. Oooohhh, I was looking for the bobcats with four legs!
How many times do we pray asking God for help and guidance, and think that God hasn't answered our prayers because we don't see His answer? Our expectations of how he will answer our prayers might not always match his purpose for us. Perhaps his answer is right in front of us, but we don't see it because we are looking for what we want to see. I was looking for a four-legged animal, not a piece of earth moving equipment. When praying, remember to keep your eyes and heart open to the answers that come your way. The answer may not be what you were expecting! Watch for "bobcats"!
How many times do we pray asking God for help and guidance, and think that God hasn't answered our prayers because we don't see His answer? Our expectations of how he will answer our prayers might not always match his purpose for us. Perhaps his answer is right in front of us, but we don't see it because we are looking for what we want to see. I was looking for a four-legged animal, not a piece of earth moving equipment. When praying, remember to keep your eyes and heart open to the answers that come your way. The answer may not be what you were expecting! Watch for "bobcats"!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Rain Is Better than Water
With the drought that we are in, any rain is good. Today my mom got just a little rain but commented about how just a little bit of rain was better than the watering she gave her flowers from the garden hose. They were perkier, for lack of a better word. They looked more alive rather than being beaten down by the heat and sun. I've noticed before how my plants would look more refreshed and renewed after a little rain even after I've religiously watered them from my free flowing, garden hose.
This made me think how we often think first to shower ourselves with materials such as new clothes, new cars, new houses, etc., when we are feeling a spiritual drought or facing a challenge that is drying us up spiritually. While the materials will refresh and rejuvenate us for a time, they will not heal our "roots", or soul, like showering ourselves with the Living Water will. Diving into the Living Water through reading the Word, joining a Bible Study, attending church, or reading a daily devotion, will refresh and renew a heart, mind, body, soul, or relationship in a way no material can.
God's rain (His word and guidance) is better than your garden hose (your temporary fixes by material gain).
Now, don't get me wrong, retail therapy is good for my mind and soul....but it never quenches my thirst like a good dose of the Living Water!
~Isaiah 58:11 says The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
~ John 7:38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.
This made me think how we often think first to shower ourselves with materials such as new clothes, new cars, new houses, etc., when we are feeling a spiritual drought or facing a challenge that is drying us up spiritually. While the materials will refresh and rejuvenate us for a time, they will not heal our "roots", or soul, like showering ourselves with the Living Water will. Diving into the Living Water through reading the Word, joining a Bible Study, attending church, or reading a daily devotion, will refresh and renew a heart, mind, body, soul, or relationship in a way no material can.
God's rain (His word and guidance) is better than your garden hose (your temporary fixes by material gain).
Now, don't get me wrong, retail therapy is good for my mind and soul....but it never quenches my thirst like a good dose of the Living Water!
~Isaiah 58:11 says The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
~ John 7:38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
To the Extreme
Yesterday was a full day of extremes. Dictionary.com says the definition of extreme is: utmost or exceedingly great in degree. So I don't use it lightly.... I sat out and enjoyed watching my boys play their last baseball games of the season in extreme heat. This means there was some exteme sweating going on! One game was in the morning and the other in the evening but both had equally extreme heat. In between the games, I took my state principal test. This test is the type that you can immediately narrow the answer down to two and then totally justify either answer being the correct answer. It's the kind of test that is extremely draining! After coming home from the last ballgame, I decided to go to the extreme and stay up working on homework past midnight. This is an extreme for me because I do not stay up late very well unless I can sleep in late. But today is Sunday! So I was up early to worship and be thankful for some extremes.....extreme love, extreme sacrifice, extreme hope, extreme peace, extreme faith, extreme forgiveness....you get the point without me sounding like Bubba from Forrest Gump. When I think of the extremes I will go to for my family, friends and myself, I'm believe they are greater than the extremes I'm going to for my God. Going to the extreme for Him may be forgiving someone for something that in your human heart is unforgivable, or showing love to someone who has done nothing but show hate for you. Perhaps it's giving an extra $50 dollars to a family in need and having extreme faith that God will provide your needs that that fifty would have paid for. For some it means selling all their possessions and moving to a third world country to be a missionary but that isn't God's plan for everyone. Listen and let Him guide you to the extreme He has planned for you!
Galatians 5:22-23 says, "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." ....imagine fruit to the extreme!
