Have you ever sat patiently listening to someone and thought....man I wish they'd just get over it already? It could be the ten thousandth time you've heard them tell the story or make reference to their pain. Maybe I am the only sometimes heartless soul out there. I think there is a whole song written about me then...."how could you be so heartless?"
However, I reckon (yes, you read that right, reckon) I am not alone though. I had an experience recently where I kinda got surprise right hooked by God. Well, not realllllllly, but needless to say He got my attention and He got it good. I was having one of my "heartless moments" thinking, for the love of fried green tomatoes why don't they just get over it already, when a still small voice piped up and said, well why don't you? I jolted, really, I think I did. I sat up a little straighter as though to be more proper in my processing of that small, yet powerful phrase, "why don't you?" What do you mean "why don't you?" So I that thinking of the times that my friends could have possibly thought man, why doesn't she just get over it? I thought, hm, maybe they are sick of hearing me talk about my weight struggles or how I fear certain things, or certain school problems. Even if my friends never get sick of hearing me carry on about my struggles, it sure made me realize that from an outsiders perspective, it appears as if I should be over some of my struggles already.
So, in that moment of clarity I realized something. We ALL have something we just need to "get over already," but it really isn't that simple. Deep hurts take work to get over and sometimes instead of telling someone, "build a bridge and get over it" as the old timers used to say, we need to build a bridge of compassion and encourage others in their struggle to get over it.
So, if you have someone in your life that you tire of hearing their woes, just stop and encourage them exactly where they are on their journey. The healing isn't up to you, it is up to themselves to do the work ultimately, but you can encourage them in the right direction.
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" Luke 6:41
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. ~Plato
Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope. ~Maya Angelou
Friday, December 27, 2013
Saturday, December 14, 2013
But I don't like that.
I can still feel that deep down soul pain when my mama called announcing my sister's passing. It was the kind of pain that brought me to my knees, caused me to throw the phone and scream as loud as I could at God. It was an angry, confused, exasperated cry from the pit of disappointment.
I had done everything right. Prayer chain after prayer chain. I even anointed her with oil (one of my friends said that was sure to heal her). I was a baby Christian at the time and my view of God was that He would answer my prayers a yes in every situation. So, I had full confidence that He would. I guess you could say I was in the honeymoon phase of the relationship where I only saw the easy parts of my faith.
Those days when my sister was in the hospital are a still a blur, but I do see now a few key moments where God actually did answer my prayers even though my then 24 year old self didn't see them. These moments bring trust back into my heart that God is faithful.
For one, the whole family was able to be there. I mean down to Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, cousins. Their presence in that ICU waiting room will never be forgotten. Also, we were able to sing to her and I know she heard. God blessed us with a smile from her even though she was in a coma. I know there are more answered prayers. God didn't answer our "big" prayer, but He took care of us in the little moments. When our big prayers don't get answered, it is so easy to blame God or wonder if He even exists after all.
While driving home yesterday, I was reflecting on all of the hurt places people in my world are standing even though we prayed like crazy for healing and restoration of relationships. Lost parents, marriages, hopes for children, jobs....you know the list could go on. It would be a lie to say that I didn't start to doubt God's faithfulness. Then I remember the little moments and know God is still there for us. The simple strength for my friend to get out of bed every morning. The card at just the right time. The song that comes on, again, at just the right time. Do I believe God can still answer big prayers? Absolutely! Sometimes though, in His wisdom, He simply does not.
It is the big disappointments that help us to grow. You realize that after you've walked through something big like that.
Today I will be looking for love in all the small places, even though it might hurt. Will you join me?
I had done everything right. Prayer chain after prayer chain. I even anointed her with oil (one of my friends said that was sure to heal her). I was a baby Christian at the time and my view of God was that He would answer my prayers a yes in every situation. So, I had full confidence that He would. I guess you could say I was in the honeymoon phase of the relationship where I only saw the easy parts of my faith.
Those days when my sister was in the hospital are a still a blur, but I do see now a few key moments where God actually did answer my prayers even though my then 24 year old self didn't see them. These moments bring trust back into my heart that God is faithful.
For one, the whole family was able to be there. I mean down to Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, cousins. Their presence in that ICU waiting room will never be forgotten. Also, we were able to sing to her and I know she heard. God blessed us with a smile from her even though she was in a coma. I know there are more answered prayers. God didn't answer our "big" prayer, but He took care of us in the little moments. When our big prayers don't get answered, it is so easy to blame God or wonder if He even exists after all.
While driving home yesterday, I was reflecting on all of the hurt places people in my world are standing even though we prayed like crazy for healing and restoration of relationships. Lost parents, marriages, hopes for children, jobs....you know the list could go on. It would be a lie to say that I didn't start to doubt God's faithfulness. Then I remember the little moments and know God is still there for us. The simple strength for my friend to get out of bed every morning. The card at just the right time. The song that comes on, again, at just the right time. Do I believe God can still answer big prayers? Absolutely! Sometimes though, in His wisdom, He simply does not.
It is the big disappointments that help us to grow. You realize that after you've walked through something big like that.
Today I will be looking for love in all the small places, even though it might hurt. Will you join me?
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Surrounded.
