I have been journaling for years. I have at least a dozen journals going back to 1996! (Perhaps you can call me a closet blogger) I write feelings, notes, prayers, things I am grateful for, questions, and answers to questions. You can mostly find me writing in the morning but really if the moment begs a thought...I will write it.
I'll let you in on a secret. I hated writing. I used to find writing painful. During my freshman year of college I had an English professor by the name of Anders. Anders sat me down in her office about mid way into the semester and told me I was a horrible writer. She told me I had no voice, no fluency, no ingenunity and I wrote way too many sentence fragments.
Nice...huh? Anders words scarred me and it bothered me that she never taught me what good writing was.
It wasn't until Leaver came into my life that I thought differently about writing. Not Leaver the soap but Mr. Leaver. Leaver taught English 102. I decided to meet with Leaver right away so I could tell him about my struggles with writing. On the way to his office I remember telling myself not to get worked up... "You did pass English 101 and you can only do better." I had brought him some older English papers to read so he could see my terrible writing. Sitting there in his office brought back painful memories and I am pretty sure my palms were sweaty. After reading the papers, he removed his glasses and looked at me and replied, "These papers are not terrible."
What? Can you repeat?
He continued with, "You have interesting ideas and voice. If anything needs some work it may be punctuation and we will go over that in class." I sat stunned in silence. Oh, what sweet music to my ears and my heart! My writing mojo was back. Take that Anders!
Have you ever gotten discouraging advice? What did you do? How have you overcome 'bad' words that someone may have said to you?
Friday, May 4, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
G.L.U.E.
A few months ago I was asked to speak to some lovely moms at a MOPS group. (MOPS stands for Mothers of PreSchoolers) The topic; how to make time for yourself. A topic I find important but also still struggle to do myself. God laid some great moments (in my life) and verses on my heart in preparation for this talk. With His prompting and some great prayer warriors I was able to create an acronym that helps me take time for me and this became the focus of my talk. I would like to briefly share it with you here.
It started with the thought from God about glue. Yes, glue and I know it's strange. I often feel like I am the glue that keeps my home and my family working together. Think of the saying..."If Mama ain't happy, no one is." That applies to me. If I am out-of-whack it seems the rest of my family can quickly become out-of-whack too. Then God showed me how He is my glue that keeps me together. My time in his word or in worship help me to stick to truths and not lies. This is how G.L.U.E came to be and this is how I work at making time for me.
G stand for God. As I mentioned before spending time in His word or in worship help to keep our focus on things above and not earthly things. (Col.3:5) To allow for you time take the time to spend a few minutes each day in the bible or reading a devotional. Pray, ask God for help in your day to day tasks. Share your frustrations and ask for his wisdom. Take time to thank and praise him for his gifts that he gives. In giving Him a time of quiet; He gives me time in my day.
L is for Learn to Say NO. I am sure you say no at least several times a day to your children...learn to say it for yourself. Stop wasting time on things you don't really like or things that suck the life out of you. It is ok to say no. In learning to say no I find I have more time for the things I enjoy and that helps to make me a better mom and wife.
U stands for YOU!!!! Understand the importance of you. How much you are loved by a Heavenly Father, your spouse, your children and many others in your life. To often we moms can feel insignificant because of our day to day live...i.e dipaering, meals, garbage, cleaning, traveling from soccer, to dance to soccer and home. While all of those things are important, YOU, too, are important and learning to take care of YOU is important. Adjust your priorites and make YOU a priority.
E is Enjoy. Take in all that is around you and simply enjoy it. I used the quote from Maya Angelou...
So there you have G.L.U.E...how I stick to God so he helps me stick to my family :)
How do you take time for you? Can you relate to any of the G.L.U.E acroymn?
It started with the thought from God about glue. Yes, glue and I know it's strange. I often feel like I am the glue that keeps my home and my family working together. Think of the saying..."If Mama ain't happy, no one is." That applies to me. If I am out-of-whack it seems the rest of my family can quickly become out-of-whack too. Then God showed me how He is my glue that keeps me together. My time in his word or in worship help me to stick to truths and not lies. This is how G.L.U.E came to be and this is how I work at making time for me.
G stand for God. As I mentioned before spending time in His word or in worship help to keep our focus on things above and not earthly things. (Col.3:5) To allow for you time take the time to spend a few minutes each day in the bible or reading a devotional. Pray, ask God for help in your day to day tasks. Share your frustrations and ask for his wisdom. Take time to thank and praise him for his gifts that he gives. In giving Him a time of quiet; He gives me time in my day.
