Week 7: Making Time

I have been feeling bad the last few weeks.... a constant nagging to get back to my blog. I guess I have been a little down in the dumps...feeling uninspired and a lack of words.

Then I spied my lonely stack ( and I do mean STACK!) of unread magazines. Some given to me as gifts... some passed on from others...or simply a subscription to cheap to pass up. Regardless of how these endless pages came to me, they made me realize that they needed some much needed overdue attention....as does my blog! As for all of those magazines....it got me thinking about the importance of MAKING TIME!

I love to read.
I am the type of person that has to have some sort of reading material dog-eared at all times! I look forward to snuggling under the blankets at night...opening up a good book and reading until I simply can't keep my eyes open any longer. I crave the times I get to soak up the summer sun and enjoy flipping through slick pages of a magazines while lounging on the deck.

But all this joy is soon overshadowed by guilt.
Time that I choose to indulge in my little guilty pleasures is time that I am taking away from reading and soaking up God's word.

Don't get me wrong... I love to read the Bible and words of inspiration written by others. I relish the quiet time I have to soak up divine words... this is the time I feel closest to the Lord. But I will admit... I find it hard at times to concentrate on what I read. It is not unusual for me to find myself reading the same verse over and over again... trying to grasp its full meaning. My mind is often so cluttered with daily task, worries of the world, the sound of screaming kids.... is it any wonder that I choose to have a magazine lay across my lap instead of the Bible? After all...it takes so much less effort to let the words of an article spill across our minds...words that are here today, gone tomorrow!

Here today... gone tomorrow.
Is that the life that we really want to reach out and grab? Not me. I want to spend my time reading words that will get me somewhere. Words that will guide me to a place in my life that will bring glory to the Lord.

I want us to all take a moment to reflect on your day....is there time that you could use in a wiser manner? Here are some ideas I once read to help you to dedicate time to reading the Bible daily...maybe you will be able to better adjust your day with some of these suggestions!

1. Think of reading the Bible as a treat, not a chore. Like picking up a magazine, or unwinding in front of the TV. before bed, train yourself to think of reading the bible as “me time.”

2. Incorporate bible stories into your routine. If you have children, buy a series of children’s Bible stories. Each day before bed choose a story to read together. Pick up a DVD of bible stories, or buy a board game that centers around the Bible. Not only will you incorporate Bible time for yourself, but you will also set a good example for your children.

3. Read a verse at dinner. A neat tradition is to read a passage from the Bible every night at dinner. Instead of, or in addition to a prayer, read a quick Bible story. It may spark a conversation for your family.

4. Stick a travel Bible in your glove box. Next time you arrive to an appointment early, pull out the Bible. If you are gridlocked in traffic ,(or in the parking lot at Lowes waiting for your hubby, right mom?!) read your Bible rather than stressing about being late.

5. Pick a time to set aside to read the Bible every day. If you are a morning person, set your alarm fifteen minutes early and wake up, brew a cup of coffee and read a passage. If you are a night owl, light a candle and hop in the tub to read a verse, or get the kids to bed and snuggle in for the night to read a passage.

These are just a few ideas that I am going to try. I personally also like to follow my daily readings chart, which actually breaks down how many chapters you have to read to complete the Bible in one year.

This post is not meant to guilt-rid you from reading that novel that lays on your beside table... or to discourage you from tackling those stacks of magazines you may have. It is all about priority...moderation.. and MAKING TIME for Gods words!

Happy Reading!

Week 6: Vitality for Life

I can remember the day I turned 30. Not so much the details, but the vow I made to myself. This was going to be the decade of my life... I was going to make my 30's GREAT! It was just meant to be that way...our family had been established, the kids were growing and giving me back parts of ME, a deep understanding and appreciation of marriage and friendships had evolved, the stress levels were starting to make a downward mark... it all was just meant to be great! Most importantly, God had resided in my life all of those previous years and I was anxious to have Him be with me through the years ahead.

I has reminded of this vow I had made just the other day. While I can tell you that so far my 30's of been great thus far... I'm not sure I have embraced that vow I made to myself as much as I had intended. All these thoughts rushed toward me from a simple everyday task.

Taking my vitamins!

