New Years is hours away and soon there will be lists of resolutions floating about…
What a great way to begin a year: by making lists of things that probably won’t be achieved and a schedule we won’t stick to. Sounds rather depressing to me. Sure, there are some who are determined enough to finally kick the discipline into gear, change their lifestyle and hold to their resolutions, but for the majority of America’s population that just doesn’t happen. I sure know it doesn’t for me!
So now what?
What if our “list” contains only one item and we focus on that: Seek God.
Instead of lists of things that we deem necessary to achieve in order to live a complete and fulfilled life, what if we strive to pursue a deeper walk with God, trusting Him to help us change the things that need to be changed and give us the courage and faith to persevere thru life.
Not that other things aren’t important, but if you're spending more time focusing on God, other things begin falling into place. If you’re unhappy with the way your life is headed, perhaps it’s time to reevaluate your relationship with Him and take an inventory of what’s inside your heart & mind. It’s never too late for a fresh beginning and January seems like as good a time as any.
Everyday is a bank account, And time is our currency
So no one’s rich, nobody’s poor,
We have twenty-four hours each
So how are you gonna spend, Will you invest or squander
Try to get ahead, Or help someone who’s under
Teach us to count the days, Teach us to make the days count
Lead us in better ways, Somehow our souls forgot
Life means so much, Life means so much
Has anybody lived who knew the value of a life?
And didn’t He give His own
to show the worth of yours and mine?
Everyday is a gift you’ve been given,
Make the most of the time every minute you’re living. . .
Happy New Year’s, my friends.
I hope 2010 holds many exciting adventures for us all.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Precious Sleep, Where Art Thou?
Last night I woke up at 2 AM and was completely unable to go back to sleep. A superfluous amount of topics were flying through my brain and I was helpless to quiet them. Ideas for blog posts, random song lyrics, projects to complete, interesting words (like superfluous), books I need to finish, menu plans, the laundry I need to catch up on, birthday gifts to buy, errands to run, the exercise I have been neglecting, the list went on and on. And it wasn’t like I was trying to think about stuff…it was just a jumble of useless information that had overtaken my brain and was depriving me of my very precious sleep.
In the midst of all this nonsense, I was also bothered by the fact I wasn’t able to sleep and began to worry that the cycle of insomnia from the previous winter-summer was going to plague me again. Which I’m sure did even more to prevent my slumber.
What happened to the little girl that use to sleep through thunder storms and didn’t even stir when being carried into the basement during tornado warnings in the middle of the night? I’m afraid she’s long gone, and in her place is a young woman craving a solid eight hours of sleep without dreams, thrashing about, or alertness or any sort.
…and I’m running out of ideas.
What else is there?
By morning I am completely exhausted and can barely drag myself out of bed. It just seems so messed up to me.
Any suggestions on how to get a better night’s sleep?
In the midst of all this nonsense, I was also bothered by the fact I wasn’t able to sleep and began to worry that the cycle of insomnia from the previous winter-summer was going to plague me again. Which I’m sure did even more to prevent my slumber.
There is next-to-no caffeine in my diet, and I know that I need to “unwind” before I’m able to sleep, so over the past year I’ve tried: medications, teas, TV, music, reading, praying, doctor visits, sleep study…
…and I’m running out of ideas.
What else is there?
By morning I am completely exhausted and can barely drag myself out of bed. It just seems so messed up to me.
Any suggestions on how to get a better night’s sleep?
Monday, December 28, 2009
Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la
Christmas busyness is over and now it’s time to gear-up for our January busyness, which I’m sure ya’ll will be hearing more about in future posts.
Mom surprised me “The Pioneer Woman” cookbook, about which I was very excited! Especially since I bought the same cookbook for her birthday back in November and coveted it from the day I ordered it until I unwrapped my very own copy on Friday! I have been pouring over the pretty pages and tantalizing recipes…I can't wait to start cooking!
