My word for 2015

"ACTION"

It's the word I have chosen for the year 2015.    #ONEWORD365

It's the year to stop this madness of procrastination. It's the year for a CALL TO ACTION!
Not just planning, but doing.

What holds me back the most?

Fear

• Fear of rejection.

• Fear of judgement.

And,  Excuses.  

It's not fun to admit. It's hard to set this out there for others to see. It's. the. truth.

You know that verse in the Bible about "speaking the TRUTH in LOVE" ? (Eph. 4:15) taking it a little out of context here  but I have to do that to myself today!

An "old self" that needs to be dealt with!

22 ...to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." Ephesians 4:22-24


"be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 1:22

That my friend is a call to ACTION!

You can ask me how I'm doing- keep me on my toes!

Have you chosen a word? Tell me about it!



Be blessed today!

Living on Purpose Today

I sorta woke up.
I schlepped out to the kitchen and poured my first mug of coffee and sipped the first sips with my eyes still closed. 

That was me this morning.

Ridiculous,I know!

I make goals  plans  er,suggestions to myself about going to bed earlier so getting up will be easier! 

Night comes and there I am having such a great time being awake that I don't go to bed.

I would love to be more intentional about my goals.

It's on my to-do list.

 I tend to start things than have a hard time finishing.

Easily distracted ? That's me!

Recently, I heard a quote  "Time+unintentional = ordinary" 

It stuck with me for awhile.Than I made big plans to be intentional.
Too big. 
I was overwhelmed. So overwhelmed I never implemented them.

But you know what? I am not giving up on myself.

"Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people)," Eph.5:15 (Amp)

Today I made a list and I stuck with it better than I normally would. 

I can choose each day to make a small change towards the better.
Building the habit bit by bit.

That is how you eat an elephant,right? 

Here's to all  you night owls -



Be Encouraged today! Hebrews 3:13

Middle of God's Heart

There are times I hear a song or read a quote and it simply will not let me go. 

 I turn up the volume,
 I sing at the top of my lungs
than a million thoughts begin tumbling through my mind.

The following questions came after hearing For King and Country's "Middle of your heart".

What does the middle of God's heart look like?

Where does my heart and God's heart meet?

When I follow hard after HIS heart what do the footprints look like?

When someone interacts with me do they see God-do they see the middle of his heart?

 Does it stir a desire in them to begin their own journey?

If I am following hard after him,if I am in the center of his heart EVERY day,
wouldn't the people around me see him- through me?

I know.

No questions asked.

Out there in the
sometimes messy place- called "the world",

how I respond

the words I say

the (what I think goes unnoticed) expression on my face 

 need to be a reflection of Jesus.
All need to bring glory back to Him.

I fail.

I fail a lot.

I need to choose e.v.e.r.y day 

to stay on that path 

to remain(John 15:4)

in the very center of Gods heart.

I am glad God is God. 

I am so thankful He remembers who I am.

I am Human.

When I fail -When I admit I failed and repent, he is there with open arms 

 wearing a smile 

reaching out like the prodigal son's father

 happy to see me come home.-back to the center of his heart  (Luke 15)

He remembers that I am made of dirt.

Be Encouraged Today!  Hebrews3:13

Five Minute Friday

It's 5 minute Friday!



Explained here!






Today's prompt : "CLOSE"


Go

You can take it both ways- close as in, "close the door" or close as in "close to my heart".
So, which one is it?
I started to ponder the difference especially the idea of my "heart".
Why the heart?
Because that is where I either let you , others and most of all God in or I shut you out- that is a BIG difference in the way my life will pan out or even end!
Close the door to my life,is a lonely place to be! no friends,no encouragement , no community .
If I hold you close to my heart-what a difference I can help you and you can help me. We interact IN Each other's lives.
It is a huge difference-really huge!
 So I need to decide today- will I hold the door to my heart closed or pull others in close?
It's a choice only you can make!

Stop!

That was fun! :) although-the desire to perfect it is hard to let go!

Have a lovely weekend!

Trying Something new!

