So, today is Monday. And being at work on Mondays by 5:30 am just always seems harder than the other 5 (sometimes 6) days a week! Especially today....we had one of those whirlwind weekends. Worked all day Saturday, drove 4 hours home, visited with family, up early for a special church service, lunch with Blaine's family, visit with my family, head for home, stop to see a friend's new baby, lose an hour while Blaine plays video games, back on the road, home for 10pm, up at 4:45.....hello Monday. AND I forgot my phone this morning, which is usually attached to my hand, so you can imagine how frustrating (although perhaps necessary) that is.
AND the hubby and I had one of those stupid "we are exhausted so let's argue about something ricidulous on the way to work" mornings. (Love you babe!)
As I sat down at my desk, I immediately posted a facebook status something along the lines of "ugh, I hate stereotypical Mondays." But, as I wandered through the early morning facebook activity, thought back to my weekend with loved ones, and read a dear friend's blog posting, it was like God slapped me in the face!
Let me just list a few of the incredible things I recalled to mind when I just stopped to look around.
1)I am still a newlywed, spending my first holiday season with the love of my life.
2) One of my very best friends just had her firstborn child, and I got to hold him yesterday.
3) A special friend is in China--as I type--adopting a baby girl, after waiting 2 long years for paperwork to go through.
4) My best friend and her precious hubby are celebrating 4 years of marriage this week.
5) My sweet cousin got engaged to a wonderful, wonderful guy this weekend.
6) My sister is graduating from Grad School and starting a brand new chapter.
And, honestly, these are just a few that came to mind first! Not to mention, all of this "goodness" is wrapped up in the beauty of the Christmas season! My favorite time of year!
So, needless to say, I immediately deleted my status, and am still trying to stop the tears from the overwhelming sense of the goodness of God in this season of my life.
And I am promising myself that I will remember this Funky Monday, and try to look around any day I'm feeling a little off. I'm pretty sure that what we find when we really look for it trumps a spilled cup of coffee or being late for work!
So happy Monday everyone! Here's to breaking stereotypes! : )
Monday, December 6, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
The Greatness of Our God....Daily Devotion
It's Friday Ladies! Whether you are feeling very TGIF today or ending an easy week, I hope you have a very relaxing and enjoyable weekend!
I get a "Verse of the Day" text from my dad every morning. (Yes, he is precious!) And I just love the one I got today, so I thought I'd share! It says: "He heals the heartbroken and bandages their wounds. He counts the stars and assigns each a name. Our Lord is great, with limitless strength; we'll never comprehend what he knows and does." Ps 137:3 (MSG)
Isn't that beautiful?? Sometimes I think it is so important to just STOP....and think about the greatness of our God. I am often so moved during praise and worship, or any time with the Lord, because I am overwhelmed by his love, his grace, and his strength, but mostly I am overwhelmed at trying to understand the BIG-ness (it's really the only word that can describe it!) of our God.
Have you stopped and appreciated God this week? Not just thanked him for your daily bread and your health, but really stopped to appreciate His goodness. Have you noticed the beautiful sunset He sent you? Have you recognized Him acting in your marriage? Have you seen His hand of favor on your children? Have you taken a minute to truly stand in awe of His love and of his "limitless strength?"
I know what you're thinking....who has time to stop?? But I challenge you (and myself), to try and take a moment each day to drink in the greatness of God! As this scripture says, "we'll never comprehend" everything about Him, but the more we stop and spend time with Him and admiring Him, the more we know OF Him.
Love you all!
Song Suggestion:
The Greatness of Our God by Hillsong
Give me grace to see more of who you.
May what I behold still my anxious heart.
Take what I have known and break it all apart.
For you my God, are greater still.
And no sky contains, no doubt restrains all you are,
The greatness of our God.
I spend my life to know, and I'm far from close to all you are,
The greatness of our God.
Give me eyes to see beyond this moment here.
To believe that there is nothing left to fear.
And that you alone are high above it all.
For you my God, are greater still.
And no sky contains, no doubt restrains all you are,
The greatness of our God.
I spend my life to know, and I'm far from close to all you are,
The greatness of our God.
There is nothing that could ever separate us,
There is nothing that could ever separate us from your love.
No life, no death
Of this I am convinced:
That you my God, are greater still.
And no words could say, or song convey all you are,
The greatness of our God.
I spend my life to know, and I'm far from close to all you are,
The greatness of our God.
And no sky contains, no doubt restrains all you are,
The greatness of our God.
I spend my life to know, and I'm far from close to all you are,
The greatness of our God.
