scheduling sickness...

This week I had the thought, wouldn't it be nice if you could schedule sickness?  When you could book it and get it over with?  And then I had the thought, yah, if it was like that, none of us would ever schedule it...just like I can't seem to schedule vacations.  However, it does seem that sickness arrives around the year end/new year every year and it is always the most inconvenient times. I am swamped with work for month end, year end, new industry conversion changes happening and it is not good to try to be muddling through all of this while I feel crummy and wish I could just crawl in bed, pull up the covers and shut the world out.  No use complaining, I can't change it, the germs were contacted at the Christian Camp Retreat last weekend and are still with me.  However, I am trying to keep them in my casa so I won't be able to enjoy the New Years Party tomorrow night.

song ~ there is nothing

There is Nothing

Laura Story

Lord I come before You
To honor and adore You
For who You are
and all that You have done
Lord I am not worthy
My heart is dark and dirty
Still somehow
You bid for me to come
So clothe me in humility
Remind me, that I come before a King
And there is nothing
There is nothing
More precious, more worthy
May I gaze deeper
May I stay longer
May I press onward to know You Lord 

May our time be sweeter 
May I be a keeper 
Of the promises 
I make to You in song 
Lord may I remember 
these moments of surrender 
And live my life 
this way from this day on 
So clothe me in humility 
Remind me, that I come before a King 
And there is nothing 
There is nothing 
More precious, more worthy 
May I gaze deeper 
May I stay longer 
May I press onward to know You Lord 
So clothe me in humility 
Remind me.....that I come before a King 
And there is nothing 
There is nothing 
More precious, more worthy 
May I gaze deeper 
May I stay longer 
May I press onward to know You Lord 
May I press onward to know You Lord

Quotes

"People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things. "

- Sir Edmund Hilary, First to reach the summit of Mount Everest

reflections on Gods Word...

God's Word is

• near to all
• brings wisdom
• illuminates
• endures forever
• is pure
• a shield 
• clean
• true
• perfect 
• effective
• will accomplish what He pleases
• is living
• brings growth
• is to be obeyed
• brings comfort
• provides hope
• sanctifies
• saves
• continual cleanses
• is a treasure

What is God's Word to you?

Quotes

“No great goal was ever easily achieved.”

― Margaret Thatcher

verse to reflect on...

I don't read much in other versions, but someone posted this on Facebook recently of Galatians 6:19 - 23 [in the Message version] and it got me to thinking and I wanted to share...thought it is a lot to absorb. 

It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness;trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on. This isn't the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God's kingdom.  But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard-things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way.

thought for the day...

if we would only remember this.......

Quotes

It's not that some people have willpower and some don't. It's that some people are ready to change and others are not. 

– Heraclitus

verse to reflect on...

Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble.
I Peter 3:8

appreciate the prayers...

...who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. -II Corinthians 1:4 


I am thanful for my friends, for doing your part and praying for me...the appreciate is beyond words! I know God is with me and I am glad to have you with me on this journey.

verse to reflect on...

Be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.
- 1 Samuel 12:24

need your prayers...

...would like to request YOUR prayers. Just like you, I have times in my life that things seem to be more than I can take. Just say a prayer for me. That is all I need, want or ask. Pray.

Quotes

"If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things."

- Albert Einstein

consider what you say & how it might be taken

Today, I would like to get us to think about what we say.......


Let me preface:  I am pretty direct in how I approach problems.  I don't always think through what I say and the impact it will make.  I don't typically hide the fact I am not happy, bothered, hurt, frustrated, perturbed, irritated, at my wits end, etc.  However, I am learning to be constructive in those feelings and address them in communication.  I have always been a communicator, but there are ways that are fruitful in communicating and others that are not.  I have been told I am a very patient person, however that doesn't mean that patience is going on on the inside.


