2012 was a remarkable year for our family! In fact, it has been such a great year that realizing it has come and gone is a little emotional...
We were reunited as a family under one roof. I was able to become a full-time "work at home" mom (some would refer to this at "stay at home" mom...but I just don't remember how I did it while working full time too. Well, I just didn't do it well.) We are able to be close enough to my family to be able to share lots of milestones with them. Andrew played baseball, basketball and joined the swim team (l.o.v.e.s swimming!). Ryan enjoys "mommy school." I have "found myself" again - well, truly God has reminded me of whose I am and who I am. It just has felt like we were meant to be exactly where we are now.
This really makes resolutions hard if you think of them as trying to shake off old habits and make anew.
So I have decided to dedicate 2013 to a renewing of my mind and capitalizing on the good that 2012 brought with it.
My verse of the year:
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans12:2 NIV
My list of focus for the new year:
1. Knowing God More
Devoting time to seek Him, to be still in His presence and learn from Him. Keep in step with Him. Finding Him with my head and my heart. Keeping a strong relationship with my Savior, my Heavenly Father and His Holy Spirit. Laughing with Him. Making joyful noise with Him. Shining His light for His flock to see. Crying with Him. Waiting patiently for Him. Listening to Him. Acting when nudged by Him. Worshipping Him. Wanting to amaze Him with my faithfulness, hope and trust.
2. Family
Devoting attention to my husband and my children. Staying up and talking in bed with my husband. Letting my hair down. Waking up 15 minutes early to have a bible devotion with my oldest son. Singing "Bushel and a Peck" with Ryan. Feeding my growing boys (tallest one included!) healthy, whole foods. Being a good example of Christ's love for us and His light of truth. Building a strong relationship with each of my boys. Laughing together. Playing together. Praying together. Worshipping together. Joyfully loving each other. Building a heavenly family together because of Jesus.
3. Jewelry Business
Focusing on my customers and hostesses. Mapping out plan for growing my business. Sticking to the plan. Encouraging ladies to feel great about themselves. Setting a personal record for the most free jewelry given away. Shining Jesus' light to the ladies I am fortunate to meet. Enjoying lots of new friends.
There you have it in a nut shell.
You can expect to hear from me on these 3 continued focuses for 2013.
May your year also be a blessing unto you and your Heavenly Father.
Showing posts with label Personal Growth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Personal Growth. Show all posts
Friday, January 4, 2013
Monday, December 10, 2012
The Merriest
It is just when you feel like you have "everything together" (ha!) that you look up and see the threads unraveling around you...like keeping up with everyone through this outlet known as "the blog"...well, all good intentions.
Intentions...preparing for this season of celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, has been very intentional this year. With the time I have been blessed with to focus on my family, I have used it to draw closer to "the daddy" (God) to "the head of my household" (my husband) and to "the raising up to be in His favor" (my children).
This focus has in turn brought incomprehensible joy, love and understanding of the Truth to my life.
This realization hit hard while listening to Andrew's music for the children's program at church...by the way, he was the cutest oxen ever! The song was an upbeat version of Joy to the World. Really listening, intently listening to the lyrics hit me square in the chest. And brought tears, lots of tears.
I keep finding reasons to fall to my knees in praise and thanksgiving for my Heavenly Daddy as we walk closer and closer to our Christmas celebration.
Here are some of the blessings I have joyfully enjoyed as we countdown to Christmas Day:
1. Andrew and I have been waking up 15 minutes early before getting ready for school to have a Bible study together. It has been a very precious time. Time that we will never forget.
2. I just love spending time with Ryan. He is such a funny kiddo! Every 20 minutes (or less!) over the last week or so he has stopped to ask "Mom, what's MY name?" I respond. "OH! Yes, Ralph Ryan." Not to mention his running up and exclaiming, "Help mommy! My nose is blinkin'!" Which has us searching for a kleenex to wipe the dripping!
