Month: March 2019

Well, I am happy to report that Tyson is nearly back to himself again.

He is eating and drinking and can walk everywhere on his own.

Every day I give him two pills: one for his Lyme’s Disease and one that is an anti-inflammatory. He fights this each and every day and has become very skilled (no matter what I put it in), to find the pill and spit it out. It takes forever to give these to him.

Like a small child, each day we do this pill dance until I can somehow trick him into eating them.

It got me thinking after church this morning if God ever feels this frustration with us: that what is good for us we often spit out instead of humbly heeding his word and eating and digesting it for all it’s worth.

I woke up this morning at 8:30 and church is at 9. I decided, after looking at my hair and it not looking “too bad” to go to church and to rush over there to spend some time this morning with God instead of here doing my devotionals. My family came this morning too. And I love to be able to take my five-year-old to church; it is very important to me.

Today’s sermon talked about a lot of things but one thing remained true: to find the courage to use words in order to make a bigger stand for God. Our pastor went on to say how words are the biggest tool in our tool belts. And I believe this is true more than anything else. God’s word then is my ultimate go to in times of need, reflection, and overall what gives my soul its fulfillment when feeling weak. It’s how I communicate with Him.

Do you ever find comfort in God’s word? Sometimes for me, that’s all that matters. It honestly seems to be the only thing that works. 

It got me thinking this morning about how we are with one another and whether we use our words to our best advantage or not.

No matter who we come into contact with, our words can be life changers. You never know what someone else is dealing with and a simple gesture using our words can really have a big impact on someone else’s day. I think as a Christian it is important to build each other up, all of us, instead of tearing down. There is already too much of that in the world, especially online.

If anything, I feel blessed to be able to share my words online with you. I hope you take them for what they are worth and know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. This life can be hard and even harder for Christians it seems. Being courageous sometimes means just leaving your house and putting yourself out there in different situations.

We had quite the eventful weekend with a birthday party yesterday and church today. And that was enough “outside time” for me. With all of the anxiety I battle, I was only able to even do these things because I knew the Lord was with me. He did comfort me in times when I felt panicky or unsure of myself and in those ways the days were good. I’m so thankful that I can rely on Him no matter where I go, and in this way I am courageous.

I pray you have a good day full of rest and reflection. I pray that your courageous spirit can be guided by His word. Sundays are always the best days to re-coop and find reflection. And they are one of my favorite days of the week. And Amen to that! It is a new day! Rise to it.

“The Lord…will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:8

My whole family woke up with allergies this morning.

It had rained last night leaving everything really damp and cold. My husband sounds like a toad as he goes and gets our five-year-old ready to go to my in laws this morning.

My five-year-old is throwing somewhat of a fit because he is afraid that if he goes to his grandparents he will “miss” the birthday party that he has been invited to this afternoon.

Have you ever been afraid to go somewhere or do something in case you missed out on another opportunity?

I have found that it is better to stay on course, than to try and plot around to or for “other” things. It can actually end up in missed opportunities (the opposite of what we want) and sometimes, if we aren’t careful—it can end in hurt feelings.

I got the notification yesterday that I had finally made 50 blog posts! What a feat. I have to admit to you that I was somewhat surprised and proud all at the same time. It got me thinking though, if I can do that every day for that long, what is another 50?

Have you ever put time into something and had it pay off?

God has given me so much direction since I started blogging but one thing He tells me remains true: To stay steady and to keep on keeping on…to not give up.

Even though things can get hard, like this morning when I would have loved to have been in bed instead, I knew that getting up and getting back at it would help me throughout the day and overall, it is the “quality not quantity” that God looks for and in the early mornings (somehow) I am at my best.

Do you have a time of day that you are your best?

Take advantage of these times even if they seem hard. If there is anything I need to work on, it’s following my own advice. I’ve written 50 blogs now, but sometimes I too forget the power I have with the Lord in my heart. With Him I can win any race, regardless of how bad my allergies are or how I feel at the time. And Amen to that!

I pray you have a good day and find your sweet spot. It can make all the difference in the world and helps you to praise God fully and wholeheartedly and there is nothing better than that!

“All things work together for good to those who love God.” Romans 8:28

Every morning my five-year-old wakes up and runs, no pounds, his way to his door; he runs to me (no matter where I am), and shouts: “Good morning, mom!”

I wish, that I had this type of celebratory feeling upon waking up each day.

