Five Minute Friday Fun: Reflect

Hi friend!

What day is it?
It's Friday!

And what does that mean?
It's time to party and have us some 5 Minute Friday fun! 

The party is at Kate's place in blog land. It's a linky party / blogger flash mob / free writing exercise. Whatever you want to call it, I say it's just plain fun - blog land style.


 ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
and GO!

REFLECT

I'm sitting here wondering what I want my life's story to reflect.

And hands down, every time, in all my ways - I want to be a light for Jesus.

As a child I remember singing a sweet little song in Sunday school while I ate my animal crackers and drank apple juice from a little paper cup {funny how some memories stick with you} that went something like:

"A sunbeam, a sunbeam,
Jesus wants me for a sunbeam.
A sunbeam, a sunbeam,
I'll be a sunbeam for Him."

I haven't eaten animal crackers in many years and for some reason apple juice gives me a stomach ache.


But, the meaning of that Sunday School song still rings true in my spirit. As an adult it's become an often whispered prayer:

Dear Jesus,

Help me each day to reflect your love and grace to every person I come in contact with.

May I have an attitude that honors you.
Help me to see others as you see them.
And help me, Lord, to reflect your love to them.

As I read my Bible each morning and am reminded of your love, grace, mercy and faithfulness help me to reflect those things through out my day.... to the unloved, the lonely, the hopeless, the misunderstood and the hurting.

I want my words to speak truth and life. Help me to encourage others.

I want to reflect Jesus ... to be like a mirror reflecting His love and grace to those around me.

I want to be a sunbeam for Him.


and STOP!



~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

So friend. What do you want your life's story to reflect?

{* Five Minute Friday Fun disclaimer- this took longer than five minutes, but was still fun and written on Friday night. I'd say that two out of three is not so bad.}

Love ya, 

time for sadness...time for joy

Hey there friend!

So here I am marking {not celebrating, never celebrating} another anniversary that I wish didn't exist. I didn't think there'd be anything new this year to share with you. I mean this is the eighth time since the worst day of my life 8 years ago.

What else is there to say?

But as the day progresses and I look back on the previous years, I'm finding that each year is different.....
.... in how the pain hits,
.... when the tears come,
.... and even if/when joy breaks through the clouds of grief.

This year is such a mix-up of my emotions.

...... a time to cry and a time to mourn

Today I feel the weight of grief. I move slower, smile less and don't give a hoot about much. And there's this anger that is just under the surface. Kinda like - "Go ahead! Make my day! I'll be happy to punch you in the face!" Now those of you that know me, know I am not a violent person. But, I am honest and will always keep it real here at my place in bloggy land. So yea, watch out today, you've been warned.


Yet, there is joy coming. In fact it's coming tomorrow!

...... a time to laugh and a time to dance

I haven't seen my T.J. and Amber in 19 months. But, tomorrow they will be arriving here in sunny Florida. For a whole blessed week!

I've already warned T.J. to get out of the car quickly and brace himself because I'll be running out of the house at full speed and will tackle him with the biggest hug he's ever gotten. And then I'll turn and embrace Amber like I'll never let her go back to TX. And then, for the first time ever, I'll meet "C" {the 12 year old they are in process of adopting}. Don't want to scare him. Well, that may be too late after the hugging attacks on the other two. Ha! So I'll sweetly and politely ask him for a hug.


Celebrate? No. Look for joy in the tomorrows? Yes.

Yep! I may not be able to celebrate this anniversary day {what mom could?}, but I can have joy knowing I'll see my Kyle Matthew again one day. And tomorrow I'll see those other three that make this momma's heart dance with joy.

There are so many other things in this life to find joy in. I know that. But, today is a hard one.

Life goes on.
God is forever faithful.
I'll be ok.

Love ya,

Happy Monday Morning ~ Surf the Waves

Hi friend!!!

Happy Monday Morning! 

Surfer girls photo found on Photobucket

 

"I will not let the waves of life just roll over me.
I will learn to ride them."
~ Sarah Mae

 

Yep! That is the brave way I want to live my life. 

 

And nope, I've never surfed. But, I bet it would be fun.
 

{maybe I should add it to my bucket list}

 

Even though I've never attempted to surf, I know it must take lots and lots of practice. Add to that some fearlessness. And I would think that a good sense of balance would be a plus.

