Wednesday, December 30, 2009
A little break...
In honor of my holiday week, I'm going to focus on some other writing and return to this blog in January. See you in 2010!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Monday: Making Memories
Last night, my family had some restorative down time, just hanging out at the house together. By evening, my husband was in a particularly organizational mood; being the opposite of a pack rat, having excess stuff suffocates him. So, he started by eliminating any Cd's we just didn't listen to anymore. Let me tell you, it was quite the process. He found Cd's I hadn't seen in six years. In the process of our elimination, we listened to some old music that used to mean something to us--some to poke fun at, some for the beat, some for the way it made us feel when we were in college. We danced and we laughed. We had silly fun together--sadly, something that has gotten pushed out because of our insane scheduling lately.
So, this week, whether you have several obligations and family members in town (yes, we do too), set aside one night just to hang with your core. Go through some old Cd's, photos, or family videos, relish the old memories and enjoy making new ones.
So, this week, whether you have several obligations and family members in town (yes, we do too), set aside one night just to hang with your core. Go through some old Cd's, photos, or family videos, relish the old memories and enjoy making new ones.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Eve
Hard to say what the next couple of days might look like. As children, the anticipation of a white Christmas thrilled us, but now as adults, the prospect is discouraging. If it snows tonight and tomorrow, my husband will have to work, plowing at the resort, and my dad and brothers will also have shoveling to do at the subdivision. So, there is that possibility that we won't spend much of the holiday together as a family. And that possibility brings Christmas blues. But as my mom wisely said, "you know, that's not even really what the Christmas season is about." We do get so snared up in our own desires for comfort and pleasure, that even if we did our share of "Christmas giving" we think we are entitled to a stress-free, enjoyable holiday. But plan B's are always out there, even on holidays. Being able to adjust to them well is a trait that minimizes our overall holiday stress.
While reading on Dr. Mercola's website today, I came across this article that included tips for a stress-free holiday. Being a holistic doctor, he encouraged people to keep exercising (as we often just sit around for three or four days and eat), get some vitamin D and omega-3 oil, and avoid excessive sugar and alcohol (depressants).
He also listed these wise tips:
*Be gentle on yourself, and give yourself permission to say “No”… It really is okay to take special time for yourself. If the holidays have you feeling down for whatever reason, indulge in the things that make you feel happy, whether they’re holiday related or not.
*Seek out people who make you feel better, and avoid people who add to your stress or contribute to your depression.
*Regain a sense of control by scheduling no more than one or two manageable goals per day, even if they’re as simple as writing a few cards, or cleaning a small section of a room. The satisfaction of completing these tasks can add to your sense of well-being, and help you get everything done, over a longer period of time.
*If a certain tradition causes more stress and discomfort than joy, give yourself permission to do things differently! Remind yourself that there is no right or wrong way to celebrate Christmas. Ban the word “should.”
*Focus on what you and your family want to do for the holidays instead of what other families are doing.
*Take advantage of online shopping instead of rushing through malls.
*If the thought of cooking Christmas dinner gives you a headache, arrange to have friends and family over to help you cook ahead of time, hold a potluck dinner, or make a reservation at a special restaurant instead.
You can check out the full article here.
While reading on Dr. Mercola's website today, I came across this article that included tips for a stress-free holiday. Being a holistic doctor, he encouraged people to keep exercising (as we often just sit around for three or four days and eat), get some vitamin D and omega-3 oil, and avoid excessive sugar and alcohol (depressants).
He also listed these wise tips:
*Be gentle on yourself, and give yourself permission to say “No”… It really is okay to take special time for yourself. If the holidays have you feeling down for whatever reason, indulge in the things that make you feel happy, whether they’re holiday related or not.
*Seek out people who make you feel better, and avoid people who add to your stress or contribute to your depression.
*Regain a sense of control by scheduling no more than one or two manageable goals per day, even if they’re as simple as writing a few cards, or cleaning a small section of a room. The satisfaction of completing these tasks can add to your sense of well-being, and help you get everything done, over a longer period of time.