A few years back I had the privilege to attend a "She Speaks" conference in North Carolina through Proverbs 31 Ministries. I loved every minute of it! Renee Swope from that ministry has written a book titled," A Confident Heart ".
What is the study about  you ask? I will borrow a quote from Amazon.com   "Often the biggest obstacle to living out our faith is our own doubt--about our worth, our abilities, our relationship with God, and situations in our lives. A Confident Heart gives voice to the questions, doubts, struggles, and hopes so many women have. Author Renee Swope shows us how to identify, overcome, and learn from our self-doubts so that we can live confidently in God's assurance, truth, and grace. A Confident Heart is an authentic, insight-filled and encouraging message for any woman who wants to exchange defeating thought patterns with biblical truth that will transform the way she thinks, feels, and lives. " 
  I am a newbie at the Prov.31 online Bible study - it started today! Join me!

Till next time,

Thoughts on Surrender

From a couple of months ago....


When I  think of  life directly around me, the part that you can see or feel along with me is calm and what I call "normal".If I dare to be vulnerable and let you see a bit of what is going on inside you may see something a bit differently.
If you could see my heart and read my mind you would see the struggle that I am having .Well, not sure I can actually call it a "struggle" but more like a debate with myself of sorts.
The debate around one word.
It's a word that is a verb.
It's an action.
but yet,
at the same time it's a state of rest.

 I have thought about this word more in the last week than I did (I believe) all my life.
Not that I have not had to surrender anything.I just was never at the point that I am now with that word.

Surrender.
I wonder....
What does that mean to me?
What does that mean for me?
Does it look the same in every one's life?
To be honest, I realize that I often think that when I surrender I am going to be asked to do what I don't want to. I will be miserably stuck.Yes, that is a negative thought -maybe even warped and wrong but hey I said I was going to be vulnerable! Don't give up on me -keep reading ....

Let's start somewhere
First , what is the dictionary meaning of the word? Here it is, thanks to (http://www.thefreedictionary.com)


sur·ren·der  (s-rndr)

v. sur·ren·dered, sur·ren·der·ing, sur·ren·ders

v.tr.

1. To relinquish possession or control of to another because of demand or compulsion.

2. To give up in favor of another.

3. To give up or give back (something that has been granted): 

4. To give up or abandon: 

5. To give over or resign (oneself) to something, as to an emotion: 

 I look at each definition and relate it to my relationship to God .
I pick it apart.
Process it.
Analyze.
Think think think.


God does not DEMAND me to relinquish control.He is so incredibly patient and loving with me . I imagine him waiting for me to simply see that it's the better choice,showing me,teaching me  but yet not FORCING me. He allows me to choose.
Than, I see the word "compulsion" in definition one - "An irresistible impulse to act, regardless of the rationality of the motivation" . 


If I am truly immersed and  overcome with who God is.When I see evidence of Christ at work .My reaction should be as one of  compulsion to fall on my face and say  "Anything and all for you. Where do you want me?" I imagine myself like the the disciples dropping their nets and following. What do I need to drop?

Than reality hits and I begin to 2nd guess and think about life and all the normality's that go with it. Life happens. 

The disciples dropped their nets in an instant to follow Jesus. Later, I read in John 21 how they were out fishing again . Although  "life" changed as they knew they it, they were still fishermen. I believe their focus changed. 
In John 21 After a big catch and a breakfast of fish Jesus asked Peter , "Do you love me more than these?"  I wonder what Jesus meant by "these" ? Fish? Maybe. Do I love __________ more than Jesus? (fill in the blank)

How does surrender look in my day to day? Like the disciples, I need to change my focus. Whatever it is that I do it's not about me or for me. All For Jesus....

Be blessed today!

In Stillness

Be still.
I sit here on a bench overlooking a beautiful cove .A spot I discovered here in Sarasota a few weeks ago.
I love this place! I often have twenty minutes to a half an hour before a weekly morning appointment on this day so I stop here.

Nature is alive here. Birds are chirping, pelicans are coming for their breakfast, seagulls squawking for their claim to their portion. Minnows tiny as they are, break the surface of the water nibbling for their breakfast.Bigger fish are showing off, jumping above the water.
                                              In all that activity.... 

