"A mother's love is instinctual, unconditional, and forever."
~Unknown
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Devotional Thought: Prayer Life
I find it strange that it is so easy for me to call up a friend and complain about a problem or talk to myself incessantly about an issue rather than talking to God first about it through prayer. God should be number 1 on our speed dial. We have a loving Father who cares about every detail in our lives and wants to fellowship with us through prayer. So why don't we seek the One who can give us rest when we are overwhelmed and burdened?
In Psalm 5:1-3, David says "Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my groaning. Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God. For to You I pray. In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; in the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch."
The Lord knew David's voice. Matter of fact, David told the Lord "You will hear my voice." He made it a priority to communicate with God. We need to do the same. God wants to hear our voices raised to Him. I don't remember where I heard this but I will never forget this saying.
Wow! That has always stayed with me because it helps define the intimate relationship God desires me. I'm continually in awe that God delights in fellowshiping with little ole me!
Let's start living a lifestyle of prayer. Instead of thinking about our problems and griping to others about things that irritate us, let's talk to God first and foremost. Let's seek His counsel for our lives.
I've started to do this more and I have already seen a big difference. I feel more at peace and less stressed out about things. Yes, seeking wise godly counsel from others is scriptural. And I have great friends who I know God speaks to me through them. Yet and still God is the Wonderful Counselor who is available at all times to give us mercy and grace in our times of need.
In Psalm 5:1-3, David says "Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my groaning. Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God. For to You I pray. In the morning, O Lord, You will hear my voice; in the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch."
The Lord knew David's voice. Matter of fact, David told the Lord "You will hear my voice." He made it a priority to communicate with God. We need to do the same. God wants to hear our voices raised to Him. I don't remember where I heard this but I will never forget this saying.
"God can't wait until you get up in the morning so He can spend time with you."
Wow! That has always stayed with me because it helps define the intimate relationship God desires me. I'm continually in awe that God delights in fellowshiping with little ole me!
Let's start living a lifestyle of prayer. Instead of thinking about our problems and griping to others about things that irritate us, let's talk to God first and foremost. Let's seek His counsel for our lives.
I've started to do this more and I have already seen a big difference. I feel more at peace and less stressed out about things. Yes, seeking wise godly counsel from others is scriptural. And I have great friends who I know God speaks to me through them. Yet and still God is the Wonderful Counselor who is available at all times to give us mercy and grace in our times of need.
He is the One we should be talking to at all times about everything.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing."
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Artist Spotlight: Musiq Soulchild
With hits like "Love," "Buddy," "Girlfriend," and "Beautiful," Musiq Soulchild definitely knows how to make a woman feel special! I went to one of his concerts and he was great. Check out this song from his new album MusicintheMagiq.
Friday, July 29, 2011
True Beauty
Bottom line ladies, we don't need makeup. It's just an accessory. We are beautiful without it.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Custom-Made Toms
OMG. Too Cool.
My friend Rach introduced me to this cause. It's great! For every pair you buy, a pair goes to a child in need. Check out the Toms website for more info.
These are my two pair.
My friend Rach introduced me to this cause. It's great! For every pair you buy, a pair goes to a child in need. Check out the Toms website for more info.
These are my two pair.
Fashion vs. Style
This quote comes from the book Simple Abundance ~ A Daybook of Comfort and Joy
by Sarah Ban Breathnach
"Fashion can be bought; style must be possessed.
Fashion guesses, so it can only bluff. Style knows.
Fashion is impatient and eventually passes away.
Style is steadfast and waits for every woman's awakening,
because authentic style is born of Spirit."
I like it. I never thought of it like that but it's true; fashion is more of a fad. What's in one day may be out the next. Style is deeper than fashion because it goes beyond clothing to the way you carry yourself and the confidence you possess. My style is changing as I'm becoming more confident in who I am as a woman. I'm not afraid to wear something because it may be "out of style." Even the way I'm wearing my hair now is an expression of my newly-found self confidence. But beyond clothing and hairstyle choices, I'm getting to the point in my life where other's opinions do not dictate how I feel about myself and I'm not trying to please everyone. It's been liberating and it feels great!
