What is my purpose???

So...I've been thinking a lot about PURPOSE. What is my purpose in life? Merriam-Webster says: Purpose - something set up as an object or end to be obtained. What end do I want to obtain? Some of the synonyms listed for the word purpose were: goal, intention, dream, plan and objective.
Do I have goals, intentions, dreams, plans or objectives? Of course I do. I have dreams for myself, my family, my children, my church. I have intentions...lots of good ones too. haha I have goals (especially with weight loss and physical health), and of course I've got plans and objectives. Oh, how I plan. Always making lists, drawing up ideas and things "to do"...
I realised that this was not getting me anywhere closer to knowing what MY purpose in life was. There were so many "ends" that I wanted to obtain. As a Christian woman, Pastor's wife, and mother of four beautiful children...I wondered if my purpose was just to give to everyone for the rest of my life - to serve others. That's not so bad, and honestly I don't mind it. I love it and am happy to do it. It brings me joy. But at the risk of sounding selfish...What about ME? Do I just forget about the other things that bring me joy? Things like my art, reading, writing, being alone to just "be"... Dreams of really finding the "real me"? I was getting more and more confused. What do I do when I'm confused?
I go to my Life's Handbook...the Bible. =)
I found that God has a purpose for me. Jeremiah 29:11~For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Wow. That takes some of the worry out of it. So I continue to seek it out further. Then I find this: Psalm 138:8~The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever — do not abandon the works of your hands.
I was doing a study shortly after this about loving God. Mark 12:30 says: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. The first commandment! Must be important!
I've also done studies on different women of the Bible and how their lives had a role in history. I found that they were all of different ages, social status, some were mothers, some were widows, some were queens... But they all fulfilled a purpose for Him. I look at godly women that I know and consider to be mentors, whether I know them in real life or from studying the books or articles they've written, I find myself trying to keep up with them or trying to mother my children like other Christian mothers. I find myself trying to be the kind of Pastor's wife that I think my congregation would want me to be and all becomes so daunting.
You know what? I have it all wrong! My purpose is not to be a perfect mother, sister, wife, leader...whatever! My purpose in life - the reason I was put on earth - is to please GOD!! If I strive to please God daily, everything else will fall into place! I have no business trying to please everyone else in this world, if I haven't first pleased God. My God made me to be a caring, loving, giving person - but to balance it out - He also made me creative, a lover of art and knowledge, needing time to myself... I want more in life - always. It's okay! As long as I can do what I do and still please God, I am fulfilling my purpose. I was made to worship Him, to love Him, to honor Him and share Him with others.
I am so thankful that I know that now. Most of all, I believe that God is pleased when I live an AUTHENTIC LIFE. That is my desire and I believe that it will please Him. That's enough.

Complacency Kills...

Definition of COMPLACENCY:
–noun, plural -cies.
---a feeling of quiet pleasure or security, often while unaware of some potential danger, defect, or the like; self-satisfaction or smug satisfaction with an existing situation, condition, etc.

Have you ever thought that you might be at a point of complacency in your life? I have heard the word used often. I've even used it myself. But have you ever really thought about it? This morning as I was doing my reading and quiet time, I started to really think about this word. I decided to look it up.
I basically thought of it as being a feeling of not really caring one way or another about something or maybe just letting yourself get in a rut about things...but this definition actually startled me. WOW.
Feeling secure while unaware of some potential danger?? Hmmm...that makes it more serious.
I decided to look up the word rut. This is what I found:
rut1    /rʌt/
[ruht]
,noun, verb, rut·ted, rut·ting.
–noun
3. a fixed or established mode of procedure or course of life, usually dull or unpromising: to fall into a rut.
WOW again...do you see the part about being fixed in a course of life that is usually dull...but more seriously...UNPROMISING?

I don't want to be complacent. I don't want to be in a rut. Listen people! I'm not just talking about someone who is stuck in the 80's and can't get rid of their hair scrunchees and MC Hammer pants. I'm thinking about living our life in a way that is potentially dangerous or unpromising!!