 

I imagine catching a wave and riding it to shore would be scary, exciting and exhilarating all wrapped up in one awesome and wild ride. Unless you wipe out and than it's just scary.

 

Now I may have never tried surfing, but I've been to the Jersey shore plenty of times and know that the ocean is powerful. The scary part is that the ocean's waves don't only roll over you, but can toss you around, knock you down and even drag you under the surface.

{and just erased it off my bucket list}


Wisdom for facing the ocean's waves -
~ Be prepared and know your swimming ability, as well as, how deep the water is.
~ Watch out or one you didn't even see coming will knock you from behind. You'll find yourself on your bum and spitting out salt water.

~ Keep an eye on the shore line or you will unknowingly be moved down the beach by the tide and motion of the water.
~ Playing in the surf is much more fun (and safer) with friends.


Wisdom concerning the waves of life - 
~ Be prepared and know the promises God gives us in His word. Remember His ability to rescue and save is unlimited.
~ You might not even see it coming. You'll find yourself on your knees and sputtering a prayer for help.
~ Keep an eye on your faith or little by little you can find that you've moved away from your convictions and what grounds you.
~ Life is so much harder if you try to do it all alone.


So friend, I think when attempting to not get rolled over by waves - in the ocean or in life- it comes down to these three things: focus, determination and attitude.


For me this means that -

My focus is on Jesus.

I'm determined to finish well.

My attitude is never quit.

So when the waves of life come I can hang on and ride them. No rolling over this girl.

Cowabunga friend!

Love ya,

Five Minute Friday Fun: Celebrate

Hi friend!

What day is it?
It's Friday!

And what does that mean?
It's time to party and have us some 5 Minute Friday fun! 

The party is at Kate's place in blog land.
It's a linky party/blogger flash mob/free writing exercise.
Whatever you want to call it, I say it's just plain fun - blog land style.

Everyone spends five minutes writing on the same topic. If they have a blog, they link up to Kate's post.

No blog? No problem! Just leave your five minutes of writing in the comments section.

The truly great part is that you write with freedom. There's no emphasis on grammar or spelling. Punctuation is also worry free {yay! 'cause I love me a bunch of commas when I write}. Pretty much the only "rule" is that you visit the blog of the person who linked up before you and leave some encouragement. 


 ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
and GO!

CELEBRATE

Celebrate .... YOU

Yes, that's right celebrate all that you are and all that you hope to be.

Does that sound strange? and really hard to do? and maybe crazy? (hopefully not dumb)

I think we should take some time every now and then to celebrate ourselves.

We are each a one of a kind creation made in the image of God. 

We are each wonderfully made!

We, as women, spend so much time thinking of and taking care of others that we get lost.

We cheer hubby.
We cheer the kiddos.
We cheer friends.

And that's all great and good.

Just don't forget to cheer for yourself.

You, dear friend, are special and unique. You are dearly loved by God.
You have a purpose in this world that you and only you can fill.
And it's a God given purpose.  

Never forget it. Don't doubt it. And be sure to celebrate it.

Celebrate you!

and STOP!




~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
"and I praise You
because of the wonderful way You created me.
Everything You do is marvelous!
Of this I have no doubt."
Psalm 139:14



Love ya, 

Happy Monday Morning ~ Don't Just Step.... JUMP!

Hey there friend!

Happy Monday Morning!

 

jummppp found on Photobucket

 

"Sometimes, to step toward your destiny,

you have to step away from your security."

~ Craig Groeschel

I'm taking this quote right out of yesterday morning's sermon notes.  And I'm taking it to heart.

Have you ever thought what your purpose in life is? Are you fulfilling your destiny?

A few years ago I did a 21 day challenge led by Holley Gerth via her place in blogland. At the end of those three weeks we had to put together a statement using a formula to define our life story and purpose.


Here's what I came up with:
To help restore hope and joy,
to those who are hurting and discouraged,
by encouraging them with acts and words of kindness.

{ When I was first blogging back in 2010 I even wrote a post about this. You can read about Finishing the Challenge  HERE }


Some tried & true, and easy ways I'm comfortable with encouraging others are.....
... a card in the mail
... a comment on Facebook
... a {HUG}
... a smile
... a promise to pray
... a blog post.


However, in a few short week I'll be stepping out of my comfort zone and leading a ladies' Christian Life Development Class at our church in an effort to encourage other ladies in their walk with Jesus.