Christmas day for us was filled with family festivities, food and fun. Lots of food. My food contributions were sickeningly-sweet White Chocolate Gingerbread bars and Hummus w/ wheat chips. The hummus turned out so good that I’ve been longing for a taste of it ever since. It was my first time making it but now I’m totally hooked and plan on never buying it from the store again.
Mom surprised me “The Pioneer Woman” cookbook, about which I was very excited! Especially since I bought the same cookbook for her birthday back in November and coveted it from the day I ordered it until I unwrapped my very own copy on Friday! I have been pouring over the pretty pages and tantalizing recipes…I can't wait to start cooking!Ashamedly I must admit, we did not get a single picture on Christmas day (or eve), which will make for a pretty boring page in our 2009 scrapbook. …not that I’ve started our 2009 scrapbook yet, but I will. Really, it’s on my list of things to do…in 2010…and I’m already envisioning how pathetic the holiday section will look because there are no pictures. Maybe I’ll have to resort to buying some cute elf stickers and doodling ribbons and holly around the edges and writing a little poem about how lame it is that we couldn’t manage to get a picture of ourselves around Christmastime that even remotely resembled the look of something festive.
It was a lovely day, and as I recall, I even managed to stay awake for all of it. It was wonderful to have a couple days off from work, spend time with family and just enjoy each other’s company. I am so blessed.
Did you have a good Christmas?
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Christmas Fun!
“…presents underneath the tree, candles burning bright…stockings hung with lots of care…on this silent Christmas night…”
Are you making any new recipes or anything fun this week?
All our Christmas shopping is finally done as of this morning. Internet shopping = For the Win! Amazon.com has the best deals and it sure beats having to push & shove your way though the crowded stores (not that I’d ever shove, mind you) and wait in insanely long checkout lines.
I can’t believe I haven’t watched any Christmas movies yet this year. Tragic. However, “The Grinch” is an absolute-must before December is over! Little Cindy-Lou Who is completely irresistible and no holiday season is complete without watching Max try to pull the overstocked sleigh or the Grinch sewing his own Santa suit. *sigh* I love animated films.
The holiday festivities for the week include:
- Tuesday I’ll be going with my husband to his company Christmas party, which I hear will be complete with pizza and Guitar Hero…
- Christmas Eve is our Christmas together with just the two of us, and then a Christmas Eve service at church, which is always very lovely.
- Christmas day is split between our two families, which always makes me more thankful that none of us are too far away from each other! Breakfast with his family, supper with mine – always great memories made on that day!
Are you making any new recipes or anything fun this week?
Friday, December 18, 2009
The Stuff That Hurts
Most people don’t like going through pain and emotional hurt, but did you ever look back and realize that it was through those circumstances that God helped draw you closer to Himself? I can think about the times in my life that hurt so badly I thought my very insides were going to crack into pieces, but afterwards I could see how God used those moments for good and made me stronger in my walk with Him. In the end, the hardships always seem worth it.
I love what Elisabeth Elliot had to say about it:
"I am not a theologian or a scholar, but I am very aware of the fact that pain is necessary to all of us. In my own life, I think I can honestly say that out of the deepest pain has come the strongest conviction of the presence of God and the love of God."
…this from a woman who outlived two husbands and endured many other hardships.
I want to live with my hands outstretched – not holding too tightly to things in this life, but willing to be what God wants me to be and go where He wants me to go…trusting that His will for me is better than anything I could conjure up myself.
You are the One; there's no one else
Who lifts me up
I love what Elisabeth Elliot had to say about it:
"I am not a theologian or a scholar, but I am very aware of the fact that pain is necessary to all of us. In my own life, I think I can honestly say that out of the deepest pain has come the strongest conviction of the presence of God and the love of God."
…this from a woman who outlived two husbands and endured many other hardships.
I want to live with my hands outstretched – not holding too tightly to things in this life, but willing to be what God wants me to be and go where He wants me to go…trusting that His will for me is better than anything I could conjure up myself.