I know that my blog is all over the place. I've got recipes, crafts, family life, spiritual applications, weight loss, etc. but all of that is me. I am an ever changing person. I want to change for the better. I want to be teachable.
I am done with people who have "arrived". They like to live and believe a certain way and they stay right there and nobody is going to budge them, yet half of them can't tell you why they do what they do or why they believe what they believe.
It's sad really. These last 4 years have really been an eye opener to me. I have learned that for a big part of my adult life, I was living a complacent life. Just going along. Believing what anyone said. Never questioning things that I didn't feel were "right". Gaining weight by the minute. Doing things the same way, day in and day out...even if I knew that the end result was not what I wanted. The only thing that was changing regularly was my hair color! haha
Well, I finally snapped out of it. I realized that if I wanted to really have a relationship with my husband and my children, I was going to have to work at it. I was going to have to be the one to communicate and make a difference for them. I knew that my spiritual life was stagnant. I was always busy working in the church or ministry...but how was my heart - how was my walk with my God?
Listen. I am not saying that things need to change all the time. I am saying that if you have been doing things just for the sake of doing them - you might need to stop and ask yourself, "WHY?" Maybe you've been doing things a certain way and you feel like you could get better results by doing it differently - why don't you try it and see?
If you have been working yourself silly in church and you rarely see your family, you can't remember the last time you had a real heart to heart talk with God, you can't remember the last time you just sat at His feet and worshipped Him...what's holding you back from starting now?
It's scary to change. It's scary to step out in faith, but if you don't, you will be in a rut.
Have you heard of great marriages going down the drain because they let themselves get in a rut? They let their relationship get stagnant?
Are you gaining weight faster than you realize because you just keep wearing the same ole stretchy t-shirt and burger pants? You can start to change that now.
What happens to water that just sits? It starts to breed all kinds of bacteria, gets a stink on it, attracts mosquitos...just nasty.
Complacency kills. You just get all rusty dusty and it doesn't even bother you until you're spiritually, physically or emotionally just dead.
The Bible talks about being complacent in Isaiah 32. He talks about being "at ease" when we should not be.
What is it that you have been complacent about? Your relationship with your spouse? Your relationship with Christ? Your spiritual journey? Your job? Your weight? Your home? Your education?
You can keep this practical...or you can go as deep as you want. Whatever you do, remember that Complacency Kills.

What a day...

Today was a day jam packed with emotions. My day started very early with a call that my dear friend and church member delivered a beautiful, healthy baby girl while the rest of the world slept. I was so excited and happy for the couple. This is their first and we've been waiting a good while to meet her.

I would've gotten myself together to head right out to see them, but my daughter had a big day planned with a few of her best girlfriends. I was to be the lucky chaperone, as they are all too young to drive. We spent a wonderful day at the Mission Inn, looking through antique shops, and having a yummy lunch together. For me, it was a chance to watch my daughter interact with her friends and to see her truly happy and free.

After a great time with them and dropping them off at home, Hannah and I headed home.

I didn't even get out of the car. My husband slid into the driver's seat as he and I went to the hospital to visit the new baby.

She is absolutely perfect. Just beautiful. Mommy got to the hospital early this morning and had the baby about 30 minutes later. Can you believe it? Wow. It was a joyful time, to say the least. We bid them goodbye and continued to talk of the baby's sweetness as we left the hospital.

From there we went to another hospital nearby where another member of ours is just starting chemotherapy. He went in a while back to get his eye checked, because of pain and swelling, and from there found out that he has cancer in his eye, his stomach and more I believe. While he was in the hospital having stress tests done to see if he could endure some of the medications, he had a heart attack. I just felt so bad for him. He doesn't have a whole lot family.

So, we stayed with him for a bit and my husband and I prayed with him and shared some comforting words. He has great difficulty talking because of the tumor in his head. He will be getting transported to another hospital for radiation to his eye and then return again.

I share all of this with you to tell you...no, remind you that we are all at a different stage in our lives. I have recently been talking with people who are dealing with marital issues, drug abuse, joblessness, family hurts... People are hurting out there, but there is also joy. New babies, weddings, engagements, families reunited...

None of us know how long we are here on this earth. What are you doing with your time here? We all make a difference...but is it positive or negative? Are you letting yourself get worked up over the little things? Are you being true to yourself and those around you? Are you taking the time to really appreciate what you do have? Are you sharing the Gospel with anyone?

Just some things to think about...I know that it has given me reason to pause.

James 4:14 "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."

Will You Yield?