Devotional Thought: Glory in Weaknesses
As I continue to meditate on 2 Corinthians 12:9, this devotional really helps bring it home.
http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/livingfree/living-free-july-28-2011.html
Excerpt
"Consider this … Admitting your weaknesses and failures to God, to others, and to yourself will help you refocus on the real source of power in your life: Jesus. It will show other people that you have chosen to depend on Jesus. It will open the door for the strength and power of Christ to rest on you--to pitch a tent over and dwell upon you. As you walk with this kind of faith and trust in Jesus, you will begin to feel secure--and relieved. Relieved that you don't have to depend on your own abilities. You just have to trust Jesus and follow him--and let his strength and power rest on you. Like Paul, you will be able to glory in your weakness."
http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/livingfree/living-free-july-28-2011.html
Excerpt
"Consider this … Admitting your weaknesses and failures to God, to others, and to yourself will help you refocus on the real source of power in your life: Jesus. It will show other people that you have chosen to depend on Jesus. It will open the door for the strength and power of Christ to rest on you--to pitch a tent over and dwell upon you. As you walk with this kind of faith and trust in Jesus, you will begin to feel secure--and relieved. Relieved that you don't have to depend on your own abilities. You just have to trust Jesus and follow him--and let his strength and power rest on you. Like Paul, you will be able to glory in your weakness."
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Interior Inspiration
I want white or ivory couches in my living room so I can throw colorful pillows like these on it.
Aren't they cute?
Volunteering, So Rewarding
Ok, I'm becoming a volunteer addict now lol! Seriously though I think volunteering is going to be a great use of my time and energy. Even though I work a 9-4 job in social services, I still feel like I can do more and be a blessing to even more people. I don't want my service to end at work. I want to continue to find ways to impact people's lives and share my knowledge and experience. I want to join God where He is working in people's lives and I can't do that if I'm sitting at home watching TV everyday after work. So I'm getting out there and seeing what needs are present and what I can do to help.
Today I met with a lady from Volunteers of America to sign up for a mentor position at a treatment facility for women who have been released from prison for drug convictions. It is a one year commitment where they will match me with a woman and we meet weekly for a couple of hours. During our time together I will provide support and encouragement to help them make choices that will enable them to be successful and not enter back into the criminal justice system. I am soooo excited! It seems like a great ministry opportunity, (yay we can talk about our faiths), and I am ecstatic about being able to sow into someone else's life.
I encourage you to consider volunteering somewhere you feel you could make an impact or with a cause you feel strongly about. Whether it is at a retirement home reading to an elderly person, being a tutor to a student, or helping build homes, it can change lives. And not only will the receiver be blessed, but you will be blessed as well. It's fun, it's rewarding, and it's a great learning experience as you learn with others and share life with them. Remember that we are blessed to be a blessing. So let's shower people with blessings!
Here are some helpful websites to help you on your search:
www.voatx.org
www.volunteermatch.org
Go global! www.globalvolunteernetwork.org
Today I met with a lady from Volunteers of America to sign up for a mentor position at a treatment facility for women who have been released from prison for drug convictions. It is a one year commitment where they will match me with a woman and we meet weekly for a couple of hours. During our time together I will provide support and encouragement to help them make choices that will enable them to be successful and not enter back into the criminal justice system. I am soooo excited! It seems like a great ministry opportunity, (yay we can talk about our faiths), and I am ecstatic about being able to sow into someone else's life.
I encourage you to consider volunteering somewhere you feel you could make an impact or with a cause you feel strongly about. Whether it is at a retirement home reading to an elderly person, being a tutor to a student, or helping build homes, it can change lives. And not only will the receiver be blessed, but you will be blessed as well. It's fun, it's rewarding, and it's a great learning experience as you learn with others and share life with them. Remember that we are blessed to be a blessing. So let's shower people with blessings!