*If a certain tradition causes more stress and discomfort than joy, give yourself permission to do things differently! Remind yourself that there is no right or wrong way to celebrate Christmas. Ban the word “should.”
*Focus on what you and your family want to do for the holidays instead of what other families are doing.
*Take advantage of online shopping instead of rushing through malls.
*If the thought of cooking Christmas dinner gives you a headache, arrange to have friends and family over to help you cook ahead of time, hold a potluck dinner, or make a reservation at a special restaurant instead.
You can check out the full article here.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Two Days Till Christmas... Can you See what I See?
Probably not. Little of what we truly see, experience, or think can be fully understood by another. Think about poor Mary. Although she was chosen by God and visited by an angel, surely she had her moments of doubt. People didn't understand her, they judged her, they criticized her--even Joseph didn't believe her right away. Of course, being the more rational of the two sexes, I'm not sure what man would.
Yet, she accepted the challenge, even though she really had no idea what she was getting herself into. And she trusted the Lord--faith is required when we can't fully plan, isn't it.
Tricia Goyer is a well-known author of over twenty books and she writes about this very issue on her Dec. 21st posting. I'd encourage you to read it in full by following this link to her blog.
And remember this holiday season, and in the year to come, not everyone can see what you see, but there is One who understands you even more deeply than you understand yourself.
Yet, she accepted the challenge, even though she really had no idea what she was getting herself into. And she trusted the Lord--faith is required when we can't fully plan, isn't it.
Tricia Goyer is a well-known author of over twenty books and she writes about this very issue on her Dec. 21st posting. I'd encourage you to read it in full by following this link to her blog.
And remember this holiday season, and in the year to come, not everyone can see what you see, but there is One who understands you even more deeply than you understand yourself.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Mellow Monday... glad to see it come
Although I love quality time with people--and crave more than I often get--some weekends are so overstimulating I feel like I'm going to... well, the phrase "stark raving mad" comes to mind. With the demands of the my school session wrapping up (plus, an unexpected project coming due), company in town (whom I love by the way), my baby girl's teething fury, and five hours of sleep, I nearly lost my composure on more than one occasion. Sunday afternoon, exhausted and frustrated with my daughter, I knew I had to either take her for a walk or I'd be sorry. Thankfully, Maddie loves walks and turns quiet when we stroll, which aloud me to rest and think. Burning off the adrenaline, I had to assess why I was so angry.
Expectations.
I had expected my daughter not to act like a brat the whole weekend our friends were in town. I had expected to get more than 5 hours of sleep. I had expected to be able to take a brief nap that afternoon. I had expected some downtime while Maddie slept. I had expected a long list of things that were not coming to fruition and I was focusing on the negative.
So, I decided to just start thanking God for all the things I could. Let me tell you, it was not a pleasant experience. Shamefully, I was mad and I wanted to stay that way--not really, but you know. I wanted to vent and complain to God, which I did, but I didn't want to thank him. Still, I did it. And after about the fifth or sixth item, I started feeling better. My life was good. So I'm tired and burned out; what mom isn't? So I'm not going to get a nap today; many won't. By the time I returned to the house, my spirit was more in line with God's character and I felt so much better. And as a beautiful gift, my parents pulled up just at that moment and offered to take Maddie on a walk with them. I returned to my house and slept for an hour, feeling like a whole new person afterwards. God is so good.
Expectations.
I had expected my daughter not to act like a brat the whole weekend our friends were in town. I had expected to get more than 5 hours of sleep. I had expected to be able to take a brief nap that afternoon. I had expected some downtime while Maddie slept. I had expected a long list of things that were not coming to fruition and I was focusing on the negative.
