I just had an amazing day - I can't tell you why exactly. Wait, yes I can. It is so interesting. I find that at times I am so oblivious to what goes on around me that I forget to do the little things that mean so much. It isn't because I don't want to (well sometimes it is), or because I can't, but mostly because I am busy with other aspects of life which cause me to miss these little things.
Today I had a day filled with family. It started with going to my grandma's for just regular visiting and watching my mom creatively paint a nest on a sideboard for my grandmother. Then a surprise visit from the neighbor down the street who turned into being just a blessing herself! As we sat laughing, joking and rolling on the floor about virtually anything that came up I suddenly found myself volunteering for a BUNKO game. So crazy, but I did. In the interim, mom and I ran over to my nephews' baseball game.
Now when I say RAN, please take me literally. Note nephews' is plural, I have two nephews and they played their games at precisely the same time, luckily in the same general vicinity. An hour and fifteen minutes of rooting for my favorite two tots (well one of them is hardly a tot any more), on TWO FIELDS. You can bet that I didn't want either of them to feel like I missed anything, so I went back and forth to make sure they knew I was watching and supporting them. Okay perhaps it was a little overkill, but I don't know how to do anything halfway. Oh and bleacher fans, you can stop looking at me now, don't be jealous that I am related to two all-stars. I am fine running back and forth, I live out of breath.
Then it was back to my grandmother's for the trek out to BUNKO. A precious ride with three characters that could have given the golden girls a run for there money. Then you had my mother and I attempting to decipher the conversation in between random bursts of laughter. So, BUNKO arrived. I can't say I did much damage but I was able to throw down the most BUNKOS which landed me a PUMPKIN CANDLE. Back off it is mine! :)
What made this day so great? I have to say that everyone I spent time with was so excited to have me around them, but what they didn't realize was that they were the blessings to me! It was selfish for me to steal there time like that - I received so much joy from today I can't even express it! Thank you mom for convincing me to head to Stafford for a day of FAMILY bonding that turned into a marathon of BLESSINGS!! I appreciate YOU - MY FAMILY, and everyone around me for being such major blessings in my life! I honestly do not know what I WOULD DO WITH OUT YOU!!! :)
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
PRESUMPTIONS
My lesson this week lies mostly in presumptions. For some reason this word has been on the tip of my tongue. At many times in my own life I have found myself jumping to conclusions, or presuming something to be true when in actuality I have found an extreme difference once the results were in. It is hard, we have been taught to be smart, to learn from our experiences, or to make sure and get to the finish line first. I believe this why we are so quick to make these presumptions. Sometimes they are NECESSARY, my challenge to you, is to be discriminatory in your reproach. Make sure you don't get into a RUT of always making PRESUMPTIONS. You just might miss out.
Just some recent observations in this category: What is your first thought when I say the words in BOLD?
HOMELESS:
I was recently in Midtown Houston - where I was walking into a business appointment. Dressed in my suit and giddily working my way to the office building I found myself being screamed at by someone on the street. A woman, clearly homeless, very angry, directing this towards me - with spit, vile words and awful gestures. I immediately assumed her to be mentally disturbed, and perhaps she was. However, I was enlightened with the knowledge of a credence which just "relocated" these homeless individuals from the main downtown area to midtown - I am still trying to figure out how they are deciphering who is a bum and who isn't (if just by looks, WOW). Her anger was not really directed at me, but probably at the individuals who were so hostile with her just hours or days or months or years earlier. We can only do what we are taught. All I could think about was how can I help this woman? (I know this one is touchy)
STUTTERING:
It happens in instances - one assumes that an individual who has a speech impairment has difficulty communicating. This may your initial knee jerk reaction, but those that seek a deeper understanding may realize that this individual communicates more KNOWLEDGE than most given their simple experience. Think about it, if I had a speech impairment, I have probably been through a lot in my lifetime, I have SO MUCH TO SHARE. In actually, this barrier may only be the devils ploy to keep you from the astonishing truth.
BEAUTIFUL WOMEN:
I have decided beautiful women feel invisible. You are so dazzled by their exterior that you forget to know their heart. It is a natural human need to feel heard and be seen beyond what lies on your exterior. No one should assume a beautiful woman's life is easy simply because she has that on her side. In fact, I believe it creates more challenges when it comes to credibility - you have to work even harder just to prove that you haven't floated on your looks.
WEALTH:
Rich people often feel very alone. It is assumed that they have it all - money solves everything. Unfortunately, money can't by happiness. We have all heard this before, now why can't we just let it sink in...
Just thought I would jot a few thoughts down for the week while they were fresh on my mind. I hope this helps us all to take a second look, or look at something from an other's shoes. They just might not fit as well as you think.
GOD BLESS!
Just some recent observations in this category: What is your first thought when I say the words in BOLD?
