But that day God had something to tell me

Every once in awhile the Lord meets in the most profound way.  

Oh, it's in those moments I wish time would stand still!  

Sometimes it's reading my bible, or seeing baby rabbits freely playing in my yard enjoying the coolness before the heat of the day comes. Perhaps it's a song on the radio or in a devotion I'm reading.  Or one of those mind-blowing, gorgeous Arizona sunsets with colors that only God could create!  I've talked to many of you, so I know I can't be crazy. Perhaps for you it's walking through Walmart or maybe it's ironing or folding that same shirt for the 4th time this week.  

Confession, I often  have my best conversations with God in the shower.  This is exactly what happened to me the other day.  I'm showering talking to God like I always do, but that day God had something to tell me about a certain scripture.  A scripture that I've heard and read so many times.  Here's the scripture:  

"For we (I) am God's creation,

created in Christ Jesus for good works,

which God prepared ahead of time

so that we (I) should walk in them."

Ephesians 2:10 HCSB

(paraphrase mine)

2014 has been an interesting year to say the least and to say it nicely.  I've been wrestling about some things with God.  Okay,  if I'm honest I've mainly been wrestling with myself.....anyone....anyone?  Sorry, back to my conversation with God and  Ephesians 2:10.

I am created by God in Christ Jesus, yep I believe that with every fiber of my being.  For good works, which God prepared ahead of time, so that I should walk in them.  For us(me) to walk in, did you catch that?  What does that look like to me and perhaps you?  

Since God created me, he knows that I am a simple person.  First of all it says good works, somehow in my mind its become the lie that if its not great well then I don't need to bother.  It simply plays out like this for me:

I take the first step honestly, that's quite often the scariest part.  

• I stand up for what I know is right at the risk of others misunderstanding or judging my heart and intentions. 
• I walk away from conversations that are not edifying.  
• I put back that dress I've convinced myself I need even though I don't have the money for it.
• I persevere instead of quitting for the hundredth time.
• I stay in a marriage that sometimes for the life of me I can't remember when it became more about me than we.  
• I love on my kids by telling and showing them how much I love them, but also remind them that God loves them even more.   
• As a believer in Christ I should live my life not like I want, but to endeavor to be more like Christ today than I was yesterday or even 5 minutes ago because that's what I was created for.

This world is brutal no doubt.  But I can find the beauty if only I'd allow God to walk me through it.

Psalm 107:23-32

"Some of you set sail in big ships;you put to sea to do business in faraway ports.

Out at sea you saw God in action,saw his breathtaking ways with the ocean:With a word he called up the wind—an ocean storm, towering waves!

You shot high in the sky, then the bottom dropped out;your hearts were stuck in your throats.

You were spun like a top, you reeled like a drunk,you didn’t know which end was up.

Then you called out to God in your desperate condition;he got you out in the nick of time.

He quieted the wind down to a whisper,put a muzzle on all the big waves.And you were so glad when the storm died down,and he led you safely back to harbor.

So thank God for his marvelous love,for his miracle mercy to the children he loves.

Lift high your praises when the people assemble,shout Hallelujah when the elders meet!"  Psalm 107:23-32 The Message

Wisdom

“But though men can do all these things, 
they don’t know where to find 
wisdom and understanding.  
They not only don’t know how to get it,
but, in fact, 
it is not to be found among the living.

 And God surely knows where it is to be found, 

for he looks throughout the whole earth, 

under all the heavens. 

And this is what he says 
to all mankind: 

‘Look, to fear the Lord is true wisdom; 

to forsake evil is real understanding.’”

Job 28:12-13, 23-24, 28 (TLB)

A Safe Place To Step

All of my life I have been an 'internal loner'. 

I don't know exactly when it happened and to be honest it just recently occurred to me that is what I had become.  I don't think you will find the term internal loner in to many psychology books, but hey I'm not above creating my own language.

Here's Julie's definition of an internal loner - one who mistakenly believes that life is safer journeyed in a solitary fashion.  With no need for assistance or friendship.  In other words, proceed to "enjoy life" (insert sarcasm) with the utmost precaution and on my terms.

Which is hilarious, because God in all of his sweetness and patience has finally gotten through to me that in life and in friendship:

1) I've been missing out on so many things that I had lied to myself about.  Playing it safe, staying in my comfort zone, not getting outside my pond.