I was out on a Friday night a month ago, walking through the parking lot of the building where we meet for christian activities, and it was pitch black.  A little girl, probably about 9 or 10, on roller blades was behind me and said to me:  "Who are you?".  I realized it was dark and she probably didn't recognize me with my coat on and said, "It's Misty".  She replied: "Oh, I never see you any more.  You hardly come."  I felt like I had been slapped across the face. I was trying desperately to find air.  I needed to breath.  My chest felt tight.  I wanted to run.  I wished my car wasn't parked out by the street, wish it had been close to the building so I could escape quickly.  The pain of the comment hurt so deep.  It is a good thing it was dark because I have been told that even if I say nothing, my face shows everything.  I told myself "Be calm", though I was not.  I replied:  "I am not always able to be here, but I try to come all I can".  She replied:  "Yah, we can't come all the time either.  I hope you have a great birthday."  I told her thanks and was inwardly grateful that my comment diffused any further biting reply.  As I walked to my car, the tears started to overflow my eyes.  I couldn't help it.  Satan was battling with remarks in my mind.  "See, her parents are obviously talking about you and your lack of attendance."...
"Now you know the truth, you wondered if people were thinking you were going off the deep end because of your missing normal scheduled events, and look, they are!"...
"You thought some people understood what you are facing, but they don't."...
"Why are you bothering to come? If they are rating you on your attendance and roll call, then seriously, they don't care what you are experiencing do they?".......


I got in my car.  I sat in the dark. I prayed.  Prayed for strength.  Prayed that I not let this bother me.  Prayed that though many, many, many do not understand that you Oh  My God do, and that Only You will be patient with me, will help me, will encourage me, will guide me to the degree I need...and though I don't understand why you think I can handle this and everything else on my plate, why after all I have been through I must face more...you are the all knowing God and you know.  You know everything!  Though I don't know why, I can trust you because you have always guided me and seen me through everything I have faced.  Even when nobody else has understood, does understand or will understand...and even though people push me away, treat me differently, you truly don't.  


Did the tears stop? No.  Did I have peace?  Yes.  Do I understand these people I love much?  No.  


I need to have less expectations that they can or that they will.  I need to let them give me space because they are making terms of our relationship that God doesn't make.  Though it hurts, hurts deep, I can and will press on.  God will give me strength.


So, I share today...a true story...because I want me to stop and think when I have something to say...do I consider how it is taken?  

walking pays off!

I have been walking every morning (or nearly every morning) at a local track.  It is one of the things I do first thing after getting up.  I aim to walk 1.5 - 3 miles, depending on time, energy and inspiration, but generally walk 2 miles.  I started this routine back in May when I realized that I needed more exercise and was trying to help with some fatigue and insomnia that has lasted far too long.  The efforts have paid off, according to the weigh in at my doctor's office on Monday, I have lost 16 pounds since then!  Though I don't feel or to me look like I have lost that much, I am grateful for the fact that I have and I hope to add some more cardio routines if possible.  So if you don't think you can do something, don't have the time, energy or money...go for a walk.  Walking pays off!  2 miles takes me 25 minutes.

What form of exercise do you do?

some exciting news...

For the discreteness of my friend, I will not use names...but I am excited that her husband got parole for a crime he did not do. Now the waiting for when the event will take place, could be 6wks...or maybe even 4 months. This has been a long process and I know that there will be challenges in this bitter sweet news! However, I will miss my friend & employee!!!  But the truth is yet revealed, in God's timing, He works all things out.  God is good!

verse to reflect on...

But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.
   - Deuteronomy 8:18

why?

I get asked this question frequently..."Why aren't you married?"


How do you answer that???  
I have tried, but every time it seems to fail.


I get told, "I never would have thought you were not married." or "You just seem like someone who would be married." or "Don't you want to be married?"


I wonder why it matters? I wonder why we put such importance on being married, like if you are you have truly accomplished something and if you are not, well then something is wrong with you.  Why???  


I know I was raised that getting married was THE Goal.  I mean this huge thing that you lived your entire childhood for.  I realize that God created men and women and the idea is for both to have their half, I get that.  I have no argument with the fact that is the design.  When that card is not in your hand, how are you expected to play something you haven't drawn from the deck of cards?  


I just wonder why people rate you on this factor.  We all know that being married is not going to make you happy.  If you are content in your life I believe finding your prince will only make your life that much happier, but if you are not and you are focused on marriage as the answer to your life problems, you will only be more miserable.  I have been told many times that if you are not happy being single you will never be happy being married.  So when we all know this, why do we "rate" people on whether they are married or not?  You might seem to think it is a crazy question, but I don't.  I think we focus on too many things that are not where are focus needs to be and consequently we make battles for other people more difficult then if we had the vision where it should be.  


God wants me to serve Him with my whole heart, married or not.


God wants me to be loving to everyone, not just the man in my life.


God wants me to share his light with everyone, not just show off the shinning light on my ring finger.


God wants me to be content, whether I have a special someone in my life or not.


