I will admit this once and only once...today stunk! There, now I feel better. I will not elaborate, but suffice it to say, I am ready and willing to simply fall into bed and start over tomorrow! Psalms 34:1 says we are to "bless the Lord at all times"... I have often questioned God's wisdom on this :) As a human, my nature is to complain and moan about crappy curcumstances; not to "bless the Lord". But alas, His ways are not my ways, so here I go:
God, today was hard. I know you know what is heavy on my heart, and you know how I desire these mountains to move, but I will wait patiently for you to "move it, or move me", "change them or change me" ( I know...it will probabaly be the last one, but I am willing to be pruned, even though it stinks!) God, I bless your Holy name. Thank you for another day with my family, and thank you for getting me through the day today. Help me be a blessing to others, and not to grumble anymore about my situation. Your will, not mine be done. Amen.
That's all for today...
Monday, November 29, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
ever thankful...
At the end of a long Thanksgiving holiday, I am again reminded that I have much to be thankful for...
* a hubbie who still tells me I am beautiful (& who cooks and is doing luandry as we speak!)
* two healthy kids who only fight a little bit...most days anyway!
* a great set of in-laws who love and adore us.
* wonderful siblings
* a fantastic mom who spoils me too much...thanks mom :)
* a warm place to call home
* great friends and a vibrant church family
* a job...even though it gets on my nerves some days!
* reliable transportation
* very little debt...almost debt free, but not quite.
But most of all I am thankful for a loving God who forgives me of my sins. At this time of year, I feel that blessing most abundantly. "God so loved the world, (that means us folks...) that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes (yup... you gotta believe it, confess it and live it) in him would have enternal life" JOHN 3:16 What an awesome concept...God Loves us. So much that he was willing to sacrifice his most precious child to save the rest of us. Today I encourage you to really think about that... the idea that Jesus died so that you might live; but not an Earthly, selfish life, but a life of love toward your fellow man; a life of walking through the world as a blessing to others; a life of faith in the creator, and a confession of that life. So, count your blessings tonight...write them down to look back at on a "rainy day", and meditate on John 3:16...God's greatest blessing to you. xoxox my friends...ali
* a hubbie who still tells me I am beautiful (& who cooks and is doing luandry as we speak!)
* two healthy kids who only fight a little bit...most days anyway!
* a great set of in-laws who love and adore us.
* wonderful siblings
* a fantastic mom who spoils me too much...thanks mom :)
* a warm place to call home
* great friends and a vibrant church family
* a job...even though it gets on my nerves some days!
* reliable transportation
* very little debt...almost debt free, but not quite.
But most of all I am thankful for a loving God who forgives me of my sins. At this time of year, I feel that blessing most abundantly. "God so loved the world, (that means us folks...) that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believes (yup... you gotta believe it, confess it and live it) in him would have enternal life" JOHN 3:16 What an awesome concept...God Loves us. So much that he was willing to sacrifice his most precious child to save the rest of us. Today I encourage you to really think about that... the idea that Jesus died so that you might live; but not an Earthly, selfish life, but a life of love toward your fellow man; a life of walking through the world as a blessing to others; a life of faith in the creator, and a confession of that life. So, count your blessings tonight...write them down to look back at on a "rainy day", and meditate on John 3:16...God's greatest blessing to you. xoxox my friends...ali
Monday, November 15, 2010
Stinkin' Thinkin'
Have you ever had a day that you wish you could "do over"? In my life, I have had that feeling on several ocasssions. I wish I could say that I am all positive, all the time...or that I see the glass as half full in every situation. But since I have promised you I'd be honest, I have to admit that some times I feel, well, just blah or even negative about my day.
Now the question I have to ask myself is why?
I have pondered this attitude question a lot this month. As some of you know, I am trying to do 30 days of random acts of kindness. I guess since I am actively trying to change the atmosphere around me by anonymously doing kind things for others, it has brought to light an icky underbelly to my own personality. Sometimes, I am not real nice. There. I said it... in front of God and everyone! (yikes!)
