“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Many months ago I mentioned to you that I would post on the way He has provided for me specifically over the last 10 – 12 months. I’m not exactly sure why, but this has been one of the hardest things to write about thus far. Is that bad? I’m going to argue that it’s not necessarily a bad thing…. It confirms to be that I have finally come to the point to where I am amazed and completely and totally awe struck by His Grace. And I’m going to conclude that is a good thing. I’ll leave you with the idea of Grace and let you ponder and sort through the idea on your own. For now, I’ll give you this link and let you listen to the song that has been singing in my heart: “Amazed” by the Desperation Band. It’s simple, but sums up my hearts song very well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQAPMRpNoe8&feature=related
December 12, 2010
November 14, 2010
Running on Fumes
How many of you actually find pleasure in stopping to fill your automobile’s tank with gas? I’m not sure I know anyone that really gets excited or joyful about this activity, but it is absolutely necessary if we want to continue moving forward in our automobile. Some of you are wondering where in the heck I’m going with this, but please bare with me; I promise I have a legitimate point here. It’s just gonna take a minute to get there so hang tight with me.
I’m typically not one that likes to see how far I can push or stretch things. I guess you could say I prefer to be prepared for the things of life. So, naturally it is a rare occurrence that I would let my gas gage go below a ¼ of a tank. However… the other day I found myself in a pretty dangerous position. I had allowed myself to get to the point to where I was literally running on fumes. My gas light had come on while I was on my way to work, but I pushed away the inconvenience of stopping on a cold morning to fill up my tank. I told myself that I would just stop on my way home. All the while I was just hoping I would be able to make it to work. During this time, I turned off the radio and heat in an effort to stretch the energy (and to be honest I was not sure if this was even going to work or not).
For the 8 hours while I was at work, I was able to completely forget about the bad situation I had put myself in. That is; until it was time to head home and I was back in the dreaded position of hoping I made it to the gas station in time. And of course, I got stuck in the 5:00 traffic (with the radio off again in an attempt to ‘save energy’). The gas station was in sight; it was just a matter of getting there. You’ll be happy to know that indeed I made it and got a good complete fill up of the stuff that makes my car go.
By now, you are probably wondering what the significance of this story is. Well, you are about to find out. I find it humorous how God can use something as simple as almost running out of gas to teach me a simple lesson. After I had filled up my car and was able to breathe a sigh of relief I couldn’t help but relate the situation to my spiritual ‘fill ups’ per say. I love it how he uses the simple day to day life happenings to teach us more about ourselves and Him. He is so good at that!
Here’s my though process in it all… Our cars need gas to run. Most of us don’t particularly enjoy stopping to fill our cars with gas, but we do it because it is absolutely necessary. And not only that, but it is necessary on a consistent basis. When I think about my spiritual life and what keeps me going, I wonder why I get low on fumes and have a hard time running sometimes. Light bulb moment!! Perhaps it is because I am not stopping to fill up my spiritual tank with the gas that it needs. My excuses tend to be I’m too tired, I can find something better to do with my time, blah, blah, blah. But eventually, I’m going to run out of steam and at some point will realize I need to STOP and fill up my tank again. Perhaps it would work out better if I filled that tank up on a regular basis just like I fill up my car tank.
I’m typically not one that likes to see how far I can push or stretch things. I guess you could say I prefer to be prepared for the things of life. So, naturally it is a rare occurrence that I would let my gas gage go below a ¼ of a tank. However… the other day I found myself in a pretty dangerous position. I had allowed myself to get to the point to where I was literally running on fumes. My gas light had come on while I was on my way to work, but I pushed away the inconvenience of stopping on a cold morning to fill up my tank. I told myself that I would just stop on my way home. All the while I was just hoping I would be able to make it to work. During this time, I turned off the radio and heat in an effort to stretch the energy (and to be honest I was not sure if this was even going to work or not).
For the 8 hours while I was at work, I was able to completely forget about the bad situation I had put myself in. That is; until it was time to head home and I was back in the dreaded position of hoping I made it to the gas station in time. And of course, I got stuck in the 5:00 traffic (with the radio off again in an attempt to ‘save energy’). The gas station was in sight; it was just a matter of getting there. You’ll be happy to know that indeed I made it and got a good complete fill up of the stuff that makes my car go.
By now, you are probably wondering what the significance of this story is. Well, you are about to find out. I find it humorous how God can use something as simple as almost running out of gas to teach me a simple lesson. After I had filled up my car and was able to breathe a sigh of relief I couldn’t help but relate the situation to my spiritual ‘fill ups’ per say. I love it how he uses the simple day to day life happenings to teach us more about ourselves and Him. He is so good at that!
Here’s my though process in it all… Our cars need gas to run. Most of us don’t particularly enjoy stopping to fill our cars with gas, but we do it because it is absolutely necessary. And not only that, but it is necessary on a consistent basis. When I think about my spiritual life and what keeps me going, I wonder why I get low on fumes and have a hard time running sometimes. Light bulb moment!! Perhaps it is because I am not stopping to fill up my spiritual tank with the gas that it needs. My excuses tend to be I’m too tired, I can find something better to do with my time, blah, blah, blah. But eventually, I’m going to run out of steam and at some point will realize I need to STOP and fill up my tank again. Perhaps it would work out better if I filled that tank up on a regular basis just like I fill up my car tank.
October 16, 2010
Paraprosdokian Sentences....
Geeeeeez.... It's been over a month since I've been on here??? I'm getting ready to post the long awaited post about how I've been receiving much provision but untill then sit tight with this one:
So I got this forwarded email the other day. Most of you probably think I'm getting ready to make a complaint, but quite the contrary is true. I'm one of the wierd-o's that doesn't mind all your crazy fowards. Soooo... bring em on! They often provide me with a laugh that is much needed and that is exactly what this one did. Check it out and if you can get to the bottom, I'll bet you got a few smirks on your face too. Take time to think about a few of them too. Here it is:
Paraprosdokian sentences
A paraprosdokian is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a
sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the
reader or listener to reframe or reinterpret the first part. It is
frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect. If you Google
paraprosdokian you will probably find (as I did) a Wikipedia page with
some famous examples. Perhaps some of the most well known attributed to
Groucho Marx; “I've had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn't
it." Here are a few others.
I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way; so I
stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
Do not argue with an idiot, he will drag you down to his level and beat
you with experience.
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in
a garage makes you a car.
The last thing I want to do is hurt you, but it's still on the list.
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright
until you hear them speak.
If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.
We never really grow up; we only learn how to act in public.
War does not determine who is right -- only who is left.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a
fruit salad.
The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening,' and then proceed
to tell you why it isn't.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is
research.
A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train
stops. My desk is a work station.
How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a
whole box to start a campfire
I thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted paychecks.
Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says "If
an emergency, notify:" I put "DOCTOR."
I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars,
but check when you say the paint is wet?
Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street
with a bald head and a beer gut and still think they are sexy.
Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and
50 for Miss America?
Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a
successful man is usually another woman.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to
skydive twice.
The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!
Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.
A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that
you will look forward to the trip
Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you
wish they were.
Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.
Some cause happiness wherever they go….others whenever they go.
I used to be indecisive; now I'm not sure.
I always take life with a grain of salt... plus a slice of lemon... and
a shot of tequila.
When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department
usually uses water.
You're never too old to learn something stupid.
To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit
the target.
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as
when you are in it.
If you are supposed to learn from your mistakes, why do some people
have more than one child?
Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
So I got this forwarded email the other day. Most of you probably think I'm getting ready to make a complaint, but quite the contrary is true. I'm one of the wierd-o's that doesn't mind all your crazy fowards. Soooo... bring em on! They often provide me with a laugh that is much needed and that is exactly what this one did. Check it out and if you can get to the bottom, I'll bet you got a few smirks on your face too. Take time to think about a few of them too. Here it is:
Paraprosdokian sentences
A paraprosdokian is a figure of speech in which the latter part of a
sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the
reader or listener to reframe or reinterpret the first part. It is
frequently used for humorous or dramatic effect. If you Google
paraprosdokian you will probably find (as I did) a Wikipedia page with
some famous examples. Perhaps some of the most well known attributed to
Groucho Marx; “I've had a perfectly wonderful evening, but this wasn't
it." Here are a few others.