I get a "Verse of the Day" text from my dad every morning. (Yes, he is precious!) And I just love the one I got today, so I thought I'd share! It says: "He heals the heartbroken and bandages their wounds. He counts the stars and assigns each a name. Our Lord is great, with limitless strength; we'll never comprehend what he knows and does." Ps 137:3 (MSG)
Isn't that beautiful?? Sometimes I think it is so important to just STOP....and think about the greatness of our God. I am often so moved during praise and worship, or any time with the Lord, because I am overwhelmed by his love, his grace, and his strength, but mostly I am overwhelmed at trying to understand the BIG-ness (it's really the only word that can describe it!) of our God.
Have you stopped and appreciated God this week? Not just thanked him for your daily bread and your health, but really stopped to appreciate His goodness. Have you noticed the beautiful sunset He sent you? Have you recognized Him acting in your marriage? Have you seen His hand of favor on your children? Have you taken a minute to truly stand in awe of His love and of his "limitless strength?"
I know what you're thinking....who has time to stop?? But I challenge you (and myself), to try and take a moment each day to drink in the greatness of God! As this scripture says, "we'll never comprehend" everything about Him, but the more we stop and spend time with Him and admiring Him, the more we know OF Him.
Love you all!
Song Suggestion:
The Greatness of Our God by Hillsong
Give me grace to see more of who you.
May what I behold still my anxious heart.
Take what I have known and break it all apart.
For you my God, are greater still.
And no sky contains, no doubt restrains all you are,
The greatness of our God.
I spend my life to know, and I'm far from close to all you are,
The greatness of our God.
Give me eyes to see beyond this moment here.
To believe that there is nothing left to fear.
And that you alone are high above it all.
For you my God, are greater still.
And no sky contains, no doubt restrains all you are,
The greatness of our God.
I spend my life to know, and I'm far from close to all you are,
The greatness of our God.
There is nothing that could ever separate us,
There is nothing that could ever separate us from your love.
No life, no death
Of this I am convinced:
That you my God, are greater still.
And no words could say, or song convey all you are,
The greatness of our God.
I spend my life to know, and I'm far from close to all you are,
The greatness of our God.
And no sky contains, no doubt restrains all you are,
The greatness of our God.
I spend my life to know, and I'm far from close to all you are,
The greatness of our God.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Happy Monday!
Hello all! Here is another excerpt from my devotions on our women's website. Have a great day!!
Happy Monday Ladies! I am so excited to start these new testament readings! Who doesn't love Corinthians?? : )
Today I just want to look at a very small part of 1 Corinthians 2. Verse 2 to be exact. Paul says "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." I love that! I resolved to know nothing except Jesus Christ. How powerful! So many times we feel like we have to have all the answers. We try to explain away our lives, over-plan the future, over-analyze God's Word, etc. In short, we think too much! (Now, sometimes we don't think enough, but that is a different devotion, isn't it? ha)
I love Paul's "resolve" here to know nothing but Jesus. And I think that it's pretty amazing that by knowing only Jesus, we end up knowing and understanding alot more in life. By knowing only Jesus, we probably have more answers than we realize. By knowing only Jesus, life just gets simpler, easier, and yet more purposeful.
So as we start our busy weeks, let us resolve together to know nothing except Jesus Christ!! Praying for you!
In His Love!!
1 Corinthians 2 1 And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.[a] 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.
Happy Monday Ladies! I am so excited to start these new testament readings! Who doesn't love Corinthians?? : )
Today I just want to look at a very small part of 1 Corinthians 2. Verse 2 to be exact. Paul says "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified." I love that! I resolved to know nothing except Jesus Christ. How powerful! So many times we feel like we have to have all the answers. We try to explain away our lives, over-plan the future, over-analyze God's Word, etc. In short, we think too much! (Now, sometimes we don't think enough, but that is a different devotion, isn't it? ha)
I love Paul's "resolve" here to know nothing but Jesus. And I think that it's pretty amazing that by knowing only Jesus, we end up knowing and understanding alot more in life. By knowing only Jesus, we probably have more answers than we realize. By knowing only Jesus, life just gets simpler, easier, and yet more purposeful.
So as we start our busy weeks, let us resolve together to know nothing except Jesus Christ!! Praying for you!
In His Love!!
1 Corinthians 2 1 And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.[a] 2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 3 I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. 4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, 5 so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Daily Devotion
Another Daily Devotion!
Good morning friends! Today is going to be a great day...I can feel it!