                           This spot somehow relaxes and calms me.

Flash back to earlier in the morning---

  I was praying while getting ready for my day. I was asking for an answer from God about something.It was in a sort of desperate kind of way. In that desperation I heard; " BE STILL". I stopped. I listened.Than, I heard the answer.
A bit later I got into my truck to head out for the day and the message on the song on the radio was 

"BE STILL". Again.

I got to the park , found my bench than I immediately began my busyness of settling in,finding what I wanted on my Samsung Tablet (after all I only had 20 or so minutes before I had to be at my appointment). Again I heard " be still- enjoy my beauty".

When I stop and look around I realize this is a taste of the beauty of my God. He created this for me to enjoy.

It's HIM

 It is HIS touch.

For me. 

I can see God here.

If I'm still long enough I may even hear him.

I will not stop talking to God throughout the busyness of the day; short snippets of praise, requests for an answer,thoughts to discuss with him.

BUT

I do know

when I STOP

and am still- not only in motion but also in my words 

before my God .

I benefit so greatly.

Be encouraged!

Happy Anniversary to us!

Twenty Years.
20 Years.
10 +10 = twenty. No matter how I write it,say it or think about it- it's hard to believe I have been Chip's wife for that long!
 I cannot say it's always been smooth.The rough areas in the "road" have strengthened us. Has it been all joy walking this road together? No.We have not have not always seen eye to eye.What we have found is that {if you allow it} "iron sharpens iron".I would be lying if I would say that our marriage has been  pleasant at all times.
What I can say ?   Our LOVE runs deep.Learning and growing together is a joy.We have the same goal, it's not about us-it's about God and us working together to make this thing called life and life together work.

How have we survived? First and foremost
COMMITMENT

com·mit

  verb, com·mit·ted, com·mit·ting.

verb (used with object)

1.

to give in trust or charge; consign.

2.

to consign for preservation

3.

to pledge (oneself) to a position on an issue or question; express (one's intention, feeling, etc.)

4.

to bind or obligate, as by pledge or assurance; pledge: to commit oneself to a promise; to be committed to a course of action.

5.

to entrust, especially for safekeeping; commend: 

Commitment to God first than to each other. Work through the tough spots,never give up.

  SUBMIT.RESPECT. LOVE.
 Yes I said that "S" word.I said it along with the "R" word and "L" word because in a marriage relationship those 3 verbs are a MUST to make it work- running both ways.We both respect.We both love.We both submit.

"Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."  Ephesians 5:21

COMMUNICATE.
I can say that communication has been a HUGE saving face of our relationship. I credit that to a MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND we attended about 5 years into our marriage.Things we learned over that 2 & 1/2 day weekend {seriously} changed both of us and changed our marriage.
It was not an easy weekend. It was not one of those weekends that you sit in a crowd of 2000 people.It was us and maybe 5 other couples.A very small group! It was not about us getting to know the other couples.It was not about meeting some GREAT well known speakers.It was personal. It was about YOU and YOUR spouse learning to know each other and how to dialogue about it. At that it did!
I thank God for that opportunity!

Last week I was on a walk by myself.I was talking to God.I began thanking him for this man in my life.This man that I feel I don't deserve.This guy who loves me,who doesn't think my dreams are too crazy,who lets me talk about girl stuff and he doesn't roll his eyes.He genuinely loves me for exactly who I am at this time.Encourages me in my strengths and helps me recognize my weaknesses without judgment.Does this man ever raise his voice,get frustrated at me? I have to answer this with "yes" -BUT only when I have gotten so ridiculous that that seriously is the ONLY way to get through my thick head!
  I was so overwhelmed in this thought process and right their on the sidewalk I had a moment.A moment when tears were streaming down my face and I am pretty sure God was smiling saying,"I knew before you were born girl-I knew exactly who and what  you would need in a man,trust me,it was going to have to be somebody very patient !"