God wants me to be grateful for all I have, even if that means no prince came to sweep me off my feet.


How can we help people realize that they are rating us on the wrong terms?  How can we let people know we are content being single because we are!  How can we let people know that the love you show to us means more in a day then the man we don't have to snuggle with at night?  How do you tell someone that though you have been proposed to (not by a guy you were actually trying to get to know on that level) and that is not what you want?  How do you explain these things?


I try.
I fail.
I try again.


Maybe there is no way to explain because the foundation of the focus and rating is all on the wrong terms and until they realize you can be happy single, they will not understand you.


Maybe.


I can still have you over to my casa to entertain you with lovely food and conversation...even if the man of the house is not home.  So, please, don't rate me on the marriage card.  It is missing in action and hasn't been found.

Quotes

It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that maters, not the end.  
- Ursula K LeGuin

my thanksgiving staycation

This year, my Thanksgiving weekend was spent at home.  It is the only Holiday that is not booked with other christian activities (typically camps) and though one of my cousins wanted to make a trip with me to see our Granma & Granpa, I opted to skip that and do what is called the "Staycation".  Initially, I wanted to take off Wednesday through Sunday, but with some current work demands and important phone calls on Wednesday, that didn't happen...however I did take a 4 day no work spell, completely no business related work, though there were other tasks that were "work".


Thursday I enjoyed lunch and the afternoon & evening with Gilbert & Connie, Weldon & Lorrianne, Ronald & Shandy and families.  We had yummy food...lots of laughter (which I desperately needed) and sitting in the chairs being couch potatoes.  


Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I stayed home...almost completely.  I had very few expectations out of myself.  I slept in.  I ate when I wanted.  I stayed in my pj's.  I didn't comb my hair, if I didn't want.  I worked on completing two knitting projects.  I did some filing.  Some shredding.  Some organizing.  Some blog reading.  Some napping.  Some thinking.  Some walks...long walks.  The problem is it nearly took 3 full days for me to get to the point that I was enjoying not working, not even thinking about work, and really in the mood of enjoying the time off.  I guess that means I have gone too long not taking a break???  Yup, I think that is what it means.  Time to change some bad habits.


Here is a list of items I wanted to complete during my staycation:

• file all out of pocket RX claims to health insurance policy
• write a letter again to The Genie Company regarding garage door opener that has not worked since February 2011
• write a letter to American Honda Finance Corporation
• update mileage log
• finish all Birthday Thank You notes
• do weekly search online
• get finances up to date in Quicken
• register all new Starbucks gift cards online
• clean up my clothes closet
• download all health insurance EOBs
• request refund from Lab on overpayment
• finish knitted blanket for Lee (Jill's baby)
• finish knitted blanket for Jordyn (Veronica's baby)
• do some shredding
• do some filing
• file all receipts
• read some of my favorite blogs

Here is a picture of me on Friday playing "The Queen" with Gracie. I stopped by to drop off some things and we spent about an hour or so having fun.

Gracie & Misty
(wish I had taken the keys out of my left pocket so it wasn't bulging like that - ugh!)

Later in the day, I went and had frozen yogurt with Michelle, making use of the one day Groupon special for $5 worth at the cost of $3 of delicious Tart Frozen Yogurt! (my favorite...all I do is vary the toppings between fruit, coconut and pecans)!!!  I was still hungry after that so we went to Rosa's and split Beef Fajita Nachos.


Saturday I went and bought printer ink cartridges at 10% supporting the Small Business Saturday event...though I needed them regardless of the event.  I also stopped in Cato for a few minutes and found a much needed black skirt.


Sunday, I stayed home and in my pj's until almost 5pm...I went for my daily walk, very late and it was bitter cold.  I didn't accomplish much since I wasn't feeling well, but the knitted blankets for Lee and Jordyn are done!!! 


The weekend was needed.....and of the list of things I wanted to complete, I did nearly all of them but two...not too bad for wanting to do it at my own pace.


Now the important question...when will I schedule my next staycation?

Quotes

When you think about a problem over and over in your mind, it's called worry. When you think about God's Word over and over in your mind, it's called meditation. The more you meditate, the less you worry. 
- Rick Warren

be thankful...