So today's reading comes from the book of Job chapter 28, where Job takes pause to contemplate a deep question. Let's look at these beautiful words.
12 But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell?
13 No mortal comprehends its worth; it cannot be found in the land of the living.
14 The deep says, “It is not in me”; the sea says, “It is not with me.”
15 It cannot be bought with the finest gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver.
16 It cannot be bought with the gold of Ophir, with precious onyx or lapis lazuli.
17 Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it, nor can it be had for jewels of gold.
18 Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.
19 The topaz of Cush cannot compare with it; it cannot be bought with pure gold.
20 Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell?
21 It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing, concealed even from the birds in the sky.
22 Destruction and Death say, “Only a rumor of it has reached our ears.”
23 God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells,
24 for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.
25 When he established the force of the wind and measured out the waters,
26 when he made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm,
27 then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it.
28 And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”
It's almost like reading a poem! I love this!! And how often to people ask these questions?? "What is wisdom anyway?" "What is the secret to life?" etc. Job points out here plain and simple: There is no "secret" way to find it. Seeing it on earth will not help you. You can't learn that kind of wisdom from books, or life experience, or the latest self help show. Job, in the midst of all his troubles, makes clear to us that it is much simpler than all of that....."The fear of the Lord--that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding."
When I stopped and thought about that it amazed me at how simple that really is. You know that saying "Oh what a web we weave when at first we do deceive?" It's like that. Oh what a web we weave....when we try to make things more complicated! To make wise decisions, make them by following God's word. To seek understanding, turn from evil things that cloud your mind.
Praying for you as you ponder this verse today! May God bless you!!
Good morning friends! Today is going to be a great day...I can feel it!
So today's reading comes from the book of Job chapter 28, where Job takes pause to contemplate a deep question. Let's look at these beautiful words.
12 But where can wisdom be found? Where does understanding dwell?
13 No mortal comprehends its worth; it cannot be found in the land of the living.
14 The deep says, “It is not in me”; the sea says, “It is not with me.”
15 It cannot be bought with the finest gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver.
16 It cannot be bought with the gold of Ophir, with precious onyx or lapis lazuli.
17 Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it, nor can it be had for jewels of gold.
18 Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies.
19 The topaz of Cush cannot compare with it; it cannot be bought with pure gold.
20 Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell?
21 It is hidden from the eyes of every living thing, concealed even from the birds in the sky.
22 Destruction and Death say, “Only a rumor of it has reached our ears.”
23 God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells,
24 for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.
25 When he established the force of the wind and measured out the waters,
26 when he made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm,
27 then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it.
28 And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”
It's almost like reading a poem! I love this!! And how often to people ask these questions?? "What is wisdom anyway?" "What is the secret to life?" etc. Job points out here plain and simple: There is no "secret" way to find it. Seeing it on earth will not help you. You can't learn that kind of wisdom from books, or life experience, or the latest self help show. Job, in the midst of all his troubles, makes clear to us that it is much simpler than all of that....."The fear of the Lord--that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding."
When I stopped and thought about that it amazed me at how simple that really is. You know that saying "Oh what a web we weave when at first we do deceive?" It's like that. Oh what a web we weave....when we try to make things more complicated! To make wise decisions, make them by following God's word. To seek understanding, turn from evil things that cloud your mind.
Praying for you as you ponder this verse today! May God bless you!!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Something New
So, I may add a new aspect to the blog. I write some devotionals for a women's website, and I think I will share some of them here as well! So every once in a while, in addition to my random thoughts, we might just learn a little something! : ) Here is today's:
10/29/10
Ok, so before we get started let's just make it clear that I love the book of Mark! And I especially love these 2 chapters! It was really hard to pick a part to focus on because so much happens is such a little space.....But I did manage to pick out a key point. However, today's readings are so powerful, I really encourage you to go back and read them again! (Mark 3 and 4)
What I am about to say really jumped out at me from this chapter, although I know it is just a small part of a very poignant lesson from Jesus! : ) Here's what happens in Mark 3...
23So Jesus called them and spoke to them in parables: "How can Satan drive out Satan? 24If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27In fact, no one can enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his house. 28I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. 29But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin."
What I want to look at is verse 27. Jesus says that no one can enter a house and carry off possessions unless he first ties up the home's owner. Now, not to disagree with the Almighty, but sometimes I think there is another way. If you see a threat to your home and walk away, go upstairs, and get in the bubble bath--choosing to ignore the threat-- someone can just as easily rob you. Did I lose you? What I am saying is this....Jesus says the only way to be robbed is if you are first taken out, which means that Jesus expects us to put up a fight. Jesus expects us to stand up to things that come to steal and destroy, not surrender to them.