 I pray I am the same for him.
Which brings me to that ----PRAYER
There is a card I keep in my Bible,it is a list of scripture turned into prayers for my husband.On the flip side of the card are prayers for me to pray  as his wife.I cannot expect that God has blessed me with this man who puts his 100% into our marriage but be a  slacker on my part. I have to contribute my 100%.

Chip+Me+God = "Cord not easily broken" Eccl 4:12

In the twenty years together we have

• bought 3 homes (sold 2)
• had a miscarriage
• have 3 beautiful children
• walked through the death of my sister
• walked through the death of his brother
• traveled the 1800 miles between Florida and Pa. 20+ times
• moved from Pa. to Florida
• started 2 businesses

All in all we have by the grace of God survived!


Now before you think I am trying to paint this picture of us having it all together go back and read the first part  again. :)

It has not been a perfect 20 years but would I give up any portion of it? Not at all!

I publicly say "Happy Anniversary to my man!"

Resolutions - Better Late than Never...

It's Tuesday.
One week exactly from the first day of the year 2013.
I get up at 5 am after getting 8 hours of rest & begin journaling ,spilling my heart and it's feelings (because I know now exactly how to put them in words) all over the pages.I pray without my thoughts straying. I remain totally focused while sipping a healthy green tea instead of caffeine laden coffee.I drink 8 glasses of distilled water a day,run 4 miles without huffing and puffing.As the day goes on I check  items off my to-do list (that was made the evening before). My lunch plate holds a healthy salad with exactly 1 oz. of lean meat( if hummus isn't available). I quit the habit of procrastination .I don't snap at my children anymore and always,always greet my husband at the door with a hug and a kiss plus a smile and a cold glass of water.

You know  -that is so far from the truth!

This morning as I was driving home from dropping my youngest off at school I actually thought about this whole thing a bit.
I love New years.
I love the idea of new beginnings.
Somehow this year I feel as though I missed it.
I feel at loose ends.
I wish I could take my thoughts & my ideas that swirl around in my head ,sort them out and neatly put them on a pile. When I need them I could go to that pile and make use of the "organized thought".
I don't think it works that way.At least not in my brain.I have a mind that seriously can be thinking about a dozen things at once.So,while I haven't decided about the one thought yet I'm off to the next!
So, this year with all the areas I've been trying to sort out in my mind I haven't settled on any one thing to work on .You know put it on my "resolutions" list.
*sigh*
I feel a bit "Charlie Brownish" .

My sentiments exactly!

Things I do have on a "know for sure" pile and can back to;
God is still the same God he was in 2012.
I still have the same faith I had in 2012.
I love my family.
I love people.
I am loved.
(Although I have to remind my self and allow it to be released in me) I still have peace in the midst of all my thinking and unorganized thoughts.

Actually,I am learning to write down some of these thoughts because I know that I will forget them and try desperately to remember exactly what it was that I was processing.

Whoo boy-am I normal?
I read this back to myself and I wonder if maybe I should just put this in a VERY private journal because it sounds like a rather strange person!

So here I am one week late with my RESOLUTION list;

1.Spend QUALITY time with God not only merely reading the Bible but having dialogue with God.
(Shutting up long enough so he has a chance to speak! )I have been working on this for a while so this is a continuation of that.
2.Being a "Go Giver" in my work and my daily walk. -Wondering what that is? Ask me I would love to tell you! (It's one of those 1 million thoughts in my head that I have been sorting!)
3.Be a Grace Giver
4.Drink more water (seriously some days just drinking A glass of water is doing better than I was!)
5.Being more organized with my days
6. Exercise 
So, there you have it.Go ahead ask me sometime how I am doing! I would love it if you would.
If I look like I am deep in thought you may want to step away- although I do think I am normal!

Till next time,

Happiness is...

