Challenge Friday!

     Words can teach us so much!  I have been teaching my dancers a new word every week...so far we have learned perserverance, respect, integrity and humility.  Now, I know that is a lot for a little kid to grasp, especially my 4 year olds.  I don't expect them to memorize the words but I am hoping that it will be glued into their subconsious.  My challenge to them every week is go and use that word at least once and come back with one story of how they used these words!
     So I am forwarding the same challenge to you...study these words and look them up if your not sure what they mean:
Perserverance
Respect
Integrity
Humility

Show at least one person or yourself this week an example of what these words are.  Also, try and learn a new word.  Words say so much and can either hinder us and others...or we can use words to influence and speak life into others! 

Which do you choose? 

Have a great weekend and I will talk to you on Monday!

They come in all shapes and sizes!

     We all have had them or are facing them.  They can come in all shapes, sizes and come around when we least expect them to.  What are they you ask...they are giants!
     As Christians we face them everyday whether it be something big or something rather small.  The really cool thing is God gave us the sure answer to all our "giants."  The bible is a remarkable tool that we have as a permanent reminder have how we are to handle each situation.  One story in particular illustrates this very well.  It makes me think of David and Goliath...
     Nobody thought he would be able to beat the giant.  He was a puny teenage shepard boy who nobody believed in.  Even his brothers and Dad thought he was too small.  However, God believed in him and that is all anybody really needs(even if we don't believe in ourselves).  He faced that giant head on and said "you may come to me with a sword, spear and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord Almighty God!"  How powerful a statement, but what did David mean by that?
     My thinking is this, no matter what kind of giant we face...9 feet or 9 inches, if we come to it in the name of the Lord, that giant will fall to the ground and we will be able to chop it's head off.  So nothing in our life is ever too big to handle with God as our main tool for fighting:)


1 Samuel 17: 45-46

    

Rainbows

     I think, sometimes, I get so caught up in life that I forget what the little things in life mean.  I have been praying and asking that God send me something to know I am to keep believing for things in life to happen to us.  Well, yesterday he fulfilled that prayer...
     Yesterday morning in church the sermon was on God's promises and how he gave us the bible so we would know what his gifts were to us.  I feel the bible was God's greatest gift.  If we ever wonder what he is going to do in us, through us, and for us...we have the answers.  We just have to find them and have faith in them, because they will happen, just not necessarily when we want them too.
     Then on the way home from Green Bay the most beautiful sight I have seen in a long time was in the sky.  It was the biggest, brightest and fullest rainbow I have seen.  Not only was it a full rainbow but there was half of another one beside it.  I think this is also one of the best things God gave us.  When we are unsure of our faith(which I have been lately) he sends us these things just to tell us that he hasn't forgotten us and he is listening:)

Friday Challenge!

     I have been into reading the Oprah magazine lately.  She really helps me to stay focused on constantly being a better person.  Her magazine is the best of everything: fashion, new books, interesting articles and self improvement advice.
     Oprah is big into journaling!  So she recommended a website called 750words.  This website is basically an online journal...that no one can see or read.  The cool thing is you get badges for how many days in a row you write.  Based on whatever you write the site has mood indicators, it tells you how fast you went, what the weather is(don't ask how they know this).  Then they also have a monthly challenge that you can take part in!
     The point of journaling is just to get your thoughts out of your head.  If your like me, it helps to process what I am thinking and kind of organize my many thoughts.  Since I have started this, almost a month, it really has helped me to stay consistent and I write more often.  I really enjoy journaling this way and not to mention, it is a lot easier and faster for me to type!

So this is my challenge for you: to go on this website and explore it.  If you like your paper journal then stay with that, if your ready to try something new the site is www.750words.com!  Have a great weekend and we will talk to you on Monday:)

Who would think?