I hope that this Thanksgiving you are able to realize the blessings that truly matter. It doesn't matter if the turkey is cooked just right, that the potatoes aren't lumpy, you have the perfect plates, napkins, spotless floor....the list could go on. What truly matters is that you are here and that you are with people that love you. Take a deep breath....look around and enjoy. Seriously, do that right now...don't make me count to 3... :)
I know many people this Thanksgiving that have a little heart tug that reminds them of broken dreams, unfulfilled expectations, loss, just plain old pain. I also know those same people will choose to celebrate what and who they do have despite that tug. I am blessed to be surrounded by some amazingly strong people. People who God has allowed me to laugh, cry and love through it all.
This Thanksgiving that is what I am thankful for the most.
Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart.
Psalm 111:1
I know many people this Thanksgiving that have a little heart tug that reminds them of broken dreams, unfulfilled expectations, loss, just plain old pain. I also know those same people will choose to celebrate what and who they do have despite that tug. I am blessed to be surrounded by some amazingly strong people. People who God has allowed me to laugh, cry and love through it all.
This Thanksgiving that is what I am thankful for the most.
Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart.
Psalm 111:1
Monday, November 11, 2013
Cupcake Wars
I, for one, am not confrontational. If there were ever a place I would like to live it would be inside of a peace sign. Not that I believe in astrology per say, but I am a "Libra" and that whole I like balance thing does carry some truth. Love, Peace, Harmony......I should have been born in the 70's....oh wait.
There have been circumstances in my life over this past year that have allowed me to grow in the area of confrontation. Not in a "Oh girl no.you.di-int" kinda way either. Although that was fun to type out. It's been more of a run and hide kinda way where I am forced to come out of hiding. Want to know what I have learned each of these times? It gets easier and talking with people about tough things isn't as scary as I thought it would be. I made it out alive each and every time. Not only did I make it out alive, I actually grew from each experience and gained invaluable wisdom about myself and how to truly love people where they are on their journey.
Tonight a sweet (pun intended) little analogy came to mind. I thought of that show Cupcake Wars. How could anyone go to war over such a sweet treat? Then it hit me.... they love the cupcakes enough to battle. They think they have what it takes to design and shape the best cupcake. This made me think of the "battles" I have had to walk through with the people I love over this past year. I loved them enough to battle through and shape our relationship where it needed shaping.
So the next time it comes to the point where I need to talk thorough some not so sweet things with the ones I love, I will call it a cupcake war and remind myself that sweetness lies just on the other side of the battle.
Love, Peace and cupcake wars!
Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you. ~ Ephesians 4:32
There have been circumstances in my life over this past year that have allowed me to grow in the area of confrontation. Not in a "Oh girl no.you.di-int" kinda way either. Although that was fun to type out. It's been more of a run and hide kinda way where I am forced to come out of hiding. Want to know what I have learned each of these times? It gets easier and talking with people about tough things isn't as scary as I thought it would be. I made it out alive each and every time. Not only did I make it out alive, I actually grew from each experience and gained invaluable wisdom about myself and how to truly love people where they are on their journey.
Tonight a sweet (pun intended) little analogy came to mind. I thought of that show Cupcake Wars. How could anyone go to war over such a sweet treat? Then it hit me.... they love the cupcakes enough to battle. They think they have what it takes to design and shape the best cupcake. This made me think of the "battles" I have had to walk through with the people I love over this past year. I loved them enough to battle through and shape our relationship where it needed shaping.
So the next time it comes to the point where I need to talk thorough some not so sweet things with the ones I love, I will call it a cupcake war and remind myself that sweetness lies just on the other side of the battle.
Love, Peace and cupcake wars!
Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you. ~ Ephesians 4:32
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Melting Ice Cream Hearts
Let me introduce you to my new friend Mike. Mike is a gentleman who God used to touch my heart last night. Mike is in his late 20's...maybe early 30's and is currently staying at Valley View, which is where my dad is staying right now. Mike got in a very bad car accident and suffered a TBI. He cannot walk, talk, eat, function anywhere like he used to. But you wanna know what? Mike still smiles. Let me paint you a picture....We were all sitting in the dining room having ice cream. Mike dropped some in his lap. He looked at me and smiled with the happiest eyes. Mike still smiles. I got up to get him a wet washcloth to help him clean up the mess. And Mike still smiled. Mike, a once independent carefree young man, is now bound to the wheelchair and unable to truly communicate with others. But Mike still smiles. Mike can still smile and joke around as my mom told him he needed to get another team because the Giants are doing terrible this year. He agreed that maybe he should get a Bills shirt.
If God can make a once able bodied man smile while ice cream melting in his lap, then he can make me smile in the midst of some tough circumstances at school.
I thank God for meeting Mike last night and for speaking to my heart. He helped me to realize that I have all the power I need to smile when I turn to Him.
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 make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
If God can make a once able bodied man smile while ice cream melting in his lap, then he can make me smile in the midst of some tough circumstances at school.
I thank God for meeting Mike last night and for speaking to my heart. He helped me to realize that I have all the power I need to smile when I turn to Him.
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 make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Practice makes perfect and other sayings....
I should be packing, but instead I am taking a moment to do what breathes life into my soul: reading and writing. I tend to be a 3-4 book at a time reader. Which I am learning is probably a sign of ADD or impatience..... one or the other. So one little gem I am currently reading is Switch on Your Brain by Dr. Caroline Leaf. This book talks about the importance of our thoughts and how much weight they play in our overall well being. I read this today and just had to share....
