So often people play the role of being this type of person or that type of person. They not only let on to be this type of way, but they also want to be respected and upheld because of who they say they are. As I get older, I realize this is merely a facade...an illusion that people have created in their simple minds. When you get to the core of these people, what you find is a person who is completely opposite of who they profess to be. As a people, we have gotten so lazy and manipulative that we put all of our energy into this illusion instead of taking that same God given energy into creating this person that we want others to buy into. There is such a show that is displayed until these illusionist will go to extremes to constantly find reason why you are wrong just to beef up this fake person that they've created. They will often make you live in your past, but their present is completely deceptive. I've also found that they will justify any unholy thing to make themselves feel right in their wrongdoing. I just wonder what kind of relationships we would have if we had more individuals actually being the illusions they've created...actually living the life that they would like you to believe they are already living. Lives truly would be changed....God truly would be pleased. So as we gear up for 2014, my challenge for you is to be the image you portray on social media, be the person you preach to others about being, be the person you would have your spouse believe you are and actually do what you want them to believe you are doing because when it's all said and done, God sees and he knows.
Romans 12:9 "Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good."
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Friday, June 28, 2013
When it all feels like too much
My life is pretty adventurous with a husband, four kids, and 75 hormonal 8th graders. My friends often tell me that we should pitch for a reality television show. In all of the adventure, some days tend to be very overwhelming. I have an escape route all mapped out and hope no one catches me running away. I have quite a few friends that feel this way as well, but instead of hopping the next flight out, we must learn how to stay grounded in the midst of the chaos.
A lot of times I have to remind myself that this is the life you wanted and this is what you prayed for, but when the going gets tough we want to point the fingers and bail. There are two lessons to be learned here. 1. Be careful what you pray for and 2. If God brought you to it, he will bring you through it; otherwise, you are on your own. Now, don't get me wrong, I would not trade my children and my husband for all of the tea in China but sometimes I do which I could let someone borrow them and bring them back.
In those moments of "Can you please come borrow these people", I have to cling to God. He provides me with the peace of mind that he has this handled already. All I have to do is keep my cool and as I read the other day, "Faith it till I make it".
On those days when your children are hanging from the rafters, faith it till you make it.
When your husband can't seem to get down off of his high horse, faith it till you make it.
When work is so overwhelming that you begin to question your sanity as to why you chose this job in the first place, faith it till you make it. You get my drift. Just hang in there, and remember that God is always there. We are the ones that forget to use him most of the time. Women are perfectionists and we like to think that we have it all together, but we don't. If we did, why would we need God?
"Come to me all who are weary, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rests in your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11: 28-30.
Life is a Process
"Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion--it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ." -Billy Graham
I was reading the other day where women are around the age of 34 when they reach maturity and men are like 42 (that is a discussion for another time). I find this to be pretty accurate. I turned 35 this year and I feel so much stronger and confident in myself as well as my decision making process. Now one thing I have to add here is that I did not do it alone. I also have to add that there is also an exception to every rule. There are some 65 year olds that have the maturity level of a pre-teen. That is also a conversation for a later date. The point that I am attempting to make here is that God brought me to this place, and while I am not where I need to be, I am thankful that I am not where I used to be.
Spiritual maturity is a process. I was one to go through the motions of reading the bible, having my daily devotions, going to church, etc., but I truly did not have a real understanding of what was going on. The desire was there, but the process was in the early stages. I think a lot of times either people do not recognize that there is a process, they want to think that they are further along in the process than they truly are. or some of us want to rush the process. What we must realize is that everything will happen in God's perfect timing. We just have to trust and have faith until the process is finished.
Know that you will face many challenges in this life. God truly wants to refine us and make us whole. If you never understand or embrace the process, you will falter. People will make you feel that you are not worthy of the process because of your past. There will be times throughout the process that you just want to throw in the towel. Trust in the Lord every step of the way, and he will provide for your every need throughout the process.