In sunday school, we learned that Jesus says is the greatest commandment is "To love one another". And in school they taught us the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you'd like done to you". If these idea have been rattling around all these years in my mind, then why is so dang hard sometimes to be positive and kind? Why do I so often go for sarcasm instead of a loving reply? Why when the glass is clearly half full, do I insist it is only half empty? The answer is....I am human. All I know is that when I have a bunch of "stinking thinking" going on, the only thing that can change it is to renew my mind. The Bible says that we are a new creation when we accept Jesus as our Savior, that the old is made new. That means I have NO OBLIGATION to my old crappy nature. Soooooo, when I start to get down and pessimistic, I need to follow the advice in scripture to renew my mind, and kick the bad attitude out. If you struggle. like I do, with an occassional (or maybe even a cronic) case of "Stinking Thinking", read and meditate on Philippians 4:4-9. It will change the atmosphere in your mind...and in your world.
Phil 4:4-9
"Rejoice in the Lord Always, and again I say rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God & the PEACE that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, pure, lovely, abmirable, excellent or praise-worthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned, received, heard or seen in me--PUT INTO PRACTICE. And the God of peace will be with you"
Now the question I have to ask myself is why?
I have pondered this attitude question a lot this month. As some of you know, I am trying to do 30 days of random acts of kindness. I guess since I am actively trying to change the atmosphere around me by anonymously doing kind things for others, it has brought to light an icky underbelly to my own personality. Sometimes, I am not real nice. There. I said it... in front of God and everyone! (yikes!)
In sunday school, we learned that Jesus says is the greatest commandment is "To love one another". And in school they taught us the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you'd like done to you". If these idea have been rattling around all these years in my mind, then why is so dang hard sometimes to be positive and kind? Why do I so often go for sarcasm instead of a loving reply? Why when the glass is clearly half full, do I insist it is only half empty? The answer is....I am human. All I know is that when I have a bunch of "stinking thinking" going on, the only thing that can change it is to renew my mind. The Bible says that we are a new creation when we accept Jesus as our Savior, that the old is made new. That means I have NO OBLIGATION to my old crappy nature. Soooooo, when I start to get down and pessimistic, I need to follow the advice in scripture to renew my mind, and kick the bad attitude out. If you struggle. like I do, with an occassional (or maybe even a cronic) case of "Stinking Thinking", read and meditate on Philippians 4:4-9. It will change the atmosphere in your mind...and in your world.
Phil 4:4-9
"Rejoice in the Lord Always, and again I say rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God & the PEACE that transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, pure, lovely, abmirable, excellent or praise-worthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned, received, heard or seen in me--PUT INTO PRACTICE. And the God of peace will be with you"
Saturday, November 13, 2010
hunting widow time...
As many of you know, my husband and sons are hunters, so this weekend through Tuesday I will be a "hunting widow". When the kids were small, my hubbie would take off and leave me home with the kids. This used to stress me out because he and I parent together, and without him it was very labor intensive. (My heart is going out to all single parent right now...) But as the kids got older, he began to take them along with him, and I slowly came to see the real beauty behind hunting season. I should say that I miss them and that I hate for them to be gone for 4 days, but over the years, I have come to love these few days alone :) If that makes me bad, than so be it! What I adore about these "hunting widow" days is the absolute freedom. I can shop, eat cereal for dinner, watch chick flicks & excessive amounts of HGTV, crank my favorite "Hillsong" CD and dance, read the Word in peace & quiet w/o having to get up at 5am to do so,and sleep in the middle of the bed. As a mommy and wife, I often end up putting myself and my own needs last. I don't mean to neglect myself, but the reality is I do...just like many of you. When I really need 15 minutes of quiet time, I end up folding clothes and helping my youngest, Aaron with his math. When I could really use a few minutes to get myself prepared for the next day, I end up working on a science project with my son Sam. When I seriously just need to get to sleep early, my hubbie needs...well you know. ;) I always seem to put everyone else first. That is why I think these"hunting widow" days are the best. I can re-group, relax, focus on what I need and not fell a bit guilty about neglecting anyone! It is really a brilliant thing. I love how God can bless us in so many different ways! Sometime we have to look carefully to see Him working. Even in the little things...He is thinking of us. To the outside world, it looks like just another "guys weekend", but to me it looks like God blessing me with some much needed "alone time". Let's face it, most of us do not take enough time to ourselves. We are constantly looking out for the needs of others. This weekend, if you find yourself a "hunting widow", take a minute to thank God for the time alone.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Day 2 of "I Dare you": the power of a word.