Galatians 5:22-23 says, "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." ....imagine fruit to the extreme!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Well, it's been a few months since I've posted. When I first started this blog, it was as if I was being called to write and share the journey I'm on and the struggles I encounter to grow in faith and be focused on more than me. I had no idea who would read it, what they would think of it, or how my thoughts would impact their lives. I was just doing what I felt in my heart I was meant to do. If it would inspire one person to keep the faith and keep on keepin' on, then it was worth stepping out and sharing my personal thoughts.
And then it happened....doubt. Doubt that I was writing and sharing for the right reasons, doubt that the blog was being accepted and taken to heart by my friends and acquaintances that were reading, doubt that I was "meant" to be writing at all....so I stopped. Doubt, and fear, caused me to stop my way of sharing the amazing journey God is guiding me on. It was easy to stop because our lives got busier. Spring came along and the outdoor activities began. School ended and the push to clean and organize the house was in full force. Now, summer is in full swing with Little League, volunteer activities, sport camps, swim lessons....but something is missing. I think when you aren't in God's will, that's what happens....you feel like something is missing.
Then, one saying is all it took. "Any belief worth having must survive doubt." I don't know who said it but it was God's 2x4 upside the head for me. I have no doubt that God loves me, is guiding me, and will never forsake me. Having doubt in myself and my blog was the same as having doubt in my faith. Talk about a deep reflection! God wasn't asking me to walk on water. I was just writing...and that's what I was missing. In a nutshell, this is how I've come back to my blog.
Doubt caused me to lose focus on my purpose to be about more than me. My writing....this blog...is about more than me. After acting on faith and experiencing the amazing journey it takes a person on, I want to continue to do that and continuing staying focused. Writing is a way for me to stay focused on what is important.
Has doubt keep you from acting on faith? If so, I'm here to say, PUSH THROUGH! Act on the twinge of compassion that's piercing your heart, act on that thought to call an old friend or estranged family member, act on the call to show love to the least of you....even if you doubt it makes a difference. The acts you do in faith make a difference in you.... that's all that matters.
When in doubt remember these verses:
Proverbs 3:5-8
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Matthew 21:21
And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.
See y'all soon!!....FBTH (For, By, and Through HIM)
And then it happened....doubt. Doubt that I was writing and sharing for the right reasons, doubt that the blog was being accepted and taken to heart by my friends and acquaintances that were reading, doubt that I was "meant" to be writing at all....so I stopped. Doubt, and fear, caused me to stop my way of sharing the amazing journey God is guiding me on. It was easy to stop because our lives got busier. Spring came along and the outdoor activities began. School ended and the push to clean and organize the house was in full force. Now, summer is in full swing with Little League, volunteer activities, sport camps, swim lessons....but something is missing. I think when you aren't in God's will, that's what happens....you feel like something is missing.
Then, one saying is all it took. "Any belief worth having must survive doubt." I don't know who said it but it was God's 2x4 upside the head for me. I have no doubt that God loves me, is guiding me, and will never forsake me. Having doubt in myself and my blog was the same as having doubt in my faith. Talk about a deep reflection! God wasn't asking me to walk on water. I was just writing...and that's what I was missing. In a nutshell, this is how I've come back to my blog.
Doubt caused me to lose focus on my purpose to be about more than me. My writing....this blog...is about more than me. After acting on faith and experiencing the amazing journey it takes a person on, I want to continue to do that and continuing staying focused. Writing is a way for me to stay focused on what is important.
Has doubt keep you from acting on faith? If so, I'm here to say, PUSH THROUGH! Act on the twinge of compassion that's piercing your heart, act on that thought to call an old friend or estranged family member, act on the call to show love to the least of you....even if you doubt it makes a difference. The acts you do in faith make a difference in you.... that's all that matters.
When in doubt remember these verses:
Proverbs 3:5-8
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
Matthew 21:21
And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen.
See y'all soon!!....FBTH (For, By, and Through HIM)
Thursday, March 8, 2012
The Catch All Drawer
Seems like the most mundane activities can bring thoughts about life to my mind..... March is the month that kicks off spring for me. I know that spring hasn't officially "sprung." But to me, the itch for spring and summer comes in the month of March. With that itch, also comes the cleaning bug. Yep, bugs can cause itches!...sorry, had to say that. Anyway...the spring cleaning bug is nipping at me, and as I think of all the closets and drawers that need to be purged I become a little overwhelmed. So I decided to look at just one drawer in the kitchen. The "catch all" drawer holds the phone book, pencils, pens, glue, tape...items the boys might need for their homework. But lately it has been overflowing with tools, gum, and anything else that fits.