This is the biggest (and scariest) way that I'm applying my One Word for 2015 - BRAVE in my life this year.

It sure feels like a  big step giant jump. Yikes!

But, oh how I want to encourage other women. It's such a strong desire, and I know it's from the Lord.  It's what I'm to do at this season in my life -  use my love for teaching and heart for encouraging to help others.

And how about you friend? Is there some step you need to take? or maybe a giant leap toward your God designed destiny?

Well, I'm taking the hand of Jesus and taking that jump.
Hold my other hand and jump with me?


Love ya,

Happy Monday Morning ~ Steps

Hi friend!!!

Happy Monday Morning! 

photo found on Photobucket

Psalm 37:23-24

 

If you do what the Lord wants, He will make certain

each
       step
              you
                     take
                          is
                            sure.


The Lord will hold your hand, and if you

  s
   t
       u
     m
        b
      l
    e,

you still won't fall.

photo found on Photobucket

Dear Jesus,
Please be with me as I go throughout my day. Help me to stay in step with your plans for me today.
Lord, I put my hand in yours. Thank you that you don't ever let go. Thank you that if I stumble you are right there to steady me so I don't fall.
I love you!
Me


Love ya,

Five Minute Friday Fun: Try

Hi friend!

What day is it?
It's Friday!

And what does that mean?
It's time to party and have us some 5 Minute Friday fun! 

The party is at Kate's place in blog land. It's a linky party / blogger flash mob / free writing exercise. Whatever you want to call it, I say it's just plain fun - blog land style.

Everyone spends five minutes writing on the same topic. If they have a blog, they link up to Kate's post.

No blog? No problem! Just leave your five minutes of writing in the comments section.

The truly fun part is that you write with freedom. There's no emphasis on grammar or spelling. Punctuation is also worry free {yay! 'cause I love me a bunch of commas when I write}. Pretty much the only "rule" is that you visit the blog of the person who linked up before you and leave some encouragement. 


 ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
and GO!

TRY

Hubby and I have been watching a show called American Ninja Warrior. Love it! How have we missed the previous seasons?

Many times I've thought that it's crazy that the competitors have only one try to finish the course. If they miss an obstacle they are out.

That's it. Done.

Their run for this year is over.

These men and women train. I mean seriously train. Like for some of them every single day.

I don't know why. Honestly I don't. Such hard work for one try.

Just to get to the end of the course and move on from city qualifying to city finals to nationals.

Most of them fail.

They don't reach the end and get to push the buzzer to stop the clock, get their name on the leaders board and move on to the next level.

As they walk away they say things like -
"I'll try again next year. "
"That was fun."
"I'm glad I made it this far."

Sure they're disappointed that they didn't get to finish every obstacle, but they all seem thrilled for the opportunity to have tried.

When we first started watching this show I just didn't get why they put all the time, energy and expense (some train in a gym and some make their own obstacle course in their basement or garage) into training for one try at the prize.

And it didn't seem fair that there were no do-overs or second chances. Man all that work for nothing.

Maybe I don't get it because I don't like to try something competitive unless I'm pretty sure I'll succeed.

Get an "A+"

Make 10 out of 10 correct.

Win!

However, the longer we watch the Ninja Warriors compete the more I think I'm getting it.

It's not the winning. Well, yea it is.

But, I think for them they do it as much for the experience and fun as for the win.

And if they fail? Well, there's always next year.


and STOP!



~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

Here's to trying new things. Not to win, but for the experience.


Love ya, 

You Were Created For.....

 

Hi friend!!!

Happy Monday Morning!

 

 Have you ever wondered what you were created for?

Are you living the life God intends for you to live?
 

Or are you playing things safe and never taking risks or trying something new?

Following God's purpose may not feel safe and may seem like it's too big, or hard, or not you {or whatever excuse you want to use}, but it's when we live the way God planned for us that we truly live.

 

"A ship in harbor is safe,
but that is not what ships are built for."

John A. Shedd

photo courtesy of Photobucket

 

When I create a quilt I expect it to be used for warmth and comfort. If it were to be kept safe on a closet shelf it would not be fulfilling the purpose I created it for. And that would make me sad. There's a lot of planning, time and love that goes into the making of each one of my quilts.

