Me too, girl, but I can't seem to clock out. Can you?
I had an error in judgement when posting my blog about my Walmart experience today. I should have at least waited a day or two and went back and edited after the emotions died down, or at least on a better day. So for all of you who took the time to read all of my blog, I'm sorry for posting those raw emotions for the world to see. I also did not realize that it could be viewed as a form of personal attack or social vengeance on the cashier. That's not me! That's not what I'm about! Any snarly comments or remarks were added for humor not as a form of attack, well maybe against Walmart itself, in all honesty:) One day I will learn that no amount of savings is worth a trip there! The lady was clearly not having a good day, and I completely identified with her because I wasn't either. I do not know what she may have encountered before or after she clocked in, but what I felt led to share is the effect our words, actions, and gestures in the midst of our bad days can have on others. Her words today were used as a tool to send me on a dark, downward spiral starting with my response, writing the blog in frustration, posting it on social media, and eventually using my words as ammunition against myself and leaving others to question my motives and heart and being down in the dumps and ill. Not my intent at all, but perception and intent are two totally different things, and I failed to think through how my words would be perceived by others. Lesson learned!
The blog was simply a way to release my anger and play through what happened and learn from it. Walmart is truly what angered me. The lady's comment reprimanding the child that was with me just threw me over the edge. That's real life. We all get pushed to our limits.That's was I was trying to say...our words and actions can be life giving or life taking. My experience was simply an example that many mom's can identify with and how even though I love Jesus and seek Him daily, I too, fall short...each and every day. Some may look to me and think my life is perfect and that I have it all together, and I don't want my Facebook facade to deter anyone from thinking that they could never measure up and be a "good Christian girl" like me. I want people to see me as the beautiful mess I am. I want them to see that I struggle, fall short, make mistakes, and my kids misbehave. I am DESPERATELY in need of God's grace...DAILY! We ALL sin and fall short of the glory of God and that includes ME! It's much easier to identify with people who are real and don't pretend to be perfect. I'll admit I didn't prayerfully post this article, but as I wrote I did see what God was leading to say to moms and the public in general. Cut people a break, offer to help, smile at everyone, say hi, don't explode in your moment of weakness. It was clearly not the cashier's fault that Walmart doesn't have enough people running registers, doesn't have 3 seater buggies, or that I had to grocery shop with 3 children in tow, and I think she probably felt bad for saying something to the child after my matter-of-fact, less than gracious, but not quite rude response. I'm sorry that I was not more graceful with her because of my high stress level, irritation, and impatience. I wish I could do it over, but I can't. What I can do though is to ask someone I trust to edit emotional pieces of writing for me so that anything that could be taken out of context can be fixed and most importantly, I can take my own advice and offer grace in the midst of my stress.
So, friends, can you do that for me today? Can you extend grace and forgiveness for my lapse in judgment? I do not want any of you to view me as a social media personal attacker. I promise that I'm not one of those, nor do I agree with social media attacks and/or debates because I think they divide us more and sow seeds of bitterness and anger.
To the cashier, if you're reading, I'm sorry I was less than gracious. I'm sorry for whatever caused your bad day. Most of all, I'm sorry if you felt attacked or belittled by my previous post. I probably won't see you in Walmart again, but if you ever go to work at Target, I will try and remember to show grace, even in the tough times.
Your Friend,
Physically, Emotionally, Spiritually, and Mentally Drained No Longer Diva Mommy of 3
P.S. If you didn't read my previous blog, good! I've taken it down.
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Friday, January 9, 2015
Are You Too Busy?
One of my dear friends, DeAnna invited me to attend a free Lysa Terkeurst simulcast in Charlotte, NC to launch her new book The Best Yes. Well, if you know me, free is my language, and this was the first time I had ever been to anything like this so I was pretty excited. The experience certainly didn't disappoint! I left just itching to get into her new book.
From the beginning I felt as if God was convicting my heart, but not because of having an overwhelmed schedule but because I have been wasting so much time and putting things off and even saying well, I'll never have time for that. The truth is I have vowed since being afforded the opportunity to be a "mostly stay-at-home mommy" that I would keep my schedule as open as possible. I'm not one who likes a busy schedule and that sort of thing stresses me out. I like to have time to process from one activity to the next. I have lived an extremely busy schedule from my sophomore year of high school, working & doing every extracurricular activity under the moon until the day I packed up my six years of teaching supplies from my kindergarten classroom to open this new chapter in my life. I don't want to be the mom who rushes to pick the kids up from school to take them from one lesson to the next then on to their sports' team practices, rush thru the McDonald's drive-thru, shove unhealthy food down their throats, rush home to do homework and study, and finally put my kids to bed in pure exhaustion and frustration. That scenario puts me in a panic just thinking about it. While I want my children to be well-rounded and enjoy life, I also want them to know, without a doubt, what is most important...God and relationships. Lysa said it well, "The decisions we make dictate the schedules we keep. The schedules we keep determine the lives we live. The lives we live determine how we spend our souls. So, this isn't just about finding time. This is about honoring God with the time we have."
Before anyone begins firing any negative comments at me, I'm not knocking anyone who is enriching the lives of their children by taking them to lessons, practices, and games. However, I challenge you to ask yourself do your children know that God is the most important thing in life or would they answer with school, piano, dance, football, etc? All of these things are great when balanced, but a hectic schedule where God and church just get fit in where there aren't any other plans on that day should be a red flag that you are living an overwhelmed schedule which will produce in you and your entire family and underwhelmed soul.
For instance I remember when I was in high school there were no sports practices, rehearsals, or school related activities on Wednesdays (during church times) or Sundays at all. Today our culture doesn't discriminate on any day of the week and many teams say well, if you have to go to church, I guess you can't play. So, what happens? We give in to this "to be good, famous, worth something, & successful," you have to stay busy lifestyle our culture promotes. We choose to send them to practice or go to games with them instead of investing in their souls, their faith, and their salvation by going to church or youth groups. What kind of message are we instilling in the lives of our children by doing this?
What about school? As an educator I certainly think that school should be a top priority but not THE top. That still belongs to the creator of the universe! Sure every parent wants their kids to do well and make good grades in school but at what expense? Should they miss youth group because they have too much homework? Should they miss church on Sunday because they have a big test on Monday? I think you already know my answer, but just in case...NO! Teach your children to prioritize and not procrastinate. Teach them to be responsible for their own actions. If they choose to wait until Wednesday night to complete a project, send them on to church and allow them to face that lower grade for a late project. If they wait until Sunday to study for a big test, take them to church and let them spend the rest of the day studying.