HOMELESS:
I was recently in Midtown Houston - where I was walking into a business appointment. Dressed in my suit and giddily working my way to the office building I found myself being screamed at by someone on the street. A woman, clearly homeless, very angry, directing this towards me - with spit, vile words and awful gestures. I immediately assumed her to be mentally disturbed, and perhaps she was. However, I was enlightened with the knowledge of a credence which just "relocated" these homeless individuals from the main downtown area to midtown - I am still trying to figure out how they are deciphering who is a bum and who isn't (if just by looks, WOW). Her anger was not really directed at me, but probably at the individuals who were so hostile with her just hours or days or months or years earlier. We can only do what we are taught. All I could think about was how can I help this woman? (I know this one is touchy)
STUTTERING:
It happens in instances - one assumes that an individual who has a speech impairment has difficulty communicating. This may your initial knee jerk reaction, but those that seek a deeper understanding may realize that this individual communicates more KNOWLEDGE than most given their simple experience. Think about it, if I had a speech impairment, I have probably been through a lot in my lifetime, I have SO MUCH TO SHARE. In actually, this barrier may only be the devils ploy to keep you from the astonishing truth.
BEAUTIFUL WOMEN:
I have decided beautiful women feel invisible. You are so dazzled by their exterior that you forget to know their heart. It is a natural human need to feel heard and be seen beyond what lies on your exterior. No one should assume a beautiful woman's life is easy simply because she has that on her side. In fact, I believe it creates more challenges when it comes to credibility - you have to work even harder just to prove that you haven't floated on your looks.
WEALTH:
Rich people often feel very alone. It is assumed that they have it all - money solves everything. Unfortunately, money can't by happiness. We have all heard this before, now why can't we just let it sink in...
Just thought I would jot a few thoughts down for the week while they were fresh on my mind. I hope this helps us all to take a second look, or look at something from an other's shoes. They just might not fit as well as you think.
GOD BLESS!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Tired
So I woke up this morning feeling tired. I know what you all are thinking, don't we all wake up tired? Well - not in the literal sense. I woke up emotional and mentally tired. Not from all the work I have been doing lately or all the information that I have been cramming into my brain (which continues to astonish me given the capacity for knowledge). Nope none of these elements were the culprit, I felt TIRED of GIVING so MUCH
I feel ashamed to even admit that I feel this way but it is what it is. I always try to be positive, make jokes, lift others up, look on the bright side - and then I have these random days when I wake up, TIRED. It is not that I want to always be positive, I find this is my fulfilling need in life and usually comes naturally - to be sure and have an essentially joyful impact. Infact it is probably very selfish because I gain so much from giving! I just sometimes hit a WALL when I WAKE up feeling TIRED.
I haven't found a medicinal cure yet which helps me combat these dreary days and I am still searching for clues as to why I have them in the first place. I consistently think about the fact that God never gets TIRED of forgiving me, or TIRED of loving me, or TIRED of blessing me but still I have trouble. I get TIRED of always being the one to make the joke, smile first, or look on the bright side.
Then I realized this morning, sometimes I just want someone to be my smile, my joke or be my positive impact, perhaps this is what I crave. So it just brings me back full circle - I better continue with my positive ways despite my inclination to have "woken up on the wrong side of the bed this morning". I know someone else MUST feel TIRED to, and I can only hope to be their SMILE, JOKE or LIGHT for the day.
I feel ashamed to even admit that I feel this way but it is what it is. I always try to be positive, make jokes, lift others up, look on the bright side - and then I have these random days when I wake up, TIRED. It is not that I want to always be positive, I find this is my fulfilling need in life and usually comes naturally - to be sure and have an essentially joyful impact. Infact it is probably very selfish because I gain so much from giving! I just sometimes hit a WALL when I WAKE up feeling TIRED.
I haven't found a medicinal cure yet which helps me combat these dreary days and I am still searching for clues as to why I have them in the first place. I consistently think about the fact that God never gets TIRED of forgiving me, or TIRED of loving me, or TIRED of blessing me but still I have trouble. I get TIRED of always being the one to make the joke, smile first, or look on the bright side.
Then I realized this morning, sometimes I just want someone to be my smile, my joke or be my positive impact, perhaps this is what I crave. So it just brings me back full circle - I better continue with my positive ways despite my inclination to have "woken up on the wrong side of the bed this morning". I know someone else MUST feel TIRED to, and I can only hope to be their SMILE, JOKE or LIGHT for the day.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Today
For some reason I have been having quotes pop up in my head in the last few minutes, perhaps they are relative - or for someone out there:
Take each day moment by moment, step by step, breath by breath and know that with each new moment you are given another opportunity to change.
Have you ever wondered why you are able to find certain flaws in others over and over? Take a look at yourself - you may find some similarities...
