“I’m thanking you, God, from a full heart, I’m writing the book on your wonders. I’m whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy; I’m singing your song, High God.” Psalm 9:1
I am certainly the right person to tell yall about happiness. God has really been working on the contentment of my heart lately. I have already told you that I live a charmed life. I have a great husband, a cute kid, just bought a new house, and will soon start looking for a dog to buy. It’s the American dream. Sure, Daryl and I don’t always agree on everything (house hunting was so stressful), Parker has become really clingy and whiney lately, there’s a lot of work to do on our house, and we probably don’t need to jump into puppy training right now. Wait, that sounds like two different people describing their lives.
The truth is, we all do the very same things…play up the good or the bad. Happiness is focusing on the good. I refuse to get bogged down in what I don’t have, how tired I am, or how something went terribly wrong at some point today. True joy is not something you learn in a self-help book or from your psychiatrist. It is the way you choose to look at the life God has given you. You are His child, formed in His image. He is making all the decisions in your life, and you don’t really have all the control you think you do!
Enjoy life. When your husband is complaining again, give him a passionate kiss. When your child is whining, put something silly on your head. When your home is not perfect, take a picture of something that you love and find a place for it. When you think you need a dog, go get one. Studies have really shown that they make you happier! Alright, I’m off to watch the shows I recorded last night…because they make me happy.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
Grace
Let grace, mercy, and peace be with us in truth and love from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, Son of the Father! 2 John 1:3
How perfect to focus on God’s grace as Easter is approaching. It’s the easiest time of year to be aware of God’s grace in that His son gave his life to give us that grace. It is a gift that we don’t deserve….better yet, we can’t ever do anything good enough to deserve it. Man, that takes off the pressure! I mean, have you ever wondered “how good is good enough”? If Mother Theresa set the standard, we are all doomed. But God knew we would never measure up…He even knew Mother Theresa’s deep dark secrets and mistakes. So, He came up with a way to bridge the gap from here to Heaven. He even made it personal…His own Son. Jesus gave us His life asking nothing in return except belief that it happened.
He was beaten and murdered because it is what we deserved. When I acted like a wild child in college, I should have been publicly humiliated and stoned. That is what happened to people who sinned like that before Jesus’ death. But now we have grace. I can learn from my mistakes and have another chance to be the woman that God created me to be. That’s what grace is…a second chance. Or a third, or a fourth.
He is alive! He has risen! Don’t let these terms slip by as another Easter catch phrase. Jesus really did this, and you only have to believe it to be forgiven and saved from the torture that He endured. I tell Parker that Jesus got in trouble for all of our no no’s so we don’t have to get in really big trouble for them. I know I have gotten pretty deep here, but I don’t want to risk that any of our readers don’t get the big picture. Easter is so much fun with kids…the baskets, the egg hunts, the excitement. I hope you enjoy every second of it, but let Jesus be at the heart of your celebration. Help your kids extend grace to each other as they hunt eggs. Let His amazing love be on the tip of your tongue all this week and the next as you prepare to observe the most miraculous act of grace that has ever taken place.
How perfect to focus on God’s grace as Easter is approaching. It’s the easiest time of year to be aware of God’s grace in that His son gave his life to give us that grace. It is a gift that we don’t deserve….better yet, we can’t ever do anything good enough to deserve it. Man, that takes off the pressure! I mean, have you ever wondered “how good is good enough”? If Mother Theresa set the standard, we are all doomed. But God knew we would never measure up…He even knew Mother Theresa’s deep dark secrets and mistakes. So, He came up with a way to bridge the gap from here to Heaven. He even made it personal…His own Son. Jesus gave us His life asking nothing in return except belief that it happened.
He was beaten and murdered because it is what we deserved. When I acted like a wild child in college, I should have been publicly humiliated and stoned. That is what happened to people who sinned like that before Jesus’ death. But now we have grace. I can learn from my mistakes and have another chance to be the woman that God created me to be. That’s what grace is…a second chance. Or a third, or a fourth.