3. The strong blessing of having friends anchored in TRUTH...and willing to share that truth with me, no strings attached. I honestly don't know where I would be today if I did not have them in my life. And all that they were (are) doing was answering God's call to help me seek Him more!
4. A husband who loves me dearly. I am blessed beyond understanding when it comes to the man that God gave me to be my husband. I am working hard (and still failing, but then picking up pieces and working harder!) to become the wife that God wants me to be for him. He is my best friend, and I am so thankful to God for reminding me of that! I love this man with all my heart. (Okay, okay...enough of the mushiness!)
Our memory verses for this month (one for our little guy and one more for the rest of us!):
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. Isaiah 9:6
For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
Intentions...preparing for this season of celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, has been very intentional this year. With the time I have been blessed with to focus on my family, I have used it to draw closer to "the daddy" (God) to "the head of my household" (my husband) and to "the raising up to be in His favor" (my children).
This focus has in turn brought incomprehensible joy, love and understanding of the Truth to my life.
This realization hit hard while listening to Andrew's music for the children's program at church...by the way, he was the cutest oxen ever! The song was an upbeat version of Joy to the World. Really listening, intently listening to the lyrics hit me square in the chest. And brought tears, lots of tears.
I keep finding reasons to fall to my knees in praise and thanksgiving for my Heavenly Daddy as we walk closer and closer to our Christmas celebration.
Here are some of the blessings I have joyfully enjoyed as we countdown to Christmas Day:
1. Andrew and I have been waking up 15 minutes early before getting ready for school to have a Bible study together. It has been a very precious time. Time that we will never forget.
2. I just love spending time with Ryan. He is such a funny kiddo! Every 20 minutes (or less!) over the last week or so he has stopped to ask "Mom, what's MY name?" I respond. "OH! Yes, Ralph Ryan." Not to mention his running up and exclaiming, "Help mommy! My nose is blinkin'!" Which has us searching for a kleenex to wipe the dripping!
3. The strong blessing of having friends anchored in TRUTH...and willing to share that truth with me, no strings attached. I honestly don't know where I would be today if I did not have them in my life. And all that they were (are) doing was answering God's call to help me seek Him more!
4. A husband who loves me dearly. I am blessed beyond understanding when it comes to the man that God gave me to be my husband. I am working hard (and still failing, but then picking up pieces and working harder!) to become the wife that God wants me to be for him. He is my best friend, and I am so thankful to God for reminding me of that! I love this man with all my heart. (Okay, okay...enough of the mushiness!)
Our memory verses for this month (one for our little guy and one more for the rest of us!):
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given. Isaiah 9:6
For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
New Dog Learning Old Tricks
Just call me "Modern Millie"...
Before moving to our new locale, I thought I was hip, cool, collected, together... A truly MODERN woman!
WRONG!
Full-time job, full-time mom, full-time wife - and more often than not in that order! I was not a rock-star or superwoman at any of it! I was paddling upstream with one broken high heel as my oar.
Have you seen the Got Milk? commercials with Salma Hayek (Penelope Cruz's look-alike) frantically searching for milk? That is what I now realize I felt like (and quite possibly looked like)!
Then, BOOM!, God said "Melody, child of mine, REST in me!" HUH?!?! Rest...what is that! I don't have time to rest, God... you have given me two full-of-life little blessings, I have things to do, some of them for you (what!?!), and you want me to rest???
Hold the presses!
1. How was I doing "things" in honor of my Father without His blessing? He was telling me to REST, right, yet I thought I was busy doing work FOR Him?
2. How was I living out my first calling to my Father if I was not honoring my husband by putting Mike second only to God on my totem pole? (1 Peter 3:1-6)
3. How was I mothering my children and showing them God's love when my focus was never, let's be blantly honest, fixed on them? (Proverbs 22:6)
Man, it is SO good to finally have opened eyes, an open heart and mind to the TRUTH! How many other beautiful women of God have been listening to half-truths of their worth in the home? Ladies, the enemy is out working, spinning these lies, twisting them so that they sound true.
