Author Archive
Give up whaaa?
Sunday, April 4th, 2010He is not here….
Sunday, April 4th, 2010He has risen….
He has risen indeed!
Handling…No!
Thursday, April 1st, 2010I’m human. I want what I want when I want it! I ponder and mull over things…..I dream and wish….and scheme and plan. But how do I handle it when God says, No?
I must admit, I’m not always pure of heart with my emotions. I get bummed! I feel disappointment and I wear it proudly like a badge of honor. I even make people around me miserable (poor people). I guess I’m normal. But I don’t want to be like that.
Winning isn’t everything! How many times have we heard or said that one? If you’re a mom, probably a million! Life is full of moments of rejection. I can remember as a teenager not being chosen to join the very special girl club called Lionettes. It really broke my heart. I took it very personally because it was based on your personality and popularity amongst the teachers in our school. Yea, how’s that for molding young ladies? It was something that has stuck with me my whole adult life. Even though….I know my value doesn’t come from such things as club memberships. It just stuck, ok? (Beth Moore might peg this as an insecurity and I’d have to agree) Darn you, satan!
My kids have faced rejections as well. It’s even harder to handle (for me) than my not being selected for Lionettes. The hurt you feel for your child is multiplied tenfold. Competition is tough. They have had to work very hard to be in everything they’ve participated in at school. Nothing has been handed to them. Some no’s have stung so deeply that I sensed that connection from my own experience in high school. I’m afraid it will hurt forever. I try to remind them that God is in control and He has a plan.
We can bank on being told no….at some point in our life. It’s how we handle it that says something about who we are in Christ. I’m much more sure of myself 27 years later. But that doesn’t mean NO feels good. I like hearing yes or being told you win much more. Today on Lysa T’s blog, she posted about the She Speaks scholarship winners. This lady is such a sweety. She clearly understands how NO feels. Her words reminded me not to be torn up if I’m not chosen for one of the four scholarships. It’s not the end of the world. God knows what He’s doing and they will go to the ones who NEED to be there the most. 🙂
I had to confess to her in the comments section. When I hear such news, I feel that first twinge of “aaah bummer”! But then, I get so dang excited for WHOEVER it is that won….that I have to go and tell them. Like they need me to have a woohoo halleluia party with them or something. I know…..it’s crazy. I can’t help it. I’m a celebrator! I like to rejoice with my sisters & brothers in Christ. I can’t help but think…that’s what God would want me to do. His blessings are amazing and I should acknowledge them with my fellow believers.
Period!
So, if you are facing a NO today…..I pray that your heart would be quickly reminded that God has a perfect plan and that no…..was part of it.
Solomon said, that there is no greater thing in the life of a person: “but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life”,(Ecclesiastes 3:12)
He likes snakes
Tuesday, March 30th, 2010
My cat, I call him Guster or Gus (his name is Augustus)…has some pretty yucky habits. He’s a killer! A hitman! A murderer!
Yea, that’s a good thing….I know. But, he likes to bring them up to my backdoor for me to see. Ewww! Not a fan!
I’m trying to look at it like the glass is half full. At least he’s keeping these creatures from getting inside my house! Right?
Yep, that’s his job! And I’m keeping him happy!
F A S T I N G
Monday, March 29th, 2010During this season of Lent I haven’t given up anything in particular. I haven’t ever focused on this sort of self-denial ideal in my faith walk. Not because I think I’m so special or good. Just that, as a follower of Christ…I’ve chosen to deny myself many things to live as an obedient servant….everyday. I’ve never really heard (in the circles I’ve been a part of….preacher boys, seminary type folk) of giving up Coca Cola for Lent or chocolate. It’s not been something of necessity.
(please do not misread me….I’m not claiming that giving up something is not good for the Christian to do)
I try to live in moderation. I don’t overeat, drink alcohol or smoke and I don’t hang out in places that a mama my age shouldn’t. I’m reserved. Conservative. I try to walk the line. I care about my reputation and hope to honor God with my life…in everyway.
But, I’m not perfect! I fail. I goof up. I fall short. A lot!