As I stared at the drawer and all it's misplaced items, I began to think about what really NEEDS to be in the drawer. Oh, all of the items were good to have but we really don't NEED all of them. I have a house full of items that are good but that we don't really need.
Our lives can have a lot of good in them that we don't need. When we think about what we really NEED to make our lives count, the list is pretty short compared to what we may want, or compared to what we already have. I know from experience that we can become like a "catch all" drawer. We fill our lives and our hearts with activities, people, and desires that might be good but can make our lives way over complicated and messy.
Then there are those items that aren't good and just take up space. Emotions can stack up like a pile of old, junk mail and cause confusion and clutter that our minds and hearts don't need. Don't be a hoarder! Dump the trash!....easier said than done sometimes but always worth the effort.
When your "drawer" starts to overflow, step back and look at each piece in it. Do you need it? Is it useful, beneficial, and/or making your life better or easier? Purge the "drawer" and feel good about knowing you have focused on what you need to make everyday count!
Purge the old leaven that you may be fresh dough, still uncontaminated for Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 5:7
As I stared at the drawer and all it's misplaced items, I began to think about what really NEEDS to be in the drawer. Oh, all of the items were good to have but we really don't NEED all of them. I have a house full of items that are good but that we don't really need.
Our lives can have a lot of good in them that we don't need. When we think about what we really NEED to make our lives count, the list is pretty short compared to what we may want, or compared to what we already have. I know from experience that we can become like a "catch all" drawer. We fill our lives and our hearts with activities, people, and desires that might be good but can make our lives way over complicated and messy.
Then there are those items that aren't good and just take up space. Emotions can stack up like a pile of old, junk mail and cause confusion and clutter that our minds and hearts don't need. Don't be a hoarder! Dump the trash!....easier said than done sometimes but always worth the effort.
When your "drawer" starts to overflow, step back and look at each piece in it. Do you need it? Is it useful, beneficial, and/or making your life better or easier? Purge the "drawer" and feel good about knowing you have focused on what you need to make everyday count!
Purge the old leaven that you may be fresh dough, still uncontaminated for Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 5:7
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Box of Chocolates
All that was left in that box of chocolates from Valentine's Day was what had been strategically avoided, but in my desperation to quench my chocolate craving, I ate every one of them! I didn't care what the filling was. They were all covered in chocolate and that was all that mattered. Perhaps it's stress that makes me crave chocolate, or maybe it's hormones....whatever the cause, when that craving hits I will do almost anything to satisfy it. I have been known to eat chocolate icing from the tub, or chocolate chips because that is the only chocolate I can find in our house. Thankfully a box of undesirable chocolates satisfied me this time and got me to thinking....life's like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get...in my best Forrest Gump voice. But to me it's more like....life's like a box of chocolates made by the most amazing chocolatier ever. Even though I never know what I'm gonna get, I do know that what ever it is, I have hope and faith in being held in His masterful hands. He satisfies my soul....and makes life, oh, so sweet!...even when it leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
Psalm 119:103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Psalm 34:8. Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Psalm 119:103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Psalm 34:8. Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Be YOU!
Someone said to me this week that they wished they could be more "together" like me. This made me laugh because this person thought I "had it all together." I could not have been feeling futher from this image she had of me! I informed her that at that that morning alone, I could not find my checkbook, the pants I wanted to wear, or my camera SD card. Oh, and my house was a crazy mess and I was feeling like I was drowning in my "To Do" list. I went on to tell her that I constantly struggle to keep up and am usually one step behind. After unloading my shortcomings of the moment, she told me how good it was to hear this. For a moment, I wanted to say, "I'm feeling like a failure, and that makes you feel better?!" Yes, I admit it....I struggle with moments of feeling like I am failing at being everything to everyone. Trying to be the best wife, mom, teacher, student, daughter, friend....wow, the list is to long to list. Then it hit me....The appearance of having it all together is deceiving! When you look at someone else's life and you wish you had what they had, keep in mind that you do not know what they are dealing with behind closed doors. They may be struggling with issues in their marriage, finances, or families. They may battling internal issues such as depression or low self esteem. What you see on the outside just means they can pull it together long enough to make you think they have it together.
God made me to be compassionate but he didn't make me the most organized person. He gave me a sense of humor but he didn't give me the greatest fashion sense....although it is developing.
