Compassion

Yesterday morning during my quiet time, I had prayed for an ounce or two of  compassion.  For others, my family, strangers I meet. (trying to work on my weaknesses)  Let me tell you, it didn't take the Lord long to answer my prayer. I came home to messy house, a grumpy hubby and early this morning to a sick little boy. Triple whammy. I sucked it up, breathed another prayer and dove in head first.

Prayer

I recently came across a few words about prayer. In a nut shell it went something like this...If we dont pray about our finances, job, children, marriages, relationships, church, leaders, and so on, how does God know that we even care or desire what he has for us. He's just waiting to shower us with blessings and yet we scramble through our day and forget or neglect to Thank Him for allowing us another day to live and breathe. I'm doing much better at this but I also know I can step it up!

Gifts

I recently asked a 5 year old little girl what she wanted for Christmas. She looked at me funny for about 10 seconds and replied very giggly "Whatever I get". That just blessed my heart! My boys when asked, will tell you exactly what they want. But it challenged me in my own life. I always am thinking I know what I need and when I need it and am always surprised how God responds. I now tell God 'whatever I get' will be sufficient enough for me.

Another Year

As this year winds down to a close, I am reminded of the resolutions I made back in January. I don't like to refer to them as resolutions, they are more like goals to me. Goals are a personal measuring stick that I write in my journal and look back on every so often. I wish I could say that I've exceeded on every one but that's not the case. We have no clue what the next hour holds let alone the next year. So much changes, yet there is One who never changes and is all knowing. He's the one I'm taking by the arm and plunging into 2011. My prayer is that Jesus lives in your heart and you can dive into next year with him.

Happy Times

I love this time of year!!!! Thanksgiving and Christmas, for the most part, brings out the best in people. I love giving gifts and making delicious edibles doused in chocolate, cream cheese and frosting! This year though we will be going through the holidays minus a family member. My Grandpa went to be with the Lord  in July. He was a quiet man with few words but when he spoke it was either something profound or funny. I have wonderful memories of him and I have tucked those in my heart. For those of you who have lost loved ones this year, my heart goes out to you, but one day soon we will see them again! Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!!

Missions trip

How many of you have been out of the country for a missions trip to a third world country? I've been to Costa Rica twice. The first time I went I thought I'm going to help and serve these people with my gifts and talents and be a blessing to them. Truth is, I was more blessed by them and came home with a new perspective on life and what really matters. (Love how God knows what we need in each season of life) So what if I have to drive my dad's humongus F-250 truck and all my friends have decent cars to drive. Who cares if don't have the latest fashions on my back. I have clothes to wear, food on the table and a roof over my head. They struggle to have just those 3 basics available. Theres something about getting out of your comfort zone and exposing yourself, then letting God truly work in your life.

kids

Whenever I ask the boys how school was or what they learned at Kid stuf or Flightzone, I always get the same answer, 'I don't know'. I think to myself nothing is sinking in their heads. But then comes the day a few weeks later the boys are wrestling in the living room and Tate says 'Kendall your not showing me any respect' and Kendall replies 'your not repecting me either'. Well they kind of get it. Coleson wanted to stay home with me the other night. I was working in the office and he comes in and says 'mommie I think I took Initiative'. I asked him why he thinks so. He tells me that he fixed their beds and picked up all the toys. I told him I was so proud of him and I thanked the Lord that some things do sink in. 

Doing what I can

I, not to long ago came across this quote by an unknown author. "Do what you can being who you are. Shine as a glow worm if you can't be a star. Work like a pulley if you can't be a crane. Be the wheel grinder if you can't drive the train. Be a pliant oar if you can't be a sailor. Be the needle if you can't be the tailor. Be the sharpened sickle if you can't be the reaper." Doing what I can with what I've got is all the Christ asks of us. He provides the rest. I've tried being and doing what I'm not because it looks fun or interesting. What I've found is that nothing works right. I have gifts and talents that others don't and whats awesome is how everything works better for Christ's kingdom when I embrace those. I challenge you to embrace who you are and where your at in life, who knows Christ may be preparing you for your next greater thing!

Journaling

A couple of nites ago, I was reading through my journal from 2007. While I was reading I was reflecting back at some of the prayers that I had written and the emotions that went with those prayers. I didn't realize how passionate I felt about the situations I was in or that others were in. What amazed me the most (and I'm not sure why) was the way God answered those prayers in his own time and in the way He saw fit. It was AWESOME to see his Faithfulness, Grace and Love! I'm not sure why I felt some of the emotions I did but I can tell through reading my journal that I have been growing in my spiritual journey. I challenge you to write just a sentence or two during your quiet time so you can reflect back.

Surrendering

Last night at our worship service, part of a song stuck out to me. 'He is mighty to save'. I've sang it lots of times but it got me thinking. Not only does God save us from hell, He also saves us from drug/alcohol addictions, eating disorders, gambling, and other sins and temptations that we struggle with. What in your life do you need saved from? Ask Him, fully surrender and he will take it and throw it as far as the east is from the west...........

Little Things

Yesterday I was at home all by my lonesome. I baked, washed laundry and actually took time to watch a movie. I was relishing in my quietness!  As I was working I couldnt help but Thank God for the ability to do these usually mundane things. Six months ago I would have given my left kidney and right arm to be doing something this 'normal' instead of being on the side of a hospital bed. I have a new outlook on housework and havent complained yet on sticking dirty underwear in the washer! :] Here's hoping you take Joy in the ability to do the 'little things'!

Set Free

 Earlier this week I heard  one of my favorite songs. Amazing Grace, its the version where the chorus goes, "My chains are gone, I've been set free, My God, My saviour has ransomed me, and like a flood, His mercy reigns, Unending Love, Amazing Grace!" How awesome to have the weight off my shoulders, no more guilt and shame to bare. Praying that you know the same 'Unending Love'!

Perfect Timing

My whole life has the fingerprints of God's perfect timing on it. From the time I asked Jesus to be the Lord of my life, to Marv asking me out, to my boys being born. There have been times where I wanted things now or done my way, but in His all knowing ways, God has gently told me to wait. (I love that about him) For people who know me well, know thats hard for me! The older I get the more I realize that I end up a much more satisfied and happy person if I just chill and wait. I pray that God's perfect timing be enough for you!!!  Its so worth the wait!