Monday, October 1, 2012
All Things Work Together. . .
The more I jump into scripture, the more amazed I am at God's incredible work. I am left in awe each time I open my Bible. His words are always the right thing I need to hear. While we might struggle through life, there's always a beautiful method to His madness. I know my best interest is in His hands and He will guide me through each trial and tribulation.
God is the creator of all the universe and it's astounding to know He purposely created me of all the things on this planet He made. It gives me hope and confidence. God knows me and He loves me. Of all the people on the planet, he knows who I am. . . He knows who you are.
I went to visit my best friend and see her precious baby for the first time a few weeks back. She has a cute little plaque hanging on the wall next to her guest bed with Roman 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." I love this verse.
The week following my visit to see her was going to be crazy hectic one with so many things to do I wasn't sure how any of it would actually get completed. As I climbed into bed one of the nights I was there, I read this verse and began to pray on it asking God to help me come up with a plan to make everything fit nicely together. . . Well here's what happened.
That Monday was an in service day and I would be off campus all day. Normally this would not be a problem but grades were due for report cards and I needed to finish grading my scantrons from the test my kids took on Friday. Not only was I worried about actually getting it done, but I was worried that I might need to retest my kids.
The next day (Tuesday) would be chaotic because I would be entering grades and I set up an interview at the church at 3:45, PLUS it was my mom's 50th birthday. When I woke up Monday morning I was nervous. But I prayed Romans 8:28.
Later that day I received an email from one of the ladies who would be interviewing me stating they had a scheduling conflict and I needed to come on Wednesday at 3:30 instead of Tuesday! Wow! Praise Jesus! I could use that time to finish up my grades and head over early to my mom's house to help my dad prepare for the dinner.
Not only was I stressing about the grades, but putting my hubby out by making him pick up the children. That scheduling conflict was God's sweet grace raining down on me that day. I originally planned to go to my school after my in-service on Monday, but I could now go home at a decent time and take care of everything Tuesday! And my kids didn't do too great on their tests, but enough passed that we didn't have to retest which would have been a nightmare!
Tuesday rolled around and I got everything done and it was a rather stress free day considering how busy I stayed for those 8 to 9 hours! We had a wonderful evening with my mom and our family. When my interview rolled around on Wednesday, I was praying for God to guide me through the interview and I was about to get out of the car when the dj on KSBJ recited Romans 8:28 as her scripture of the day! Wow! Too cool! Not only did my interview go wonderful, I got the job!
God is truly an awesome, wonderful God who loves all his children. We are all fearfully and wonderfully made and he wants us to live a long rewarding life. We've been called to be his hands and feet on this planet to transform lives, bring people to Jesus, and spread His good news; the good news that all you have to do is accept Him. Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior; no good works will get you into heaven, only the blood he shed for us. It's such a beautiful life to live when you've placed all your fears at God's feet and you trust in Him. There's going to be trials and hard times, but He will be faithful and He will make all things work for those who Love Him! If you haven't accepted Jesus, don't wait another day. It is the biggest and best choice you will ever make in your life. Your eternal salvation depends upon it.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Weakness
I recently finished up my "Soul Detox" which opened my eyes to some amazing, inspiring, and empowering scriptures. It left me with clarity about situations that I really struggled with and it affirmed some of the hard decisions I've had to make.
It's so amazing how God perfectly fits together these very intricate puzzle pieces to create one super incredible portrait, also known as our life. Lately I feel like I've grown by leaps and bounds in some respects, but in others not at all. I'm still trying to figure that out because my one major weakness that I want to give the boot keeps lingering around.
At church Pastor Tim just finished "The Man Series" which was all about men and how God created them and why sometimes they fall short. It was an absolutely incredible series and I learned so much about my man through these lessons.
Speaking of my man, he joined a men's group and he came home the first night and said, "I'm getting baptized!" wow! How awesomely amazing to see things shaking and moving in him. Not only did he say he wanted to get baptized, he doesn't want to waste any time and do it ASAP!
"And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes." (Galatians 3:27 NLT)
What an amazing and beautiful commitment. I am excited to see him get baptized. I'm even debating if I want to get baptized with him. I was baptized when I was 12, but it has a whole new meaning to me, now. I'll be praying about it and seeking God for guidance to make my decision.