"Research shows that 75 to 98 percent of mental, physical, and behavioral illness comes from one's thought life." p. 33
Anyone else have a stop-in-your-tracks-get-out-of-town moment after reading that? I sure did. I am only on page 33 of the 205 page book. So I am certain there will be more of these eye opening, heart tugging experiences.
I have been in the process of renewing my mind of some pretty icky stuff and it isn't easy. But I know it will be worth it. So if you are like me and having to dig up and re-root some harmful thought patterns I would suggest this book. Even if you don't think you have any landscaping like this to do in your brain it still might be worth the time. Dr. Leaf marries scripture and science which is absolutely fascinating to me!
So, the encourager in me says to all of my fellow thought warriors....Keep on keeping on! Practice makes perfect! You got this! If you believe it you can achieve it! A moment on the lips forever on the hips (wait, that one doesn't exactly fit here) :)
When you do your part in taking care of yourself it makes a world of difference.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1
"Research shows that 75 to 98 percent of mental, physical, and behavioral illness comes from one's thought life." p. 33
Anyone else have a stop-in-your-tracks-get-out-of-town moment after reading that? I sure did. I am only on page 33 of the 205 page book. So I am certain there will be more of these eye opening, heart tugging experiences.
I have been in the process of renewing my mind of some pretty icky stuff and it isn't easy. But I know it will be worth it. So if you are like me and having to dig up and re-root some harmful thought patterns I would suggest this book. Even if you don't think you have any landscaping like this to do in your brain it still might be worth the time. Dr. Leaf marries scripture and science which is absolutely fascinating to me!
So, the encourager in me says to all of my fellow thought warriors....Keep on keeping on! Practice makes perfect! You got this! If you believe it you can achieve it! A moment on the lips forever on the hips (wait, that one doesn't exactly fit here) :)
When you do your part in taking care of yourself it makes a world of difference.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
On your mark....
Two weeks from today I will be beginning my 7th year of teaching. It doesn't seem possible. So much has changed since I put on my teacher cap and I have learned much. In honor of my list loving self I am going to let you in on 7 things I have learned.....
1. There is nothing better than hearing Good Morning Mrs. Lawrence every single day.
2. Data is unavoidable but can be fun when charted in excel using color.
3. Keeping up appearances isn't as important as keeping it real and admitting when you need help.
4. You will get a note from a student or parent at just the right time and it will be like a hug from God.
5. The students you didn't think you would connect with can become your favorites....not that I have favorites ;).
6. Students are humans too. They will never be perfect and we can't expect them to be.
7. It's important to be thankful and not take my position for granted.
This is a short list for all that I have really learned. As with any job there are days where I would like to ignore the alarm clock. I fantasize about what it would be like to work for the post office (love actual mail), the travel channel or be a DJ. It's okay you can laugh at the thought of me having two turn tables and a microphone. But then I dig down deep and realize anything that is worthwhile requires determination and sacrifice. Though there are hard days in teaching, there are also many days that aren't. To all my teacher friends out there..... may the 2013-2014 school year remind you of all the reasons you went into teaching in the first place. On your mark, get set....go! :)
1. There is nothing better than hearing Good Morning Mrs. Lawrence every single day.
2. Data is unavoidable but can be fun when charted in excel using color.
3. Keeping up appearances isn't as important as keeping it real and admitting when you need help.
4. You will get a note from a student or parent at just the right time and it will be like a hug from God.
5. The students you didn't think you would connect with can become your favorites....not that I have favorites ;).
6. Students are humans too. They will never be perfect and we can't expect them to be.
7. It's important to be thankful and not take my position for granted.
This is a short list for all that I have really learned. As with any job there are days where I would like to ignore the alarm clock. I fantasize about what it would be like to work for the post office (love actual mail), the travel channel or be a DJ. It's okay you can laugh at the thought of me having two turn tables and a microphone. But then I dig down deep and realize anything that is worthwhile requires determination and sacrifice. Though there are hard days in teaching, there are also many days that aren't. To all my teacher friends out there..... may the 2013-2014 school year remind you of all the reasons you went into teaching in the first place. On your mark, get set....go! :)
Friday, August 2, 2013
Love it or List it
Anyone who knows me knows that I really have a hard time sitting still and watching movies or TV shows. I think commercials were made just for me and my fellow "I could be doing something else right now" people. I can almost hear the shouts of amens coming from my husband and siblings. :) But ok, for the record though, the summer before our wedding I was literally getting Say Yes to the Dress and Cake Boss fed to me intravenously. It's true.
I am hooked again. Yep. HGTV (Home and Garden Television for those of you who aren't aware of this amazing channel-no they are not paying me to say that-though I wouldn't mind) has a show called Love it or List it. It's my current guilty pleasure, summer love, what have you. The premise is a family is living in their home and are undergoing the dilemma of staying in their original house or moving to a new one. The families meet a designer who promises them upgrades to their original home that will make them want to stay. However, they also meet with a realtor who says let's leave that popsicle stand (Aladdin reference) and move somewhere different to a home that suits you better. I wait on the edge of my seat until the end where they family decides do we Love it or List it. I always want them to love it. I actually scream at the TV LOVE IT! Please, please love it!! Who needs to watch football when you have HGTV????