It got me thinking this morning (after a week of being sick and in bed), that I should try, at least try to adapt to my surroundings in this circumstance and try to be more like him upon waking up and starting my day.

Wouldn’t that be something. To greet the day instead of having it greet me for once?

I am not a morning person. It takes all the self-talk, prayer, and coffee that I can stomach to even get up early enough to do my devotions, get my kid ready for school, and to do this blog. And even though I love it all, in the early morning, sometimes it can feel like a struggle.

Do you ever have things that you love to do…things you even get excited about that feel like a struggle sometimes? Things that you end up doing “anyways?”

You know what? All of those “anyways” add up to something. Something meaningful and I’m glad I trudge on and do these things every day anyways. Part of my routine may get hectic sometimes, or even boring, but trudging on is worth it. Keeping a positive and well-balanced routine help me to keep balanced too. And Amen to that!

After a week of being sick and getting “off of” my schedule, I feel depleted instead of rested and it is because of all of those days I missed jumping up out of bed, speaking with the Lord and doing my blogs that I feel this way. It really made a difference and the work of putting my all into it really has shown me that blogging is doing something “good” not just for me, but maybe for others too. Doing my daily devotionals has made my soul whole.

Do you do things each day that are good for your soul?

The last thing I ever want to do is to lose my balance so from now on I am keeping my son in mind when I hop out of bed and greet the day. It could have a larger impact on my daily morning routines and how I begin the day, may just influence how the day goes overall. With a good attitude I can become a brighter, fresher me and the me that I give to the world is my gift.

I hope you feel the same in that you get excited to rise and begin your day as there are so many reasons to be thankful. I am thankful for you. Thanks so much for reading. God bless you.

“To those who by patient persistence in well-doing seek glory and honor and immortality, He will give eternal life.” Romans 2:7

Ever since I was a little girl, I have tended to “save” things for “special occasions.”

Mainly, clothes.

Each year my mom would have a yard sale and she would come up to my room and go through all of my clothes with tags still on them. She still talks about this and mainly (I think partly), because I still have a tendency to do this.

“…tendency.” Who are we kidding; I still DO THIS!

So, this morning I decided, (for no reason whatsoever), to wear a nice blouse.

I’m not going anywhere special today, just the normal errands with taking my kid to preschool and then to Walmart for more coffee. But today…I realized, I had wanted change.

Have you ever been stuck in a rut for so long that it has (somehow) become your normal?

I had grown accustomed to wearing raggy baggy clothes in thinking that because I wasn’t going “anywhere special” that I shouldn’t be using the “good clothes” and be wearing them out.

This whole thing might sound trivial, even vain, perhaps somehow to you, but I promise this morning I realized this lack of change and decided to do something about it. For once in my life, lately…I have been looking at my “habits” and this being one of them, it got examined too. Again, it might sound like a minor, even silly change, but it got me thinking this morning about how it could all add up to a change in character for me overall.

Do you celebrate each day as though it were a “special occasion?” Do you rise to meet it?

My dog, who is growling at the neighbor right now is feeling better. He is still hobbling around and my husband had to stay home from work today in order to carry him outside and around the house, but he is doing good. I appreciate, more than ever, all of the thoughts and prayers as we did indeed need them and they have worked to bring us out of this trudging. The sun is looking up as we watch Tyson rise again.

It got me thinking this morning about recovery and how much I do or do not show grace or use it to its highest potential. Change is a wonderous thing. My Tyson has shown such dignity as he rises above it all…and I hope I can be like that too. To live more like Jesus. To celebrate what He has done for us not just for today or on Easter, but every day of the week.

I pray you have a good day today. Regardless of what you are wearing, I hope you FEEL like today is a special occasion you should rise to. Have fun. Life is exciting. And if it’s not…make it exciting again. Newness is a miracle. And God has given us this gift of newness at the start of each day.

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” Isaiah 60:1

Sometimes I’m afraid to write because I have “too much” to say instead of “too little.”

Have you ever had “too much” of something?

Most of the time, we are always so concerned (I think) about the “lack thereof” of something or of “running out.”

Yesterday we took my dog to the vet after a rough stint where he stopped walking and started to physically “shut down.”

His pain tolerance is very high, so I knew he was indeed, gravely ill.

Either way, it scared the crap out of us. Point blank.