I asked God for a bike, but I know God doesn't work that way; so I
stole a bike and asked for forgiveness.
Do not argue with an idiot, he will drag you down to his level and beat
you with experience.
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in
a garage makes you a car.
The last thing I want to do is hurt you, but it's still on the list.
Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people appear bright
until you hear them speak.
If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong.
We never really grow up; we only learn how to act in public.
War does not determine who is right -- only who is left.
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a
fruit salad.
The early bird might get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.
Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening,' and then proceed
to tell you why it isn't.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is
research.
A bus station is where a bus stops. A train station is where a train
stops. My desk is a work station.
How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a
whole box to start a campfire
I thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted paychecks.
Whenever I fill out an application, in the part that says "If
an emergency, notify:" I put "DOCTOR."
I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was blaming you.
Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars,
but check when you say the paint is wet?
Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street
with a bald head and a beer gut and still think they are sexy.
Why do Americans choose from just two people to run for president and
50 for Miss America?
Behind every successful man is his woman. Behind the fall of a
successful man is usually another woman.
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to
skydive twice.
The voices in my head may not be real, but they have some good ideas!
Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back.
A diplomat is someone who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that
you will look forward to the trip
Hospitality: making your guests feel like they're at home, even if you
wish they were.
Money can't buy happiness, but it sure makes misery easier to live with.
Some cause happiness wherever they go….others whenever they go.
I used to be indecisive; now I'm not sure.
I always take life with a grain of salt... plus a slice of lemon... and
a shot of tequila.
When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department
usually uses water.
You're never too old to learn something stupid.
To be sure of hitting the target, shoot first and call whatever you hit
the target.
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be.
A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as
when you are in it.
If you are supposed to learn from your mistakes, why do some people
have more than one child?
Change is inevitable, except from a vending machine.
September 12, 2010
The Irony of It All
So, I sit here and reflect on everything that God has provided for me, specifically in the last six months, and am dumbfounded on just one of my many epiphanies as I like to call it when the light bulb comes on in the room upstairs. Hold on for this one; it may just very well blow your socks off. Here it is: The more 'history' I have with Him- that is the more I see that He really does what He says He will do, the more I love Him and want to seek His will and honor and glorify His great name! Not rocket science; I know. You build that trust with someone the more they give you the opportunity to put your trust in them and you see they won't let you down. And how is that ironic you may ask yourself. Well, you see; the irony of it all comes when the other epiphany hits and I realize that HE does not have to have a 'history' with me to have the desire to give me what is His best. He wants to give it to me and does it out of His grace even when His 'history' with me is not 100%. If He did it because He had a history with me and I was as faithful to Him as He is to me, I would never experience His many and wonderful provisions He so graciously gives. As the chorus in Kari Jobe's song, You Are For Me, states:
"Lord, I know that You are for me; I know that You are for me.
I know that You will never forsake me in my weakness.
I know that You will never forsake me in my weakness.
I know that You have come now, even if to write upon my heart.
To remind me of who You are."
I find myself clinging to the part where it says that He will never forsake me in my weakness. I know I'm gonna screw things up again, and I will for sure go through another drought and drift from His stream of living water. BUT, He says he will for sure be there with me holding me up through that weakness I have.
I'm still working on putting the post together about how God has and is providing so stay tuned, but I wanted to share my epiphany real quick with ya.
Be back soon
September 5, 2010
He is Listening
“Now this is the confidence that we have in Him,
that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask,
we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”
I John 5:14-15
My aunt reminded me today that we are just 3 ½ months away from Christmas! Yes, Christmas I said! As we draw near to the end of yet another year, I can’t help but reflect over the last 9 months and be awestruck by my awesome God’s faithfulness. I don’t think that I have ever had a year that had so many bad and good things that happened all at once and the year is not even over yet. Indeed, all things work together for good!!
I mentioned in an earlier post that I’d post in bits and pieces what all He was doing and once again, I have let more time pass than I would have preferred. But I’m gonna try and get a big picture recap in here as best I can. Here goes.
For those of you that want a quick bird’s eye view… Here’s how it all went down:
January- I left the corporate world and reduced my salary greatly.
February- I started my dream job of Nanning for a family.
March- I called off my wedding set for June.
June- I went on an amazing family vacation with the ENTIRE family.
July- I ended my dream job and entered back into the corporate world times two.
August- I was informed that my mom has been diagnosed with a liver disease with an unknown prognosis
And now for those of you that would like the details…
In January I left a pretty stable job (considering the state of the economy) in an effort to pursue the non-corporate lifestyle and begin my dream job of Nanning for a family. Well, maybe not dream job… because the dream would be for it to be my family, but it got me as close to that as I could get at the time. Just months later, I made the decision (or better stated it was revealed to me that it would be best ) to cancel my wedding that was set to take place in June. Call me crazy; and yes to outsiders it would seem to be not the smartest decision in the world considering I had just reduced my salary drastically with the career change and had no guarantee of re-entering the corporate world anytime soon. On March 5, however, I had an encounter with God like I had never experienced before. Did you know that all you have to do is ask and He will answer??? Let me say that again to make sure you got what I’m saying. ALL you have to do if you are a child of God is ASK your Father for what you need and He will GLADLY provide!! In my 23 years of being a believer, I was the Dumb A that had the resources and did not use them as they were intended. That is… until I was at a desperation that I had never experienced before. On that night, I had a conversation with God that I had never had before. We conversed for hours and as usual I would fight against what I knew was His truth. It was in this extreme desperation that I begged and pleaded Him to reveal the truth and if He did just that, I promised Him I would do whatever He wanted me to do.
During this time and for many months to come and even still to this day I ask Him to never let me be stupid enough to let Him leave my side again. Just a couple days later, the decision was made final and we proceeded with canceling the wedding contracts and lost many, many thousands of dollars. Naturally, some days were better than others and I would have to bring myself back to that night when I had my encounter with Him and would again ask Him to be my provider.
What?!?! Provide??? Who am I to think that He will not provide now when He has always provided before and even provided when I have not asked Him to??? Stay tuned to see how He has been providing in more ways than one the last several months.
that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask,
we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”
I John 5:14-15
My aunt reminded me today that we are just 3 ½ months away from Christmas! Yes, Christmas I said! As we draw near to the end of yet another year, I can’t help but reflect over the last 9 months and be awestruck by my awesome God’s faithfulness. I don’t think that I have ever had a year that had so many bad and good things that happened all at once and the year is not even over yet. Indeed, all things work together for good!!
I mentioned in an earlier post that I’d post in bits and pieces what all He was doing and once again, I have let more time pass than I would have preferred. But I’m gonna try and get a big picture recap in here as best I can. Here goes.
For those of you that want a quick bird’s eye view… Here’s how it all went down:
January- I left the corporate world and reduced my salary greatly.
February- I started my dream job of Nanning for a family.
March- I called off my wedding set for June.
June- I went on an amazing family vacation with the ENTIRE family.
July- I ended my dream job and entered back into the corporate world times two.
August- I was informed that my mom has been diagnosed with a liver disease with an unknown prognosis
And now for those of you that would like the details…
In January I left a pretty stable job (considering the state of the economy) in an effort to pursue the non-corporate lifestyle and begin my dream job of Nanning for a family. Well, maybe not dream job… because the dream would be for it to be my family, but it got me as close to that as I could get at the time. Just months later, I made the decision (or better stated it was revealed to me that it would be best ) to cancel my wedding that was set to take place in June. Call me crazy; and yes to outsiders it would seem to be not the smartest decision in the world considering I had just reduced my salary drastically with the career change and had no guarantee of re-entering the corporate world anytime soon. On March 5, however, I had an encounter with God like I had never experienced before. Did you know that all you have to do is ask and He will answer??? Let me say that again to make sure you got what I’m saying. ALL you have to do if you are a child of God is ASK your Father for what you need and He will GLADLY provide!! In my 23 years of being a believer, I was the Dumb A that had the resources and did not use them as they were intended. That is… until I was at a desperation that I had never experienced before. On that night, I had a conversation with God that I had never had before. We conversed for hours and as usual I would fight against what I knew was His truth. It was in this extreme desperation that I begged and pleaded Him to reveal the truth and if He did just that, I promised Him I would do whatever He wanted me to do.