One more scenario I am seeing and hearing more and more of is..."Sunday is my only day off or Sunday is the only day I can sleep in or we've just been so busy and we're too tired to come." This isn't the once in a blue moon excuse. It's the weekly, biweekly, or monthly excuse I'm referring to. If you're too tired to come to church or to attend a church function, that's an indicator that your schedule is probably too busy.
Don't get me wrong, friends, I am not saying that there is NEVER an exception or that missing church on rare occasions is going to send you straight to hell in a hand-basket. If it's just an unexpected, rare "thing," that's one thing, but if it is becoming a regular occurrence, we really need to self-evaluate. I can already hear some critics whispering, "I don't have to go to church to be a Christian." While you are certainly correct, we are saved by grace through faith and it's not of our own doing but is the gift of God, but the truth is Church is important to believers and it should be. It's the bride of Christ. Church is not a building we go to. Church is the body of believers gathered together for one purpose, to spread the Good News of Jesus!
Let's stop allowing our schedules to rule us and let's rule our schedules. Make sure there is time in each day for the unexpected or divine appointments. Let's make sure our schedules exhibit what is most important to us. Let's stick to schedules that honor Jesus.
From the beginning I felt as if God was convicting my heart, but not because of having an overwhelmed schedule but because I have been wasting so much time and putting things off and even saying well, I'll never have time for that. The truth is I have vowed since being afforded the opportunity to be a "mostly stay-at-home mommy" that I would keep my schedule as open as possible. I'm not one who likes a busy schedule and that sort of thing stresses me out. I like to have time to process from one activity to the next. I have lived an extremely busy schedule from my sophomore year of high school, working & doing every extracurricular activity under the moon until the day I packed up my six years of teaching supplies from my kindergarten classroom to open this new chapter in my life. I don't want to be the mom who rushes to pick the kids up from school to take them from one lesson to the next then on to their sports' team practices, rush thru the McDonald's drive-thru, shove unhealthy food down their throats, rush home to do homework and study, and finally put my kids to bed in pure exhaustion and frustration. That scenario puts me in a panic just thinking about it. While I want my children to be well-rounded and enjoy life, I also want them to know, without a doubt, what is most important...God and relationships. Lysa said it well, "The decisions we make dictate the schedules we keep. The schedules we keep determine the lives we live. The lives we live determine how we spend our souls. So, this isn't just about finding time. This is about honoring God with the time we have."
Before anyone begins firing any negative comments at me, I'm not knocking anyone who is enriching the lives of their children by taking them to lessons, practices, and games. However, I challenge you to ask yourself do your children know that God is the most important thing in life or would they answer with school, piano, dance, football, etc? All of these things are great when balanced, but a hectic schedule where God and church just get fit in where there aren't any other plans on that day should be a red flag that you are living an overwhelmed schedule which will produce in you and your entire family and underwhelmed soul.
For instance I remember when I was in high school there were no sports practices, rehearsals, or school related activities on Wednesdays (during church times) or Sundays at all. Today our culture doesn't discriminate on any day of the week and many teams say well, if you have to go to church, I guess you can't play. So, what happens? We give in to this "to be good, famous, worth something, & successful," you have to stay busy lifestyle our culture promotes. We choose to send them to practice or go to games with them instead of investing in their souls, their faith, and their salvation by going to church or youth groups. What kind of message are we instilling in the lives of our children by doing this?
What about school? As an educator I certainly think that school should be a top priority but not THE top. That still belongs to the creator of the universe! Sure every parent wants their kids to do well and make good grades in school but at what expense? Should they miss youth group because they have too much homework? Should they miss church on Sunday because they have a big test on Monday? I think you already know my answer, but just in case...NO! Teach your children to prioritize and not procrastinate. Teach them to be responsible for their own actions. If they choose to wait until Wednesday night to complete a project, send them on to church and allow them to face that lower grade for a late project. If they wait until Sunday to study for a big test, take them to church and let them spend the rest of the day studying.
One more scenario I am seeing and hearing more and more of is..."Sunday is my only day off or Sunday is the only day I can sleep in or we've just been so busy and we're too tired to come." This isn't the once in a blue moon excuse. It's the weekly, biweekly, or monthly excuse I'm referring to. If you're too tired to come to church or to attend a church function, that's an indicator that your schedule is probably too busy.
Don't get me wrong, friends, I am not saying that there is NEVER an exception or that missing church on rare occasions is going to send you straight to hell in a hand-basket. If it's just an unexpected, rare "thing," that's one thing, but if it is becoming a regular occurrence, we really need to self-evaluate. I can already hear some critics whispering, "I don't have to go to church to be a Christian." While you are certainly correct, we are saved by grace through faith and it's not of our own doing but is the gift of God, but the truth is Church is important to believers and it should be. It's the bride of Christ. Church is not a building we go to. Church is the body of believers gathered together for one purpose, to spread the Good News of Jesus!
Let's stop allowing our schedules to rule us and let's rule our schedules. Make sure there is time in each day for the unexpected or divine appointments. Let's make sure our schedules exhibit what is most important to us. Let's stick to schedules that honor Jesus.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Happy 9th Wedding Anniversary to my "Boo Thang"
I was pretty disappointed that I had the dreaded stomach virus on our 9th anniversary yesterday, but it did allow me to just lay around and think about how incredibly blessed I am. I didn't get to go out and buy that perfect anniversary gift that I wanted to get, but in the end that "stuff" doesn't really matter at all. What I have found that truly matters are the words, memories, and experiences that encompass these past nine years. I'm not going to sugar coat it or pretend that it's been all sunshine and rainbows because if you know us, you KNOW without a doubt that would be a HUGE lie! These past nine years as husband and wife may not have been easy and not always enjoyable, but they have shaped who we are both individually and as a couple.
Those words are easy to say, but yesterday I was really struggling with not having anything (even though we're not ones who give/receive extravagant gifts) to give Brent to say thank you and I love you. This morning as I was listening to Pandora "If I Ain't Got You" played and the words made so much sense to me.
Through these nine years we have had many instances where we had to do without the things we wanted, skip vacations, cut the cable, tell our children no to things they want, and not give the gifts we want to give to one another and our family. I know I have, many times, looked around and saw our friends going and doing and buying and felt envious. Brent, I've wished we could go on that cruise, buy that big house, and even as simple as go on a date, but no matter how many vacations, dates, and how many square feet our home could be, if they meant not having you, I would choose you every single time!
