My kids and I finished our Christmas shopping today. As I was watching all the bustling about it reminded me of how many people are just extremely busy. A while back I made it a rule that I would always leave "free-time" in my life. Something you probably will never hear me say is "I'm so busy". I don't think we can be open to God, growing, and enjoying the life he gave us if we never stop.
So in honor of rest today...two of my favorite things are coffee and journaling.
Recipe:
Low Fat Coffee Shake
1 cup skim milk
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 TBS instant coffee
1 1/2 tablespoons nonfat powdered milk
Put all ingredients in a blender, cover, and blend until smooth and foamy. Serve in a tall glass over ice.
"Whatever coaxes us out of hiding, to write, record, and express, is a revolutionary act. It says that we believe our lives count: our lives do count." -SARK
Directed Journaling Ideas:
-write a list of special people in your life, what are some ways you can celebrate their presence in your life?
-what are you doing when you are most happy or content and time flies by?
-write about your mother's beauty, send her a letter.
-what are you jealous of?
Remember to REST during this "busy" time. The Savior has come, celebrate Him.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
turning thirty
Next month is my 30th birthday. The age thing isn't really getting to me. I've actually kind of looked forward to the thirties. Something about them always seemed so grown up to me. I think that is the part I'm struggling with...I don't really feel grown up. I'm married (6 years this Saturday) and have two children...I've graduated from college, worked a full-time job...yet I still don't feel grown up. I think maturity comes slower for some of us. As I look back over my life I have great memories. I've always had lots of fun, met great people, gone on adventures. I had a fun childhood. It was busy. A camp kids life is never dull. However, something still lacks. Until recently, I was still trying to search for it in activities and people. Well...I've spent the last 10 months in a new town. I don't know very many people and I'm not really involved. It has been a great time to process and listen to God. One huge observation I've made is that in the past I didn't devote enough time and energy to building character. There are areas that should have been given care in my teens and twenties that got ignored. I can't blame my upbringing or circumstances. I am fully accountable for what God has given me. Most of my difficulty comes back to living life without focus. If you don't know what the goal is or where you are going you don't get anywhere.
I think I've just begun to stop fighting against God and accept his role for me. You know, to be honest, I've been rebellious my entire life. Part of it is my personality, I tend to be a bit fiery and energetic. But mostly, it's a choice.
Lately, I've been pursuing God's desire for me as a wife and mother. It may be completely contrary to the world. I may have to overcome some stereotypes that I have in my mind. But I've come to this from God's word...
Before all else, I am:
(1) To be a helper, companion, and wife to my husband (this was the purpose of the very first woman... she was created because it was not good for man to be alone, see 1 Cor. 11:9)
(2) To be a mother (he built it into our very bodies!)
(3) To teach other women how to do these things (Titus 2:3-5)
So in my thirties...I want to be more focused. It is my goal to excel at those three things. I want to stand before God someday and hear Him say "well done". I want to know that I did not waste the time, talent, and treasures that He has entrusted to me. I want to bring him glory as his creation. I know where to start...I have no excuses... I must be diligent.
I think I've just begun to stop fighting against God and accept his role for me. You know, to be honest, I've been rebellious my entire life. Part of it is my personality, I tend to be a bit fiery and energetic. But mostly, it's a choice.
Lately, I've been pursuing God's desire for me as a wife and mother. It may be completely contrary to the world. I may have to overcome some stereotypes that I have in my mind. But I've come to this from God's word...
Before all else, I am:
(1) To be a helper, companion, and wife to my husband (this was the purpose of the very first woman... she was created because it was not good for man to be alone, see 1 Cor. 11:9)
(2) To be a mother (he built it into our very bodies!)
(3) To teach other women how to do these things (Titus 2:3-5)
So in my thirties...I want to be more focused. It is my goal to excel at those three things. I want to stand before God someday and hear Him say "well done". I want to know that I did not waste the time, talent, and treasures that He has entrusted to me. I want to bring him glory as his creation. I know where to start...I have no excuses... I must be diligent.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
"no paybacks"
I spend most weekend nights at my part-time job serving (at a restaurant). It is an interesting environment. I'm definitely "in the world but not of it". It has given me the opportunity this year to really grapple with what it means to be a Christ follower and really love people. I know I stand out there as different. Sometimes I take some heat for that. Especially when crude jokes don't make me laugh or I walk away. The comments like "prude" remind me of high school. People that can't handle someone being different than them so they resort to name-calling. I'm mature enough to rise above that now but what do I do with it? Do I smart off right back? Believe me, I'm really good at that. I wouldn't miss a beat. Sarcasm is in my genes. That's the easy road. The even easier road is to leave the environment. Find a new job where I don't have to deal with it, run away and hide in nice loving environments and only "love" my friends, those who love and understand me. The fact is, God calls us to much more than that. He calls us to be his hands and feet. How? I look to Christ, he gave his life for a bunch of sinners who called him names and much worse.
