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.

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?

Reflecting on the journey...

My good friend Lee has posted a Wellness Wednesday post over at her blog Lemons2Lemonade. She starts out talking about a book she is currently reading. It's called The Divided Heart...Art and Motherhood. One of the quotes on the back of the book says: "the fear that to succeed at one means to fail at the other". She asks some questions that caused me to stop and reflect.
You can read the whole post here, but these are the questions she asks:

So this Wellness Wednesday is about coming to terms with your greatest personal struggle and putting a plan together to make it "work" in your life. What is your greatest struggle? What do you do to manage it? What do you avoid doing?

I think my greatest personal struggle has always been a fear of not succeeding. A fear of a less than perfect outcome in things which I am not fully confident. I don't want to, but I often find myself second guessing my work.
There are areas in my life where I am perceived to be very confident such as public speaking, singing, sports, entertaining - but it's because I know that I can do well at those areas. It's black and white. You practice, you prepare, you plan - I can do that.
It doesn't hurt that I seem to have a 'some what' natural ability in those areas either. However, if it's something that I'm not comfortable with, I tend to avoid it altogether. I like to stay on the safe side. Don't take a risk! Heaven's no.
I do want to manage this. My previous post entitled "Artist or Crafty" had me questioning my creativity. For a while now, I have been feeling like I am about to burst at the seems. I feel like something is just brewing under the surface. Does that make sense? I think it's because I've been more exposed to so many talented and brilliant women through the world of blogs and such.
I have 4 children ranging from ages 13 down to almost 2. I don't think that being a mother has anything to do with my personal struggle. My family has always been very supportive of what I do and my husband and teenager are always more than willing to hold down the fort to let me escape to my space to create. I think besides being my own worst enemy, my dilemma is that my head is just so cluttered up with every day life. I feel like I need a retreat (not a scrapbooking retreat =]) just to clear my head. I know that I take on too much. I have to learn to say no and learn to cut back the amount of responsibility I take on.
The thing I've been avoiding, I think, is just letting myself BE. I am always busy, always on the go, always hitting the pillow exhausted.
I think I am running from allowing myself time to find that creative and spiritual part of me. Yes, I said spiritual. They go hand-in-hand in my opinion. Regardless of your beliefs, there is a spirituality involved in knowing who you are. For me, it is a belief that God has created me to be creative. He has given me this desire and He wants me to be my best. Ecclesiastes 9:10a~"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might;..."
I struggle with knowing that He also does not want me to have the spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7~"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."), but that's what it is. The fear that I won't be accepted, won't be good enough, ....
I know that I won't be able to "fix" myself in one post. I am learning that this is a journey. I am ready. I want this. I want to be able to create, to feel, to worship, to be me - without worrying what anyone else thinks of it.
My plan to make this work in my life is that I will continue to read - I can't get enough - blogs and books and articles that will encourage me to get to my destination. I also know that on this journey I will have to pause from the reading and stop and DO. I'd like to take time to take some of the online classes that I've read about. There is so much out there. I will also continue to FOCUS and purge and de-clutter areas of my life until I feel that I have that space that is so important in order to flourish.
I am thankful for friends that make me THINK, push me to better myself, encourage me to be honest with myself, bring out the best in me. Thank you ladies! If I've ever left you a comment on your blog - I am talking about you!
1 Thessalonians 5:11~"Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."

It is but for a moment...

My pastor (my sweet husband) preached a message this Sunday that is still with me today. I have been playing the Scripture he shared over and over in my mind. My heart has been heavy lately with some things that I think I do have control over - but lost it - and some things that I don't have control over at all. I don't like it when things are "unsure" or "unsettled". I like a plan. I like to know what to expect...no, I am not a control freak. Why do you ask? *Ehem*

Anyway, he preached from 2 Corinthians 4:15-18 which says:

15For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
16For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
18While 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.

Aren't those verses powerful? I was so encouraged by it. We can not understand why bad things happen to good people. We will never understand why storms come into our lives, but let's remember that they are but for a moment.

Remember when you went through that hardship a while back? At the time, it seemed impossible to get through - but you did. Now, it is but a memory. You may have even grown from the situation. I know that when it rains, it pours. Yes, some things will not pass away as easily, but it is what life is all about. We have to take the good and the bad.

Do not be discouraged my friend. Like I said, my heart has been heavy and still is in some areas, but I feel as if the burden was made lighter by this Scripture reference.

It is my prayer, for all of my friends and family out there, that you will look on that which you can not see - not just what is in front of you - and have faith. Be strong. You too can be renewed day by day.

He is...

So, I wanted to try out Wordle. It was something I had seen on a few of my friends' blogs. It was pretty cool! I want to add more words to this, but thought I'd go ahead and post what I've already done. You should try it, too! (If you click on it, it will enlarge)

Blog Challenge #21 - Your Dash

This one is from MandaPanda:

Have you heard the anonymous quote: "Everyone’s tombstone will have two dates separated by a dash"? That little dash is your time on this planet measured against eternity. How do you plan to live out that dash? Your blogging challenge this week? Blog about your dash.If the above quote is truth, how do you plan to live out the dash in your life on this planet?