At the end of the day, it turns out, he has Lyme’s Disease and will need medication. He was running a high fever and his symptoms and tests all pointed towards this culprit, so now (even though my husband is still carrying him everywhere) we wait to see how the medicine will help him.

Prayers appreciated please, as there is nothing greater for us right now than for him to spring back to life.

I know that with God’s help this is possible and with prayers and said rest that it will be achieved; however, the waiting…as Tom Petty would say: “…is the hardest part.”

Have you ever hung onto a prayer and had to wait?

God answers. But in His own time.

And this…sometimes… (for us humans) can be very hard. The waiting part.

It can cause turmoil and emotional depletion. Physically we can even take on one another’s burdens if we aren’t careful. And that is why I have always been such a big believer in “self-care.”

I was talking to my dad yesterday on the phone. It was such a nice conversation that lasted about twenty minutes…but anyways, the ideas came up about self-care and I (as I always do) gave the analogy of the airplane oxygen mask.

Anytime you fly, the flight attendants do their song and dance in the front of the plane about how “you should put your mask on first” BEFORE you attempt to help someone else.

And isn’t this true in life too? God said to love your neighbor as you love yourself.

It’s loving yourself FIRST that matters.

I’ll never forget when I read the second commandment and realized this huge epiphany. I was sitting on my smoking porch (I no longer smoke, so don’t worry) …but I was sitting there reading my devotionals and it was talking about loving your neighbor and I remember the exact instance where it hit me: I love my neighbor more than I do myself.

Today we should be going to church. It is something we had planned on doing as a family. But today, as far as I can see, this family needs the rest and the recoop time in what staying at home can provide. So, as much as my spirit would LOVE them to go to church with me, my body is saying that they are going to praise God from home today. We are burnt out. And need rest. And my spirit needs to be filled even more.

If it was one thing that I learned throughout my journey thus far in life, it is that self-care and loving yourself to be of utmost importance. It is a gift—your health…that you give to others. So, take care of you today before you feel the need to be there for someone who needs you. Peace and love to you!

“O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth Your praise.” Psalm 51:15

 

 

 

 

If there is anything that helps us to live in “the present moment” it is our dogs.

Let’s get something straight: I have NO alone time…

I mean, NONE.

It’s not just because “I’m a mom” either, it’s because my five-year-old’s bedroom is adjacent to ours and our upstairs is a split entry one story. Any time you make noise or have the bathroom light on, it wakes him up, and if you’re not careful (I mean, ninja-like), then you will have a five-year-old hanging at your leg asking for breakfast. It could be 5 am. So, watch out! Choose carefully when it is that you decide to get up to use the bathroom because YOU could be the house alarm clock.

This happened (somewhat) this morning. As my entire family is now up. And up for the day, here we all are.

My dog is sick. He spent last night at the foot of our bed. It caused disruption this morning when he started whining in pain and my husband woke up. My husband actually had to carry him outside to go to the bathroom. (At this point I would use a scared and worried emoji face). Because it was so unexpected.

We aren’t sure if he has injured his back legs or if he is indeed…sick, but either way my husband is going to call the vet…in an hour…when they open. (Thank you weekend, warriors, and those working weekend hours! You will have saved our day!) Because we are (somewhat secretly) worried sick.

It is growing time.

We have had, Tyson, our brown boxer for around ten years now.

My husband got him when we first met, and I helped to train him.

To say that this dog didn’t change my life would be an understatement.

When I moved back home to Pennsylvania from Texas after my divorce, I started watching a lot of Cesar Milan and really took advantage of the “pack” mindset and his ideas. It changed my life to get up each day and “work” with this dog. At the time, Tyson was a goofy, prancing wild thing, but we quickly and easily bonded during our morning “pack style” walks. “The walk” Cesar would call it.

And isn’t it so true about life: “The walk.” The mornings. The days, night…The time we spend with nature and God each day—it all matters. The circle of life; it all adds up. That’s why I try to take one day at a time and treat that day with dignity and give it my all; I try to appreciate what matters most in life and “be present” for it and “in it” as much as I possibly can. Because life IS short.

If it was anyone who gave me my confidence back to defeat, “the walk” it was partly due to this wonderful dog. One of God’s MANY creations. I am so thankful and will always be strong in my heart for this one dog, Tyson, though because he is “a special one.” Have you ever heard anyone say that about their dogs?

Do you feel you are “a special one” to anyone on this earth?

You are very special to God. You are His child.