You are the One; there's no one else
Who lifts me up And gives me water from the well
But there's a hole
That seems to drain it all away
And once again I'm left in fear and doubt
When all my strength is crying out
So here I am again
Willing to be opened up and broken like a flower in the rain
Tell me what have I to do
To die and then be raised
To reach beyond the pain
Like a flower in the rain
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Watcha Reading?
I love to read, but sadly there are times when weeks go by without me having the opportunity to pick up a book or do more than glace over a page or two. I have been trying to adjust my priorities a bit lately and bump reading a little higher up on the list.
Natalie over at http://www.pursuethebeauty.com/ is doing a fun Quest trying to see what everybody is reading these days – a stack they are currently reading and a stack they are waiting to read. Here is my submission, and you are all welcome to add yours as well.
Currently Reading:
“Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers – I know this book has received rave reviews, but I’m halfway through and my verdict is still out on it.
“Master Your Metabolism” by Jillian Michaels – only a couple chapters in but very informative and gives lots of good information in one place that I’ve been trying to grab from hundreds of sites online.
Ryrie Study Bible – given to me by my beloved husband on our wedding day
“The Daily Sacrifice” by the late H.A. Ironside – a simply daily devotional…short, but a good way to start the day.
“Shopping for Time” by Caroyln Mahaney – a birthday gift, which ironically, I haven’t had time to read yet… -- “leading women to the bedrock of biblical priorities and then suggests real-life methods by which to apply them”
“Fearlessly Feminine” by Jani Ortlund – “encouraging women to be joyfully confident in who they are before God.”
“Prison Letters” by Corrie Ten Boom – letters written by Corrie during her stay in the Nazi concentration camps.
Natalie over at http://www.pursuethebeauty.com/ is doing a fun Quest trying to see what everybody is reading these days – a stack they are currently reading and a stack they are waiting to read. Here is my submission, and you are all welcome to add yours as well.
“Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers – I know this book has received rave reviews, but I’m halfway through and my verdict is still out on it.
“Master Your Metabolism” by Jillian Michaels – only a couple chapters in but very informative and gives lots of good information in one place that I’ve been trying to grab from hundreds of sites online.
Ryrie Study Bible – given to me by my beloved husband on our wedding day
“The Daily Sacrifice” by the late H.A. Ironside – a simply daily devotional…short, but a good way to start the day.
Waiting to Read:
“Love and Respect” by Emerson Eggerichs – I’ve read bits & pieces of this book but eventually I want to read it in its entirety.
“Shopping for Time” by Caroyln Mahaney – a birthday gift, which ironically, I haven’t had time to read yet… -- “leading women to the bedrock of biblical priorities and then suggests real-life methods by which to apply them”
“Fearlessly Feminine” by Jani Ortlund – “encouraging women to be joyfully confident in who they are before God.”
“Prison Letters” by Corrie Ten Boom – letters written by Corrie during her stay in the Nazi concentration camps.
What’s on YOUR reading lists?
Thursday, December 3, 2009
The Greatest Gift of All
I love Christmas time.
A.B.S.O.L.U.T.E.L.Y. L.O.V.E.
People seem so much happier (unless you catch them after just spending an hour in line at the department store…) and the mood around town seems lighter. I love walking downtown or through big stores where there are lights strung everywhere, oversized wreaths hung from the rooftops, and there is laughter echoing from every direction. People have a spring in their step and a jolly ho-ho-ho in their hearts. Of course there are a few Scrooges in the mix, but that’s when I want to yell: “Get your Jingle on, people! Christmas time is comin’!!!!”
And presents.
Did I just say Presents?
Yes, I admit it, I feel like a little kid when it comes to giving & receiving gifts. It’s so much fun! To give somebody that special-something that you know they would love but didn’t want to spend the money on for themselves…or to open a gift that was bought especially for you! Knowing that it took time, love, and planning for it to end up in your hands. *sigh* It’s such a warm fuzzy feeling.