L is for Learn to Say NO. I am sure you say no at least several times a day to your children...learn to say it for yourself. Stop wasting time on things you don't really like or things that suck the life out of you. It is ok to say no. In learning to say no I find I have more time for the things I enjoy and that helps to make me a better mom and wife.
U stands for YOU!!!! Understand the importance of you. How much you are loved by a Heavenly Father, your spouse, your children and many others in your life. To often we moms can feel insignificant because of our day to day live...i.e dipaering, meals, garbage, cleaning, traveling from soccer, to dance to soccer and home. While all of those things are important, YOU, too, are important and learning to take care of YOU is important. Adjust your priorites and make YOU a priority.
E is Enjoy. Take in all that is around you and simply enjoy it. I used the quote from Maya Angelou...
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take
but the moments that take our breath away."
Too often we can get caught up in the things of life and not the moments. Moments like the freshly bathed baby smell, a child's belly laugh, a look from your spouse, the laughter with a good grilfrend. These take your breath away moments last far longer than the blinking light on my cell phone...these moments just plain feel good, so stop and take the time to enjoy them.
So there you have G.L.U.E...how I stick to God so he helps me stick to my family :)
How do you take time for you? Can you relate to any of the G.L.U.E acroymn?
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
A Change in the Making
I have been in a spiritual dry place for the last few months. I wasn't even aware of it until I finished Beth Moore's Living Beyond Yourself and the book Made to Crave by Lisa TerKeurst. I knew something was up when I finished these books and was feeling the overwhelming sense that something needed to change, something needed to happen to push me forward. My only problem was I didn't know what that something was. I didn't know even where to begin. So, I did what any other girl would do; I cried. I cried in quiet moments that were for God. I cried because I knew he would hear me and he knew my words when I did not. I cried.
And then, amidst tears, I heard his voice. Soft, loving, and gentle telling me I needed to share and to seek help for me to find my somethings. At first, I denied it for several weeks; I mean who really likes to admit they need help but then I heard him again. It was still loving and gentle telling me I needed to change and grow and I needed to talk through some issues to find my something.
So, I called. I called and made an appointment with a Christian counselor. I have met with her twice and we have named several of my somethings : shame and self image. I am dealing with these somethings by using God's truths.
Not long after I made the call to the counselor I was walking and heard a song by Addison Road called "Change in the Making." I cried (this time happy tears) because this song was me, well, and you too. We are all a change in the making. We are all trying to be a better version for the sake of Christ. We are all under construction. I love that. I mean really love that! I am forever grateful that we have a Heavenly Father who is loving, gentle, and extremely patient to making me who He wants me to be. Click below to listen to the song "Change in the Making."
And then, amidst tears, I heard his voice. Soft, loving, and gentle telling me I needed to share and to seek help for me to find my somethings. At first, I denied it for several weeks; I mean who really likes to admit they need help but then I heard him again. It was still loving and gentle telling me I needed to change and grow and I needed to talk through some issues to find my something.
So, I called. I called and made an appointment with a Christian counselor. I have met with her twice and we have named several of my somethings : shame and self image. I am dealing with these somethings by using God's truths.
Not long after I made the call to the counselor I was walking and heard a song by Addison Road called "Change in the Making." I cried (this time happy tears) because this song was me, well, and you too. We are all a change in the making. We are all trying to be a better version for the sake of Christ. We are all under construction. I love that. I mean really love that! I am forever grateful that we have a Heavenly Father who is loving, gentle, and extremely patient to making me who He wants me to be. Click below to listen to the song "Change in the Making."
So, this is Sarah under construction (but still with a smile) :) My pride is being broken and He is chipping away at what I don't need. I am a change in the making.
How are you changing? What is God chipping away in you?
Linking with SDG
Friday, March 16, 2012
Lessons on Grease
On a lazy Saturday I found myself flipping through channels with my daughters. We stumbled across the movie Grease when I declared. "Oh, this is one of my faves." We stopped there and started to watch Grease when I quickly found myself having to explain a lot! Even with editing of the movie I had forgotten how much of the material and content was so sexual. (Thank you Holy Spirit). We shut it off and I created and shared with my daughters what we can learn from Grease the movie.
Life Lessons on Grease
5. Any kind of loving shouldn't happen fast...especially Summer Loving.
Love, and true love take time.
4. Make a list of qualities that make a good friend.
Do you want your friends to drink, swear, smoke or rat their hair?
3. Be aware of boys who can sing a song about a car and turn it into sex.
Really, that is NOT what sex is about.
2. Never. Never change your looks or clothing to impress people.
Be true to the person God intended you to be.