Here are some helpful websites to help you on your search:
www.voatx.org
www.volunteermatch.org
Go global! www.globalvolunteernetwork.org
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Beautiful Worship Song
Revelation 5:11-13 (NASB)
"Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, 'Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.' And every created thing which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all things in them, I heard saying, 'To Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, be blessing and honor and glory and dominion forever and ever."
A Great Day
Just wanted to share with you guys my day today. I had a pretty good day!
I started off by sitting in on a meditation group at The Women's Home, a home for women in crisis to help them better their lives. I'm volunteering there as a spiritual mentor and a book club leader, and they also asked me to teach the meditation group once a month. I am super excited!
This was my first time actually attending a formal meditation group and it was very insightful. I enjoyed meeting the women and hearing their stories. I learned so much in a short period of time just sitting there listening to them speak. I wonder if they know how strong and intelligent they really are...
Afterwards I headed over to my job and met with clients until my group later in the evening. I'm leading a group called "Keeping it Cool" where we discuss different ways to cope with anger and frustrations. It has not been successful as I would have liked it to be (client participation) but I am thankful for the ones who show up. It was really fun today as we talked about how to resolve conflict using one of the resident's current situations. It seemed like they gained a lot of valuable info from it and I did too.
Then on my long commute home, I decided to shut off the radio and talk to God. I really enjoyed it and plan to do it more often. Sometimes all we need to do is cut out the distractions so we can really hear what God has been trying to tell us all along.
Finally I came home to my puppy that was so excited to see me-what a good feeling : )
I started off by sitting in on a meditation group at The Women's Home, a home for women in crisis to help them better their lives. I'm volunteering there as a spiritual mentor and a book club leader, and they also asked me to teach the meditation group once a month. I am super excited!
This was my first time actually attending a formal meditation group and it was very insightful. I enjoyed meeting the women and hearing their stories. I learned so much in a short period of time just sitting there listening to them speak. I wonder if they know how strong and intelligent they really are...
Afterwards I headed over to my job and met with clients until my group later in the evening. I'm leading a group called "Keeping it Cool" where we discuss different ways to cope with anger and frustrations. It has not been successful as I would have liked it to be (client participation) but I am thankful for the ones who show up. It was really fun today as we talked about how to resolve conflict using one of the resident's current situations. It seemed like they gained a lot of valuable info from it and I did too.
Then on my long commute home, I decided to shut off the radio and talk to God. I really enjoyed it and plan to do it more often. Sometimes all we need to do is cut out the distractions so we can really hear what God has been trying to tell us all along.
Finally I came home to my puppy that was so excited to see me-what a good feeling : )
Monday, July 25, 2011
Healing in the Midst of Pain
When we are hurt deeply, it can be hard to express that pain or even deal with it on our own. It's too much to bear leaving us broken and wounded. It also can be exceptionally difficult to communicate to the offender how badly they have hurt us due to many reasons such as anger, bitterness, pride. As a result, we keep the pain locked up inside even though that is hurting us even more. All the beliefs and feelings we have about our hurts remain inside our heads and hearts, and we aren't able to heal.
We wonder why the person has not apologized or why they don't seem to know what's going on or that you're upset. It's because at this point they have no clue! We have failed to communicate our most painful thoughts and feelings because they are just that, painful.
But I believe the person who hurt us needs to know these thoughts and feelings. Although we need to share our hurts with others for love and support, we also need to share them with the offender. Often times the offender walks around clueless scratching his/her head trying to figure out why the person isn't talking to them. I believe we owe it to the person who we were hurt by to let them know the extent of whatever they have done. They should know how we are feeling, and not just for their sake, but for our sake as well as a release. The offender should be given this opportunity to be able to understand our pain so they can feel the impact. Then they are able to repeat back the pain we have expressed to them. This gives them the chance to actually feel and express regret. To ask to be forgiven. Then maybe reconciliation can take place.