Today for our 30 day challenge to do a random act of kindness everyday, I decided to make a homemade card and stick it in a co-workers mailbox at work. It was a simple message of encouragement with a yummy chocolate bar attached. As teachers, we often get 'hammered" in the media and by parents, and I knew this particular staff member had really been putting in a 110% effort with a particularly difficult student and their family. I have to tell ya, it felt great. I did not sign the card, and no-one saw me put it in her box... so it was anonymous :)
As I take on this challenge, I am reminded of the many examples of kindness I have witnessed my mother do for others over the years. She is one of the most generous people I know. She simply LOVES to give to others both in word and deed. She is an excellent letter writter, a lost art in this day and age, and she often writes beautiful notes of love and encouragement to her friends and family. I have been the lucky recipient of several of those letters over the years, and I treasure each and every one. On really crappy days, I can get them out and re-read them, and I instantly feel better. It never ceases to amaze me how powerful a simple, sincere, loving word can be. Perhaps that is why God inspired the prophets to record His word...the Bible. I think He wanted us to have a love letter of encouragement that we could look back to any time we need help or encouragement. The Bible is god's love letter to us...His beloved. I encourage you today to give yourself a few quiet minutes with God's word. Take some time and read a few Psalms. I love Psalms 121, 91, and 146. read them and you will feel not only encouraged, but revived with a new energy to keep on keepin' on!
"The Word was, the Word is, & the Word will be..."
As I take on this challenge, I am reminded of the many examples of kindness I have witnessed my mother do for others over the years. She is one of the most generous people I know. She simply LOVES to give to others both in word and deed. She is an excellent letter writter, a lost art in this day and age, and she often writes beautiful notes of love and encouragement to her friends and family. I have been the lucky recipient of several of those letters over the years, and I treasure each and every one. On really crappy days, I can get them out and re-read them, and I instantly feel better. It never ceases to amaze me how powerful a simple, sincere, loving word can be. Perhaps that is why God inspired the prophets to record His word...the Bible. I think He wanted us to have a love letter of encouragement that we could look back to any time we need help or encouragement. The Bible is god's love letter to us...His beloved. I encourage you today to give yourself a few quiet minutes with God's word. Take some time and read a few Psalms. I love Psalms 121, 91, and 146. read them and you will feel not only encouraged, but revived with a new energy to keep on keepin' on!
"The Word was, the Word is, & the Word will be..."
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
I Dare Ya...
I want to challenge my few but faithful readers to do something radical. For 30 days, commit a random act of kindness everyday...anonymously if possible. Let's see if we can put our "money where our mouth is" as folks who want a better world for ourselves and those we love. When we do something selfless and expect no praise in return it can change the atmosphere in which we live. It creates pure positive energy which will feed not only you, but also those around you with love. It does not have to be anything extreme. Just spread love and kindness. Drop an anonymous card on the desk of a co-worker who you know is hurting, or do something to bless a person you feel is a real big pain in the butt. (You'd be suprised how that simple gesture can rock the world of a Negative Nelly!) Feel free to post comments about the things you've tried here...it may inspire others to try the challenge. Good luck!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Painting Pictures of Egypt...
There is song my Sara Groves that I love called Painting Pictures of Egypt". It goes like this...
"I've been painting pictures of Egypt; leaving out what it lacked. The future feels so hard, and I wanna go back. But the places that used to fit me, cannot hold the things I've learned, & those roads were closed off to me, while my back was turned"
In the Exodus story, The Isrealites are brought out of slavery and miraculously delivered out of the hands of their slave masters; the Egyptians. Once they reach the "promise land", Moses sends in some spys to check out the land and see what they will need to do to take the land as their own. All but two of the spys come back and say it will be impossible to overtake the land because the people who inhabit it are huge and fierce. At this point, the Isrealites start complaining and whining (again) about their situation...they even go so far as to say that they'd rather be back in Egypt. (This whining was not new to Moses, who has heard them complaining about their trip the whole time). My question is this... why do we constantly look back to what used to be when we are uncertain about what is to come? We even do this knowing that the past was harsh & unfair. Is it because we have so little faith that our future is secure; that God has plans to make things better? Or is it that the price of our future "promise land" seems to high, and "slavery" looks easier? I know I have been victim of self-inflicted doubt way more times than I care to count. I have let fear and doubt keep me from the best God has for me. I used to live one way, and think another. I was afraid that people who knew me "before" would laugh at me and mock the changes I have made. But God has made me see that I cannot move ahead with His plan for me if I am constantly "checking the rearview mirror". Like the song says..."the places that used to fit, cannot hold the things I've learned". I am a new creation & I am stepping out with boldness to be all I was created to be. It is a high-wire act without a net...but I am going to trust and step out. I dare you to do the same.