Well in all of my hours of watching the show. Yes, you read that correctly. Hours. They even had a few days of marathons. I know right. It was like meeting my prince charming (Josh of course) for the first time and we were riding through a field of wild flowers eating nutella. Sorry, had a moment. But in all seriousness, my hours of watching the show has me thinking about the whole principal of love it or list it in our own lives.
See, when God saves us He gives us a new life and promises we are a new creation. You see, I am realizing that God is in the love it and list it business. While He doesn't necessarily have a TV show designer coming to show us what upgrades can be made he does give us the Bible to read and learn about what living His way is like. He promises that it is the best way to live and the life that will lead to peace and true fulfillment. There may be habits, thoughts, ways we live our life that God has changed already. So those things we love. We keep doing them. On the other hand there are things that we are doing that need to change. Sometimes we might be so familiar with the way things have been that its scary to list those old ways. It just doesn't feel right to us. We just think that's the way it has got to be. We can pray and pray and pray about different areas that we are struggling with and we feel badly and see no change. Speaking from personal experience. I think some of the reason is that we don't realize the power that God gives us to change. God has given us self-control. The key word there is self. We are in control of what we say or do. I admit though we all tend to be good when it comes to others control. That's not going to do anything for our change though. And last time I checked that was a fruit of the spirit. "Love, peace patience, controlling others..." Nope. Bummer. Would anyone else get an A+ if it was??
I continue to see that all change is beginning at the end of something else. That moment we have to decide. Are we going to Love it or List it? Let's all take that leap of faith and look at our lives honestly. We can thank God that some of those areas that aren't very pretty can be changed. It takes time and will most likely not come in an hour package like the HGTV show. And yes our change probably will not land us on a world renowned TV show either, but it will still be worth it. :)
Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things are passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23
I am hooked again. Yep. HGTV (Home and Garden Television for those of you who aren't aware of this amazing channel-no they are not paying me to say that-though I wouldn't mind) has a show called Love it or List it. It's my current guilty pleasure, summer love, what have you. The premise is a family is living in their home and are undergoing the dilemma of staying in their original house or moving to a new one. The families meet a designer who promises them upgrades to their original home that will make them want to stay. However, they also meet with a realtor who says let's leave that popsicle stand (Aladdin reference) and move somewhere different to a home that suits you better. I wait on the edge of my seat until the end where they family decides do we Love it or List it. I always want them to love it. I actually scream at the TV LOVE IT! Please, please love it!! Who needs to watch football when you have HGTV????
Well in all of my hours of watching the show. Yes, you read that correctly. Hours. They even had a few days of marathons. I know right. It was like meeting my prince charming (Josh of course) for the first time and we were riding through a field of wild flowers eating nutella. Sorry, had a moment. But in all seriousness, my hours of watching the show has me thinking about the whole principal of love it or list it in our own lives.
See, when God saves us He gives us a new life and promises we are a new creation. You see, I am realizing that God is in the love it and list it business. While He doesn't necessarily have a TV show designer coming to show us what upgrades can be made he does give us the Bible to read and learn about what living His way is like. He promises that it is the best way to live and the life that will lead to peace and true fulfillment. There may be habits, thoughts, ways we live our life that God has changed already. So those things we love. We keep doing them. On the other hand there are things that we are doing that need to change. Sometimes we might be so familiar with the way things have been that its scary to list those old ways. It just doesn't feel right to us. We just think that's the way it has got to be. We can pray and pray and pray about different areas that we are struggling with and we feel badly and see no change. Speaking from personal experience. I think some of the reason is that we don't realize the power that God gives us to change. God has given us self-control. The key word there is self. We are in control of what we say or do. I admit though we all tend to be good when it comes to others control. That's not going to do anything for our change though. And last time I checked that was a fruit of the spirit. "Love, peace patience, controlling others..." Nope. Bummer. Would anyone else get an A+ if it was??
I continue to see that all change is beginning at the end of something else. That moment we have to decide. Are we going to Love it or List it? Let's all take that leap of faith and look at our lives honestly. We can thank God that some of those areas that aren't very pretty can be changed. It takes time and will most likely not come in an hour package like the HGTV show. And yes our change probably will not land us on a world renowned TV show either, but it will still be worth it. :)
Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things are passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Corinthians 5:17
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23
Sunday, June 2, 2013
On the other hand....
There are, and always will be, two sides to every story. I see this every day when I interact with the people that come in and out of my life. I love people. They are so interesting. I love learning about their story and what brought them to the point that they are in on their journey. You know what I see that's not unique to any single person? Disappointment. They are disappointed in circumstances, who they are, who they know, the weather, you name it. You know what else I love? Two-sided people. These are people who I meet who are disappointed, yet are able to see another side to their disappointment. You see them pelted by the storms of life, yet they still radiate joy. I'm not talking about jumping up and down cartwheels kinda joy. It's the kinda joy that makes you want to be around them.