We live in such a sinful, broken world that to see men and women committing their lives to Christ can be an overwhelming experience for me. I will probably ball my eyes out when he gets baptized. I'll need some prayers that I don't get too emotional!
As for my weakness I'm trying to boot, I feel lead to openly admit and confess this shortfall I've been struggling with. I can be an amazing friend and I have wonderful patience with teenagers. I will keep people's deep dark secrets safe. I can give with all my heart expecting nothing in return. I can teach God's little people and move them In the right direction. I can work really hard and I can volunteer my time. But, one thing I'm really lacking in is something that is becoming a major road block in taking the next step on my walk with God. . . Anger towards my husband. How can I do all these other things and deeply care about other people, but act out in anger to the one person who will always be there for me NO MATTER WHAT?
My husband hurt his ankle back in 2005 and has suffered from chronic pain and inflammation ever since. He's had 4 or 5 surgeries to try to ease the pain and fix the problem. Unfortunately none of them have been successful which leaves me with a young, 26 year old husband who can't walk about 3 days out of the week. . . Every week. Wow. This means I'm largely left to perform the basic tasks we normally share. It's left me with so much resentment and anger that one little wrong muttered word and I snap. I totally don't take his feelings into consideration or evaluate how this negatively affects his life or his role as the provider of the family. In those angry passionate moments I become the only person who matters. I put myself ahead of his feelings and I sure the heck don't seek God for the right words to say or for ways to manage my anger towards him.
I simply speak without thinking and I don't care about anything but the inconvenience he's causing me.
Whew. So there it is. All on the table. It feels good to release that and place that weakness at God's feet. I know he will grow me in this area and I accept his guidance with open arms. If you're still reading this, please cover my husband and I in prayer. He desperately needs healing and comfort and I need to seek God and slow down with my anger and judgement.
God is amazing and I realize this on a daily basis. The past 2 weeks I've taught the kinder class, the lessons were on anger! Whew! I feel like the last person who should be teaching about anger since this is my biggest struggle!! But I know God is already assisting me with overcoming this issue.
Here are some scriptures I will be praying on for the next couple of days:
Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate,
so stop before a dispute breaks out. (Proverbs 17:14 NLT)
Sensible people control their temper;
they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. (Proverbs 19:11 NLT)
Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor;
only fools insist on quarreling. (Proverbs 20:3 NLT)
-------------------------------------------
Dear God,
Thank you for your unending love and grace. Help me to show your grace towards my husband. Let my words be kind and encouraging. Please lead me during my anger and help me to find the right words to speak.
In Your Son's name I pray, Amen.
It's so amazing how God perfectly fits together these very intricate puzzle pieces to create one super incredible portrait, also known as our life. Lately I feel like I've grown by leaps and bounds in some respects, but in others not at all. I'm still trying to figure that out because my one major weakness that I want to give the boot keeps lingering around.
At church Pastor Tim just finished "The Man Series" which was all about men and how God created them and why sometimes they fall short. It was an absolutely incredible series and I learned so much about my man through these lessons.
Speaking of my man, he joined a men's group and he came home the first night and said, "I'm getting baptized!" wow! How awesomely amazing to see things shaking and moving in him. Not only did he say he wanted to get baptized, he doesn't want to waste any time and do it ASAP!
"And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes." (Galatians 3:27 NLT)
What an amazing and beautiful commitment. I am excited to see him get baptized. I'm even debating if I want to get baptized with him. I was baptized when I was 12, but it has a whole new meaning to me, now. I'll be praying about it and seeking God for guidance to make my decision.
We live in such a sinful, broken world that to see men and women committing their lives to Christ can be an overwhelming experience for me. I will probably ball my eyes out when he gets baptized. I'll need some prayers that I don't get too emotional!
As for my weakness I'm trying to boot, I feel lead to openly admit and confess this shortfall I've been struggling with. I can be an amazing friend and I have wonderful patience with teenagers. I will keep people's deep dark secrets safe. I can give with all my heart expecting nothing in return. I can teach God's little people and move them In the right direction. I can work really hard and I can volunteer my time. But, one thing I'm really lacking in is something that is becoming a major road block in taking the next step on my walk with God. . . Anger towards my husband. How can I do all these other things and deeply care about other people, but act out in anger to the one person who will always be there for me NO MATTER WHAT?