Today is Thanksgiving...and though I believe we should be grateful and thankful every day in our hearts and express it, today is a day many take the time to really do just that.  At the prompting of a friend, I am going to write down 25 things I am thankful for:

• thankful for God being my friend, walking beside me and giving me the strength to face the trials, difficulties, hard times, and press on in life
• thankful for true friends, the ones that still call, write and want to spend time together even if I don't do my part to respond
• thankful for the fill-in family I have, the ones that truly know what it is like to not have "blood family" and treat you like such
• thankful for the doctors I can see to try to figure out what is happening to my body and how to make it better
• thankful for the nights I do get to sleep and the feeling of rest it creates the next day
• thankful for having my own little place to call mine
• thankful for my clients and the opportunity to serve them
• thankful for the abilities to work and make money to live
• thankful for my morning walks each day that give me a fresh perspective and energy to tackle the tasks of the day
• thankful for the skills my parents gave me in discipline and a good work ethic
• thankful for the chance to begin new each morning with God's mercies
• thankful for all those who reached out to me September 1997 and encouraged me, helped me, and supported me in starting a new life here in Texas
• thankful for the memories I have with girlfriends who got married and moved on to other places
• thankful for my salvation and all the Lord did to save me
• thankful for Facebook and all the people I can stay in touch with and connect with through this social media portal that I would not be able to connect with as regularly
• thankful that I don't live on a farm and have to grow and harvest my own food, I am a city girl
• thankful for transportation that gets me to where I need to go so I don't have to walk there
• thankful for all the great tasting food we get to enjoy
• thankful to be able to pray anytime day or night to an all knowing God
• thankful to have people who will listen to my struggles, provide thought and help me work through issues
• thankful for networking friends who believe in me and my services and wish to support my business
• thankful for a few days off because I am in need of a break
• thankful for understanding employees who know that I am going through a lot right now and being patient with the stress I am feeling
• thankful for a loving Granma who still is generous, loving and kind in spite of not understanding many things that have transpired in my family
• thankful for Gods love to me

I know there are many more things to be thankful for, but today...these are the things I am grateful for!

verse to reflect on...

The Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you...
- 2 Thessalonians 3:3

Quotes

What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.  
- Oscar Wilde

verse to reflect on...

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy. 
- 1 Peter 1:8-9

Quotes

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless."

- Mother Teresa

song ~ my hope is in you

My Hope Is In You
by Aaron Shust

I meet with You and my soul sings out
As your word throws doubt far away
I sing to You and my heart cries
“Holy!
Hallelujah

Father, You’re near!”
My hope is in You, Lord
All the day long
I won’t be shaken by drought or storm
A peace that passes understanding is my song
And I sing
My hope is in You, Lord
I wait for You and my soul finds rest
In my selfishness, You show me grace
I worship You and my heart cries “Glory
Hallelujah
Father You’re here!”
My hope is in You, Lord
All the day long
I won’t be shaken by drought or storm
A peace that passes understanding is my song
And I sing
My hope is in You, Lord
I will wait on You
You are my refuge
I will wait on You
You are my refuge
My hope is in You, Lord
All the day long
I won’t be shaken by drought or storm
My hope is in You, Lord
All the day long
I won’t be shaken by drought or storm
A peace that passes understanding is my song
And I sing
My hope is in You, Lord
My hope is in You, Lord
Yeah
My hope is in You, Lord

thought for the day...

verse to reflect on...

In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling. 
- Exodus 15:13

I'm Thankful today...for you!

today, I woke up very Thankful for you, your support and continuing to reach out and encourage me when you don't understand; for not labeling me and putting me in a box with a lid on it; for accepting the fact that I am not perfect though I try immensely to be super woman; for remembering that I have a horrific past that I am still working through...I say Thank You!

thought for the day...

The Kingdom of God is like a treasure hidden in a field. At every turn the field is piled high with disappointments, financial meltdowns, broken lives, discarded dreams, abandoned homes, and good-intentioned disasters. We pray for God to wipe the mess away, but he doesn't work that way. He begins there in the dump, with the mess, and reveals a treasure. He creates an unexpected wonder, something beyond imagination. He fashions "new life" in the middle of the mess.


- Looking for Treasure in Trash, by Ron Rose
Rons Faith Notes on 11.07.2011

Quotes

Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you. 