So what does this mean? We need to take on our daily routines preparing to stand firm, preparing to take on what may try and come in. Let me give you an example: I just started a new job. I like it alot, but I am often surrounded by people who live very different lifestyles, etc. (Let's just say their conversations are not always "full of grace," like the Bible says! haha) Anyway, I come to work everyday and pray the whole way there and listen to worship music. Why? To prepare my heart, to prepare my "home" for what may come against it. To essentially build up a shield, ready to meet evil at the door and say "not today!"
I've got my morning routine down, but I am praying that I would learn to apply this defensive tactic to so many other areas of my life, and I pray you will too! Let us join together in prayer as we take another stand in guarding our hearts!!
Much love ladies!!
10/29/10
Ok, so before we get started let's just make it clear that I love the book of Mark! And I especially love these 2 chapters! It was really hard to pick a part to focus on because so much happens is such a little space.....But I did manage to pick out a key point. However, today's readings are so powerful, I really encourage you to go back and read them again! (Mark 3 and 4)
What I am about to say really jumped out at me from this chapter, although I know it is just a small part of a very poignant lesson from Jesus! : ) Here's what happens in Mark 3...
23So Jesus called them and spoke to them in parables: "How can Satan drive out Satan? 24If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. 27In fact, no one can enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his house. 28I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them. 29But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin."
What I want to look at is verse 27. Jesus says that no one can enter a house and carry off possessions unless he first ties up the home's owner. Now, not to disagree with the Almighty, but sometimes I think there is another way. If you see a threat to your home and walk away, go upstairs, and get in the bubble bath--choosing to ignore the threat-- someone can just as easily rob you. Did I lose you? What I am saying is this....Jesus says the only way to be robbed is if you are first taken out, which means that Jesus expects us to put up a fight. Jesus expects us to stand up to things that come to steal and destroy, not surrender to them.
So what does this mean? We need to take on our daily routines preparing to stand firm, preparing to take on what may try and come in. Let me give you an example: I just started a new job. I like it alot, but I am often surrounded by people who live very different lifestyles, etc. (Let's just say their conversations are not always "full of grace," like the Bible says! haha) Anyway, I come to work everyday and pray the whole way there and listen to worship music. Why? To prepare my heart, to prepare my "home" for what may come against it. To essentially build up a shield, ready to meet evil at the door and say "not today!"
I've got my morning routine down, but I am praying that I would learn to apply this defensive tactic to so many other areas of my life, and I pray you will too! Let us join together in prayer as we take another stand in guarding our hearts!!
Much love ladies!!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Happily Ever After--and Happy About It!
Ok, so yes, I know. I have fallen back into bad blogging habits! But I promise I have good reason!
The last few months have been pretty much full time wedding mode, and, almost 2 weeks ago on October 16, 2010, I married my best friend. It still seems surreal. And I can call him my best friend, the love of my life, soulmate, etc.....but husband still seems to be a strange title! : )
The wedding was amazing....absolutely so much more than I could ever have imagined---and believe me, I'm one of those girls who had thought about it alot since age 5! It was truly romantic and reverent, and 100% enveloped in the love and support of our wonderful friends and family. It was a night to remember, and I have never felt more blessed. Which got me thinking...
I have learned so much about seasons. Sweet ones, sad ones, tough ones, fun ones....there are all kinds! And sometimes we almost feel guilty, or maybe even afraid, in a season of pure joy. I felt this recently. That feeling of pure joy, knowing I am truly happy inside and out...almost a tangible love for life. And this feeling was almost immediately followed by, what else? Fear. Guilt. Fear of losing what I have been given. Guilt for being so happy when so many people have it rough.
But let me say this, now that I have felt God tell me differently: don't fall into this trap! God knows we will have troubles....He warns us about them! But I believe that nothing pleases Him more (our Creator and the One who loves us most) than seeing us experience these seasons of joy. Not only experience them, but I think it brings Him double the pleasure when we stop to savor them. When we realize that life is a series of fleeting moments, and that we should take time to relish the good ones. And, what pleases Him even more is when we stop to thank Him.
So, if you are in this same boat, take time and enjoy your moment in the sun. Know that God is happy to shower you with blessings....and give Him praise for it! And yes, the seasons change. But in the storms and trials to come, look back on that season of joy and be grateful....and know that another season may be right around the corner!