"I've been painting pictures of Egypt; leaving out what it lacked. The future feels so hard, and I wanna go back. But the places that used to fit me, cannot hold the things I've learned, & those roads were closed off to me, while my back was turned"
In the Exodus story, The Isrealites are brought out of slavery and miraculously delivered out of the hands of their slave masters; the Egyptians. Once they reach the "promise land", Moses sends in some spys to check out the land and see what they will need to do to take the land as their own. All but two of the spys come back and say it will be impossible to overtake the land because the people who inhabit it are huge and fierce. At this point, the Isrealites start complaining and whining (again) about their situation...they even go so far as to say that they'd rather be back in Egypt. (This whining was not new to Moses, who has heard them complaining about their trip the whole time). My question is this... why do we constantly look back to what used to be when we are uncertain about what is to come? We even do this knowing that the past was harsh & unfair. Is it because we have so little faith that our future is secure; that God has plans to make things better? Or is it that the price of our future "promise land" seems to high, and "slavery" looks easier? I know I have been victim of self-inflicted doubt way more times than I care to count. I have let fear and doubt keep me from the best God has for me. I used to live one way, and think another. I was afraid that people who knew me "before" would laugh at me and mock the changes I have made. But God has made me see that I cannot move ahead with His plan for me if I am constantly "checking the rearview mirror". Like the song says..."the places that used to fit, cannot hold the things I've learned". I am a new creation & I am stepping out with boldness to be all I was created to be. It is a high-wire act without a net...but I am going to trust and step out. I dare you to do the same.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
lil' wisdom; lots of love: The love of a child...
lil' wisdom; lots of love: The love of a child...: "Tonight I had the great opportunity to have just a simple evening with my son Aaron while my hubbie and older son were away hunting. Aaron ..."
The love of a child...
Tonight I had the great opportunity to have just a simple evening with my son Aaron while my hubbie and older son were away hunting. Aaron is 10, and I adore him. Our family's joke is that Aaron has been trying to get back into the womb since he came out. He has always been a bit of a shadow; hovering near me at all times. Unlike my older son Sam who is fiercely independent, Aaron is a true "Mama's Boy". They are as different as night and day, but each is extraordinary to me:) Tonight as Aaron and I were snuggled under a blanket watching a movie, he reached up, touched my face and said, "I love you mama". It took my breath away. He was so sincere. So many times I feel like a complete failure as a mom. I get too busy, I don't always remember everything I should and I yell too much. I wonder sometimes why God would trust me with such percious things as these sweet boys. But tonight, I felt no guilt or doubt. Tonight, God used Aaron to show me that I am not a failure... I am just a Mommy who loves her babies, and they love her right back. Hug those you love tonight and tell them you love them, then thank the one who gave them to you. Be blessed
Friday, November 5, 2010
Friday is one of God's greatest creations!
I believe Friday was one of God's greatest creations:) After a week like this one, I desperately needed to shout "TGIF!!!!". I love my job on most days, but sometimes I have to wonder...
As teacher, I have a lot of variety in my days. I teach two different literature classes as well as Interior design. Today in my Brit Lit class, I caught a kid cheating :( He had taken another kid's completed assignment without him knowing about it. I was so irritated! Last week, this same kid had harrassed a girl so badly that he was suspended. Obviously, he has not had the greatest role models in life. I really wanted to ream his lil' butt, but something stopped me. Instead, I quietly took the paper away and did not say a word. I set it on my desk and continued teaching.
After class, he came up and said, "Please don't punish "Jack" too, because he did not even know I had taken his paper. Just give mine a zero."