It just so happened that I had a difficult evening at work last Saturday. Difficult in the sense of dealing with some unkind comments. I went to church with my family on Sunday and the title of the sermon was "No paybacks in the Kingdom" based on Matthew 5:38-48. In verse 39 Jesus own words are "Do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." In those days it was an insult to slap someone. I've been insulted, I'm just supposed to take it and offer my other cheek. Not only that in verses 43-44 Jesus says, "You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.." Honestly, I cannot do this on my own. But through Christ I find the ability to love those who I feel at times hate me, for no real reason, except that they see Christ in me. I ask God to go with me each and every time I go to work. He always meets me there. Maybe in someone with a kind word, maybe through my customers who are friendly and tip well, but I always make it through. I'm bringing a light into a place that is dark and for the most part hopeless. Believe me, most of my co-workers will not step foot in a church. I must be the church to them. I'm called to love them and minister to them, not judge them. No Paybacks.
It just so happened that I had a difficult evening at work last Saturday. Difficult in the sense of dealing with some unkind comments. I went to church with my family on Sunday and the title of the sermon was "No paybacks in the Kingdom" based on Matthew 5:38-48. In verse 39 Jesus own words are "Do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." In those days it was an insult to slap someone. I've been insulted, I'm just supposed to take it and offer my other cheek. Not only that in verses 43-44 Jesus says, "You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.." Honestly, I cannot do this on my own. But through Christ I find the ability to love those who I feel at times hate me, for no real reason, except that they see Christ in me. I ask God to go with me each and every time I go to work. He always meets me there. Maybe in someone with a kind word, maybe through my customers who are friendly and tip well, but I always make it through. I'm bringing a light into a place that is dark and for the most part hopeless. Believe me, most of my co-workers will not step foot in a church. I must be the church to them. I'm called to love them and minister to them, not judge them. No Paybacks.
Friday, November 30, 2007
christmas ideas for families
Since my kids are young, 3 and 1, we are in the process of developing some Christmas traditions. I really want my kids to look forward to Christmas because it is Jesus birthday and not get wrapped up in the commercialism of the month. So here are some ideas that we will be doing this year, some spiritual, some just for fun.
1) starting the 1st of December I have a calender house that they will open the little doors on and find small treats (like an marshmallow or a chocolate chip), every day will be different. Some may be stickers etc. We will be counting the days until Jesus birthday.
2)we will be having a white Christmas at some point this month(this idea came from my friend Vonna Marcus) Everyone will dressed in white to come to dinner. All the food will be white (bread, soup, maybe ice cream). Name cards for each person will include the word white ("snow white", "bob white", etc.), table cloth and decor will be white.
3) In an effort to avoid commercialism, we will be giving each of our children 3 gifts. The wise men brought Jesus three gifts and we want to tie that into our celebration. Three gifts was enough for Jesus it is good enough for our children.
Children seem to enjoy gifts more when they are not overwhelmed also. There is a movement called the Advent Conspiracy. Check it out, it's all about spending less and giving more and getting back to the real meaning of Christmas.
(If your children are young and you can't get away from Santa Claus, fill their stockings from Santa and give one gift like a family game or something that you can all open together from Santa. Also share the real story of St. Nick)
5)Drive around and look and Christmas lights. Kids love to see all the different decorations and it's free!
6) Find something to involve your children in that is giving to others. We did the Samaritans purse shoe box this year and my daughter and son picked out gifts to fill the boxes and they understood that these were for other children who didn't have as much as them. My daughter got a little attached to the doll she chose but she still put it into the box and said some little girl would take good care of it.
We are also going to give towel sets to The Banquet in Sioux Falls. Each of our family members will pick out their towel set to give, the kids included and then we will deliver them to the Banquet together.