I no longer want to be "I am woman hear me roar!" I yearn and strive each day to belong to my Heavenly Father, my husband and my children.
That is where I have found myself. Thoroughly Modern Millie, as I now call myself. I am a modern daughter, wife and mother learning some wonderful tricks of old.
As Ryan so sweetly sings these days, "The Bible tells me so..."
Before moving to our new locale, I thought I was hip, cool, collected, together... A truly MODERN woman!
WRONG!
Full-time job, full-time mom, full-time wife - and more often than not in that order! I was not a rock-star or superwoman at any of it! I was paddling upstream with one broken high heel as my oar.
Have you seen the Got Milk? commercials with Salma Hayek (Penelope Cruz's look-alike) frantically searching for milk? That is what I now realize I felt like (and quite possibly looked like)!
Then, BOOM!, God said "Melody, child of mine, REST in me!" HUH?!?! Rest...what is that! I don't have time to rest, God... you have given me two full-of-life little blessings, I have things to do, some of them for you (what!?!), and you want me to rest???
Hold the presses!
1. How was I doing "things" in honor of my Father without His blessing? He was telling me to REST, right, yet I thought I was busy doing work FOR Him?
2. How was I living out my first calling to my Father if I was not honoring my husband by putting Mike second only to God on my totem pole? (1 Peter 3:1-6)
3. How was I mothering my children and showing them God's love when my focus was never, let's be blantly honest, fixed on them? (Proverbs 22:6)
Man, it is SO good to finally have opened eyes, an open heart and mind to the TRUTH! How many other beautiful women of God have been listening to half-truths of their worth in the home? Ladies, the enemy is out working, spinning these lies, twisting them so that they sound true.
I no longer want to be "I am woman hear me roar!" I yearn and strive each day to belong to my Heavenly Father, my husband and my children.
That is where I have found myself. Thoroughly Modern Millie, as I now call myself. I am a modern daughter, wife and mother learning some wonderful tricks of old.
As Ryan so sweetly sings these days, "The Bible tells me so..."
Monday, September 10, 2012
Sowing Seeds of Truth
The start of a new school year begins with lots of excitement, new clothes, a real schedule...and if you are a mom like me - FEAR that your little handful of love will be exposed to things that, quite frankly, you don't want him to know or see until he is 37 years old!
This has been very hard to swallow this year. Kindergarten just seems SO old and Andrew loves life so much and especially loves to be the center of attention. (ahem, I have NO idea who he gets this wonderfully charming characteristic from!) Because of this, he is usually right in the middle of all kinds of activity and is pretty inclusive with anyone who laughs at him and his jokes.
I opened up some conversation between me and my husband a couple of weeks ago about guarding our loving boy's heart and mind. How do we protect him to the best of our ability? How do we make sure that there are more seeds of truth being planted in his growing heart than seeds of the enemy and his lies? (Luke 8:4-15) What are things that we can do at home to make sure that we build the character traits that will make him the strong, loving man of God that we pray each night over him?
Now, I know some will say, "Melody, come on now girl, you simply can't protect him from all the evil of the world. That we would be silly to expect to and that he needs to learn how to "deal" with and respond to it because it will be all around him his entire life.
But I am convicted that the answer to these statements is "NO!" We can and should shield our children from as much evil and corruptness as we possibly can. Our world and its ways have given us an excuse to say "Oh, well, it is just the way it is...We can't let them be caught in naivety."
I will not let Satan lie to my family in this way. We can and should give our children a solid foundation of truth while shielding them until they have all the tools that God's Word offers to stand on stamped onto their hearts. (Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.)
I won't go into all the things that we began to discuss and pray about, but I wanted to share with you one thing (of many) that we are doing to promote a solid foundation in truth and faith.