Yep... big ones.. .little ones... colorful and sometimes icky ones! As I took my daily vitamin (which doesn't always get taken... oops!) I noticed how my "shelf of meds" is starting to build! I didn't even have a SHELF in my 20's, more less medicine sitting on it!!! Luckily, my shelf is only full of vitamins and allergy meds... and I hope it stays that way for a long time! But it got me thinking....is this how it all starts?!?!? The dreaded words..."I'm Getting Old"!

While I am not a vain person (daily sweatpants and ponytails tend to humble you a bit over time!!!LOL).. I have noticed that my "med shelf" is not the only new thing popping up in my Decade of Greatness. I now have a basket full of anti-aging creams and lotions and wrinkle concealer has now been added to my arsenal of makeup! I now take a second glance at the deepening bags under my eyes and dare I mention the occasional whisker that pops up!!!

Well, why I am 34... I still feel young and full of life. But I am starting to think, notice and prepare for things that were not even a consideration just a few short years ago.

But is aging a "bad" thing? If you ask the secular world, it sure is! That is evident in the multitude of commercials of products to make you look, feel and preform much younger.

But I have come to the conclusion that aging is a blessing. It makes us realize that with our failing bodies, we are more open to the idea of leaning on God for our needs. We realize our limitations and we are no longer fooled by the illusion of physical immortality that we have when we are younger. We can take our daily situations and focus on them with more importance and clarity, because we are more aware that everyday we have of health and life is a blessing.

God knows how aging effects our body... the aching back, blurry eyesight, the popping joints and extra padding that tends to inflate in the most unflattering places! He know what we are to endure in every stage of our lives... and PROMISES to carry, sustain and rescue us during these times!
Read Isaiah 46:4 and Isaiah 40:28-31

It is now... this time of our lives.. to thank the Lord for the parts of our body that works well and not focus on the parts that aren't so great! I think it is human nature to complain about all the aches and pains and not so pretty areas....if so, pray for strength. Not only for your body, but also for your spirit....I think you will be amazed by the energy and renewal of life you will feel!

Week 5: A Mayonnaise Jar & Two Cups of Coffee

As I write this... it is a freezing 15° outside! Brrrrr! I don't mind to much as long as I have my fuzzy socks on my feet and a warm cup of cocoa in my hand. I came across this small article the other day and was inspired by what it had to say. Though these words are not mine, I though the lesson we could gain from it was to good not to share! So go grab a cup of coffee (or hot chocolate!) and enjoy !

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jarlightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full they agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “yes.”

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

“Now,” said the professor, as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - God, family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions–things that if everything else was lost and only they remained your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car.
The sand is everything else — the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.

The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.”

Take care of the golf balls first — the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. “I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.”

I don't want you to leave this post without the most important point... the cream on the top...the sweetest part of our lives. The commands that Jesus has set before us (Matthew 22:37-39) and the advice that will make all the golfballs, pepples and sand in our lives make since! (Matthew 6:33)

Helloooo-ooo-oo-o...Anyone out there???

Just a reminder that I love to read comments and ideas from others! Let me know whats on your mind...we can all learn from one another!

And thanks for taking the time to read...my hope is that your thoughts where of God and His plans for us all!

Week 4: What's Your Legacy?

We decided to buy the girls a game table awhile back... something to keep them busy during the housebound winter days. The table includes pool, ping pong and air hockey and much to my surprise they tend to play pool the most often. After much begging and pleading, Mark took the time to show them a few pointers and tried to explain the rules of playing pool. After many games of just knocking the balls in the holes with random techniques, the game now took on a whole new level of excitement and challenges!

Of course, I was soon dragged into the game and after racking up the balls I exclaimed..."Okay girls, now you have to break the balls!"

Silence and blank stares.

It took me a moment to catch on....they thought I was telling them to actually "break" the balls! (I'm sure that would have been a fun game for them also!) So I went on to explain to them that it just meant to hit the balls and scatter them around the table!

S-C-A-T-T-E-R.... that is a funny word. I don't think I use it very often in my vocabulary, but it did cause me to have an immediate thought! For as long as I can remember, my mom has had a saying written on the inside cover of her Bible...."SCATTER YOUR FLOWERS AS YOU GO, YOU WILL NEVER GO OVER THE SAME ROAD AGAIN"....complete with pretty doodles of flowers drawn around the saying!