1. In response to Frenchie's comment, "The only man a girl can really trust is her daddy."
You may have a wonderful earthly father but he is still human and is not perfect.
Always trust your Heavenly Daddy!
A lazy Saturday turned into a teachable Saturday.
On a side note. It is Spring Break in our part of the world. Yes! I will be leaving the blogging world for a brief time to be with my family and enjoy the Florida sun! Happy Spring Break to you and yours!
On a side note. It is Spring Break in our part of the world. Yes! I will be leaving the blogging world for a brief time to be with my family and enjoy the Florida sun! Happy Spring Break to you and yours!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Good Question
"For a man who had all the answers, Jesus asked a lot of questions."
Cathy Davison
I sometimes feel like I don't ask good questions when I am getting to know someone. My questions usually have a yes or no response and that makes it hard to really generate a conversation with someone new. In her book, Becoming a Woman of Influence, Carol Kent has an entire chapter devoted to asking good questions. She cites the ways Jesus used questions to expose lies and reveal truth, exposed people's deepest longings, questions that help faith grow, and using questions in teachable moments. I am practicing the 'art of asking questions' with the 7th grade girls I work with at youth group. It takes practice, as it is easy to slip into a yes or no question mode, but when I intentionally slow down I am amazed at the information they share when I ask the right question. I am learning about their dreams, hopes, fears, family life, and how they see their faith.
Here are some example question from the book.
What is your best memory of your mother? Your father?
How do you celebrate Christmas?
What is one thing you would like to do before you die?
What keeps you from being as close to the Lord as you'd like to be?
What is one thing you would like to change in your spiritual life?
In what area of your life do you need advice?
What women (historical or contemporary) would you most like to emulate?
How can I pray for you?
These are just a few! No doubt, some great questions!
Here is a thought for you...take a few of these and ask a friend or someone you are trying to get to know better. (Make sure you have an answer of your own to the questions). See where the conversation goes. Can you ask the right question that will help someone open up? Will you gain valuable insight in that person's life? I sure hope you do!
After all, on our journey as Christ followers, we are called to share and called to influence those around us. (Think of 2 Corinthians 2:15..."For we are to God the aroma of Christ..") In taking time to ask and think of the right questions we can learn about others with the hope of sharing how Christ's love has transformed our lives. We can be intentional about our questions and intentionally influence lives of others.
What do you think? Are you up for the good question challenge?
Linking with Finding Heaven
Cathy Davison
I sometimes feel like I don't ask good questions when I am getting to know someone. My questions usually have a yes or no response and that makes it hard to really generate a conversation with someone new. In her book, Becoming a Woman of Influence, Carol Kent has an entire chapter devoted to asking good questions. She cites the ways Jesus used questions to expose lies and reveal truth, exposed people's deepest longings, questions that help faith grow, and using questions in teachable moments. I am practicing the 'art of asking questions' with the 7th grade girls I work with at youth group. It takes practice, as it is easy to slip into a yes or no question mode, but when I intentionally slow down I am amazed at the information they share when I ask the right question. I am learning about their dreams, hopes, fears, family life, and how they see their faith.
Here are some example question from the book.
What is your best memory of your mother? Your father?
How do you celebrate Christmas?
What is one thing you would like to do before you die?
What keeps you from being as close to the Lord as you'd like to be?
What is one thing you would like to change in your spiritual life?
In what area of your life do you need advice?
What women (historical or contemporary) would you most like to emulate?
How can I pray for you?
These are just a few! No doubt, some great questions!
Here is a thought for you...take a few of these and ask a friend or someone you are trying to get to know better. (Make sure you have an answer of your own to the questions). See where the conversation goes. Can you ask the right question that will help someone open up? Will you gain valuable insight in that person's life? I sure hope you do!
After all, on our journey as Christ followers, we are called to share and called to influence those around us. (Think of 2 Corinthians 2:15..."For we are to God the aroma of Christ..") In taking time to ask and think of the right questions we can learn about others with the hope of sharing how Christ's love has transformed our lives. We can be intentional about our questions and intentionally influence lives of others.
What do you think? Are you up for the good question challenge?
Linking with Finding Heaven
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Icebergs
Remember the scene in Titanic? The two crew mates are in the 'crows nest' looking for icebergs. The one says "I can smell ice." The other gives him a stange look as if to say, "whatever." An iceberg is spotted but the Titanic hits it before the crew mates even get a breath of warning out. The one then says, "Smell ice, can you?"
Our pastor recently gave an iceberg anology. He stated that people are kind of like icebergs. You really only see the tip and the rest is under the surface. So, can you smell ice? Do you know people really well to see what is under thier surface?