During this time and for many months to come and even still to this day I ask Him to never let me be stupid enough to let Him leave my side again. Just a couple days later, the decision was made final and we proceeded with canceling the wedding contracts and lost many, many thousands of dollars. Naturally, some days were better than others and I would have to bring myself back to that night when I had my encounter with Him and would again ask Him to be my provider.
What?!?! Provide??? Who am I to think that He will not provide now when He has always provided before and even provided when I have not asked Him to??? Stay tuned to see how He has been providing in more ways than one the last several months.
July 28, 2010
Satisfied with the Past and Appreciating the Present
"The god of materialism offers nothing permanent to the woman who succumbs to it. She does not view the past with satisfaction because she never got all she wanted. The present is unappreciated, because her whole focus is on the future" -Barbara Bush
Just ran across this quote this evening and had to share simply because it sums up much of what I've been dealing with lately. Don't let the title of this post fool you. I'm not saying that I am satisfied with my past and completely appreciating the present. BUT... I am slowing learning to not play that rewind button in my head that I'm all the time pushing because I simply cannot go back and change things; and I'm also learning not to focus on the future because I'm not guaranteed the future and God is doing too much in the present for me to worry about what is not guaranteed.
Just ran across this quote this evening and had to share simply because it sums up much of what I've been dealing with lately. Don't let the title of this post fool you. I'm not saying that I am satisfied with my past and completely appreciating the present. BUT... I am slowing learning to not play that rewind button in my head that I'm all the time pushing because I simply cannot go back and change things; and I'm also learning not to focus on the future because I'm not guaranteed the future and God is doing too much in the present for me to worry about what is not guaranteed.
June 29, 2010
Making a Roaring Return
I’m back! I bet some of you thought you got rid of me…
I just returned from a much needed vacation where I was able to escape reality for a bit and soak in some sun and sand as well as everything that God is doing (and He didn’t stop while we were at the beach). I don’t want to bore you too much playing catch up since I haven’t been on here in a bit because there is just simply too much going on to give you every detail. I’ll post it in bits and pieces later.
For now, I want to try something different and post more pics than I usually do. I tend to ramble and if any of you are like me, you like people to get to the point and don’t like to read all the crap and rambling. Here are a few pics that my good friend, Liz, took of our family while we were at the beach. It has been quite some time since our family has had a really good pic taken of us all together so enjoy these- for it will probably be another decade before you get another one!
Ok- I'll quite rambling already. Here. Enjoy!
The best grandmother on the planet!!
The TWINS!
The Hubbard GIRLS!
Brothers
Hubbard Kids
3 Generations of Elizabeths!!
Sisters!
Cousins!
There you have it! Hopefully that was better than just a bunch of rambling. Later!
I just returned from a much needed vacation where I was able to escape reality for a bit and soak in some sun and sand as well as everything that God is doing (and He didn’t stop while we were at the beach). I don’t want to bore you too much playing catch up since I haven’t been on here in a bit because there is just simply too much going on to give you every detail. I’ll post it in bits and pieces later.
For now, I want to try something different and post more pics than I usually do. I tend to ramble and if any of you are like me, you like people to get to the point and don’t like to read all the crap and rambling. Here are a few pics that my good friend, Liz, took of our family while we were at the beach. It has been quite some time since our family has had a really good pic taken of us all together so enjoy these- for it will probably be another decade before you get another one!
Ok- I'll quite rambling already. Here. Enjoy!
The Whole Fam!
Again... Just another pose.
The best grandmother on the planet!!
The TWINS!Hubbard grandkids with Gango!
The Hubbard GIRLS!
Brothers
Hubbard Kids
3 Generations of Elizabeths!!
Sisters!
Cousins!
There you have it! Hopefully that was better than just a bunch of rambling. Later!June 4, 2010
Dream Job
I think that most people see me as this business-like, professional, ‘corporate world’ oriented girl. Well, quite the contrary is true. True… I can play the corporate game and I can play the office politics. And honestly, I think I do a pretty good job, but the truth of the matter is that I hate it with a capital H! I am what most would call a nurturer and my deepest desire is to make sure everyone is taken care of before I take care of myself. And I found out all too quickly that that is not how the corporate world works. Everyone (well, not literally everyone, but MOST everyone) is out for themselves and not the best of the company OR those around them.
I think it started when I was little. I was not the typical little girl and did not play with the Barbie and Ken dolls like most girls did. I was not into the fashion, perfect body, big house, sporty car, prince charming frenzy that everyone else was stuck on. Don’t get me wrong. I had a few Barbies, but I rarely played with them. BUT… I did have more baby dolls than you would probably even care to see! I have always been a realistic person and prefer to see the realistic side of things rather than the sugar coated side. While playing with my dolls I always dreamed of being a wife and mom- my dream job I guess I would say. Not the most glamorous or even rewarding (financially) but definitely my idea of the perfect lifestyle! And to top it off when I was 10 years old I got a baby sister and 3 years later I got a baby brother so I had REAL LIVE baby dolls to play with! How awesome would that be?!?! Jealous? I know- Probably not… The only downfall was that I was a free built in baby sitter for my parents. But on the flip side, I got some experience that most girls don’t get and should be a few steps ahead when I have my own kids!
In February of this year, I got my dream job- caring for and nurturing for a baby boy. I nanny for a family now and love every minute of it! Yes. Even the days when laundry is piled up to the ceiling and I am lugging around a screaming baby on my hip! I know… you probably think I’m crazy. A lot of people told me this would help me decide if I really wanted kids or not and it has definitely reiterated the fact that I want a family. Right now, this is my family- my adopted family. I don’t really consider it work, but I love ‘working’ for my family. I consider the baby my own and melt when he reaches out his arms for me to pick him up. I love watching him grow and develop! He should be crawling any day now! Really- he is right there and wants to do it so badly! He’s just got to figure out how to coordinate his hands and knees at the same time. And did I mention that he cries when I leave the room? Precious he is! Just precious!
You may be thinking; well, she doesn’t really get a feel for what it’s really like. She gets to do the fun stuff and then go home. Nope. Not true. I’ll stay overnight (and get up five times with a crying baby), run errands (with kids and that is no walk in the park let me tell you), go to doctor appointments, etc, etc, etc. So, no- I don’t just get to do the fun stuff. I still get to deal with throw up (which by the way, I never thought I’d be able to deal with but when it’s ‘your’ kids you somehow manage through it), the occasional poop while in the bath tub, sending a diaper through the washing machine, and not to mention saving wildlife from the family cat. You got it! I even rescued a snake from the cat one day and not so much rescued a baby rabbit because I was a little late and it was already dead.
There you have it. Now you have heard about ‘my’ little family. I’ll try to keep you updated on a more regular basis especially now that I will also be caring for the 6 year old little girl since school is out- I’m sure that will present opportunity for more stories so stay tuned!
Here's a few pics for you so you can see just how cute the kids are. You have to admit... they ARE some of the cutest kids in the world!!
Autumn- 6 years
I think it started when I was little. I was not the typical little girl and did not play with the Barbie and Ken dolls like most girls did. I was not into the fashion, perfect body, big house, sporty car, prince charming frenzy that everyone else was stuck on. Don’t get me wrong. I had a few Barbies, but I rarely played with them. BUT… I did have more baby dolls than you would probably even care to see! I have always been a realistic person and prefer to see the realistic side of things rather than the sugar coated side. While playing with my dolls I always dreamed of being a wife and mom- my dream job I guess I would say. Not the most glamorous or even rewarding (financially) but definitely my idea of the perfect lifestyle! And to top it off when I was 10 years old I got a baby sister and 3 years later I got a baby brother so I had REAL LIVE baby dolls to play with! How awesome would that be?!?! Jealous? I know- Probably not… The only downfall was that I was a free built in baby sitter for my parents. But on the flip side, I got some experience that most girls don’t get and should be a few steps ahead when I have my own kids!