My husband hurt his ankle back in 2005 and has suffered from chronic pain and inflammation ever since. He's had 4 or 5 surgeries to try to ease the pain and fix the problem. Unfortunately none of them have been successful which leaves me with a young, 26 year old husband who can't walk about 3 days out of the week. . . Every week. Wow. This means I'm largely left to perform the basic tasks we normally share. It's left me with so much resentment and anger that one little wrong muttered word and I snap. I totally don't take his feelings into consideration or evaluate how this negatively affects his life or his role as the provider of the family. In those angry passionate moments I become the only person who matters. I put myself ahead of his feelings and I sure the heck don't seek God for the right words to say or for ways to manage my anger towards him.
I simply speak without thinking and I don't care about anything but the inconvenience he's causing me.
Whew. So there it is. All on the table. It feels good to release that and place that weakness at God's feet. I know he will grow me in this area and I accept his guidance with open arms. If you're still reading this, please cover my husband and I in prayer. He desperately needs healing and comfort and I need to seek God and slow down with my anger and judgement.
God is amazing and I realize this on a daily basis. The past 2 weeks I've taught the kinder class, the lessons were on anger! Whew! I feel like the last person who should be teaching about anger since this is my biggest struggle!! But I know God is already assisting me with overcoming this issue.
Here are some scriptures I will be praying on for the next couple of days:
Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate,
so stop before a dispute breaks out. (Proverbs 17:14 NLT)
Sensible people control their temper;
they earn respect by overlooking wrongs. (Proverbs 19:11 NLT)
Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor;
only fools insist on quarreling. (Proverbs 20:3 NLT)
-------------------------------------------
Dear God,
Thank you for your unending love and grace. Help me to show your grace towards my husband. Let my words be kind and encouraging. Please lead me during my anger and help me to find the right words to speak.
In Your Son's name I pray, Amen.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Choices
Lately I've been doing a lot of soul searching. A lot of thinking. A lot of feeling. It seems like there are days nothing on this planet makes sense then there's days when it all makes perfect sense.
I've been "detoxing" my soul and trying to understand situations that leave me upset and confused. I am enjoying the detox and already, it's surely helping me realize it's not about understanding why people do the things they do, rather than accepting what they do.
We are all uniquely made and precious children of God. We have the best Father you could ever want. We all have hopes and dreams and values which in some cases are the only factors that keep us going.
With that sad, something has been weighing on my heart. . .
-------------------------------------------
I found this as a "draft". . . Wish I would have finished it. Not sure what I was going to say. . . I think it was about being a good parent?!? Im not sure. But, I wanted to "publish" it nonetheless.
I've been "detoxing" my soul and trying to understand situations that leave me upset and confused. I am enjoying the detox and already, it's surely helping me realize it's not about understanding why people do the things they do, rather than accepting what they do.
We are all uniquely made and precious children of God. We have the best Father you could ever want. We all have hopes and dreams and values which in some cases are the only factors that keep us going.
With that sad, something has been weighing on my heart. . .
-------------------------------------------
I found this as a "draft". . . Wish I would have finished it. Not sure what I was going to say. . . I think it was about being a good parent?!? Im not sure. But, I wanted to "publish" it nonetheless.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Toxic Words
Some people make cutting remarks,
but the words of the wise bring healing. (Proverbs 12:18)
Today My devotional was about toxic words. When we think toxic thoughts those little toxic words just roll right off our tongue. Sometimes they slide right out before we even think twice about them.
It's so easy to turn our thoughts into spoken words that might hurt someone. The devotional asked, "are the words you speak most toxic or life-giving?" We can do so much with the simple words we speak. We can lift people up and we can bring people down. We can encourage dreams and we can shatter dreams.
I know I've been guilty of both; toxic and life-giving.
For most people, including myself, it's hard to admit when we fall short of the grace of God. It's hard to admit we behaved in a manner less than acceptable. But, I think in order to truly grow we have to honestly reflect and be real with ourselves. We want our friends to tell us when our clothes don't look right and we expect our spouse to give us affirmation when we look good. I believe it's important, imperative even, to have this same honest relationship with ourself.