I know it's tough to talk with someone who has seriously offended us, but we must challenge ourselves and at least try to see if reconciliation can happen. I struggle with it because I absolutely dislike confrontation and the uncomfortableness of the conversation. But it doesn't have to be a negative event. It could be a healing moment that could possibly change the relationship for the good.
We wonder why the person has not apologized or why they don't seem to know what's going on or that you're upset. It's because at this point they have no clue! We have failed to communicate our most painful thoughts and feelings because they are just that, painful.
But I believe the person who hurt us needs to know these thoughts and feelings. Although we need to share our hurts with others for love and support, we also need to share them with the offender. Often times the offender walks around clueless scratching his/her head trying to figure out why the person isn't talking to them. I believe we owe it to the person who we were hurt by to let them know the extent of whatever they have done. They should know how we are feeling, and not just for their sake, but for our sake as well as a release. The offender should be given this opportunity to be able to understand our pain so they can feel the impact. Then they are able to repeat back the pain we have expressed to them. This gives them the chance to actually feel and express regret. To ask to be forgiven. Then maybe reconciliation can take place.
I know it's tough to talk with someone who has seriously offended us, but we must challenge ourselves and at least try to see if reconciliation can happen. I struggle with it because I absolutely dislike confrontation and the uncomfortableness of the conversation. But it doesn't have to be a negative event. It could be a healing moment that could possibly change the relationship for the good.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Style: Comfortable yet Stylish
I love how what we choose to wear is another way we can showcase our unique style. I'm getting more bold with my patterns and colors. I don't think I could rock this look but it looks so cool on her! Plus she looks really comfortable too.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Quote of the Day
"I'm treating myself, not beating myself."
~Anonymous
P.S. This quote comes from a 60-year old man who spent over 30 years of his life addicted to drugs and in and out of homelessness. He realizes all those years he was hurting himself severely and now at 60 he has changed his life around completely and is committed to taking care of himself physically, spiritually, and mentally.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Wise Counsel
Best wise counsel I've gotten all week: "Stop questioning your motives and start challenging your actions."
This came from my sweet boyfriend who has to put up with the most analytic girlfriend ever. I mean I can analyze the heck out of a statement or even a word! I'm always questioning something or trying to uncover some hidden meaning that has got to be there... oh my gosh, can I be Freudian!?! Nooooo!!! (Just another thing for me to analyze.) One of the reasons I entered the field of counseling/psychology is for this very thing. I wanted to understand everything about myself and other people. I just had to know the big question...WHY? Why do I do what I do or think the way I think or say what I say or feel how I feel? Why are people the way they are? Can we change? Why or why not? Whew! See what I mean?
Now I realize it has gotten out of hand. (You think?) I'm constantly analyzing people and every interaction I have with them. When I feel it's not a good one, I question my motives extensively to the point where I become paralyzed in the sense that I freeze and feel like I can do nothing. It's like the analytical part of me prevents me from taking any futher action because I'm overthinking the past and even the next step.
And then the self-defeating thoughts come. I feel like I failed as a person and also failed the person I was interacting with. I discussed this with my boyfriend who basically told me that I need to stop overthinking things and just challenge myself to do the things I really want to do. He said my focus should be on helping people progress in life, not wondering if I said the right thing or if everything is happening perfectly like I want it to.
I guess I thought all along that I have been challenging myself education-wise and that was enough. But I believe now it is time for me to challenge myself in practice. I'm in the real world now, working in real people's lives trying to make a real difference. It's time for me to start applying the things that run through this head of mine instead of over-analyzing everything. So I don't have to understand everything about myself or the other person. I don't have to figure everything out first before I make a move. I just have to do something and be sincere in my efforts.
This came from my sweet boyfriend who has to put up with the most analytic girlfriend ever. I mean I can analyze the heck out of a statement or even a word! I'm always questioning something or trying to uncover some hidden meaning that has got to be there... oh my gosh, can I be Freudian!?! Nooooo!!! (Just another thing for me to analyze.) One of the reasons I entered the field of counseling/psychology is for this very thing. I wanted to understand everything about myself and other people. I just had to know the big question...WHY? Why do I do what I do or think the way I think or say what I say or feel how I feel? Why are people the way they are? Can we change? Why or why not? Whew! See what I mean?