This week, I’ve taken on a FAST. Why? Because I felt God wanted me to. I haven’t misbehaved or gone over the top. I just knew that I needed to stop and think about how I spend my money. I don’t have much of it to blow in the first place. But, I’m the queen of justification. I can spend $2 bucks here and there and have crazy junk to show for it (THAT I DON’T NEED!!).
My fast is that I will not spend money on “whatever” this week. Today(Monday) through Easter Sunday. If it’s not in my budget or on my grocery list……I ain’t buying it! Period! I’m not a wild willy-nilly spender anyway. But, I’m choosing to walk away from ANY SWEET DEAL that may appeal to my shopping desires!
Call it a denial if you want…..I’m feeling good about my decision already. I know that God has a lesson for me and it may be a bit more painful than I’m actually anticipating. Pray for me. I just might be up against more than I can handle!
What I know:
Most wealth comes from saving.
People who spend all of their money have no money.
Deuteronomy 8:18 says, “Always remember that it is the Lord your God who gives you power to become rich.” And Psalm 24:1 tells us, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”
I missed it (CLASS OF 84)
Sunday, March 28th, 2010
Last night was my high school class reunion. In Florida. Over 1000 miles away. Yea, I couldn’t make it! It was a bit far and a lot expensive to travel there again (after just being there 2 weeks ago).
I was anticipating the event for months. A friend bought my ticket to attend (cause he’s nice like that). But it went unused. Twenty six years is a long time to be out of school. From the pictures…..everyone looks the same, like someone’s parents! 🙂
Senior yearbook picture
I’m at the top, left photo!
Over the last few months, I’ve spoken with several classmates who shared pretty sad stuff about their lives in high school. Some experienced terrible bullying while other’s were living in horrible abuse at home. It reminded me just how little we know each other in school. I thought I knew my friends well. Obviously, I didn’t.
Very sad……and terribly heartbreaking!
My own experiences were fairly positive. I didn’t have a problem with bullying. I loved school and getting to see friends. My social butterfly gene runs deep! I was always looking for fun (not the party girl kind)! Most of the fun was geared around my BFF’s Joy and Sonja. We could make any event a blast!
It was the 80's! Short shorts were in!
I can’t help but smile thinking back on those days. I guess that’s why I’m so sad I wasn’t there to share in reminiscing with the people who knew me while I was “growing” up. You know that “if you could see me now” thinking? I’m not who I was in HS. I’m much better, I’m improved and refined in many ways.
I'm the 3rd from the right (pink dress)
I’m grown up and mature. I’ve learned so much about life and I hope they have too. The things we thought were important back then….really weren’t so important afterall. I wanted to see who, what, when, where and how in each of their lives. I was hoping to see lives that were changed because of what Christ had done. But, I missed it!
I’ve looked at some of the pictures this morning. Many friends look just the same…..other’s, I don’t even recognize. That’s how it is with life. We change. Sometimes for the good and sometimes for the bad. I couldn’t help but wonder what they would have said about me. {Had I changed, That I looked the same (not), She’s fat/ugly/old lady/didn’t age well?). I think that’s normal. Right?
Me on the top row!
I’m on top row, 3rd photo.
I may never see any of them again. So many of my classmates have passed on. That happens when you’ve been out of school for 26 years. We get old! We face adversity, illness, car accidents and for some, suicide. Time is a racer! It gets away from us before we know it. And then we wake up one day…..to realize we’ve been out of school for______?!
Of all the things I feel this morning……the one that keeps coming back to me is, am I living my life in a way that honors God? Does my life count for more than just being someone’s wife and mom? If I were to answer those questions, I’d have to say…..sometimes.
I’m happy that the reunion was fun! From the pictures it looked like many were able to pick right back up where they left off. That’s great! I know that things happen for a reason and there’s always another chance……maybe I can attend the event for next year. The entire 1980’s graduation era will be hosting a reunion downtown in my hometown of Wauchula. Hardee High School 80’s Decade Reunion!
Maybe?
Me, the summer before senior year
Note: To see the entire picture, you’ll have to click to enlarge.