So, I decided to just start thanking God for all the things I could. Let me tell you, it was not a pleasant experience. Shamefully, I was mad and I wanted to stay that way--not really, but you know. I wanted to vent and complain to God, which I did, but I didn't want to thank him. Still, I did it. And after about the fifth or sixth item, I started feeling better. My life was good. So I'm tired and burned out; what mom isn't? So I'm not going to get a nap today; many won't. By the time I returned to the house, my spirit was more in line with God's character and I felt so much better. And as a beautiful gift, my parents pulled up just at that moment and offered to take Maddie on a walk with them. I returned to my house and slept for an hour, feeling like a whole new person afterwards. God is so good.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Friday Fun
In honor of Christmas (only a week away today!), take a little time to do something festive tonight. Make Christmas cookies for someone, watch a classic Christmas movie while stringing popcorn (you don't have to put it on a tree) :) or just enjoy some quality time with those you love.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Thankful Thursday
*symphonies
*cherry tomatoes
*warm towels
*fuzzy socks
*dollar-off coupons
*purple pens
*pillows
*swimming pools
*comic strips
*kitchen tables
*evergreen trees
*Cardinals
*dark chocolate
*calla lilies
*painters
*swings
*kilts
*glass jewelry
*blue
*cherry tomatoes
*warm towels
*fuzzy socks
*dollar-off coupons
*purple pens
*pillows
*swimming pools
*comic strips
*kitchen tables
*evergreen trees
*Cardinals
*dark chocolate
*calla lilies
*painters
*swings
*kilts
*glass jewelry
*blue
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
WW: You fill in the blank
In honor of the Worry-free Wednesday day theme, I decided to do a little google search. Do you know that you can not only plan a worry-free vacation, but you can participate in worry-free investments, banking, business, dinners, and cell coverage? Don't worry, because every corporation and business available will ease your tensions and "guarantee" worry-free health, retirement, and home design. Well, thank goodness, what was I worried about?
What bothers me is that in an attempt to ease our anxiety, we turn not to the source of peace, but to the comforts that others seem to promise. Of course, we quickly realize that those promises are empty; in fact, as long as we are looking toward our own comfort as the end goal, our worry will continue to mount. Why? We are missing the whole point of living. As my pastor so sufficiently put it, "We (as Christ-followers) have been called to a life of sacrifice and suffering--not comfort."
Does that mean that we should allow worry to piggy-back on our sacrifice? Certainly not. God also calls us to a joyful existence. So there's the crux. When we truly sacrifice freely (letting go of our perfect and comfortable existence) then can we find the worry-free life we dreamt of--our eyes are turned to Him.
I challenge you to take a few minutes and write down your top five worries during this season of your life. Be as specific as you dare. And then, here's the scary part, ask God why those things scare you so much; what is motivating you to worry. Lastly, try to open your hands to Him and release that worry (n.b. If you are a normal, struggling Christian like myself, it will probably take you more than one time).
In all vulnerability, I am sharing my list here with you. Perhaps, in some strange way, it will encourage and challenge you.
1. I worry about Maddie's spiritual, emotional, and physical health. --I think I am afraid that I am going to screw up her life and leave her in therapy for her adult life. But the root of this fear is pride, thinking that God will not intervene, protect, or speak directly to her heart. I don't have to be the perfect parent (I won't be) and I don't have to play God in her life (Thank the Lord).
2. I worry that I'll never find the time or drive to achieve my writing/publishing goals. --I am afraid that I'll have wasted the talents God has granted me, not utilizing them to my/His full benefit. And ultimately, yes--shamefully--I'd like to be famous some day. I hate to confess that here, but I am narcissistic--not in the paparazzi sense, but in the "yeah, I've heard of her," sense. Sick, I know.
3. I worry that I'll get bored with life and do something I'll regret. My husband often tells me that I don't think enough before I [fill in the blank]. I can be pretty passionate, and yes, I am a doer. Often times my actions don't proceed from the necessary allotment of time.
4. I worry about pain. I can honestly say that I am not afraid to die. Death is not scary to me. But pain, yes. I've always been a little bit of a hypochondriac. I guess that fear comes down to my extreme desire to stay comfortable.
5. I worry about sleep. Go ahead. Laugh. I guess it is a little more silly than most. But you have no idea how much I crave, covet sleep--it's a real problem.