I was reading the other day where women are around the age of 34 when they reach maturity and men are like 42 (that is a discussion for another time). I find this to be pretty accurate. I turned 35 this year and I feel so much stronger and confident in myself as well as my decision making process. Now one thing I have to add here is that I did not do it alone. I also have to add that there is also an exception to every rule. There are some 65 year olds that have the maturity level of a pre-teen. That is also a conversation for a later date. The point that I am attempting to make here is that God brought me to this place, and while I am not where I need to be, I am thankful that I am not where I used to be.
Spiritual maturity is a process. I was one to go through the motions of reading the bible, having my daily devotions, going to church, etc., but I truly did not have a real understanding of what was going on. The desire was there, but the process was in the early stages. I think a lot of times either people do not recognize that there is a process, they want to think that they are further along in the process than they truly are. or some of us want to rush the process. What we must realize is that everything will happen in God's perfect timing. We just have to trust and have faith until the process is finished.
Know that you will face many challenges in this life. God truly wants to refine us and make us whole. If you never understand or embrace the process, you will falter. People will make you feel that you are not worthy of the process because of your past. There will be times throughout the process that you just want to throw in the towel. Trust in the Lord every step of the way, and he will provide for your every need throughout the process.
Monday, April 8, 2013
Negative Nancy
Some people refuse to see the good out of life. They love to harp on the negative and always think that the world is against them. Well I had these Negative Nancy characteristics for a lot of years. What I found is this: this way of viewing life is like cancer to the soul. It eats away at you until you are completely destroyed in mind, body and spirit. I know that this has nothing to do with God's will for my life, so I had to stop; there is good in the world because God created it. Love is greater than everything else, and if I could begin to take that negative energy and convert it into positive energy and love, then all would be right with the world...all is right with the world. Choose the good life.
People...
The older I get, the more I am accepting of the fact that we all are on a journey in life. We process things differently, we grow up differently, and we view things/situations differently. I have found myself taking things very personal and receiving them in a negative way. I realized just tonight that I have to remove my emotions from most situations and receive them with the heart of God. No one owes me anything. As long as my intentions are pure, I cannot worry about what another person does or why they do it. I probably could be justified in most things that I find "wrong" in others, but what does it really matter? I realize the change has to occur within me. Praying where I see a fault in a person, accepting their way of handling situations, and so on. No one is perfect. No situation is perfect. Only doing things God's way is perfect. That's what I strive for. Peace, Love and Light!
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Finding Peace from Within
God has designed it to where we can find peace in every avenue of life. It's up to us to tap into whatever that peace may be. I think if we turned off the noise of our minds, delved into God's word, and really entered into that tranquil place, we would discover the peace that God has set before us. When you enter into that place, it's not about how much money we have. It's not about any thing that's on our schedules. It's not about what people may think of us. It's about peace, tranquility, and love.
So many times our days are clouded with what others will think, how we did not meet the "standard", and what others are doing. The noise that goes on around us is menial, irrelevant, and basically....down right petty. TURN IT OFF! What is God's true purpose for your life? What is it that he really wants you to be doing? Do that. Work on your art!
I think we should get still...focus on that. God is love and we are God's...let's be love. Let's bask in the glory of the Lord. Let's do his will for our lives. Let's turn off the noise of what other's are saying, what we think others may think. We are in control of our destiny. Make God your blueprint.
So many times our days are clouded with what others will think, how we did not meet the "standard", and what others are doing. The noise that goes on around us is menial, irrelevant, and basically....down right petty. TURN IT OFF! What is God's true purpose for your life? What is it that he really wants you to be doing? Do that. Work on your art!