On our way to and from school (especially on the way to school) we are memorizing small verses of scripture. It really has been amazing to see the change in Andrew's day when it starts off this way, and to be completely honest the change in my attitude throughout the day. We have also just recently begun to say some of the verses after praying at the dinner table together.
Dr. Gary Smalley wrote a wonderful guide for parents concerning this topic, HERE. It is material that I have studied and taken to heart. Dr. Smalley advocates placing God's Word in your heart and your children's hearts so that you all have the tools in place to react out of love, grace and mercy.
Here are some of the scriptures that we know, and were the first ones we memorized (about 2-3 weeks for each):
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. Mark 12:30
Love your neighbor as yourself. Mark 12:31
For you are great and work wonders. You alone are God. Psalm 86:10
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; I know this full well. Psalm 139:14
Call me a "holy roller" or call me a wise mama, I don't care... but one thing is certain:
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord! Joshua 24:16
What are ways that you plant seeds of truth in your child's (children's) heart?
This has been very hard to swallow this year. Kindergarten just seems SO old and Andrew loves life so much and especially loves to be the center of attention. (ahem, I have NO idea who he gets this wonderfully charming characteristic from!) Because of this, he is usually right in the middle of all kinds of activity and is pretty inclusive with anyone who laughs at him and his jokes.
I opened up some conversation between me and my husband a couple of weeks ago about guarding our loving boy's heart and mind. How do we protect him to the best of our ability? How do we make sure that there are more seeds of truth being planted in his growing heart than seeds of the enemy and his lies? (Luke 8:4-15) What are things that we can do at home to make sure that we build the character traits that will make him the strong, loving man of God that we pray each night over him?
Now, I know some will say, "Melody, come on now girl, you simply can't protect him from all the evil of the world. That we would be silly to expect to and that he needs to learn how to "deal" with and respond to it because it will be all around him his entire life.
But I am convicted that the answer to these statements is "NO!" We can and should shield our children from as much evil and corruptness as we possibly can. Our world and its ways have given us an excuse to say "Oh, well, it is just the way it is...We can't let them be caught in naivety."
I will not let Satan lie to my family in this way. We can and should give our children a solid foundation of truth while shielding them until they have all the tools that God's Word offers to stand on stamped onto their hearts. (Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.)
I won't go into all the things that we began to discuss and pray about, but I wanted to share with you one thing (of many) that we are doing to promote a solid foundation in truth and faith.
On our way to and from school (especially on the way to school) we are memorizing small verses of scripture. It really has been amazing to see the change in Andrew's day when it starts off this way, and to be completely honest the change in my attitude throughout the day. We have also just recently begun to say some of the verses after praying at the dinner table together.
Dr. Gary Smalley wrote a wonderful guide for parents concerning this topic, HERE. It is material that I have studied and taken to heart. Dr. Smalley advocates placing God's Word in your heart and your children's hearts so that you all have the tools in place to react out of love, grace and mercy.
Here are some of the scriptures that we know, and were the first ones we memorized (about 2-3 weeks for each):
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength. Mark 12:30
Love your neighbor as yourself. Mark 12:31
For you are great and work wonders. You alone are God. Psalm 86:10
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; I know this full well. Psalm 139:14
Call me a "holy roller" or call me a wise mama, I don't care... but one thing is certain:
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord! Joshua 24:16
What are ways that you plant seeds of truth in your child's (children's) heart?
Thursday, June 28, 2012
A 30 Day Challenge
I feel like I need to do a quick (or not so quick, based on all the thoughts swimming around in my head) check-in for myself regarding my emotions and feelings at this point in our new way of living.
Change is hard, no matter if you don't mind it or not, but thankfully God is on our side and in total control as long as we give up the driver's seat. This is what I have had to re-learn (and a little bit the hard way) recently.
Thankfully I have met an amazing group of women on FIRE for God and Jesus Christ. And the introduction to these wonderful ladies came from a fast friend who is just the sweetest gal in the world.
