day 5...

Something I hope to do in my life... besides the obvious (roller derby)... I just want to simply enjoy my life and not base my happiness on material things.

I definitely have the habit of planning so much of my life and the lives of my family that I don't stop to smell the roses. Guess I'll just lace my skates and pound out several laps :)

day 4...

Something I have to forgive someone for... for not living up to my expectations.

Someone that played an important role in my life and my introduction to Christ disappointed me deeply by their behavior. As I am learning more and reading more of my bible, I realize that I want to live my life as it is written. However we are all human, as is the person I am referencing, and will make mistakes.

While I have attempted to forgive and forget, I'm a little weary in my new relationships at church. I'll eventually get there.

day 3...

Something I have to forgive myself for... WHOA, day 3 and already some hard heart stuff to publicly deal with.

I need to forgive myself for expecting perfection at all times and bashing myself when it doesn't happen (and it won't). Rationally I realize that there will be something everyday that goes against the "perfect day" that I have envisioned in my mind but I am still disappointed when it does.

If you know me well, you'll realize I'm still working on this... send up a prayer :)

day 2...

Something I love about myself... to be honest, this wasn't hard.

My favorite thing about myself is how I always, ALWAYS can find a positive spin on whatever is going on.

Yesterday's post mentioned that I dislike my feet BUT my feet have taken me many places and allowed me to be active... which is much preferred over wearing flip-flops everyday and being concerned about how long ago my last pedicure was!

Most importantly, I realize that EVERYTHING that happens is a lesson that needs to be learned and I can accept that at the end of the day, it will be ok.

Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

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!!