Now I realize it has gotten out of hand. (You think?) I'm constantly analyzing people and every interaction I have with them. When I feel it's not a good one, I question my motives extensively to the point where I become paralyzed in the sense that I freeze and feel like I can do nothing. It's like the analytical part of me prevents me from taking any futher action because I'm overthinking the past and even the next step.
And then the self-defeating thoughts come. I feel like I failed as a person and also failed the person I was interacting with. I discussed this with my boyfriend who basically told me that I need to stop overthinking things and just challenge myself to do the things I really want to do. He said my focus should be on helping people progress in life, not wondering if I said the right thing or if everything is happening perfectly like I want it to.
I guess I thought all along that I have been challenging myself education-wise and that was enough. But I believe now it is time for me to challenge myself in practice. I'm in the real world now, working in real people's lives trying to make a real difference. It's time for me to start applying the things that run through this head of mine instead of over-analyzing everything. So I don't have to understand everything about myself or the other person. I don't have to figure everything out first before I make a move. I just have to do something and be sincere in my efforts.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Thrift Store Fun
Just to update you on my latest thrift store finds. On Saturday I headed to Plato's Closet for their Grab Bag Sale where you can stuff as many items in a bag for only $10! Needless to say, errbody and their mama was there and I barely got anything. Sad day. I grabbed a couple pair of jeans that are not shown because their just plain ol' jeans. The week before I snagged these cute summer sandals from Plato's as well.
Today I hit up Salvation Army for their 50% off sale on Wednesdays and I got these shirts and this cute purse. I so needed a new purse to rock and I just love it! Thrift store shopping is so fun and addictive.
Today I hit up Salvation Army for their 50% off sale on Wednesdays and I got these shirts and this cute purse. I so needed a new purse to rock and I just love it! Thrift store shopping is so fun and addictive.
Lots of cute sandals at a great price and I just can't wait to wear those boots!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Quote of the Day
"A woman's heart should be so hidden in the Lord that a man would have to find Him to get to her."
~author unknown
Monday, July 18, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Small Talk: Meaningless or Purposeful?
I have to be honest, I have always detested small talk. Ok, maybe that's too strong of a word but it is definitely not one of my favorite things to do. Why? I've always thought it was pointless. Those conversations you feel like you just have to have because you are stuck walking in the same direction as someone you barely know, sharing an elevator, or waiting in line and not wanting to feel the awkward silence that sometimes happens.
We all experience it.
And of course everyone talks about the weather and sports and the casual "How have you been?" when in reality, we really don't care. We just want to feel up the time and space and pretend like the person standing next to us is important.
Well, I'm guilty as usual.
I had this experience this past week at work. A gentleman I had never met before was kind enough to help me bring cases of water to my car. We had to walk a little ways to my car and all I could come up with is "It sure is hot." Yeah I thanked him and told him to "Have a nice day" but I cringed after I said that. Because I really didn't care if he had a nice day. I was just saying it because that's just what you say. And he just nodded so I felt he knew I didn't mean it.
It bothered me throughout the day about the carelessness I had with that man and those 5 minutes I had with him and got me to start rethinking my hate relationship with small talk. I mentioned in another post about making every minute count with another person. I think we can do that in small talk. We don't have to talk about the weather and what was on TV last night all the time. I'm not saying we have to tell our life stories in five minutes with a complete stranger, but I think we can and should engage in meaningful conversation during short periods of time.
If I could do it all over again, I would introduce myself to him and ask him about himself. I would thank him for being a volunteer for our agency and ask him what he likes about the agency. Basically I would have used that time to show that I actually care about who he is and not just what he's doing for me. I would get to know him as much as I could so if I ever saw him again, I would remember who he was and something unique about him. I would be able to greet him by name. And when I would tell him to have a nice day, I would mean it because I know who he is and I genuinely want the best for him. Sounds sappy, but aren't we supposed to love and care about everyone, even complete strangers?