• "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”  Deut. 31:6-8 ESV

2) If people knew the real you they would never like or accept you.  Once I began truly believing that I am a child of the Lord Most High, one who is blessed & highly favored a great weight began to be lifted off my shoulders. I began to hold my head higher and dare to look people in the eye.  

• "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him"  Psalm 34:8 NIV

3) Life isn't ever going to change.  To quote Jack Nicholson's Melvin Udall character, "What if this is as good as it gets?"  This may be as good as it gets, but I am highly doubtful this is true.  Life may not change but the choices I make can change.  Praise God he has planned it that way.

• "What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again."  Ecclesiastes 3:15

So what about you sweet one?  Yes you...the one always plays it safe.  Will you step out of your pond and dare to join me?

2013 Becoming 2014

Today is the last day of 2013.  

I will say it again, 

Today is the last day 2013.  

My word for 2013 was CHOICES.  What was your word?  Or have you forgotten it as the days have melted together into the blur called 2013?  I've been reflecting on 2013 and I have to smile.  Choices huh? Even through the challenges and growing pains of 2013 God has shown me more about Himself which in turn allows me to see more about myself.  Let me just say that I am far from being the best at making choices, but I make them none the less.

I love this quote from Neil Peart, "If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice."

But in my choices for 2013 here are just a few of the things I've learned about myself:

• I know much less than I thought I did and I'm okay with admitting that.
• I like iced coffee a little too much.
• I am braver than I knew, but not as brave as I can be.
• God is life and life is full of surprises
• It's okay to cry but more importantly its okay to laugh.
• I've been blessed beyond measure by my husband and children who encourage and believe in me even when I don't believe in myself.
• Being there is more important than empty words of wisdom.
• I still don't like dark chocolate.
• Nothing replaces family.
• I am surrounded by friends who speak truth into my ears even when I don't want to hear it.  Friends that won't give up on me.  Friends that challenge and inspire me like nobodies business.
• I am able to love myself & others, forgive myself & others, and allow God to do the revealing and healing.  Repeat as needed.
•  I am the least of these in desperate need of the ONE who knows me better than I know myself.
• I'm ready for 2014

So what is your word for 2014?  It's not too late you know.  I have to admit I was getting a bit anxious for God to reveal it to me but reveal it he did.  

"For we were saved in this hope, 

but hope that is seen is not hope; 

for why does one still hope for what he sees?

 But if we hope for what we do not see, 

we eagerly wait for it with perseverance"

  Romans 8:24-25 NKJV

My word for 2014 is:

Classified: Help Wanted

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."  Matthew 6:33

I don't know how it is for you but when reality hits, it is not a love tap but it hits me hard.  I love football so that is the best analogy I can relate to, a bone-jarring, knock the wind out of you, what just happened kind of hit.

These past couple of months have been like that for me.  I am a closer to 50 than I want to be woman.  A woman who has had the blessed honor of being home the past 20 years to raise my kids, help my husband with his painting business and realize my hearts desire is to serve the Lord by mentoring and encouraging women. 

Just like I am not the same woman who left the job market 20 years ago, neither is the world I am re-entering.  I am learning a whole lot about myself.  Enter reality, I am returning to school and attempting to re-enter the job market with as much confidence and grace as I can muster.  There have been many, many humbling moments for me, I will humor you by sharing a few of them:  

• School, well school doesn't even resemble learning as I remember.  I sit in a classroom consisting of computers and other folks just like me trying to absorb and keep up with the ever-changing world. 
•  I've learned my resume is antiquated and that there is a much greater chance of a computer scanning my resume looking for "keywords" than there is a human being ever seeing it.  And on the off-chance a human does look at it, they will scan it for no more 10-seconds and decide whether I am worthy of an interview.  
• I will just be honest here, as much as I rebel instead of embrace the joys of aging, it is a factor in learning. Okay, in my case it's remembering what you have learned.  Even more so as I attempt to be uber creative in my approach of finding a job. No surprise God has that covered as well:

"Even to your old age and gray hairs

I am he,

I am he who will sustain you.

I have made you and I will carry you;

I will sustain you and I will

rescue you."

Isaiah 46:4

I have to constantly and I mean constantly remind myself that God is the one who has the power to open and close doors ( or interviews in my case).