Funny thing -it was the morning after Christmas and one of my waking up thoughts was "am I any happier?" The thought came from the idea that I had just received some very nice gifts the day before. Gifts that were given from the heart and I thankfully received them. The thought  came from the fact that the week before I was in a lot of different stores hunting for what I was sure would make someones Christmas better.
 It wasn't a rebellious thought.
It wasn't meant to be "Scroogy" at all-just a thought that I pondered a bit,than realized again that stuff doesn't make me happier.
 I am happier because I made more memories with my family. Every year tradition happens and new memories are made. I am happy because I am blessed beyond what I deserve. God has blessed me with the GIFT OF SALVATION & GRACE EVERYDAY. The gift of a beautiful family who loves me unconditionally (and that is a good thing,otherwise I would be in trouble!)
I love this quote from Francis Chan;
" Do you know that nothing you do in this life will ever matter, unless it is about loving God and loving the people He has made?" 

Now we are in that funny-like week between Christmas and New Years.A week long time frame where when I feel like I'm on vacation but I'm really not.

Usually, we are in Pa.and we do winter "vacationy" things.
This year we are home . My mind keeps wondering if I am on vacation or if I should be working....(it's noon and I am still in my PJ'S -if that tells you anything!)
The children are up the road playing games at cousin's house with more cousins that are down from Ohio.They are having a great time free from school!
I am truly enjoying being a bit of both.Vacationing but yet working. It's great place to be!

Do something fun this week between Christmas and New Year-make a new memory (or tradition) and savor it!

Warm blessings to you,

Missing Something?

It's 4 days to Christmas!
Are you ready?
I ask myself , am I ready?
I check my list,
1.Make candy and bake cookies
2.Gifts for husband,child # 1,2, 3 & son's girlfriend, a white elephant party gift ......plus more
3.Christmas tree up
4.Wreathe on front door
5.Pandora music shuffle set
That about covers the "normal" things on a Christmas list.
Am I missing anything? - I feel as though I am.

My mind goes to the Nativity set that I set out every year.
There it is - the manger with baby Jesus snuggled into it.If he wasn't there , I would say again, "something is missing".Something big.The main theme. The whole reason for all this celebrating.
JESUS
That, my friend is how I have to live my life.Not just during the Christmas season.
E.V.E.R.Y. D.A.Y.
Everyday with Jesus IN IT.
Not snuggled neatly in my heart-sleeping but awake and  alive.
Active,
speaking,
loving
showing,
guiding,
communicating with me & me with Him
So,I determine that this Christmas  I will  enjoy all the traditions,family time,twinkly lights,cocoa and all the wonderful things(yes things) that make Christmas exiting and joyous.
 I will welcome a New Year at the stroke of midnight on December 31st.
During and after, I will walk each day with Jesus in it.I will not only listen for His voice,but be obedient to His instruction.I will be aware of Him ALWAYS.
Join me? I would love it if you would!

A merry Christmas to all and a joyous New Year!

Making a Habit "Stick"

New Year is just around the corner.One month from now. But why wait to start a good thing?

Funny thing, it's not in the planning or even in the starting. It's sticking with it- therein lies the rub! 
That's how it is for me anyway...let me tell you!

   I can get a little excited when I read about a new method of doing a particular thing. I begin the Google process,one window leading to the next till I am buried in websites. I used to go to the library and find a book on the subject .Now I can actually just go on Kindle Store and in moments I have a book in my kindle library (only if it's a steal of a deal!) for me to read about, " how to" form this good habit my life. 
This is the part I like,the research, reading the books, taking notes &  figuring out how this method is going to work.

The next thing I know it's a week later and  I come across the information I had gathered and  wonder why I am still struggling in that area.Well , maybe because I never kept up with it- ya think? 
 I've never been formally diagnosed with ADD but there are times when would be kind of nice to blame it on that!  I think sometimes it's just pure scatterbrained,disorganized thoughts. 

Hhhmm I wonder if there is a plan out there to organize thoughts?

It is the last day of November. Tomorrow starts a brand new month,a clean slate.A good time to start a new habit.
 First, let me say I am a pro  "yak shaver". So,this is going to be a REAL challenge!

 Here is the challenge for me.......Drum roll please....

I will have more productive days.I will reach this goal by not only making  lists but actually working on them.I will pick a chore and work on that for at least 1/2 hr. without "Yak Shaving" in other words ,becoming sidetracked.
  They say it takes 14 days to form a habit,surely I can do this for that long. 