So the next time you look at someone and wish you had it all together like them, they may be looking at you wishing they had it all together like you. Be yourself....work on being the you that God made only YOU to be!
Growing up, I used to sing a song and the lyrics are, "He's still working on me. To make me what I ought to be. It took him just a week to make the moon and the stars, the sun and the Earth and Jupiter and Mars. How loving and caring he must be, cause he's still workin' on me." No matter how old you are, He's still working on you! Seek out what God wants you to be and you will find that you will no longer look for yourself in others.
Romans 12:2 (New International Version)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
God made me to be compassionate but he didn't make me the most organized person. He gave me a sense of humor but he didn't give me the greatest fashion sense....although it is developing.
So the next time you look at someone and wish you had it all together like them, they may be looking at you wishing they had it all together like you. Be yourself....work on being the you that God made only YOU to be!
Growing up, I used to sing a song and the lyrics are, "He's still working on me. To make me what I ought to be. It took him just a week to make the moon and the stars, the sun and the Earth and Jupiter and Mars. How loving and caring he must be, cause he's still workin' on me." No matter how old you are, He's still working on you! Seek out what God wants you to be and you will find that you will no longer look for yourself in others.
Romans 12:2 (New International Version)
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Triple F needs JOY
Do you ever wish your path and purpose would be made crystal clear? I struggle with times of uncertainty. I don't like not knowing where I'm going. I will admit it...I'm a planner! The typical first born, list making, planner that likes to be in control. At the beginning of this school year, I had a plan to finish my Masters degree at the end of next school year. All was good until the university decided recently to change the location and night for the classes. This change complicated my plan in a major way! I spent the majority of this week trying to figure out a better plan and at one point I had decided to just give up...the give up option only lasted a few hours. Then something major and tragic happened. The vibrant and devoted mother of three of my former students was suddenly killed in a car accident. All of my thoughts went from my problems to thinking of what this family was facing. I heard someone say that they just didn't understand why so many good people and families have had horrible things happen to them lately. This is a statement that would take several blogs to explain my thoughts about but when I heard this statement, everything suddenly snapped back into perspective for me. My "Triple F needs JOY" order was restored.
"Triple F needs JOY" stands for FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDS needs JESUS, OTHERS, and YOURSELF. It is my combination of two ways I was raised to think about my priorities....maybe you grew up singing the JOY song too! Simply put.... My faith is about a personal relationship with Jesus. My family needs to come before others and my family will be strengthened by my faith. And at times, my faith, family and friends, will NEED Jesus, others, and/or myself to get through life's challenges, and heartaches. I could go into much greater detail of this but for now, this will suffice.
This order of life can so easily get skewed. Jealousy, envy, anger, greed, and many other human feelings creep in and cause us to lose the focus on what matters the most and our perspective becomes offset. Think about it....if our #1 focus and priority is our faith in Jesus, if we have a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus then when bad things happen, our greatest friend, Jesus, will give us our greatest strength to get through it. We would also strive to live with love in our hearts, like Christ.....yes, this means resolving our issues with and loving those that we would rather never speak to or acknowlege they exist. If we live with love in our hearts then our family and friends will naturally be at the forefront of our thoughts.
While I was looking for a crystal clear answer to my issue of what classes to take, I didn't have the right perspective. I wasn't thinking "Triple F needs JOY." I was thinking more along the lines of "How could they do this? This doesn't fit my plan!!" Now, in no way am I comparing my school issue to the tragic loss of life. I am saying that no matter how great or small our problem, or heartache is, if we are living the "Triple F needs JOY" motto, then our perspective will be different. My thoughts of "why" and "how" turned to "ok, I am going to trust." In moments of heartache and despair, we will still hurt but we will turn to our first priority and will feel a comfort and peace that passes all understanding. In moments of confusion and roadblocks, we will find our way and be at peace with the path before us. We have never been guaranteed an easy life. Life is hard! However, even in the biggest, most difficult to understand moments in life, God is bigger and can bring understanding and peace if we stay focused on keeping him our priority.
"Triple F needs JOY" is a reminder to me that life is about more than me. It is a guide to finding my way through life's storms, no matter how big or small, and for making every moment count.
Mark 12:30-31 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself." There is no commandment greater than these.”