~Matthew 16:24 "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."~
I have been leading the ladies in my study group through a book called Lies Women Believe and the Truth That Sets Them Free by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. We have really enjoyed taking our time reading through the book and sharing with each other our thoughts, insights, etc. As I read a few pages last night, I came across something that just stopped me in my tracks. Seriously.
One point that she mentions is the lie that "I have my rights." This statement has been used and abused by so many for so long. Of course we have our "rights", but do we really need to go around demanding and proving and stomping our feet?
The part that struck me was: "...the fact that successful relationships and healthy cultures are not built on the claiming of rights, but on the yielding of rights. Even our traffic laws reflect this principle. You'll never see a sign that says "You have the right of way." Instead, the signs instruct us to "Yield" the right of way. That is how traffic works best; that is how life works best." (p. 74)
WOW!! Do you see that? Yield the right of way! That means that I may HAVE the right of way, but I am going to YIELD the right of way. Guess what?? It's not all about me. I don't have to have my way or demand my way or fight for my way all the time. I am talking about giving up what you believe in or compromising your standards. I am talking about everyday relationships.
If we all learned to yield ourselves, we'd be so much happier. Life would be more simple. Imagine if we could teach our young children to YIELD. They would do so much better with their siblings and school mates. Eventually, it would even help them with their spouses and employers. Again, I am not talking about allowing yourself to be walked on...I am talking about considering others first.
Listen. I realize that sometimes it is necessary to state our rights and get what we need, but for the most part, we could yield our way.
I once heard someone say that they felt sorry for women that were at the "beck and call" of their husbands and children. When I heard that statement, I actually felt sorry for HER. I love being able to serve my children and my husband. It truly does bring me joy.
The bonus (that this lady may never get to experience) is that my husband and children see the joy I have in serving them and in return, THEY begin to yield their way and give back to me! I am seriously spoiled!
Do you know what our Savior did for us? He YIELDED Himself. Romans 15:1-3 tells us, "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. "
There are so many ways that we can YIELD. It's as easy as allowing someone to go ahead of you in line at the grocery store, but it could also be something bigger. What is it for you?

God's Chisel...

A friend shared this video on Facebook. I was moved to tears. Such a great skit. God doesn't make junk. Sometimes it hurts to purge the bad things from our lives, but when we do and we completely surrender...wow. What a masterpiece! Worth the time - so watch it! Make sure you turn off my music first.

Forgiveness is an act of grace...

Wow! It's been almost a week since my last post. The time has just been flying! I really want to know how we can request more hours in the day and more weeks to our summer. I get up early and go to bed late because there's so much I want to accomplish in a day. Oh, well...what can you do? =]
Matthew 5:7~Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
I just finished teaching a little series on Forgiveness in my ladies group. It's something that I really felt was necessary. I felt like I needed these ladies (and myself) to really understand that as long as we are carrying unforgiveness, grudges, guilt, etc...we are not fully allowing ourselves to move on. How can we serve others and live freely if we don't want to forgive?
Forgiveness does not mean that you are forgetting or accepting or approving whatever has happened. It is not a feeling, it's not trusting that person again, it's not pretending you weren't hurt, and it's not even reconciliation.
Forgiveness is a DECISION. It is a decision to obey God, but no one - not even God, can make you forgive. It is up to you.
Ephesians 4:32 ~ "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Forgiveness can protect the forgiver from himself.
Forgiveness is an act of grace.
Surprisingly, one of the most needed lessons I taught was on "Forgiving Yourself". How many of us carry guilt from our past? Regrets that haunt your present day?
Psalm 25:7~Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.
You may be thinking of something you did or even something that was done to you and you blame yourself. This can hinder you from living a free life!
I am sorry, friend, but there is nothing you can do to change the past. You need to decide to let those things go. Forgive them...forgive yourself.
You can choose to wallow in the pain and disappointment or you can walk away from those memories and start creating new ones.
Don't use what has happened as a crutch of disability. Face those things head on, move them out of your way and go forward.
If Christ can forgive all sins, why is it so hard to forgive ourselves? That burden is keeping you in bondage. It is like carrying an extra weight...and let's not get into how tiring that is!
There are people that have physical illness from carrying around an unforgiving spirit.
Problems with high blood pressure, stress, hostility, depression, etc. can creep up on you and stay with you as long as you are holding on to the past. Let it go. Give it to God.
1 Peter 5:7~Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.


I bid you peace and freedom today my friends! There is much to be done.

Summertime and some thoughts on Prayer...