He is alive! He has risen! Don’t let these terms slip by as another Easter catch phrase. Jesus really did this, and you only have to believe it to be forgiven and saved from the torture that He endured. I tell Parker that Jesus got in trouble for all of our no no’s so we don’t have to get in really big trouble for them. I know I have gotten pretty deep here, but I don’t want to risk that any of our readers don’t get the big picture. Easter is so much fun with kids…the baskets, the egg hunts, the excitement. I hope you enjoy every second of it, but let Jesus be at the heart of your celebration. Help your kids extend grace to each other as they hunt eggs. Let His amazing love be on the tip of your tongue all this week and the next as you prepare to observe the most miraculous act of grace that has ever taken place.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Friends
Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall into pieces. Proverbs 13:20
Proverbs 13:20 and this week's reflection remind us that we are the company we keep. As mothers, we feel the same way for our children, which is why we try to surround them with good friends, positive opportunities, and a loving, nurturing environment. Do you set up playdates for your children? How do you choose those playdates? Do the playdates give positive opportunities for your children to play and interact? If only we had as much control over their friends as they grew older!
And what about you? Do you surround yourself with good friends and positive people? Our friend choices serve as an example for our children - so we need to mindful of who we associate with. This past week, I spoke at an event that I helped to plan - the United Way of Milford's Women with United Vision kickoff breakfast. At the end of the breakfast, we went around the room and allowed the 20 attendees to introduce themselves. I thought at the conclusion of the introductions, "wow, these are women that I want to surround myself with." The women shared the same vision - to help women and children of Milford who were less fortunate. I'm thrilled to be able to align myself with such an accomplished group of women. I'm excited to see where this journey brings us and the friendships that are formed.
I think it's also important to mention that friendships, like any other relationships, need to be nurtured and nourished. It takes time and dedication to build strong friendships. I must say that I'm blessed to have the friends that I do, especially my best friend Stephanie. We've been building our friendship since sixth grade (and hard to believe that we're now 30!). We take the time to talk to each other at least two mornings a week as we drive into work and we talk on the weekend too. I think in this digital age, the phone is underused as I have other friends who only text or send an email - although I appreciate the interactions, I must say I would really like to speak on the phone instead as so much gets lost over email. Pick up the phone this week and call a friend. Then, take a minute to be grateful for that friend and say an extra prayer of thanksgiving!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Fears
The resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us – an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we’re certainly going to go through the good times with him! Romans 8:15
Okay, so The Message is certainly different from my NIV version! I do like to think of myself saying, ‘What’s next, Papa?’ . The author hit the nail on the head about the child with no fear. That is Parker. As soon as he learned to stand on his own, we walked in to find him balancing on top of his 4-wheeler toy. He just laughed when we freaked out. In his short 19 months he has never had a traumatic incident that left scars. We on the other hand, have fallen from heights or been in a car accident or experienced emotional heartbreak. We have fear. We know sometimes everything is not okay.
Do you remember the slogan “No Fear’? They put it all over clothes and car stickers. The world seemed obsessed with exclaiming that they had no fear. But was that truthful? Surely those people had endured heartache or physical trauma. Like each of them, we want to stand up to our fear, but sometimes we can’t. At times, fear can run our lives. It keeps us from getting on an airplane or trusting our spouse again.
But God wants doesn’t want fear to make your decisions. He has a plan already made for you. He will take care of you. I’m not saying to test Him by jumping off the roof, but do trust Him with your fears. Tell Him about it and ask for opportunities to overcome your fears. Memorize the scripture suggested in the reading. Hide it in your heart. It will appear again when you really need it…like when you watch that daredevil child climbing to the top of the jungle gym!
Okay, so The Message is certainly different from my NIV version! I do like to think of myself saying, ‘What’s next, Papa?’ . The author hit the nail on the head about the child with no fear. That is Parker. As soon as he learned to stand on his own, we walked in to find him balancing on top of his 4-wheeler toy. He just laughed when we freaked out. In his short 19 months he has never had a traumatic incident that left scars. We on the other hand, have fallen from heights or been in a car accident or experienced emotional heartbreak. We have fear. We know sometimes everything is not okay.