As many times as I have caught a glimpse of these handwritten words, I have not taken the time to actually pondering their meaning. Oh..how true I find these words to be!

Each moment we have in our lives is just that... a fleeting moment. Here today, gone tomorrow. We will never have the opportunity to relive these moments...no chance for a redo.
Now take a moment to reflect on your day....do you see a trail of flowers behind you? Have you left behind blossoms of good deeds?...or is your trail empty and void of any signs of devotions to God?

We should embark on each day as a new chance to leave our legacy...something handed down from one who has walked ahead. Jesus left the ultimate legacy...footsteps for us to follow and lessons for us to learn from. Shouldn't we strive to do the same for others following behind us?...for our children, family, friends and those less experience in the truth as ourselves? Your legacy doesn't have to be earth shattering. Leave a trail of kindness where ever you go , maybe let others see that a helping hand is available whenever you are near, or perhaps your willingness to share your faith and knowledge of God's word will always be remembered.

What legacy do you want to leave? Once you can answer that question, look at your current choices and priorities in your life...are there any changes to be made?

As you walk down your road of life (hopefully scattering your flowers all around!) keep in mind the words of Paul from 2 Timothy 4:7. Live in these everyday moments... don't let them slip by without making them count!

Week 3: Reaching Out

I am very lucky to have a husband who accepts all my faults, but some tend to drive him more crazy than others! One of these "innocent flaws" I happen to have is buying food that later finds its way into the trash! I try not to be a wasteful person... and I do have good intentions while grocery shopping! Time just tends to get away from me and before I know it... I have a pantry drawer that has been overtaken by potato and onion sprouts!!! Normally I would toss them away... shaking my head in "you did it again" disbelief...BUT, I tried to find some good out of this mishap of veggie mutation....how could Mark be mad at me now?!?!

While cleaning out my pantry... I was taken back to a childhood memory that my sisters and I have teased my mom about over the years. (Luckily she is a good sport and just laughs along with us... it is her little "quirks" that make us love her all the more! Remember than mom as you read this!!!) Growing up I can remember times (ok.. ok..maybe only once or twice!) that us girls where quickly rushed in the bathroom and told to "HUSH"!!! What might be going on?... perhaps bad weather is coming?....maybe a burglar is prying through the window?... or maybe just a friendly game of hide-and-seek? It is then that I would hear the soft tap-tap-tapping on the front door. My curiosity was put to rest. I then knew it was either A) a salesman....B)an unplanned visitor...or C) another religious denomination coming to share their word of God.
(Don't misunderstand... my mother LOVES the word of God... she is one of the most dedicated woman I know. I only guess that she didn't want to spend the time in her day being persuaded to listen to beliefs that were not of her own. I am proud that she stands strong in her faith! Just had to add that so I don't get a phone call tonight!!!LOL)

Well.. as an adult and mother, I find myself doing the same thing! I may not go the extreme as hiding out in the bathroom... but I slowly shy away from doors and windows and play a quiet game of "Shhh-shhhh" with my girls! Many people may find this utterly silly and unnecessary, but I am confident (or at least hopeful!) that there are some that are nodding their head right now... they also have been there.. done that!

One day earlier this year, I was done hiding! I just had a hint of guilt surround me and I walked bravely to the front door. As I opened it up to a couple of smiling faces with Bibles and literature in their hands.. I announced that "I was strongly rooted in my faith, but I did appreciate the effort they spent spreading the word of God". Afterwards, I stood proudly...happy that I took that step to proclaim my doctrine beliefs!... but all to quickly...my pride was deflated. Why? Because I had not embraced an opportunity for ME to spread God's word. I lacked confidence and courage...I had just quickly turned away the opportunity.