This anology on icebergs has me thinking about my daughter. She is 9 and she is dramatic, loud, strong willed, passionate about justice, loves attention, loves Jesus, and asks some great questions about the world and the 'things' of it. Unfortantely, she gets judged by her tip...the part of the ice people can see. As a parent it makes me sad, frustrated, and down right angry at times. I see the tip of her. I hear about the tip of her. I know what she is capable of. I also know she is still growing. She is still trying to figure out her place in this world. She has a lot of maturing and growing up to do like many others around her.
I often pray that others may see what I see underneath her tip. I see a girl who once a week will ask to go to our elderly neighbors home so she can see how they are doing. I see a girl who is not afraid to tell a friend that Jesus loves them. I see a girl who stands up for others. I see a girl who can pray in front of large groups. I see a girl with courage in areas that make me shy. I see a girl who cries at a video of children in Africa with no parents and no food.
You know what? God sees the whole iceberg. I like that. That thought gives me comfort when I hear that she was yelling at school. I like that God is reminding me daily that he is in control, not me, when it seems like her behavior isn't. I like that He made me her mom because through her I can see faith like a child.
God has a plan for her tip, for her iceberg. A plan to prosper her and not to harm her. Her tip may not look good to others right now but someday I trust it will; because of His glory to make her the best iceberg she can be.
As a parent can you relate? What do you do when you feel like your child is being misjudged? How about when it's you?
Our pastor recently gave an iceberg anology. He stated that people are kind of like icebergs. You really only see the tip and the rest is under the surface. So, can you smell ice? Do you know people really well to see what is under thier surface?
This anology on icebergs has me thinking about my daughter. She is 9 and she is dramatic, loud, strong willed, passionate about justice, loves attention, loves Jesus, and asks some great questions about the world and the 'things' of it. Unfortantely, she gets judged by her tip...the part of the ice people can see. As a parent it makes me sad, frustrated, and down right angry at times. I see the tip of her. I hear about the tip of her. I know what she is capable of. I also know she is still growing. She is still trying to figure out her place in this world. She has a lot of maturing and growing up to do like many others around her.
I often pray that others may see what I see underneath her tip. I see a girl who once a week will ask to go to our elderly neighbors home so she can see how they are doing. I see a girl who is not afraid to tell a friend that Jesus loves them. I see a girl who stands up for others. I see a girl who can pray in front of large groups. I see a girl with courage in areas that make me shy. I see a girl who cries at a video of children in Africa with no parents and no food.
You know what? God sees the whole iceberg. I like that. That thought gives me comfort when I hear that she was yelling at school. I like that God is reminding me daily that he is in control, not me, when it seems like her behavior isn't. I like that He made me her mom because through her I can see faith like a child.
God has a plan for her tip, for her iceberg. A plan to prosper her and not to harm her. Her tip may not look good to others right now but someday I trust it will; because of His glory to make her the best iceberg she can be.
As a parent can you relate? What do you do when you feel like your child is being misjudged? How about when it's you?
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Pure Joy
I was hot. I was stinky. I was exhausted. It was a bittersweet ending to a fabulous clinic. I was living on God, adrenaline, and maybe a total of 7 hours of sleep over the last 4 days.
I was serving on a medical mission in Peru and as we were wrapping up in worship with our Peruvian brothers and sisters, I wrote in my journal for January 28, 2010. I couldn't wait to get back to the hotel to shower, relax, and Skype back home. I really missed my girls and my husband and I wanted so much to talk to them before tomorrow came. Tomorrow was my baptism and the reality of not having any family with me coupled with a lack of sleep were making me feel emotional and I really wanted to hear my hubby's voice of encouragement.
I had been baptized as an infant and I am grateful to my parents for their desire to have me know the Lord. However, I wanted to re-commit and dedicate my life publicly to the Lord as an adult. Since I love, love, love the ocean and Peru I was thrilled that God had given me this opportunity to publicly announce my faith like this; I jumped at the chance to be baptized and give a testimony of God's love and transformation in my life.
After my shower and dinner I was eager to hear from my family so I tried to Skype. Nothing. I tried and tried again and nothing. I was discouraged. I didn't know where they could be. I knew the schedule and they should be home after dance getting ready for bed! Sensing my discouragment a dear friend said I could use her cell phone to try. I did and again nothing. Feeling defeated I decided to call it a night and give it to God. Up in the room I expressed my frustrations to my roomate and she was wonderful. This young woman was engaged but her finace was miles away and she hadn't seen him in months. She knew how important a phone call can be. How hearing a loved one's voice can bring encouragement. I was grateful for her understanding at the time but also felt ridulious because I would be going home to see my hubby and she still needed to wait for hers to come home.