"Triple F needs JOY" stands for FAITH, FAMILY, FRIENDS needs JESUS, OTHERS, and YOURSELF. It is my combination of two ways I was raised to think about my priorities....maybe you grew up singing the JOY song too! Simply put.... My faith is about a personal relationship with Jesus. My family needs to come before others and my family will be strengthened by my faith. And at times, my faith, family and friends, will NEED Jesus, others, and/or myself to get through life's challenges, and heartaches. I could go into much greater detail of this but for now, this will suffice.
This order of life can so easily get skewed. Jealousy, envy, anger, greed, and many other human feelings creep in and cause us to lose the focus on what matters the most and our perspective becomes offset. Think about it....if our #1 focus and priority is our faith in Jesus, if we have a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus then when bad things happen, our greatest friend, Jesus, will give us our greatest strength to get through it. We would also strive to live with love in our hearts, like Christ.....yes, this means resolving our issues with and loving those that we would rather never speak to or acknowlege they exist. If we live with love in our hearts then our family and friends will naturally be at the forefront of our thoughts.
While I was looking for a crystal clear answer to my issue of what classes to take, I didn't have the right perspective. I wasn't thinking "Triple F needs JOY." I was thinking more along the lines of "How could they do this? This doesn't fit my plan!!" Now, in no way am I comparing my school issue to the tragic loss of life. I am saying that no matter how great or small our problem, or heartache is, if we are living the "Triple F needs JOY" motto, then our perspective will be different. My thoughts of "why" and "how" turned to "ok, I am going to trust." In moments of heartache and despair, we will still hurt but we will turn to our first priority and will feel a comfort and peace that passes all understanding. In moments of confusion and roadblocks, we will find our way and be at peace with the path before us. We have never been guaranteed an easy life. Life is hard! However, even in the biggest, most difficult to understand moments in life, God is bigger and can bring understanding and peace if we stay focused on keeping him our priority.
"Triple F needs JOY" is a reminder to me that life is about more than me. It is a guide to finding my way through life's storms, no matter how big or small, and for making every moment count.
Mark 12:30-31 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself." There is no commandment greater than these.”
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Make It Count 2012
It has taken me more than a week but I have finally decided on my personal theme for 2012. Rather than a resolution, I like to come up with a simple theme that covers every aspect of my life. "More Than Me" was the first of my themed years and I will continue to carry this theme with me. This year I have decided to go with the theme of "Make It Count."
When I thought of the phrase "make it count," I began to question, do I make every day, every action, every word, every dollar earned, every bite taken, and every moment with my family count?? I was honest with myself and decided I can do better. So here I go!
Today was an intersting start. I decided that in order to make every dollar count, I would get back to couponing like I did years ago when I stayed home and worked part-time. I spent two hours planning, printing, and clipping coupons. The "plan" was to go to one store just to get 2 items and then on to another store for the mega savings and to collect the rest of my list. Well, I ended up doing all my shopping at the first store and only used two coupons out of all the coupons I clipped. I came out of the store frustrated and just headed home. Yep, it might just be more of a challenge than I thought to make every dollar count.
When it comes to eating, I want to make the food I eat count towards nourishing my body and making my body healthy. Making what I eat count should have the reward of losing weight. Oh, how this will be a challenge! However, my body is a temple and I will MAKE IT COUNT!
While the saying may seem simple, "Make It Count," but it is sure to be a challenge. Next December I hope to be able to say that I have made this year count like never before and I am excited to see what happens when I focus on making it count.
James 1: 2-4
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
When I thought of the phrase "make it count," I began to question, do I make every day, every action, every word, every dollar earned, every bite taken, and every moment with my family count?? I was honest with myself and decided I can do better. So here I go!
Today was an intersting start. I decided that in order to make every dollar count, I would get back to couponing like I did years ago when I stayed home and worked part-time. I spent two hours planning, printing, and clipping coupons. The "plan" was to go to one store just to get 2 items and then on to another store for the mega savings and to collect the rest of my list. Well, I ended up doing all my shopping at the first store and only used two coupons out of all the coupons I clipped. I came out of the store frustrated and just headed home. Yep, it might just be more of a challenge than I thought to make every dollar count.
When it comes to eating, I want to make the food I eat count towards nourishing my body and making my body healthy. Making what I eat count should have the reward of losing weight. Oh, how this will be a challenge! However, my body is a temple and I will MAKE IT COUNT!
While the saying may seem simple, "Make It Count," but it is sure to be a challenge. Next December I hope to be able to say that I have made this year count like never before and I am excited to see what happens when I focus on making it count.
James 1: 2-4
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
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