The Power of Words

This video is brief but shows the power of words!

Whole-Hearted Parenting

Parenting is one of the most important but challenging jobs you will ever have. It is also one of the most rewarding! Our lives are filled with endless appointments, thankless jobs and family obligations. If we are not careful, the most important people in our lives (our children) may end up on the back burner. Always assuming we will get to their needs as soon as we finish that one thing. Let us remember that our children grow much to quick. Just yesterday my son was an infant, unable to do anything for himself. Now, he is eight years old and already showing signs of an independent individual. I learn many life lessons through my son and I hope, along the way, he is learning a few from me. I entered parent-hood full heartedly. As soon as he started to develop inside my womb, I weighed the heaviness of my responsibility. It was no longer about me, it was about him. I understood, because of the fact I grew up in an abusive environment, the value of raising a well-adjusted, happy kid. I don’t take my responsibility as a parent lightly. It is up to me to make sure he has the ability to make decisions for himself, that he challenges himself and spreads his wings. It’s also my responsibility to ensure his needs are met. All needs. When my son asks me a question, I stop what I’m doing, get down to his level and answer as honestly as I can. I do not sugar-coat things nor do I make excuses. I apologize when I’m wrong and I continually ask for his feedback. To some, this may seem like the wrong way to raise a child, but to me, it’s one of the most important lessons I can teach my son. To respect other people, to care about other people, to do the best you can at everything you attempt and put God first. I decided before I looked into my son’s eyes that I would be a whole-hearted parent. I love my son unconditionally. I cherish everyday as if it’s my last. I know that he is a gift from God and that he is not mine – to own. He has a mind and personality of his own, he deserves the chance to become the man God intended him to be. It is my hope that with my love, support, understanding and yes, at times, a kick in the pants to get things done, he will indeed become a whole-hearted parent and the curse of my family’s past will be left to previous generations. Children deserve our undivided attention. How often I hear parents say, “if only I would have..” I choose to live in the now, I don’t want to be a parent that has regrets. Please take the time to read to your children (or let them read to you), play board games or catch outside, ask them how their day was and tell them how proud you are of them. Don’t give in to the hustle and bustle of everyday life, those errands will never turn into regrets if you don’t get them done. When raising a child – do so with your whole heart. They deserve it and so do you!

Calm Delight

Calm Delight? Almost sounds like a desert — I’ll take the biggest slice you have please.  Calm delight was tagged by Joyce Meyer in her book, Managing Your Emotions.  I’ve been doing a lot of reading lately about emotions.  You see, my emotions control ME — I don’t control them! It’s repeated days of an up and down cycle, a terrible roller coaster and I want to get off! About half way through Joyce’s book, I came to her chapter regarding depression. Within that chapter she used the phrase, “calm delight” and I was smitten!  You see, I’m a newbie Christian.  Born again and baptized a couple years ago, I’ve found myself trying to catch up on all the things I’ve missed for the past thirty years. I’ve learned a lot and the Lord has opened my eyes and my heart to so many things and when I learn something new, I’m like a kid in a candy store. That’s why my eyes lit up when I read this particular chapter in her book. You see, I thought being born again and filled with the Holy Spirit made you HYPER. I kept looking for this incredible “high” and thought there was something wrong with me because I wasn’t bouncing off the walls.  Joyce was quick to point out that, as Christians, we should maintain ourselves in a calm and peaceful way. We should be consistent and stable in our emotions. We should control them and not the other way around. I guess for me, this was my “AHA” moment. I kept thinking I was doing something wrong but the truth is, I’m not. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to get excited about things but you have to be very careful when searching for that ultimate high — with every high…there is a low…often times associated with depression. I’ve dealt with depression for twenty years and it’s contributed to the fact that I’m allowing my emotions to take over every aspect of my life. I don’t think clearly or logically when my thoughts are powered by emotion alone. Satan uses this to gain access into your life. Emotions can be a wonderful thing…it’s what drives us to care about others and to reach out and help those in need, but much like playing with fire, they can turn on you when you least expect it.  Stand up for yourself! Take control of your self and your emotions! Don’t allow the enemy to fill your head with lies and ask God to help you. I recommend reading Joyce’s book!

Starry Night

Have you ever sat out and gazed at the stars? I get lost in their beauty and if I try to count them on a clear night I lose my place and smile. There’s no limit. The sky is endless. My thoughts often drift to the creator of this magnificent place we call home. I can almost picture God’s finger pointing to a dark spot in the sky and saying “there, yes, that’s it, a bright light to guide the way in this dark world for my people to find their way.” The next thought that enters my mind is how small I feel. Each star representing something bigger than myself. Combined it gives a feeling of oneness but don’t be fooled for they are separate. Each one trying to fulfill their own destinies. I often wonder if a falling star is one that’s thrown it’s hands up in the air and given up. Did the pressure to stay burning bright break them? How closely this relates to my own struggle to burn bright and stay strong. I know I can’t stay strong on my own. I need help. Much like the Father lights up the sky I feel him pointing to the dark areas of my heart and saying, “there, yes, that’s it, a bright light to guide you in the right direction.” He places light in the darkest parts of my heart, much like he lights up the sky with bursts of bright light. Gazing at the stars calms me. It gives me a chance to thank God for His beautiful creation and reflect on how much I’ve grown over the years. The stars remind me that I’m not alone. They give me strength to keep going. As for the falling stars, I choose to believe they did not in fact give up but that they burned so bright and accomplished what they were born to do that they were free to move on to the next faze. I’m hoping that I will shine so bright that one day I will be allowed to fall. Gracefully and beautiful like the countless falling stars I’ve wished on my entire life.