 

I wonder if it makes God sad when we play things safe and don't live each day fully? When we refuse to try new things....  especially things He is placing on our hearts to do or talents He's given us to use.

 

Starting today, let's choose to live brave and fulfill our God given purpose. 

 

Because you see, friend.......

 

"We weren't made to just survive the day.

We were made to thrive."

Casting Crowns

 





 Love ya, 

Easter Sunrise ~ when the sun doesn't shine

Hi friend!

Happy Easter!

This year hubby and I decided to do things a little bit different for our Easter celebration. It's been pretty low key the last few years for a variety of reasons. This year we wanted to start a few new traditions.

We changed things up by going to our church's Saturday evening Easter service. (Yes, I'm pretty sure Jesus is ok with us celebrating Easter on Saturday. So now, don't judge)

Due to our different church's schedules we haven't gotten together with family on Easter in quite a few years. Since we went to church last night, I'm now able to cook dinner (turkey is in the oven) and have mom over for Easter dinner early this afternoon.

Also, it allows us to do something I've wanted to do for years - go to an Easter sunrise service. So, we decided that this year we'd to go to Kyle's bench (the cemetery) to watch the sunrise, read the account of the empty tomb on that first Easter morning and thank Jesus for the hope we have of one day seeing our son again.

 

 

Yesterday, on my way to work there was a beautiful sunrise. A big bright orange ball of sunshine rising in the eastern sky and making the line of clouds that hung above the horizon and over the tree tops glow with yellow, orange and a bit of pink. I couldn't wait for today to see this from the tranquil and open view we'd have at Kyle's bench.

 

This morning we got up early, fed the dog, got dressed, grabbed the camera and Bible and walked outside to a cool morning and .....

 

.... a sky full of clouds. Huh?! Didn't see that coming.

 

 

 

As we made the short drive to the cemetery, I couldn't help but watch the sky for any sign of the clouds breaking. I also sent up a silent prayer for the Lord to please push the clouds away so I could have my special Easter sunrise.

 

I also began thinking about Jesus' followers. How were they feeling on that first Sunday morning after that horrible day when Jesus died?

 

Did they see only dark and cloudy skies ahead?

 

Did they wonder if the sun would ever shine again?

 

Grief can do that to you. It can make even the sunniest day with zero percent of rain feel dark and like storm clouds are gathering and the threat of rain is imminent.

 

But there is hope.... there is always hope when you know Jesus.

 

 

 

Even in the midst of death and grief you can still believe.......

.... the sun (and the Son) is there....

.... yes, it is (He is), even if you can't see it.

 

 

This morning I read the Easter story, hubby prayed and thanked Jesus for His sacrifice. And we waited for the sun.

 

 

 

Finally, the clouds parted a bit. There was even a touch of gold around their edges.

 

Definitely not as glorious as yesterday's sunrise.  And that's really ok. 

 

It was still a very special time......

.... to think about the sacrifice God made by sending His Son to die on the cross

.... to ponder Jesus' great love for each of us

.... to praise Him for making a way for us to one day live with Him in heaven

.... to rejoice in the knowledge that we will be reunited with our son again one day

 

 

"At the crack of dawn on Sunday, the women came to the tomb carrying the burial spices they had prepared. They found the entrance stone rolled back from the tomb, so they walked in. But once inside, they couldn’t find the body of the Master Jesus. They were puzzled, wondering what to make of this. Then, out of nowhere it seemed, two men, light cascading over them, stood there. The women were awestruck and bowed down in worship. The men said, “Why are you looking for the Living One in a cemetery? He is not here, but raised up. Remember how he told you when you were still back in Galilee that he had to be handed over to sinners, be killed on a cross, and in three days rise up?” Then they remembered Jesus’ words."  Luke 24:1-8(MSG)

 

Love ya,

My One Word for 2015 ~ BRAVE

Hi friend!

Well, since it's the middle end of the second month of the year it seems kinda late to be "announcing" my One Word for 2015.

Guess I'll be brave and go for it. Ha!

My One Word for 2015 is:
BRAVE
 

To me it's kind of a scary choice.  Do you see the irony there?  That brave is scary?

I guess it's because I don't know what I might need to be brave about.

Will something happen that will again break my heart and I'll need to be brave.....
now that's scary.

Or will I need to be brave in growing my faith and praying bold prayers .....
not so scary, hard maybe. But, growth is good.