According to the American world view we don't have much. We don't often splurge and enjoy the luxuries of life. We cook at home because eating out with a family of five is ridiculously expensive. We live in a home where we often feel crammed together and like we're bursting at the seams. By worldly standards we'd be labeled as "poor" (not the homeless kind but the bless their heart kind), but, world, listen up because I want to tell you that we are not, nor will we ever be poor! We may not have money, fame, or fancy things, but one thing we do have is love, REAL love. The kind of love that could never be bought with any amount of money, the kind of love that is not earned or deserved, but given freely, the kind of love that sacrifices the things we want and enjoy so someone else can be filled with joy, the kind of love that forgives the "unforgivable", the kind of love that I NEVER want to be without, and that is the love of Jesus! My husband doesn't just love me because he wants to because I know there are days when he doesn't feel like loving me, but he loves me because that's what God commanded him to do. Ephesians 5:25 says, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her." He loves me with an Agape love. He loves me as Christ loves His bride, the church (you and me).
They say you can't "live on love," but I beg to differ. Love is the only reason I am truly alive. God's love for me is what gave Him the strength to send His son into the fallen world to be ridiculed, tortured, and hung on a cross before His very eyes so that I (and you) could live. Maybe you can't buy things with love, but I'm going to side with Alan Jackson on this one, "love can walk through fire without blinking. It doesn't take much when you get enough...living on love." My heart is so full and my life is so joyful because of the man God knit together in his mother's womb and designed especially with me in mind for me to be his suitable helper. He knew that "in this life there would be trouble," but He also knew that my husband would choose to be obedient to His command to love me wholeheartedly, sacrificially, and with everything he has.
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Certainty Amongst Uncertain Times
Today was a typical Tuesday for me...Get up, get Camryn ready for school, drink my coffee, and do my Bible Study. Sounds pretty good right? Well, that all fell apart when I hear someone at the door right around 8 am. I was quite alarmed because Camryn should be at school by now. Then, a key slides into the key hole. The door opens, and there stands my husband Brent. "Why aren't you at work?" (me) "Well, they sent me home." (Brent) "Why?" (me) "You know that meeting we were supposed to have the other week? Well, we had it...Our facility is closing." (Brent)
Yep, punched in the gut! Here we are on our path to freedom from debt by the end of year, but, instead, we are faced with the reality of being without our primary source of income by December. Definitely not the way I would choose to begin my Tuesday. Many thoughts and emotions have went through my mind since 8 am. I've had the why me, why now, feeling sorry for myself episodes as most people would have, but even in the midst of those episodes, God's word, truth, and promises were brought to the forefront of my mind. Even as far as I would try to push them away in an effort to vast in my own misery for a few more moments, more verses just kept creeping up. Soon, His word and truth overcame my negative thoughts that were centered around myself and my family and our needs and focused me on Him and His goodness, love, compassion, and mighty power instead of myself.
Now, I am at a point of feeling like a spoiled brat for complaining about a job in comparison to the many blessings I have. I'm especially feeling pretty guilty for questioning God, the creator of the universe, as to why this is happening. Now I'm at a point where I'm crying tears of shame and repentance. It wasn't until I saw my pastor's response to the loss of Brent's job that those tears turned from shameful tears to tears of joy and I was overwhelmed with God's goodness, and His big picture plan. His words were simply, "Exciting news! Watch what God does now." You may be wondering why someone would call the loss of a job exciting news so I'll tell you why...We have been waiting on God's direction for Brent's career. He's been applying here in there to open positions that fit his line of work, and there have been some promising call backs, but nothing has fallen into place for him. That tells me that God is kicking him out of his current position, literally, and He has something so much better than we had envisioned for his career path. I don't know what it is, but I do know that I can trust God to put all the pieces together.
I can't sit here and say that I'm not anxious or scared of the uncertainty we are facing because I am, but what I can say is that when I look back on the past year of my life, I can see where God was preparing us for this storm. Never have I ever been more hungry for the word of God as I have been this past year, and I gained so much wisdom through my studies and I long for more of it each day. Brent has grown so much spiritually over the past few years into an incredible man of God. God has equipped the both of us with His mighty word. He has surrounded us by an incredible body of believers who seek to serve at any capacity and who uplift us in prayer. He has provided for our every need and we have never done without the necessities of life. We have been blessed beyond anything we could ever deserve.
As I sat there and cried my tears of anger, frustration, shame, and joy, I imagined what God was feeling in those moments as he looked down on me, His beloved child, hurting and I could feel him hurting with me, catching my tears, and holding each one I shed in His mighty hand and I felt the most loved I have ever felt in my entire life. The same God who was there in the beginning, the one who created the world and everything in it, the one who will have all bow down and worship Him was there catching my tears and reminding me that "He who began a good work in me, will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Satan doesn't like it when we seek and believe God for His word and promises and truth, and I know there is an incredible amount of spiritual warfare going on all around us right now, but I need not fear because MY GOD has overcome the world! He will NEVER leave me or forsake me. He is the same today, yesterday, and tomorrow. He is upholding me with His righteous right hand. His ways are pleasant and His paths are peace. He is able to do way more than I could ever ask, seek, or imagine. He is mighty to save! He strengthens, equips, prepares, and carries us through the hard times. God, get ready because I'm riding piggy back on this adventure!
Here's a song that always resonates with my heart during the storms of this life...
Yep, punched in the gut! Here we are on our path to freedom from debt by the end of year, but, instead, we are faced with the reality of being without our primary source of income by December. Definitely not the way I would choose to begin my Tuesday. Many thoughts and emotions have went through my mind since 8 am. I've had the why me, why now, feeling sorry for myself episodes as most people would have, but even in the midst of those episodes, God's word, truth, and promises were brought to the forefront of my mind. Even as far as I would try to push them away in an effort to vast in my own misery for a few more moments, more verses just kept creeping up. Soon, His word and truth overcame my negative thoughts that were centered around myself and my family and our needs and focused me on Him and His goodness, love, compassion, and mighty power instead of myself.
Now, I am at a point of feeling like a spoiled brat for complaining about a job in comparison to the many blessings I have. I'm especially feeling pretty guilty for questioning God, the creator of the universe, as to why this is happening. Now I'm at a point where I'm crying tears of shame and repentance. It wasn't until I saw my pastor's response to the loss of Brent's job that those tears turned from shameful tears to tears of joy and I was overwhelmed with God's goodness, and His big picture plan. His words were simply, "Exciting news! Watch what God does now." You may be wondering why someone would call the loss of a job exciting news so I'll tell you why...We have been waiting on God's direction for Brent's career. He's been applying here in there to open positions that fit his line of work, and there have been some promising call backs, but nothing has fallen into place for him. That tells me that God is kicking him out of his current position, literally, and He has something so much better than we had envisioned for his career path. I don't know what it is, but I do know that I can trust God to put all the pieces together.