Take a chance at life, it constantly takes chances on you.
I am consistently inconsistent.
Let yourself be changed - stop guarding your flaws.
God really wants to help, you just have to stop getting in the way.
If we would stop covering our eyes to reality, we might be able to engage our ears to the truth.
Forgive and forget (I have a really hard time with this).
Sometimes things do not happen to you for your sake, but for those around you. It is your job to be the pillar of strength throughout the trial. I need this from you. Don't let me down. - GOD
You are affecting people and you don't even know it - for goodness sake make it positive.
You never know what some one's day, year or life has been like. Try to be the positive memory, despite the energy you get back.
Okay I am done ranting for now....
Take each day moment by moment, step by step, breath by breath and know that with each new moment you are given another opportunity to change.
Have you ever wondered why you are able to find certain flaws in others over and over? Take a look at yourself - you may find some similarities...
Take a chance at life, it constantly takes chances on you.
I am consistently inconsistent.
Let yourself be changed - stop guarding your flaws.
God really wants to help, you just have to stop getting in the way.
If we would stop covering our eyes to reality, we might be able to engage our ears to the truth.
Forgive and forget (I have a really hard time with this).
Sometimes things do not happen to you for your sake, but for those around you. It is your job to be the pillar of strength throughout the trial. I need this from you. Don't let me down. - GOD
You are affecting people and you don't even know it - for goodness sake make it positive.
You never know what some one's day, year or life has been like. Try to be the positive memory, despite the energy you get back.
Okay I am done ranting for now....
Sunday, August 23, 2009
I know
Sometimes I find myself dwelling on the negative aspects of life. I find this especially pressing when I feel an a recent endeavor has failed, and I can't seem to take my mind off of it. It is during these times that I have to challenge myself to remain positive. I find that God then reminds me of all the wonderful things I have accomplished, to encourage me to strive forward. For worry, anciety, fear and depression are not of God. Today I challenge the same from you - make a list and reference it whenever you feel down. I am going to open up about a few things that God has enabled my success on. All of these different experiences have made me stronger and help me remain positive when I feel something has failed.
These are either things that I have accomplished, am doing, or I feel I have made great strides in thse areas of my life:
Stopped biting my nails
Lost 35 pounds
Overcame Dyslexsia high school valedictorian and graduate Cumm Laude
Learned to play piano at 18
Learned to LOVE my freckles
Published my Blog
Slowing following God's direction in my life
Stopped cracking my knuckles
Am more positive
Starting to develop a positive self image
Implemented a healthy eating and exercising regime
Attending Al Anon
Learned to accept others for who they are
Waiting on God
Learned to read music at 18
Started writing again
Spokesperson for the American Heart Association
Learning to Trust
I can be proud of all of these little things - this helps me to press forward in times of doubt. I know you have things you have accomplished to that you don't even think about. If you can't come up with a list, have a friend create one for you. You are more valued than you know!
God has a plan for your life - I know you can push through this TIME!
These are either things that I have accomplished, am doing, or I feel I have made great strides in thse areas of my life:
Stopped biting my nails
Lost 35 pounds
Overcame Dyslexsia high school valedictorian and graduate Cumm Laude
Learned to play piano at 18
Learned to LOVE my freckles
Published my Blog
Slowing following God's direction in my life
Stopped cracking my knuckles
Am more positive
Starting to develop a positive self image
Implemented a healthy eating and exercising regime
Attending Al Anon
Learned to accept others for who they are
Waiting on God
Learned to read music at 18
Started writing again
Spokesperson for the American Heart Association
Learning to Trust
I can be proud of all of these little things - this helps me to press forward in times of doubt. I know you have things you have accomplished to that you don't even think about. If you can't come up with a list, have a friend create one for you. You are more valued than you know!
God has a plan for your life - I know you can push through this TIME!