She brought over chocolate and a southern sweet tea and left it on my doorstep when Ryan was down in the dumps (literally, no need to elaborate on this fond memory!). So sweet. (And, yes, Mike drank the tea since I don't like tea... but it was the thought that absolutely counted! And what decent southern lady doesn't like tea?!?)
I have never in my life felt so close to the Lord and wanting to learn more and read more of His Word.
I have been working on a 30 day challenge to read the Bible and ONLY the Bible. Not even Christian related books... just the good-ole B.I.B.L.E.
I'm glad to tell you that I am on day 28 and holding strong!
At first I had this incredible itch to pick up any book, just anything and started reading. I have gathered "The Five Love Languages of Children", "Have a New Kid in Five Days" (Really?? How could I not pick up that promise!), and a great marriage book that my parents gave us for our anniversary (they must have been worried about our one night stand!) over the first two weeks of this challenge and yearned to start reading one of them. But I held strong.
And, whew!, it has been a ride of my life!
I have learned SO much about myself, and not just myself... about my Heavenly Father, my creator.
Did you know He is JEALOUS for me?! Jealous for me!!! I just am enthralled with basking in this perfectly true love.
God always has a way to blossom goodness, beauty and love out of everything. Why would I ever doubt him on any path He leads me?
Amazing. God is good.
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14 NIV
Change is hard, no matter if you don't mind it or not, but thankfully God is on our side and in total control as long as we give up the driver's seat. This is what I have had to re-learn (and a little bit the hard way) recently.
Thankfully I have met an amazing group of women on FIRE for God and Jesus Christ. And the introduction to these wonderful ladies came from a fast friend who is just the sweetest gal in the world.
She brought over chocolate and a southern sweet tea and left it on my doorstep when Ryan was down in the dumps (literally, no need to elaborate on this fond memory!). So sweet. (And, yes, Mike drank the tea since I don't like tea... but it was the thought that absolutely counted! And what decent southern lady doesn't like tea?!?)
I have never in my life felt so close to the Lord and wanting to learn more and read more of His Word.
I have been working on a 30 day challenge to read the Bible and ONLY the Bible. Not even Christian related books... just the good-ole B.I.B.L.E.
I'm glad to tell you that I am on day 28 and holding strong!
At first I had this incredible itch to pick up any book, just anything and started reading. I have gathered "The Five Love Languages of Children", "Have a New Kid in Five Days" (Really?? How could I not pick up that promise!), and a great marriage book that my parents gave us for our anniversary (they must have been worried about our one night stand!) over the first two weeks of this challenge and yearned to start reading one of them. But I held strong.
And, whew!, it has been a ride of my life!
I have learned SO much about myself, and not just myself... about my Heavenly Father, my creator.
Did you know He is JEALOUS for me?! Jealous for me!!! I just am enthralled with basking in this perfectly true love.
God always has a way to blossom goodness, beauty and love out of everything. Why would I ever doubt him on any path He leads me?
Amazing. God is good.
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14 NIV
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
A New Chapter Called Home
It happened so fast that I haven't really had any time to tell many friends what Mike and I have been talking and praying about over the last several weeks.
I am now working on a new routine and huge changes in life. And I am enjoying EVERY minute so far!
I am now officially a stay-at-home mama!
The decision was made through LOTS of prayer and discussion and lots of trust! I am very excited about this journey and look forward to the next three years (at least) of this focus on my family. God is good all the time! I have completely put my faith in Him and this decision is one of those wonderful leaps.
Just to show you what we have been up to recently in the wake of this decision...
I am now working on a new routine and huge changes in life. And I am enjoying EVERY minute so far!
I am now officially a stay-at-home mama!
The decision was made through LOTS of prayer and discussion and lots of trust! I am very excited about this journey and look forward to the next three years (at least) of this focus on my family. God is good all the time! I have completely put my faith in Him and this decision is one of those wonderful leaps.
Just to show you what we have been up to recently in the wake of this decision...