– Dr. Seuss

Quotes

As we end the week, choose to be exceptional, even in the ordinary details of life.
-Monday Morning Christianity

song ~ always

Always 
by Kristian Stanfill


My foes are many, they rise against me
But I will hold my ground
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way

Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always

Troubles surround me, chaos abounding
My soul will rest in You
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way

Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always

I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
From You Lord, from You Lord

Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always

Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always, always

lots of wishes received today...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes I received from Cancun Rivieramaya
(the resort I stayed at in 2009 when I attended Dave Ramsey's EntreLeadership Event)

verse to reflect on...

Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later.
- Romans 8:18, NLT

takeaways from the message...

Yesterday's message was awesome!  I loved some of the thoughts that were provided and want to share them with you today so that as you begin your week, like me, we can make adjustments with the strength the Lord provides us.  How about you, do you have / are you living / what are your focusing on:

• the Mind of Christ vs the Mind of Other Things [I used my own words for the 2nd part of this one because I feel it fits and didn't get what was actually on the screen before the next slide]
• Righteousness vs Unrighteousness
• Sober Vigilance vs Sleeping & Complacent
• by Love Serve Others vs Opportunity for the Flesh
• Thoughts on Things Above vs Thoughts on Earthly Things
• Love the Father vs Love the World
• Based on Faith vs Based on Feelings
• Self Control vs Overzealous
• by Grace Alone vs by Our Efforts
• Sound Mind vs Spirit of Fear

[there were verses for each of these, but I think sometimes we think more, contemplate and concentrate on the actual message of them instead of where they are located and the actual wording of the verse when that is left out - to explain why I left this out]
-Bob Harrison

Quotes

“It takes time to be a success, but time is all it takes.”

― Anonymous

something I love!

Do you have something like this in your house?  If so, what does it say?

I want to surround myself with more positive images, more uplifting messages that I see throughout my home.  I have one in my bedroom, one in my office and a quote in my kitchen/dinning room...but I need a few more.  I absolutely LOVE this!!!  I love it so much that I want to create something just like it for my house...or I may have to hire my friend/cousin over at The Virginia House who makes signs to make me one real similar if not exactly like this!  :)  Either way, I am gathering thoughts...ideas...words of encouragement and wisdom from you...so share what you would put on it below!  It will take some time, some thought, but I know I want one...really bad.  Love, love, love!

Quotes

thought for the day...

Be patient. God knows what He's doing. God knows what is best for you. He can see the end result. You can't. All those problems, heartaches, difficulties and delays -- all the things that make you ask "why" -- one day it will all be clear in the light of God's love. But for now, trust God.
- from a friends status update on Facebook

verse to reflect on...

This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other." - Zechariah 7:9-10 (GodsWord translation)

thought for the day...

Quotes

Gratitude consists of being more aware of what you have, than what you don’t.
–Unknown

Quotes

Living is more a question of what one spends than what one makes.

― Marcel Duchamp

verse to reflect on...

Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me. - Psalm 103:2

Quotes

A loving heart is the truest wisdom. 

– Charles Dickens

Quotes

The promise of heaven allows Christians to live lightly, not clinging so tightly to possessions, accomplishments, and agendas. The best is yet to come.
~ Mark McMinn

how do you help someone who is hurting?

How do you help someone who is hurting?  Going through a very difficult time in their life?  Facing insurmountable trials?  Can't see the forest for the trees?  Is more pessimistic than optimistic?  Has received blow after blow?  Wants to quit?   Thinks giving up is an option?  Wants to run far, far, far away?


We all have these moments in life and depending on the individual will react to them differently.  I know I have at various times depending on what I am facing.  I also know that though I have strong faith and believe that God is with me, I still have moments I doubt, am afraid, lack courage, don't see hope, get discouraged, find the everyday processes of life more of a task then a challenge to conquer.  The longer I live through these times, the more I realize that the person looking in may not see, probably won't comprehend, nor even has a clue what I am facing on my own.  So when you get a little window into their soul, a crack that opens up what is happening inside that shows there are struggles, pain, heartache, difficulties, a need...what do you do to help?  How can you help?  What should you do?

