Dreams

We all have things that we dream of doing, or dream of becoming....  We wouldn't be as motivated to move through life on certain paths, if we did not have dreams and goals!  I have dreamt for a long time of being a successful Public Speaker.  I long to inspire others with the knowledge that I have gained through my difficult life experiences!


Over the past 3 years, I have been stuck in a cycle of 6 months of semi-frequent Public presentations, and then 6 months of none, repeat, repeat....  Last month, I had become very discouraged!  I was feeling sorry for myself and wondering what I was doing wrong, that I hadn't had an opportunity to speak for some time...  Because of my sadness and weakness, I decided to attend a Christian Women's Coffee group, that I hadn't made a priority for quite some time...  I listened to the wonderful speaker talk about setting goals and following through toward your dreams.  She was very motivational, telling us all that we CAN accomplish whatever we set our minds to!  Then, we had small group discussion time at our tables, and I remember telling the other 3 ladies at my table, "I've just been so discouraged, because I have been trying so hard to attain my goals of Public Speaking!"  The ladies (perfect strangers) were very sweet and encouraging, and stated that they would pray for me.  One of them said, "Why don't you be a featured speaker at one of these events?"  To which I answered, "I have applied to be, but they haven't contacted me back"....


Also that night, there were discussion questions; one of which was something to this effect.....List something that you have been wanting to do, that you vow to DO this week.....


I remember that evening so well, and that I left that Women's group, still defeated, but less burdened, because now there were 3 women (whom I had just met) that were going to pray for MY dream!


And that is when things turned around!  I received an email, only 3 days after that night, from the coordinator of that Christian Women's coffee group, asking if I'd like to be the featured speaker in March.   Yea!   The feeling of relief and excitement that I received from getting that email, prompted me to look back at the discussion questions that I had filled out only days before; and my written answer to the question of "something I've been wanting to do" was to attend a Public Speaker Conference.  So, that week, I researched the one I wished to attend, registered for it, and booked my travel plans! How very empowering it felt to take that step toward my Dream!


By the way....I said an ecstatic YES to speaking for the Coffee group, and I am doing so TOMORROW NIGHT!  I am looking forward to it so very much!   I can't wait to see where God takes me in my presentation, and thereafter!


Prayers GET answered, and Dreams Do Come True!   Stick with God, and All Things are Possible! :)


Blessings to you all!

Anger

I have been thinking a lot today; wondering really... "What good does it do anyone to live life with Anger?"

In my life experience thus far, the above Bible verse stands true!  Anyone that has acted with anger toward me or my loved ones, has certainly come across as a "fool".

There is no point to anger.....It doesn't solve anything, doesn't fix anything, doesn't turn back time, can't make things the way you want them, and certainly doesn't earn anyone friends....   Anger breaks down relationships, decreases trust, shows weakness, and hurts the recipients of it.

So what then shall we do when we begin to feel angry about something?  Be wise and stay under control!  How should we accomplish that?  I have found that taking a break from the situation works wonders.  Meditation, prayer, and finding answers within Scripture are also very helpful!

Wouldn't it be great to be the "wise man" that keeps under control?  What did Jesus do whenever he was confused or upset?  He prayed.  He prayed to God to help him see the reason for his trials or mountains he faced.  And then, once he understood God's plan, he was calm to move forward.

What then makes Anger worth acting upon?  NOTHING!  There is no reason to act out in anger.  God can help you through it!   Everyone who cares for you can help you through it!  Anger is not to be blamed on current day stresses, nor on anyone other than ones-self.  Look at this verse....Anger has been a issue since biblical times.  But still today, it is a WISE MAN, who keeps his/her anger under control.

Strive to be wise, and control anger, toward anyone, yourself included.  You will find, that a life without anger, is filled with much more happiness & joy!

May God guide each and every one of you toward a more peaceful, anger free, existence; full of Love and Happiness!   Amen.

A Bad Day gone Good

Ugghh!  What a bad start I had to my day this past Sunday! I left the house in a rush, with only foundation on, and threw all the rest of my makeup into my bottomless mommy purse, as I ran out the door.  I arrived at worship rehearsal 10 minutes late, frazzled, & already a little worn out (and it was only 8:10am)...

 Now, if you know me, you know that my best friend is COFFEE!  I literally need it to survive!  So, after arriving at church & getting set up, I finally had the opportunity to go into the kitchen there to get my first, much needed cup for the day....  A moment later as I took that first wonderful sip, I must have gotten too over zealous, and tipped my cup too far...    Coffee down the front of my shirt!  Yes, the 6th shirt that I had tried on that morning, trying to find the right one, and now it was coffee stained!