Or will I need to be brave enough to make changes in my life.....
could be scary or could be good.

Or maybe it's just gong to be a reminder to live each day to the fullest.

Well, whatever this year of living brave brings, whatever the reason it was laid on my heart, I know that Jesus is with me and will be my help and strength.

"For I am the Lord, your God,

who takes hold of your right hand

and says to you, Do not fear;

I will help you."

Isaiah 41:13

Love ya,

Happy Monday Morning ~ What to Value on Monday Morn

Hi friend!!!

Happy Monday Morning! 

Sometimes you will never know

the value of a moment

until it becomes a memory.

~ Dr. Seuss

 

Perfect thought for a Monday morning don't ya think?

Mondays are not most people's favorite day of the week.
Most of us look forward to the weekends- TGIF, Saturday and Sunday.
Those are the "fun" days of the week.

Days filled with some of our favorite things.......
... family time
... relaxing
... church
... catching up on things around the house
... ball games
... coffee with friends
... and the list goes on.

Hopefully, we've learned to value those moments.
And by Monday they are our memories.

So friend, instead of wistfully wishing the weekend would never end, let's cherish the memories made.

I don't know, maybe then Mondays won't seem so bad. We can't make the weekend last forever, but we can take our sweet memories with us as we begin a new week.

Love ya,   

Name Nine

Hey there friend!

Did you know that counting to ten really doesn't help you calm down? Well, at least it doesn't ever help me. Not that I need to very often, but when I do.... oh buddy watch out.

Recently, I had a really stressful day. At one point I had a bit of a melt down. Not gonna say for sure, but maybe some ranting was involved. I hate it when I behave that way. My emotions take over and counting to ten will not help.

The next morning I posted on Facebook that I was "hoping today goes smoother... praying for self-control, peace and joy to win."

A friend commented - "Got fruit? Gal 5, carry it with you."

I knew right away she was talking about Galatians 5:22-23

"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives:

love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

There is no law against these things!"

 

Well yea, I knew that. I pray most mornings for the Holy Spirit's help to "have much good fruit". And I name all nine out loud to remind myself how I want to behave and live out the day.

Sometimes though my fruit is kinda rotten. *sigh*

Well, later that afternoon as I was driving behind someone going real slooooowwww, I thought of my friend's comment. I was becoming annoyed and decided to name the nine fruit of the spirit. Right there in my car and out loud to myself.......

Love
Joy {I'll be happy if she turns left because I'm going right}
Peace
Patience {feel like beeping my horn}
Kindness
Goodness
Gentleness {how about a gentle tap on my horn?}
Faithfulness
Self-control {deep breath}

..... and it's working. Yay!  
Maybe one more time from the top - Love, Joy, Peace....

That day I discovered that "naming nine" works so much better than counting to ten.
And I think it's because I'm speaking God's word. There's power in His word.

My friend was right..... got fruit? Carry it with you.
Can you name the nine?

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

I'm linking up today at Barbie's place for some Weekend Brew .

Love ya,

Happy Monday Mornng ~ Expectantly

Hi friend!!!

Happy Monday Morning! 



Photobucket

 

Is part of your morning routine spending time with Jesus? 

 

 

Whatever your answer....
isn't it wonderful to know that He hears our voice?
 

  

So why wait until the end of the day to meet with Jesus?

 

Meet with Him first thing.
Lay your requests at His feet.
Walk through your day with expectancy.
 

 

Expectancy - the state of thinking or hoping that something,

especially something pleasant, will happen or be the case.

 

So friend, that's how I want to not only start my mornings, but live my life. Every. single. day.

 

With expectancy.

 

Love ya, 

Happy Monday Morning ~ Hold My Hand

Hi friend!!!

Happy Monday Morning! 

found on Photobucket

 

 

"Enjoy the tempo of a God-breathed life by letting Me set the pace.

Hold My hand in childlike trust, and the way before you

will open up step by step."

 Jesus Calling - 

Enjoying Peace in His Presence

~ Sarah Young

 

 

Ahhh.... the tempo of a God-breathed life. *sigh* Sounds heavenly.

 

I'm sure you agree that life can be fast paced, kind of crazy and pressure filled. So much so that sometimes we just want to scream for it all to stop.

 

Never mind slow the tempo.

Stop the music! 