First, let me say that I really hope that my dash is not too little. LOL I'd like it to be a long, healthy dash. =]

Seriously though, I have an easy answer for this challenge. I plan to live out my dash as honestly as possible. I want to be true to my family, my friends, myself, and all those around me. If you know me personally, you know that I always say that it's better to "keep it real". Why lie? Why go around with this attitude that you know it all or that you've "arrived"? Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. You don't have to force yours down anybody's throat. Everyone makes mistakes. You don't have to act surprised or get offended if someone points yours out. We all have room to grow.

I want to live my dash in a way that will cause people to miss me and think about me in a positive way when I am gone. I want to live each day serving the Lord. That doesn't mean it needs to be out on the mission field or in a church building. It means that you show kindness and mercy to those around you. You take care of this planet. You take care of yourself.

Sometimes, my house is a mess. Sometimes, I get mad over nothing. Don't sweat it. You know you do to. It's okay. Let's make memories with our children. Let's show them how much we love them. Let's forgive wrongs - even if not asked. I know that I will try to. How about you?

Amazing video...amazing song!

This song is one of my all time favorites. It is called "Who Am I?" by Casting Crowns. I found this video on someone else's blog and knew I had to share it here. I love the way the interpret the song. Listen to the words:(Make sure you scroll down and hit stop or pause on my blog music playlist so that the video and blog music aren't layering. =] )

Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt.
Who am I?
That the bright and morning star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wondering heart.
Not because of who I am.
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done.
But because of who you are.
Chorus:
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow.
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord you catch me when I'm falling,
And you told me who I am.
I am yours. I am yours.

Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again
Who am I?
That the voice that calm the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me.

Not because of who I am.
But because what of youve done.
Not because of what I've done.
But because of who you are.
Chorus:
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow.
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord you catch me when I'm falling,
And you told me who I am. I am yours.

Not because of who I am.
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done.
But because of who you are.
Chorus:
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow.
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord you catch me when I'm falling,
You told me who I am.
I am yours. I am yours.

Whom shall I fear? Whom shall I fear?
'Cuz I am yours. I am yours.

Wow....

I haven't blogged since last Wednesday. There's a lot going on around me right now. A lot that I can't really share here. I have just found myself emotionally drained. I don't know why I let that happen to me. I should keep a level head and just watch from afar and evaluate, but nooooooooo. I've got to go and let my heart and my head get involved. So, what to do, what to do? I will go to Him. I will sit and think and pray.

I was taken to Psalm 119:65, 66 where it says: "Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word. Teach me good judgement and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments.

That is what I need. Good judgement. Some people are great judges of characters. My husband is great for that. He can see trouble (usually) coming a mile away. He will warn me when he gets that bad "vibe". Me? I usually laugh it off and say, "Oh, you're being too hard. That person is just misunderstood..." Only to have it buy me in the backside later. I just think that every person is real and honest upfront. Isn't that how it should be?

Then I am taken to Psalm 121:2 that says: "My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth." My God made the heaven and the earth and all that lies therein. You'd think I could trust Him to see me through these rough patches, right? Where is my faith. I am challenged to remember that He is awesome and mighty. There is nothing He can not do for me.

I like to have some quiet time in the morning before the rugrats are up. I have my coffee, the birds are singing outside and I can pray, meditate, read. I love it. However, there are days when I don't want to have that quiet time. Isn't that sad? The reason I don't want to have it is because I know that I will have my energy and spirit renewed. My problems or cares won't be fixed in a "snap", but my burdens would be lifted. Why wouldn't I want that to happen you say? Well, because I am human and sometimes we like to wallow in our self-pity. I know I do. I don't readily admit that to others - but hey - you are the lucky few that read my blog and get to know this. =]

My final thought today is this from Psalm 143:8 - 10: Cause me to hear thy loving-kindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies: I flee unto thee to hide me. Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.

If you are confused, hurting, wondering whether or not to forgive, feeling lost...I hope that these verses bring you some comfort or relief. I hope that you will share a comment or even a verse that has helped you. Yeah, serious post for me today, but I have been feeling this way for about two weeks. I want to breathe easy again!

Create in me a clean heart, O God...

The theme of our Ladies Banquet this year was Spring Clean Up. I chose Psalm 51:10 as our theme verse. "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." The speakers and I talked about not only getting our homes and lives in order, but also focusing on our spiritual lives. The same problem we have with dust, grime and clutter in our homes, cars, etc. often transfers over to our spiritual condition. I wanted this banquet to not be a reprimand, but more of a reminder (especially for myself) that we are not perfect, but in reality are on a constant journey to improve and enhance our lives every day. It would be sad to think that you have finally "arrived". Then what?