We've all been guilty of saying something that we later regret. The one or two little words we so selfishly muttered could crush someone. Our words are powerful. Even when we speak out of anger and really don't mean what we say, those words can put doubt in the other person's mind and penetrate their very being.
When this happens we have to admit to ourselves and to God that we were wrong. It's only when we are honest with ourselves that we grow and change. If you never admit your wrong, you'll never change the behavior.
Currently our church is in a series called, "I Love My City." Last weekend Pastor Tim spoke about some demography surrounding our 3 church campuses. What he shared with us is that in the next 5 years there will be 129,000 people within a 5 mile radius of each of our campuses who will not attend church. Wow! That's 129,000 not hearing the word of God. That's a possibility of 129,000 people who are hurting and hoping for a way out of darkness.
To sit here and think back to the life I lived before accepting Christ as my Lord and Savior, I feel an empty void. Sure life was fun. I had friends. I had my family. But really thinking back there was a void. I didn't pray. I didn't go to church. I thought I was a Christian because I believed in God and was a decent person. But I didn't feel the grace. I never experienced the love and peace God has brought into my life now.
I think about my life where everything was for the most part great, but I still felt that way. What about people who will be in far worse situations than I was? And to not have God? Oh the thought hurts my stomach, actually.
I've always cared about people. Sometimes more than myself. It's always been the best and worst of me. Thinking there will be 129,000 people untouched by Christ's love makes my heart hurt. I hurt for these people who won't know unconditional love and grace from a perfect Lord.
Our goal as a church family is to bring more people to God, bring them
To church. Not because the church needs them, but they need the church. They need the fellowship and love and they most of all need to hear His truths. Whoa. Here's where I feel a little tug at my soul.
If we are to be praying and leading people to Christ, we have to kick those negative thoughts out of our mindset. We can't afford to speak the negative words that may drive someone away from developing a personal relationship with Christ. I feel a certain responsibility to be sure we are very mindful of our actions and words. We have more power than we think. We have more influence over our peers than we think. We must be breathing life into the future followers of Christ and not the opposite.
I'm not sure why, but I can remember some pretty ugly words people have spoken to me over the years. The sad thing is the ugly words have virtually erased the positive words from my memory. Why is it that we can remember the bad times long after they're gone? Knowing this, I feel an obligation to try my very best not to speak the toxic words that might tear someone down. My goal is to help bring more people to Christ and share His truth, love, and grace. I can't afford to lose track of my words. This isn't to say I'll be perfect, but I'm definitely going to make a very cognizant effort to erase the bad, negative thoughts in order to speak the life-giving words people need to hear.
Proverbs 15:4 says, "Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit" (Proverbs 15:4 NLT). There's power in our words.
Proverbs 15:28 says, "The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking;
the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words" (Proverbs 15:28 NLT). We must carefully and purposefully speak words of love and life for we are "the godly."
So as Christians we have an obligation, a duty to work on ourself first so that we may get our mindset right and godly to draw in more followers of Christ. I really didn't put all of this together until now and I now know there truly is greater repercussions for our toxic thoughts than just interfering with our own life. We must get these thoughts under control or they will manifest in the relationships we build with others, both Christ followers and future Christ followers.
We have a responsibility to ourselves and God to be the best we can be. It's only when we find peace in our hearts and lives that we can lead others to the light. I am ready to take on this challenge and kick the nasty, toxic thoughts. There shall only be life-giving words spoken from these lips. I encourage you to do the same.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your word. Thank you for the Love and Grace you show me every day. Help me to kick the negative thoughts out and speak words of healing and love. Work through me so that people will know your love, by knowing me. Help me to do everything in life to bring glory to you. Amen.
but the words of the wise bring healing. (Proverbs 12:18)
Today My devotional was about toxic words. When we think toxic thoughts those little toxic words just roll right off our tongue. Sometimes they slide right out before we even think twice about them.
It's so easy to turn our thoughts into spoken words that might hurt someone. The devotional asked, "are the words you speak most toxic or life-giving?" We can do so much with the simple words we speak. We can lift people up and we can bring people down. We can encourage dreams and we can shatter dreams.
I know I've been guilty of both; toxic and life-giving.
