Has it gone by that quickly? February. Geeze- where did January go? I can tell this year is going to fly by.
I took a week off from the snow last week. This week I don't have much to say. No really.
I have been in a reflection of what I want and don't want for this year- or my life-and I am just not sure. We have made some major changes- and I know many more will be coming.
I am praying for wisdom. Sometimes- you just don't know what you want or can't understand what God wants for you. Sometimes- I talk a really big game and then when push comes to shove- I'm not so confident. More often than not- I am just lazy. Kevin said if I was to ever be in a position to not work- all I would do is sleep.
He may or may not be correct in his statement. I am a good competitor for that title.
Sometimes I just get sick of the way things are- but when I really break it down- I realize how good I have it. Maybe I won't be in a manic Monday mood tomorrow and can write about something interesting. Probably not. I really am not that interesting of a person.
If you spent a day with me- you would think the same. I talk to my dogs about problems with life and keep waiting for their answer. My daily goal is to make my husband laugh out loud. Sometimes I dance- other times I sing (really off key), and sometimes I just make funny voices. He doesn't laugh 90% of the time- but I keep on trucking none the less. I cook dinner- and do a terrible job at the dishes. I have to make agreements with my husband to the tune of "Ok- I will stop doing this- if you start doing this" (pick up on that tune word..in order to get him to floss). We watch some tv- mostly that we don't agree with- and thats it.
So- tomorrow I hope for a better mood- a clear head and a desire to do something worth it.
My real life. Sometimes I say what I feel, sometimes I don't know what to say.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
More
Let me start with a preface: When I blog- I normally just sit down at my desk and write whatever comes into my mind- I don't plan it- I don't force it. I just write. (There are a lot of things I WISH I could write, but I choose to not let my flesh get the best of me.) This post will be different. Last week after I posted about "what would you like to see"..a small whisper came through someone else's post on Facebook. I made my comment- then on Sunday, our Sunday School lesson confirmed what I needed to say.
Too often I hear people, "Christians" for that matter, say "God will not give you more than you can handle" when others are going through a rough time. If you believe this lie, I have to question your basis of your entire faith.
I learned in 2012 that I didn't want your anyone's advice if it wasn't scripture based. Don't tell me what to do because that is how you see it- tell me what Jesus says about it- because in the end, that is the only thing that will hold true against whatever the world throws at you me.
Back to "not more than you can handle". Where is that verse? That's right, it isn't in there. Scriptures are very clear that God will indeed allow you to go through so much more than YOU can handle- but it comes with a promise and a comfort. Let's look at some specific examples to convince you more.
Noah. God told Noah to build an ark (arky arky- out of gopher barky barky- flashback to church camp). Noah didn't know what an ark or rain (See Genesis 2:6) were, because he had never seen them or heard of them. God said build me this monstrosity of a boat (Genesis 6:14) because I am sending floodwaters (Genesis 3:17) to cover the earth because I regretful for making humans because they have disappointed me. Noah made the ark and was on it for a really long time- with lots of animals (and animal smells) and his family (closed in and no way from getting away from them- or the smells). This was much more than Noah could handle- but God provided for Noah and his family because of his faith. Never again will the Lord flood the earth because Noah listened and trusted God.
Abraham. Our Sunday School lesson was about Abraham and how he trusted the Lord to provide during an uncertain time. God had promised that Abraham would "be the father of many nations" (Gen. 17:5)- numerous as the stars. Then, the unthinkable happened. God told Abraham to take Issac to Moriah and sacrifice him unto the Lord. God had given Abraham a son after much long waiting- and promised that his descendants would fill the earth- and now he asked him to sacrifice him as an offering to him. Again, more than Abraham could handle. Abraham listened and did as he was commanded- and God saw his faithfulness and saw how much Abraham truly trusted him. God provided on that mountain. (Read the rest of the story here).
Many others come to mind when thinking about having to deal with more than they could handle- only for them to fully trust him and have him bless them because of it. (you will have to read the stories to see how they ended)
Moses. You are going to free the captive and lead them to the Promised Land-in the desert. It is your responsibility to get them there.
Joseph. Your brothers will turn on you and drop you in a well.
David. I need you to slay this giant.