Wow. So, I thought I'd have all sorts of time to blog and read blogs and basically lay around eating bon-bons all day once school got out, but it's been quite the opposite.
Well, I have discovered something that I really like for my sweet tooth, but it's not bon-bons. It's Chocolate Meringues from Trader Joe's. Oh.my.goodness. These aren't the mini ones either. These are white with a sprinkling of cocoa powder on the top. They are a smooth oval shape - oh! and they've got little mini chocolate chips in them. They've got this great snap to 'em and then they just melt in your mouth. Not too sweet and even better when you're having coffee...yum...
Oh, where was I?
Oh, yes. My blog.
Poor neglected friends.
I expected to come and find no followers left.
So, I've been deep in thought about a lot of things. I actually have been writing a lot. Here and there. Little snippets some times. Scribbled in a journal, on my pocket calendar, on 3x5 cards that I always have... Then there's the deeper writing that just comes out in a mumble jumble. Those are in my journals and in my prayer/devotion journals.

Speaking of prayer. I've thought a lot about what I believe about praying ever since I read a post written by someone who basically said that she did not believe in Intercessory Prayer. This is prayer where you are asking God to intercede or change a certain circumstances outcome or a prayer for others.
Hebrews 4:14-16~"14Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
As I read this post I realized then, that she and I must not believe in the same God.
I believe in a God that is loving and forgiving that wants to intercede. I believe that our Heavenly Father sees the whole picture and will work His will. I believe, by faith, that it will be for the best.
Romans 8:28~And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
This verse does not mean that the outcome of every situation will be good, but it tells us that all things work TOGETHER for good. There's nothing good about losing a loved one, but it's especially hard to understand when it is something sudden or in the case of a friend, her 4 year old boy that was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma and died 55 days later. Doesn't seem fair, doesn't seem right. Hundreds of thousands prayed for that young boy - including myself. When we saw that he was fading, I'll be honest, my faith did falter. I am a mother of 4 children. I couldn't understand why this was happening. Then I learned of Suzanne's words ... after praying and crying and wishing and hoping... only several hours before Josiah's passing, she felt the Peace of Abba Father surround her and she knew her son was going to be gone that day.
Did it make it easier to understand? Absolutely not. Did it make it any easier to accept? Maybe just a little. Who can know why one person is healed and not another? Who can know what God is sparing that child in the future? We don't know. He does.
God does not always promise healing, but He does promise grace.
James 4:6a "But He giveth more grace..."
I find it funny that so many people are comfortable with wishing someone "good thoughts", or offering "peace", yet they can only do it if they leave God out of it. There are people that like to meditate, but they feel that prayer is a waste of time. I have known people that are okay with doing mantras or chants for meditation or yoga, but they don't understand my need to go in prayer to my God. The difference is they are speaking to themselves and I am speaking to the Holy Spirit. I don't believe in myself alone, I believe that I can do all things through Christ. (Philippians 4:13)
Our God created us all, but He created us with the ability to make our own choices. That right there shows me true love. True love is not about forcing someone to do something. He could have created us to be like robots, to do His every wish and command, but He did not. Just like a loving parent knows that in order for a child to grow and mature, they have to learn to make choices. Sometimes those choices lead us down the wrong path and we are faced with very hard consequences. Does this mean that the parent was wrong or does not care about their child? Absolutely not. However, at this point, a good parent should try to offer help and direction (once again) to that child. The parent should love and support that child, but ultimately, it is still up to that child to chose right. That is how it is with God.
Can a parent give the child everything he asks for? No. Would it be right? No. Why would a parent not give the child everything he asks for? The child may not need it, it may not be the right time for something, it may not be good for the child, he may need to learn patience. Does a parent sometimes change their mind because of the pleading child? Yes. Why would a parent change their mind? Because although it may not be "best", it may be okay. The parent may finally "give in" to teach the child a lesson.
So pray. Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) It gives us hope. It teaches us. It helps us to take our thoughts off of ourselves and to put our thoughts on others.
I believe that you can hope and pray. There are many Bible examples of how God did intervene and there are some examples of how He allowed things to happen as they were - and there was a reason for it all. You call it fate or destiny - I call it God's will.
I'll save some thoughts for another post! Have a great day!

“Prayer is not an old woman’s idle amusement. Properly understood and applied, it is the most potent instrument of action.” —Mahatma Gandhi

The Little Member...

You might be expecting to read about my youngest child because of the title...but there's a smaller member that I am referring to.
It is the tongue.
What? Yes. The tongue. My pastor (AKA my hubby) has been teaching from the book of James during our mid-week prayer service.
Now, whether you are a follower of Christ or not, I think you should read on.
I was so enlightened last night. I've read the passage that he taught on so many times, but I must've really needed to hear it just then, because it sure struck a nerve.
Have you really ever thought about your tongue? It is such a small member of the body, yet it can do much good or it can do much harm!
James 3:2-5 says:
"2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!"