"I will give him the key to the house of David-

the highest position in the royal court.

When he opens doors, no one will

be able to close them;

when he closes doors, no one

will be able to open them."

Isaiah 22:22

As I write these words and share my heart, I don't desire pity but I hope you can relate on some level. Perhaps even chuckle with me.  But more than anything be reminded, just as I have to be reminded:

"I am the lord; there is not other God. 

I have equipped you for battle,

though you don't even know me,

so all the world from east to west

will know there is no other God.

I am the LORD, and there is no other.

I create the light and make the darkness.

I send the good times and bad times.

I, the LORD, am the one who does these things."

Isaiah 45:5-7

 

Truth in the Unknown

T

e

a

c

h

me not only to number my days, but more importantly include you in them.

R

e

m

i

n

d

me of the value of the little moments, to search passionately for truth and joy amid this great uncertainty.

In the blink of an eye

everything that was 

certain and clear

 is hazy and unknown.  

Once again, letting go of what I can see, stepping boldly into the great unknown.  More courageously than yesterday, clinging desperately to the One who holds it all together. 

Proverbs 4:25-27

Falalalala Friday

Fa                                          

  La    La  

       La

      Friday

is just that, every Friday I'll be posting some of my 

fav's old and new. I pray you will enjoy them as much as I do!

I love supporting a new artist, don't you?  Take a listen and decide for yourself.....

Based on Psalm 23

lyrics

The Lord is my shepherd – I shall not want
He lets me lie down where the grass is soft
He restores my soul
He restores my soul

Though I walk through the valley I will not be afraid
Though I walk through the valley I will not be afraid
I will walk through the valley and I will not be afraid

You lay a table before me – In the presence of those
Who would hate and destroy me – You lift me up
And You restore my soul
You restore my soul

Surely goodness – Surely mercy will follow me all of the days of my life
Surely goodness – Surely mercy will follow me all of the days of my life
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever
Dwell in the house of the Lord
I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever
Dwell in the house of the Lord

from You Have Rescued Me, released 15 June 2011

tags

tags: acoustic christian pop psalm 23 rock worship folk Durham

Update on The 7 Experiment

It's been awhile since I've given an update on 7 An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker.

The   experiment   continues:

When I last posted I had just begun the food portion of the experiment.  I learned several things during this period and some will stay with me.  For example, reading labels and seeing how many ingredients are in a food item.  I must confess I came right back to my iced coffee vice.  Honestly, its all about the yummy, downright delicious creamers and has absolutely nothing to do with coffee....

Then came phase 2: Clothing

In the book Jen wears the same 7 articles of clothing for 30 days.  Since I pretty much wear the same items anyway, I decided to go on a different trail.  I began with a purchase freeze, along with a healthy purging:  my closet and drawers that were so overflowing (don't judge me) with clothes, shoes and purses.  It was overwhelmingly, sadly, pathetic on so many levels!  Some items I gave to friends and family others I took to Goodwill.  But why stop there? Next came books and household items.  I must confess its going to take me more than 30 days to finish this task, but it's been a great start.....Rome wasn't built in 30 days right?   Hmmmm, or was Rome destroyed in 30 days?  I digress..

Phase 3:  Spending

No spending carried over from phase 2, but this time included a total spending freeze on items for me personally.  Of course I'm not insane, if I needed deodorant I would make an allowance for that, no need for family and friends to suffer for my quirkiness! I had one day to live it up per se and you I you guessed it, I went to Dunkin Donuts and enjoyed a yummy large Butter Pecan iced coffee!

I did make one vital discovery, when you commit to not spending money on yourself, one definitely needs to perform a complete and thorough haircut & hair color analysis a few days before said phase begins.  I found this out the hard way on the evening before I was to begin. I caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror in a very well-lit bathroom.  Yep, I definitely hadn't thought that one through.  I made a mad dash to Walgreen's for a box of I've got to hide all this, I'm way too young for this gray, with a few hours to spare before said spending freeze began. I also got a little scissor happy with my bangs a few times during this phase, what's a girl to do.

I can't tell you though the number of times I almost bought myself a cheap book on Amazon.  I really, really had to be super careful there.