Gideon. Go wipe out the Midianites- oh and I am cutting your army from 32,000 to 300.
Job. A lot of awful things are going to happen to you- you will lose everything. Plagues, death- but just stay true to me.
Mary. Hey you are going to have a baby and still be a virgin- and he will redeem the lost for my sake. But this is no ordinary baby- so just trust me.
Joseph. Your fiance is pregnant- not by another man, but by a miraculous sign of me- and you are to be his dad and raise him.
Any of the disciples of Christ. Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men. He didn't give any more details- but just give up your life to come with me.
Do you not think any of these were "much more than they could handle"? I think they were exactly that and more. Try and put yourself in any of their positions. The ultimate example would be Christ himself.
Son, I am sending you, in your perfect form, to earth for the redemption of mankind. You will live among them and then be killed by the same ones. You will bear the sins of all mankind- even those yet to come. You will not just die, but you will be brutally tortured and beaten, mocked and spit upon, and be crucified- the most awful form of death possible- only to show my great love for the world. You will still love these people and go through all of this to bring many sons to glory. One last point. When you do die, you will be separated from me. But- trust me through it all.
No. That isn't more than he could handle. Totally doable.
Right.
Jesus said he was "overwhelmed, even to the point of death".(Matthew 26: 38). Yes, it was more than he could handle on his own. Luke even says that Jesus was in so much anguish, his sweat was like drops of blood (Luke 22:44).
Jesus trusted God, (as did those mentioned before) even in his weakest point, because he knew that God was going to provide. Jesus' story doesn't end at the cross, thankfully. Through his death and resurrection, we have everlasting life in him. I am grateful for his faithfulness! As the song says "Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer But this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom" (Listen here).
The next time you hear/see someone use this phrase, I hope you choose to convince them otherwise. God does allow you to go through more than you can handle, only for you to give it to Him- so that he can make all things new.
Things would be very different in these stories had these people not trusted God. He provided- more than they ever could dream because of their faithfulness.
Stay with Christ, even when the hard times come- and he promises to stay with you (John 15:4). Find hope in these verses about hard time.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time.
Psalm 66:10 For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver.
11 You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs.
12 You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.
Too often I hear people, "Christians" for that matter, say "God will not give you more than you can handle" when others are going through a rough time. If you believe this lie, I have to question your basis of your entire faith.
I learned in 2012 that I didn't want
Back to "not more than you can handle". Where is that verse? That's right, it isn't in there. Scriptures are very clear that God will indeed allow you to go through so much more than YOU can handle- but it comes with a promise and a comfort. Let's look at some specific examples to convince you more.
Noah. God told Noah to build an ark (arky arky- out of gopher barky barky- flashback to church camp). Noah didn't know what an ark or rain (See Genesis 2:6) were, because he had never seen them or heard of them. God said build me this monstrosity of a boat (Genesis 6:14) because I am sending floodwaters (Genesis 3:17) to cover the earth because I regretful for making humans because they have disappointed me. Noah made the ark and was on it for a really long time- with lots of animals (and animal smells) and his family (closed in and no way from getting away from them- or the smells). This was much more than Noah could handle- but God provided for Noah and his family because of his faith. Never again will the Lord flood the earth because Noah listened and trusted God.
Abraham. Our Sunday School lesson was about Abraham and how he trusted the Lord to provide during an uncertain time. God had promised that Abraham would "be the father of many nations" (Gen. 17:5)- numerous as the stars. Then, the unthinkable happened. God told Abraham to take Issac to Moriah and sacrifice him unto the Lord. God had given Abraham a son after much long waiting- and promised that his descendants would fill the earth- and now he asked him to sacrifice him as an offering to him. Again, more than Abraham could handle. Abraham listened and did as he was commanded- and God saw his faithfulness and saw how much Abraham truly trusted him. God provided on that mountain. (Read the rest of the story here).
Many others come to mind when thinking about having to deal with more than they could handle- only for them to fully trust him and have him bless them because of it. (you will have to read the stories to see how they ended)
Moses. You are going to free the captive and lead them to the Promised Land-in the desert. It is your responsibility to get them there.
Joseph. Your brothers will turn on you and drop you in a well.
David. I need you to slay this giant.