For most people, including myself, it's hard to admit when we fall short of the grace of God. It's hard to admit we behaved in a manner less than acceptable. But, I think in order to truly grow we have to honestly reflect and be real with ourselves. We want our friends to tell us when our clothes don't look right and we expect our spouse to give us affirmation when we look good. I believe it's important, imperative even, to have this same honest relationship with ourself.
We've all been guilty of saying something that we later regret. The one or two little words we so selfishly muttered could crush someone. Our words are powerful. Even when we speak out of anger and really don't mean what we say, those words can put doubt in the other person's mind and penetrate their very being.
When this happens we have to admit to ourselves and to God that we were wrong. It's only when we are honest with ourselves that we grow and change. If you never admit your wrong, you'll never change the behavior.
Currently our church is in a series called, "I Love My City." Last weekend Pastor Tim spoke about some demography surrounding our 3 church campuses. What he shared with us is that in the next 5 years there will be 129,000 people within a 5 mile radius of each of our campuses who will not attend church. Wow! That's 129,000 not hearing the word of God. That's a possibility of 129,000 people who are hurting and hoping for a way out of darkness.
To sit here and think back to the life I lived before accepting Christ as my Lord and Savior, I feel an empty void. Sure life was fun. I had friends. I had my family. But really thinking back there was a void. I didn't pray. I didn't go to church. I thought I was a Christian because I believed in God and was a decent person. But I didn't feel the grace. I never experienced the love and peace God has brought into my life now.
I think about my life where everything was for the most part great, but I still felt that way. What about people who will be in far worse situations than I was? And to not have God? Oh the thought hurts my stomach, actually.
I've always cared about people. Sometimes more than myself. It's always been the best and worst of me. Thinking there will be 129,000 people untouched by Christ's love makes my heart hurt. I hurt for these people who won't know unconditional love and grace from a perfect Lord.
Our goal as a church family is to bring more people to God, bring them
To church. Not because the church needs them, but they need the church. They need the fellowship and love and they most of all need to hear His truths. Whoa. Here's where I feel a little tug at my soul.
If we are to be praying and leading people to Christ, we have to kick those negative thoughts out of our mindset. We can't afford to speak the negative words that may drive someone away from developing a personal relationship with Christ. I feel a certain responsibility to be sure we are very mindful of our actions and words. We have more power than we think. We have more influence over our peers than we think. We must be breathing life into the future followers of Christ and not the opposite.
I'm not sure why, but I can remember some pretty ugly words people have spoken to me over the years. The sad thing is the ugly words have virtually erased the positive words from my memory. Why is it that we can remember the bad times long after they're gone? Knowing this, I feel an obligation to try my very best not to speak the toxic words that might tear someone down. My goal is to help bring more people to Christ and share His truth, love, and grace. I can't afford to lose track of my words. This isn't to say I'll be perfect, but I'm definitely going to make a very cognizant effort to erase the bad, negative thoughts in order to speak the life-giving words people need to hear.
Proverbs 15:4 says, "Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit" (Proverbs 15:4 NLT). There's power in our words.
Proverbs 15:28 says, "The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking;
the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words" (Proverbs 15:28 NLT). We must carefully and purposefully speak words of love and life for we are "the godly."
So as Christians we have an obligation, a duty to work on ourself first so that we may get our mindset right and godly to draw in more followers of Christ. I really didn't put all of this together until now and I now know there truly is greater repercussions for our toxic thoughts than just interfering with our own life. We must get these thoughts under control or they will manifest in the relationships we build with others, both Christ followers and future Christ followers.
We have a responsibility to ourselves and God to be the best we can be. It's only when we find peace in our hearts and lives that we can lead others to the light. I am ready to take on this challenge and kick the nasty, toxic thoughts. There shall only be life-giving words spoken from these lips. I encourage you to do the same.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your word. Thank you for the Love and Grace you show me every day. Help me to kick the negative thoughts out and speak words of healing and love. Work through me so that people will know your love, by knowing me. Help me to do everything in life to bring glory to you. Amen.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
"Summa Gone"
Kyle and his best friend Brent always say, "summa gone" in which the other replies, "summa been gone." It always makes me laugh to hear them in their goofy voices say this along with a multitude of other little catch phrases they say repeatedly.