In February of this year, I got my dream job- caring for and nurturing for a baby boy. I nanny for a family now and love every minute of it! Yes. Even the days when laundry is piled up to the ceiling and I am lugging around a screaming baby on my hip! I know… you probably think I’m crazy. A lot of people told me this would help me decide if I really wanted kids or not and it has definitely reiterated the fact that I want a family. Right now, this is my family- my adopted family. I don’t really consider it work, but I love ‘working’ for my family. I consider the baby my own and melt when he reaches out his arms for me to pick him up. I love watching him grow and develop! He should be crawling any day now! Really- he is right there and wants to do it so badly! He’s just got to figure out how to coordinate his hands and knees at the same time. And did I mention that he cries when I leave the room? Precious he is! Just precious!
You may be thinking; well, she doesn’t really get a feel for what it’s really like. She gets to do the fun stuff and then go home. Nope. Not true. I’ll stay overnight (and get up five times with a crying baby), run errands (with kids and that is no walk in the park let me tell you), go to doctor appointments, etc, etc, etc. So, no- I don’t just get to do the fun stuff. I still get to deal with throw up (which by the way, I never thought I’d be able to deal with but when it’s ‘your’ kids you somehow manage through it), the occasional poop while in the bath tub, sending a diaper through the washing machine, and not to mention saving wildlife from the family cat. You got it! I even rescued a snake from the cat one day and not so much rescued a baby rabbit because I was a little late and it was already dead.
There you have it. Now you have heard about ‘my’ little family. I’ll try to keep you updated on a more regular basis especially now that I will also be caring for the 6 year old little girl since school is out- I’m sure that will present opportunity for more stories so stay tuned!
Here's a few pics for you so you can see just how cute the kids are. You have to admit... they ARE some of the cutest kids in the world!!
Wyatt- 6 months
Autumn- 6 yearsMay 26, 2010
"What happened to the corporate world?!?!"
Once again I am reminded that I have not shared about the family that I nanny for. I promise that will be my next entry, but for now… here’s some humor for you:
Several months ago I decided to step out of the corporate world. I weighed the pros and cons of such a decision: a more flexible schedule, a more relaxed atmosphere, more time to finish planning the (canceled) wedding and enjoy being a newlywed (not…), and so forth. However, I did not take into account that my beloved sister would be affected by this decision. Well, it just so happens that she brought this to my attention this afternoon.
As you can imagine, it is not uncommon for me and Peyton Anne to share clothes. And this afternoon is no exception… Peyton Anne was getting ready to go out with some friends and just like she has before, she asked me if she could wear one of my shirts (well… usually she won’t ask- I will go to get something and not be able to find it until I search her room, but that is beside the point). I asked her if she was talking about the one that I was currently wearing and she said yes. I proceeded to remind her that I had been working and sweating in it all day and asked her if she still wanted it. She wanted to know what exactly I had done so I did not hesitate to tell her that we did chores this morning which included sweeping the front porch, we played kick ball, we jumped on the trampoline, I rescued a baby rabbit from the cat (well, not rescued because it was dead), and held a sick baby. Did she still want to wear the shirt off my back? I’ll let you make an educated guess and figure that out yourself.
After our short conversation, she marched off and mumbled under her breath loud enough for me to hear, “What happened to the corporate world?!?!” Don’t lie. You know you’ve done it. Gotten home from a day at the office and taken your pants or shirt (or both for that matter) off and hung them back in the closet because they just were not dirty enough to constitute a wash in the washing machine just yet. I know when I was in the corporate world I could usually get a couple of wears out of a pair of pants or a shirt unless it was a day of craziness where I was running around all day and just would not be able to contaminate the clean clothes in my closet with the ones on my back. THEN and only then would they be thrown in the dirty laundry basket for a good wash’n!
Now that I am out of the “corporate world” and getting my hands physically dirty most days at my new job- 99% of the time I end up washing my clothes after every wear. Although this is something I did not consider before making the decision to leave the corporate world, I do not consider it a con- at least not in my world anyway. However, my sister has a different perspective because now she must plan ahead and plan to wear my clothes when she is sure they will be clean… Sorry Sis, but this is the price you pay for having an extended wardrobe! Love ya!
Several months ago I decided to step out of the corporate world. I weighed the pros and cons of such a decision: a more flexible schedule, a more relaxed atmosphere, more time to finish planning the (canceled) wedding and enjoy being a newlywed (not…), and so forth. However, I did not take into account that my beloved sister would be affected by this decision. Well, it just so happens that she brought this to my attention this afternoon.
As you can imagine, it is not uncommon for me and Peyton Anne to share clothes. And this afternoon is no exception… Peyton Anne was getting ready to go out with some friends and just like she has before, she asked me if she could wear one of my shirts (well… usually she won’t ask- I will go to get something and not be able to find it until I search her room, but that is beside the point). I asked her if she was talking about the one that I was currently wearing and she said yes. I proceeded to remind her that I had been working and sweating in it all day and asked her if she still wanted it. She wanted to know what exactly I had done so I did not hesitate to tell her that we did chores this morning which included sweeping the front porch, we played kick ball, we jumped on the trampoline, I rescued a baby rabbit from the cat (well, not rescued because it was dead), and held a sick baby. Did she still want to wear the shirt off my back? I’ll let you make an educated guess and figure that out yourself.
After our short conversation, she marched off and mumbled under her breath loud enough for me to hear, “What happened to the corporate world?!?!” Don’t lie. You know you’ve done it. Gotten home from a day at the office and taken your pants or shirt (or both for that matter) off and hung them back in the closet because they just were not dirty enough to constitute a wash in the washing machine just yet. I know when I was in the corporate world I could usually get a couple of wears out of a pair of pants or a shirt unless it was a day of craziness where I was running around all day and just would not be able to contaminate the clean clothes in my closet with the ones on my back. THEN and only then would they be thrown in the dirty laundry basket for a good wash’n!
Now that I am out of the “corporate world” and getting my hands physically dirty most days at my new job- 99% of the time I end up washing my clothes after every wear. Although this is something I did not consider before making the decision to leave the corporate world, I do not consider it a con- at least not in my world anyway. However, my sister has a different perspective because now she must plan ahead and plan to wear my clothes when she is sure they will be clean… Sorry Sis, but this is the price you pay for having an extended wardrobe! Love ya!
May 21, 2010
Hide Your Heart
Here's a quote I found today that I love:
"Girls should hide their heart in God so that boys have to go there to find them!"
May 19, 2010
Demanding Dentists
Is it really that common for people to dread going to the dentist? Personally, I have never had that fear that some folks talk about. In fact, I am on the opposite end of the spectrum- I find it quite humorous. Here’s why: I have always asked myself, “Why do dentists ask you questions when they are working in your mouth and you can’t answer them?” It has always been frustrating to me but funny at the same time when the dentist is asking me a question and I obviously cannot answer him.
For the most part, my experience today at the orthodontist office was no different than I expected. I knew I was going to go in and have a procedure to glue my retainer back in place and I knew he would be asking me a million questions, as he usually does, that I could not answer (due to the fact that his hands are in my mouth working when he asks). But, where the experience was a little different today was when he started asking questions and I knew my answer was going to create more questions for him to ask that I would not be able to answer. Today… well, we’ll just say was just about too much for me to bear.
Picture this: I'm sitting in the chair with my mouth stuffed full of cotton so he can glue my retainer back in place. The conversation (and my nodding) goes like this: He asks me if life is treating me well so I nod a simple yes. Then he asks me if I'm getting married soon. I shake my head no and this is when the laughter begins to build up inside of me only because I know this is going to lead to more questions that I will not be able to answer. He responds with, "Hmmmm... I don't know why I thought you were getting married. Are you dating someone?" Again, I shake my head no as a chuckle begins to seep through. He says, "Well, were you dating someone?" I nod my head yes. And then he said, "What'd you do, kick him to the curb?" It was all I could do to keep from losing my composure and bust out in laughter (never mind this man is gluing my teeth and a mishap could result in him possibly gluing my mouth shut) but I nodded a simple yes and we both chuckled. Finally, all the debris was removed from my mouth and I quickly informed him that he had not lost his mind- Yes, I was engaged to be married and the wedding was called off, blah, blah, blah. Much like I have explained before. But hey, at least I can get some laughter out of it in this situation, right? The conversation continued, but I won't bore you with the details. But really- next time you are at the dentist take note if he is asking you questions that he is very much aware you can't answer because his hands are in your mouth.