James compares the tongue to a bit in a horses mouth or the helm on a ship. He says that like those small things that control a much larger thing, so is the tongue! I shudder to think how many times I could've used my tongue to control the rest of myself to be a better person. How many times could I have used my tongue to be an encouragement or comfort, but instead, I was a stumbling block.

James goes on to say:
7For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
12Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

How is it that so many of us can be so sweet and kind and then so nasty all at once? I have met many wonderful people that do not profess to be Christians, yet they have a better control of their tongue and actions then some that do. On the other hand, I've met people that say they don't want anything to do with Christianity because of this person or that person that was such a bad example. That always makes me feel bad, because obviously, that person they are referring to must have other issues and unfortunately professes to know Christ. This is not what Christianity is and unfortunately, we've gotten a "bad rap" because of those that try to speak of Christ and with the same tongue, curse men.
James also says:
13Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
14But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Isn't that an eye-opener? Are you sharing your wisdom without being boastful? Are you following verse 17? Refer to verse 16. No wonder there are people who are confused about Christians.
Now, I am a Christian. I follow Christ and try to let others see that in me. However, I make mistakes, I get angry, I get envious, I am partial, etc. BUT as a Christian, I know it is not right and try to make it right. I try to have mercy on those that do it to me and I don't want to hold grudges and grow bitter.
This brings us to verse 18 - THEM THAT MAKE PEACE...how are you spending your time? Are you sharing loving and kind words with those you come in contact with? Nobody's perfect and certainly can not go around with a "Pollyanna" attitude all the time, but it would be better than an ugly, I am the victim, nobody likes me, here's what's wrong with YOU attitude all the time.
Think about it. What has your "little member" been doing lately? A bit that has been ill fit or a helm that is not functioning properly can cause a lot of damage. I have seen churches, families, friendships, businesses...destroyed and it started with just a "little member". I have also seen children that grow up with a wonderful spirit and attitude on life, husbands that feel like they are worthy, wives and friends that are validated, businesses and churches bloom and grow because of a "little member".
It all depends on how you use it. Your choice. Own it.

Heard this on the way home...

Sung by Chris Sligh
The words...so true.

Beauty...New Life!

I know that many of you are still digging your way out of the snow or are trying to stay on your feet in the ice, but here - here there are signs of new life already! I almost didn't notice all these blooms on my tree, because I think they happened over night! I went out to take a picture of the beautiful blue sky - even though it was soooooo cold and hailed last night - and instead I look up and saw this! I turned and looked down my street and noticed that our street was lined with trees like this. Unfortunately, I took two pictures and my camera died. *note to self - learn to keep back up batteries charged and ready to go.

Seeing these new blooms really encouraged me today. It just seems to confirm the hope for REAL change that we have for 2009. Have you ever wished that you could do some parts of your life over? I know, you wouldn't want to live it ALL over again, because the experiences made you who you are today...yeah, yeah...me too - but really - there are some things that I really would like to take back. There were times in my life that I did wish for a new life. Of course, it was when I was younger and didn't realize how blessed I really was. Now, I wouldn't trade my life with anyone, but....

Stay at home moms - do you feel like you missed your calling in life?

Empty Nesters - are you worried about that hollow feeling you have now and are unsure about what's next?

Young teen or college student - Do you want to live a better life, but have gotten yourself in such a mess that you don't know where to start?

Successful business woman - are you tired of the every day expectations and demands that you've allowed to be put on you?

Everybody else - do you just ever feel like you are withering away in depression or under the weight of everyday burdens? Do you feel like you are falling short of the expectations that even you've set up for yourself?

Guess what? You are not alone. There is not one easy "fix it" to change your life, but there is something that can help you to get back on the path to renewal and hope.

The trees that lost every single leaf and were taken to and fro with the wind did something right - something that they were created to do. They gave in to the Creator.

Imagine if the trees thought that their cold empty branches meant that they were dead forever? They'd never see the day that they'd be in full glory with blooms that are so beautiful and a fragrance that is so rich that it would soon be followed by fruit in abundance!

We may feel that we are spent, tired, exhausted even - but there is still life in you. How many times have you heard (or said) that 2008 was a really bad year, that it will be hard to recover from 2008?