What bothers me is that in an attempt to ease our anxiety, we turn not to the source of peace, but to the comforts that others seem to promise. Of course, we quickly realize that those promises are empty; in fact, as long as we are looking toward our own comfort as the end goal, our worry will continue to mount. Why? We are missing the whole point of living. As my pastor so sufficiently put it, "We (as Christ-followers) have been called to a life of sacrifice and suffering--not comfort."
Does that mean that we should allow worry to piggy-back on our sacrifice? Certainly not. God also calls us to a joyful existence. So there's the crux. When we truly sacrifice freely (letting go of our perfect and comfortable existence) then can we find the worry-free life we dreamt of--our eyes are turned to Him.
I challenge you to take a few minutes and write down your top five worries during this season of your life. Be as specific as you dare. And then, here's the scary part, ask God why those things scare you so much; what is motivating you to worry. Lastly, try to open your hands to Him and release that worry (n.b. If you are a normal, struggling Christian like myself, it will probably take you more than one time).
In all vulnerability, I am sharing my list here with you. Perhaps, in some strange way, it will encourage and challenge you.
1. I worry about Maddie's spiritual, emotional, and physical health. --I think I am afraid that I am going to screw up her life and leave her in therapy for her adult life. But the root of this fear is pride, thinking that God will not intervene, protect, or speak directly to her heart. I don't have to be the perfect parent (I won't be) and I don't have to play God in her life (Thank the Lord).
2. I worry that I'll never find the time or drive to achieve my writing/publishing goals. --I am afraid that I'll have wasted the talents God has granted me, not utilizing them to my/His full benefit. And ultimately, yes--shamefully--I'd like to be famous some day. I hate to confess that here, but I am narcissistic--not in the paparazzi sense, but in the "yeah, I've heard of her," sense. Sick, I know.
3. I worry that I'll get bored with life and do something I'll regret. My husband often tells me that I don't think enough before I [fill in the blank]. I can be pretty passionate, and yes, I am a doer. Often times my actions don't proceed from the necessary allotment of time.
4. I worry about pain. I can honestly say that I am not afraid to die. Death is not scary to me. But pain, yes. I've always been a little bit of a hypochondriac. I guess that fear comes down to my extreme desire to stay comfortable.
5. I worry about sleep. Go ahead. Laugh. I guess it is a little more silly than most. But you have no idea how much I crave, covet sleep--it's a real problem.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Tuesday Trips: Branson Life
Although I live in a tourist town, thankfully, I am about twenty minutes outside the hub, and therefore, I don't' have to deal with the Texas cowpokes and Oklahoma gaukers (Yes, those are the two worst states) on a frequent basis. Kansas is not too great either, but I don't fault them; they just aren't used to curves in their roads, bless their hearts.
I realize that when I get behind blue hair, I'm going to be about five minutes late, but I guess that's a small price tag for our economic stability. But really people, do you not realize that map reading is done on the shoulder, not in the middle of the road? And is "right on red" just a Missouri thing? Surely not.
Being aware of these driving peeves, I try to avoid being a tourist when I go on vacation or travel for the weekend. Sadly, Aaron and I are directly-challenged; together, we are a local driver's nightmare. I cringe when I make the same faux paus tourists. But, I think I have managed to avoid these typical blunders. How about you?
Does the sun set every night?
Are the Amish in season?
How long is a one-day pass good for?
What time does the 9 o'clock ferry leave?
How many miles of undiscovered cave are there?
Why is the CLOSED FOR CLEANING sign on the rest room?
When do they turn off the waterfalls? (at Yosemite Nat'l Park)
How come all of the war battles were fought in National Parks?
Why don't you have better marking in the places where trails do not exist?
Is that the same moon we see in Vermont?
Why don't you have more signs saying to keep the area pristine?
How much does it cost to mail a letter to the U.S.? (from an American tourist in Hawaii)
If it rains, will the fireworks be held inside?
Will I need my passport when I get off the ferry on Nantucket?