It is important to remember to be courageous as we live our lives happy, joyous and free under the Lord’s protection…but do you ever feel as though YOU are someone’s “something?”

You are to God. You are His something.

Here on earth though? Dogs do this for you. And I believe they are some of the best therapy workers in God’s creation. They fulfill a need or a yearning, a feeling of belonging. The pack.

You are part of God’s pack.

I pray you have a great day today, regardless of its aches and pains. We are all getting older, but let’s remember that with age we also get wiser, and more courageous if we live our lives basking in the Holy Spirit and following the Lord’s direction. And Amen to that!

“Let your eyes look right on and let your gaze be straight before you. Consider well the path at your feet and let all your ways be established and ordered aright. Turn not aside to the right hand or to the left; remove your foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:25-27

If there is one reason I blog, it’s to show God’s power through my life testimony.

But sometimes I have to remember this objective.

I have a tendency, (as outgoing and social that I am), to self-isolate.

This keeps me from moving forward or doing His will. And ultimately, after pledging my life to God, and giving it to Him, I follow His direction, and no one else’s. To look for this direction takes a lot of patience and practice each day and I’ve learned so much over this past year on how I should be reconnecting each day with the Lord. This is what helps ME to live a happy, joyous, and free life.

I’ll be honest with you then. Yesterday, someone hurt my feelings. I hesitated writing about it because it almost seemed too personal. But after listening for my direction, I realize it is part of today’s message. Thank you, Jesus.

It was over the simplest thing, but because I had lost my grounding and because I was fresh off of a victory at my five-year-old’s school, I lost focus. I became pained and hurt, and lost sight of what is important. God and my family. I had forgotten for one split afternoon and lost myself (slightly). And because I became petty and undeserving, I lost some time during the day that I could have been celebrating instead. Remember this: we should always be celebrating. There is so much in life to be thankful for and to not count blessings from above makes us lose sight (somehow) of what is directly in front of us.

Yesterday what was directly in front of me was my five-year-old, who knocked kindergarten registration out of the park, but because of that one small set back, I couldn’t somehow enjoy and bask in the light the way I envisioned…

This greatly bothered me later last night when I realized that a day of celebration got some wasted efforts on a friend who (completely unintentionally) hurt my feelings. I was being too sensitive yes, but in the long run my PRIORITIES weren’t in check.

My son just said to me: “Mom, watch me do a 360.”

And he twirled around, his arms outstretched as he tossed himself in a circle and landed on the floor.

“Wow!’ I said, what a remarkable landing!

After taking some time to think this morning, I think that metaphorically we can all relate. God just wants us to get our landing right. He has watched us twirl around so many times…Where we find ourselves throughout our lives never matters, it’s all in how we pick ourselves up, do the 360 turnaround and keep moving. Land well then. And I am thankful to tell you that landing well for me the second time around (here in this marriage) was a success. And in this victory today I will praise God. I have so much to be thankful for but especially for my partner and spouse. He is in bed sick today and I will have my turn at playing daddy and mommy for a day and because I can be of service in that way I am blessed. And Amen to that!

I’m closing today with a quote from a man named, Mark Sutton. Though I don’t know of him, I found this quote on happiness and responsibility to be one for the taking: “It is beneficial to take responsibility for your own happiness. We often displace our happiness into people, places and things. Meaning, we feel we will be happy once we have this job, or we meet that person. When in reality, this is false fulfillment; because your happiness can be stripped away as soon as you lose one of these things. When your happiness comes from inside, no outside circumstance can affect it.”

So as many times as you twirl around in life, I pray today that you always get your landing right. In that way you are always moving forward. With God as your captain, you can’t lose. Place your sights on Him and His direction will always guide you home. AMEN!

 

 

Well, today is the big day. Today, is my five-year-old’s Kindergarten registration.

From what I understand, we go to the school, and it sounds much like an interview. But there is also (some type) of academic testing along with all the paper work.

And I’m nervous. I know, surprise, surprise!

(To top things off, I was running out of creamer this morning, so I used my kid’s chocolate milk…smart…for someone who already has IBS).

Anyways, it was hard to get to sleep all night and now I am up with my husband at the crack of dawn. I’ve been reading a book, a devotional, by Joyce Meyer each day called, “Starting Your Day Right: Devotions for each morning of the year.” And this morning I decided (without sleep), that I would wake up and spend some alone time with God. I have been anxious so today my battle armor might need to be thicker. And I’m so glad I did.