The last few months have been pretty much full time wedding mode, and, almost 2 weeks ago on October 16, 2010, I married my best friend. It still seems surreal. And I can call him my best friend, the love of my life, soulmate, etc.....but husband still seems to be a strange title! : )
The wedding was amazing....absolutely so much more than I could ever have imagined---and believe me, I'm one of those girls who had thought about it alot since age 5! It was truly romantic and reverent, and 100% enveloped in the love and support of our wonderful friends and family. It was a night to remember, and I have never felt more blessed. Which got me thinking...
I have learned so much about seasons. Sweet ones, sad ones, tough ones, fun ones....there are all kinds! And sometimes we almost feel guilty, or maybe even afraid, in a season of pure joy. I felt this recently. That feeling of pure joy, knowing I am truly happy inside and out...almost a tangible love for life. And this feeling was almost immediately followed by, what else? Fear. Guilt. Fear of losing what I have been given. Guilt for being so happy when so many people have it rough.
But let me say this, now that I have felt God tell me differently: don't fall into this trap! God knows we will have troubles....He warns us about them! But I believe that nothing pleases Him more (our Creator and the One who loves us most) than seeing us experience these seasons of joy. Not only experience them, but I think it brings Him double the pleasure when we stop to savor them. When we realize that life is a series of fleeting moments, and that we should take time to relish the good ones. And, what pleases Him even more is when we stop to thank Him.
So, if you are in this same boat, take time and enjoy your moment in the sun. Know that God is happy to shower you with blessings....and give Him praise for it! And yes, the seasons change. But in the storms and trials to come, look back on that season of joy and be grateful....and know that another season may be right around the corner!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The Gap
Have you ever had that feeling that you know what you want to do with your life...finally, after school, and years of not having a clue, you feel like you got it. Only to find that you have no clue how to get there??
I call this The Gap.
And I know that The Gap is full of journeys and life lessons to get you where you need to be....but it's like taking the first step into a great canyon---where do you start?? All you want to do is get to the other side, the vision that you can clearly see! But how?
I am sort of walking through that. And I'm one of those people who's dreams are always so much bigger than my 5-foot frame. But I will take comfort in knowing that my steps are directed. I love the scripture in Psalms that says "For You have shown me the path of life." If only I can be patient enough to let Him...that's the hard part.
So I guess I'll navigate The Gap....or, as some people call it, this thing called Life.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Easy Come, Easy Go...Yeah Right!
So, I've gotten pretty good at long distance relationships. I moved away from home, so my family is pretty much "away." My fiance lives about 15 states away at the moment, a long distance thing we have been doing for the past 3 years. And my very best friend lives about 9 hours away as well. So I know a thing or two about distance!
There are some really wonderful things about long distances though. I mean, for one it gives you the ability to see which relationships survive. It also makes you fully reliant on the effort you each put into each other. And the times you get to see each other are that much sweeter for sure.
But to me the hardest thing about long distance relationships (all types of relationships) is the moment when they go from being a nearby relationship (for lack of a better term) to long distance. Let's face it, most relationships that are long had to start when you lived closer! So there is that moment when the relationship changes.
But the important thing to know realize is that for the relationships that are meant to stay a part of your life, they change--not end! And at special times for the rest of your life, this relationship means that there will be reunions. (not like the dreaded class reunion, but the rejoining of good friends!)
A dear friend of mine gets choked up at any and all reunions. But I told her, that the sweetness and special moment that is wrapped up in a reunion is only possible because of the sadness caused by an absence. It's bittersweet. We all love getting back together, but that means that we had to be apart first.
Life is sort of like that though. It takes a few lemons to make you appreciate the lemonade! My point in all of this is that the best relationships are worth fighting for. Distance is no killer of love! It only brings your resolve and dedication to that relationship to the surface....and true, sometimes you may not like what you find. But often, it's the good stuff!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Such a deep flower!
So, I'm sitting at my desk thinking about how I really need to get back to my blog, and I'm sad to realize that I have nothing interesting to say today....which may be a whole blog in itself. But I'm looking around for anything exciting, and I see these flowers on my desk.
They have been there all week...leftovers from a baby shower last weekend. But there they are. Still blooming, still pretty. And a couple things dawned on me.
First, you should know that these flowers are daisies. They aren't fancy, expensive roses or that flower that blooms once for 30 seconds and dies....they are side of the road daisies! Simple, everyday, but nonetheless lovely. And I thought to myself, how many times do we want to be the rose, or the tulip, or a rare orchid? Maybe I'm just a daisy....simple, sweet, consistent, and still a flower through and through.