What is the altitude? (on a boat passing through the fjords of Alaska's Inside Passage)
*Taken from roadandtravel.com
Hopefully, these little trip diversions gave you pause to smile. Any humorous travel stories you want to share? Come on, don't be embarrassed. :)
I realize that when I get behind blue hair, I'm going to be about five minutes late, but I guess that's a small price tag for our economic stability. But really people, do you not realize that map reading is done on the shoulder, not in the middle of the road? And is "right on red" just a Missouri thing? Surely not.
Being aware of these driving peeves, I try to avoid being a tourist when I go on vacation or travel for the weekend. Sadly, Aaron and I are directly-challenged; together, we are a local driver's nightmare. I cringe when I make the same faux paus tourists. But, I think I have managed to avoid these typical blunders. How about you?
Does the sun set every night?
Are the Amish in season?
How long is a one-day pass good for?
What time does the 9 o'clock ferry leave?
How many miles of undiscovered cave are there?
Why is the CLOSED FOR CLEANING sign on the rest room?
When do they turn off the waterfalls? (at Yosemite Nat'l Park)
How come all of the war battles were fought in National Parks?
Why don't you have better marking in the places where trails do not exist?
Is that the same moon we see in Vermont?
Why don't you have more signs saying to keep the area pristine?
How much does it cost to mail a letter to the U.S.? (from an American tourist in Hawaii)
If it rains, will the fireworks be held inside?
Will I need my passport when I get off the ferry on Nantucket?
What is the altitude? (on a boat passing through the fjords of Alaska's Inside Passage)
*Taken from roadandtravel.com
Hopefully, these little trip diversions gave you pause to smile. Any humorous travel stories you want to share? Come on, don't be embarrassed. :)
What in the World?
Okay, I'll admit it; my world is often way too small. Shamefully, my highest priority is often my own comfort. I would be more than a little embarrassed to share with you the attitudes and thoughts that limp through my mind when I contemplate the broader picture--those outside my little sphere. In fact, I can't even make myself type them. Yet, I will tell you this: as far as I am from where God desires me to be, I am still a treasured part of this world. Me? Me. Yes, He has called me to a specific purpose (probably not what I think) and has given me passions and talents to pursue (probably not in the way I anticipate) and ultimately, my comfort is of little consequence... either here nor later.
So my confession is this: I'm a pretty selfish person. I get crabby when I don't get 8 hours of sleep; yet people all across the world are not sleeping because of work, health, or tragedy. I hate to feel rejected and unwanted; sadly, people all across this planet don't have one true friend and many will die never understanding what love is. I struggle to be content and am always looking to the next phase; yet some people cannot even imagine the next day or would even want to.
It's easy for me to focus on the negative, but sometimes I just need to slap myself, "What in the world is wrong with you, Kristin?" Ultimately? Eternally? Thankfully--nothing. God has covered me and redeemed me and calls me His. And I have so much to be grateful for.
So my confession is this: I'm a pretty selfish person. I get crabby when I don't get 8 hours of sleep; yet people all across the world are not sleeping because of work, health, or tragedy. I hate to feel rejected and unwanted; sadly, people all across this planet don't have one true friend and many will die never understanding what love is. I struggle to be content and am always looking to the next phase; yet some people cannot even imagine the next day or would even want to.
It's easy for me to focus on the negative, but sometimes I just need to slap myself, "What in the world is wrong with you, Kristin?" Ultimately? Eternally? Thankfully--nothing. God has covered me and redeemed me and calls me His. And I have so much to be grateful for.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Today
Today, I have spent the majority of my time with my butt numbing itself against this chair, going foggy-eyed in front of computer, grading, grading, writing a little, blogging, and grading some more.
Although I had a great day yesterday, browsing with Mom and Maddie at the Grand Village, and watching Twilight with my husband last night (oh yes, we did--I think I'll have to read the book now to find out what all the hype is about), I am disappointed with today. Why? Well, it just boils down to expectations. Even though today is no worse than any other day, it is really no better either. And I have this uncanny desire to actually receive down time on Saturday. Hmm... realistic with my current position and status as mom? No. Not really. But I can't seem to get that in my brain. Today is not yesterday. Two years back I could take Saturday off; I worked part-time and I didn't have a child. But today is today, and I have to remember that. As a wise person once reminded me, your best today is different from your best a year ago--it is always changing. Learn to go with it; adapt to the change.