- Andrew has used his fabulous jewelry making skills to make a beautiful pipe cleaner necklace and bracelet set. He has been adamant about me wearing them out of the house on our errands. They have made quite the first impression! (Sorry that the picture isn't very good. The necklace is rockin!)
- Ryan has been wearing my jewelry! Isn't he SO pretty! He certainly knows his fashion trends by stacking up those bracelets!
- Enjoying time with Grandma and Grandpa and Cherry Berry is the best!
I am so blessed to be given this opportunity to spend this precious time with my fun loving boys!
Now... I just have to plan what this time at home looks like. You know me, I have to have a plan!
And saving the world of D-town might just be part of that plan... Andrew does like to pretend to be a superhero, so why not?
More to come on our superhero victories soon!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Therapist Needed
Okay, so if you haven't noticed by now I'M worried because it appears I am having a major blog identity CRISIS!
I was thinking about changing the look of my blog's layout, but somehow (being the self-proclaimed novice I am) I did more than I intended to and now I am hopeless.
I don't know if this is a reflection of my life right now, but I am beginning to see some similarities!
For instance...
I was thinking about changing the look of my blog's layout, but somehow (being the self-proclaimed novice I am) I did more than I intended to and now I am hopeless.
I don't know if this is a reflection of my life right now, but I am beginning to see some similarities!
For instance...
- I hear God speaking to me about some major changes and decisions I have been struggling with recently. I mean, it has been LOUD and CLEAR. Which is what I have been asking Him for, but I just can't seem to obey. He was even been talking to me through a co-worker and the lady who cut my hair last night, so what's the problem? Why can't I take the leap of faith? Do you ever find yourself in the middle of these struggles? It seems like such an easy decision when you remove yourself from what you know you need to do. I don't know if that made sense to you, but it hits me hard.
This is what I envision when I think of God sending me His powerful message and His loving grace.
- This is silly when compared to just pouring my heart out above, but we are about to need to purchase a new car for me, which = our main "family" vehicle. I desperately want a Ford Flex, but realistically that might be out just out of our reach right now. Just like I wanted to jazz up my blog and have failed at the current moment, I really would love to upgrade to a nice family vehicle that will meet some of the travel wants (I have) with a third seat in tow.
- Shopping. Something that every, well most every, girl l.o.v.e.s. But here's the thing, I don't know if it is because I keep being reminded that I am approaching 3.0. or if tastes just can change drastically overnight, but I am having a very hard time finding clothes that I like. Which believe me - I have never had this problem before. (It would be typical for Mike to groan about now since I just mentioned clothes. I enjoy the same response when I mention our closet). Here's the thing, I have not been one to pay full price for my clothes. I walk into any store and immediately dart for the sale rack first. But what I find is just not what my mind's eye has there waiting for me to uncover, love and take home. So, like the look of my blog, I am having a hard time depicting just what my look is at this point in my life. And maybe, just maybe, it has something to do with the fact that five days out of the week I am now wearing more "casual" wear instead of my normal work dress apparel. Aha!
- Finding or reinventing the person you think that you were, are, want to be is hard work. Giving it ALL to my Lord and Savior is the first step.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Thinking of Others
I really don't know how to start this topic.
I have thoughts involving selfishness consuming my mind. They have been constant these past couple of weeks and I just need to get them out. I think that it helps to write them down as a process to clear my head and begin to look at them from different angles, or just to forget about them for a while and then come back to them fresh so I can deal with them rationally.
Moving hasn't been as hard as I thought. Leaving behind a great church family, wonderful friends and awesome co-workers was not going to be easy, and it hasn't been so easy, but it hasn't been all of the tears and heartbreak I thought was certain to come flooding to the surface. (Mike has even made several comments about how well I have handled things, apparently to his surprise too.)
Until now... things are starting to settle in a little bit more and I am realizing more and more each day how inward focused I am being. My thoughts have been consumed with situating our new house to reflect our taste and personality. All of a sudden I have been struck with a feeling of shallowness.