You know who is one of those people? My husband. No, it's not about to get gushy, don't worry. :) I just am so thankful for his two sidedness I wanted to share. You see, if anyone could be disappointed with the way things have played out it would be him. I don't want him to always be known as Josh who had the accident because honestly he is so much more. But, regardless, that was an event that forever changed his life. He isn't always able to do everything he would like to because of some changes that have happened in body and mind. See, I didn't know him before his accident, so the Josh I know now is Josh. Period. What I do know is that I see how he reacts to life despite the fact that he knows he is not the same. And let me tell you. It's two sided and it's wonderful. He does get disappointed at times....after all he isn't super human. But the thing is he's very two sided about such things. When his memory gets the best of him, he stops and thanks God that at least God knows what he's trying to remember and he trusts that God will help him. He has to write everything down and put everything into his phone. It's a lot of work, but he's just thankful he has the technology to do so. When he has to repeat himself because someone doesn't understand what he's saying.... He punches them. Juuuuust kidding. Wanted to be sure you are paying attention. ;) He repeats himself. He doesn't get impatient. His two sidedness has rubbed off on me. I am thankful for him giving me different perspectives on things that are going on in my life. At times it can be annoying. I'm not gonna lie. :) Because sometimes you don't always want to think of a brighter side. But on the other hand....it's good if you do.
You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.
Psalms 30:11
You know who is one of those people? My husband. No, it's not about to get gushy, don't worry. :) I just am so thankful for his two sidedness I wanted to share. You see, if anyone could be disappointed with the way things have played out it would be him. I don't want him to always be known as Josh who had the accident because honestly he is so much more. But, regardless, that was an event that forever changed his life. He isn't always able to do everything he would like to because of some changes that have happened in body and mind. See, I didn't know him before his accident, so the Josh I know now is Josh. Period. What I do know is that I see how he reacts to life despite the fact that he knows he is not the same. And let me tell you. It's two sided and it's wonderful. He does get disappointed at times....after all he isn't super human. But the thing is he's very two sided about such things. When his memory gets the best of him, he stops and thanks God that at least God knows what he's trying to remember and he trusts that God will help him. He has to write everything down and put everything into his phone. It's a lot of work, but he's just thankful he has the technology to do so. When he has to repeat himself because someone doesn't understand what he's saying.... He punches them. Juuuuust kidding. Wanted to be sure you are paying attention. ;) He repeats himself. He doesn't get impatient. His two sidedness has rubbed off on me. I am thankful for him giving me different perspectives on things that are going on in my life. At times it can be annoying. I'm not gonna lie. :) Because sometimes you don't always want to think of a brighter side. But on the other hand....it's good if you do.
You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy.
Psalms 30:11
Friday, April 26, 2013
No Flash Photography
Museums. Yep. I love them. Some people would rather be caught up at the dentist all day for cleanings than go to a museum. Wash the car, their hair, their friends hair, schedule their next cleaning, alphabetize their pantries...anything but go to a museum. Booooorinngggg. Well, I for one could spend hours wandering around and looking at what someone felt needed to be seen by the world. Maybe it's the introvert in me that likes peace and quiet. Or perhaps it's the teacher in me that has a love for learning. Whatever the reason, I love them. Check yes or no...I. check. yes. every time.
Did you know that each and every day we live in an art museum? It's true. God has been showing me this lately. In the Bible God tells us that we are His masterpiece (please say that in a French accent, it's fun!). Yes, you my darling are a work of art... and that person that just got on your last nerve. Artwork. The one who is rude to you over and over again. Artwork. Yup. It's easy to see the people we love dearly as masterpieces....but what about the ones that we could honestly, and I said honestly, do without. Even sweet dear ole Mel has a few people like that in my life. GASP. I know, I know.
God has been showing me lately that there are two ways we can respond in His museum called Earth. We can curate or we can hate. No I am not going to start rapping. Heh. I decided to look up the definition of a museum curator. The dictionary.com definition said that it comes from the Latin meaning to care. To collect and care. That's what a curator does. They gather works of art and then care for them. No food or drink. Do not touch. No flash photography. They do everything they can to preserve the artwork because they love it. You know, even though I love museums and especially art museums I have come across some "masterpieces" that I didn't think were very art worthy. Do you feel me? BUT, someone thought they were and that's how God sees all of us. As something worth seeing.
Today let's step out of our doors and be God's curators. Even to those we find not very art worthy.
"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10
Did you know that each and every day we live in an art museum? It's true. God has been showing me this lately. In the Bible God tells us that we are His masterpiece (please say that in a French accent, it's fun!). Yes, you my darling are a work of art... and that person that just got on your last nerve. Artwork. The one who is rude to you over and over again. Artwork. Yup. It's easy to see the people we love dearly as masterpieces....but what about the ones that we could honestly, and I said honestly, do without. Even sweet dear ole Mel has a few people like that in my life. GASP. I know, I know.
God has been showing me lately that there are two ways we can respond in His museum called Earth. We can curate or we can hate. No I am not going to start rapping. Heh. I decided to look up the definition of a museum curator. The dictionary.com definition said that it comes from the Latin meaning to care. To collect and care. That's what a curator does. They gather works of art and then care for them. No food or drink. Do not touch. No flash photography. They do everything they can to preserve the artwork because they love it. You know, even though I love museums and especially art museums I have come across some "masterpieces" that I didn't think were very art worthy. Do you feel me? BUT, someone thought they were and that's how God sees all of us. As something worth seeing.
Today let's step out of our doors and be God's curators. Even to those we find not very art worthy.
"For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Read the fine print.