I know that many of you are like me. You want the best for your family, your home, yourself. You have good intentions, but at the end of the day - it seems you fall short of your goal. The laundry is never done, the homeschool stuff has a way of taking over the house, the dust magically appears two seconds after you dusted, your kids are hungry AGAIN, you fed them pop tarts for dinner... It's okay. Why lie? We all have those days, weeks, whatever! Don't beat yourself up over it. On the other hand, don't throw in the towel and wallow in your mess either. Start with one thing and work on it. A little each day. Some people call it Power 15's or they schedule two loads of wash a day. Decide that it's okay for your home to look lived in. Whatever. Make a dent. It will matter in the long run.

Our spiritual lives are the same. We have good intentions. We vowed in January to read the entire Bible, cover to cover. Now that you've let it fall by the wayside, you've only got 93 chapters to read today in order to catch up. Ugh. Forget it. Instead, set a new goal - a realistic goal. What's wrong with reading just a chapter a day or even a verse a day, or when you can and really getting something from it - thinking about it, claiming its promise and really knowing what it means for you? How about all that clutter in your heart. The feelings of anger, bitterness, low self-worth, hopelessness? You've got to work through those things and get rid of them. How about doing something great for someone today? How about spending time with your children and showing them how special they are? Sing a song of praise and worship to Him. Aren't those the things that really define a Christian? Spend time getting to know Christ more through prayer and meditation. This does not have to happen while you are prostrate on the floor at 4 a.m. for two hours. This can be done all day. While you're doing the dishes, driving (don't close your eyes), waiting in line somewhere... Keep a journal, make a list, whatever it is that works for you.

Let's stop acting as if we all have it "together" all the time. You know you get all crazy like everyone else trying to clean the house in a 911 fashion because a visitor is coming, you know you and hubby fought all the way to church...you don't have to tell everyone, but you also don't have to act like something you're not. To be a Christian means to be like Christ would be. To be real, not fake. Nobody likes a fake. Give yourself permission today to be real!

Life Lessons...

This challenge was presented by OkieScrapper (Gaye).

Life Lessons - When was the last time you had a life lesson -- one that made you feel "BETTER" about "YOU"? It doesn't have to be a life altering lesson; it can be something small, it can be something very minor, but it must be a life lesson. And it must be a GOOD life lesson. What was it?

Like many of you, I am usually burning the candle at both ends. I have a lot on my plate. Sometimes, it gets down right over-whelming. Lately, I have had several ladies at church ask me how I "do it all".

First, it humbles me that they think that I've got it all together. I am just a good juggler, I guess.

I have 4 children - the two youngest are 2 years old and 9 months old. I homeschool my two oldest. I am married to a pastor and we have a congregation that is very young and because we are a new church, I am a Sunday School teacher, Junior Church teacher, Kids Choir Director, Choir member, Ladies ministry leader, Kids club director and leader...*sigh*. I also have a household to take care of. I love to have company, so I try to keep my house presentable - I try to have a home-cooked meal for dinner every night for my family... Are you tired yet? Oh, I almost forgot to mention that I work a part-time job, as well. Technically though, don't all moms and wives have a list a mile long with all of their responsibilities?

Secondly, I honestly answer them and explain that I don't "do it all". I can't. I used to beat myself up for this and I refuse to do it anymore. I tell the ladies that no one is perfect. There is no need to try to be Super Mom or some kind of Domestic Goddess. Of course, if that's what you like to call yourself, that's fine too! LOL Just don't let others (or yourself) make you feel like you have to perform. I want the people in my life to know that I love them. I want them to feel special.

Lastly, I tell them that we can help each other to be better moms, wives, friends, followers of Christ, etc. Romans 14:19 says: Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Why should life be a contest? Why can't we all win? I don't ever want anyone to think that I can "do it all", because then no one would feel like they could help me - and I need help! I don't want to act like I can get by on my own. Let's BUILD each other up, instead of BEAT each other up.

Sharing this lesson with my ladies at church has helped me to learn a great lesson. I hope it can encourage you too!

Forgiveness...

Think about the following story. Who do you need to forgive?

The Sands of Forgiveness by Author Unknown

A story tells that two friends were walking through the desert. During some point of the journey they had an argument, and one friend slapped the other one in the face.
The one who got slapped was hurt, but without saying anything, wrote in the sand:
TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SLAPPED ME IN THE FACE.
They kept on walking until they found an oasis, where they decided to take a bath. The one who had been slapped got stuck in the mire and started drowning, but the friend saved him.
After he recovered from the near drowning, he wrote on a stone:
TODAY MY BEST FRIEND SAVED MY LIFE.
The friend who had slapped and saved his best friend asked him, "After I hurt you, you wrote in the sand and now, you write on a stone, why?"
The other friend replied "When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it."
LEARN TO WRITE YOUR HURTS IN THE SAND AND TO CARVE YOUR BENEFITS IN STONE.

Corrie Ten Boom, a Christian woman who survived a Nazi concentration camp during the Holocaust, said, "Forgiveness is to set a prisoner free, and to realize the prisoner was you."

Matthew 18: 21-22 (KJV) --- Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.