Gideon. Go wipe out the Midianites- oh and I am cutting your army from 32,000 to 300.
Job. A lot of awful things are going to happen to you- you will lose everything. Plagues, death- but just stay true to me.
Mary. Hey you are going to have a baby and still be a virgin- and he will redeem the lost for my sake. But this is no ordinary baby- so just trust me.
Joseph. Your fiance is pregnant- not by another man, but by a miraculous sign of me- and you are to be his dad and raise him.
Any of the disciples of Christ. Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men. He didn't give any more details- but just give up your life to come with me.
Do you not think any of these were "much more than they could handle"? I think they were exactly that and more. Try and put yourself in any of their positions. The ultimate example would be Christ himself.
Son, I am sending you, in your perfect form, to earth for the redemption of mankind. You will live among them and then be killed by the same ones. You will bear the sins of all mankind- even those yet to come. You will not just die, but you will be brutally tortured and beaten, mocked and spit upon, and be crucified- the most awful form of death possible- only to show my great love for the world. You will still love these people and go through all of this to bring many sons to glory. One last point. When you do die, you will be separated from me. But- trust me through it all.
No. That isn't more than he could handle. Totally doable.
Right.
Jesus said he was "overwhelmed, even to the point of death".(Matthew 26: 38). Yes, it was more than he could handle on his own. Luke even says that Jesus was in so much anguish, his sweat was like drops of blood (Luke 22:44).
Jesus trusted God, (as did those mentioned before) even in his weakest point, because he knew that God was going to provide. Jesus' story doesn't end at the cross, thankfully. Through his death and resurrection, we have everlasting life in him. I am grateful for his faithfulness! As the song says "Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer But this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom" (Listen here).
The next time you hear/see someone use this phrase, I hope you choose to convince them otherwise. God does allow you to go through more than you can handle, only for you to give it to Him- so that he can make all things new.
Things would be very different in these stories had these people not trusted God. He provided- more than they ever could dream because of their faithfulness.
Stay with Christ, even when the hard times come- and he promises to stay with you (John 15:4). Find hope in these verses about hard time.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time.
Psalm 66:10 For you, God, tested us; you refined us like silver.
11 You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs.
12 You let people ride over our heads; we went through fire and water, but you brought us to a place of abundance.
James 1:2-4 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
1 Peter 1:6-7 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed
2 Peter 2: 7-9 and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)— if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials and to hold the unrighteous for punishment on the day of judgment.
This one was a long one- but thanks for reading. Leave a comment on my FB as to why you read it or what you want to see- or on here- so I can enter your name in a giveaway. A beautiful hand-painted watercolor is up for grabs!
Monday, January 13, 2014
It just takes one
Just one bad thing to ruin your day. Whether that be your hair not cooperating- your closet not bearing anything worthy of being worn- or the sight of someone you don't want to see- it only takes one.
As a girl- I can say we have a lot more "one" days than guys. Makeup, shoes, the whole getting ready process- the shopping process- you get my drift. My husband is making his own gun and when his drill bit became consumed in whatever he was drilling- he was mad but he didn't dwell on it. When he broke something of some kind of ring for the gun- he got upset- but didn't stay there.
Not me. I am not like that- but I wish I was. That one thing then turns into a million for me and I just let it eat me up. The whole day is a waste. Why do we get so frustrated? Well, maybe you don't- but I sure do.
A long time ago someone (jokingly) said Hezekiah 4:7 says "Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape". A good virtue- but not an easy task.
"I can't win for losing" "If I didn't have bad luck, I wouldn't have any luck at all" "Everything and everyone is out to get me" "Could this day get any worse"- I have said these words to myself many many times. Over pointless things. (well at the time they do not seem pointless, but when I tell someone else, that's when I realize how worked up I have gotten over something small).
I was really frustrated today about something that was out of my control- but created a REALLY awkward position for me to be in. Social media I swear is going to be the death of me. Get in trouble for this. Get in trouble for that. Don't you dare make a comment here- and don't you dare have a picture here- or there. Grief.
Today on my way home to lunch I was reminded of how much God blesses me. I heard this song from Dave Barnes- I had never heard it before- and I just had to stop. Stop and really think about where I am and why I am frustrated.