For ENCOURAGEMENT
From God's Minute I felt I needed to share this -
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. (Ps 139:1)
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. (Psalm 139:2)
I am familiar with all your ways. (Psalm 139:3)
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. (Matthew 10:29-30)
For you were made in my image. (Genesis 1:27)
In me you live and move and have your being. For you are my offspring. (Acts 17:28)
I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5)
I chose you when I planned creation. (Ephesians 1:11-12)
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. (Psalm 139:15-16)
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. (Acts 17:26)
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
I knit you together in your mother's womb. (Psalm 139:13)
And brought you forth on the day you were born. (Psalm 71:6)
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me.(John 8:41-44)
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. (I John 4:16)
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. (I John 3:1)
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. (I John 3:7)
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. (Matthew 7:11)
For I am the perfect Father. (Matthew 5:48)
Every good gift you receive comes from my hand. (James 1:17)
For I am your provider and I meet your needs. (Matthew 6:31-33)
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.(Jeremiah 29:11)
Because I love you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3)
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. (Psalm 139:17-18)
And I rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
I will never stop doing good to you. (Jeremiah 32:40)
For you are my treasured possession. (Exodus 19:5)
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul.(Jeremiah 32:41)
And I want to show you great and marvelous things. (Jeremiah 33:3)
For if you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. (Deuteronomy 4:29)
So, Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
For it is I who gave you those desires. (Philippians 2:13)
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. (Ephesians 3:20)
For I am your greatest encourager. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. (Psalm 34:18)
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. (Isaiah 40:11)
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. And I will take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.(Revelation 21:3-4)
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.(John 17:23)
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. (John 17:26)
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. (2 Corinthians 5;18-19)
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.(I John 4:10)
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. (Romans 8:31-32)
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. (I John 2:23)
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. (Romans 8:38-29)
When it's time for you to Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. (Luke 15:7)
I have always been your Father, and will always be your Father. (Ephesians 3:14-15)
My question is....Will you be my child? (John 1:12-13)
I am waiting for you. (Luke 15:11-32)
Be encouraged! God LOVES YOU!
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. (Ps 139:1)
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. (Psalm 139:2)
I am familiar with all your ways. (Psalm 139:3)
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. (Matthew 10:29-30)
For you were made in my image. (Genesis 1:27)
In me you live and move and have your being. For you are my offspring. (Acts 17:28)
I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5)
I chose you when I planned creation. (Ephesians 1:11-12)
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. (Psalm 139:15-16)
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. (Acts 17:26)
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
I knit you together in your mother's womb. (Psalm 139:13)
And brought you forth on the day you were born. (Psalm 71:6)
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me.(John 8:41-44)
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. (I John 4:16)
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. (I John 3:1)
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. (I John 3:7)
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. (Matthew 7:11)
For I am the perfect Father. (Matthew 5:48)
Every good gift you receive comes from my hand. (James 1:17)
For I am your provider and I meet your needs. (Matthew 6:31-33)
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.(Jeremiah 29:11)
Because I love you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3)
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. (Psalm 139:17-18)
And I rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
I will never stop doing good to you. (Jeremiah 32:40)
For you are my treasured possession. (Exodus 19:5)
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul.(Jeremiah 32:41)
And I want to show you great and marvelous things. (Jeremiah 33:3)
For if you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. (Deuteronomy 4:29)
So, Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. (Psalm 37:4)
For it is I who gave you those desires. (Philippians 2:13)
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. (Ephesians 3:20)
For I am your greatest encourager. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. (Psalm 34:18)
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. (Isaiah 40:11)
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. And I will take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.(Revelation 21:3-4)
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.(John 17:23)
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. (John 17:26)
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. (2 Corinthians 5;18-19)
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.(I John 4:10)
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. (Romans 8:31-32)
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. (I John 2:23)
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. (Romans 8:38-29)
When it's time for you to Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. (Luke 15:7)
I have always been your Father, and will always be your Father. (Ephesians 3:14-15)
My question is....Will you be my child? (John 1:12-13)
I am waiting for you. (Luke 15:11-32)
Be encouraged! God LOVES YOU!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
ABIDING SUCCESS
Today at lunch I decided to read my bible to get a little insight. Interestingly enough, this is the passage I was reading:
"Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding." - PROVERBS 2:
5-6
When reading the translated notes I noticed when a person seeks "sound wisdom" (can be translated "abiding success" or "victory") he/she will find it in the fear of the Lord or the knowledge of God. Take all those definitions and string them together to grasp this statement -
Abiding success is found through the knowledge of God. I believe this is a comforting statement.
So, just as I was finding comfort in words that I didn't quite understand at the time (it all culminated just now) I received a phone call. Ironically, there was a church who needed office coffee (the service I sell). An opportunity appeared - and it wasn't even asked for. Just as I am seeking the "sound wisdom" (abiding success) of God by reading my bible, I receive a phone call for a sale. I wish everything was that obvious to me - seek God and he will show you just how he will work for your abiding success.
"Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding." - PROVERBS 2:
5-6When reading the translated notes I noticed when a person seeks "sound wisdom" (can be translated "abiding success" or "victory") he/she will find it in the fear of the Lord or the knowledge of God. Take all those definitions and string them together to grasp this statement -
Abiding success is found through the knowledge of God. I believe this is a comforting statement.
So, just as I was finding comfort in words that I didn't quite understand at the time (it all culminated just now) I received a phone call. Ironically, there was a church who needed office coffee (the service I sell). An opportunity appeared - and it wasn't even asked for. Just as I am seeking the "sound wisdom" (abiding success) of God by reading my bible, I receive a phone call for a sale. I wish everything was that obvious to me - seek God and he will show you just how he will work for your abiding success.
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