7) an advent wreath (my mom used to do this I think)
Did you know that Advent wreaths were originally used in the home? They did not become popular in churches until the middle of the twentieth century.
I am making one tomorrow using greenery three purple candles (symbolizing royalty) a rose candle and a white candle for the center. Once a week will will light a candle and do a little devotion. Each week we will continue to light the previous candles and a new one.
The First Candle (The Candle of Prophecy/Hope) It symbolizes the promises the prophets delivered as messages from God; promises that foretold Christ’s birth.
The Second Candle (The Candle of the Way)The second candle shows that Christ is the Way. People are lost in sin and Christ is the Light sent into the world to show them the way out of darkness.
The Third Candle (The Candle of Joy)The third candle indicates that the only lasting Joy to be found in life on earth is through Christ. All other joy is fleeting and does not last.
The Fourth Candle (The Candle of Peace)The fourth candle reminds that Jesus comes to bring Peace to both the world and to people's hearts. Without Christ there is no peace in this world.
The Fifth Candle (The Christ Candle or Christmas Candle)The fifth candle represents Christ himself who is born to save people from their sins. It is a celebration of the fulfillment of prophecy as represented in Christ’s birth and hope in the final fulfillment when Christ comes again and Christians join him.
You can say a prayer with each and find a bible verse that goes with each one for a short devotion at dinner, then leave the candles lit during dinner for a calming effect on your kids!
8) Bake Jesus a birthday cake on Christmas and light the candles and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. My grandma has done this for as long as I can remember.
During December, remember the reason for the season and stop to think, ponder, and enjoy the real meaning!
1) starting the 1st of December I have a calender house that they will open the little doors on and find small treats (like an marshmallow or a chocolate chip), every day will be different. Some may be stickers etc. We will be counting the days until Jesus birthday.
2)we will be having a white Christmas at some point this month(this idea came from my friend Vonna Marcus) Everyone will dressed in white to come to dinner. All the food will be white (bread, soup, maybe ice cream). Name cards for each person will include the word white ("snow white", "bob white", etc.), table cloth and decor will be white.
3) In an effort to avoid commercialism, we will be giving each of our children 3 gifts. The wise men brought Jesus three gifts and we want to tie that into our celebration. Three gifts was enough for Jesus it is good enough for our children.
Children seem to enjoy gifts more when they are not overwhelmed also. There is a movement called the Advent Conspiracy. Check it out, it's all about spending less and giving more and getting back to the real meaning of Christmas.
(If your children are young and you can't get away from Santa Claus, fill their stockings from Santa and give one gift like a family game or something that you can all open together from Santa. Also share the real story of St. Nick)
5)Drive around and look and Christmas lights. Kids love to see all the different decorations and it's free!
6) Find something to involve your children in that is giving to others. We did the Samaritans purse shoe box this year and my daughter and son picked out gifts to fill the boxes and they understood that these were for other children who didn't have as much as them. My daughter got a little attached to the doll she chose but she still put it into the box and said some little girl would take good care of it.
We are also going to give towel sets to The Banquet in Sioux Falls. Each of our family members will pick out their towel set to give, the kids included and then we will deliver them to the Banquet together.
7) an advent wreath (my mom used to do this I think)
Did you know that Advent wreaths were originally used in the home? They did not become popular in churches until the middle of the twentieth century.
I am making one tomorrow using greenery three purple candles (symbolizing royalty) a rose candle and a white candle for the center. Once a week will will light a candle and do a little devotion. Each week we will continue to light the previous candles and a new one.
The First Candle (The Candle of Prophecy/Hope) It symbolizes the promises the prophets delivered as messages from God; promises that foretold Christ’s birth.
The Second Candle (The Candle of the Way)The second candle shows that Christ is the Way. People are lost in sin and Christ is the Light sent into the world to show them the way out of darkness.
The Third Candle (The Candle of Joy)The third candle indicates that the only lasting Joy to be found in life on earth is through Christ. All other joy is fleeting and does not last.
The Fourth Candle (The Candle of Peace)The fourth candle reminds that Jesus comes to bring Peace to both the world and to people's hearts. Without Christ there is no peace in this world.