Perhaps this is why I don’t fear going to the dentist like some people do… I’ve never had a traumatic experience. Although, I usually come out with a story to tell, much of the time they are usually pretty humorous. Gotta love our question demanding dentists when they have their hands in our mouth!!
For the most part, my experience today at the orthodontist office was no different than I expected. I knew I was going to go in and have a procedure to glue my retainer back in place and I knew he would be asking me a million questions, as he usually does, that I could not answer (due to the fact that his hands are in my mouth working when he asks). But, where the experience was a little different today was when he started asking questions and I knew my answer was going to create more questions for him to ask that I would not be able to answer. Today… well, we’ll just say was just about too much for me to bear.
Picture this: I'm sitting in the chair with my mouth stuffed full of cotton so he can glue my retainer back in place. The conversation (and my nodding) goes like this: He asks me if life is treating me well so I nod a simple yes. Then he asks me if I'm getting married soon. I shake my head no and this is when the laughter begins to build up inside of me only because I know this is going to lead to more questions that I will not be able to answer. He responds with, "Hmmmm... I don't know why I thought you were getting married. Are you dating someone?" Again, I shake my head no as a chuckle begins to seep through. He says, "Well, were you dating someone?" I nod my head yes. And then he said, "What'd you do, kick him to the curb?" It was all I could do to keep from losing my composure and bust out in laughter (never mind this man is gluing my teeth and a mishap could result in him possibly gluing my mouth shut) but I nodded a simple yes and we both chuckled. Finally, all the debris was removed from my mouth and I quickly informed him that he had not lost his mind- Yes, I was engaged to be married and the wedding was called off, blah, blah, blah. Much like I have explained before. But hey, at least I can get some laughter out of it in this situation, right? The conversation continued, but I won't bore you with the details. But really- next time you are at the dentist take note if he is asking you questions that he is very much aware you can't answer because his hands are in your mouth.
Perhaps this is why I don’t fear going to the dentist like some people do… I’ve never had a traumatic experience. Although, I usually come out with a story to tell, much of the time they are usually pretty humorous. Gotta love our question demanding dentists when they have their hands in our mouth!!
May 12, 2010
Beautiful Mess
I heard Amy Grant’s “Better Than a Hallelujah” on the radio yesterday morning.
God loves a lullaby
In a mother’s tears in the dead of night
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes
God loves the drunkard’s cry
The soldier’s plea not to let him die
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes
We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah
The woman holding on for life
The dying man giving up the fight
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes
The tears of shame for what’s been done
The silence when the words won’t come
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes
We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The hones cry of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah
Better than a church bell ringing
Better than a choir singing out, singing out
We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cry of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah
The words of this song hit hard with me. I’m finally coming out of my ‘this is all a bad dream’ phase and understanding that God is really teaching something to me at this stage in life. I know it is a great thing to praise Him in the good times, but I think what this song is saying is that what He really wants is for me to come to Him as my true self. He knows that we have needs and He desires for us to bring those needs and surrender them at His feet in all of the crazy mess that we are. I think Amy Grant sums it up pretty well: “I’ve loved this song since I first heard it. The honesty and vulnerability of the lyric reminds me that to pray means to come as I am, imperfections and all, because ultimately, God seeks communion with us, the real us… and that’s freeing.” I’m thinking that He finds it more beautiful than praise when I truly and honestly pour out my deepest desires simply because it gives me a chance to be completely intimate and vulnerable with Him. The words in black and white simply don’t do this song justice. Take a listen to it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nMvvoXa9Yk
God loves a lullaby
In a mother’s tears in the dead of night
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes
God loves the drunkard’s cry
The soldier’s plea not to let him die
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes
We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah
The woman holding on for life
The dying man giving up the fight
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes
The tears of shame for what’s been done
The silence when the words won’t come
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes
We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The hones cry of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah
Better than a church bell ringing
Better than a choir singing out, singing out
We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cry of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah
The words of this song hit hard with me. I’m finally coming out of my ‘this is all a bad dream’ phase and understanding that God is really teaching something to me at this stage in life. I know it is a great thing to praise Him in the good times, but I think what this song is saying is that what He really wants is for me to come to Him as my true self. He knows that we have needs and He desires for us to bring those needs and surrender them at His feet in all of the crazy mess that we are. I think Amy Grant sums it up pretty well: “I’ve loved this song since I first heard it. The honesty and vulnerability of the lyric reminds me that to pray means to come as I am, imperfections and all, because ultimately, God seeks communion with us, the real us… and that’s freeing.” I’m thinking that He finds it more beautiful than praise when I truly and honestly pour out my deepest desires simply because it gives me a chance to be completely intimate and vulnerable with Him. The words in black and white simply don’t do this song justice. Take a listen to it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nMvvoXa9Yk
May 3, 2010
Just Give Me Sleep
Ok, God. I really don't like it when you give me so much to think about that I can't sleep. I'm just say'n outloud what you already know. So for now, all I'm asking for is sleep. Just give me some sleep and we can talk tomorrow. Much appreciation, Elizabeth
Perfectly Placed and Then Washed Away
What an amazing weekend! I was able to spend time with friends, hang out with the fam, get a few things done around the house, and even take some time for myself. It makes for a good start to the week when I know I was able to invest some time in others and even work in some time for myself.
Part of my time this weekend was spent working in the flower bed with my little brother and sister. Us kids promised mom that we’d get the flower bed weeded and fixed up for her for Mother’s Day. Saturday morning Peyton Anne and I got up and went to the store to get some dirt. We came home and Russell helped us unload it from the car. We each had our own little area that we were working on. I was digging up the weeds and spreading the new dirt, Peyton Anne was trimming the bushes, and Russell was removing the old dirt and brush with the tractor. Note- In order for Russell to have any desire to help us with this project we have to find a way for him to use the tractor. Guys and their toys… Hehehe. By lunch time all of the dirt had been spread and the bushes were shaping up. Peyton Anne and I stepped back to admire our hard work and low and behold we look down at the bottom of the driveway only to see that Russell is tipping backward on the tractor. For a minute panic sets in, but quickly we run to his rescue. In all of his glee in playing with his big boy toy, he had backed the tractor too far off the edge of the driveway to dump the brush and it was tipping with him. We hollered for him to stop and he got off. After Russell was safe, we all stepped back to determine the best way to solve the problem. Russell determined that it would be best to pull it out with another tractor we had. In the end, we all ended up safe and the tractors were safely put away. All in perfect timing for the rain to set in for the rest of the day. We moved inside to do some house work and ended the evening having dinner with our grandmother. What a nice Saturday!
Part of my time this weekend was spent working in the flower bed with my little brother and sister. Us kids promised mom that we’d get the flower bed weeded and fixed up for her for Mother’s Day. Saturday morning Peyton Anne and I got up and went to the store to get some dirt. We came home and Russell helped us unload it from the car. We each had our own little area that we were working on. I was digging up the weeds and spreading the new dirt, Peyton Anne was trimming the bushes, and Russell was removing the old dirt and brush with the tractor. Note- In order for Russell to have any desire to help us with this project we have to find a way for him to use the tractor. Guys and their toys… Hehehe. By lunch time all of the dirt had been spread and the bushes were shaping up. Peyton Anne and I stepped back to admire our hard work and low and behold we look down at the bottom of the driveway only to see that Russell is tipping backward on the tractor. For a minute panic sets in, but quickly we run to his rescue. In all of his glee in playing with his big boy toy, he had backed the tractor too far off the edge of the driveway to dump the brush and it was tipping with him. We hollered for him to stop and he got off. After Russell was safe, we all stepped back to determine the best way to solve the problem. Russell determined that it would be best to pull it out with another tractor we had. In the end, we all ended up safe and the tractors were safely put away. All in perfect timing for the rain to set in for the rest of the day. We moved inside to do some house work and ended the evening having dinner with our grandmother. What a nice Saturday!