My husband tells me that I’m rather like a Hobbit in that regard. They love giving & receiving presents. And trust me when I say, it is SO MUCH BETTER to give than to receive! And if you don’t agree, try it out for yourself.
Christmas is about a Gift. The Ultimate Gift. Jesus. Born in Bethlehem; destined to die. For me. Destined to have His blood spilled out so that I could be washed clean, white as snow. So I could have life eternal with the King of kings.
The Christmas season comes and people like to put the cute baby Jesus in the snow-covered manger… but it wasn’t glamorous, it wasn’t glitzy, it wasn’t soft and cozy. It was dark, dirty, and in a cave with the ash of a hundred shepherd’s fires and the manure of a thousand sheep.
But it was beautiful.
Sometimes I think people forget that Jesus didn’t stay there in that little manger. We go on thinking of our idyllic picture of how we like to imagine the Christmas story. But that night was just the beginning of the story; He went from the cradle to the cross. He died a torturous, horrendous death. For me. That is the Christmas story. It’s about love; the greatest love ever known to man.
It’s emotional. It’s deep. It’s personal. It can send chills up your spine. It’s easier to think about the cute baby than to think about the consequences of our sin. Your sin; my sin. The sin that nailed Him to the cross. But it was not the nails that held Him there; it was the love.
“For unto you is born this day, in the City of David, a Savior…”
He is my Savior…when His blood was spilled, trickling down the rough boards of the wooden cross, gasping in pain, carrying the weight on the world’s sin on His shoulders…He provided a way; the only way.
He died, He rose, He conquered. Sin and death no longer have a hold.
Don’t leave Him in the manger, for the best part of the story was yet to come. In the midst of His pain and turmoil was a love deeper than we can grasp with our finite minds. It was pure love on that cross.
There are many signs & plaques I see around Christmas that say “Believe”. I’m pretty sure they’re referring to Santa.
A.B.S.O.L.U.T.E.L.Y. L.O.V.E.
People seem so much happier (unless you catch them after just spending an hour in line at the department store…) and the mood around town seems lighter. I love walking downtown or through big stores where there are lights strung everywhere, oversized wreaths hung from the rooftops, and there is laughter echoing from every direction. People have a spring in their step and a jolly ho-ho-ho in their hearts. Of course there are a few Scrooges in the mix, but that’s when I want to yell: “Get your Jingle on, people! Christmas time is comin’!!!!”
And presents.
Did I just say Presents?
Yes, I admit it, I feel like a little kid when it comes to giving & receiving gifts. It’s so much fun! To give somebody that special-something that you know they would love but didn’t want to spend the money on for themselves…or to open a gift that was bought especially for you! Knowing that it took time, love, and planning for it to end up in your hands. *sigh* It’s such a warm fuzzy feeling.
My husband tells me that I’m rather like a Hobbit in that regard. They love giving & receiving presents. And trust me when I say, it is SO MUCH BETTER to give than to receive! And if you don’t agree, try it out for yourself.
Christmas is about a Gift. The Ultimate Gift. Jesus. Born in Bethlehem; destined to die. For me. Destined to have His blood spilled out so that I could be washed clean, white as snow. So I could have life eternal with the King of kings.
The Christmas season comes and people like to put the cute baby Jesus in the snow-covered manger… but it wasn’t glamorous, it wasn’t glitzy, it wasn’t soft and cozy. It was dark, dirty, and in a cave with the ash of a hundred shepherd’s fires and the manure of a thousand sheep.
But it was beautiful.
Sometimes I think people forget that Jesus didn’t stay there in that little manger. We go on thinking of our idyllic picture of how we like to imagine the Christmas story. But that night was just the beginning of the story; He went from the cradle to the cross. He died a torturous, horrendous death. For me. That is the Christmas story. It’s about love; the greatest love ever known to man.