So I believe small talk can be purposeful.
Matter of fact, let's stop calling it "small talk." Let's call it something like "Purposeful Chats" or "Meaningful Convo." To me "small talk" has a bad connotation because by my actions I'm showing that the person is "small" because I don't know them, therefore the conversation can be "small."
No person is small in God's eyes so no person will be small in my eyes.
We all experience it.
And of course everyone talks about the weather and sports and the casual "How have you been?" when in reality, we really don't care. We just want to feel up the time and space and pretend like the person standing next to us is important.
Well, I'm guilty as usual.
I had this experience this past week at work. A gentleman I had never met before was kind enough to help me bring cases of water to my car. We had to walk a little ways to my car and all I could come up with is "It sure is hot." Yeah I thanked him and told him to "Have a nice day" but I cringed after I said that. Because I really didn't care if he had a nice day. I was just saying it because that's just what you say. And he just nodded so I felt he knew I didn't mean it.
It bothered me throughout the day about the carelessness I had with that man and those 5 minutes I had with him and got me to start rethinking my hate relationship with small talk. I mentioned in another post about making every minute count with another person. I think we can do that in small talk. We don't have to talk about the weather and what was on TV last night all the time. I'm not saying we have to tell our life stories in five minutes with a complete stranger, but I think we can and should engage in meaningful conversation during short periods of time.
If I could do it all over again, I would introduce myself to him and ask him about himself. I would thank him for being a volunteer for our agency and ask him what he likes about the agency. Basically I would have used that time to show that I actually care about who he is and not just what he's doing for me. I would get to know him as much as I could so if I ever saw him again, I would remember who he was and something unique about him. I would be able to greet him by name. And when I would tell him to have a nice day, I would mean it because I know who he is and I genuinely want the best for him. Sounds sappy, but aren't we supposed to love and care about everyone, even complete strangers?
So I believe small talk can be purposeful.
Matter of fact, let's stop calling it "small talk." Let's call it something like "Purposeful Chats" or "Meaningful Convo." To me "small talk" has a bad connotation because by my actions I'm showing that the person is "small" because I don't know them, therefore the conversation can be "small."
No person is small in God's eyes so no person will be small in my eyes.
Love this song. Fits so well here.
Devotional Thought: Spiritual Maps
I wanted to share with you a selection by Millie Stamm from my devotional A Gentle Spirit Devotional Selections from Today's Christian Woman.
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
"My husband and I traveled a great deal. Before we took a trip, we always secured maps and studied them thoroughly to know the best route to take. On one trip I had been informed that a certain highway was the best route. We came to a turnoff which I thought was the highway we were to take. Hoever, I didn't check the map. Soon we discoverd we were not on the right road. Instead of a wide paved road we were on a narrow, dusty road winding through the mountains. Not only did it take us longer, but it was a rough road. I should have checked the map. Official maps are wonderful guides, saving time and gasoline, if we use them and follow them.
We need spiritual illumination for our walk through life and God has provided it. The Bible is God's "official map" for our daily travel to show us the right way. Foot lamps used to be worn at night. They were fastened on the toes, and as the person walked, the lamp cast a light on the next step ahead. So God's Word is a lamp for our way, lighting our feet step by step for our immediate needs just ahead. We can be assured of its light on our path through life.
Spurgeon said, "The Word of God is a lamp by night, a light by day, and a delight at all times."
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
"My husband and I traveled a great deal. Before we took a trip, we always secured maps and studied them thoroughly to know the best route to take. On one trip I had been informed that a certain highway was the best route. We came to a turnoff which I thought was the highway we were to take. Hoever, I didn't check the map. Soon we discoverd we were not on the right road. Instead of a wide paved road we were on a narrow, dusty road winding through the mountains. Not only did it take us longer, but it was a rough road. I should have checked the map. Official maps are wonderful guides, saving time and gasoline, if we use them and follow them.