I think we should get still...focus on that. God is love and we are God's...let's be love. Let's bask in the glory of the Lord. Let's do his will for our lives. Let's turn off the noise of what other's are saying, what we think others may think. We are in control of our destiny. Make God your blueprint.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Moving Forward
I spent a lot of years trying to "figure" things out. The crazy part is that I knew exactly what I should have been doing, but somehow my mind would not allow me to do them. I would hold grudges, worry myself half to death about the most minuscule thing, and I was very selfish. I've moved into a place now that has me less worried, loving, and unselfish. The weird thing is that I haven't learned anything any different. The word of God that I have been reading for years and years has remained the same. The sermons that I listen to, all the same.Circumstances in my life, they all are pretty much the same. My kids didn't leave, my husband didn't leave, and people around me haven't changed. The thing that has changed is me. I have decided to not live in fear and not allow myself to fall victim to negativity. It's called peace. It's call surrendering everything to the Savior and allowing him to lead your life.
How do you get there? As my husband used to tell me, "Nike". You just do it. There is no formula. No amount of good deeds will get you to peace. You have to truly want it. You have to truly become sick of yourself and have a desire for God's will to be done in your life. Until then, you'll stew in your mess which in turn prolongs the time you arrive at peace. "Stewing" creates more problems which makes it harder to move forward. The decision is yours stew or move.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Embracing Our Rewards
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward." Psalm 127:3
For years I murmured and complained about the things that I had to do around the house. How I had no time for myself, and most importantly (in my eyes) how no one in my household appreciated me and the things that I was doing. This mentality nearly destroyed my life. As I approach my 13th year of marriage and motherhood, I realize the one thing that I have done wrong. I have not had a servant spirit toward my husband and my children. If you dread cleaning, cooking, and all of the other numerous responsibilities that we have through the course of the day, then you view your life and your family in a negative light. This is detrimental to the entire family structure.
A co-worker and I were talking not too long ago and what came out of that conversation was that we are not cut out of the same cloth that our ancestors were. The women! Oh those beautiful proverbial women! They didn't go to the spa. There was no such things as time off. They didn't indulge in girl getaways. In fact, in the midst of being raped and enslaved, they cared for their families. They worked while the sun beat down on them. They worked their fingers raw sometimes carrying their children on their backs. Their husbands were taken away from the family, leaving them to carry the burden of providing for a number of children.
Nowadays we come apart at the seams when we have to clean our own homes and work. God forbid we clean up and no one notices! On top of that, we run our husbands off because we are too overbearing and selfish. If only we could reach back and grab a hold to some of that faith that those women had. What a difference we could make in the lives of our families. They endured all of those awful things. Can you wrap your minds around the prayers that they prayed....some were probably even for us.
As mothers, as wives, we are the backbone in our families. We hold it all together. We have the ability to be the greatest impact in our families day to day lives. We have the ability to show them through our actions, through our speech what God's love looks like. Our husbands and our children are rewards from God. We see their flaws and we have the ability to take that straight to God on their behalf. We can speak peace into their lives. This should not be looked upon as a burden, but as an opportunity to make a difference just as the women of old.
What we allow to happen is for society to tell us that caring for your family is wrong. "Be an independent woman! You shouldn't have to cook and clean and pick up behind them.", they say. This is the devil in them trying to deter us from God's true purpose for our lives. Keep serving your family. Be that stability that your children need. Be that helper for your husband and stand in the gap when he can't quite find his way. The reward is so great if we just hold on. Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart."
Peace and Love.
For years I murmured and complained about the things that I had to do around the house. How I had no time for myself, and most importantly (in my eyes) how no one in my household appreciated me and the things that I was doing. This mentality nearly destroyed my life. As I approach my 13th year of marriage and motherhood, I realize the one thing that I have done wrong. I have not had a servant spirit toward my husband and my children. If you dread cleaning, cooking, and all of the other numerous responsibilities that we have through the course of the day, then you view your life and your family in a negative light. This is detrimental to the entire family structure.
A co-worker and I were talking not too long ago and what came out of that conversation was that we are not cut out of the same cloth that our ancestors were. The women! Oh those beautiful proverbial women! They didn't go to the spa. There was no such things as time off. They didn't indulge in girl getaways. In fact, in the midst of being raped and enslaved, they cared for their families. They worked while the sun beat down on them. They worked their fingers raw sometimes carrying their children on their backs. Their husbands were taken away from the family, leaving them to carry the burden of providing for a number of children.
