Showing posts with label Live Fully. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Live Fully. Show all posts

Monday, July 25, 2011

Don't shrink back, believe.

The days turn to weeks and the weeks to years. You can get lost. Each one counts, each one a choice, a chance to be who you always wanted to be...

...the girl God said he'd never leave or forsake, the one he promises to finish, the wife who loves with the unconditional and the mommy that harvests only when the crops are ready.

Don't harden your hearts I read.
It's tough but His word is alive and active. Sharp, read it, learn it, chew on it.
Don't crucify Him again. Once is enough. He loves you.

The old has gone the new has come, now Have faith. The ancients did. And they didn't receive it, that which was promised to them. God had plans, bigger and better.

The way can be confusing, the path overgrown with sinful nature, the light at the end barely visible. Stumbling, groping, trying to make my way without Him is impossible. The weeds catch my feet and the thorns pierce with pain. This doesn't feel like joy.

No discipline seems pleasant at the time.
Train, the harvest will come.

Persevere. Run the race. The one set out. With Jesus as the prize.

So I choose you. I do as you say. I call for you. You come to my side. I keep walking, learning, trusting and maybe my God has plans, bigger and better for me too!

~Transforming this life in Hebrews


Grateful for All This, #133-#172

catching up...a whole year
glow of the moon lighting the path ahead
begs for bedtime stories
the need for this Mommy's love
heart/soul that longs to see you gifts
warmth in the sheets after a restful night
sleepy smiles
friends who love
the hum of his muffler
calloused hands soaking in dishwater to bless me
busy little bodies ready for learning daddy's lessons
morning hugs that heal
excitement for things yet to come
pancakes and yummy sausage
relaxing days at home
fresh eggs
patience rewarded
the suns warmth
sweat from the run
playful giggles from park toys
conviction in his voice
breakfast sandwiches, homemade
stretching the creamer with milk
opportunities to serve
Boys vs Girls
spring bird songs
wet ground, soaking up the dew of morning
screen doors
soothing music
candlelit mornings
crisp autumn air
silverware drumsticks
cozy slippers
warm sheets on chilly mornings
chalk written spelling words
good morning calls
curled up lips
store bought fall leaves that bring me to another place
streaming pictures of our adventures



Monday, November 2, 2009

Mama Said What?

Today I'm simply thankful for reminders:

that God loves me and I love Him
that I need to spend quality time strengthening our relationship
that when I seek Him with all I have, I will find Him
that I need to put Him first in everything I do
that I am never going to be perfect but I don't have to be either
that my kids are gifts to me
that my husband is my partner
that I love them and they love me

that no matter what happens on any given day I get to choose who I'm gonna glorify; Me or God?

that everyone gets the same amount of time in a day; What will I do with mine?

that we don't only wear our seat belts in heavy traffic thus we can't cram God's word in our hearts at the last minute. We need to be prepared for the emergencies!

that I am a princess, that is, a daughter of the king!

#122-132

Monday, October 5, 2009

What glasses are you wearing?

Yesterdays sermon impacted me and I want to share it with you!

Pastor spoke of glasses and the ones we wear or don't wear effecting the way we see everything. It make me think of any one of my days, how I view people I come in contact with, how I see them graciously or judgmentally.

1 Samuel 16:7 says..."The Lord does not look at the things man looks at . Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
I am thankful He looks at me this way...the heart and not the outward appearance cause frankly I can look quite ugly sometimes. Shouldn't I too then look at others this way? Occasionally, I find myself giving others the grace and acceptance the Lord gives me but much less often than I should expect from myself.

I have often found myself saying to husband or kids," be nice, who knows what is going on in their life right now!" Then other times, in my own conscience it doesn't register. I surely expect others to see me as God sees me, then I don't do the same for them.

What's the answer to the dilemma you ask?
To wear the right glasses. It's a choice...like loving those who are difficult to love. It's a choice...to put on the glasses of grace and humility.

So I ask you...Do you see clearly?

...For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:35-40

Lord, open the eyes of my heart that I might see others the way you see them! And Father, when they look at me let them see You!

I'm thanking in advance for...

116. clarity in my vision
117. challenges to grow me deeper
118. opportunities to give a God kind of grace to those around me
119. check ups for my character
120. sermons that make sense
121. prayers with touch
122. growth you can feel

Monday, September 28, 2009

In All My Imperfections

Here I sit another day passed, another day of mistakes and another day of forgiveness. Here I sit with my heart hurt, the way I tick, the way I fail you and you still love me! Thank You for loving me, Thank you for not giving up on me, Thank you for encouraging, forgiving and never leaving me!!!

And you show me all these things, things to praise you for...


83. their whispers from the couch
84. fall decorations
85. potatoes the size of small melons
86. 5 senses in which to take it all in
87. the blue/gray sky at dusk
88. clean skin after long dirty day
89. chlorine bleached finger nails
90. the contrast of hair and personalities
91. completed school days
92. smores from the oven, made by little hands
93. endless giggles
94. responsibility
95. the quiet at bedtime
96. clean sink when dinners done
97. the shine of his freshly shaven head
98. the smile in his eyes
99. stillness in the pond
100. brisk morning walks
101. blankets of vines covered with bright purple trumpet flowers
102. surprise visits from friends
103. handmade bag
104. the "playing" of school even after school is done
105. dirty little fingers
106. lots of laughs and joy
107. chicken on the bone
108. hungry bellies
109. hugs for a friend
110. the season that brings us bounty
111. celebrations for those i love
112. daddy spending time with his son
113. electricity
114. garage door openers
115. alarm clocks

Now I look in awe at your creation and take it all in, yes every little thing...