 

When I start each day by spending some quiet time alone with Jesus, my days are more joy filled and there's a peace in my spirit that is with me throughout my day. In fact, the quote above is from yesterday's devotional reading.

 

Starting the day with Jesus sets the tempo for the whole day.

 

Dear Jesus,

Hold my hand and guide me through this day. Help me to remember that You are with me every step of the way. Thank you that Your plans for me are good and You are able to make my path straight.

I love you!

Amen

 

Love ya,   

One Last Word About My One Word 2014

Hey there friend!

I'll soon be officially announcing my One Word for 2015. Yay!!

"Officially" as in the why, when and how of choosing my word for this year. I've already put my 2015 One Word graphic on the Home page and listed it on my One Word Journey page. I'd prefer that I had done it all at one time. You know - to have a big "TAH-DAHHH" moment.

But noooooo, I just couldn't wait.

First of all, I couldn't wait to make my One Word 2015 graphic. I love doing that sort of creative thing. Once I had it done and saw how pretty it was I was anxious to share it on my sidebar. And since it was already the first week of the New Year it had to (at least according to my rules) be put up and the 2014 graphic taken down.

So, ummm..... Tah-dahh?!


Anyways, before I say good-bye to my Word for 2014 there are a few final words to say.

As I check to see how many times I posted and shared with you about my progress I realize there isn't very much here.

Going through my archives, there are only two posts tagged "balance".  The intro in January for my  One Word 2014  and  The Good Stuff  in February.

That's it for the whole year - two out of 21 total.

Maybe that doesn't seem very balanced to you. Yet actually, to me, it does.

I've come to realize that to have balance in my life it doesn't mean that all areas in my life are given equal time. Nor does it mean that everything gets accomplished right away. Maybe not even at all..... sometimes it's best to put it aside or redirect.

What it has come to mean is that I manage my time better and don't get too caught up in one task, project or area and than neglect the others. Because you see, it's when I don't keep things in my life balanced that it causes me to become overwhelmed and even guilty about neglecting other things.

Sounds pretty logical and simple doesn't it? Yea, it does. Except when you are task oriented and love a good "To Do" list. And you love it even more when the task is completed and you get to check it off your list. {Raising my hand. Yep! That's this girl right here.}

Now, if my lists included family time, friend time, relaxation and play.... well, that would be great. But, they usually don't. That's "fun stuff" and it should always be "work before pleasure" (another one of my rules).

So, I've learned......
..... to not spend hours in bloggy land and neglect time with hubby. {hence, only those 21 posts all year}
..... to put away the quilting and not have hubby run out to get us sandwiches or burgers for dinner {a-hem, again}.
..... to put my feet up and read after spending a couple hours doing yard work in the hot Florida sun. Even if I didn't get it all done. {Dang "To Do" list.}

Anyways, yes I've made progress, but I think that keeping things balanced is something I'll continue to need to work on. I guess it really won't be good-bye to balance after all.

Love ya,

Happy Monday Morning ~ What Are You Aiming For?

Hi friend!!!

Happy Monday Morning! 

So I have a question for you today -

What are you aiming for? 

Which brings me to another question.... or two.

It's now the third week into the new year.
How is it going with your New Year resolution?

Or maybe instead of yearly resolutions you have yearly, five year and ten year goals.
Are you on track to meet those goals?

Maybe, since it's Monday, you're just aiming to make it to the weekend.
"Bull's eye" you say?




photo courtesy of Photobucket

 

Whatever you're aiming for today, might I suggest that you -

 

"Aim for progress rather than perfection."

 

 



Being a gal who tends to be a perfectionist I really, really like this idea. 

I can apply it to a personal goal I made last year. Last March I decided to loose ten pounds by my next birthday.

I'm not quite there and my birthday is in six weeks.  I can either feel like I'm failing or I can celebrate the nine pounds I've already lost.

Nine pounds lost!  I made progress!

Yay me!
Woot! Woot!

I think I just had an a-ha moment.

Yep! A-HA!

Let me share it with you -
Whether the aim is to meet a goal, keep a New Year's resolution, or change a habit -
life will be sweeter if we remember to celebrate the progress we make along the way.

Just keep aiming, don't give up and celebrate along the way.

Do I hear a Woot! Woot!

Bull's eye!