It’s emotional. It’s deep. It’s personal. It can send chills up your spine. It’s easier to think about the cute baby than to think about the consequences of our sin. Your sin; my sin. The sin that nailed Him to the cross. But it was not the nails that held Him there; it was the love.
“For unto you is born this day, in the City of David, a Savior…”
He is my Savior…when His blood was spilled, trickling down the rough boards of the wooden cross, gasping in pain, carrying the weight on the world’s sin on His shoulders…He provided a way; the only way.
He died, He rose, He conquered. Sin and death no longer have a hold.
Don’t leave Him in the manger, for the best part of the story was yet to come. In the midst of His pain and turmoil was a love deeper than we can grasp with our finite minds. It was pure love on that cross.
There are many signs & plaques I see around Christmas that say “Believe”. I’m pretty sure they’re referring to Santa.
But I’m not.
I’m talking about Jesus Christ, my Savior.
Do you Believe?
In March of 1991 I did, and He changed my life.
Do you Believe?
If you do, you’ll never be the same again.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
What's that Smell?
Picture this:
Husband comes home from work, sweeps wife into his arms and kisses her. Wife tells him how much she missed him; husband has a pondering look on his face.
Husband and wife get ready to leave on some errands, and as they walk out of the door, the following conversation ensues:
Husband: “Honey, did you clean the toilet when you got home tonight?”
Wife: “No, I cleaned it a couple days ago. Why, is something wrong with it?”
Husband: “Uhh no, nevermind.”
Wife: “Honey… why did you ask?”
Husband: “Well, there is no real delicate way to put this…”
Wife: “Just say it.”
Husband: “Well, you smell like toilet-bowl cleaner.”
Pause.
Wife bursts out laughing.
Wife: “Smell my hand…is that what you smelled?”
Husband: “Ewww, what is that!?”
Wife: “My new lotion; supposedly very moisturizing… Not a big fan, huh?”
Husband: “Uhh, no. I was kissing you and couldn’t figure out what that smell was! Did you put some on your face, too?”
Wife: “Well, maybe just a little…”
Husband: “Yeah, it smelled like it was all over. But I love you anyway, even if you do smell like SnoBol.”
Needless to say, that was the first and only time I used the lotion. So beware, if you’re ever walking down the aisle at the store and are tempted to buy the Burt’s Bees Aloe & Buttermilk lotion… Just make sure your significant other smells it before you spend the money. You don’t want him to think you just slathered yourself with SnoBol by mistake.
Husband comes home from work, sweeps wife into his arms and kisses her. Wife tells him how much she missed him; husband has a pondering look on his face.
Husband and wife get ready to leave on some errands, and as they walk out of the door, the following conversation ensues:
Husband: “Honey, did you clean the toilet when you got home tonight?”
Wife: “No, I cleaned it a couple days ago. Why, is something wrong with it?”
Husband: “Uhh no, nevermind.”
Wife: “Honey… why did you ask?”
Husband: “Well, there is no real delicate way to put this…”
Wife: “Just say it.”
Husband: “Well, you smell like toilet-bowl cleaner.”
Pause.
Wife bursts out laughing.
Wife: “Smell my hand…is that what you smelled?”
Husband: “Ewww, what is that!?”
Wife: “My new lotion; supposedly very moisturizing… Not a big fan, huh?”
Husband: “Uhh, no. I was kissing you and couldn’t figure out what that smell was! Did you put some on your face, too?”
Wife: “Well, maybe just a little…”
Husband: “Yeah, it smelled like it was all over. But I love you anyway, even if you do smell like SnoBol.”
Needless to say, that was the first and only time I used the lotion. So beware, if you’re ever walking down the aisle at the store and are tempted to buy the Burt’s Bees Aloe & Buttermilk lotion… Just make sure your significant other smells it before you spend the money. You don’t want him to think you just slathered yourself with SnoBol by mistake.
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