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Friday, November 30, 2012

Bring On The Rain

As I drove to work, it was a cloudy day with the flash of rain in the distance. I was listening to Pandora and the song playing was, "Bring On The Rain" by Jo Dee Messina. Convenient on a day like this.

I could not get enough of the song. I went to youtube and listened to it again before arriving at my destination. I let the feeling of the lyrics steep a little longer.

My mind went back to the most difficult season in my life, recalling the words, "I am not afraid; I was born to do this." {Joan of Arc}.

That season in my life is the inspiration behind anything good that comes from my writing.

It brought a new form to my life.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Motivation

I am lacking motivation this week. My endurance has run a little dry.

It was neat to go back this morning and read past posts. I went back and read the Thanksgiving post. Taking a look at what I am thankful for gave me such a boost.  I think it is important to journal or write down your thoughts periodically. Of course, the Bible is the best source of motivation. However, you can learn a lot from yourself! Funny, how your own words can be medicine to the soul.

When I have trouble pushing myself to run, I think of the best running motivator quote...

Monday, November 26, 2012

Wearing a Mask

Halloween, 
a holiday where you get to dress up as something or someone else. A day you can put on a mask.

I was going through a few Halloween pictures from this year, when this thought occurred. Halloween is not the only time when we wear a mask, or dress up as something we are not.



This post has been sitting in 'Draft' for a couple of weeks now. A tad bit of hesitation keeping it from entering the blogosphere.

You put on a mask, acting like you have it all together, when you are really falling apart inside. Why would you want anyone to discover your life not as perfect as it seems? Anyone ever possess a similar feeling?

I admit to wearing a mask. There has been periods of my life, I could not share what was going on. I acted as if I was great, but He knew better. God could see my anger, frustration, and hurt. At church, around friends, I would put on the 'my life is perfect' mask. I was not fooling him. We try to disguise ourselves, even from God. We try hiding our shame or whatever it might be.

(Quick side note, a little off topic)
Hiding reminds me of Adam and Eve in the garden when they tried hiding from God, after they ate the forbidden fruit and they felt shame. God asked, "Adam, where are you?"

God asking? Have you ever thought of how funny that was? God. Who knows everything. Asking.
Of course, He knew where Adam was hiding. He was making a point. Their sin had separated them from God...
BUT Could you imagine how much more disgrace Adam would have felt if God had asked, "Adam, why are you hiding?" or He could have stated, "I know where you are.".... "Where are you?" sounds more loving and tender hearted. Can you hear the sweet tone in God's voice? Why do we ever try to hide from this kind of God?
(Just had to share that thought. Okay, back on topic)

There have been times I shuffled through masks. Had a different mask, from situation to situation. I would act one way in a certain group, and flop to another being in a another setting. The true self started to shine through the cracks. I found it exhausting pretending all the time. The wear and tear started to show. The mask finally fell off.

Allowing people to peer into the life we are truly living, can be painful. However, once I lost the mask, guess what was waiting for me on the other side? Freedom. Peace. Acceptance....and the realization that no one person's life is perfect.

Why do we do it? ...This topic relates to the one I wrote last month, pleasing people, and wanting acceptance. It is a constant worry "what will people think?"...I had to let it go. The people meant to be in your life will love and accept the real you. You know how I know this? I know my own mistakes, every fault, the true me and for years have still gone on loving me..and God continues to love me.

God sees through the mask. He can see right to our heart. He understands what is really going on inside. Hebrews 4:13

He knows the real you.

Psalm 139:1-4
You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
 Before a word is on my tongue
you, Lord, know it completely.
This is an incredibly beautiful song and perfect for this topic.

No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be true.
-Nathaniel Hawthorne


Wednesday, November 21, 2012

ABC's of What I am Thankful For..

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
 

Let me just make something clear...There are not enough letters in the alphabet to describe what I am thankful for, but here are 26.
 
Thank you God for...

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

What The World Needs...

Hugs.

I had a gentleman come into our office yesterday, such a sweet man. Before leaving, he asked if he could have a hug. You don't have to ask me twice. Talk about all smiles, not him but me. It made my day.

I am a huge fan, always have been and always will be.

Hugging is good medicine, seriously. Hugs are good for your health. I speak the truth.
When we hug someone oxytocin is released. Oxytocin lowers cortisol levels. Cortisol is responsible for stress, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

A hug's effects are immediate, for both the hugger and the hugged.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Adopted By God (National Adoption Day)

Happy National Adoption Day!
It is always the Saturday before Thanksgiving, how appropriate.

November is actually National Adoption Month.

If anything today, please watch the video at the bottom from Steven Curtis Chapman.
He tells his story behind the incredible song he wrote called, "When Love Takes You In".
It is touching.

Let me first introduce you to my first adopted child.
This precious little girl is Brady.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Anxiously Waiting

I was at Subway the other day (the one inside Wal Mart), patiently waiting in line. What am I saying? I was starving, needed sustenance, and patience was not my closest friend.  Food seemed eons away.