My husband (who is a doll), generally ignores my…quirks. But I remember him telling me once to “lower my expectations.” And I was thinking this morning that maybe I should do the same thing not only for others, but for myself too.

I put so much pressure on things, but especially myself. Do you ever do that? We aren’t creating diamonds here, and sometimes, honestly, I need to remind myself.

The last thing I’d ever want to do is to have my son develop my anxiety over things, so this morning I’m praying, along with Joyce Meyer, for Him to make me a better ambassador. This not only includes playing my part as a Christian with strangers, but it especially includes playing my part as a wife and mom. To “not” expect ANYTHING, might be the guided blessing today, and mainly always. To do things and not expect things in return, is maybe…how we should all live our lives? Wouldn’t that make so many things somewhat easier?

As for today, I have decided not to worry about this appointment, but instead “look forward to it without expectation.” That way life hits me the way it should. I am in God’s hands and shouldn’t be worrying over life anyway. I am His child, and because of that I am happy, joyous, and FREE. And Amen to that!

My mom gave me this book by Meyer on starting days right with God. And I am forever thankful. Joyce says: “…Lord I give You the gifts and talents that You put in me. I want to use them for Your glory. I want to lead somebody to You. Put in my path someone to whom I can minister, someone I can encourage. Help me to be a blessing to someone today. Lord, I want to be Your ambassador and represent You today.”

If you ask me, there is NO greater prayer than that! Every day we should be blessing one another. What a world this would be if we all had that mindset. Today, my goal is to focus on my family first, ensuring I am blessing them, as well as, strangers. Putting people in my path might be my five-year-old son, or my husband, but either way when I give and expect nothing in return, I am blessing myself and others. It’s a win-win. And I love to win it and be a part of the whole party. Today, I pray that you have thanksgiving in your heart and go about your day in joyous, fruitful ways too. Amen.

Have you ever gotten hurt because you weren’t paying attention?

I did this this week with a piece of pizza. I burnt, not only my mouth, but also my chin. A whole chunk of flesh is now missing from my face, but it was all because I didn’t watch or wasn’t paying attention for the signs of it being too hot.

I think my favorite sign of spring is to wake up and hear the chirping of birds.

There is something so natural and princess-like about it all at the same time. Either way, it definitely makes for a fresh start to a great morning.

Today, is March 20, 2019, the first day of Spring.

We made it! After such a long winter it seems like yet again, God is faithful. The sun is shining and we are refreshed.

This morning I opened up a window to hear the birds and delighted in this…feeling. I can’t quite explain it but it is definitely a God encounter. It rejuvenates and makes life on this earth feel precious. It is another sign of something wonderful yet to come.

I thought about signs this morning and wondered if I “see” them or “feel” them as much as the birds.

I decided that no…after this week each morning it is something I need to work on. I pray that I get better at seeing signs from Him. It not only pays to be a good communicator here on earth, but when it comes to God, communication is key. I just want to make sure I’m playing my part. The birds are, so should I. Listening for Him each day and practicing my communication efforts should be of new utmost importance. And in that way I will be blessed. And Amen to that!

“Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are not you more important than they?” Matthew 6:26

 

Do you ever have things you know you should do but don’t want to?

I have to clean the house today.

I know that afterwards I’m going to feel so much better about it all, but as of right now, I’m really not looking forward to it.

I don’t have anything else to do today but this one simple chore.

And yet, I’m complaining and trying to do everything in my power to put it all off.

Do you spring clean? I try to do a deep clean once a month or so, just to clear the dog hair and cob webs out as best that I can.

It got me thinking this morning though (after my devotions) that my soul could probably use this type of spring cleaning as well. As much as I blog, it isn’t something that I put a ton of time into. And maybe that shows. I don’t know. Either way, I decided this morning to try to do things in my life differently and that was to do more things with love.

The bible says to do this, and I’ve learned over my short time on this Earth, that what the big book says, is not only true, but something to heed. So, do it…God says so.

I could laugh right now though at what a human vacuum sweeper I am. I already feel like someone who picks up after everyone. But with love in my heart, it gives me a certain purpose that I can’t quite explain. It makes me happy. Needed. Useful. It’s something I need to work on though.

Being a mom is such a privilege. And a wife is just icing on the cake. So today, I will CHOOSE to do all things with love in my heart and that includes cleaning up. I’m cleaning up my act, AND my house! And Amen to that!

“Do everything in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14