Sunday was even better! Spent Sunday morning in a wonderful sermon by Brother Doug and had one of my favorite spring/summer lunches (bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich) at home. After the parents arrived home that afternoon, we again admired our hard work in the flower bed with them. The afternoon was spent making some delicious brownies and then off to the mall with the sister for some retail therapy (window shopping therapy of course). The evening concluded with a nice hot bubble bath and suddenly I felt ready to conquer the week that lied ahead of me.
Monday morning came all too soon, but I got up refreshed and ready to conquer the day. Only to see when I walked out the door and down the sidewalk that the flower bed we had worked so diligently on just a few days before was washing away from the downpour of rain the night before. The new dirt that had been so perfectly placed in the flowerbed had now been washed onto the sidewalk. I suddenly felt a rush of disappointment fall over me. The good feeling of working so hard with my siblings to get the flowerbed set up just perfectly for our mom was gone in just a matter of seconds.
Just as suddenly as I felt that disappointment, I had a visual of how disappointed and saddened my Heavenly Father must feel at times with me. How often does He so perfectly plan and place things in my life that I all too frequently wash away and destroy it in just a matter of minutes? It was then I remembered that my Father has feelings too- feelings toward me that I can’t even begin to comprehend. Someone I know put it in perspective for me around Easter time. She said that she wanted to think of the crucifixion story differently this year. She wanted to be able “feel it and believe it like it happened to someone I know.” What? Jesus is someone we know… But she said she does not think of Him like she does her boyfriend. If her boyfriend had to endure what Christ endured on the cross for us then she would be devastated. Jesus longs for us to feel this way! It is His heart’s desire for us to desire Him as much as He desires us. I think about it like this: I get up in the mornings and usually get ready in the bathroom with my sister. We often talk about the day’s events that will take place or what happened the day before. We fellowship and communicate with each other before we go our separate ways for the day. How would she feel and for that matter, how would I feel if we did not talk in the mornings? She would probably be saddened or upset if I didn’t talk to her and I wouldn’t feel so great about it either. Jesus is the same way. He longs to have that conversation with me each and every day. And the difference with Him is that He does go with me everywhere, unlike my family and friends. So there should be no excuse for me not to have that conversation with Him throughout the day. I don’t want to wash away any of those opportunities that He has so perfectly placed in front of me anymore. I’m not going to say that it won’t ever happen again, but I’m sure going to try and do it less frequently because I know how that disappointment feels and I sure don’t want Him to feel that way.
April 30, 2010
Putting It In Perspective
The other day my sister made a comment to me; “I wonder how people survived 100 years ago when they didn’t have cell phones?” Ummmmm… I don’t think it was 100 years ago. I’m pretty sure it was just like 20 years ago and even then if you were lucky enough to have one it was like the size of your head.
The little girl that I nanny for (and I’m not sure why I don’t have any stories about them on here yet so stay tuned) told her mom that the baby cried for 3 hours the other day. Well, it was more like 30 minutes but sometimes that can feel like 3 hours when it’s a baby screaming.
Everyone has their own perspective on things, but I can’t help to chuckle at these exaggerations. I’m sure you have heard someone exaggerate a few things in your lifetime, but sometimes children have the funniest perspective on things.
Here's one for you.... When you hear the word BILLION what do you think?
A billion is a difficult number to comprehend but one advertising agency did a good job of putting that figure into some perspective in one of its releases.
A. A billion seconds ago it was 1959.
B. A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.
C. A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the Stone Age
D. A billion days ago no one walked on the earth on two feet.
E. A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate our government is spending it.
For another perspective, let’s look at New Orleans. It’s amazing what you can learn with some simple division. Louisiana Senator, Mary Landrieu (D) asked Congress for 250 BILLION DOLLARS to rebuild New Orleans. Interesting number…What does it mean?
A. Well… if you are one of the 484,674 residents of New Orleans (every man woman, and child) you each get < /I> get $516,528.
B. Or… if you have one of the 188,251 homes in New Orleans, your home gets $1,329,787.
C. Or… if you are a family of four, your family gets $2,066,012.
Hello, Washington DC! Are your calculators broken?
Building Permit Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Luxury Tax
Marriage License Tax
Social Security Tax
Etc
Etc
Etc
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago and our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt and the largest middle class in the world and mom stayed home to raise the kids. What happened? Can you spell politicians? And I still have to press “1” for English.
How’s that for perspective?
The little girl that I nanny for (and I’m not sure why I don’t have any stories about them on here yet so stay tuned) told her mom that the baby cried for 3 hours the other day. Well, it was more like 30 minutes but sometimes that can feel like 3 hours when it’s a baby screaming.
Everyone has their own perspective on things, but I can’t help to chuckle at these exaggerations. I’m sure you have heard someone exaggerate a few things in your lifetime, but sometimes children have the funniest perspective on things.
Here's one for you.... When you hear the word BILLION what do you think?
A billion is a difficult number to comprehend but one advertising agency did a good job of putting that figure into some perspective in one of its releases.
A. A billion seconds ago it was 1959.
B. A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.
C. A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the Stone Age
D. A billion days ago no one walked on the earth on two feet.
E. A billion dollars ago was only 8 hours and 20 minutes, at the rate our government is spending it.
For another perspective, let’s look at New Orleans. It’s amazing what you can learn with some simple division. Louisiana Senator, Mary Landrieu (D) asked Congress for 250 BILLION DOLLARS to rebuild New Orleans. Interesting number…What does it mean?
A. Well… if you are one of the 484,674 residents of New Orleans (every man woman, and child) you each get < /I> get $516,528.
B. Or… if you have one of the 188,251 homes in New Orleans, your home gets $1,329,787.
C. Or… if you are a family of four, your family gets $2,066,012.
Hello, Washington DC! Are your calculators broken?
Building Permit Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Luxury Tax
Marriage License Tax
Social Security Tax
Etc
Etc
Etc
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago and our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt and the largest middle class in the world and mom stayed home to raise the kids. What happened? Can you spell politicians? And I still have to press “1” for English.
How’s that for perspective?
April 21, 2010
Driving to the Pearly Gates
Just wanted to share this quote that I found:
“I don’t want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully tailored clothes…and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking the kids to scout camp…I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone’s garden. I want to be there with children’s sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know that I was really there, and that I really lived.”
- - Marjorie Hinckley
“I don’t want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully tailored clothes…and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking the kids to scout camp…I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone’s garden. I want to be there with children’s sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know that I was really there, and that I really lived.”
- - Marjorie Hinckley
April 20, 2010
Why My Skin Crawls
The other day I shared with you some of the things that make my heart sing. I think it's only appropriate that I also share with you the things that absolutely make my skin crawl. I hope this does not come back to bite me...
* When someone is driving and does not turn off their blinker after they turn.
* People that are late. It's just rude and inconsiderate of other people's time.
* Hypocrites. Enough said.
* People with no manners. Did your mother not teach you anything?
* People that talk on their cell phone while they are checking out of line.
Wow. This list was a little difficult to come up with. I'm thinking that is a good thing though.
Disclaimer: Just because you now know what totally pi$$es me off, you do not have the right to purposfully commit these acts of disgrace against me!
* When someone is driving and does not turn off their blinker after they turn.
* People that are late. It's just rude and inconsiderate of other people's time.
* Hypocrites. Enough said.
* People with no manners. Did your mother not teach you anything?
* People that talk on their cell phone while they are checking out of line.
Wow. This list was a little difficult to come up with. I'm thinking that is a good thing though.
Disclaimer: Just because you now know what totally pi$$es me off, you do not have the right to purposfully commit these acts of disgrace against me!
It Is Well With My Soul; But, When It's Not...
For the most part things are usually well with my soul. At least until some worldly presence reminds me that I’m surrounded by a world full of sin. I heard this song on the radio this afternoon and it brought some heated and lively feelings to the surface that I would rather not admit to experiencing. The lyrics that got me all fired up were from the song “Gives You Hell” by the All American Rejects. They went like this:
When you see my face hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell.