Not too long ago I was cruising around my favorite store looking for deals. I had a coupon that I was sure would take care of my retail dreams. As I approached the register with a smile the sales lady returned the favor. The total popped onto the screen and I handed her my coupon beaming with pride. Maybe this would be one of those extreme couponing moments where bells and whistles went off. The smiling sales woman scanned the coupon. Nothing. No decent on the price escalator. It was stuck. Hmmm. That's too bad they are having computer problems I thought still confident that my big savings moment would happen. The smiling sales woman, who at this point had lost her smile, turned to me and said, "I'm sorry, it says here in the fine print that this item is excluded from the sale and now you haven't spent enough to qualify for the discount and also, this coupon isn't actually good until next week." Be. still. my. heart. I am pretty sure the earth stopped moving at that very second. I must have looked as exasperated as I felt because the woman began trying to pick up the pieces of my retail train wreck. I did end up getting the deal eventually, but I would have been saved some coupon heartache had I paid attention to the fine print....
My store experience has me thinking lately about how many things I wish actually did come with fine print information...mainly the people in my life. I want to read the fine print and know why some days there is a cool, confident swagger about this one particular person, yet on other days it seems as if the rug has been ripped from under them. Some might say, ugh, not again, get over it! But I say....read the fine print. I want to know why my one friend will not look me in the eye. Something has happened in her life so she does not trust enough to exchange this kind of vulnerable contact. What does her fine print say? I want to be able to understand why someone holds on so tight to the people in their life that its damaging to the relationships in the end. What is in the fine print there? What makes someone snap or get insecure by a simple joke? It's all in the fine print hidden somewhere inside.
I guess, in all this fine print talk, what I am really reminding myself is that in order to read the fine print in people's lives it will actually mean I make a commitment to looking beyond the surface and sticking with them long enough to get there...to get to the fine print or just understand that its there. This means my life will be colored with compassion. When Jesus walked our Earth he had compassion on everyone he came into contact with. Not just the ones with easier to read fine print. With everyone, and that means everyone. On the day of my shopping extravaganza, I could have just ripped up the coupon, got angry and ran out of the store. I could have and I might have been tempted to. Shhh. But, I remained in that moment with the sales woman as she processed the fine print with me. I think that's what I need with everyone in my life, a little less run away power and a lot more staying power. It's easy to run harder than to hang on until we get a glimpse of the fine print.
This has taught me again....and I'll probably have to be reminded again and even again....that everyone needs a little fine print love. Less of my impatience, more of my acceptance. More of my understanding and less of my judgment. I'm not saying that fine print gives anyone an excuse to mistreat. I'm only saying that there is deep down a fine print reason for their behavior.
So the next time you get completely beside yourself with frustration. Read the fine print. We've all got it.
"Finally, all of you, be likeminded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble"
1 Peter 3:8
My store experience has me thinking lately about how many things I wish actually did come with fine print information...mainly the people in my life. I want to read the fine print and know why some days there is a cool, confident swagger about this one particular person, yet on other days it seems as if the rug has been ripped from under them. Some might say, ugh, not again, get over it! But I say....read the fine print. I want to know why my one friend will not look me in the eye. Something has happened in her life so she does not trust enough to exchange this kind of vulnerable contact. What does her fine print say? I want to be able to understand why someone holds on so tight to the people in their life that its damaging to the relationships in the end. What is in the fine print there? What makes someone snap or get insecure by a simple joke? It's all in the fine print hidden somewhere inside.
I guess, in all this fine print talk, what I am really reminding myself is that in order to read the fine print in people's lives it will actually mean I make a commitment to looking beyond the surface and sticking with them long enough to get there...to get to the fine print or just understand that its there. This means my life will be colored with compassion. When Jesus walked our Earth he had compassion on everyone he came into contact with. Not just the ones with easier to read fine print. With everyone, and that means everyone. On the day of my shopping extravaganza, I could have just ripped up the coupon, got angry and ran out of the store. I could have and I might have been tempted to. Shhh. But, I remained in that moment with the sales woman as she processed the fine print with me. I think that's what I need with everyone in my life, a little less run away power and a lot more staying power. It's easy to run harder than to hang on until we get a glimpse of the fine print.
This has taught me again....and I'll probably have to be reminded again and even again....that everyone needs a little fine print love. Less of my impatience, more of my acceptance. More of my understanding and less of my judgment. I'm not saying that fine print gives anyone an excuse to mistreat. I'm only saying that there is deep down a fine print reason for their behavior.
So the next time you get completely beside yourself with frustration. Read the fine print. We've all got it.
"Finally, all of you, be likeminded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble"
1 Peter 3:8
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Breaking up is hard to do....
Will you be my Valentine? Don't you love that feeling of your heart beating fast...your head tilts to the left and you get all giddy. Well I am here to break your valentine's bubble. Love is not in the air this Valentine's day. I am breaking up....and honey that is hard to do. Like the time that this one guy I was swooning over decided I wasn't swoonable (a new word I know)..... and I didn't think life would go on. I cried, reread emails, talked to others about it constantly, replayed conversations over and over in my mind, listened to songs that reminded me of love, cried some more. I concluded that I would never marry because surely there would be no other man. Just me, some knitting needles and a rocking chair....for life. Ok, well you all know THAT didn't happen.
