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

verse to reflect on...

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.  
~ I Peter 3:15

Quotes

It's not your outlook but your uplook that counts.  - John Mason

thought for the day...

When Satan tries to bring up your past, talk to him about his future.
-Anne Graham Lotz

Quotes

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant with the weak and wrong...because sometime in your life you will have been all of these.


– George Washington Carver 

14 Years in Texas!

This weekend is always a memorable time for me.  It marks the weekend that life changed for me!  I came to Texas September 1997 to attend a Christian Camp Retreat and visit my sister who had moved here 3 months previously.  The results?  I went home 2.5 weeks later to get my things and move to Texas.  It was the beginning of a journey I wish I had started sooner, than at age 20, and one that I have never regretted!  It is a time that I always reflect on and count my blessings for those that reached out to me in a time I was desperately in need.  You were an extension of Gods love and I needed it!  May the Lord bless each of you for your efforts on my behalf.  Though I miss California and my friends, Texas is home!

thought for the day...

You may feel that God had abandoned you. But the fact is that God has promised that He will never leave you nor forsake you; therefore He has not abandoned you. (Hebrews 13:5)

You may feel hopeless in your situation. But the fact is that God promises He will work all things for good to those that love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

You may feel that you’re without wisdom, but the fact is God is able to give me the kind of wisdom I need, because James 1:5 says “if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

You may feel weak and helpless, but the fact is God says, “I give power to the faint, and to them that have no might he increases their strength.” (Isaiah 40:29)

You may feel worried about your future, but the fact is God promises to “supply all your needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

You may feel discouraged about your walk with God, but the fact is God says “be confident that he who has begun a good work in you will complete it”. (Philippians 1:6)

You may feel shame about your choices, but the fact is “there is now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1)

Whatever you’re “feeling” today, trade it for the “fact” of God’s Word. You’ll find it never goes out of style. It’s always dependable and reliable. And most importantly, it holds up in any kind of trouble.

Micca Campbell via Sisters In Christ

CHECK OUT the giveaway!!!

awesome giveaway! A lifelong learning dare: Go beyond board books (with a giveaway!) by TSH @SimpleMom and @RosettaStone