30 day challenge...

Recently I've had a friend begin a blogging challenge... take 30 pre-determined topics and blog about one a day for 30 days. Sounds like a great way to let people get to know the real me... maybe even learn some things about myself in the process... I'M IN!! The first thing to learn about me is that I am a planner therefore I cannot just blog daily; I actually composed multiple blogs in one day... and post one daily... lol :)

Ahhh... day one... something that I hate about myself... it may be a surprise to many to know that there are LOTS of things that I dislike about myself (I don't like to use the word Hate). The reason it may be a surprise is because I "fake it till I make it". Maybe if I think it, therefore act, that I'm super smart, super cute and super "on" all the time, I might actually be those things.

I dislike that at times I can put on a facade of who I want to be or who I believe I am expected to be. I'm expected to be strong, creative, daring... (list positive adjectives here). Oftentimes I am those things but there are moments that I honestly want to be taken care of and not be the person giving all the care.

OH... I also have ugly feet!

it's thanksgiving for Christ's sake...

I have to give myself major points for today's blog title... what else is there to say?

During this holiday I find myself comparing me today to myself in my 20s. Because of Jesus' blood I have been given so very much. Today I am thankful for people that have been placed in my life and I am thankful to be able to recognize what is truly important... nothing on this list can be bought on Black Friday!

I have been blessed with a husband that is strong enough in himself to allow me to be me yet also strong enough to tell me to shut-up when necessary (not often... lol). I have been blessed with two wonderful children who are vastly different from each other and truly unique (and funny). I'm grateful for my parents who are nuts but love me unconditionally (as I do them)! I'm also blessed to actually love my in-laws. I also have some great friends that have guided me through my journey with Christ who are not afraid to call my bluff when I'm acting tough!

Speaking of Black Friday... I have laid out my clothes and will be planning our attack after our fine meal today with my sister-in-law. What is different this year is that I don't have a wish list for myself... WHAT! I can say that due to my faith I realize that it's the time spent with my sister-in-law, celebrating a tradition, that is what I'm most excited about.

So to bring the blog back to the point...

"I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation." Psalm 118.21

I hope that everyone is thankful for the true gifts in life! Happy Thanksgiving!!

time well spent...

I read a devotion book for women on the go. I would be considered one of those women on the go... too much going actually.

I'm so much on the go that I read ahead; never do I read the actual devotion for the actual day!

The devotion that I should have read on September 29 is based on Psalm 26:4-5: "I do not spend time with liars or go along with hypocrites. I hate the gatherings of those who do evil, and I refuse to join in with the wicked."

While I believe that I had made several good decisions lately regarding my spiritual growth I do continue to store resentment. Not anymore! I will not surround myself with people that I cannot change!

I am listening to God speak to me and he wants me to laugh! I cannot continue to place myself in situations that allow my anger to grow like bacteria. I'm putting my foot down and am eagerly anticipating my abs hurting from laughter!

AMEN!!

are you a true leader...

As I have been digging in the bible I came across a chapter that really stood out to me: 1 Timothy 3.1-3.13

This chapter discusses the traits that are needed for a church leader: well thought of, committed to his wife (or her husband), cool and collected, accessible and hospitable. The leader must know what they are talking about, not pushy but gentle, not thick-skinned, not money-hungry. He must handle his own affairs well, attentive to his own children and have their respect. It continues.

I realize that this should apply to all Christians whether they lead a church or simply lead their home.

I manage a medical practice and I attempt to lead much the way that is stated in 1 Timothy, chapter 3. This also means that I have to be honest with myself and identify my weaknesses. In my personal case, I am not always cool and collected (shocking, I know because I am so doggone cool; I'm especially cool because I used the word doggone) but I wake up every morning knowing that I have a fresh start due to Jesus' blood.

Even as leaders, we need leaders in our lives as well. A leader in my life is a friend from church who knows her "stuff" and she lives her life for Christ. She accepts me for my faults and failures (something that I don't always forgive myself for) and is genuinely interested in my journey.

So I ask you, are you a good leader and can you be honest with yourself about your faults? Remember that there is always someone near you that is influenced by you!

So it was suggested that today's topic should be Perseverance.

At first I wasn't sure if this topic would apply towards my daily life... but wait... YES!

There are two definitions of perseverance:
1. (Noun) steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.
2. (Theology) continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.

My opinion... those are NOT two separate definitions... they are singular!

A few of you are aware that my family has been very diligent in attempting to pay off the debt that was accumulated in our 20's. I no longer want to be a slave to a lender. We were doing well until bad news hit the family last week; my husband lost his job. He has since found another job in the same field (blessing) but we will not be able to pay off our debt as quickly as we planned. Funny thing is, that in my past I bought everything because I wanted instant gratification (in place of Christ) and now I want my debt paid off immediately... DUH, all things come in time by PERSEVERING!

There are many, many bible verses that discuss perseverance but I chose the following two:

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Romans 2:7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.

This does not mean that every day I wake up optimistic... there are days that inside I have a pity party with only one guest BUT I have FAITH that the difficult times in our lives are for a better, higher purpose!

So, until tomorrow :)

Here is your mission… if you choose to take it

I have been feeling inspired by the few blogs that I follow... so I have issued myself a challenge! For the next seven days... SEVEN... I will create a blog that will apply that current day's event(s) to a bible verse.

So, I will explain the challenge part... I like to start things and I'm really EXCITED when these things are started but have a tendency to stop once started (much like this blog).

So today's topic is Procrastination. Wikipedia states the definition for Procrastination as the counterproductive deferment of actions or tasks to a later time. Procrastination can be a mechanism for coping which can include anxiety when faced with starting or completing any task or decision. Much like my blog.

The bible doesn't specifically use the word procrastination however there are MANY verses regarding laziness:

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" Colossians 3:23

So, to apply it to my blog... what I have so thoroughly enjoyed by doing my blog is digging deeper into the bible and sharing it with everyone while doing so. I love to receive positive feedback after posting! I've also realized how many people I know that are involved in their faith and their church (this was not the impression I had while growing up and not involved)! So, I am working for the Lord and maybe someone reading this will have questions and begin their journey with Christ!

So, day one done... now to determine tomorrow's topic... maybe I'll just put that off until the morning (just joking)! Suggestions welcome!!

today i've given up control...

Proverbs 16:1

The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

Ok, so I am a total control freak. DUH! Me, give up control, NO WAY! But guess what, I've been broken and I'm actually adjusting to the idea.

I've had some grand plans but realize that I entered the word "I've" in the sentence. In the past two days I've learned that I don't have any control over my plans, I need to follow what the Lord has planned for me.

During my "plan disruption" I feel that I've changed (yes, in two days), I'm trying to be even more patient and give support instead of orders. Have I been really good at that? Maybe not in your view, but in mine YES! I'm trying to accept the plan that has been written for me and also allowing my husband to do what is written for him, which means that I need to sometimes BACK OFF!

I am super thankful for all of my friends that were/are willing to sacrifice to help my family. I have such a hard time taking from others but I'm trying not let pride get in my way. So... this is another way to say thanks... because if I did it in person I would cry and I am such an UGLY crier!

Good night and GOD bless!