While it is easy for some to approach others with Godly wisdom... it is equally as hard for many. Not because they lack the passion for God's Word... but because they lack the confidence, fear of rejection, and the lack of "know how". I had been fooling myself that I was "unprepared and unworthy" of spreading the Word. I wouldn't volunteer to teach a college biology class without being prepared and readied! I felt the same way about approaching others....what if they asked questions that I didn't know the answer to?... what if they rejected my efforts?....what if they wanted to argue what I had to say? Oh my.. oh my... that can be a scary situation to be in! But I soon realized that while it is important to be knowledgeable about your faith and Gods Word, one can never know enough. I also soon understood a bit more of what is meant that we are not to place glory in what Christ has done FOR us... but what he has done THROUGH us. We are Gods vessels. His blessings and teachings are not meant to stay stagnant in our minds and hearts... we are to let them flow on through and fill up others with those some wonderments.
Read Mark 16:15 and Mathew 28:20

Everyone of us are unique individuals. Some are more outgoing toward people, some are good with words, some have a personality that others are drawn to, while others have a heart of goodness that many desire. One thing is certain...we all have a gift that God has blessed us with. Find that gift and use it by bringing glory to Him by sharing with others! Gods teachings can be spread in many different ways....through WORDS, DEEDS, ACTIONS, REACTIONS, DEMEANOUR, ATTITUDE. All these ways (and many more) will spread what you have learned and been shown through our Lord. You don't have to knock door to door if you choose not to...write an article for others to read...maybe your more comfortable talking one-on-one on the phone, send out a mass email to friends and family if you are worried about someone feeling like they are being "targeted", show by setting an example to your family and friends, take advantage of the times we live in with high technology... the internet!

Just imagine how exiting it is to have the potential of spreading God's word to people you have never met! It is the snowball effect. If you share with 5 people in your lifetime... they each share with 5 people in their lifetime... and so on and so on... the effects are indeed glorious! You may spark further investigation with just one sentence and kind gesture! For example, next time you are in a crowded shopping line...offer your position to the person behind you. Simple smile and tell them that " God has blessed you with patience and time". You never know what that simple gesture may spark. Perhaps that person in line will remember your words and choose to read more upon patience and learn that patience goes hand in hand with love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5: 22) And maybe.. just maybe.. those shoppers around will have heard a part of your conversation and choose to react to the Word of God. Of course, this is just a small sample of ways to reach out to others, but I want you to leave this post feeling that even the smallest of us can make a great change in others... all you have to do is REACH OUT!

Don't find yourself hiding your thoughts and Godly words from others. What good will that do you? That poor little onion was in no way productive or accomplishing what we was made for (to be eaten in thiscase!)...it was just sitingt around being ignored! So, it decided to REACH OUT... and it was then when others took notice!

Wow... I didn't mean for this to become such a lengthy post! I never knew I could get so inspired by produce...now I just have to learn to eat it as much as I have learned from it!!!

Week 2: Fill Your Heart

We had a little mishap last night!

While the girls were running throughout the house, the Barbie on the floor got stepped on. This effected us very little... except Abbie. It was a prize she had been awarded at school for good works... a prize she was proud of. She had a moment of sadness and then went on with her play.

As I bent over to pick up the broken doll... I hesitated for a moment. Something was different about this doll... something I have never seen, or taken the time to notice before. I have seen many amputated arms and legs on Barbie through the years (thanks to the dogs we have had!), but they have always been a solid flexible plastic.

This doll had the same look as the others... solid...hard...plastic.
The difference was inside... she was completely hollow.

Being that she probably only cost $1, I wasn't a bit surprised. Yet, it made me think about all the real people in the world... including myself.

Is is almost a badge of honor in society to be titled "Super Woman". A woman than can juggle it all... the home, the kids, the job, the social groups. It is not necessarily a bad thing...we learn in the Bible that a virtuous woman can take on many task. (Proverbs 31: 10-30)

I know there has been many times in my life that I take pride in being able to "do it all myself"...sometimes making things harder on myself by refusing the help offered from others. Being able to "hold our own" in this world often makes us fill stonger...usefull...more worthwhile. How many of us find ourselves being that strong pillar for our family...the super hero that everyone relies on and comes to in need?

But what happens when your own life cracks or breaks apart?...what will you find inside? What will your heart (the center of your emotions and character) reveal to yourself and others? Will you have the wisdom to know where to turn? how to react? what to do?

We need to take everyday and fill ourselves with the tools we need to overcome our trials. Tools that will fill voids, offer care, keep peace, gain strength in faith and embrace Gods rewards. (Read Mathew 5: 3-11)

Don't become so focused on the outward facades....you don't want to find yourself hollow and empty inside!