I like to think I did really well in this stage, I didn't even spend my gift cards on myself.  But I did cave in on the last day of the no spending clause, well I felt justified after all, the gal at Dunkin Donuts said they were doing away with the yummy Butter Pecan flavor at the end of the month.  WHAT, that was the next day!!!  I gave into my fleshly desires and purchased a large one.......15 days into the next month I must tell you, Dunkin Donuts was still selling Butter Pecan iced coffee and I get reminded of my weakness every time I go there for a meeting.  Which in case you are wondering is at least 3 times a week.

Phase 4:  Media

I am now in the process of media.  The cool thing is,when I asked my husband if he would join me in not watching television he agreed.  I totally was not expecting that reaction, nice surprise!  We are hooked on watching The Voice and wouldn't you know it, the season of The Voice just started.  Now I could have of course, tried to justify only watching The Voice, its only one show after all.  But honestly, God kept reminding me it wouldn't be a sacrifice if I gave in, and hadn't I learned anything from the Dunkin Donut fiasco??  

I've also now got a kitchen timer in my office, its very helpful to remind me there is a time limit on Facebook, I think I will definitely keep that even when the media phase is over.

So now you are now up to speed with the 7 Experiment.  I highly recommend this book, but with this strong suggestion:  don't try any of the challenges without someone to go on the journey with you.  Without a friend who is willing to be strong in accountability and more importantly pray for you.  I definitely needed someone who could understand my idiosyncrasies and she kept this girl sane and laughing.  And who doesn't need a friend like that??  

Falalalala Friday

F

a

la

la

la

la         Friday

is just that, every Friday I'll be posting some of my 

fav's old and new. I pray you will enjoy them as much as I do!

Fix You ~ Coldplay

30 Things: #7 Texting Faux Pas

I have to admit this whole 30 Things blog series has gotten WAY behind, but I am a firm 

believer in the fact that it does not matter where or how  you begin, it's finishing the 

journey!!



I am guessing that most would agree that texting can be great,  although I know it comes 

with huge drawbacks as well.  For example, you can't hear the tone of my voice, and I can't 

see your reaction when you are only reading my written words.  And try as I may, I can only 

insert so many smiley faces, lol's and rofl's.  Does anyone else strongly dislike the auto-spell 

corrector on our cell phones?  Truth be known most of the time it is my own fingers doing 

the misspelling, can I get an amen!!




I just experienced this again today and thought I would share my recent texting faux pas......

I would love to read your own texting terror ooops I mean experiences.  LOL, :), ROFL, :(, 

??, SMH

Falalalala Friday

F

a

la

la

la

la         Friday

is just that, every Friday I'll be posting some of my 

fav's old and new. I pray you will enjoy them as much as I do!

Matt Redman - 10,000 Reasons

Prayer: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

In Jesus name I pray;

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, 

today and forever. ~ Hebrews 13:8

 Father, I need you

 more today than yesterday,

 but remind me 

not as much 

as I am going

 to need you 

tomorrow.  

Therefore let us, as many as are mature,

have this mind; and if in

anything you think otherwise,

God will reveal even this to you.

Philippians 3:15

Amen

30 Things: #6

The Bucket List

I love the movie "The Bucket List", with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.  It makes me laugh and cry as I relate (sometimes all to well) with each of the characters.  If you need some inspiration I suggest watching the movie or watch this clip from You-Tube:

A bucket list is just that, a list of things to do before you die, it comes from the term "kicked the bucket". When is the last time you looked at your own bucket list?  Or maybe you are like me and haven't even made a bucket list?  Sadly, I don't know what I've been waiting on, but I feel inspired to start one and today is as good as any. 

My Bucket List (Part 1):

1. Visit British Columbia, Canada
2. See an Alaskan Moose
3. Visit every state in the United States
4. See Niagara Falls
5. Get my closet organized
6. Indoor Skydive
7. Go to Disney World
8. Laugh more
9. Read all the books on my Kindle
10. Be braver today than I was yesterday

What about you?

30 Things: #5

I was talking to my 18, soon to be 19, year old daughter the other day about finding a job.  As I was telling her about the various jobs I have held, I thought wouldn't it be a kick-in-the-pants to have this be a part of the 30 Things series!


Some experiences were worthwhile, others let's just say they were an experience.  I know I have held more than five jobs in my lifetime, but I am a simple girl so lets keep it at five.