Well, today this is true for me! Today was officially the last day of summer! I'm actually very eager and excited to begin the new school year. I love a new beginning. A fresh start. New students, new faces, new parents.
Last year I had a wonderful, and I do mean wonderful group of young ladies and gentleman. I think it was the best group I've taught yet. They meshed so well and the chemistry of each class was one of higher learning, but of fun and interest. We set and reached goals together and we definitely all grew. I am so thankful for the students who were in my classes. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them enter as immature freshmen and leave a little more mature, a little more refined, and a little more ready for the next chapter of their lives.
I pray this year's class will bring me just as many good memories, good laughs, and good distractions as last's! They truly are a bright group of kiddos and they gave me a little more hope in the up and coming generations.
I only hope they continue to grow into outstanding young adults. I hope this year's group of kids leaves a positive mark on my teaching career just as these kids did.
Well, today this is true for me! Today was officially the last day of summer! I'm actually very eager and excited to begin the new school year. I love a new beginning. A fresh start. New students, new faces, new parents.
Last year I had a wonderful, and I do mean wonderful group of young ladies and gentleman. I think it was the best group I've taught yet. They meshed so well and the chemistry of each class was one of higher learning, but of fun and interest. We set and reached goals together and we definitely all grew. I am so thankful for the students who were in my classes. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them enter as immature freshmen and leave a little more mature, a little more refined, and a little more ready for the next chapter of their lives.
I pray this year's class will bring me just as many good memories, good laughs, and good distractions as last's! They truly are a bright group of kiddos and they gave me a little more hope in the up and coming generations.
I only hope they continue to grow into outstanding young adults. I hope this year's group of kids leaves a positive mark on my teaching career just as these kids did.
The Spiritual Battle (toxic thoughts continued)
The thoughts that take residence in our head should be those which propel us forward in every aspect of life. The negative thoughts we let in can be destructive in so many ways and we must wage war against them to stay mentally, spiritually, and physically healthy.
2 Corinthians 10 instructs us that this battle is like any other and we must seek God to reach victory against the thoughts the devil strategically places into our brain. We must be cognizant of the places our mind starts to wander and not allow it to fall into a trap of negative. When we start to dwell on something we must seek out scripture to help push these ideas out.
I struggle with the very idea of this. I tend to over analyze every situation and assume the worst possible scenarios. Overall I'm a pretty happy- go-lucky person, but I've allowed the devil to do a number on my thought process lately. No longer will this be the case, though.
Here's my prayer and scriptures to overcome the negative and toxic thoughts which rock us to the core and not in the way we should be rocked.
God, Help Me to seek you in my war on toxic thoughts. When these thoughts enter into my head help me to immediately kick them out. Help me to focus on all the positives in my own life and in other people. Help
Me always understand the lesson in each tough situation. Guide me in leading my family and friends to Christ. Allow me to work as your hands and feet each day. Let my actions speak louder than any words that may be preached. Give me the strength to always stay positive and eliminate worry, anger, guilt, and negative behavior. Thank you God for you truth and your grace. Please help me to show other people grace just as you've granted it to me. Amen.
2 Corinthians 10:1-6
Proverbs 4:1-27
2 Corinthians 10 instructs us that this battle is like any other and we must seek God to reach victory against the thoughts the devil strategically places into our brain. We must be cognizant of the places our mind starts to wander and not allow it to fall into a trap of negative. When we start to dwell on something we must seek out scripture to help push these ideas out.
I struggle with the very idea of this. I tend to over analyze every situation and assume the worst possible scenarios. Overall I'm a pretty happy- go-lucky person, but I've allowed the devil to do a number on my thought process lately. No longer will this be the case, though.
Here's my prayer and scriptures to overcome the negative and toxic thoughts which rock us to the core and not in the way we should be rocked.
God, Help Me to seek you in my war on toxic thoughts. When these thoughts enter into my head help me to immediately kick them out. Help me to focus on all the positives in my own life and in other people. Help
Me always understand the lesson in each tough situation. Guide me in leading my family and friends to Christ. Allow me to work as your hands and feet each day. Let my actions speak louder than any words that may be preached. Give me the strength to always stay positive and eliminate worry, anger, guilt, and negative behavior. Thank you God for you truth and your grace. Please help me to show other people grace just as you've granted it to me. Amen.