• Pray for that person and ask the Lord to help you know how to be an encouragement
• Take a meal over just because, maybe not even a hot one but one they can prepare later when the time is right for them
• Offer to lend a hand with a task you know is probably behind, not caught up, overwhelming them, creating more chaos in their life
• Send them an email, ecard or even a handwritten note in the mail to encourage and life their spirits
• Contact via phone and if you don't get them, don't be upset, they might not be up to talking to you, you can still leave a voicemail and say the punchline there
• Send a text message saying you love them, care for them, and are praying for them today; don't expect a response
• Be willing to listen if they share.  Don't try to get all the nitty gritty details, seriously, they probably are tired of trying to review all of this with everyone when each of us have our own opinion about stuff and share it many times without thinking
• Take them out for coffee, keep it short, don't overdue your willingness to encourage it just might be more than they can take
• Offer to help, but if it isn't accepted don't be offended, it might be more than they can do to accept
• Share one of your favorite verses from the bible
• Give a gift card or a small gift just because to show you care

What ways do you try to encourage people that you know are hurting and not seeing the light in the dark days they are facing?  We all see different needs and I want to focus my efforts continually on encouraging others...I would love for you to share your ideas.

verse to reflect on...

God is worthy of glory because He created all things. - Revelation 4:11

Quotes

God wants us to become obsessively preoccupied with the needs of others. When we do that through the mechanism of business, we are doing work that matters. 
- Rabbi Daniel Lapin (book Thou Shall Prosper)

verse to reflect on...

Everything God does reveals His glory and majesty.  - Psalm 111:3

Quotes

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. 
- Winston Churchill

thought for the day...

I read various blog posts from time to time and have a few I follow regularly.  This one made me think and I want to share two parts of it.  You can read the full blog post here.


I realized we often talk to and treat others the way we talk to and treat ourselves.

As your personal, social, and professional relationships become more complex, it is important to remember that you may not know the silent battles faced by those around you, but God does. He sees the big picture. He sees what is driving someone’s anger, sadness and depression. He knows the root cause of why someone becomes irritated over small things.

So when you feel like a victim and solicit God to comfort you by shooting lightning bolts from the sky at your attacker’s head, imagine God responding: “If you think the way they are treating you is bad, you should see how they treat themselves! But I know about battles they’re fighting that you don’t. And that’s why I sent them across your path today; for you to share your love and compassion, not your criticism and opinion.”

poem ~ Enough

I pray you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I pray you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I pray you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I pray you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I pray you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I pray you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I pray you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

verse to reflect on...

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
~ Proverbs 16:9

Quotes

"Character is the ability to carry out a good resolution long after the excitement of the moment has passed." - Cavett Robert

verse to reflect on...

Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. ... Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior. Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.
~ Psalm 27:7, 9&10

Quotes

Keep your sense of humor. There's enough stress in the rest of your life to let bad shots ruin a game you're supposed to enjoy.

- Amy Alcott, golfer

You are an Adult!

I have been reflecting on the fact that when we are children, we long for the day we "become an adult".  We look at this time frame in the future as a point when we have finally arrived, whatever that really means, it is something we have in our head as important.  However, when we get there, somehow it isn't the same excitement.  


I mean, remember the day you just couldn't wait until you could have a checking account and write checks? Man, that seemed like you really had money then when you could write a dollar amount on this slip of paper and give it to someone for an amount you owed.  Balancing the checkbook was fun because you got to see how much you had!  And of course when you could DRIVE A CAR, now that was big!!!  You really were very important once you could drive a car.  What about the day when you could go to the grocery store and buy whatever food you wanted, now that was sweet!  However, life moves along, bills stack up and you suddenly say, "ugh, I need to write so many checks!" and for some who never really seemed to be intrigued with driving after the first 6 months, "could you please drive"?  And you mean to tell me that there is no more milk or salsa in the refrigerator and I have to go to the grocery store again???  I was just there last week!  LOL!  Don't forget...you are an adult!  Why don't you want all these responsibilities that you dreamed about when you were in your teen years?  


For me...I think we let life make things complicated...let me repeat...WE MAKE LIFE COMPLICATED.  We sign up for email notices, coupons, magazines, fliers, information, literature, etc that we really do not need and many times later do not want and they become an irritation to us and it stacks up like this mountain around our house and we can't seem to stay current on all the bills and paperwork.  What must we keep?  What must be file?  What can we shred?  Many times with the perspective that I will get to it later...but later and later and later down the road the pile is huge.  A task that now none of us want to attempt.  We loose focus that it is these little tasks every day that make up life and the importance of doing them ALL is important.


For you, what do you think causes this?  How can you bring back that zeal in your life to be an "adult"?  What steps do you take to be disciplined, orderly, and focused on the priorities and what is important?  Share your thoughts and ideas below!  

Quotes

The measure of a life is not what that life accomplishes but rather the impact that life has on others.
-Jackie Robinson