Do you remember the slogan “No Fear’? They put it all over clothes and car stickers. The world seemed obsessed with exclaiming that they had no fear. But was that truthful? Surely those people had endured heartache or physical trauma. Like each of them, we want to stand up to our fear, but sometimes we can’t. At times, fear can run our lives. It keeps us from getting on an airplane or trusting our spouse again.
But God wants doesn’t want fear to make your decisions. He has a plan already made for you. He will take care of you. I’m not saying to test Him by jumping off the roof, but do trust Him with your fears. Tell Him about it and ask for opportunities to overcome your fears. Memorize the scripture suggested in the reading. Hide it in your heart. It will appear again when you really need it…like when you watch that daredevil child climbing to the top of the jungle gym!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Envy
Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your friends when they're happy; share tears when they're down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don't be the great somebody. Romans 12:15
According to this week's reflection, envy is the feeling we get when we want what someone else has -- whether that's some superior quality or achievement, relationship, or possession - and desire it for ourselves. Wow - do you ever feel this way? I know that I do. Are you ever envious of your friends house, car, family, agreeable toddler, etc. The definition of envy immediately brings to mind one of the 10 Commandments - do not covet your neighbors belongings. (Exodus 20:17) Although God instructs us not to covet or envy others, we naturally do.
Envy can be harmful. As the desire for more - a bigger home, a better car, more money can cause people to act irrationally, destroy relationships, and dissolve families. We all need to take heed and take a minute when we begin to envy what others may have (myself included). The reflection notes that one woman deals with envy by focusing on the person who has the things she wants and instead of being envious, being thankful for them. I would like to try to implement that practice in my life. Pray for and be thankful for those persons that you envy. If this is a challenge for you be sure to ask for God's help.
According to this week's reflection, envy is the feeling we get when we want what someone else has -- whether that's some superior quality or achievement, relationship, or possession - and desire it for ourselves. Wow - do you ever feel this way? I know that I do. Are you ever envious of your friends house, car, family, agreeable toddler, etc. The definition of envy immediately brings to mind one of the 10 Commandments - do not covet your neighbors belongings. (Exodus 20:17) Although God instructs us not to covet or envy others, we naturally do.
Envy can be harmful. As the desire for more - a bigger home, a better car, more money can cause people to act irrationally, destroy relationships, and dissolve families. We all need to take heed and take a minute when we begin to envy what others may have (myself included). The reflection notes that one woman deals with envy by focusing on the person who has the things she wants and instead of being envious, being thankful for them. I would like to try to implement that practice in my life. Pray for and be thankful for those persons that you envy. If this is a challenge for you be sure to ask for God's help.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Emotions
A sound mind makes for a robust body, but runaway emotions corrode the bones. Proverbs 14:30
The NIV speaks about a heart at peace instead of a sound mind. I really liked that interpretation. I like to think of myself being at peace with my emotions. Knowing how to say the right things even when I am angry. Calmly telling my child that he cannot get down and run around the restaurant for the fifth time. Sweetly explaining to my husband that I don’t feel like picking up in the house (or any extra-curricular activities) because I treated 14 patients that day. Real world: I lose my temper and then blame it on hormones, eat some ice cream and then go to bed still a little angry. The author is correct that this is not good for our bodies. It is also not good for our relationships. We must take responsibility for our emotions. I completed a great study of the book, The Lies Women Tell. It was so convicting. We really can calm down and react with sanity when the world seems to be falling apart. And we cannot continue the blame game. We are in charge of our emotions.