After I got home, I reminded myself of the words my husband (he is so much calmer and discerning than me) told me earlier- and I just paused and thanked God for the blessings. Kevin said "Look at your left hand". Hmmm. That is enough for today. "Do my best to change what I can- I've got more than I ever thought I would".
I hope you too on this Monday find the "good" in your life. It only takes one good thing to far outweigh that one bad thing. Listen to this song when you are down- and know that God is still in the business of blessing and I am praying for you.
-Rachel
As a girl- I can say we have a lot more "one" days than guys. Makeup, shoes, the whole getting ready process- the shopping process- you get my drift. My husband is making his own gun and when his drill bit became consumed in whatever he was drilling- he was mad but he didn't dwell on it. When he broke something of some kind of ring for the gun- he got upset- but didn't stay there.
Not me. I am not like that- but I wish I was. That one thing then turns into a million for me and I just let it eat me up. The whole day is a waste. Why do we get so frustrated? Well, maybe you don't- but I sure do.
A long time ago someone (jokingly) said Hezekiah 4:7 says "Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape". A good virtue- but not an easy task.
"I can't win for losing" "If I didn't have bad luck, I wouldn't have any luck at all" "Everything and everyone is out to get me" "Could this day get any worse"- I have said these words to myself many many times. Over pointless things. (well at the time they do not seem pointless, but when I tell someone else, that's when I realize how worked up I have gotten over something small).
I was really frustrated today about something that was out of my control- but created a REALLY awkward position for me to be in. Social media I swear is going to be the death of me. Get in trouble for this. Get in trouble for that. Don't you dare make a comment here- and don't you dare have a picture here- or there. Grief.
Today on my way home to lunch I was reminded of how much God blesses me. I heard this song from Dave Barnes- I had never heard it before- and I just had to stop. Stop and really think about where I am and why I am frustrated.
I hope you too on this Monday find the "good" in your life. It only takes one good thing to far outweigh that one bad thing. Listen to this song when you are down- and know that God is still in the business of blessing and I am praying for you.
-Rachel
Monday, January 6, 2014
A new start-and goodbye to the end.
2014 has come upon me a lot quicker than I anticipated.
Let's cut to the chase. Here are the things we will be leaving behind from 2013- that I, we, will not bring in to 2014. No way no how- not now. (A little Dr. Seuss for you on this arctic chill day).
D-R-A-M-A drama- oh oh- you got that way because of your si..and just like that we leave it there. Team Pope has vowed to not let the last 2 months of 2013 hell carry over into the rest of our lives. One side of the coin is much better than before, praise the Lord!- but the other side- well, we are just leaving it flipped over and not worrying about it any more. Leaving the Jerry Springer episode to be continued (but in my mind- honey the show has been canceled and we movin' on up).
Negativity. You and all you bring have no place or welcome in our home or mouths or lives. Holla.
Pointless investments. We don't have the time, effort, or desire to engage in things that are not worthwhile. Bring on the real stuff, because we ready...we ready..we ready for yall. (if you don't get that music throw back, I am getting really old).
The daily comparisons. You are out like power in a snow storm. We will take what we have been given and rejoice in it- and not woe is me ourselves when we look at what our friends have been blessed with.
Now- on to what we hope for and are excited about in 2014. 2013 was incredibly good to us, despite our family feuds, so I can't fault it too much.
We look forward to White Cosby's 70th birthday in February- Kevin's 30th in May- and mine (oh. em. gee.) in August. Thank you Lord for a late summer birthday, so I can hold on to 29 8 more months! We will celebrate 1 year or marriage in April- that is crazy we are at the 8 month mark. Time flies when you marry the man of your dreams.
Kevin will take a big test soon for work and we are hoping for good results. He is pretty smart, so I think he will do fine.
My mom will get a much needed knee replacement and we are praying this goes well and that it is a huge help to her. You can join us if you like.
My sweet Jackson- the oldest of the elite 8- will be 13. I think I am going to cry.
We hope to establish some sort of ministry with friends in the coming months. My heart is heavy laden to use our house for good, and my husband gives me his full support.
We plan to enjoy every moment we can together. Lately we have gotten really good at watching movies and hanging out. I'm not complaining.