When you come my way hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell.
I know, I know, I know! This is not the attitude I should have but for a split second it gave me some relief as I was singing those words at the top of my lungs in my car today. If only it was a nice day and my top could have been down for everyone to hear me. Now, that would have been some major relief. As usual… I digressed. Some of you know that I have just experienced a broken engagement so I guess you can understand why I may get those sudden bursts of heated feelings right now.
I’m sure you can imagine who I was singing those words to, but I must remind myself every day that my Father knows the plans for my future and if/when my prince charming will come into my life. But until then, I must prosper in the place He has put me at this very moment. I also must ask myself “Is it really well with your soul, Elizabeth?” I can honestly and whole heartedly say, “Yes, it is!” This is only because I have been able to surrender the control that I was so desperately holding onto. Not to say that I don’t ever quiver with fright when I do not know what is in my future, but when that happens I have to declare a ‘HOLY BUT’.
This phrase was used by someone I know the other day and I fell in love with it so let me explain. The Word tells us to make known the desires of our hearts. No boasting intended here, but I am quite faithful about reminding Him of my desires. Like He could forget them- but I just want to make sure they are still accounted for. Here’s how I’m finding it works: I tell Him the desires of my heart and sometimes He has a better plan in mind (that I obviously do not see) so He does not always give me the desires of my heart. It is then that I must declare a ‘Holy But’ and express my desire to still honor and glorify His name even when I do not see my desires fulfilled. Here is an example: “God, please reveal to me at your earliest convenience the man that I will marry. It is my desire to provide a loving, caring, and godly environment for a family. BUT (this is the ‘Holy But’) if you choose not to reveal someone that I can spend the rest of my life with then I will still honor and glorify your name and find other ways to express my love and care toward others.” Makes sense, right? Right…. It’s not easy but I’m working on declaring those ‘Holy Buts’ every day and invite you to join me!
When you see my face hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell.
When you come my way hope it gives you hell, hope it gives you hell.
I know, I know, I know! This is not the attitude I should have but for a split second it gave me some relief as I was singing those words at the top of my lungs in my car today. If only it was a nice day and my top could have been down for everyone to hear me. Now, that would have been some major relief. As usual… I digressed. Some of you know that I have just experienced a broken engagement so I guess you can understand why I may get those sudden bursts of heated feelings right now.
I’m sure you can imagine who I was singing those words to, but I must remind myself every day that my Father knows the plans for my future and if/when my prince charming will come into my life. But until then, I must prosper in the place He has put me at this very moment. I also must ask myself “Is it really well with your soul, Elizabeth?” I can honestly and whole heartedly say, “Yes, it is!” This is only because I have been able to surrender the control that I was so desperately holding onto. Not to say that I don’t ever quiver with fright when I do not know what is in my future, but when that happens I have to declare a ‘HOLY BUT’.
This phrase was used by someone I know the other day and I fell in love with it so let me explain. The Word tells us to make known the desires of our hearts. No boasting intended here, but I am quite faithful about reminding Him of my desires. Like He could forget them- but I just want to make sure they are still accounted for. Here’s how I’m finding it works: I tell Him the desires of my heart and sometimes He has a better plan in mind (that I obviously do not see) so He does not always give me the desires of my heart. It is then that I must declare a ‘Holy But’ and express my desire to still honor and glorify His name even when I do not see my desires fulfilled. Here is an example: “God, please reveal to me at your earliest convenience the man that I will marry. It is my desire to provide a loving, caring, and godly environment for a family. BUT (this is the ‘Holy But’) if you choose not to reveal someone that I can spend the rest of my life with then I will still honor and glorify your name and find other ways to express my love and care toward others.” Makes sense, right? Right…. It’s not easy but I’m working on declaring those ‘Holy Buts’ every day and invite you to join me!
April 14, 2010
Why My Heart Sings
Life has been somewhat of a whirlwind, chaotic, and overwhelming lately. I want to take some time to just sit back and remind myself of the simple things that make my heart sing.
* Seeing something new in something that is old.
* Seeing God work in someone's life and watching them realize it is God.
* Sitting by the lake and doing absolutely nothing. And seeing Hallie (my dog) get excited because she knows we are getting ready to go to the lake.
* Experiencing when God answers my prayer above an beyond what I have asked for.This shouldn't surprise me, but sometimes I am awe struck by His goodness.
* Standing next to my little brother that is a full 6 inches taller than me. It makes me feel safe.
* Getting a bouquet of flowers for absolutely no reason at all.
* Watching God work out the smallest detail in my life. You know- the ones you think He doesn't care or even know about.
* Having an amazingly productive day and still enjoying time for myself.
* Laughing with my sister to the point of rolling in the floor simply because we don't know what is so funny.
* Experiencing a faithful God when I am unfaithful and undeserving of what He's given me.
* Finding a ridiculously great sale.
* Relationships that have shaped and changed my life.
* Knowing that I have a Father that loves me so much He sent His only son to die for me.
* Chocolate iced, cream filled, Krispy Kreme donuts.
* Seeing something new in something that is old.
* Seeing God work in someone's life and watching them realize it is God.
* Sitting by the lake and doing absolutely nothing. And seeing Hallie (my dog) get excited because she knows we are getting ready to go to the lake.
* Experiencing when God answers my prayer above an beyond what I have asked for.This shouldn't surprise me, but sometimes I am awe struck by His goodness.
* Standing next to my little brother that is a full 6 inches taller than me. It makes me feel safe.
* Getting a bouquet of flowers for absolutely no reason at all.
* Watching God work out the smallest detail in my life. You know- the ones you think He doesn't care or even know about.
* Having an amazingly productive day and still enjoying time for myself.
* Laughing with my sister to the point of rolling in the floor simply because we don't know what is so funny.
* Experiencing a faithful God when I am unfaithful and undeserving of what He's given me.
* Finding a ridiculously great sale.
* Relationships that have shaped and changed my life.
* Knowing that I have a Father that loves me so much He sent His only son to die for me.
* Chocolate iced, cream filled, Krispy Kreme donuts.
April 12, 2010
Here, Let Me Give You a Breath of Fresh Air
I apologize for the delay. There is just so much in my head right now it is difficult to put it all together.
I am beginning to see that I am being broken. It is a process and not a fast one I might add. In fact, I'm pretty sure it has been happening over the last 27 years and it is all just now coming to light. I would be willing to bet that God gets pretty frustrated with me sometimes (well actually, probably much of the time). I get frustrated too, so I can't begin to imagine how He feels.
First, let me talk through a little bit about how I see brokenness. (Spiritual) brokenness is realizing and understanding that without God you are spiritually bankrupt. I do not know anyone with the desire to be financially bankrupt- so why would you want to be spiritually bankrupt? It is surrendering every aspect of your life to Him and giving up that natural human desire for control- It is a total cry out to God for Him to work out everything in your life for your good. (As He sees it good. We don't always see his goodness at the time). It is my belief that the goal in brokenness is to worship the Father through it ALL- the good and the bad. It is when you believe and release that control that you begin to break so that He can and will work it all for your good.
I don't consider myself a control freak; however, others may disagree... But like most people, I do like to have a grasp on where my life is and where it is headed. I go here to say that it is not easy to give up that control; and brokenness is not a pretty thing I am discovering. It takes a course of events to get you there and sometimes those events are not pleasant ones. But is is necessary for each and every event to take place so that you can get to that special place where God wants you.
I hate it when you are going through a rough time and someone says, "Just remember, God will not give you more than you can bear." Well, I've got news for you folks. I know you mean well, but I'm pretty sure He does give me more than I can bear otherwise I would not have to rely on Him to bear it for me. Sometimes it's in the bad times that you see the most blessing. Almost like He is saying, 'See. I will bless you even in the bad times so that you are reminded of Me and My presence.' It's like He's telling me to come up for air. Do you ever feel that way? Like you have been given trial after trial and then He comes along like a breath of fresh air? It is so refreshing.