I revolve the days that I am not working (5 out of 7 days a week) around shopping, painting and playing. The playing part I am not concerned about, but I feel disconnected not contributing to the betterment of society by being involved at a church or organization.
Before we moved, I was running myself ragged because I never said no - at church or the other civic duties I was involved in. There has to be a balance. I feel like I have moved from one extreme to another.
I know how to plug myself in at a church and get going, but this is something we as a family are not ready for since we are still searching for the faith community we are supposed to be a part of here.
I just need to add in some "outward" focus to combat all this inward selfishness.
I need some guidance on getting involved in a new community, but keeping a good balance with family life.
I have thoughts involving selfishness consuming my mind. They have been constant these past couple of weeks and I just need to get them out. I think that it helps to write them down as a process to clear my head and begin to look at them from different angles, or just to forget about them for a while and then come back to them fresh so I can deal with them rationally.
Moving hasn't been as hard as I thought. Leaving behind a great church family, wonderful friends and awesome co-workers was not going to be easy, and it hasn't been so easy, but it hasn't been all of the tears and heartbreak I thought was certain to come flooding to the surface. (Mike has even made several comments about how well I have handled things, apparently to his surprise too.)
Until now... things are starting to settle in a little bit more and I am realizing more and more each day how inward focused I am being. My thoughts have been consumed with situating our new house to reflect our taste and personality. All of a sudden I have been struck with a feeling of shallowness.
I revolve the days that I am not working (5 out of 7 days a week) around shopping, painting and playing. The playing part I am not concerned about, but I feel disconnected not contributing to the betterment of society by being involved at a church or organization.
Before we moved, I was running myself ragged because I never said no - at church or the other civic duties I was involved in. There has to be a balance. I feel like I have moved from one extreme to another.
I know how to plug myself in at a church and get going, but this is something we as a family are not ready for since we are still searching for the faith community we are supposed to be a part of here.
I just need to add in some "outward" focus to combat all this inward selfishness.
I need some guidance on getting involved in a new community, but keeping a good balance with family life.
Friday, February 24, 2012
My Lenten Journey
So far I have accomplished reading, or rather listening, to a book I have wanted to read for a while now.
Eat. Pray Love.
I have been waiting to watch the movie. I can't even tell you how long the movie has been out sadly. But when you become a mother, movie watching is a novelty unless Winnie the Pooh, Lightening McQueen or Simba is involved.
Grown up movie watching is a "has-been." But what, I am getting off topic here.
Eat. Pray. Love.
You know, I really think that God waits to bring certain things into your life when you really will use them and be ready to hear and receive a lesson in life.
Ironically, I finished the audio book on Wednesday, Ash Wednesday. I thought that was very clever. Especially when it was about 11am on Wednesday and that's when I realized that it was Ash Wednesday.
How did it get here so quickly? It just doesn't seem possible.
I really enjoyed the book and can't wait to watch the movie. Liz Gilbert and I have similar personality traits - bubbly, people-pleaser, quirky, daring and a bit dramatic. I loved listening to her read her writing. It really added insight and humor that I'm sure would not have been as good as just reading it on my own from the actual book.
Her experiences made me realize how much I yearn to be closer to God, coupled with everything that makes up Ash Wednesday and the journey to remembering Jesus giving his life so we may live.
It makes me sad that I do not slow down enough to just sit in the presence of God. Reading a couple of chapters of my Bible every night just does NOT cut it. And, gee, before I listened to this book, I thought I was doing pretty good. YIKES!
So, here is my dedication for my Lenten journey this year:
Eat. Pray Love.
I have been waiting to watch the movie. I can't even tell you how long the movie has been out sadly. But when you become a mother, movie watching is a novelty unless Winnie the Pooh, Lightening McQueen or Simba is involved.
Grown up movie watching is a "has-been." But what, I am getting off topic here.