I see our spiritual lives getting stronger- because of the deep desires we both have to be the best we can be for our other half and to serve the Lord. It is an amazing thing to hear your husband pray- even when you dont have the will or the words. It also makes my heart smile to know that my husband's relationship with the Lord is much stronger than the relationship we have.
We will try new things, take in the view, and be ever mindful that that Lord has been good to us. We will listen more, pray harder, and be in the moment. We will allow God to be the potter and we will be the clay.
I hope to make some meaningful investments in people this year. I had the privilege to work with the youth for the past 7 months and we pray for new relationships for this year.
So there it is. A different approach to a new year. Positivity and a whole lotta prayer. Although weight loss and fitness would be nice (cause let me tell you...married life looks gooood on me. A little too good if you know what I mean.)
Thanks for reading! Stay tuned. Mondays will be blog days. I really am committed to see this thing through this year. Keep coming back. I just might do a giveaway soon. :)
- Rachel
Let's cut to the chase. Here are the things we will be leaving behind from 2013- that I, we, will not bring in to 2014. No way no how- not now. (A little Dr. Seuss for you on this arctic chill day).
D-R-A-M-A drama- oh oh- you got that way because of your si..and just like that we leave it there. Team Pope has vowed to not let the last 2 months of 2013 hell carry over into the rest of our lives. One side of the coin is much better than before, praise the Lord!- but the other side- well, we are just leaving it flipped over and not worrying about it any more. Leaving the Jerry Springer episode to be continued (but in my mind- honey the show has been canceled and we movin' on up).
Negativity. You and all you bring have no place or welcome in our home or mouths or lives. Holla.
Pointless investments. We don't have the time, effort, or desire to engage in things that are not worthwhile. Bring on the real stuff, because we ready...we ready..we ready for yall. (if you don't get that music throw back, I am getting really old).
The daily comparisons. You are out like power in a snow storm. We will take what we have been given and rejoice in it- and not woe is me ourselves when we look at what our friends have been blessed with.
Now- on to what we hope for and are excited about in 2014. 2013 was incredibly good to us, despite our family feuds, so I can't fault it too much.
We look forward to White Cosby's 70th birthday in February- Kevin's 30th in May- and mine (oh. em. gee.) in August. Thank you Lord for a late summer birthday, so I can hold on to 29 8 more months! We will celebrate 1 year or marriage in April- that is crazy we are at the 8 month mark. Time flies when you marry the man of your dreams.
Kevin will take a big test soon for work and we are hoping for good results. He is pretty smart, so I think he will do fine.
My mom will get a much needed knee replacement and we are praying this goes well and that it is a huge help to her. You can join us if you like.
My sweet Jackson- the oldest of the elite 8- will be 13. I think I am going to cry.
We hope to establish some sort of ministry with friends in the coming months. My heart is heavy laden to use our house for good, and my husband gives me his full support.
We plan to enjoy every moment we can together. Lately we have gotten really good at watching movies and hanging out. I'm not complaining.
I see our spiritual lives getting stronger- because of the deep desires we both have to be the best we can be for our other half and to serve the Lord. It is an amazing thing to hear your husband pray- even when you dont have the will or the words. It also makes my heart smile to know that my husband's relationship with the Lord is much stronger than the relationship we have.
We will try new things, take in the view, and be ever mindful that that Lord has been good to us. We will listen more, pray harder, and be in the moment. We will allow God to be the potter and we will be the clay.
I hope to make some meaningful investments in people this year. I had the privilege to work with the youth for the past 7 months and we pray for new relationships for this year.
So there it is. A different approach to a new year. Positivity and a whole lotta prayer. Although weight loss and fitness would be nice (cause let me tell you...married life looks gooood on me. A little too good if you know what I mean.)
Thanks for reading! Stay tuned. Mondays will be blog days. I really am committed to see this thing through this year. Keep coming back. I just might do a giveaway soon. :)
- Rachel
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Snap back to reality
These last couple of months have been an incredibly trying time in mine and my family's lives. To say that it is has been bad is an understatement. A Jerry Springer episode is a better example of what we have been living. Jer-ry! Jer-ry! Jer-ry!
(You know you watched. Just to see what crazy story would come up next- and laugh at how mind-boggling people really could be. It was my daily ritual for a while with my mom- no shame in my game.)