I nodded and said, "o.k.".
He turned to walk away, but stopped and said, "Hey Mrs. S, why didn't you send me to the office for cheating?"
I smiled and said, because "Jack" asked me not to, and he told me to tell you he forgives you". He was stunned. I think I even saw his jaw drop because he has not been very nice to "Jack" in class.
"Wow", he said, and walked out the door.
I think that this illustrates very well the way God feels about us and our sin. We are screw -ups...we do bad things, gossip, cheat and basically bumble through our lives; and yet, like "Jack", he forgives us even when we don't deserve it. Thank God today for loving you...even whe you were "unlovable" :) Happy Friday to you all!
As teacher, I have a lot of variety in my days. I teach two different literature classes as well as Interior design. Today in my Brit Lit class, I caught a kid cheating :( He had taken another kid's completed assignment without him knowing about it. I was so irritated! Last week, this same kid had harrassed a girl so badly that he was suspended. Obviously, he has not had the greatest role models in life. I really wanted to ream his lil' butt, but something stopped me. Instead, I quietly took the paper away and did not say a word. I set it on my desk and continued teaching.
After class, he came up and said, "Please don't punish "Jack" too, because he did not even know I had taken his paper. Just give mine a zero."
I nodded and said, "o.k.".
He turned to walk away, but stopped and said, "Hey Mrs. S, why didn't you send me to the office for cheating?"
I smiled and said, because "Jack" asked me not to, and he told me to tell you he forgives you". He was stunned. I think I even saw his jaw drop because he has not been very nice to "Jack" in class.
"Wow", he said, and walked out the door.
I think that this illustrates very well the way God feels about us and our sin. We are screw -ups...we do bad things, gossip, cheat and basically bumble through our lives; and yet, like "Jack", he forgives us even when we don't deserve it. Thank God today for loving you...even whe you were "unlovable" :) Happy Friday to you all!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
full speed ahead can lead you smack into the wall :)
Have you ever thought "I will kill the very next person who asks me to do ONE MORE THING!!!!!!!!" I have to admit, I feel that way...Alot! As a busy mama and wife, I can get overly frustrated with the day to day busy life I lead. I work full time, come home and slap dinner together, take one kid to wrestling or baseball and the other to Karate, come home & do laundry, clean the house and still try to find a lil' room for my hubbie! I have to remind myself that I need to take time to SLOW DOWN.
In the story where Jesus was at the home of Mary & Martha, we see two dynamic women with two very diffrnt priorities. Martha is busy running around, taking care of all the needs of her guests while Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to him tell of his Father's love. At first glance, the "worker bee" in me says, "Geez, that Mary has some nerve...slacking off while her sister does all the work"! But then the real meaning of this story hits me square in the face and reminds me that Martha was the one who had messed up her priorities. She not only missed an opportunity to hear Jesus' heart, but she missed an opportunity to stop & show Jesus the most authentic expression of love we can give... our time. We busy mamas need to be more like Mary, and less like Martha. Stop and give Jesus a lil' of your time today. Leave the dishes in the sink, & find a quiet place to go love on Jesus. Pray. Sing. Dance for Him if you want. But most of all... listen. It is in these quiet times that we can hear Him best. So, my "reformed Marthas", Let's go give our Mary side a try, and let the Laundry wait. Be blessed!
In the story where Jesus was at the home of Mary & Martha, we see two dynamic women with two very diffrnt priorities. Martha is busy running around, taking care of all the needs of her guests while Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to him tell of his Father's love. At first glance, the "worker bee" in me says, "Geez, that Mary has some nerve...slacking off while her sister does all the work"! But then the real meaning of this story hits me square in the face and reminds me that Martha was the one who had messed up her priorities. She not only missed an opportunity to hear Jesus' heart, but she missed an opportunity to stop & show Jesus the most authentic expression of love we can give... our time. We busy mamas need to be more like Mary, and less like Martha. Stop and give Jesus a lil' of your time today. Leave the dishes in the sink, & find a quiet place to go love on Jesus. Pray. Sing. Dance for Him if you want. But most of all... listen. It is in these quiet times that we can hear Him best. So, my "reformed Marthas", Let's go give our Mary side a try, and let the Laundry wait. Be blessed!
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