I encourage you to look toward tomorrow, to realize that you CAN. Yes, 2008 may have been rough, but do I need to remind you of the process that takes place when gold is being refined? The heat that it has to take in order to become that pure gold that is so highly desired? It does not come easy. Faint not my friend - you can be renewed!

You may not see the fruit of your labors right away, but do not despair! It will come.
2 Corinthians 4:16 - 18

"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal."

Beauty is Buzzzzzzzzzzzing Busily....

Sundays have always been very busy for us. My husband, as most of you know, is a pastor. Not only is he a pastor, but he is the pastor of a new church. Although at times it is hard, we really enjoy our work and know that this is what we are supposed to be doing. The whole family is involved. Hannah helps with nursery, the others are involved in their classes, and Marco and I have all kinds of responsibility on Sundays.
I was just talking to my girls about "being busy".
There are some people that are always busy, but they are busy getting into trouble. Others think they are busy - but they really are doing nothing. Being idle. How often have you heard someone say that they were "too busy" to do such and such? I have. I've said it myself. Most of the time it is a legitimate excuse. We ARE busy. I joked about the 60 second microwavable food taking so long that someone had to invent the 30 second microwavable food. =] But, there are times when we claim to be busy, but we were WASTING time. One reason I chose the word FOCUS for this year is because I thought that I could use my time better by FOCUSING on what my goals for the day were and tackle them head on!
I have had people ask me how I have time to do any of "those" things. They are usually referring to my blogging, scrapbooking, crafting... Let me tell you. It is not easy, but obviously it is not impossible. I enjoy these things. They are a part of me and they make me happy. I could be doing all "these" things and letting everything else go to pot. Ah, but if you know me at all, you know that I could not let that happen. I set goals for the day and I conquer them as best as I can. I love making lists and crossing things off! Try it!
Go with me to Proverbs 31 - Let's look at a few of the verses.
"[She] worketh willingly with her hands." (vs. 13)
"She riseth also while it is yet night" (vs. 15)
"She layeth her hands to the spindle" (vs. 19)
"She stretcheth out her hand to the poor." (vs. 20)
"She maketh fine linen, and selleth it" (vs. 24)
"[She] eateth not the bread of idleness" (vs. 27)
This is the type of example I want to follow. What are you buzzin' around doing? I want to make sure that I have my priorities in the right place. Maybe you are busy, but you are busy doing the wrong things. Maybe you need to stop the cleaning and organizing and take your kids to the park and play. Maybe you need to turn off the t.v. or computer and read a good book. Maybe you need to put away outside distractions and spend some time with your spouse. Whatever it is that you do - make it count. What did you do yesterday? What did you do today? What will you do tomorrow?
I want to make sure that what I do will matter for my family, for myself - for Christ.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth
and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But
lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor
rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. " Matthew 6:19-21
Okay, now I am sure you are wondering why I've got the Burt's Bee's picture of there...well, I love BB's products. All of them! So, I thought that I could encourage at least 3 of you with a reminder to make it count when you are Buzzzzzzzzzzing along in your day. All you have to do is be the first 3 to comment and tell me what one thing you'd do if you weren't busy and had oh, let's see, 3 hours to yourself to do whatever you wanted. Thanks for reading here dear friends! *Each item is different: Beeswax lipbalm in a tin, Beeswax lipbalm chapstick and Honey Lipbalm chapstick. Winners will get 1 of the 3!

Beauty in Scripture...

I actually woke up feeling much better today. I know that it was partly because my wonderful husband gave me a much needed neck rub and mostly because it was the Lord's day and I was going to be in church with some of my favorite people in the world.

This morning my pastor (my hubby) talked about our theme for the year. Flourishing In God. While he talked about the many ways that we could personally flourish this year, I realized that I had not chosen a Scripture verse to start memorizing yet. Part of my FOCUS for the year 2009 is going to be on memorizing more Scripture. So, my first verse is going to be

Psalm 92:12~"The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon."

I know it's not long, but it doesn't have to be. I want to commit these verses to memory so that I can have them locked away in my heart. I know that when they are needed, they will be brought back to mind.

Then I was over at my friend Lea's blog and she had also written about a Scripture memorization challenge. I don't take that as a coincedence...I take that as a nudge to write this!