The Fifth Candle (The Christ Candle or Christmas Candle)The fifth candle represents Christ himself who is born to save people from their sins. It is a celebration of the fulfillment of prophecy as represented in Christ’s birth and hope in the final fulfillment when Christ comes again and Christians join him.
You can say a prayer with each and find a bible verse that goes with each one for a short devotion at dinner, then leave the candles lit during dinner for a calming effect on your kids!
8) Bake Jesus a birthday cake on Christmas and light the candles and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. My grandma has done this for as long as I can remember.
During December, remember the reason for the season and stop to think, ponder, and enjoy the real meaning!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Life Plan
Do you have a life plan? Does your life have vision, meaning, and purpose?
My husband and I are reading through a book by Dan Miller called 48 days to the Work You Love. In it Dan talks about having a life plan with balance, not only a job. It seems that in our culture we have a large emphasis placed on your job and what you do, rather than who you are.
In one section of the book Dan talks about having success in all areas of your life. He pictures your life as a wheel with the outside being fulfillment of your purpose, mission, and calling (yes we all have this). Fulfillment happens when you have success in all areas of your life. The areas are: spiritual, career, physical, personal development, social, family, and financial.
I used to really struggle with feeling incomplete because I didn't have a "job" so to speak. I am a mother and stay home with my kids, something our society doesn't always value. If we look at life more holistically we begin to understand more of God's desire for us to glorify Him. By excelling in all areas of life in ways that we are uniquely gifted, we glorify God.
How are you doing in all seven areas? Do you spend too much time working so your family suffers? Do you care more about your physical body than your spiritual life? How are you growing personally? Are you learning something new?
One area my husband and I are trying to reach success is financial. We've started to listen to Dave Ramsey and are being encouraged more and more to become debt free. In order to fulfill our unique calling as a family we believe we need to be debt free. More on the topic of debt free living and my experience of that journey in a future post.
I'll close with a quote by Viktor Frankl-
"Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose."
My husband and I are reading through a book by Dan Miller called 48 days to the Work You Love. In it Dan talks about having a life plan with balance, not only a job. It seems that in our culture we have a large emphasis placed on your job and what you do, rather than who you are.
In one section of the book Dan talks about having success in all areas of your life. He pictures your life as a wheel with the outside being fulfillment of your purpose, mission, and calling (yes we all have this). Fulfillment happens when you have success in all areas of your life. The areas are: spiritual, career, physical, personal development, social, family, and financial.
I used to really struggle with feeling incomplete because I didn't have a "job" so to speak. I am a mother and stay home with my kids, something our society doesn't always value. If we look at life more holistically we begin to understand more of God's desire for us to glorify Him. By excelling in all areas of life in ways that we are uniquely gifted, we glorify God.
How are you doing in all seven areas? Do you spend too much time working so your family suffers? Do you care more about your physical body than your spiritual life? How are you growing personally? Are you learning something new?
One area my husband and I are trying to reach success is financial. We've started to listen to Dave Ramsey and are being encouraged more and more to become debt free. In order to fulfill our unique calling as a family we believe we need to be debt free. More on the topic of debt free living and my experience of that journey in a future post.
I'll close with a quote by Viktor Frankl-
"Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose."
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Lily Story
I heard a story awhile back that I thought was a great picture of our relationship with a Holy God. It is where I got the idea for this blog. This life is a journey and my journey is directly affected by how much time I spend looking upon our great and holy God. He changes me. It is a journey of change. A journey of being more like him. A privilege.
(-source unknown)
The Lily
A story is told
of a little girl
many years ago
in the slums
who saw an object lesson
using a beautiful white lily.
The children gazed upon
and touched the lovely lily.
One little girl
then looked upon herself
and immediately fled
to her garret home.
She used soap she could find,
and did her best
to make herself
more presentable.
The lily had awakened
her desire for cleanliness.
So to look upon
our great and holy God
awakens within
the child of God
the desire to be more
like Him.
(-source unknown)
The Lily
A story is told
of a little girl
many years ago
in the slums
who saw an object lesson
using a beautiful white lily.
The children gazed upon
and touched the lovely lily.
One little girl
then looked upon herself
and immediately fled
to her garret home.
She used soap she could find,
and did her best
to make herself
more presentable.
The lily had awakened
her desire for cleanliness.
So to look upon
our great and holy God
awakens within
the child of God
the desire to be more
like Him.
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