I can't sit here and say that I'm not anxious or scared of the uncertainty we are facing because I am, but what I can say is that when I look back on the past year of my life, I can see where God was preparing us for this storm. Never have I ever been more hungry for the word of God as I have been this past year, and I gained so much wisdom through my studies and I long for more of it each day. Brent has grown so much spiritually over the past few years into an incredible man of God. God has equipped the both of us with His mighty word. He has surrounded us by an incredible body of believers who seek to serve at any capacity and who uplift us in prayer. He has provided for our every need and we have never done without the necessities of life. We have been blessed beyond anything we could ever deserve.
As I sat there and cried my tears of anger, frustration, shame, and joy, I imagined what God was feeling in those moments as he looked down on me, His beloved child, hurting and I could feel him hurting with me, catching my tears, and holding each one I shed in His mighty hand and I felt the most loved I have ever felt in my entire life. The same God who was there in the beginning, the one who created the world and everything in it, the one who will have all bow down and worship Him was there catching my tears and reminding me that "He who began a good work in me, will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Satan doesn't like it when we seek and believe God for His word and promises and truth, and I know there is an incredible amount of spiritual warfare going on all around us right now, but I need not fear because MY GOD has overcome the world! He will NEVER leave me or forsake me. He is the same today, yesterday, and tomorrow. He is upholding me with His righteous right hand. His ways are pleasant and His paths are peace. He is able to do way more than I could ever ask, seek, or imagine. He is mighty to save! He strengthens, equips, prepares, and carries us through the hard times. God, get ready because I'm riding piggy back on this adventure!
Here's a song that always resonates with my heart during the storms of this life...
"There will be an end to these troubles, but until that day comes, still I will praise you!"
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
The Most Proud Moment in the Life of this Mommy
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My oldest child Camryn has always given me a lot to be proud of. She is definitely the typical first born. You know overachieving, definitive leader (aka bossy), smart as a whip, little grown up. She typically makes wise decisions and airs on the side of caution. It's easy to make a mommy proud when you follow the rules and don't appreciate when others bend or break them. However, last night trumps all my proud mommy moments.
Camryn has been in church her entire life. She has been inquiring about what it means to be saved for several months now. She never quite grasped what it meant and just went about her business once her questions were answered. Last night as I was tucking her in and saying her bedtime prayers with her, she called my name just as I was about to leave her side. She said, "Mommy, how do I get saved?" Naturally my heart started beating really fast and I was filled with such joy at her question. I sat back down and asked for clarification of her question to ensure she was asking what I thought she was asking. Indeed she was. She told me about her afternoon at Good News Club and how they asked if anyone wanted to be saved or if anyone had questions about being saved. She said that she raised her hand because she had questions. We sat and talked about what it meant to be saved, what it meant for her future, the steps that people have to take after they are saved, and how you become saved. I think maybe I explained a little too much at one time for her brain to take in because at the end she said, "I think I'm just going to wait for the right time." I called Brent in for back up and to share the good news of her questions. He explained a little more and told her that there would never be a right time. Finally God gave me just the words to say when I was out of explanations. Those words clicked with her and she said, "I want to be saved, but I don't know the prayer to save me." Of course there is no magic prayer to grant salvation, but I am so blessed to have been able to lead her in a prayer granting her eternal salvation through Jesus Christ. I got maybe three words out before the tears started flowing. Then I hear her sweet little voice trembling as she repeated the words after me. As we finished and said amen, I felt her loving arms wrap around me and squeeze me so tightly. I whispered in her ears the words, "I am so proud of you. I promise that this is the best decision you will ever make!"
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As I let her go I began to think about what was happening in heaven at that very moment. In my mind I pictured a glorious party with angels dancing and praising God for her salvation so I figured why not show her what the angels in heaven were doing. Yes, this mommy was doing the "Cabbage Patch" saying Go Camryn. It's your birthday.
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Now I am not naive enough to believe that Camryn fully understands what it means to be saved because I didn't grasp the full meaning and the wisdom of my salvation until later in life, but that's just how it works. In Romans 10:9-10 it says, "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." That is where salvation begins...confession. Then comes the road to wisdom. Now we have the challenge (that I'm so happy to be a part of) to help in shaping and molding her into the incredible, beautiful woman of God that God has designed her to become. I know there will be many trials, temptations, and worldly junk that she's going to encounter on that journey, but I am so thankful to know that God is right there with her upholding her with His righteous right hand and that, "...neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate (her) from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38-39). Psalm 37: 23-24 gives me confidence to know that He will finish the good work He began in her last night. It says, "The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He DELIGHTS in EVERY detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will NEVER fail, for the LORD holds them by the hand." God has my girl's heart so I need not worry about a single detail of her life...that's His job!
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As proud and as happy as I am, her earthly mother, I can just imagine the God who sent His one and only son to come and endure the cross for her sins smiling down on her weeping with joy and filled with fatherly pride, saying "SHE WAS WORTH IT". She was worth it, I was worth it, and you, my friend (whoever you may be), ARE WORTH IT!!! Have you taken that step and given your life to Jesus? If not, will you take that step today?
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P.S. To those who have taken any part in the decision my sweet girl made last night, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for investing in the life of my precious baby! Because of you and your love for God, Camryn now has the promise and hope of an eternal life spent in heaven, "playing with God" (as she said). I ask you to join me in prayer and pray for "her story" that God has already written and her obedience to His calling on her life. Phil. 1:6 "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in (her) will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
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A special thank you to her amazing Good New Teachers who have really inspired, encouraged, and made sense to her this year (Michelle McClear and Mrs. Betty Jean Simms). She adores you ladies and so do I! Thank you to MIke & DeAnna Morris (you've done so much for the spiritual life of our family), Michael & Andi Williams (providing awesome lessons and Bible School and loving my children like your own), Our grow group (surrounding us with your friendship, love and kindness), "Mr. (Uncle) Chris" Gibson (you know you have a special place in this girl's heart...I couldn't think of anyone better!), Washington Baptist Church (for an amazing Good News Club and Awannas team), Danielle Owens (so, so much to thank you for, but today especially for picking her up from Good News and Awannas every week and loving her like your own), P.Collins (I know a seed was sown from you early on!), and anyone else who has shown my baby the love of Jesus! Thank you!!!