2 Corinthians 10:1-6
Proverbs 4:1-27
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Toxic Thoughts
I'm a worry wart. I hate being a worry wart. I hate with every inch of my being that I waste time doing something that gets me nowhere. Why is it that I can spend so much time on these toxic thoughts which lead to worry, guilt, anger, sadness, and all the deep dark places my soul doesn't want to go?
Unfortunately there's a little, and I stress little, guy down below us who is the king of toxic and incapacitating thoughts. That's right. The devil puts all these toxic thoughts in our head and we become a brainwashed fool by these thoughts. Instead of reading and living out God's word, we spend our time on "what ifs" and doubt. God is so much bigger than any situation, any demon, and anything the devil can throw at us. Why do I minimize God and his capabilities? Each time I let these toxic thoughts enter and make residence in my head, the devil is lighting up another point on his scoreboard.
I just, and i mean just like 30 minutes ago, started a "soul detox" reading plan on my Youversion Bible app. If you couldn't guess, te first topic is toxic thoughts. Okay. Here's where it gets real. Here's why when someone asks me why I'm a Christian I can say wholeheartedly because Ive talked with God, I've experienced the intimate relationship with my savior like you would talk to any good friend. I say this because even though I can't look my God in the face, I know he's got my back. He pops up everywhere and speaks to me in such a subtle but huge way. It couldn't be any truer than tonight.
So without divulging too much of my personal personal life lets just say I've been having some "toxic thoughts" on several subjects for a while now. These thoughts are very distinct in 2 areas of my life that are really bringing a lot of negative into my life. So tonight I'm thinking one toxic thing after another. I'm at a loss for anything positive, really. I've been in such a rotten mood I don't want to be nice or even pretend to be. I hate feeling this hold on myself so I go to my Bible app and start reading. I then start playing around on the app beyond just looking up verses or specific chapters. I see there's all kinds of reading plans. That's when I come across the detox plan. Sounds great, right? I know I need a cleansing because my outward faith and my personal faith aren't matching, I've had all these negative thoughts, excetera. Oh my gosh! God is a sneaky fella I tell ya! The very first day of the detox reading plan is "toxic thoughts!" okay. This is not a coincedence my friends. God! I just felt like the thoughts were being sucked away into a big vacuum somewhere out in space. My head turned from anger, guilt, and sadness to a conversation with an old friend. How amazing is God? He knew right then which plan for me to choose and what lesson I needed right then and there.
I made a special little pact with myself. Toxic thoughts will not enter my head. They are not welcome to hang up their coat and reside in my head. They will smoothly and swiftly be kicked out of my dwelling. I am turning a new leaf. If I want to spread Christ's love with people, it starts with my inner being. I have to rid these toxic thoughts from my head and focus on Christ's love for me and my blessings God has so graciously given me. I am going to pray on several scriptures to help me successfully rid my mind and soul of toxic thoughts.
Thank you God for speaking so loud and clear to me tonight. When I fail to do your will, you swoop in to save me. Please help me to not let my brain fall captive to toxic thoughts because our thoughts become our words and our words become our actions. God please help me to share your love and grace with my family, friends, coworkers, acquaintances, and each person you put in my path. Thank you for the guidance and love. Your grace will never seize to amaze me. Help me to grow in faith and share that with others. Amen.
Unfortunately there's a little, and I stress little, guy down below us who is the king of toxic and incapacitating thoughts. That's right. The devil puts all these toxic thoughts in our head and we become a brainwashed fool by these thoughts. Instead of reading and living out God's word, we spend our time on "what ifs" and doubt. God is so much bigger than any situation, any demon, and anything the devil can throw at us. Why do I minimize God and his capabilities? Each time I let these toxic thoughts enter and make residence in my head, the devil is lighting up another point on his scoreboard.
I just, and i mean just like 30 minutes ago, started a "soul detox" reading plan on my Youversion Bible app. If you couldn't guess, te first topic is toxic thoughts. Okay. Here's where it gets real. Here's why when someone asks me why I'm a Christian I can say wholeheartedly because Ive talked with God, I've experienced the intimate relationship with my savior like you would talk to any good friend. I say this because even though I can't look my God in the face, I know he's got my back. He pops up everywhere and speaks to me in such a subtle but huge way. It couldn't be any truer than tonight.