I love being able to go to the Scriptures for guidance. Yes, I love a good "self-help" book as much as the next guy, and I don't mind listening to the opinions, once in a while, of well-known t.v. personalities, but when I want an honest, straight forward, never mistaken opinion - I know where to go. =]

My picture showing beauty for the day (Traci's challenge) is of some things that sit on my piano. These things are really special to me. The giant tile with Scripture on it was made and given to me by my friend Desiree and the cross with Scripture on it about being a servant is from my friends Robert and Lorany (who just found out that their precious baby is a BOY!!!), and the metal pumpkin is well...that's just something I found on clearance for next to nothing at Target. Did I ever tell you that I have a serious love for all things FALL? =]

Anyway, these things make me smile and I love that there is Scripture on it. I want to always surround myself with things that are good, honest, lovely... =]

Choosing Joy...Peace on Earth.... December 31st.

Well, maybe not all over the earth, but at least for us. We wanted to have a "Watch Night Service" where we pray in the New Year at church. I know. Sounds boring to many of you, right? You never know with a new church, though. Sometimes we have a sell out crowd and other times you just have the faithful few. Tonight, we went to church and we had about 6 families show. We all brought food for the potluck fellowship and someone brought their Wii. Pastor Marco and I decided that it'd be fun to move the whole party over to our house.

We had the best time. The kids had an abundance of toys to play with and the adults (many for the first time) got to play some Wii. I'm still a little sore in my right arm from the boxing.

Here are some pics of (other than my blood family) some of my favorite people in the world.

Alma and Denisse...going toe to toe in the ring.

Two very competitive brothers - David and Robert

Two more very competitive brothers...Marco and Jaime

Some praise and worship sing time...

Miriam...tsk..tsk...she's so shy. Looks like she still has some moves left from the elf dance! LOL

Happy New Year!

Most of us made it 'til Midnight.... =]
Our church has a theme for 2009: Flourishing in God Our verse: Psalm 92:12 "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon."

With 2008 being such a difficult year for many, our Pastor wanted to encourage our church family to believe that they can truly flourish this new year. We can all hope and believe that things will grow and bloom with the nurturing love of God.

Happy 2009, my friends!

Choosing Joy: Friends

Isaiah 26:3~"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

Sometimes God answers prayer that you have not even prayed. Does that make sense? He knows your needs before you know them. He provides what we need - when we need it. Marco and I have really tried to "teach" others that when you do for someone else in a spirit of love, it comes back to you. The Bible tells us that we are not supposed to worry (Matthew 6:25 - 34), yet I do worry. I am always humbled when He provides and I realize how weak my faith was. He always provides...yet I worry. Didn't He tell us to ask Him for our DAILY bread? (Matthew 6:11)

I have come to realize that I will always need HIS goodness on a day to day basis. My faith is so short sometimes. I need Him to come through for me daily, or I'd probably take Him for granted.

Today, a dear friend came over and made a difference in our day, our Christmas, our YEAR. She said that God put it on her family's heart to make that difference. We will not forget this act of love - ever.

I thank my Heavenly Father for showing me DAILY that He loves me and wants the best for me. It feels my heart with JOY!

Choosing Joy...Children's Jr. Church...

I take turns teaching our Jr. Church hour with two other women in my church. Today was my turn. I taught a lesson that had a CHRISTmas theme. I shared the verse Matthew 1:21 - "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins."
I talked about the meaning of a name and I had gone ahead and looked up each of the children's names and told them what they meant. Oh, we had such a good time as I told Jorge his name meant "farmer" and Damien that his name meant "tamer and peace maker". The girls laughed as they found out that their names meant "hillside", "small stream" or "princess".
I really enjoyed spending time with these children. I also enjoyed sharing with them that the name Jesus means "the Lord saves". Not only am I thankful that He came to save us, but I am also choosing joy in the fact that we can share this good news with everyone!

Today, I am thankful for...

...27 cents!