Camryn, "I love you tttthhhhhiiisss much!"
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
The Dirty "J" Word...Judgement
My inspiration came from my Bible study this morning. Today I encountered Matthew 7, and it deals a lot with the topic of judgement. I was specifically drawn to verses 1 & 2, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." I originally began a Facebook status going a completely different direction, but something told me to just delete because God was telling me something else today, and I think He may even be telling someone else the same thing...Maybe it's you, maybe it's even just one specific person who needs to hear these words today, or maybe somewhere deep down inside, it's many of us. Whatever the case may be, I felt led to share so here goes.
Let's go ahead and clear the air a little and be completely honest with ourselves for a minute. We are ALL guilty of casting judgement from time to time. Whether it be in our hearts and minds, gossiping about someone else, or when we explode with a judgmental puke fest on someone when we're at our wits end. Either way its a sin, in our minds or out in the open. Maybe it's someone not disciplining their children the "right way" (AKA-your way). Maybe it's walking into someone's house in disarray and thinking, "wow, this girl's a wreck just like her house!" Maybe it's talking about how so and so doesn't cook for her family and instead stops at the drive thru night after night and leaves you saying how she doesn't love her kids like you do. Maybe it's you looking at that person on drugs and saying, "what a dead beat. How could they possibly choose a substance over the blessings God has given them?" Whatever it is, it's not right...(finger pointing at myself)
Another glimpse into the judgment women cast is that they usually cast them to fellow women. Why is that?
I don't know if it's completely a "woman thing" or not, but I know that many women struggle with comparison and it's usually one end of the spectrum or the other (in my experience). It's either a woman who thinks that she has it all together and her way is the only way, or it's a woman who thinks that she stinks and everyone else has it all together so she tries and fails to be more like them. The truth is, ladies, neither is correct! Romans 3:23 says, "for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Jesus also says in John 8:7, "...let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that none of us would be picking up that stone to throw it if Jesus was standing next to us verbalizing those instructions to us today.
Whichever end of the spectrum you fall on, the results can be catastrophic. For the woman who is constantly throwing her "wisdom" (AKA judgement) at others, she could be tearing down someone who is already believing the lie that she's unloved, ugly, not worth it, and questioning whether or not she's even necessary in this world. For the one who is constantly judging herself against "Suzie Homemaker" down the road, she'll eventually come to the realization that she'll never be her or "Suzie Homemaker" will fail her by falling short of her expectations and/or could possibly lead her astray. There's definitely dangers to both sides. Do you really want to be on either end?
So I ask you today, sister, which are you? Or can you find yourself identifying with both sides maybe in different areas of you life? Whichever it is, let's start a new trend and kick comparison to the curb because the truth is as women we all have different struggles. We have to hear what is expected of us from the world, from the size our brazier should be to the number we see on the scale as we grudgingly step on to it holding our breath and squinting our eyes all while hoping to see the "right" number. We can all identify with one another in our feelings of inadequacies so let's stop pretending we have it all together and be real with each other. Let's stop condemning one another for not doing it "my way" or not prioritizing things "the way I would." The truth is, friends, God created us all to be unique so that we could serve His purpose in this world. Being unique means that we are going to be different, we're going to prioritize differently, we're going to discipline our children differently (which is going to keep that unique thing going), and some of us (hold your breath) are not going to care a lick if our house is utter chaos. Let's embrace those differences instead of judging them. Lets reaffirm one another instead of adding yet another insecurity to a lady's life. Let's vow to encourage our sisters in Christ and live out Ephesians 4:29 ("Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."). When you feel the need to be critical or judgmental stop yourself, confess your thoughts to God and choose to instead encourage your sister because you have no idea what she may be facing. Let's not put the off-brand band-aid of putting someone else down to make ourselves look and/or feel better because we all know those off-brand band-aids don't hold very long so that wound is going to start bleeding out sooner than later.
Challenge:
Let's go ahead and clear the air a little and be completely honest with ourselves for a minute. We are ALL guilty of casting judgement from time to time. Whether it be in our hearts and minds, gossiping about someone else, or when we explode with a judgmental puke fest on someone when we're at our wits end. Either way its a sin, in our minds or out in the open. Maybe it's someone not disciplining their children the "right way" (AKA-your way). Maybe it's walking into someone's house in disarray and thinking, "wow, this girl's a wreck just like her house!" Maybe it's talking about how so and so doesn't cook for her family and instead stops at the drive thru night after night and leaves you saying how she doesn't love her kids like you do. Maybe it's you looking at that person on drugs and saying, "what a dead beat. How could they possibly choose a substance over the blessings God has given them?" Whatever it is, it's not right...(finger pointing at myself)
Another glimpse into the judgment women cast is that they usually cast them to fellow women. Why is that?
I don't know if it's completely a "woman thing" or not, but I know that many women struggle with comparison and it's usually one end of the spectrum or the other (in my experience). It's either a woman who thinks that she has it all together and her way is the only way, or it's a woman who thinks that she stinks and everyone else has it all together so she tries and fails to be more like them. The truth is, ladies, neither is correct! Romans 3:23 says, "for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Jesus also says in John 8:7, "...let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that none of us would be picking up that stone to throw it if Jesus was standing next to us verbalizing those instructions to us today.
Whichever end of the spectrum you fall on, the results can be catastrophic. For the woman who is constantly throwing her "wisdom" (AKA judgement) at others, she could be tearing down someone who is already believing the lie that she's unloved, ugly, not worth it, and questioning whether or not she's even necessary in this world. For the one who is constantly judging herself against "Suzie Homemaker" down the road, she'll eventually come to the realization that she'll never be her or "Suzie Homemaker" will fail her by falling short of her expectations and/or could possibly lead her astray. There's definitely dangers to both sides. Do you really want to be on either end?
So I ask you today, sister, which are you? Or can you find yourself identifying with both sides maybe in different areas of you life? Whichever it is, let's start a new trend and kick comparison to the curb because the truth is as women we all have different struggles. We have to hear what is expected of us from the world, from the size our brazier should be to the number we see on the scale as we grudgingly step on to it holding our breath and squinting our eyes all while hoping to see the "right" number. We can all identify with one another in our feelings of inadequacies so let's stop pretending we have it all together and be real with each other. Let's stop condemning one another for not doing it "my way" or not prioritizing things "the way I would." The truth is, friends, God created us all to be unique so that we could serve His purpose in this world. Being unique means that we are going to be different, we're going to prioritize differently, we're going to discipline our children differently (which is going to keep that unique thing going), and some of us (hold your breath) are not going to care a lick if our house is utter chaos. Let's embrace those differences instead of judging them. Lets reaffirm one another instead of adding yet another insecurity to a lady's life. Let's vow to encourage our sisters in Christ and live out Ephesians 4:29 ("Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."). When you feel the need to be critical or judgmental stop yourself, confess your thoughts to God and choose to instead encourage your sister because you have no idea what she may be facing. Let's not put the off-brand band-aid of putting someone else down to make ourselves look and/or feel better because we all know those off-brand band-aids don't hold very long so that wound is going to start bleeding out sooner than later.