     Craig and I have made a commitment to getting ourselves out of debt, saving for a family vacation to Florida and, of course, Christmas.  Well, that is easier said then done! 
     First we put our credit cards away and refuse to use them.  How can God fully provide for us (and provide extra) if we are relying on those stupid cards?  Then we were looking for some ways to make some extra money to help save for Christmas, Vacation and paying off debt.  So we decided one way was to put some items, we weren't interested in keeping, for sale on Craig's list.  The last thing we had heard about was about donating plasma.  Which could bring in a fair amount of extra income.  Alright I thought I will give it a shot!
     So I did...I made the appointment.  I thought well, if this is what God wants me to do then I will come through it with flying colors and have no problem at all.  The coolest thing I learned was that it really does help people.  I had no idea what plasma was or what it did in our body.  I found out that plasma helps people who have compromised immune systems and helps them to lead normal lives and provides the medicine that they need.  Which brings a whole new meaning to me doing it!  I now realize how important it is to donate and give to people who will be able to do the same things we take for granted.


Lesson: I get to help people and help save lives while providing some extra money for my family.  Can't get any better than that:)

Matthew 25:40- I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.

#1 Commandment!

     Does anybody know what that is?  The most important commandment is....To love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul. 
     Now, I have to admit sometimes this is really hard.  Especially when life doesn't go "our way."  When I was a baby christian my love would come and go with lifes circumstances.  However, now, after this many years and now that I am digging into the bible more, it's definitely more steady.  He is God and he never wants to harm us.  His love is as big as the ocean and even when life seems to not go our way it is our job to love him and understand that he just wants whats best for us.  It may not be our plans but he always makes things work out for those who love him.
     I think the more we try and remember this the easier it will be to love him with our heart, mind and soul!  No matter what:)

Challenge Friday!

     Our pastor has been giving a series of messages on Faith.  Last week he talked about how in order to get our faith in our hearts we have to get it in our minds first.  Which means we have to discipline our minds and our thoughts!  And you thought discipline was just for your children:)  How do we do that you ask?  Here is what I am going to do and this is my challenge to you today...
     God says to hide his word in our hearts so that when the enemy strikes we have his word to stand on.  Knowing that, I went to Walmart and got some index cards.  I am going to write a different scripture on each card and start memorizing them!  At first I am going to read them probably 2-3 times a day to really give my thoughts a good kick in the pants and then hopefully I will only have to do it 1 time a day.
     My challenge is that you do the same thing!  Whether you are struggling with anything or not, it is a great thing to have absolute truth to stand on when those thoughts start to pester you.  Besides our thoughts, let give the enemy a little kick in the pants as well...

Have a great weekend!  I will not be posting anything new till Monday because I will be out of town till Sunday night:)

THE BLESSING!

     Sometimes it's hard going through life and facing normal everyday issues.  Then trying to see these issues and handle them from a Christian perspective can be even more difficult.  However, God gives us an awesome part of scripture that lets us know our benefits from following Him, his laws, and commands.  It is called "THE BLELSSING," and it's found in Deu. 28!
     I have learned that the bible and the words it contains are God's will and his promises.  When Abraham prayed to God for a child...God told him he would be the father of many.  When he stopped the rain after 40 days....God promised Noah to never flood the whole earth again.  God gave every women who was barren in the old testament a child.  He gave Solomon the kingdom he had promised his father David.
     "THE BLESSING" is filled with promises that we as Christians are entitled to as long as we follow him: prosperity, children, shelter, food, clothing.  God wants to give us everything our hearts desire...just like we as parents want to give our children everything!  He does not want us to be poor, childless, homeless, without food.  These things are his gifts to us for loving him, obeying him and following him we just need to be open to accepting them.  We must also know we WILL receive them because every word is his PROMISE...even if we don't think we deserve them!

I Wonder?