So today is today. And today is a great day.
Although I had a great day yesterday, browsing with Mom and Maddie at the Grand Village, and watching Twilight with my husband last night (oh yes, we did--I think I'll have to read the book now to find out what all the hype is about), I am disappointed with today. Why? Well, it just boils down to expectations. Even though today is no worse than any other day, it is really no better either. And I have this uncanny desire to actually receive down time on Saturday. Hmm... realistic with my current position and status as mom? No. Not really. But I can't seem to get that in my brain. Today is not yesterday. Two years back I could take Saturday off; I worked part-time and I didn't have a child. But today is today, and I have to remember that. As a wise person once reminded me, your best today is different from your best a year ago--it is always changing. Learn to go with it; adapt to the change.
So today is today. And today is a great day.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Thankful Thursday: Perspective
Today, I am thankful that I live in an era with central heat and air. Yes, the electric bills may be unwelcome during the winter months, but I never have to worry about being warm, chopping wood, or getting up in the middle of the night to stoke the fire.
I am thankful that I have a home and a job that allows me to stay home. Yes, sometimes I feel like the cabin fever will drive me to insanity, but I never have to worry about my baby girl going to a daycare and being raised by someone other than her parent.
I am thankful for a body that cooperates and gives me full abilities. Yes, I don't always feel rested or "happy" or even capable, but I can see (with the fortunate use of contacts) and I can walk (without assistance) and hear (without aids) and taste all the wonderful foods God created (don't you hate it when a stuffy nose robs you of this ability?).
I am blessed by a husband that loves me (he is supportive, kind, patient, loyal, and selfless), a baby girl that makes me laugh and enjoy the simple aspects of life, and a community of believers that seek to diligently glorify God with all they are.
Our thankful hearts truly are all about our perspectives on life.
I am thankful that I have a home and a job that allows me to stay home. Yes, sometimes I feel like the cabin fever will drive me to insanity, but I never have to worry about my baby girl going to a daycare and being raised by someone other than her parent.
I am thankful for a body that cooperates and gives me full abilities. Yes, I don't always feel rested or "happy" or even capable, but I can see (with the fortunate use of contacts) and I can walk (without assistance) and hear (without aids) and taste all the wonderful foods God created (don't you hate it when a stuffy nose robs you of this ability?).
I am blessed by a husband that loves me (he is supportive, kind, patient, loyal, and selfless), a baby girl that makes me laugh and enjoy the simple aspects of life, and a community of believers that seek to diligently glorify God with all they are.
Our thankful hearts truly are all about our perspectives on life.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Ebenezer
As this year wraps its final month, I remember back to ten years ago to Y2K. I don't know how your family responded to all the panicky hype, but worry motivated many to stock up on water, dry beans, and pb. As we all know, nothing substantial materialized. The whole world did not go black, computers (for the most part) functioned normally, and food rations remained plentiful. And that occurrence reminds me that most of my anxieties are propelled by "what if" questions, and many of those fears never come to fruition. Winston Churchill is quoted for saying, "When I look back on all these worries, I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which had never happened."
Since the holiday is near, The Christmas Carol is available on theatres, plays, and paperback. And although the story of Ebenezer Scrooge proves to be an excellent story of meaning and redemption, the kind of Ebenezer I want to discuss goes back to the book of I Samuel after God saved Israel from the Philistines attack. Samuel took a single rock (Ebenezer translated from Hebrew means 'Rock of Help') and said, "Thus far the LORD has helped us." It was a remembrance rock to encourage the Israelites to keep their faith when the next trial would come--for certainly we know it did. They were to look back and remember that God had always been there, faithfully protecting and providing despite their lack of loyalty and obedience.
We too are called to set up Ebenezers--perhaps not in the literal sense--as a symbol to say, "Hey, what are you worrying about? Hasn't God always been faithful to His promises? Isn't God big enough to take care of this minor hurdle as well?"