Monday, September 21, 2009

Wow!

Today the gratitude is endless...

restful sleep
warm sheets
waking up on time
bible reading by lantern light
sunrising across the trees
prayers that connect
curriculum schedules
our willingness to comprimise
life lessons
christian artists on xm radio
crock pots
meal planning
coupons
opportunities to contribute
the overcoming of fear
happy little guy coming home from school
ginger ale
chicken soup
reenacted bible stories totally impromptu- peter walks on water and Pharaoh/plagues
being on time

#62-81
I could go on today but I'll save some for next week!

Monday, September 7, 2009

Ending this Season

With the change from one time to the next,
I can see Him all the more clearly.


As Summer comes to an end...
His majesty in the sweaty days of summer, the heat of the Florida sun, cold water to cool the steaming skin. I am amazed how he planned it to move through time, everything having it's season.



And as Autumn approaches...
the heat begins to fade, cool breezes blow through the air, blankets feel cozier than ever and the dieing begins. The time for Summer fun draws to an end, the time for windows to be open and comfort foods served, rises again.



This Summer season has proved to be a rocky one, many mountains and valleys. But just as there are seasons for this earth, there are seasons for this life. High and low, beautiful and ugly...all for the growing. Consider it pure joy (every season), ... knowing that the testing of your faith develops perseverance!

God as this season comes to a close and the next takes it's place:

Grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

#50-61

Monday, August 31, 2009

Psalm 8

O LORD, our Lord How majestic is your name
in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.
From the lips of children and infants
you have ordained praise
because of your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.

When I consider your heavens,
the works of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
You made him a little lower then the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:
all the flocks and herds,
and beasts of the field,
the birds of the air,
the and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.

O LORD, our Lord How majestic is your name
in all the earth!

This day I am thankful for the opportunity to read these words, for the chance to take in His majesty. Thankful that I have been given the opportunity to impact this world for the God who David wrote in awe of, for the God who's majesty is indescribable!

#45-49

Monday, August 24, 2009

Capturing each moment

Without my camera I notice how much I really loved it, just a simple Kodak point and shoot but oh the memories I was capturing.

This time I am thankful for:


32. Each and every time I can snap a precious picture even if only in my mind
33. She reads to him before nap time, with puppets and all
34. His coming back 1hr later for the half a PB&J we saved that
"he just couldn't eat, too full"
35. Tractor running all morning, wiping away the tall sun burnt grass,
revealing lush green
36. Pearly white teeth yet to take their journey to my jewelry box
37. Soft sheets & Feather pillows
38. The single freckle on his nose
39. Warm brownies with cold milk
40. Their willingness to stay up, listen and encourage, I love you both
41. My Bible, Gods spoken Word
42. Saturday morning shows on ch.45 The Good Life,
that is what it is...
43. Expectancy... for what God will do each day
44. T.V. off for Family devotions in Philippians

Priceless...

Monday, August 17, 2009

Today

Is ...
beautiful
full of opportunities to praise Him
filled with moments to shine/glow for God

Thank You for allowing me to be a light for You!
Go before me this day and prepare me/them for each and every situation we come to encounter, help us to give you the glory for things you have done and things you are yet to do.

28-31

Monday, August 10, 2009

The many things I miss

I didn't realize how many things I miss like...
#11-27

a dragonflies fragile wings
the strength in a thunderstorm
her sweet smile
the shine in my ring
cushions on the couch
coffee with cream
library cards
and simple dreams
muffins made from their little hands
the early morning hug from his little brown body
her eagerness to help
and his willingness to work yet not want
carpet shampoo
their imaginations
hot chocolate mustaches
kind words from a stranger
the smile of a friends heart

God don't let me miss anymore! I am so grateful for even the smallest of gifts you have shown to me. I love this life and can't wait to see whats next!

Monday, August 3, 2009

This can't make things worse!

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18


So, I've decided to start counting my blessings. I read this weekend that we really are made to worship and praise the Lord and what better way to do that than begin taking note of all the blessings around us. No matter how small or insignificant it may seem, the things God has placed around us and the moments He allows us to experience are meant for His Glory, for His praise!

Today I'm going to begin praising Him by recognizing His gifts to me and really to all of us! My goal is 1000 and I'm not going to set a time frame other than posting them every Monday. I'll count them and jot them down throughout the week then compile them all here. I can't wait to see how fast they add up! Here Goes!

1. Fresh cut grass
2. The Colors of the sunset
3. Quiet times
4. Red Lights which make me slow down and absorb the moment
5. A child's curiosity
6. The armor of God
7. Friends that love me like Jesus does, no judgement, no expectation, just unfailing love
8. Gods word which I am learning to buckle around my waist
9. Cool pool water in the heat of Summer
10. Time to take in the nature around me and fall in love all over again