As worship rehearsal went on, I proceeded to trip UP some stairs, pull a muscle in my elbow (Ouch!), and spill food on my pants as well...

When the worship band was preparing to start worship, all I could keep thinking was "Boy this is a cruddy day!  Why is my day so 'off' today? What next? etc...."  But then, the service started and the "Welcome" had these sentences in it: "At times we feel as if we are perishing under the demands of our day, unable to see clearly what is most important.  We become enslaved by our routines and enticed by shallow distractions." and then "O, God, help us restore balance to our lives." 

AMEN!  I thought!   Boy, I needed to hear that! 

And service went on to a "Prayer" which held these words: "In Christ, God lifts the veil so we can catch a glimpse of glory.  There is peace to be found in the middle of chaos. There is freedom and quiet even in the middle of our busyness."

Ah, a sigh of relief, at that point my stress from the less-than-perfect morning that I had had, melted away, and I was fully delved into worship.  Now I was ready to sing to the Lord with my Whole Heart!

As the service went on, there were wonderful lyrics to the songs that our worship band sang as well; they really touched me!   Even though we had rehearsed them earlier that morning, I had not even been open to RECEIVEING their beautiful meaning, because I was too distracted by my own messiness....

In the songs we sang I heard, fully this time, "You are love, You are peace, You cause the raging storm to cease. Now I fall to my knees and I worship You, not for all the mighty things you have done...but the first and foremost reason I call out Your name, You are worthy, You are holy, You are God!" (From "You are God" by Peder Wide)
And...... "Who brings our chaos, back into order? Who makes an orphan, a son or daughter?  The King of glory. The King above all kings!" (From "This is Amazing Grace" by Jeremy Riddle)

I don't believe I need to say much more..... :)

Thank You Lord for bringing me out of my state of self pity, and back to living in Your freedom & Peace!!

Answering Prayer

I have to admit that yesterday was the 1st time I have ever watched the movie "Evan Almighty".  I don't know why I hadn't seen it...I really loved the movie "Bruce Almighty"....   I guess motherhood had somehow gotten in the way of me being available to notice and make time for the movie "Evan Almighty".   But, oh my, what a GREAT movie!   And I am SO glad that I watched it!

There were so many wonderful parts of this movie; which depicts the journey of Noah building the Ark, only a modern day Noah in a modern World.

There is a scene in this movie where Evan's wife and children have left him, for fear that he has gone crazy..... And his wife is in a restaurant, and speaks with the waiter, "Al Mighty", about their problems.....    
The advice that "Al Mighty" gives her is as follows:
"If someone Prays for Patience, do you think God gives them patience, or does he give them the opportunity to be patient?   If someone prays for courage, does God give them Courage or does he give them opportunities to be courageous?  If someone prays for family closeness, does God zap them with warm fuzy feelings or does he give them opporuities to love each other...."

If you'd like to watch that scene, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ikes4yPulmI.

Wow, huh?  What a WONDERFUL way to look at the way in which God answers Prayer!!!  Sometimes we wonder why we have not received an answer to our prayers, but this explanation just reminds us that we need to watch closely for all of the opportunities that God puts in front of us, that allow us chances to accomplish that which we were praying for!  As I watched that scene over and over and thought about the past year in my own life; I was absolutely blown away by all of the instances in which God placed what I thought were "obstacles" in the way of MY plans, only to lead me right into opportunities to accomplish HIS plan, and in turn, realize the answers to my Prayers!   What an amazing and awesome God we have!!

May you watch and listen closely, for the Opportunities that God sends your way!

Gimme that booger!

As I sit here on my 3rd day of being home taking care of my sick children, I had to laugh as I replayed a scene from earlier today in my head....

My youngest does NOT like blowing his nose!  If he had his way, he would leave all snot and boogers in his nose indefinitely.  He just has some issue with the odd way it feels to blow his nose.....  So, here is how the conversation went:
Mom: "I can see that your nose is full of snot.  Let me help you."
Son: "No!"
Mom: "But it will feel better to get that out of there."
Son: "No, I want it in there."
Mom: "But all that junk in your nose is keeping the germs in your body, that are making you sick."
Son: "I don't care."
Mom: (now frustrated) "I am getting a tissue now."
Son: whining
Mom: "I see it! Gimme that booger!!"
Next thing I know, he blows his nose really hard and all that junk is out!! I got so excited, that we proceeded to have some kind of "booger" party....  We laughed and hugged and congratulated.  We cheered and even noticed that he could now breathe out of his nose!