Eat. Pray. Love.
You know, I really think that God waits to bring certain things into your life when you really will use them and be ready to hear and receive a lesson in life.
Ironically, I finished the audio book on Wednesday, Ash Wednesday. I thought that was very clever. Especially when it was about 11am on Wednesday and that's when I realized that it was Ash Wednesday.
How did it get here so quickly? It just doesn't seem possible.
I really enjoyed the book and can't wait to watch the movie. Liz Gilbert and I have similar personality traits - bubbly, people-pleaser, quirky, daring and a bit dramatic. I loved listening to her read her writing. It really added insight and humor that I'm sure would not have been as good as just reading it on my own from the actual book.
Her experiences made me realize how much I yearn to be closer to God, coupled with everything that makes up Ash Wednesday and the journey to remembering Jesus giving his life so we may live.
It makes me sad that I do not slow down enough to just sit in the presence of God. Reading a couple of chapters of my Bible every night just does NOT cut it. And, gee, before I listened to this book, I thought I was doing pretty good. YIKES!
So, here is my dedication for my Lenten journey this year:
- Andrew and I have compiled a list of 5 Bible verses that we are going to memorize as a family over these 40 days.
- I will start to carve out at least 30 minutes in the mornings before my family wakes up to spend in prayer and meditation. Just me and God. I know this will help me focus on my family, attitude for the day and simply, my mental health and balance.
- Using a whisper when I would normally raise my voice in response to a highly energetic, creative and funny five year-old. He is a good kid and I have to slow down to see the world through his expressive eyes. Understanding from his view is the key.
- I will finish reading the New Testament of the Bible.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
The Eyes of a Child
Do you ever feel you have so much on your list to do or be involved in that you find yourself yearning for a certain date? Awww...that date that the craziness will be behind you and you can take some time to relax and stay at home and make a plan so life doesn't get SO crazy again.
I seem to be yearning for dates like these over and over and over again. What's wrong with this picture? I never feel like there is the opportunity to slow down. My sister says "Hello! You do it to yourself!" And Mike says, "Jesus said no, so you CAN say no too!"
As much as I sometimes get worn out and burned out, I love giving of myself and being a part of so many different, wonderful and fulfilling things - family, church, friends, work, and my jewelry business, just to name a few...
The hardest part about juggling everything right now is trying to sell our home. It is so hard trying to be disciplined to make my bed every day, keeping the entire house picked up, and staying on top of the boys' rooms. It has been on the market for 5 months now. We have had excellent traffic of potential buyers...just no one making an offer. I told our realtor yesterday that I was going to start charging admission to the newest museum in town - our home!
With Christmas right around the corner, Andrew is VERY excited about all of the traditions and the journey that marks this season. I am focused on living through his innocent eagerness of the season to remember how I should be feeling, and to put aside all of the anxiety and pressure of grown up demands.
Rejoice in the meekness and grace that surrounds us all!
I seem to be yearning for dates like these over and over and over again. What's wrong with this picture? I never feel like there is the opportunity to slow down. My sister says "Hello! You do it to yourself!" And Mike says, "Jesus said no, so you CAN say no too!"
As much as I sometimes get worn out and burned out, I love giving of myself and being a part of so many different, wonderful and fulfilling things - family, church, friends, work, and my jewelry business, just to name a few...
The hardest part about juggling everything right now is trying to sell our home. It is so hard trying to be disciplined to make my bed every day, keeping the entire house picked up, and staying on top of the boys' rooms. It has been on the market for 5 months now. We have had excellent traffic of potential buyers...just no one making an offer. I told our realtor yesterday that I was going to start charging admission to the newest museum in town - our home!
With Christmas right around the corner, Andrew is VERY excited about all of the traditions and the journey that marks this season. I am focused on living through his innocent eagerness of the season to remember how I should be feeling, and to put aside all of the anxiety and pressure of grown up demands.
Rejoice in the meekness and grace that surrounds us all!
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