     I am finding, as much as the Old Testament is boring...it is actually quite interesting.  A few weeks ago I read Exodus and one part in particular stuck out to me.  It is from Exodus 17:10-13!
     These verses are about Moses and the Israelites fighting the Amalekites in the Desert of Sin.  In these verses it talks about Moses having to hold out his hands along with his staff.  As long as he did this then the Israelites continued to win.  As soon as his hands came down then the Amalekites were winning.  Then when Moses' hands got tired Aaron, Hur and Joshua would put a stone under him and he would sit on it.  Aaron and Hur would also help hold his hands up when they got tired so they would "remain steady until sunset."
    I wonder if this is a metaphor for life?  When we continue to lift our hands to the Lord and give him praise, despite our situation, we are going to win and overcome it(no matter how long it takes us).  However, when we let our hands down and start letting our thoughts rule our mind is that when we start to lose?  Next comes the part about Aaron, Hur and Joshua providing Moses with a rock to sit on when he was tired.  I think we have to remember that no matter how tired we get Jesus is our rock to sit on.  He is always there for us to rest and take a break from life, he will always be strong for us and we are never too heavy.  The last part is about Aaron and Hur holding up each arm as Moses got tired.  I think that is why God provided us friends and family, so we would always have other people who could physically hold us up when we are tired and overwhelmed.  People who could help carry our burdens so that we can "remain steady until sunset."



    
    

We learned this when we were young

     This is one thing that I think is the hardest skill to learn...and you either have it or it kills you trying to get it!  What is the one statement that we hear all the time as kids: Be__________ (did you get it)?
     Being patient is one of the hardest things I think we as humans (let alone Americans) understand.  Webster defines patience as enduring pain or trouble without complaining, calmly tolerating delay, and perserverance.  Our parents drill this into us as kids but what stops us as adults from having patience?  I think it is instant gratification.
     Craig and I have had this very annoying cough all week long.  So annoying that we have not had a peaceful nights sleep since last weekend!  We have been praying for a week for us to be healed so we can sleep and get better.  Well, last night I had an aha! moment, God wants and will heal us but in his time.  Sometimes the Lord wants to teach us patience so he is not going to give us instant gratification because what would that do for us.  We have to endure and perservere through our trials until God gives us our answers. 
     Patience is harder for some people than others...and the media telling us we need everything now and just put it on a credit card doesn't help any.  We need to learn that the Lord knows what we want and He wants to give it to us but we have to be patient until he is ready to give it to us!

Gal. 5:22-23- But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, PATIENCE, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things here there is no law.

Challenge Friday!

     I decided that Fridays would be called Challenge Fridays!  I am going to write Food for Thought and you can either take the challenge or just think about it.
     As mom's we are constantly being pulled in a thousand different directions.  Our job never ends from the time we get up till the time we go to bed.  We hardly ever get time for ourselves to do things that make us happy or to pursue our passions. 
     Since Silena has gone to school and we don't have other children(yet), I get everyday from 7:45 till 3 to myself.  It not only allows me to get things done but to pursue my passions.  Now, obviously, not everyone has this luxury..and believe me, I understand it is luxury and heaven:)  I get to read everyday and I get to write which I absolutely love.  I feel like I am teaching others the lessons that have been taught to me and teaching is certainly another passion of mine, along with reading and writing.
     My challenge: Take this week to pursue your passion!  And if you don't know what it is, then pursue a whole bunch of things!  Even if it is just 15 minutes a day...take some time for yourself.  See what it does to your peace of mind...find yourself again!

     If you decide to do it, let me know so I can pray for you this week!  And let me know how it changes you!

Have fun pursuing your challenges! 

Some are like family

     God gave us each a family...whether your family was good or not so good, we each have one.  We learn good and bad habits, good and bad lessons, how to act or not to act.  Memories and traditions are created and either passed on or forgotten.  Despite our childhood, whether a good example or not, some of our greatest lessons can be learned from our friends.
     I have always had a lot of friends.  Actually I kept the same friends from junior high through high school graduation.  As life goes, we have gone our separate ways...but still in keep in touch through facebook.  I went to college and made some great friends who taught me how to be independent.  They taught me I didn't need to call home and ask permission to do something.  They also taught me that I was in charge of my own life and that every decision I made from now on(whether good or bad) was going to effect my life.  I was also very shy when I went to college...yep, I know, it's hard to believe!  Well, it was very hard to play shy with these friends.  They refused to let me live in a bubble..which I am very grateful for!
     As soon as I moved home I lost those friends except one who I still stay in touch with.  My most meaningful friendships have been the ones I have made since I have gotten married.  They are the friends that have stuck by me and believed in me. 
     One friendship in particular has challenged me in ways I thought I wasn't ready for!  God has used this friend to teach me to spend more time with my family, more time with God and to depend on myself to do things and never make excuses.  God has also shown me that you can have a best friend and not see or talk to each other all week and when you see them again..it's like no time has past at all!  The best thing God has taught me through this friendship is no matter what you disagree on as long as God is the foundation of your friendship that he will make it grow and make the bond stronger.