Daily Docket 

(I found this "Daily Docket" printable daily organizer on Simple Mom blog.)
 I read somewhere that you should pick a chore and spend at least 15  uninterrupted minutes accomplishing it. So I will try to implement these 2 things,plus other ideas to accomplish this goal.

I heard this just the other day;
  " Success = 20% knowledge and 80% behavior"

I say I need to learn behavioral skills!

Is there anything you want to challenge yourself with? It's not New Years yet but let's get started a month early! :)

Endurance.... persistence...self control....

I leave you with a verse to ponder;

"Through his honor and glory he has given us his precious and wonderful promises, that you may share the divine nature and escape from the world’s immorality that sinful craving produces.
This is why you must make every effort to add moral excellence to your faith; and to moral excellence, knowledge; AND TO KNOWLEDGE, SELF CONTROL; and to self-control, ENDURANCE; and to endurance, godliness; and to godliness, affection for others; and to affection for others, love. If all these are yours and they are growing in you, they’ll keep you from becoming inactive and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:4-8 CEB

Game Shows and Faithfulness

 If there were a game show called "What If..." where they gave a dose of adrenaline plus worry tonic than proceeded to give life scenarios  asking me to take control of the situation using "what if's" and see how crazy it could get,  I would win every time - I would be a multimillionaire - they would call me back to compete against the best because it would be unbelievable!
 I've been thinking about Faithfulness.
Sticking it out.
Never giving up.
Am I good at that? To answer honestly- no.
But I do know for sure , God is always faithful!
When I am obsessing about something.Holding something so tightly in my grip because I fear that if I let go,if I leave it in anyone's (even God's) hand something is going to go wrong-not as I would want to see it play out.
That is when I begin -
 I  play "what if... " 
God has been speaking to me lately about HIS faithfulness. I keep hearing him say "Caroline, I am not walking away.I am not leaving you out to dry."
There is no situation that God will say "I drew this line,you stepped over it, I can't meet you there."
When I start to go around in circles in my mind, when I play that game I have to take a step back,breathe and ask myself -"What if that actually happened, would God still be there?" I always have to know the big fat resounding answer is always ,always YES!

God is so incredibly patient with me.I feel as though there are times he reaches out his hand accepts what I have surrendered to him only to have me turn around and try to grab it back again.
You know what? He remains.He doesn't walk away shaking his head ,giving up on me.
When I close my eyes and visualize this scene I see my God not only opening his hand to take what I have to surrender but opening both his arms folding me into his chest and smiling over me.
He knows.
He knows He's got it all under control.
He knows that there is hope for me.
I can squirm out of his hold just enough to look up into his eyes and return that smile- because I know it too-
 it just takes me longer.

Taste and See than DO!

TGIF!
I am looking forward to this weekend and all that's on the menu - literally!
It all started this morning already-
I stopped at Detwiler's farm market , I  splurged at the deli counter and got the maple smoked bacon (it was on sale!). I believe there are bacon,cheese melts gonna happen somewhere in this weekend!
This evening, a long- in- planning date with another couple to Pizza SRQ  a local pizza shop that has fabulous pizza  and "to die for" cannolis! I am expecting very animated conversation,laughter and encouragement.  Tomorrow morning I get to meet some friends that I rarely see  for brunch at  Milllies restaurant.We always have a good time ,catching up and sometimes helping each other figure out how to deal with situations we are coming up on in life.  While I am going on about my appetite I might as well add this fact, at this very moment I am enjoying a homemade pumpkin latte .I used this recipe for a ladies night at church last evening  it was a hit. I used  instant coffee (and I am a picky coffee drinker) instead of brewed. It was faster and tasted just fine  :)
 Obviously food wise it is going to be a great weekend .
  On Sunday night as I lay my head on my pillow the question will be this, when I spent that time with friends and family was my character as it should be,were the words that left my mouth, and the images my eyes took in pleasing to God? Ultimately,I need to "Taste and see that the LORD is good..." Ps. 34:8 Than, make being a child of God inviting and "salty" so others will want the LORD too!