I love the $100 offer to behave! I know I could do it…so why can’t I do it just for my health and the health of my relationships? We have become slaves to feelings, believing that God made women to be emotional. Maybe that is true, but we know that doesn’t include temper tantrums. That’s what God made toddlers for! Looking at Galatians 5:22-23, I am certainly lacking in patience, gentleness, and self-control. I know I can’t be perfect at any of these. But God doesn’t ask for that. They are fruits of the Spirit. They are what happens when you listen to the Holy Spirit (that little voice telling you when to shut your mouth or when to speak up). I encourage you to read The Shack if you need some perspective on the role of the Holy Spirit in your life
Lastly, a quick update on Angel Touch. We have decided to offer our first monthly support meeting this Thursday night. We will decide from attendance if this is a need at our church. Please pray that I will listen to the Spirit and discover what God wants me to do with this ministry. Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers! By the way, I would love for you to join me in lifting up a sweet little girl who had heart surgery this past week. Her name is Cara Conn and you can read more about her at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/caraconn. Thank you and have a great week!
The NIV speaks about a heart at peace instead of a sound mind. I really liked that interpretation. I like to think of myself being at peace with my emotions. Knowing how to say the right things even when I am angry. Calmly telling my child that he cannot get down and run around the restaurant for the fifth time. Sweetly explaining to my husband that I don’t feel like picking up in the house (or any extra-curricular activities) because I treated 14 patients that day. Real world: I lose my temper and then blame it on hormones, eat some ice cream and then go to bed still a little angry. The author is correct that this is not good for our bodies. It is also not good for our relationships. We must take responsibility for our emotions. I completed a great study of the book, The Lies Women Tell. It was so convicting. We really can calm down and react with sanity when the world seems to be falling apart. And we cannot continue the blame game. We are in charge of our emotions.
I love the $100 offer to behave! I know I could do it…so why can’t I do it just for my health and the health of my relationships? We have become slaves to feelings, believing that God made women to be emotional. Maybe that is true, but we know that doesn’t include temper tantrums. That’s what God made toddlers for! Looking at Galatians 5:22-23, I am certainly lacking in patience, gentleness, and self-control. I know I can’t be perfect at any of these. But God doesn’t ask for that. They are fruits of the Spirit. They are what happens when you listen to the Holy Spirit (that little voice telling you when to shut your mouth or when to speak up). I encourage you to read The Shack if you need some perspective on the role of the Holy Spirit in your life
Lastly, a quick update on Angel Touch. We have decided to offer our first monthly support meeting this Thursday night. We will decide from attendance if this is a need at our church. Please pray that I will listen to the Spirit and discover what God wants me to do with this ministry. Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers! By the way, I would love for you to join me in lifting up a sweet little girl who had heart surgery this past week. Her name is Cara Conn and you can read more about her at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/caraconn. Thank you and have a great week!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Dreams
Don't for a minute envy careless rebels; soak yourself in the Fear-of-God - that's where your future lies. Then you won't be left with an armload of nothing. Proverbs 23:17-18
From this week's reflection regarding dreams, two things really resonated with me. First, the reflection reminds us that God has hopes and dreams for us. "He wants good for you, not evil." What a pleasant reminder. I often focus on what my dreams are for myself and forget that God has dreams for me as well. Perhaps I should pray that God shows me the way to those hopes and dreams rather than getting bogged down with how am "I" going to achieve my hopes and dreams. This is quite applicable in my life right now. Sometimes I grapple with working part-time, which I love, and spending four days a week with Owen - what a treat! I find myself not quite challenged at work and wanting to climb that corporate ladder, but I think that is not God's plan for me right now. God has given me a beautiful child (and one more on the way) and wants me to focus on energies on the challenges (and joys) of raising children rather than the being bogged down at work.
Through this week's reflection, I was also reminder to "not overlook the present good." As the reading says it is tempting to dream about good things in the future. Yet, this week, stop for a minute to look at a few things in your life that are actually your dreams come true and thank God for such goodness of dreams fulfilled. For me, I think God for my husband, who is a better man than I could have ever dreamed up... and I thank God for my son who brings me more joy than I could have ever dreamed of.
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