We need spiritual illumination for our walk through life and God has provided it. The Bible is God's "official map" for our daily travel to show us the right way. Foot lamps used to be worn at night. They were fastened on the toes, and as the person walked, the lamp cast a light on the next step ahead. So God's Word is a lamp for our way, lighting our feet step by step for our immediate needs just ahead. We can be assured of its light on our path through life.
Spurgeon said, "The Word of God is a lamp by night, a light by day, and a delight at all times."
Are you checking The Map?
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Quote of the Day
"Religion is man's attempt to find God. The Gospel [of Jesus Christ] is God's plan to reach man. Don't let religion stand in the way of your salvation."
~Taken from Bruce and Stan's "God is in the Small Stuff"
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Quote of the Day
"Does God love you? Behold the Cross, and behold your answer."
~Taken from Max Lucado's "It's Not About Me"
Monday, July 11, 2011
Doing Life Together
"Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment."
Proverbs 18:1
One of the biggest lessons I learned from seminary through experience and in the classroom is that you cannot do life alone. We need each other, we need to be in community. Being a shy and at times soft-spoken introvert, I have struggled most of my life with building and maintaining lasting friendships. I didn't have very many friends growing up; matter of fact I only had one friend throughout my entire high school career. So very few people actually knew who I was and I only shared part of myself with a selective few.
Growing up I was always afraid that if people really got to know me, they would think that I was weird or they would reject me and I would be back to where I started, alone. Heck, I even thought I was weird! All of these fears and insecurities led me to withdraw even more from people. Yes I may have been there physically, but mentally and emotionally I was somewhere else. I was not open and honest about my thoughts and feelings. I wasn't letting people see me, and I wasn't seeking out others either. Things got a little better in college. I met more people and began to come out of my shell just a little bit. I still wasn't too sure of myself and still had a lot of social awkwardness going on, but I was getting better. But I could not understand why I wasn't connecting with people the way I wanted. It was like I wanted to move closer, yet move away at the same time. I felt safer by myself.
But moving to Dallas for graduate school and being in seminary changed my life. It was there that I really started to understand the need for close relationships, the need to share life with others. I met so many wonderful godly people there. I experienced the closeness that I never had. I laughed and cried with my friends. I hugged them, prayed with and for them. I shared my fears and insecurities and felt so safe and loved. I felt accepted. I no longer isolated myself in my room. I got out and met people, experienced life with others. Shared their good times and bad times. It was amazing!
Life lived alone or life lived without authenticity and intimacy is unfulfilling. That's because we were not made to live alone! Husband and wife, parent and child, the body of Christ, all these relationships connect us to one another to do life together. We need to pray for one another, build each other up, hold each other accountable. We need to share our joys and sorrows, our hopes and dreams. The church is one place where we gather together to fellowship but we also need to extend that fellowship into our daily lives. We need to live in community on a day-to-day basis.
My church has what is called "Connect Groups" to help connect members to each other. I encourage you to join me and take advantage of the small groups and/or bible study groups in your church. Or you can even start a mini-one at your home. Get a group of friends together and sit down and talk about meaningful things. Laugh together, cry together, pray together. Share your struggles and victories, encourage one another. Let's stop living our lives in isolation and loneliness. Let's do life together.
Celebrate Freedom
Just wanted to continue this celebration of our Freedom in Christ!
Galatians 5:1, 13-14 "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery....For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"
Sunday, July 10, 2011
"The Superwoman Syndrome"
1. Are you so busy that you are exhausted by the time you get home from work/school and have no energy left for friends or family let alone yourself?
2. Are you stressed beyond words about all the obligations and commitments you have?
3. Do you feel guilty about saying no?
4. Does your life feel unbalanced?
5. Most importantly, are you experiencing health problems as a result of this extreme stress and exhaustion?
If you answer yes to any of these you may be suffering from the "Superwoman Syndrome," which has become a major issue in the lives of most women today. We are so stressed, busy, tired, and irritable because we have too much on our plates. And get this, we think we can do it ALL and we HAVE to do it ALL. I mean, if we don't swoop in and save the day with our cape and superpower abilities to cook, clean, help the kids with their homework and yell at the dog all at the same time, who's gonna do it? Matter of fact, how dare someone else to do it! Because we are...