Nowadays we come apart at the seams when we have to clean our own homes and work. God forbid we clean up and no one notices! On top of that, we run our husbands off because we are too overbearing and selfish. If only we could reach back and grab a hold to some of that faith that those women had. What a difference we could make in the lives of our families. They endured all of those awful things. Can you wrap your minds around the prayers that they prayed....some were probably even for us.
As mothers, as wives, we are the backbone in our families. We hold it all together. We have the ability to be the greatest impact in our families day to day lives. We have the ability to show them through our actions, through our speech what God's love looks like. Our husbands and our children are rewards from God. We see their flaws and we have the ability to take that straight to God on their behalf. We can speak peace into their lives. This should not be looked upon as a burden, but as an opportunity to make a difference just as the women of old.
What we allow to happen is for society to tell us that caring for your family is wrong. "Be an independent woman! You shouldn't have to cook and clean and pick up behind them.", they say. This is the devil in them trying to deter us from God's true purpose for our lives. Keep serving your family. Be that stability that your children need. Be that helper for your husband and stand in the gap when he can't quite find his way. The reward is so great if we just hold on. Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart."
Peace and Love.
Monday, April 23, 2012
20 Things a Mother Should Tell Her Son
I just love Pinterest...some days a little too much. I ran across this the other day,and absolutely fell in love with it. I think I will get this blown up and hang it in my boys room! It is vital that mother's teach their children how to be successful people. I think there is an extra something that goes along with having boys. I want for my boys to be strong men with morals and values. I think these are perfect guidelines to help them be those strong men! Enjoy!
20 Things a Mother Should Tell Her Son
1. You will set the tone for the sexual relationship, so don't take something away from her that you can't give back.
2. Play a sport. It will teach you how to win honorably, lose gracefully, respect authority, work with others, manage your time and stay out of trouble. And maybe even throw or catch.
3. Use careful aim when you pee. Somebody's got to clean that up, you know.
4. Save money when you're young because you're going to need it some day.
5. Allow me to introduce you to the dishwasher, oven, washing machine, iron, vacuum, mop and broom. Now please go use them.
6. Pray and be a spiritual leader.
7. Don't ever be a bully and don't ever start a fight, but if some idiot clocks you, please defend yourself. 8. Your knowledge and education is something that nobody can take away from you.
9. Treat women kindly. Forever is a long time to live alone and it's even longer to live with somebody who hates your guts.
10. Take pride in your appearance.
11. Be strong and tender at the same time.
12. A woman can do everything that you can do. This includes her having a successful career and you changing diapers at 3 A.M. Mutual respect is the key to a good relationship.
13. "Yes ma'am" and "yes sir" still go a long way.
14. The reason that they're called "private parts" is because they're "private". Please do not scratch them in public.
15. Peer pressure is a scary thing. Be a good leader and others will follow.
16. Bringing her flowers for no reason is always a good idea.
17. Be patriotic.
18. Potty humor isn't the only thing that's humorous.
19. Please choose your spouse wisely. My daughter-in-law will be the gatekeeper for me spending time with you and my grandchildren.
20. Remember to call your mother because I might be missing you.
*This article came from Pinterst by way of Werdyab Blog
20 Things a Mother Should Tell Her Son
1. You will set the tone for the sexual relationship, so don't take something away from her that you can't give back.
2. Play a sport. It will teach you how to win honorably, lose gracefully, respect authority, work with others, manage your time and stay out of trouble. And maybe even throw or catch.
3. Use careful aim when you pee. Somebody's got to clean that up, you know.
4. Save money when you're young because you're going to need it some day.
5. Allow me to introduce you to the dishwasher, oven, washing machine, iron, vacuum, mop and broom. Now please go use them.