"But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone." ~ Psalm 71: 14-16
Since the holiday is near, The Christmas Carol is available on theatres, plays, and paperback. And although the story of Ebenezer Scrooge proves to be an excellent story of meaning and redemption, the kind of Ebenezer I want to discuss goes back to the book of I Samuel after God saved Israel from the Philistines attack. Samuel took a single rock (Ebenezer translated from Hebrew means 'Rock of Help') and said, "Thus far the LORD has helped us." It was a remembrance rock to encourage the Israelites to keep their faith when the next trial would come--for certainly we know it did. They were to look back and remember that God had always been there, faithfully protecting and providing despite their lack of loyalty and obedience.
We too are called to set up Ebenezers--perhaps not in the literal sense--as a symbol to say, "Hey, what are you worrying about? Hasn't God always been faithful to His promises? Isn't God big enough to take care of this minor hurdle as well?"
"But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone." ~ Psalm 71: 14-16
Monday, December 7, 2009
Hmm...
Honestly, I feel that I have nothing to say today. Yes,... I know... you are amazed that I could ever be speechless. However, it (whatever it is) just isn't there. I was looking at my personal blog thinking about posting something new, as I have yet to do that this month, and I just couldn't conjure up anything of real worth or interest.
But, worry not, I am not melancholy...
So, what about you? What did you do this weekend to relax? What gave you some moments of peace and joy?
Me? I watched a funny movie with my husband, gave my mind a night off and did some fun crafts, went to my parents for some Christmas trivia and Holiday Inn, and ate lots of good home-cooked food.
But, worry not, I am not melancholy...
So, what about you? What did you do this weekend to relax? What gave you some moments of peace and joy?
Me? I watched a funny movie with my husband, gave my mind a night off and did some fun crafts, went to my parents for some Christmas trivia and Holiday Inn, and ate lots of good home-cooked food.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Friday Fun
Here's a little comic relief for you:
One thing I've learned form my last relationship is that if an argument starts with "What did you mean by that?" it's not going to end with "Now I know what you mean by that." ~ Comic Donald Glover
Just between you and me, I think "everything" bagels are making a lot of promises they can't keep. ~Comic Kevin Tor
Whenever I see a man with a beard, a mustache, and glasses, I think, "There's a man who has taken every precaution to avoid people doodling on photographs of him." ~Comic Carey Marx
Do you have a nickname for your beloved? Snookums, maybe? My little dollop of joy? The Brits have lots of them. The London jeweler H. Samuel discovered these pet names signed on gift cards:
*Sexy Pig * Monkey Boy *Poo Face *Sausage *Chubby Cheeks *Fatty Bum Bum *Lobster
Taken from the August issue of Reader's Digest
One thing I've learned form my last relationship is that if an argument starts with "What did you mean by that?" it's not going to end with "Now I know what you mean by that." ~ Comic Donald Glover
Just between you and me, I think "everything" bagels are making a lot of promises they can't keep. ~Comic Kevin Tor
Whenever I see a man with a beard, a mustache, and glasses, I think, "There's a man who has taken every precaution to avoid people doodling on photographs of him." ~Comic Carey Marx
Do you have a nickname for your beloved? Snookums, maybe? My little dollop of joy? The Brits have lots of them. The London jeweler H. Samuel discovered these pet names signed on gift cards:
*Sexy Pig * Monkey Boy *Poo Face *Sausage *Chubby Cheeks *Fatty Bum Bum *Lobster
Taken from the August issue of Reader's Digest
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Thankful Thursday
*Taken from 10,000 Things to Praise God For
~friends who enlarge your perspective
~the person who will hear your confession and keep it in confidence
~God's provision
~A God who makes our hearts His home
~fellow Christian believers in Morocco
~the ability to remember the important
~compassion for the ugly
~Jesus Christ and His obedience in humility
~words of unfeigned affection
~new insights into the Word
~God's continued faithfulness
mine--movies like "The Blind Side" and the people that make those stories reality.