But lately I have had to break up with another love affair that has felt quite the same. My heart got giddy and my emotions over took me when in its presence. I would think about this love all day long and couldn't wait to see it. Have you guessed yet? Well, if you read my last blog post you might know....I am ending my love affair with....food. Much like any other relationship food has been there for me through thick and not so thin. When I needed a friend to turn to.....hello pizza. When I had a bad day at work and life was just plain not fair...hand me the cookies and nobody gets my wrath. Even during happy times it was my bff. It's the end of the week, I made it...woo hooo chimichangas all around!!! It's my birthday why don't we celebrate every day in October... well and since the anniversary is in that month too.... let's do double trouble. To some of you this may sound like crazy talk, but to others you know right where I am coming from. Want to know the hardest thing about having to end a love affair with food? I can't delete it. I can't send it away. I can't take it's picture out of my frames or its number from my cell phone.
I have to come face to face with it a few times every day and learn to love it in a different way. So, I have decided that instead of calling it my break up with food, I am going to call it my food restoration. Food and I have been in a bad place so we need some rebuilding. I am pretty much putting myself and food into my own little counseling sessions held by yours truly. Sigh. We are in couples therapy. Anything that's broken can be fixed. I truly believe my "love" relationship that currently exists with food can be transformed into a much healthier one. Like any other relationship that is in trouble there is always hope. When I look at my food issues in this light it brings me hope. I don't have to cut out food all together, reminisce the good times, the ways it makes me feel good, etc. I just have to treat it differently. Learn new ways of interacting that is better for the both of us. It's not the ice cream's fault that I gained weight, it's mine. So, instead of coming home after a long day and expecting food to wipe it all away I turn to something that was meant to make a day better. I can pray or talk to my hubby....I could even workout. I don't really have a good relationship with exercise either, but hey that's another blog. This couples therapy has stretched me so and I pray that I shrink back healed. God has been revealing to me many ways that I hold food to a level that I shouldn't. My peace will never come from food. My joy was never meant to be found inside the wrapper of a twinkie. Maybe you don't look for love in all the wrong chocolate places like me. Whatever your love affair is right now that might not be the healthiest...might I suggest some couples therapy?
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30
But lately I have had to break up with another love affair that has felt quite the same. My heart got giddy and my emotions over took me when in its presence. I would think about this love all day long and couldn't wait to see it. Have you guessed yet? Well, if you read my last blog post you might know....I am ending my love affair with....food. Much like any other relationship food has been there for me through thick and not so thin. When I needed a friend to turn to.....hello pizza. When I had a bad day at work and life was just plain not fair...hand me the cookies and nobody gets my wrath. Even during happy times it was my bff. It's the end of the week, I made it...woo hooo chimichangas all around!!! It's my birthday why don't we celebrate every day in October... well and since the anniversary is in that month too.... let's do double trouble. To some of you this may sound like crazy talk, but to others you know right where I am coming from. Want to know the hardest thing about having to end a love affair with food? I can't delete it. I can't send it away. I can't take it's picture out of my frames or its number from my cell phone.
I have to come face to face with it a few times every day and learn to love it in a different way. So, I have decided that instead of calling it my break up with food, I am going to call it my food restoration. Food and I have been in a bad place so we need some rebuilding. I am pretty much putting myself and food into my own little counseling sessions held by yours truly. Sigh. We are in couples therapy. Anything that's broken can be fixed. I truly believe my "love" relationship that currently exists with food can be transformed into a much healthier one. Like any other relationship that is in trouble there is always hope. When I look at my food issues in this light it brings me hope. I don't have to cut out food all together, reminisce the good times, the ways it makes me feel good, etc. I just have to treat it differently. Learn new ways of interacting that is better for the both of us. It's not the ice cream's fault that I gained weight, it's mine. So, instead of coming home after a long day and expecting food to wipe it all away I turn to something that was meant to make a day better. I can pray or talk to my hubby....I could even workout. I don't really have a good relationship with exercise either, but hey that's another blog. This couples therapy has stretched me so and I pray that I shrink back healed. God has been revealing to me many ways that I hold food to a level that I shouldn't. My peace will never come from food. My joy was never meant to be found inside the wrapper of a twinkie. Maybe you don't look for love in all the wrong chocolate places like me. Whatever your love affair is right now that might not be the healthiest...might I suggest some couples therapy?
"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Time after time....
This post has been mulling around in my mind for some time now... I hope it all makes sense...
As long as you've known me, you've known my desire to lose weight and keep the weight off. Some saw me get very close to my goal weight a few years back. I find myself sitting here embarrassed to admit that I read a journal entry from last January declaring THIS would be the year. 2012 would be the year that all my weight loss dreams would come true. The Today Show, Biggest Loser, and a host of other shows that like to celebrate success would surely be calling me..... if you are waiting for the fairy tale ending then open your eyes. If you've seen me lately you'd know that, well, 2012 was not, after all, THE year. I've already cried, felt guilty, cried some more, eaten a candy bar (not kidding here) and then cried some more over the fact that my dreams for 2012 hadn't come true. Bob and Jillian didn't wisk me away in their skinny girl chariot for a shopping spree at Gap, Forever 21, or wherever else you skinnies shop. Instead, I have managed to gain all the weight back that I lost while going to my nutritionist. The truth is I wear my sin around daily for all the world to see. I overeat. I turn to a slice of pizza for comfort rather than deal with my problems. I know that there are other ways to deal with my problems. I have read all sorts of books. Dr. Oz is my bff.