I'm asking myself, "Would I really come to Him if everything were just fine and dandy all the time? If I were able to keep things under control would I really need to rely on someone else?" In all honesty... probably not. I have the desire to be strong like a lion and carry what is weighting me down, but at the same time I am weak like a lamb and will let my Father carry it for me as I know He can. I guess this is the process of my brokenness shaping me to be the person in the place where God wants me to be.
I am beginning to see that I am being broken. It is a process and not a fast one I might add. In fact, I'm pretty sure it has been happening over the last 27 years and it is all just now coming to light. I would be willing to bet that God gets pretty frustrated with me sometimes (well actually, probably much of the time). I get frustrated too, so I can't begin to imagine how He feels.
First, let me talk through a little bit about how I see brokenness. (Spiritual) brokenness is realizing and understanding that without God you are spiritually bankrupt. I do not know anyone with the desire to be financially bankrupt- so why would you want to be spiritually bankrupt? It is surrendering every aspect of your life to Him and giving up that natural human desire for control- It is a total cry out to God for Him to work out everything in your life for your good. (As He sees it good. We don't always see his goodness at the time). It is my belief that the goal in brokenness is to worship the Father through it ALL- the good and the bad. It is when you believe and release that control that you begin to break so that He can and will work it all for your good.
I don't consider myself a control freak; however, others may disagree... But like most people, I do like to have a grasp on where my life is and where it is headed. I go here to say that it is not easy to give up that control; and brokenness is not a pretty thing I am discovering. It takes a course of events to get you there and sometimes those events are not pleasant ones. But is is necessary for each and every event to take place so that you can get to that special place where God wants you.
I hate it when you are going through a rough time and someone says, "Just remember, God will not give you more than you can bear." Well, I've got news for you folks. I know you mean well, but I'm pretty sure He does give me more than I can bear otherwise I would not have to rely on Him to bear it for me. Sometimes it's in the bad times that you see the most blessing. Almost like He is saying, 'See. I will bless you even in the bad times so that you are reminded of Me and My presence.' It's like He's telling me to come up for air. Do you ever feel that way? Like you have been given trial after trial and then He comes along like a breath of fresh air? It is so refreshing.
I'm asking myself, "Would I really come to Him if everything were just fine and dandy all the time? If I were able to keep things under control would I really need to rely on someone else?" In all honesty... probably not. I have the desire to be strong like a lion and carry what is weighting me down, but at the same time I am weak like a lamb and will let my Father carry it for me as I know He can. I guess this is the process of my brokenness shaping me to be the person in the place where God wants me to be.
April 6, 2010
A Little Overwhelmed
Wow. This blogging stuff can be a job. Its good for me though and rather enjoyable. Helps me get my thoughts together.
Have you ever had so much on your mind and witnessed blessing after blessing that you are just overwhelmed and can't think through it all? That's where I am. Everything seems to just be a whirlwind right now. Not in a bad way, but I just need some time to process it all and baste in His quietness. Hopefully I can get it jotted down in a few days. Stay tuned
Have you ever had so much on your mind and witnessed blessing after blessing that you are just overwhelmed and can't think through it all? That's where I am. Everything seems to just be a whirlwind right now. Not in a bad way, but I just need some time to process it all and baste in His quietness. Hopefully I can get it jotted down in a few days. Stay tuned
March 31, 2010
Do Your 'HOLLOW" Chocolate Bunnies Fill You Up?
What on God's green earth did the Easter Bunny ever do for you that was so special? What is it about Easter Eggs and hollow chocolate bunnies this time of year? For some strange reason we try to get our children to believe that Easter eggs come out of a rabbit's hind end. However, I am reminded in my Tuesday night bible study that we cannot hide the truth from our children. Most kids know that rabbits do not lay eggs.
On this particular Tuesday, a poll was taken to see if the Easter Bunny visited your house when you were a child. For the most part, he visited almost everyone's house- mind included. One year he even knocked on my bedroom window to see if I was asleep yet!!! Scared the bejesus out of me, but still made my fantasy even more believable. The things you remember as a child... I digressed; The leader's mission this night was to crush the idea of the Easter Bunny. Not out of spite or hate, but out of sheer awe that we have allowed a fake rabbit to get more attention than our risen Savior on this most holy day of the year. Really. Think about it. How much time and effort was put into the Easter Bunny at your house? I know at mine it was a lot. We would make a special trip to see him at West Town Mall, get our picture taken with him, talk about him all the night before he showed up, wake up early to see what was left in the baskets, go to Easter service at church, come home and have some more candy out of the basket before Easter dinner, play with the goodies that were left, have an egg hunt and wall-ahh another Easter had passed. Nothing against some magical make-believe fun, but is that really what our focus should be during this time of year?
This week I am preparing and praying that I will experience Easter in a different sense this year- like I've never experienced it before. It is my prayer that the ones close to me will have an experience of their own as well. My God has already proven to me that as long as I trust Him when my world has been turned upside down; and it has plenty of time, He will shower me with blessings upon blessings. So enjoy your hollow chocolate bunnies, peeps, and Easter egg hunts, but just remember what we are really celebrating. There is a Heavenly Father that loved you enough to send His son to die on the cross for your sin and rose again to give you eternal life. Now that is something special, my friend! Happy Easter everyone!
March 29, 2010
Prosperous Plans
"For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord; plans to prosper you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
I would say that I consider myself to be a planner. And in all my planning I am finding out that things don't always go according to plan. In fact I have seen all of my "planning" go down the drain in a matter of moments. So why even plan I've been asking myself lately? I know that my God has plans for me that always work for good. Then why is it so difficult for me to trust Him to work out the plans and why am I so surprised when He shares His goodness with me? Perhaps it is because it is not in MY timing? Perhaps that means my timing is not so grand. Hell-O, Elizabeth! A quote from Corrie ten Boom comes to mind, "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to an all knowing God" (thanks, Rach!) Well, that's a lot easier said than done my friend.
I find myself at a cross road. Not particularly fond of making decisions that will change my life- I am very much aware that a decision has to be made. As decisions have been made before, I know what I must do; it's just doing it. Of course taking the path of self pity and wallowing in my own sorrow would be the easy thing to do. Jumping back into life again with both feet, not knowing exactly what is in the water but trusting that God will give me the strength to tread in that water would be just a little more difficult. I still have time to decide, but deep down I know what has to be done. So where do my plans come into play with all of this? I'm quite tempted against all my designer and OCD instinct to toss my planning out the window and see where I end up. Nooooo- not in a careless kind of way! I'm not brainless (just for those of you that were wondering). But it is time to take that real step of faith. That blind faith that I've always wanted to have and perhaps the opportunity has just presented itself. Perhaps the plan WILL come together, just maybe not in the way I had planned that it would.
I would say that I consider myself to be a planner. And in all my planning I am finding out that things don't always go according to plan. In fact I have seen all of my "planning" go down the drain in a matter of moments. So why even plan I've been asking myself lately? I know that my God has plans for me that always work for good. Then why is it so difficult for me to trust Him to work out the plans and why am I so surprised when He shares His goodness with me? Perhaps it is because it is not in MY timing? Perhaps that means my timing is not so grand. Hell-O, Elizabeth! A quote from Corrie ten Boom comes to mind, "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to an all knowing God" (thanks, Rach!) Well, that's a lot easier said than done my friend.
I find myself at a cross road. Not particularly fond of making decisions that will change my life- I am very much aware that a decision has to be made. As decisions have been made before, I know what I must do; it's just doing it. Of course taking the path of self pity and wallowing in my own sorrow would be the easy thing to do. Jumping back into life again with both feet, not knowing exactly what is in the water but trusting that God will give me the strength to tread in that water would be just a little more difficult. I still have time to decide, but deep down I know what has to be done. So where do my plans come into play with all of this? I'm quite tempted against all my designer and OCD instinct to toss my planning out the window and see where I end up. Nooooo- not in a careless kind of way! I'm not brainless (just for those of you that were wondering). But it is time to take that real step of faith. That blind faith that I've always wanted to have and perhaps the opportunity has just presented itself. Perhaps the plan WILL come together, just maybe not in the way I had planned that it would.
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