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I am guilty! Arrest me, lock me up, and throw away the key! It's crazy but I pride myself on being able to do so much. I even give myself a little pat on the back and say "You go girl!" There are times when I feel guilty for sitting still. Can you believe that? It's like I constantly have to do something. Crazy huh?
But is this the way we are supposed to live? Is this the way God wants His daughters to live? I honestly don't think so. So let's really start to evaluate our lives and how we are choosing to spend our time (because it is a choice). Let's stop being busy just to be busy. We don't have to do all and be all. We should enjoy life, relax, have fun! Then life will stop being as stressful and the people in our lives can feel blessed to be around us!
2. Are you stressed beyond words about all the obligations and commitments you have?
3. Do you feel guilty about saying no?
4. Does your life feel unbalanced?
5. Most importantly, are you experiencing health problems as a result of this extreme stress and exhaustion?
If you answer yes to any of these you may be suffering from the "Superwoman Syndrome," which has become a major issue in the lives of most women today. We are so stressed, busy, tired, and irritable because we have too much on our plates. And get this, we think we can do it ALL and we HAVE to do it ALL. I mean, if we don't swoop in and save the day with our cape and superpower abilities to cook, clean, help the kids with their homework and yell at the dog all at the same time, who's gonna do it? Matter of fact, how dare someone else to do it! Because we are...
But is this the way we are supposed to live? Is this the way God wants His daughters to live? I honestly don't think so. So let's really start to evaluate our lives and how we are choosing to spend our time (because it is a choice). Let's stop being busy just to be busy. We don't have to do all and be all. We should enjoy life, relax, have fun! Then life will stop being as stressful and the people in our lives can feel blessed to be around us!
Quote of the Day
For the Ladies: "You cannot be feminine in this world unless you completely understand how covered by God you are. Then you will no longer react to men, but respond to His voice."
~Michelle McKinney Hammond from The Power of Femininity
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Dallas/Fort Worth Visit
The past few days I have been in the DFW area attending the National Stutterers Association Conference and visiting dear friends. I had a blast! The conference was very enlightening. The experience was one that I will never forget. Just to see so many people openly stuttering while speaking to large groups of people and not being ashamed was absolutely inspiring. I had the privilege of hearing personal stories that largely resembled mine and it felt good. And everyone was so supportive and encouraging and I learned so much that I will share at a later time.
I also got the chance to visit some of my favorite people and spots in Dallas.
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I also got the chance to visit some of my favorite people and spots in Dallas.
My good friend Sarah and I celebrating our belated birthdays together with a Hello Kitty cake!
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The best frozen yogurt ever! ![]()
We waited in line for 30 minutes for the famous In N Out Burger. It was worth it!![]()
We waited in line for 30 minutes for the famous In N Out Burger. It was worth it!
The best cupcakes from Sprinkles!
Red velvet yum!
We went salsa dancing at Gloria's to celebrate Brittany's birthday.
Ha, we so gangsta!
I had such a good time and was reminded of how much I miss Dallas and all of my friends there!
Great mini-vacation.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Quote of the Day
"Waiting on God brings us to our journey's end quicker than our feet."
~Mrs. Charles E. Coleman
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Celebrate Freedom
John 8:31-32 "So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, 'If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."
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Let's also celebrate and experience the freedom we have in Christ as we enjoy this Fourth of July weekend! Be safe!
Friday, July 1, 2011
I Miss Girl Groups!
These were my girls! I heard this on the radio this morning and was too krunk lol. Can you believe what they were wearing, especially Left Eye?!?! What happened to the girl groups? Back in the 90's we had En Vogue, Salt N Pepa, Total, SWV, The Spice Girls and so many more. Then we had Destiny's Child, the last one...
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