If I were to really write it out- what arguments, what hateful, disturbing words have been said, what actions have been completed, and what image is really portrayed- you would really laugh because it is so insanely ridiculous.
It never ceases to amaze me that stuff hits the fan around the holidays- not just in my family but in lots of families. Instead of celebrations and the excitement and magic of Christmas abounding- people get mean and vicious and turn vile.
There have been many sleepless nights and many tears shed over the past month. Tears shed over things that we cannot control. Many prayers and pleadings lifted to God- and many doubts that this is really our life right now. Disclaimer: Kevin and I are fine..beyond blessed and happily married with a healthy communication system. But the rest of the things we have been dealing with are not fine.
Sometimes we get hurt and sometimes there are people in our lives who live to just make us miserable. I know we have made mistakes as well- I do not deny that. I also know that we are only a part of the problem. I know my family's struggles are just a small portion of what is really going on in this world today.
So much evil. Pure evil and animosity. Why? Why are people just down right ugly and inconsiderate? At Christmas!? Why do we let people have that influence over us?
I don't have the answers- and I don't understand why people in your own family treat you like you are a criminal. No- criminals have better treatment than we have been given. Maybe an outcast- a leper would be the best example I can think of. Completely cutoff from the rest of the world because YOU (mainly its just me) have a problem (or are the problem).
Christmas should be about cherishing the times you have with loved ones. Focusing on how you can share Jesus with others to advance the kingdom. Love and sweet memories are supposed to be made- not hate and nightmares. It is truly the most wonderful time of the year- but this year is different.
I don't know what other people are dealing with right now, but I know we aren't the only ones who have real life problems that are never known to the outside world. In the past year- we have seen 5 of our friend's marriages crumble. Our friends have seen loved ones go before their time. We have seen families ripped apart because of the actions of a few individuals. We have heard of families losing everything- from fires, to money- to just reasons that are out of their hands. We have also seen how people's true colors come out- and I can tell you- they are fitting for the season. Red with anger & hate and green with envy & spite.
God has been trying to teach me something and I haven't been listening. Two weeks ago our Sunday School lesson was about loving others like Christ did- and treating them how Christ did. I have failed incredibly at this. My anger and my bitterness and my hurt have hidden the light in me. This week I even taught the Sunday School lesson- and it was about where our hope comes from. Things may seem hopeless to us- but they are never hopeless with God. Apparently I didn't get the message until now.
God has been there- and thankfully he still is there. He knows the struggles. He is just waiting for us to come and give all thecrap, disappointment, frustrations, bitterness, hurt, and pure anger to Him to resolve. It is hard to realize that you can't fix people- or the problems people create for you, but find comfort in knowing that God wants to- and everything is possible with Him.
Praying specifically today for God to work not just in my family, but for anyone else who is having a hard time this Christmas.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
(You know you watched. Just to see what crazy story would come up next- and laugh at how mind-boggling people really could be. It was my daily ritual for a while with my mom- no shame in my game.)
If I were to really write it out- what arguments, what hateful, disturbing words have been said, what actions have been completed, and what image is really portrayed- you would really laugh because it is so insanely ridiculous.
It never ceases to amaze me that stuff hits the fan around the holidays- not just in my family but in lots of families. Instead of celebrations and the excitement and magic of Christmas abounding- people get mean and vicious and turn vile.
There have been many sleepless nights and many tears shed over the past month. Tears shed over things that we cannot control. Many prayers and pleadings lifted to God- and many doubts that this is really our life right now. Disclaimer: Kevin and I are fine..beyond blessed and happily married with a healthy communication system. But the rest of the things we have been dealing with are not fine.
Sometimes we get hurt and sometimes there are people in our lives who live to just make us miserable. I know we have made mistakes as well- I do not deny that. I also know that we are only a part of the problem. I know my family's struggles are just a small portion of what is really going on in this world today.
So much evil. Pure evil and animosity. Why? Why are people just down right ugly and inconsiderate? At Christmas!? Why do we let people have that influence over us?