 I was looking back over some of my drafts that have been sitting waiting for finishing touches and publication.This one seems very dated  but yet there was a message I thought might be relevant. If not for someone else,than me. :) This one tugs at my heart because since I wrote this Grant no longer takes  lessons from this gentleman but still benefits greatly from the things he learned . Also, The teacher today is in the middle of a huge trial-a trial in life that we all hope to never have to walk through- the death of a loved one (in this case a spouse) .I pray strength and peace over the family.
Here is the draft I was working on:

Beat beat beat...tap tap tap tap...I am sitting here at Grant's drum lesson while writing.I hear them drumming together with his soft spoken teacher giving bits of instruction and encouragement in-between.His teacher is a gentle sort of man with an incredible talents . Grant loves him and has really gotten quite well under his teaching. 
---Been thinking - it takes 2 to learn...one to teach one to accept  and apply the instruction. ---
A picture of what God has been working on my mind lately.
The teaching in the Bible that God gives to me.The changes he wants me to make in my life- only I can choose to make.He can instruct,nudge,encourage but I have the choice to do as he asks.We could take Grant to his drum lessons and pay the fee. Grant could  hear the instruction ,watch his teacher give the examples but if  Grant would choose to not  apply what he hears what good is it?  I have been wondering about myself and thinking about the little things that don't necessarily make me "non-christian" but that hinder me from living that fully abundant life. Hearing and reading the instruction but leaving it at that -not choosing to act on it.

Grant in action!

Today I add these thoughts:

 James 1 verses 22-26 "You must be doers of the word and not only hearers who mislead themselves.  Those who hear but don’t do the word are like those who look at their faces in a mirror.They look at themselves, walk away, and immediately forget what they were like.  But there are those who study the perfect law, the law of freedom, and continue to do it. They don’t listen and then forget, but they put it into practice in their lives. They will be blessed in whatever they do." 

You know it's a day to day,minute by minute growing experience. It's life. It's why we depend and lean on God.It's why we have each other. It's why we pick up the mirror God's word daily and read the same things again and again. Apply and re-apply.It's not a novel to be read through than to put on the shelf and forgotten. It's our GPS of sorts. ..do we get anywhere by sitting in the garage and punch in the address in our GPS? NO-absolutely not we turn right,make a U turn, recalculate.We follow the direction of the voice or read the guide at the top of the instrument . But than not only to read/hear but to DO.Than , only than do we reach the destination.
We end up exactly in the center of God's will!

Taste and see that he is good-than continue on reading &and  hearing his word but don't stop there- DO IT! :)

Since I was talking so much about food here is some foody eye candy - maybe you will be inspired to create something yummy ....

The children asked for baked oatmeal again- so yum-so simple! Add fresh fruit and milk and you have a great breakfast!

Our family Labor Day supper; Grilled sausage and bratwurst with grilled hot peppers(I buy them ,they eat them.Too hot for me!) Pasta Salad with Olive Garden dressing, Southern sweet tea .)We had Mac and cheese too plus Apple pie and ice cream to finish off the meal but no photos of those dishes)

 

And finally, a great summer snack.It may be a funny combo but I love it! -Nutella and crunchy Ginger Snaps (from Detwiler's Farm Market)with  homemade vanilla Iced coffee.....

Have a WONDERFUL weekend!

A Brand New Schedule

Today,Monday August 20,2012 is very different from any first day school  in this household ever. I am not sure about this whole thing-I really am not. I have been looking forward to knowing how this is going to go and dreading it at the same time.
I have been spoiled really since Logan was a Kindergartner which was 12 years ago. We enrolled him in a small private Christian school all went well. Courtney and Grant started their school life in the same manner at the same school. Other than one year of Grant going to a Charter School  our schedule has remained the same from August through June.We knew the school well and they knew us.Our last name was hard to say and hard to spell but they knew it and who we were when we called. A comfort zone in the real sense! This year all that has changed. Our "Comfort Zone" closed it's doors and we had to make choices and changes in a few weeks time.After lots of prayer, debate and conversation with Godly council , Grant is enrolled in a small private school,Courtney is homeschooling and Logan does not start school till January(long story).
I know that God has his hand all over this.I know that I shouldn't "worry about tomorrow,tomorrow has enough worries for itself", God has plans for all of us that are for the good and not the bad.I am training diligently to "Pray about everything,(try to)worry about nothing and pray about everything with thanksgiving,giving my requests to God". With effort I try to "think on things that are lovely, pure and true" . (Phil.4:6-9)
I love the way Peterson paraphrases it in The message;

"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

 Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies."