Challenge:
- Make a commitment to write a woman an encouraging note once a week just to uplift and reaffirm her.
- When you start to hear those judgmental thoughts running through your head, stop right then and confess them.
- Before confronting anyone with judgments and/or criticisms, spend much time in prayer and self-examinations to determine whether your motives are indeed honorable. If not, confess it and leave it at the cross.
- Be an encourager whenever possible. Be real with your girlfriends and don't pretend like you have it all together. We shouldn't expect perfection from one another, but we should expect love and support from those who we identify so closely with!
- Let's revolutionize the way women respond to women!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Wow...My Fail was Epic this Time!
Okay, just as I envisioned I have really stunk this one up! I have great intentions and aspirations to succeed at this 30 days of thankfulness, but if I would have thought it through a little better, I would have been more prepared (like writing several before the month of November so I would have a stash when life got busy). I started out by missing a day when life got busy and it led to the feeling of being overwhelmed for getting too behind, then the plague hit me AKA tonsillitis. I won't make anymore excuses...I just realized that it wasn't as important as the "now" and I refused to let it take me away from the "good stuff". So now in an effort to redeem myself I'll briefly go through the things I am thankful for in an attempt to catch up on expressing my thankfulness.
Day 16: I am thankful for my home.
I am extremely thankful for the structure of my home that keeps us safe, warm, and gives us a place to be us without restraint. What I am most thankful for about my home is the life that goes on inside and the memories we have created within these walls. All of my babies have taken their first steps here. There has been both laughter and many, many tears. There has been kind words and words that cut deep spoken here. There's even been eggs thrown at someone in the kitchen (I know, I know...Brent should be ashamed right?!) Hee. Hee. Though all the times have not been great or easy, they have made us who we are as a family and allowed us to experience forgiving and forgiveness, successes and failures, simply put...life...all in the privacy and comfort of our own "home".
Day 17: I am thankful for my job.
I've already touched on this one in a few of my previous days of thankfulness. I am very thankful for my job as the Ministry Assistant and After school director at Oak Pointe Church. I am thankful because it affords me the opportunity to do what matters most and allows me to be most efficient in my biggest area of impact, my family. I have the option to bring the babies to work with me or to take some needed time away and get a sitter. It gives me an out as a stay-at-home mom so I don't feel the need to "get out" and do things like shop and impulse buy just because I feel like my walls are caving in. I am thankful that I can honestly say that there hasn't been a day where I dreaded going to work because I felt like I was abandoning my family's needs and putting my job first. I love my job, and I love that my job directly impacts people in South Greenville and all over the world hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you OPC for choosing me!
Day 18: I am Thankful for my Friends.
I used to think that the only friend I needed was Brent. While he's my best friend and was my only friend for a long time, it wasn't enough. I've mentioned that I've failed miserably in the area of being a good friend to others, however, God extended His grace to me and brought some of the sweetest, most thoughtful, self-sacrificing people into my life and showed me that I do, indeed, need friends.
I'm forever thankful for that lesson. Now I get to work on my skills of being a good friend to these wonderful people. I've already mentioned those who are closest to me in previous blogs, but there are a few who have slipped through the cracks or maybe we have drifted apart since I stopped teaching, but I still treasure them and our memories and laughs just as much. To all my SCE friends, I love and miss you guys and will forever call you friends because so many of you were so good to me and I am thankful for you! To my Teacher Tot Friends, I miss seeing you each day and I am so thankful for you taking care of Cam and Elli when I had to work...You guys ROCK! To my Facebook friends, you know the ones who pray for me, express kindness and encouragement, and invest in my life, I'm thankful for you. "A friend loves at all times!" Proverbs 17:17
Day 19: I am Thankful for Technology
Most of the time you'll hear me complain about how I hate technology, mainly because I'm not good at it, but I have to admit that I secretly have a love for it. Without technology, I wouldn't be able to do most of what I do. If it weren't for technology and the people who created it, I wouldn't be able to share this with you today. Without technology I wouldn't be able to pick up my phone and talk with a friend or family member at any moment or text someone when I don't feel like engaging in a full out conversation. Without technology, I'd have to co-pilot with a paper map (while I enjoy the challenge, putting the address in the GPS is soooo much easier). Without technology, I would have to do my bank statement by hand and keep up with all my receipts and write those dreadful checks...YUCK! Without technology, I wouldn't be able to capture so many precious memories through the lens of a camera, phone, or video camera. Without technology we would never be able to have a peaceful dinner in a restaurant with all three kids (what did parents do before smart phones?? ha ha). Technology makes my life a lot easier and more efficient and for that I am thankful...I love ease and sufficiency.
Day 20: I am Thankful for My Uncle David and Aunt Margaret.
Ever since I was little I remember anticipating a visit from Uncle David and Aunt Margaret and they were always filled with fun, adventure, and especially lots of GOOD food! All those things are great in an of themselves, but the truth love, and kindness they spoke into my life has meant more than all of those combined. They made special trips to SC just so Uncle David could marry both of my brothers and myself. Uncle David will never know what his marriage ceremony he prepared for Brent and myself meant to me. I was so honored and proud of his creation. I am thankful that they have kept in touch with us and even come to SC twice to stay in our home. Not many older people would trust a couple with young, loud, attention demanding kids enough to come and stay a few days in their homes, but they did and I am very grateful for the memories created for me and my kids during those visits. I am especially thankful that they opened up their home to us and my grandma this summer for us to visit Texas. They even had toys, the living room baby proofed, and family all ready to show us SE Texas. Thank you for making our first visit to Texas a great one! Uncle David and Aunt Margaret will forever hold a very special place in my heart. I love you guys!
Day 21: I am Thankful for our Cars.