Lesson: Even though our families are the first examples of love and truth, sometimes God will use your closest friends to teach you some important life lessons!


To my best friend: Thank you and I will always value the lessons God has taught me through you...I love you:)

Running the Race

     As many people know I am a runner.  I have been on and off my entire life but consistently for the last 4 years.  I remember as a kid and teenager my dad dragging my brother and I out of bed on a saturday morning and making us get on our bikes and go with him!  Of course, as a kid I disliked getting up that early in the morning but the quality time it gave me with my dad was worth it.  I remember being a "sherpa" for my dad at his races and being there to cheer him on.  So naturally when I started running regularly I knew I wanted to race as well.  The adrenaline for me was the same as when I would get on stage and dance!  I love it...
     Over the summer my mother in law saw a duathlon being advertised (biking and running) and asked me if I wanted to do it.  Which worked out perfect, she doesn't run and I don't bike!  Well, it turned out my dad was off that weekend so him and my father in law were on a team and me and my mother in law were on one.  We started off running really well, we finished our first leg in 18 minutes!  Then our teammates took off biking and when they got back we took off for our second 2 mile run.  The first 2 mile run I ran with my dad but the second one I was on my own as my father in law got back from biking first.  As I was running(without music) I said okay God...it's just you and me.  So I started asking God to quiz me on scripture to keep my mind on him and not how far I had to run.  Finally I remembered the verse in Isaiah..I will run and not grow weary, I will walk and not faint.  Well, of course that was perfect.  As I approached the last mile and my legs decided they had had enough(because we had an hour break in between each run) I said that verse over and over.  Everytime I was tired "my father" allowed me to pass another runner to reenergize me!  I finished in 22 minutes!


Lesson: When we think we are tired and weary and can't take anymore our Father is always there helping us to "pass someone or something" to reenergize us!  And maybe when we are tired and weary that is our chance to spend some quality time with our Father.

Isaiah 40:30-31- Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint

My challenge for you

     Well...it's October 1st!  Who can believe that?  It is turning out to be a beautiful fall and gorgeous colors I might add:)  Here is my challenge for us as we slowly start ending another year.
     I don't know about you, but I love when people underestimate me!  I had trouble in school and no one thought I would go to college.  I did, loved it and graduated in 2005.  People often think because I am so tiny that I must be weak.  I have been told more than once in my aerobics class that I am a lot tougher than I look...hehehehe:)  I am going to run a half marathon with my dad, in January, in Disneyworld.  How long is that, is the first question I get.  Once I answer the only response I get is...your crazy!  When I tell people the newest challenge I am doing they are completely shocked...
     I plan on reading the entire bible from cover to cover by Christmas.  I found a bible that is entitled, Reading the bible in 90 days (or something like that).  It lays out an entire schedule for you.  It's a little intense but it's about 12 pages a day,  I can read it in about 45 minutes.  I started September 14 and I have made it through Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers!  Let me tell you there are a few books that are very hard to get through but I pushed through them. 
     This is my challenge for you, to join me!  I want to say I did it, and have people underestimate me!  The bible is the most important book to Christians and how many of us take the time to actually read it.  Most of the time we just read the scriptures that we need and that's it. 
     Think about it...how do you want to finish 2011?  Wouldn't it be cool if you could add reading the ENTIRE bible to your accomplishments this year.


Have a great Sunday!  Talk to you on Monday:)