So, why oh why can't I change?
I think I found part of the solution. I am always focused on the end, but unwilling to stay focused on the day to day and do the hard work. I get lazy, disappointed and just plain tired.... I focus on the over 100 pounds I have to lose and think there is no way. NO way that will eeeever happen. I start to think of excuses like... well I am 33, getting up there in age, I need calcium because I am just so old...ice cream has calcium, right?....I am a teacher and that's stressful, pass me the m & m's...family sickness is stressful so its okay to eat an extra hunk of cheese (don't judge me, I love my cheese). Staying power. Commitment. Instead....
Excuses.
A few days ago I was driving down the road contentedly eating my dunkin' donut deliciousness....when God brought to mind the teaching about putting old wine into new wineskins.... right in mid-bite. I was a little annoyed. You could have waited till after I was done, couldn't you God? But it hit me. Really hard. How can I expect to change my outside if I am still putting all of this junk into it. How can new wine be made when I am feeding my heart and mind with the same ole' same ole' junk! Wine takes a long time to become wine. Period. Time. It doesn't get halfway to being wine and then just stop because it's sick of waiting. If you don't like wine example, think of a flower or cheese. Whatever you can think of that takes time to become what it's meant to be. Time. I can either spend my time making excuses for why I will not be able to lose the weight, or I can spend it prayerfully taking the next step toward my new wineskin. It WILL take time. That's okay. Am I going anywhere? Isn't that what we are given each day is 24 hours to fill somehow.
I know this isn't earth shattering wisdom. It's common sense. But still for me, it was what I needed to realize. What are your struggles? Maybe they are hard for me to see because they are inside. I hope this encourages you to start to fill your struggle with a new perspective. You can change. While you are breathing there is still hope. Your next step CAN be a step in a new direction. Just take a step. One step. I am not saying 2013 is going to be THE year for my weight loss chariot. I do pray 2013 is the year I live moment by moment and have faith that it will make a difference. If I fall, I get back up and back into the moment.
My prayer is that someday instead of everyone seeing my sin, they will be able to see the victory God has given me over my sin. Amen!
And people do not pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.
Mark 2:22
As long as you've known me, you've known my desire to lose weight and keep the weight off. Some saw me get very close to my goal weight a few years back. I find myself sitting here embarrassed to admit that I read a journal entry from last January declaring THIS would be the year. 2012 would be the year that all my weight loss dreams would come true. The Today Show, Biggest Loser, and a host of other shows that like to celebrate success would surely be calling me..... if you are waiting for the fairy tale ending then open your eyes. If you've seen me lately you'd know that, well, 2012 was not, after all, THE year. I've already cried, felt guilty, cried some more, eaten a candy bar (not kidding here) and then cried some more over the fact that my dreams for 2012 hadn't come true. Bob and Jillian didn't wisk me away in their skinny girl chariot for a shopping spree at Gap, Forever 21, or wherever else you skinnies shop. Instead, I have managed to gain all the weight back that I lost while going to my nutritionist. The truth is I wear my sin around daily for all the world to see. I overeat. I turn to a slice of pizza for comfort rather than deal with my problems. I know that there are other ways to deal with my problems. I have read all sorts of books. Dr. Oz is my bff.
So, why oh why can't I change?
I think I found part of the solution. I am always focused on the end, but unwilling to stay focused on the day to day and do the hard work. I get lazy, disappointed and just plain tired.... I focus on the over 100 pounds I have to lose and think there is no way. NO way that will eeeever happen. I start to think of excuses like... well I am 33, getting up there in age, I need calcium because I am just so old...ice cream has calcium, right?....I am a teacher and that's stressful, pass me the m & m's...family sickness is stressful so its okay to eat an extra hunk of cheese (don't judge me, I love my cheese). Staying power. Commitment. Instead....
Excuses.
A few days ago I was driving down the road contentedly eating my dunkin' donut deliciousness....when God brought to mind the teaching about putting old wine into new wineskins.... right in mid-bite. I was a little annoyed. You could have waited till after I was done, couldn't you God? But it hit me. Really hard. How can I expect to change my outside if I am still putting all of this junk into it. How can new wine be made when I am feeding my heart and mind with the same ole' same ole' junk! Wine takes a long time to become wine. Period. Time. It doesn't get halfway to being wine and then just stop because it's sick of waiting. If you don't like wine example, think of a flower or cheese. Whatever you can think of that takes time to become what it's meant to be. Time. I can either spend my time making excuses for why I will not be able to lose the weight, or I can spend it prayerfully taking the next step toward my new wineskin. It WILL take time. That's okay. Am I going anywhere? Isn't that what we are given each day is 24 hours to fill somehow.
I know this isn't earth shattering wisdom. It's common sense. But still for me, it was what I needed to realize. What are your struggles? Maybe they are hard for me to see because they are inside. I hope this encourages you to start to fill your struggle with a new perspective. You can change. While you are breathing there is still hope. Your next step CAN be a step in a new direction. Just take a step. One step. I am not saying 2013 is going to be THE year for my weight loss chariot. I do pray 2013 is the year I live moment by moment and have faith that it will make a difference. If I fall, I get back up and back into the moment.
My prayer is that someday instead of everyone seeing my sin, they will be able to see the victory God has given me over my sin. Amen!
And people do not pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.
Mark 2:22
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