So without divulging too much of my personal personal life lets just say I've been having some "toxic thoughts" on several subjects for a while now. These thoughts are very distinct in 2 areas of my life that are really bringing a lot of negative into my life. So tonight I'm thinking one toxic thing after another. I'm at a loss for anything positive, really. I've been in such a rotten mood I don't want to be nice or even pretend to be. I hate feeling this hold on myself so I go to my Bible app and start reading. I then start playing around on the app beyond just looking up verses or specific chapters. I see there's all kinds of reading plans. That's when I come across the detox plan. Sounds great, right? I know I need a cleansing because my outward faith and my personal faith aren't matching, I've had all these negative thoughts, excetera. Oh my gosh! God is a sneaky fella I tell ya! The very first day of the detox reading plan is "toxic thoughts!" okay. This is not a coincedence my friends. God! I just felt like the thoughts were being sucked away into a big vacuum somewhere out in space. My head turned from anger, guilt, and sadness to a conversation with an old friend. How amazing is God? He knew right then which plan for me to choose and what lesson I needed right then and there.
I made a special little pact with myself. Toxic thoughts will not enter my head. They are not welcome to hang up their coat and reside in my head. They will smoothly and swiftly be kicked out of my dwelling. I am turning a new leaf. If I want to spread Christ's love with people, it starts with my inner being. I have to rid these toxic thoughts from my head and focus on Christ's love for me and my blessings God has so graciously given me. I am going to pray on several scriptures to help me successfully rid my mind and soul of toxic thoughts.
Thank you God for speaking so loud and clear to me tonight. When I fail to do your will, you swoop in to save me. Please help me to not let my brain fall captive to toxic thoughts because our thoughts become our words and our words become our actions. God please help me to share your love and grace with my family, friends, coworkers, acquaintances, and each person you put in my path. Thank you for the guidance and love. Your grace will never seize to amaze me. Help me to grow in faith and share that with others. Amen.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Writer's Block
Summer is here and once again I'm left wondering where the time went. This school year was a very weird one. My students were amazing. I avoided angry parents, upset kids, and the drama that usually accompanies teaching freshmen. I will definitely miss my students from this year. To be honest, this might be the best group I've taught so far.
This year gave me a lot of material to blog about. However, lately I've been at a loss of words. I've wanted to blog about parenting, God, life lessons, and other things but I have not been able to find the words to express these topics adequately. I'm hoping now that summer is here I can give my blog more attention.
The next blog I want to write will be about parenting. . . Hopefully. That's such an important topic and it deserves some time invested in it. We shall see if this comes to fruition.
If not, it'll still be a happy summer!
This year gave me a lot of material to blog about. However, lately I've been at a loss of words. I've wanted to blog about parenting, God, life lessons, and other things but I have not been able to find the words to express these topics adequately. I'm hoping now that summer is here I can give my blog more attention.
The next blog I want to write will be about parenting. . . Hopefully. That's such an important topic and it deserves some time invested in it. We shall see if this comes to fruition.
If not, it'll still be a happy summer!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Projects
Here's some pictures of my latest projects. I forgot to take before pictures of the armoire and the dresser.
I love how they turned out. The armoire was a light colored wood. I love the distressing on it. It looks very rustic and old. It turned out perfect.
The pictures of the dresser do not do it justice, it's a lovely piece. My mom is going to bling up the flower on the front.
The small chest is by far the best piece. I'm in love with this piece. My mom's best friend gave this to me. Actually, her dad gave my parents the armoire, too. Her family is very close to ours. Anyway, the small end table is also from her as well. They turned out great.
I love how they turned out. The armoire was a light colored wood. I love the distressing on it. It looks very rustic and old. It turned out perfect.
The pictures of the dresser do not do it justice, it's a lovely piece. My mom is going to bling up the flower on the front.
The small chest is by far the best piece. I'm in love with this piece. My mom's best friend gave this to me. Actually, her dad gave my parents the armoire, too. Her family is very close to ours. Anyway, the small end table is also from her as well. They turned out great.