Thinking back on that now, I can't help but wonder why I so imfatically wanted that disgusting stuff.....I mean, I cheered and smiled like I had just won an award or found a fantastic deal on shoes!!  I am usually quite easily grossed out, so why, today, did this not bother me....?

Then it hit me.... of course....because of unconditional love. Because when our children need us, we do whatever it takes to help them.  When it comes to our children, we don't contemplate our feelings before we act, we just immediately do what needs to be done.

So, as I sat thinking about that I realized that our Heavenly Father does the same for us each and every day.  He wants us to lay our burdens and needs on him, no matter how messy they are!  And Jesus, well his job on Earth was to die to take away all of our sins.  He willingly took and takes all of our ickiness, "boogers", "snot", and everything gross in our lives, so that we may live freely, knowing that we are taken care of!!  How amazing is that!  Just as we parents try to take all burdens and "ickiness" from our children, and make them feel better; so does our Heavenly Father, Son, & Holy Spirit take all of our burdens & "ickiness".   God does not contemplate which of our issues are too messy to deal with, or which burden might be too icky to handle......No, he just jumps right in and says "Give me your Boogers! Give me your sickness! Give me your worries, no matter how icky!"  And then, we are left with the clear pathway to 'breathe freely' and live happily!

Thank God, in every way, for Unconditional Love!!

"Safe in My Arms" & Merry Christmas!!

Wow!  As I was driving today, I heard a song on Christian radio (that I didn't catch the name of, Sorry) that touched my heart deeply!  The song was describing many different storms of life, and after the description of each, the Chorus part always repeated "But you will be Safe in My Arms".

Since I was listening to Christain radio, I knew that the Being they were singing about always being safe in the arms of, was our wonderful God; but I couldn't help but relate the words to my own feelings for my children....  I couldn't stop thinking about the unconditional love that a parent feels for their child and the fact that parents will sacrifice ANYTHING to keep their children safe, always!

Once the song was over, I began to think about my part in the Christmas Cantata at my church this year.   I was Mary (what an honor)!   And in one of my songs the lyrics were "You are my child, and also child divine.  I will hold you forever just as your will hold me forever!"  Wow!   That line of lyrics speaks about both God's love for ALL of his children and about a parent's never ending love for their child, all at the same time.   What a powerful way to view what Mary must have felt, knowing that her child would 'care for her' just as much as she for Him!

As I sit here tonight wrapping Christmas presents, and almost lost in the 'craziness' of Christmas busyness, I am so Blessed to be reminded over and over of the amazing Gift that was given to us on that First Christmas!   The tiny baby that would change the world and forever "Hold" us all!

Thank you Lord for Christmas, for my children, for your Child Divine, for Mary, and for the existence of Unconditional Love between a Parent and Child!!   We are so Very Blessed!

Merry Christmas to all!

Thankfulness

Yes, what more generic thing to Blog about on Thanksgiving evening than Thankfulness....  I know, not very original. :)  But, I feel moved to share that the thing that I am MOST thankful for throughout this past year is my FAITH!   Thank you Lord, so very much, for molding my faith into something so much more deep and amazing than even before!

It has been a very trying year indeed!  And I am certainly thankful for my wonderful children, and that they are both healthy and happy, as at this time last year, they were not...   I am thankful for my job that I love, even though it drives me crazy some days, it is exactly where I should be!  I am deeply thankful for each and every one of the public speaking opportunities that I have had throughout this past year, and LOVE the growth and wonder that speaking has fueled in my life!! I am thankful for many many wonderful things in my life, but most of all, FAITH and GOD'S INFLUENCE on my life!   I cannot even explain how divine guidance has led me through the past year; it is amazing to me every time that I think back on all the spiritual growth that I have experienced! 

I have been terrified, lost, sometimes on the wrong path; I have realized dreams and chased dreams, I have been given opportunities that were only dreams....this has been a year of change!

The many blessings that the Lord has given to me this past year were unreachable in other years, but He has shown me the right paths to work my way down to pursue my dreams!

I am so blessed with a wonderful church family and worship band and other connections at church, that have brought such positivity into my life!  When I needed it most this past year, there have been hundreds of people sending up prayers for my needs or wants, and that is an amazing feeling!  How blessed I am to have such wonderful, loving, Christian people in my life!!