And in my pondering of this simple flower, I also thought about how those daisies just kept blooming. At night time, they were still up here on my desk blooming away. In the mornings, they weren't having a rough start! And it just made me think that I hope people see me that way. I'm sure I have my moments, but I hope (and have decided to make it my goal) to "bloom" all the time....that people would walk away and think what I did about those daisies: What a simple, yet lovely piece of God's creation!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Love as a Verb
Have you ever just felt so full of love that you could burst? Like, literally feel like part of you could pop? Well I get that way. I'm that way at this very moment actually. And yes, part of it is because I just got home from an amazing trip to see my fiance, and of course I am "so in love."
And part of it is because I am a pretty loving person....the type that wears my heart right on my sleeve. I work in an office and it is very common to walk through those doors and find me with big 'ol crocodile tears at my desk. Tears of joy! haha (I remember in highschool I went to Girls State and CRIED one day in the cafeteria because I was just having so much fun!)
But another part of it is hard to describe. It is in this sense that that feeling of "love" has to take on a verb tense, because it literally feels like it is in action inside of me. This is where the "I'm gonna burst" feeling comes in. I don't know whether to cry, to laugh, or to talk about it! I think this feeling comes from God, the true romantic and biggest sucker for love there ever was. I think this love--that is inside each of us--transcends feelings of "in love" and feelings of "loving" a friend. It is a call to action. The ability to get you through hard times, the ability to cover wrong doings, the root of forgiveness, the spark for happiness. Love in its truest form is the most powerful verb on the planet.
I would hope that I could live each day with this feeling of urgency and action. (If I can control the tears!) A feeling of "I just have to share it!" I encourage you, and myself, to not try and contain it, but to let it out. Love.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
A New Year....A New Blog
So, today is January 6th and part of my New Year's Resolution is to be a more committed blogger! Another reason for this is that I have so many wonderful things going on in my life, I just have to record it somewhere!
In the past month I have graduated from school with my Master's (there is a God!) and celebrated a very special Christmas with my most special family. Christmas is hands-down my favorite time of year. 1) Because it celebrates the birth of our Lord Jesus. 2) Because it is a time of family togetherness (this should be all year long, and pretty much is down South where I'm from!) and also a time to reassess what is important in life. and 3) Because it demands two of my favorite things: love and hope.
Christmas is all about love. It marks the beginning of perhaps the most sincere chapter of God's love story written for us---His sending Jesus. Remembering God's love reminds us to love those around us, and---like a smile or a great laugh---it's contagious. But we can not find Christmas without also finding Hope. Whether it's a child desperately hoping Santa got his list, or our hope found in the birth of Christ, Hope is reinvigorated at this time of year. It's almost as if from December 1st to the first week of January (when resolutions and new goals are still fresh and possible) that we stock up on all our hope for the year.
As cliche as it may sound, I really want to keep "Christmas" all year. Hope and love should fill our every day.
Christmas was also a special time for me----filled with hope and love----because I said "Yes" to my future husband. What a wonderful season to make such a commitment! As we embark on this journey together (much of which will I'm sure be shared with you!) I can not help but feel more love and, yes, more hope than ever before.
May God bless you in this New Year! Much more to come soon!
In the past month I have graduated from school with my Master's (there is a God!) and celebrated a very special Christmas with my most special family. Christmas is hands-down my favorite time of year. 1) Because it celebrates the birth of our Lord Jesus. 2) Because it is a time of family togetherness (this should be all year long, and pretty much is down South where I'm from!) and also a time to reassess what is important in life. and 3) Because it demands two of my favorite things: love and hope.
Christmas is all about love. It marks the beginning of perhaps the most sincere chapter of God's love story written for us---His sending Jesus. Remembering God's love reminds us to love those around us, and---like a smile or a great laugh---it's contagious. But we can not find Christmas without also finding Hope. Whether it's a child desperately hoping Santa got his list, or our hope found in the birth of Christ, Hope is reinvigorated at this time of year. It's almost as if from December 1st to the first week of January (when resolutions and new goals are still fresh and possible) that we stock up on all our hope for the year.
As cliche as it may sound, I really want to keep "Christmas" all year. Hope and love should fill our every day.
Christmas was also a special time for me----filled with hope and love----because I said "Yes" to my future husband. What a wonderful season to make such a commitment! As we embark on this journey together (much of which will I'm sure be shared with you!) I can not help but feel more love and, yes, more hope than ever before.
May God bless you in this New Year! Much more to come soon!
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