As minutes passed, I was aware that it could be another ten minutes before I even ordered. I decided to just grab something from the deli. While checking out, I noticed the man who had been behind me in the line at Subway, leaving Wal Mart, with his delicious sandwich. I looked down at my pitiful ham on white bread. Realizing if I had been patient, I could have walked out with a more appetizing lunch.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Thought For Today

Here is a thought...

The sense of wishing to be known only for what one really is is like putting on an old, easy, comfortable garment. You are no longer afraid of anybody or anything. You say to yourself, 'Here I am --- just so ugly, dull, poor, beautiful, rich, interesting, amusing, ridiculous -- take me or leave me.' And how absolutely beautiful it is to be doing only what lies within your own capabilities and is part of your own nature. It is like a great burden rolled off a man's back when he comes to want to appear nothing that he is not, to take out of life only what is truly his own.

-David Grayson, journalist and author (1870-1946)

 
 

Monday, November 12, 2012

Things That Make Me Smile...


They say, a picture is worth a thousand words.
This speaks for itself.



 

Everything is Yours

Yours. Mine. Ours.

I am going to share a story I heard a few weeks ago. A friend was talking with this young child, I think he was six or seven years old. I honestly cannot remember the exact conversation. However, it led to my friend asking the young boy who gave him the shirt he was wearing.

The boy replied, "Jesus gave me this shirt."

"No, who bought you that shirt?" My friend asked again.

Friday, November 9, 2012

I Have An Awful Lot To Live For

Happy Friday!
On Friday of every week, I am going to share an inspirational video.
 
Lou Gehrig's legacy is one of courage and inspiration.
One of my favorite movies, "Pride of the Yankees", captures the life of the Baseball Legend, Lou Gehrig. He passed away from an incurable fatal neuromuscular disease (Lou Gehrig's Disease),
 two weeks before his 38th birthday.
 
This is video of the real Lou Gehrig, right after his diagnosis.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Living For the Day

Since it is midweek, it is an opportune moment to talk about living for the day. I find myself a tad bit antsy by Wednesday, ready for the weekend to roll around. My mind is already tuned in for the next big event. Let me bring to light my recent discovery. If I am eager for what the future holds, I might just miss out on the blessings today can bring me. Life could just pass me by...

Every week it is the same thing. You ask me how my weeks going, I respond, "Just ready for the weekend".

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

It is well, with my soul.

I am sure we all have a day or days, that hold a bitter memory. Yesterday was that day for me. On my way back home last night I was listening to a song, and a few words brought a smile to my face "It is well with my soul". The phrase rang/rings true.

I was not listening to the song known for the lyrics, "It is Well with My Soul" by Horatio G. Spafford, but it came to mind. If you do not know the story of Spafford and why he wrote such a beautiful hymn, please read on. It is very close to my heart.
______________________________________________________________________________________

Horatio G. Spafford was a very well-known, successful lawyer in mid-1800. The song was not written in the happiest time of his life. He was a man who suffered unfathomable tragedies. Yes, not tragedy, tragedies.

The Spafford's lives took a turn for the worse in the 1870's. Their only son, at the age of four, died from scarlet fever. Then, twelve months later, Horatio's real estate near Lake Michigan was wiped out by the great Chicago Fire.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Bless the Broken Road

Short post today. I had a difficult time elaborating..but felt there was really no need to say in several words, what can be said in a few.

I was listening to Pandora Radio yesterday, when "Bless the Broken Road", by Rascal Flatts started playing.

I have not heard this song in a few years, and sad I have been missing out.

I started listening to the words, really listening. Immediately, I realized that it fit perfectly with my life, and was a beautiful comparison to my relationship with God.

The funny thing is, a few years ago this song would not have meant as much to me.  Like in the song, I was going along 'my narrow way'.

Life happened.

Dreams for a certain future, were lost.

God had a different plan for me.

My road was broken.

All the twists and turns led me to His 'loving arms'.

If my road had not been broken, I might not have been led to where He wanted me to be.
I cannot even imagine my relationship with Him being as deep, if I would not have traveled this 'broken road'. The things I would have missed out on! The relationships I have made... The trials, that made me appreciate Life... So many things, would cease to exist. It has made me view my journey a little differently.

The words in this song that will stay with me the longest are, 'it's all part of a grander plan'! ..What truth!
I know there is a design. He is the designer. I have no clue what plan I am a part of, but He is up there, orchestrating it.

God Bless my Broken Road...for it led me straight to Him.


Proverbs 3:5-6...one of my favorites.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and He will direct your paths."

"Bless the Broken Road" Rascal Flatts...Soak in these lyrics.

 
I had to share with you a picture of my two adorable nieces on Halloween.
I died laughing when I saw these two....How cute is this?!
 
I hope it brings a smile to your face like it did mine.
Have a Beautiful weekend!!