So, to each and every one of you that has prayed for me, pulled for me, listened to me, helped me, counseled me, and laughed with me this past year, THANK YOU!!!!   And THANK YOU LORD for ALL that I have!

Happy Thanksgiving!

"The Gambler"

I gain more and more appreciation for Classic Country Music each time that I perform a tune from that era.  This summer I was fortunate enough to get to perform "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers, in Medora.   What a fun song to sing and perform for others!

 

A few days ago, I woke up with that song in my head first thing.   I hadn't listened to it for months, so I remember thinking that it was strange that this song was so vivid in my mind that morning.  As I got ready for work, the song just stuck with me, and I kept singing it in my mind, over and over, and even caught myself singing it out loud a few times.   As I was singing "The Gambler", I realized for the very first time, that this song is not about the game of Gambling at all.   I had never before caught the depth of these lyrics.

 

Here is the link to listen now, to Kenny Rogers' "The Gambler"

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj4nJ1YEAp4

 

These lyrics had such a profound effect on me that morning, and throughout the day.   And I still can't shake the feeling of Divine advice in this tune at that time!   In life, we all need to try to "know when to fold", and give in to what is meant to be.  We also need to know what is worth holding onto and fighting for, no matter what.   We strive to know when to "walk away" from something or someone that is not good for ourselves.  And, well, if we feel the urge to "Run" away from something, then we certainly better listen to that urge!

 

Lastly, there is nothing in this earthly life that is worth counting and comparing and tracking.  None of our earthly possessions will be able to accompany us to heaven, nor are they worth anything in the long run!

 

So, God placed this Kenny Rogers tune in my mind that morning, to remind me what is most important in this earthly life.  And I received the clear message, that the people that I love most are the only ones that truly matter; they deserve my time and attention, and all the rest is just stuff!

God's plan

As I continue in my daily tasks, working toward what I believe God's purpose in my life is right now, I keep listening to God's voice in my day-to-day activities, and to this wonderful song...

Ashes Remain - Here For A Reason (Single): http://youtu.be/hmXoLGK0MJg

Just last week I was privileged to speak to a wonderful group of Christian women. Each time that I present my speeches, I am just as blessed and positively influenced by the reminders that God gives me through Scripture, as I hope and pray the other women listening are.

As I was speaking, and driving to and from my speech, the message that kept resonating with me personally last week was that each day is a gift. Over and over I was reminded of how much can be accomplished in each day, of how much love and kindness we can all share, and how we can add a positive influence into others lives each and every day! Right now, a part of my God given purpose is to share my faith and life experiences with others to benefit them and make their days better. I am so so happy to feel that purpose and continue to try to live it every day!

Wishing you all a very blessed week!!

Windows

win·dow -ˈwindō/  noun
1. an opening in the wall or roof of a building or vehicle that is fitted with glass or other transparent material in a frame to admit light or air and allow people to see out.
2. a thing resembling a window in form or function, in particular.
3. an interval or opportunity for action

I caught myself gazing out a window of my home last night.  I had been completely lost in thought and I felt as though I was looking out into a world of vast unknowns...  I was day dreaming about my public speaking, and where it could take me.   I thought of so many places that I would love to see 'beyond MY window', and I silently prayed that someday I experience the views from windows all over the World!

 

Sometimes when I am caught up in the tasks of day to day and the busyness of being a working mom, I feel like all I see of the world around me is the limited view from the inside of my home looking out.   There have been many times that I have felt trapped or stuck inside my home, or my current lifestyle, and dreamed of being 'beyond the window'.  Because, who really know what excitement and opportunities are available on the other side of our own 'windows'!?!?

 

I felt compelled to find the "meaning" of the word, Window, and I share that above.  It is a very interesting meaning indeed.  I reflected on the 'windows of opportunity' that have passed me by in life, and on the many 'windows' that have admitted 'light' into my life, and allowed me to see...

 

I am so very thankful for all of the people around me that act as 'windows' bringing light into my life!  My children, for sure, are the largest light bringers!  They make me laugh every day, and looking at them reminds me of the importance of the side of the "transparent material" that I am on in life right now!  Then there is my pastor, my mother, my dear friends, and so many more!  The 'light bringers' are the special people in our lives who remind us that we are behind a certain 'window' or within a certain 'frame' in life for a God given reason. They motivate us to keep going and to continue to reach forward, through that current window onto bigger horizons.

 

Thank God for all the 'windows' in life, and for all the people who bring 'light' into our lives!!