The next morning (baptism morning) my roomate and I woke up late. We had overslept our alarm and had missed breakfast. We quickly began to get ready so we didn't miss our group devtional. In the elevator ride to our group we talked briefly about last night and I thanked her again for her words of encoruagement. I was still sad but also knew that I had lots of love and support in the group. We arrived at the top floor, where the group meets, and heard them singing a praise and worship song. Walking in everyone was standing in a circle so I just looked for the closest open chair. I then noticed several smiling faces, so I smiled and waved back at them and started to join them in song. I then saw our trip leader (and dear friend) pointing to his left. I looked at him quizzcally. I wasn't understanding his pointing finger at all. He looked at me again and this time I looked at where his finger was pointing. His finger was pointing at my husband! I immediately gasped and then started crying. I couldn't even believe my eyes. He was there! My best friend was there! He was in Peru! The room was now joining in our celebration.
That is why no one was home the night before. He was in route to Peru. The girls were at a friends home. He was coming to be baptized with me. I was overwhelmed with joy. Pure joy. It is a day that I will alway hold dear to my heart...right next to the birth of our daughters.
In my journal I wrote "Father God, I am amazed and humbled for the way you love and take care of me. Just last night I was frustrated and angry and today total restoration. I have been made new with the waters of baptism. You have refreshed my soul with the suprise of Matt. Praise, and glory and thanks are yours."
Pure Joy.
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Do you have any pure joy stories?
Linking with Jen and the Ladies at Finding Heaven
I was serving on a medical mission in Peru and as we were wrapping up in worship with our Peruvian brothers and sisters, I wrote in my journal for January 28, 2010. I couldn't wait to get back to the hotel to shower, relax, and Skype back home. I really missed my girls and my husband and I wanted so much to talk to them before tomorrow came. Tomorrow was my baptism and the reality of not having any family with me coupled with a lack of sleep were making me feel emotional and I really wanted to hear my hubby's voice of encouragement.
I had been baptized as an infant and I am grateful to my parents for their desire to have me know the Lord. However, I wanted to re-commit and dedicate my life publicly to the Lord as an adult. Since I love, love, love the ocean and Peru I was thrilled that God had given me this opportunity to publicly announce my faith like this; I jumped at the chance to be baptized and give a testimony of God's love and transformation in my life.
After my shower and dinner I was eager to hear from my family so I tried to Skype. Nothing. I tried and tried again and nothing. I was discouraged. I didn't know where they could be. I knew the schedule and they should be home after dance getting ready for bed! Sensing my discouragment a dear friend said I could use her cell phone to try. I did and again nothing. Feeling defeated I decided to call it a night and give it to God. Up in the room I expressed my frustrations to my roomate and she was wonderful. This young woman was engaged but her finace was miles away and she hadn't seen him in months. She knew how important a phone call can be. How hearing a loved one's voice can bring encouragement. I was grateful for her understanding at the time but also felt ridulious because I would be going home to see my hubby and she still needed to wait for hers to come home.
The next morning (baptism morning) my roomate and I woke up late. We had overslept our alarm and had missed breakfast. We quickly began to get ready so we didn't miss our group devtional. In the elevator ride to our group we talked briefly about last night and I thanked her again for her words of encoruagement. I was still sad but also knew that I had lots of love and support in the group. We arrived at the top floor, where the group meets, and heard them singing a praise and worship song. Walking in everyone was standing in a circle so I just looked for the closest open chair. I then noticed several smiling faces, so I smiled and waved back at them and started to join them in song. I then saw our trip leader (and dear friend) pointing to his left. I looked at him quizzcally. I wasn't understanding his pointing finger at all. He looked at me again and this time I looked at where his finger was pointing. His finger was pointing at my husband! I immediately gasped and then started crying. I couldn't even believe my eyes. He was there! My best friend was there! He was in Peru! The room was now joining in our celebration.
That is why no one was home the night before. He was in route to Peru. The girls were at a friends home. He was coming to be baptized with me. I was overwhelmed with joy. Pure joy. It is a day that I will alway hold dear to my heart...right next to the birth of our daughters.
In my journal I wrote "Father God, I am amazed and humbled for the way you love and take care of me. Just last night I was frustrated and angry and today total restoration. I have been made new with the waters of baptism. You have refreshed my soul with the suprise of Matt. Praise, and glory and thanks are yours."
Pure Joy.
.jpg)
Do you have any pure joy stories?
Linking with Jen and the Ladies at Finding Heaven
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