Some days this is much easier than others and today I will say it's been tough!
At the end of the day all went well, there were good reports and tomorrow is already in God's hands.

God Encounters

It's been too long.
It's not that I have been on vacation,nor that my mind has settled to nothingness,I returned here several times to try to put words in their place ...
I am back.

In the past week I have had God sightings - no, more like God encounters.

Soon it will be a week. Saturday 4:00 AM it will be.
We woke to the sounds of our young neighbor in desperate need of help.
What to do?
God said "go"- so I went.
I sat there with my arms around her on her concrete garage floor.She cried, she talked.I whispered the name of Jesus, giving encouraging words where appropriate but mostly just letting her talk as her mangled thoughts became words.She sat stiff and rigid,holding on to my hand.
I prayed with her and at that moment  her body totally relaxed against me.Jesus was there.
He was holding her.
He was holding me.-Oh he was ALWAYS there but at that moment I felt him.
I wanted to keep her there. She soon went back to the horror of the morning.
 I pray she will never forget that moment.
I won't.

Earlier this week the setting was completely different.I was sitting by the beach overlooking the water.I had a small time of just resting.It was if He found me there sitting still and came in close.Again it was just for a short moment , but I knew he was there- reassuring,encouraging.

You know He is always pursuing , always wanting to draw us close, have one on one time.
He is ALWAYS there.
I  just wonder...
 how many times I miss him because  I am too distracted or too restless to sit still long enough to feel.
Although,
I am convinced these encounters  happen in the middle of busy.
BUT if I don't know how it is to have him close or hear his voice  in quiet how will I feel him in busy or in noise?

Growing Pains

Had a good talk with a friend recently.
A very honest conversation.She took what I said and responded with truth.Truth that wasn't really fun to hear although, it will help me grow in the long run. It woulda been more fun to hear her say " nah~ your not like that at all..it's only the people in your life...they need to understand you...".
Growth is tough.
When you were little do you remember your parents talk about "growing pains"?
It doesn't stop when your fully grown ....except it's in character rather than stature... it still aches, just not our bones but our spirit.
With the pain of growth we become more Christ-like and better people.Though the end result is for our good ( and hopefully others,because we will be easier to live with).;0

Do you ever think that your enjoying holding that grudge a bit too much? It's a kinda  a good feeling to hold onto those thoughts that make you feel a little "more better" than the other guy? "psh...at least I don't __________"(fill in the blank) 
 "Whoa!"...my mind is telling me... that's exactly what Jesus called  " like a Pharisee" plus-"do not be like them"!
In the midst of the growing pains I hear God asking me to make that first move- the move that will reconcile.
Why ME?!
 I wanna argue back and remind God whose right , whose argument makes more sense,
-c'mon aren't I more Biblical-y correct here? He than reminds me that If I am so concerned about whose "Biblical-y correct" than I should not only listen to him but DO what He asked!
It stops me in my tracks, because you see-
I like justice-

but you know what?

Life is not always fair!
At any rate....
God knows what makes me grow...
what makes me more like Him...
sometimes it takes too many nudges before I move...
too many lessons...
too many days between hearing the direction and the actual doing it.
The wonder of it all?
He Never gives up on me.
He asked so I need to...
Swallow.....breathe....step out and DO what God asked.
Because if He suggested it doesn't mean it will be easy, but that He will be right there beside me encouraging,in front of me leading, behind me nudging.
After words he doesn't say "I told you so".Simply, "I love you ,next time don't wait so long- trust me".