1) A carhop at Sonic

2) Store clerk at Circle K

3) Office manager at an insurance office

4) Home engineer extraordinaire 

5)  Candle & Slushie Peddler

I can't wait to hear yours!!

Image Via: www.inc.com

  

30 Things: #4

What is your favorite/most unique pet and why?

I have always loved animals, well most of them anyway.  I still am not extremely fond of horses they are VERY LARGE and have VERY LARGE teeth!  Sorry all you horse lovin' gals, its just my perspective.

My favorite pet would have to be a dog.  Dogs are great because they are always glad to see you, they don't care if you are a mess.  Here is a picture of my favorite dog, Barney.  He was a Boston Terrier who had a heart of gold, I sure do miss him!!

We have had fun raising lots of different critters: fallow deer, pot-belly pigs, ducks, geese, miniature donkeys, miniature horses, wallabies, various birds.  Raising them was a lot of work but it was even more fun.  We had school groups and Girl Scout troops come by interacting with and learning about the different animals.  Here is a picture of a pet deer we had named Noah.  We bottle fed him from the time he was 2 days old when we realized his mom abandoned him. 

30 Things: #3

As I was pondering how to approach number three, pet peeves, in the 30 Things About Me series, I came to the realization that I could go on and on about things that peeve, uhmm, I mean concern me.  Some refer to these as pet peeves, what's up with the word, pet peeves anyway?  Here's what I found, Urban dictionary  defines peeves as: an irritating experience caused by others in which you cannot control.  Wiki Answers defines pet peeves as:  something that upsets your sensibilities to a higher degree than normal.  Maybe I'm being a bit rebellious, but I have decided that I don't really like the phrase pet peeves, it sounds angry to me, like I have a right to even be peeved about anything, events, people, place.

I have decided to go with the word, concern.  According to ARDictionary, concern is defined as: to relate or belong to; to have reference to or connection with; to affect the interest of ; to be of importance to.  For example, when bubble gums loses it's flavor so quickly, that's a little more realistic to me.

Why Six, why not Five or Ten or more?  Since I don't want this post to become a rant, all I can say is whats wrong with Six?  

Things that Concern Me:

Top 6

1. Saying mean things to each other, especially to children.
2. Taking credit for something that you shouldn't be taking credit for.
3. Anything or anyone that is all negative, all the time.  I don't think I need to give much explanation to that. 
4. Cursing...if you have even the smallest grasp of a language there is no need for cursing.
5. Going along with the status quo.
6. Lack of commitment to follow through, don't stop trying.  Who knows something amazing could be waiting for you at the end!

Photo: www.bridgesconsultancy.com

30 Things: #2

30 Things #2

What is your favorite time of day and why?

My favorite time of day is in the early morning.  It is so quiet and peaceful.  The craziness of what day will bring looms before me.  Just that small bit of time before I have looked at my cell phone, checked my emails, wasted time on Facebook and Pinterest.     

30 Things: #1

Have you ever played 21 questions?  

Earlier this year, I was perusing through the internet with all the focus and intention of a rabbit.  Aren't rabbits one of the cutest creatures God created?  I mean they are soft, they have big ears, they are fast and they have the cutest babies EVER!!  OOPS, did I just digress from the whole point of this post?   I could go on and on down this rabbit trail, a.k.a. that wonderful diversion, I mean invention, known as the world wide web.

Anywhoo, I came across this idea about posting some random facts about myself for the next 30 days {or close to that, I'll try my hardest}.  And since my birthday is May 6th I figured what better time to start than today.  That and the fact that I keep getting a reminder to write this post.  Does that ever happen to you?

I've have always had trouble talking about myself, let alone writing a blog post about myself.  Would anyone read it?  What if no one ever responds with a comment?  The whole idea seems overwhelming, but that is exactly the reason I must do this.  God has given me a mission to: 1) Be obedient to His calling and 2) Get outside of my 'pond' this year and believe me I am getting outside my pond and it's only April!


As you get to know more about this crazy, Jesus loving girl,  I think it would be great fun to learn more about you as well!! 

1.  List 5 of your all-time favorite movies:

• The Burbs
• To Kill A Mockingbird
• Christmas Vacation
• The Notebook (don't judge me)
• The Jungle Book

IMAGE VIA: farm3.staticflickr.com