Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

As I sit at the air port waiting for my flight a million things fly through my mind. I guess it is true that when you take time to rest relax and smell the roses it refreshes your mind and clears up all the junk you've allowed to clutter your brain and the creative juices start to flow.

First of all I want to reflect on benefits of being loved unconditionally. Coming from a position a leadership where everyone is a critic it always takes me off guard when I'm in an environment when I can just relax and be myself.  So I just want to say a big thank you to my parents and my siblings for loving me just the way I am. Someone once told me that when you love someone even their idiosyncrasies are endearing. We all need to be loved.

I've been reading the book DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF . . . and it's all small stuff by Richard Carlson. As I jump from chapter to chapter some words keep reappearing; inner peace, well being, sense of gratitude etc. His focus is not on what we accomplish but on who we are; on others rather than ourselves; and on being kind vs. right.

Although he never mentions God or the Bible I sense that Jesus would be saying "amen" to much of what he says.  Here are some scriptures that come to my mind.

Consider the lilies of the field, . . . If God so clothes the grass of the field, . . . will he not much more clothe you. . . Therefore do not be anxious . . . But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. (Matthew 6: 28-34) In other words, don't worry, do what is right and God will take care of you.

Be kind one to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another. (Ephesians 4:32) In other words, Being kind is better than being right!

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (Philippians 2:4) In other words, don't always think about what you want or like, but think about what is best for others.

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. (James 4:8) In other words, stay connected to God through prayer.

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? (Luke 6:42) In other words, when you stand before God, you will only have to account for yourself, so don't worry about others.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6) In other words, finds things to thank God for and express that to others. And if you have a need or desire - Talk to God.

As I close this blog, I just want to encourage you, as I encourage myself, to STOP Sweating the Small Stuff; focus on God and the many blessing he has given us and be Thankful.

Anticipation

This week is a week of anticipation. My sister and her husband are coming on Saturday to spend a whole week with us. I can't wait to show them our world.

The older I get, the more I love to spend time with my family. But then I need to ask the question; WHY? Why is this my happy place?

For me, here are a few things I have come up with:

• Secure - They love me just as I am
• Acceptance - Even if they give advise and try to help in areas I struggle with they don't make me feel like they are trying to "fix" me as if I'm broken, or as if they have all the answers
• Happy - They are happy for me when I succeed
• Weep - They listen to me without judging me when I'm going through a tough time
• Respect - Their actions show they respect me and treat me as if I am valuable to them

And the list could go on . . . .

I am so thankful for this happy place. But then I look into scripture and see that with God as our father, he can supply all we need. Here are a few verses to contemplate.

Psalms 16:9-11: Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure . . . You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right had are pleasures forevermore.

Proverbs 14:9: Fools mock at the guilt offering, but the upright enjoy acceptance

John: 15:11: These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full

Romans 12:15: Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep

Jeremiah 31:3: I have loved you with an everlasting love, therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.

I'm Back!

Hard to believe that it has been almost three years since we moved to NJ. I started my blog for theraputic reasons. For various reasons, I stopped.

Now, I'm back. Personally I need a creative outlet, and I'm hoping that what I share is entertaining and encouraging.

So since it's been a while, here is an update on the family. As with all Nana's, spending time with my kids and grandkids is the highlight of my life. Last summer everyone made it to NJ for 4 fun filled days of family reunion. What a great family we have. The families all pitched in with the cost of food, and even the men got in on the cooking action, fixing their own favorite foods. Can't wait to do it again. I love watching the cousins play together.

One of the major changes in my life recently has been prompted by my sister. She has various health issues and began a strict diet to find out what triggers her problems. While in Michigan "all us girls" decided to work on that too. For me, going gluten and sugar free has been a life changer. Not only have I lost weight, but the swelling in my knees and aches in my legs have diminished. So in the future I will be sharing some of my secrets.

Which brings me to a reminder to us all: Hebrews 10:25 "not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

On September 13, I plan to meet with a few women at the Gathering Place at our church for a short devotional, prayer and fellowship. If you are interested in joining us, let me know. We will be using Juanita Purcell's book Be Still, My Child" on the book of Psalms. She writes "

Be still -- slow down!

Take time in God's presence;

Listen to His whisper,

"Be still, and know that I am God."

Set aside all your busyness, thoughts, and jobs to be done.

Just be still and quiet before God.

He will not compete with your busyness;

You must choose Him first!

When you put Him first, you finally

Really get to know Him.