We may not have the best, newest or nicest cars, but I sure I am thankful for both of them. I am thankful that they are paid off and running! I am thankful that both cars allow for 3 car seats and a comfortable ride for the entire family. I'm thankful that my car has enough room for the five of us and then some. I'm thankful that I can have confidence in my car getting us to where we need to go (aund if it doesn't I'm thankful I know just who to call!). I'm thankful to have a car with heat and AC because I know there are so many who do not have that luxury. I am thankful that I have a car to take and pick Cam up from school so she doesn't have to ride the school bus and potentially get exposed to so much that she does not need to know about anytime soon! A car provides us with a way to get to work, school, the grocery store, the doctor, and to create memories wherever we desire to go.
Day 22: I am thankful for my Childhood.
My brothers often recall our childhood in a negative sense, but I don't remember it that way. They remember being poor and never getting what they wanted. I don't remember that. I remember having fun and playing outside all the time, riding bikes, playing Barbies, being sick for like three Christmases in a row, going to bed hungry because I chose not to eat what was cooked, going to Freedom Weekend Aloft EVERY year, big family Christmases, UGLY Easter dresses, and many, many more things. I remember there being tears and hard times, but the things that stick out most are just the happy memories. I was not oblivious to our financial situation, but I don't think it caused me to be unhappy. I am thankful that I was poor because it has made me appreciate my current financial stability so much more. I also think it has taught me how to be a good steward of what I do have and has taught me to be a good money manager. While my childhood may not have been filled with extravagant gifts and living, it was filled with love and a mom and dad who did the best they could and always sacrificially ensured that we had everything we NEEDED.
Day 23: I am Thankful for Summertime.
Summer is my favorite season because it is when I get to spend the most time with my family.
School is out and everyone is in vacation mode. Summertime is just more relaxed and less
stressful...No homework, upcoming tests, early bedtimes, or alarm clocks (on most days). I also love summer because all the pollen is gone and it's warm. If you know me, I HATE being cold! Plus the sunshine and warm days make me happy! It makes me just want to go outside and enjoy God's beautiful creation and get dirty with my kids because dirty kids are happy kids, right?! I am thankful for summer because of what it means to me, relaxing, family, fun, and friends!
Day 24: I am Thankful for my Sister-in-Laws.
I always wished for a sister when I was growing up to identify with because I was left out in the brotherly bond. I was upset when Chris got married because I felt like April was taking him away. What I failed to realize was that God had finally given me what I had been asking for...a sister. I'm thankful that April took the time to fix my hair and do my make up just like hers. I'm thankful that she let me look up to her and didn't get annoyed when I tried to dress like her. I'm thankful that she has never tried to exclude me, instead she encourages Chris to be a good brother. I am thankful that she trusted me to keep her kids all the time when they were little and stay countless nights in her home through my teen years. Those nights and practicing loving and taking care of my niece and nephew helped me to become the mom I am today. April has also been a great aunt to my babies. She spoils them every time they visit. Every kids needs an aunt like that!
However, God blessed me with another sister several years later when Chase married Ashley AKA "Ashes". She has been such a blessing in my life. She's so easy to talk with and is a great listener. She's extended grace and forgiveness to me in several instances where it was not deserved. She's hot-tempered and sassy, but she has a heart of gold and is always there when I need her. She missed the births of both of the girls, but she made sure she was there with me for my last. I'm very thankful for her love, support, and conversation through the labor with Crew and I'm thankful that she understood and respected my wish for the delivery to just be Brent and me.
To both Ashley and April, thank you for being who you are and I am glad that God chose you to be my sisters! I am grateful for you today!
Day 25: I am Thankful for Hair and Make Up Products.
I know this sounds very superficial, but it's true. I am so thankful that no one except my family who has to love me with my normal hair and make up free face!!!! The hair is by far the scariest part! I am thankful that I can cover up some of my insecurities and imperfections with makeup and enhance my outward beauty to make myself feel more confident. I am also VERY, VERY thankful for hair products because without them my hair is perfect for the 1980s. It's HUGE! I am thankful that with moose and gel I can choose to be lazy and wear my hair in tamed curls. With the help of a blow dryer and most importantly a straightener I can wear my hair straight. Trust me, without these products, my friends would not be seen in public with me:). As superficial as it is, I'm not afraid to admit that my confidence may not exist without these products so thank you Bare Minerals and who ever invented the straightener because I am forever in debt to you.
Day 16: I am thankful for my home.
I am extremely thankful for the structure of my home that keeps us safe, warm, and gives us a place to be us without restraint. What I am most thankful for about my home is the life that goes on inside and the memories we have created within these walls. All of my babies have taken their first steps here. There has been both laughter and many, many tears. There has been kind words and words that cut deep spoken here. There's even been eggs thrown at someone in the kitchen (I know, I know...Brent should be ashamed right?!) Hee. Hee. Though all the times have not been great or easy, they have made us who we are as a family and allowed us to experience forgiving and forgiveness, successes and failures, simply put...life...all in the privacy and comfort of our own "home".
Day 17: I am thankful for my job.
I've already touched on this one in a few of my previous days of thankfulness. I am very thankful for my job as the Ministry Assistant and After school director at Oak Pointe Church. I am thankful because it affords me the opportunity to do what matters most and allows me to be most efficient in my biggest area of impact, my family. I have the option to bring the babies to work with me or to take some needed time away and get a sitter. It gives me an out as a stay-at-home mom so I don't feel the need to "get out" and do things like shop and impulse buy just because I feel like my walls are caving in. I am thankful that I can honestly say that there hasn't been a day where I dreaded going to work because I felt like I was abandoning my family's needs and putting my job first. I love my job, and I love that my job directly impacts people in South Greenville and all over the world hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you OPC for choosing me!
Day 18: I am Thankful for my Friends.
I used to think that the only friend I needed was Brent. While he's my best friend and was my only friend for a long time, it wasn't enough. I've mentioned that I've failed miserably in the area of being a good friend to others, however, God extended His grace to me and brought some of the sweetest, most thoughtful, self-sacrificing people into my life and showed me that I do, indeed, need friends.