T-Ball Game

Ever watch a bunch of 6 year olds play America’s favorite past time? It cracks me up how a ball hit out in left field can make 10 kids all instinctively follow the course of that ball – ALL at the same time. The lucky one to pick up the ball finds himself (or herself) in instant confusion. Listening to a group of parents and coaches all yelling at the same time different directions to throw the ball. You can see the confused face of the child take in all the “suggestions” being offered. I’ve seen some children literally go in circles out in the field trying to figure which way is the right way to throw the baseball. Then it happens, they throw the ball. Sometimes its the wrong way but at this age, all you see is excitement in the fact they actually got to throw the ball. Its amazing to me how this sport teaches the essence of life. Working as a team towards a common goal. All the confusion has a way of working itself out. My favorite part of the game is when they are finished and they all huddle in a circle around their coaches. They put their hands in the middle of the circle and count to three. Then you hear it. The sound of 10 children scream the name of their team (I hear D-BACKS)!!!
Isn’t it funny how a little game of t-ball can relate so well to the community of His believers? Aren’t we all working together for that final rejoice? It doesn’t matter to the 6 year olds whether they win or lose. The road to the Lord is narrow, much like the path around the t-ball field. We all have the right to “bunt” our way through life but how many of us go for the “home-run”? Every child I’ve watched get up to bat at this age has their eyes on the outfield. They swing with all their strength. The thing is….whether they actually hit a home-run or a base hit, they run each base joyfully and with all their heart. Their focus shifts from the home run mentality to getting themselves to home base. Even in their baby steps, they run with everything they have to give. That’s the beauty of the game. For us, that’s the beauty of following the Lord. Whether we hit a base hit or a home-run, we all have a common goal. Placing our feet on home plate in His Kingdom. The Father laid out the direction of your life. He knew your name before you were born. He loves you and can’t wait for you to make it Home. You will have obstacles, maybe a 2nd basemen trying to cut you off on the way to third. Maybe the catcher is waiting for you at home plate to try and block you. Think about the simple game of t-ball. Run the course enthusiastically and joyfully. Your Father is waiting for you on the other side of home plate. Now that’s a game worth playing!!!!!

Worry

Sitting alone, candle glowing – light bouncing off the walls.  So many thoughts running through my head. It’s been a long time since I took a walk and connected with nature. In fact, I can’t remember the last time I sat long enough to connect with anything besides M&M’s and diet Mountain Dew.  Life seems to be pulling me in so many different directions. Every day I find myself prioritizing my time — including bathroom breaks just to maximize the short 24 hours in a day.

Am I sleep deprived? Definitely YES… On more than one occasion I’ve started the coffee pot only to find I never put the coffee in the filter….YIKES!!!  Without sleep, I can’t think straight. I get annoyed quickly.  I give short answers to questions and I quit smiling.  The fact is, I’m tired.  I’m so tired, I can’t sleep.  In order to sleep, I need to take a double dose of over the counter sleep aid, which usually knocks me out for about an hour and a half, and then I’m back up.  I would say on average, I get about 4 hours of sleep.  WOW! How unhealthy is that?

Do you find yourself awake in the wee hours of the night? What keeps you awake? For me, I hash over what I did all day, what I still haven’t done and what I need to do tomorrow.  I think about the bills that haven’t been paid. I think about the cold weather ahead and trying to stay warm.  I think about what if this happens, why did that happen and things that will probably never happen. Basically, I spend 3-5 hours a night doing nothing but worrying.  Philippians 4:6-7 states don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.   Amen to that! I totally understand that but why can’t I shut my mind off long enough to follow it? I believe the key lies in prayer. I certainly need to spend more time in prayer. When my mind drifts to thoughts of restlessness regarding how to pay the bills or worries about how the other kids treat my child at school, I need to rest in His peace.  Matthew 6:30 says, and if God cares so wonderfully about wildflowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? WOW! Hard to take that in without kneeling to my knees in shame.

To worry is destructive.  I’ve worried myself to constant chest pains. I’ve worried myself to tension headaches that last for weeks. I’m probably worrying myself to a liver that eventually fail with all the Tylenol, Advil and Excedrin I pound just to make it through the day.  It’s unhealthy to worry. It gets us absolutely no where.  The Lord wants you to be joyful and happy, even in the midst of chaos and uncontrollable circumstances.  He doesn’t want us to worry about what happened in the past or what is going to happen in the future.

Don’t spend your time worrying like I do (I’m working on it)…..live your life to the fullest. Live each day as if it’s your last. As the saying goes, dance like no one is watching.

Roots

I love plants! I love how you can propagate new ones by simply clipping from the plants you already have.  How you can take those clippings and by providing them with  sunlight, fresh water and some TLC, you can start a new plant.  I love watching the plant flourish and grow roots, I get so excited the day I can transplant it into soil.  It’s quickly becomes a proud moment. Reflecting on watching my plants grow strong enough to be on their own reminds me of the Love of our Father! How he doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called. He starts by planting small seeds in your heart.  With a little attention on your part and His Grace, those seeds grow roots!  By learning His word, following His commandments, reaching out to those in need and giving yourself the opportunity for growth and spiritual strength, your roots become so deep and strong, you can flourish as the Lord intended!  Plant those roots in your local church, let those roots touch those in need, you have the Power through our Savior to propagate new plants!!!!