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.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
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:
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.
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
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.
Friday, August 16, 2013
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 "
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.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
It was worth the wait
It's been three months since we moved into our new home. In one sense it seems like we've lived here forever. Yet an empty living room and dining room told me that we were not settled. Day after day I surfed the internet, searching for that perfect fit. I took two trips to NC to visit family AND furniture shop and visited our local galleries many times. It seemed like the sales people knew me better than I knew myself as I flitted about from couch to couch. It was such a big decision as it had to fit the decor of our new home and it had also fit me.
Little by little the pieces came together and I made my decision. Now I just needed to wait for them to be delivered. The dining room table took 2 months to arrive and then on Tuesday, well what a great day! the dining room set and the living room furniture both arrived. I can't explain it, but a peace settle over my soul and I now feel settled.
One of the first things that came from my lips was WOW! it was worth the wait. Then another thought came to my mind. "Is this what we will say when we get to heaven?" This life is full of uncertainties and unsettling situations, and it is easy to think that the here and now is all there is to life. Yet, when we reach those golden streets and see the face of our Lord, well, it will be worth the wait.
As much as that is a glorious thought, it is also a reminder: Will He say "Well done good and faithful servant." I encourage you as I encourage myself to live everyday with that thought in mind.
Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Little by little the pieces came together and I made my decision. Now I just needed to wait for them to be delivered. The dining room table took 2 months to arrive and then on Tuesday, well what a great day! the dining room set and the living room furniture both arrived. I can't explain it, but a peace settle over my soul and I now feel settled.
One of the first things that came from my lips was WOW! it was worth the wait. Then another thought came to my mind. "Is this what we will say when we get to heaven?" This life is full of uncertainties and unsettling situations, and it is easy to think that the here and now is all there is to life. Yet, when we reach those golden streets and see the face of our Lord, well, it will be worth the wait.
As much as that is a glorious thought, it is also a reminder: Will He say "Well done good and faithful servant." I encourage you as I encourage myself to live everyday with that thought in mind.
Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Spring has Sprung
Spring is in the air. The flowers are blooming and Rich is mowing the lawn as I speak. The sun is shining and I was able to take a few picture of the view out my front window. Beautiful!!
Although we are not in the spring of our life span, we have spring in our hearts. After several years of stress and turmoil, we are finally at peace. And it's like a breath of fresh air on a spring morning. As we look back we realize how much we have learned through it all -- mostly about ourselves and life in general. We talk less and less about what happened or what it could have been and more about enjoying life in New Jersey and being closer to the kids. We are excited about what the Lord is doing at Shawnee Baptist Church and revel in His goodness.
So I we munch on those thoughts, here are a few pictures to help you slow down and enjoy life, too.
Although we are not in the spring of our life span, we have spring in our hearts. After several years of stress and turmoil, we are finally at peace. And it's like a breath of fresh air on a spring morning. As we look back we realize how much we have learned through it all -- mostly about ourselves and life in general. We talk less and less about what happened or what it could have been and more about enjoying life in New Jersey and being closer to the kids. We are excited about what the Lord is doing at Shawnee Baptist Church and revel in His goodness.
So I we munch on those thoughts, here are a few pictures to help you slow down and enjoy life, too.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Nana Please
A few months before Christmas, I got a call from Nathan saying "Nana, would you please make me a new blankie. How can you resist a plea like that. So in my inexperienced state of knitting I tackled a blankie. First of all, because I wanted it to be special, I picked out a yarn I thought would make a nice blanket, then I picked out the needles and began my project.
It wasn't long before I realized the yarn I had picked out was not the easiest yarn to use and it got tangled easily. After it was too late to turn back, I realized I had added double the amount of stitches and it ended up being a Blanket instead of Blankie.
Although it didn't turn out perfect, at least in my eyes, Nathan was thrilled to get it and it definitely is cozy and fun to snuggle up to.
In my inexperienced state of life, I seem to tackle life projects in the same way. I'll choose something thing beyond my ability and in the process is seems to get tangled and I get frustrated. But in the end, when it is finished and I turn it over to my heavenly father, He doesn't see the imperfections, He just sees the love behind the gift.
In John 12 we have the story of Mary, who took some costly oil and anointed the feet of Jesus. His disciples only saw the imperfections in the gift, but Jesus was pleased and said "Let her alone." Jesus loves for us to come with our imperfect gifts that say "I Love You."
Every time Nathan snuggles up to his blankie (or blanket) I'm sure he is not laughing at the size or the imperfect stitches, I hope he just see my love.
It wasn't long before I realized the yarn I had picked out was not the easiest yarn to use and it got tangled easily. After it was too late to turn back, I realized I had added double the amount of stitches and it ended up being a Blanket instead of Blankie.
Although it didn't turn out perfect, at least in my eyes, Nathan was thrilled to get it and it definitely is cozy and fun to snuggle up to.
In my inexperienced state of life, I seem to tackle life projects in the same way. I'll choose something thing beyond my ability and in the process is seems to get tangled and I get frustrated. But in the end, when it is finished and I turn it over to my heavenly father, He doesn't see the imperfections, He just sees the love behind the gift.
In John 12 we have the story of Mary, who took some costly oil and anointed the feet of Jesus. His disciples only saw the imperfections in the gift, but Jesus was pleased and said "Let her alone." Jesus loves for us to come with our imperfect gifts that say "I Love You."
Every time Nathan snuggles up to his blankie (or blanket) I'm sure he is not laughing at the size or the imperfect stitches, I hope he just see my love.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Miraculous Provision
With fear and trembling we signed on the dotted line as we handed over our life savings for a down payment on our new home. Whew! With that finalized, we begin the process of moving into our new home. Throughout the week we had moved some of the more delicate things and Saturday, as I waited for the rests of the movers to come, I randomly turned on the itunes on my computer. The first song that came up was a song from Children's Bible Hour. It went like this:
This is no time for fear
This is a time for faith
And determination
Don't loose the vision here
Carried away by emotions
Hold on to all that you hold in your heart
There is one thing that has always been true
It holds the World Together
God is In Control
We believe that his children will not be forsaken
God is In Control
We will choose to remember and never be shaken
There is no power above or beside Him
We know OH OH OH
God is In Control OH OH OH
God is In Control
God is so gracious, isn't He? Just when we were making our move final, He reminded us that HE IS IN CONTROL. One year ago, I would never have dreamed this scenario. But as the 25+ worker bees began loading and unloading our stuff, we realized we have a new family now; people who love and cherish us and value our input into their lives.
For those God entrusted to us in the past and for those He has entrusted to us in the present & future . . .
We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Thessalonians 1:2-3)
This is no time for fear
This is a time for faith
And determination
Don't loose the vision here
Carried away by emotions
Hold on to all that you hold in your heart
There is one thing that has always been true
It holds the World Together
God is In Control
We believe that his children will not be forsaken
God is In Control
We will choose to remember and never be shaken
There is no power above or beside Him
We know OH OH OH
God is In Control OH OH OH
God is In Control
God is so gracious, isn't He? Just when we were making our move final, He reminded us that HE IS IN CONTROL. One year ago, I would never have dreamed this scenario. But as the 25+ worker bees began loading and unloading our stuff, we realized we have a new family now; people who love and cherish us and value our input into their lives.
For those God entrusted to us in the past and for those He has entrusted to us in the present & future . . .
We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Thessalonians 1:2-3)
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