6. Pray and be a spiritual leader.
7. Don't ever be a bully and don't ever start a fight, but if some idiot clocks you, please defend yourself. 8. Your knowledge and education is something that nobody can take away from you.
9. Treat women kindly. Forever is a long time to live alone and it's even longer to live with somebody who hates your guts.
10. Take pride in your appearance.
11. Be strong and tender at the same time.
12. A woman can do everything that you can do. This includes her having a successful career and you changing diapers at 3 A.M. Mutual respect is the key to a good relationship.
13. "Yes ma'am" and "yes sir" still go a long way.
14. The reason that they're called "private parts" is because they're "private". Please do not scratch them in public.
15. Peer pressure is a scary thing. Be a good leader and others will follow.
16. Bringing her flowers for no reason is always a good idea.
17. Be patriotic.
18. Potty humor isn't the only thing that's humorous.
19. Please choose your spouse wisely. My daughter-in-law will be the gatekeeper for me spending time with you and my grandchildren.
20. Remember to call your mother because I might be missing you.
*This article came from Pinterst by way of Werdyab Blog
Monday, January 30, 2012
Consistently Inconsistent
Consistently Inconsistent
"A man without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken walls."
My BFF and I were having a conversation the other day and she used the term "consistently inconsistent", and I thought if there was a definition for what I've been, then that's it! How terrible! I pondered on this a few days and I realized that many of us suffer from being consistently inconsistent.
Think about when we go on diets. We start off doing well, but about week two we say, "I'll start back on Monday", but Monday never comes. I personally have a huge problem keeping my closet clean. I'll clean it and organize it and I tell myself I'm going to keep it this way! It looks immaculate.....for about three days! Oh let's not forget our finances! We're going to save and invest and stop shopping.....tomorrow. You get the picture. But for some of us it goes deeper than this. It spills over into our spiritual walk. We say we are going to read the Bible everyday, we won't pray until the going gets tough, and we very seldom spend quiet time with God although we have every intention to do all of these things. We are consistently inconsistent.
Discipline is key in our Christian walk. Without discipline we are vulnerable. Vulnerable to wrong thinking, vulnerable to be influenced by the wrong people, vulnerable to satan's tactics. We have to become so disciplined that we are not wavered by the things that go on around us. We know whose we are and we act accordingly.
Scripture tells us that if we show ourselves faithful over the small things, then he will bless us with the big things. We have to become disciplined in anything that we do to show ourselves faithful and lead a happy and peaceful life. As with anything, we must have a balance and set realistic goals for ourselves.
Peace and Love.
"A man without self-control is as defenseless as a city with broken walls."
My BFF and I were having a conversation the other day and she used the term "consistently inconsistent", and I thought if there was a definition for what I've been, then that's it! How terrible! I pondered on this a few days and I realized that many of us suffer from being consistently inconsistent.
Think about when we go on diets. We start off doing well, but about week two we say, "I'll start back on Monday", but Monday never comes. I personally have a huge problem keeping my closet clean. I'll clean it and organize it and I tell myself I'm going to keep it this way! It looks immaculate.....for about three days! Oh let's not forget our finances! We're going to save and invest and stop shopping.....tomorrow. You get the picture. But for some of us it goes deeper than this. It spills over into our spiritual walk. We say we are going to read the Bible everyday, we won't pray until the going gets tough, and we very seldom spend quiet time with God although we have every intention to do all of these things. We are consistently inconsistent.
Discipline is key in our Christian walk. Without discipline we are vulnerable. Vulnerable to wrong thinking, vulnerable to be influenced by the wrong people, vulnerable to satan's tactics. We have to become so disciplined that we are not wavered by the things that go on around us. We know whose we are and we act accordingly.
Scripture tells us that if we show ourselves faithful over the small things, then he will bless us with the big things. We have to become disciplined in anything that we do to show ourselves faithful and lead a happy and peaceful life. As with anything, we must have a balance and set realistic goals for ourselves.
Peace and Love.
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