I'm forever thankful for that lesson. Now I get to work on my skills of being a good friend to these wonderful people. I've already mentioned those who are closest to me in previous blogs, but there are a few who have slipped through the cracks or maybe we have drifted apart since I stopped teaching, but I still treasure them and our memories and laughs just as much. To all my SCE friends, I love and miss you guys and will forever call you friends because so many of you were so good to me and I am thankful for you! To my Teacher Tot Friends, I miss seeing you each day and I am so thankful for you taking care of Cam and Elli when I had to work...You guys ROCK! To my Facebook friends, you know the ones who pray for me, express kindness and encouragement, and invest in my life, I'm thankful for you. "A friend loves at all times!" Proverbs 17:17
Day 19: I am Thankful for Technology
Most of the time you'll hear me complain about how I hate technology, mainly because I'm not good at it, but I have to admit that I secretly have a love for it. Without technology, I wouldn't be able to do most of what I do. If it weren't for technology and the people who created it, I wouldn't be able to share this with you today. Without technology I wouldn't be able to pick up my phone and talk with a friend or family member at any moment or text someone when I don't feel like engaging in a full out conversation. Without technology, I'd have to co-pilot with a paper map (while I enjoy the challenge, putting the address in the GPS is soooo much easier). Without technology, I would have to do my bank statement by hand and keep up with all my receipts and write those dreadful checks...YUCK! Without technology, I wouldn't be able to capture so many precious memories through the lens of a camera, phone, or video camera. Without technology we would never be able to have a peaceful dinner in a restaurant with all three kids (what did parents do before smart phones?? ha ha). Technology makes my life a lot easier and more efficient and for that I am thankful...I love ease and sufficiency.
Day 20: I am Thankful for My Uncle David and Aunt Margaret.
Ever since I was little I remember anticipating a visit from Uncle David and Aunt Margaret and they were always filled with fun, adventure, and especially lots of GOOD food! All those things are great in an of themselves, but the truth love, and kindness they spoke into my life has meant more than all of those combined. They made special trips to SC just so Uncle David could marry both of my brothers and myself. Uncle David will never know what his marriage ceremony he prepared for Brent and myself meant to me. I was so honored and proud of his creation. I am thankful that they have kept in touch with us and even come to SC twice to stay in our home. Not many older people would trust a couple with young, loud, attention demanding kids enough to come and stay a few days in their homes, but they did and I am very grateful for the memories created for me and my kids during those visits. I am especially thankful that they opened up their home to us and my grandma this summer for us to visit Texas. They even had toys, the living room baby proofed, and family all ready to show us SE Texas. Thank you for making our first visit to Texas a great one! Uncle David and Aunt Margaret will forever hold a very special place in my heart. I love you guys!
Day 21: I am Thankful for our Cars.
We may not have the best, newest or nicest cars, but I sure I am thankful for both of them. I am thankful that they are paid off and running! I am thankful that both cars allow for 3 car seats and a comfortable ride for the entire family. I'm thankful that my car has enough room for the five of us and then some. I'm thankful that I can have confidence in my car getting us to where we need to go (aund if it doesn't I'm thankful I know just who to call!). I'm thankful to have a car with heat and AC because I know there are so many who do not have that luxury. I am thankful that I have a car to take and pick Cam up from school so she doesn't have to ride the school bus and potentially get exposed to so much that she does not need to know about anytime soon! A car provides us with a way to get to work, school, the grocery store, the doctor, and to create memories wherever we desire to go.
Day 22: I am thankful for my Childhood.
My brothers often recall our childhood in a negative sense, but I don't remember it that way. They remember being poor and never getting what they wanted. I don't remember that. I remember having fun and playing outside all the time, riding bikes, playing Barbies, being sick for like three Christmases in a row, going to bed hungry because I chose not to eat what was cooked, going to Freedom Weekend Aloft EVERY year, big family Christmases, UGLY Easter dresses, and many, many more things. I remember there being tears and hard times, but the things that stick out most are just the happy memories. I was not oblivious to our financial situation, but I don't think it caused me to be unhappy. I am thankful that I was poor because it has made me appreciate my current financial stability so much more. I also think it has taught me how to be a good steward of what I do have and has taught me to be a good money manager. While my childhood may not have been filled with extravagant gifts and living, it was filled with love and a mom and dad who did the best they could and always sacrificially ensured that we had everything we NEEDED.
Day 23: I am Thankful for Summertime.
Summer is my favorite season because it is when I get to spend the most time with my family.
School is out and everyone is in vacation mode. Summertime is just more relaxed and less
stressful...No homework, upcoming tests, early bedtimes, or alarm clocks (on most days). I also love summer because all the pollen is gone and it's warm. If you know me, I HATE being cold! Plus the sunshine and warm days make me happy! It makes me just want to go outside and enjoy God's beautiful creation and get dirty with my kids because dirty kids are happy kids, right?! I am thankful for summer because of what it means to me, relaxing, family, fun, and friends!
Day 24: I am Thankful for my Sister-in-Laws.
I always wished for a sister when I was growing up to identify with because I was left out in the brotherly bond. I was upset when Chris got married because I felt like April was taking him away. What I failed to realize was that God had finally given me what I had been asking for...a sister. I'm thankful that April took the time to fix my hair and do my make up just like hers. I'm thankful that she let me look up to her and didn't get annoyed when I tried to dress like her. I'm thankful that she has never tried to exclude me, instead she encourages Chris to be a good brother. I am thankful that she trusted me to keep her kids all the time when they were little and stay countless nights in her home through my teen years. Those nights and practicing loving and taking care of my niece and nephew helped me to become the mom I am today. April has also been a great aunt to my babies. She spoils them every time they visit. Every kids needs an aunt like that!
However, God blessed me with another sister several years later when Chase married Ashley AKA "Ashes". She has been such a blessing in my life. She's so easy to talk with and is a great listener. She's extended grace and forgiveness to me in several instances where it was not deserved. She's hot-tempered and sassy, but she has a heart of gold and is always there when I need her. She missed the births of both of the girls, but she made sure she was there with me for my last. I'm very thankful for her love, support, and conversation through the labor with Crew and I'm thankful that she understood and respected my wish for the delivery to just be Brent and me.
To both Ashley and April, thank you for being who you are and I am glad that God chose you to be my sisters! I am grateful for you today!
Day 25: I am Thankful for Hair and Make Up Products.
I know this sounds very superficial, but it's true. I am so thankful that no one except my family who has to love me with my normal hair and make up free face!!!! The hair is by far the scariest part! I am thankful that I can cover up some of my insecurities and imperfections with makeup and enhance my outward beauty to make myself feel more confident. I am also VERY, VERY thankful for hair products because without them my hair is perfect for the 1980s. It's HUGE! I am thankful that with moose and gel I can choose to be lazy and wear my hair in tamed curls. With the help of a blow dryer and most importantly a straightener I can wear my hair straight. Trust me, without these products, my friends would not be seen in public with me:). As superficial as it is, I'm not afraid to admit that my confidence may not exist without these products so thank you Bare Minerals and who ever invented the straightener because I am forever in debt to you.
(Yeah, you're not going to get a before and after here...NOT that brave!!)
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