Love ya, 

Happy Monday Morning ~ He Holds Us Close

Hi friend!!!

Happy Monday Morning! 

It's my first Happy Monday Morning to you for 2015!

 



 

A few days ago, as I read a couple of verses in Isaiah, the middle part of one verse created a picture in my mind. One that brought comfort, joy, peace and love for my Jesus straight to my heart.

 

I knew it was gonna be a HMM verse and I couldn't wait to share it with you.

 

 

 

"He tends his flock like a shepherd:

He gathers the lambs in his arms

and carries them close to his heart;

he gently leads those that have young."

Isaiah 40:11

 

 



I was able to find a picture on Photobucket {not sure who to give credit to} that pretty much matched what I imagined when I read that verse.

Yay! That makes it easier to "show" you what I mean.

As I spent a few minutes thinking about this verse, it brought back memories of years ago of me as a mom to two active little boys. If one fell down and got hurt I'd hear his cries and run to him, scoop him up in my arms, hold him close to my heart and comfort him the best I could until he settled down. Then I would check the boo-boo and see how bad it was. Whether some first aid was required or just a mommy-kiss-to-make-it-all-better, I'd do what was necessary to dry his tears and put a smile back on his sweet face. Then there were tender words spoken to remind him of my love and probably a few more not so tender words to remind him to be more careful {especially son #2} as I sent him back out to play.

I let some more memories of being those two little guy's mommy play out in my mind ...... and that's when my heart filled with love for Jesus.

You see friend, there's a connection here with how I would comfort my kiddos and how Jesus comforts us.

When life trips me up and I fall, get hurt and cry out I know He hears me and comes to me. He picks me up in his arms and holds me close to his heart. He comforts me until I settle down. We check to see how bad the boo-boo really is. Maybe I just need a reminder to be more careful or there is some first aid required {both of which can easily be found in His Word}. Whatever the need is to comfort me He readily gives it.

Oh how He loves me.
Oh how He loves you, too.

So, next time you fall, just call out to Jesus. I know I sure will.

Love ya, 

Five Minute Friday Fun: Welcome

Hi friend!

What day is it?
It's Friday!

And what does that mean?
It's time to party and have us some 5 Minute Friday fun! 

The party is at Kate's place in blog land. It's a linky party / blogger flash mob / free writing exercise. Whatever you want to call it, I say it's just plain fun - blog land style.

Everyone spends five minutes writing on the same topic. If they have a blog, they link up to Kate's post.

No blog? No problem! Just leave your five minutes of writing in the comments section.

The truly fun part is that you write with freedom. There's no emphasis on grammar or spelling. Punctuation is also worry free {yay! 'cause I love me a bunch of commas when I write}. Pretty much the only "rule" is that you visit the blog of the person who linked up before you and leave some encouragement. 


 ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~
and GO!

WELCOME

The last week or so I've seen many comments, messages and graphics welcoming the new year on Facebook.

Welcome 2015!!

Yay!
A new year!
Things will be better this year!!

But, I've also seen some comments bidding 2014 "good riddance".

Hmmmm..... I can't help but think that there's something a little off about that. Even kind of sad.

I mean was this past year all and totally that bad?
Come on now... think about it.

Were there no blessings..... not a single good memory ...... no fun..... nothing? Did we miss it?

I bet if you stop and think you can find at least a few things that are worth a smile and bring something good to mind from 2014.

So, I'd like to suggest that we be more mindful of our blessings this year.  

Let's not only welcome the new year for a week or two,  but lets welcome each new day.

Yep! All 365 of them

Let's wake up and thank the Lord for the new day.

Let's remember His mercies are new every morning.

And ya know what? I bet if we do this, that next year we'll see many more comments on social media that instead of saying good riddance, we'll be bidding a fond farewell to 2015 as we welcome 2016.

and STOP!



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Ok friend that was fun... but definitely not my most inspiring. I guess I'm out of practice with this kind of quick-thinking-on-my-feet writing exercise. Oh well, there's 50 more weeks (more or less) to do better.

And I did want to clarify that I realize there are some days and times in our lives that can be  particularly difficult. For me it was 2007.  Nevertheless, God is good and forever faithful. So even in the darkest of times I have found that I'm able to thank Him for never leaving my side.

This is the day the Lord has made

let us rejoice and be glad in it!!

Psalm 118:24

 

Love ya,