~friends who enlarge your perspective
~the person who will hear your confession and keep it in confidence
~God's provision
~A God who makes our hearts His home
~fellow Christian believers in Morocco
~the ability to remember the important
~compassion for the ugly
~Jesus Christ and His obedience in humility
~words of unfeigned affection
~new insights into the Word
~God's continued faithfulness
mine--movies like "The Blind Side" and the people that make those stories reality.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
WW: Saturating Truth
"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. " Matt. 6:34
"And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. " Matt. 13:22
"If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters? " Luke 12:26
"For I confess my iniquity; I am full of anxiety because of my sin." Psalm 38:18
"Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad." Prov. 12:25
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." 1 Pet. 5:6-7
"I will hear what God the LORD will say; For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones; But let them not turn back to folly." Psalm 85:8
"And the work of righteousness will be peace, And the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever." Is. 32:17
"The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You." Is. 26:3
"And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. " Matt. 13:22
"If then you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters? " Luke 12:26
"For I confess my iniquity; I am full of anxiety because of my sin." Psalm 38:18
"Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, But a good word makes it glad." Prov. 12:25
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you." 1 Pet. 5:6-7
"I will hear what God the LORD will say; For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones; But let them not turn back to folly." Psalm 85:8
"And the work of righteousness will be peace, And the service of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever." Is. 32:17
"The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You." Is. 26:3
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
It's Important to Make Time to Do Nothing
One of my cherished books was given to me several years ago when I was going through a particularly dark time. Waiting for Morning: Hearing God's Voice in the Darkness has continued to encourage me over the years. In chapter nine (a particular favorite), Cindy Crosby shares her love of nature and fishing. On occasion, she will go down to the pond and fish without bait. She shares that "it gives the worms a day off and offers other folks the illusion that I am occupied with something industrious and worthwhile. There is implied permission, somehow, to sit quietly and do nothing without being questioned about it. It's more acceptable to say, 'I'm going fishing' rather than, 'I'm going to go sit for while,' or even the more lofty, 'I am taking a spiritual retreat for personal reflection and meditation.'" How sad that we must find an excuse to give our souls rest. The personal guilt we heap on ourselves has become so socially-accepted that we fail to see that we are letting the very essence of who we are starve to death.
John Ortberg states, "Again and again as we pursue spiritual life, we must do battle with hurry. For many of us the great danger is not that we will renounce our faith. It is that we will become so distracted and rushed and preoccupied that we will settle for a mediocre version of it. We will just skim our lives instead of actually living them."
So take a little journey today, or if you can't do it today, schedule it on your calender. Take a short excursion for the simple purpose of soul maintenance, and give yourself permission to not feel guilty about it.
Remember that even Jesus himself withdrew for quiet times. And there were needs left unmet, people clamoring for his attention, and disciples who didn't understand. Yet, he knew the deeper need was to draw near to the Father and give his soul permission to hear the deeper voice of God. So if the Son of God needed that time, surely you are no different.
I will leave you with a quote from Thomas A Kempis: "The further the soul is from the noise of the world, the closer it may be to its Creator, for God, with His Holy angels, will draw close to a person who seeks solitude and silence."
John Ortberg states, "Again and again as we pursue spiritual life, we must do battle with hurry. For many of us the great danger is not that we will renounce our faith. It is that we will become so distracted and rushed and preoccupied that we will settle for a mediocre version of it. We will just skim our lives instead of actually living them."
So take a little journey today, or if you can't do it today, schedule it on your calender. Take a short excursion for the simple purpose of soul maintenance, and give yourself permission to not feel guilty about it.
Remember that even Jesus himself withdrew for quiet times. And there were needs left unmet, people clamoring for his attention, and disciples who didn't understand. Yet, he knew the deeper need was to draw near to the Father and give his soul permission to hear the deeper voice of God. So if the Son of God needed that time, surely you are no different.
I will leave you with a quote from Thomas A Kempis: "The further the soul is from the noise of the world, the closer it may be to its Creator, for God, with His Holy angels, will draw close to a person who seeks solitude and silence."
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