Okay, it's not so much the 27 cents itself that I am thankful for, but for what it represents. Yesterday, my church family surprised me with a birthday celebration. Since my birthday was last Tuesday, this really caught me off guard. I received some very lovely gifts from my dear friends. The children in the nursery (toddler age) each came out and gave me a balloon. The Sunday School children brought me notes and flowers...it was overwhelming really.
It wasn't until everyone was gone and we were packing up to go home that I decided to sit down and look at my cards and read the notes the children gave me. Well, one of the notes kind of jingled when I picked it up. Hmmm... I wondered what it could be. It was a business size envelope and inside there was a note that was folded in every which way and then I saw what made the noise. A quarter and two pennies.
I was immediately moved to tears. This young man is about 6 or maybe 7 years old. He is one of the sweetest young men you will ever meet. In his note he had drawn a picture of my family and he wrote all kinds of sweet things on it. I knew that this boy had given me his all with all of his heart. As I thought about it some more today, I was immediately humbled to know this kind of love. He really had a look of joy on his face when he gave me this gift. My thoughts flew to the gifts that I've given in the past. Was I giving out of pure love or was I hoping for something in return? Did I give my all when I was able to, or did I selfishly hold back? I need to realize that I am truly blessed in many ways. I don't have to be afraid to give. God always takes care of me and my family.
With the holidays just around the corner - what will your attitude be? Will you give it all? Will you trust and not be afraid to let go? This is not just about money and material things. Will you trust yourself to open your heart to your friends and loved ones? Will you give them another chance that maybe, they don't deserve? Will you step out of your comfort zone and witness to someone if the opportunity arises? Give freely. Material things, time, your friendship... don't hold back. You won't regret it.

Philippians 4: 19 ~ But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Today, I am thankful for...

...Philippians 4:6-7

6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

I will miss you, Sally. I will never understand why you had to leave us all so unexpectedly. You have taught me that life is not to be lived for ourselves, but real joy is in living for others. You taught me that family is first, that my children are my ministry and that serving the Lord can be fun! Today was a day that I will never forget - I will miss you always.

Today, I am thankful for...

...so much. At the same time, I am so sad. I got a call early this morning that a very good friend of mine went to sleep last night like any other night, but she did not wake up this morning. I was (and still think I am) in shock. It is late night now and I have been crying off and on all day. I did not know what in the world I could be thankful for after receiving this news.
"When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn. "~ Harriet Beecher Stowe

When I started this challenge at the 1st of the month, I knew it would not be easy. Things are kind of tough all around for a lot of people. The last thing I expected was to get news of a friend passing away. She was not a lot older than me. She seemed to be healthy and without complaint. Her family has already been through so much. She had a son that was hit by a car and killed over 10 years ago. She kept going. She and her husband had some hard times and were separated. She kept going. During this time, less than a year ago - he passed away. She kept going. She was always the one that was there for everyone else. Such an encouragement to others. A hard worker. Served in her church. Taught at the school. Volunteered countless hours everywhere. I named my second daughter after her daughter who was a student of mine. I just can't wrap my head around it. I had to stop and just pray. I had to "gather" myself and realize that there are just some things in this world that we will never understand. I truly believe that God has a reason and timing for all things. I have to trust Him.


This is what faith is all about. Faith is believing in something you can not see.


So today, I am thankful. Thankful to have known and been influenced by such an amazing woman. She was an incredible mother and teacher. She was such a motivator! I am thankful for my family and the way they gathered around and wanted to comfort me.


I am thankful for my friend Michelle that came over today and just sat and talked with me. She let me cry, we laughed and we were just together.


I am thankful that I knew you, Sally Ramirez, and I will never, ever forget you.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Sally and her only grandchild taken just this summer.

Today, I am thankful...

...that I serve a living God. I am thankful that He loves me and accepts me for who I am, the way I am - shortcomings and all. I am thankful that He loved me enough to give His life for me and that He created me with FREE WILL. I am thankful to go to a church that believes that we are free to worship Him and serve Him without man's add-on requirements.

At a loss for words...

Sometimes, I am at a loss for words. Very rare, I know. Seriously though, my heart just feels so heavy for a family far away that is grieving the passing of their 5 year old son. One day, he was healthy and fine. The next day, he is gone. What do you say in moments like these? All I know is that *I* do not have the words. I do know who does though. My Savior knows and He cares.
This song by Mercy Me has always comforted my heart. I have no words. Just listen. Read the words. Pray for Donnann and her family. To know more about Danny, go to Desiree's blog by clicking HERE.

Word of God Speak by Mercy Me

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay
The last thing I need is to be heard
But to hear what You would say

[CHORUS]
Word of God speak
Would You pour down like rain
Washing my eyes to see
Your majesty
To be still and know
That You're in this place
Please let me stay and rest
In Your holiness
Word of God speak

I'm finding myself in the midst of You
Beyond the music, beyond the noise
All that I need is to be with You
And in the quiet hear Your voice.

I'm finding myself at a loss for words
And the funny thing is it's okay



Make sure my playlist music is stopped before you play the video so that you can hear this. Playlist is in the righthand bar.