I don't have the answers- and I don't understand why people in your own family treat you like you are a criminal. No- criminals have better treatment than we have been given. Maybe an outcast- a leper would be the best example I can think of. Completely cutoff from the rest of the world because
Christmas should be about cherishing the times you have with loved ones. Focusing on how you can share Jesus with others to advance the kingdom. Love and sweet memories are supposed to be made- not hate and nightmares. It is truly the most wonderful time of the year- but this year is different.
I don't know what other people are dealing with right now, but I know we aren't the only ones who have real life problems that are never known to the outside world. In the past year- we have seen 5 of our friend's marriages crumble. Our friends have seen loved ones go before their time. We have seen families ripped apart because of the actions of a few individuals. We have heard of families losing everything- from fires, to money- to just reasons that are out of their hands. We have also seen how people's true colors come out- and I can tell you- they are fitting for the season. Red with anger & hate and green with envy & spite.
God has been trying to teach me something and I haven't been listening. Two weeks ago our Sunday School lesson was about loving others like Christ did- and treating them how Christ did. I have failed incredibly at this. My anger and my bitterness and my hurt have hidden the light in me. This week I even taught the Sunday School lesson- and it was about where our hope comes from. Things may seem hopeless to us- but they are never hopeless with God. Apparently I didn't get the message until now.
God has been there- and thankfully he still is there. He knows the struggles. He is just waiting for us to come and give all the
Praying specifically today for God to work not just in my family, but for anyone else who is having a hard time this Christmas.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Monday, December 16, 2013
2013 in review
So last year I made a big 13 point goal list. You can read about it here. 2013 goals
Let's just say I didn't quite reach most of these goals. I did read a few books- not 13- but my textbooks count as 2 apiece- so that's 4, then I read Beyond the Badge. I started another...but haven't finished it. Oh- I also read American Sniper.
I do pray for my husband a lot. A whole lot. From the time I wake up to the time I go to bed.
Dog walking. Ha. Those poor babies need some walks.
Out of 13 places. I went to: Hilton Head, Miami, Honduras, Belize, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Boston, Savannah, Statesboro, Tybee, Atlanta, Macon, Lyons, Griffin. Some old- some new. 14. Check.
Let's look back at our year in review- the things we did do:
January- Purchased the (absolute dreamed up in my head) wedding dress with my mom
February- I think we went out the night before valentines- and just stayed at home for the love day..but I don't remember.
March- Had the time of our lives on our bachelor and bachelorette parties- I went to Hilton Head with my girls and Kevin took over ATL.
April-Something happened this month- but I can't put my finger on it. OH that's right- The New Pope was crowned! Me. We had the most awesome wedding with the most perfect weather and the best of friends there to watch us become united. We took a trip of a lifetime and went on the best vacation cruise ever. Cozumel, Belize, Honduras, and Grand Cayman.
May- The Mr. celebrated his first birthday married (and first birthday with me). Cirque de Soleil was a great gift! As a late present I flew him to Boston for a week and let him have a great time while I was at a conference. We also got to meet up with my host family from Connecticut and have a fabulous Italian dinner with them.
June & July- we played on the lake as much as we could. My husband tried to teach me how to wakeboard- but it isn't for me. We didn't go to the ER this year- so I count that as a plus. We did bust one tube (well the youth did), but I think they had a blast. We also learned that Papa Pope is a maniac when he drives the boat. It is scarily awesome! We did make a trek to Six Flags with the youth and had a great time.
August- 29 came for me with a 2nd Annual trip to the beach. My parents and my in-laws (and all of our dogs) rented a condo in Tybee to bring it in. Oh- and I started school at Georgia Southern to take some classes- to determine if I want to pursue a higher degree. We got a free trip to Savannah for work and had a good time hanging out with some of Kevin's old Nighthawk buddies.
September- Georgia Southern Football game.
October- We took our annual Halloween picture...And went to a UGA game thanks to some friends.
November- Kevin got his first buck! 8 pointer. We hosted Thanksgiving for my parents, my aunt, and 2 cousins at our house. I made everything but the turkey and some butter beans and peas. I think it went surprisingly well- I was proud of my spread. Kevin was a great help too. We also took a trip down south and blew up a lot of things (the boys did) and hung out with friends. And we didn't go black Friday shopping. A first for me since I was 15 I believe.
December- Kevin got his 50th DUI arrest for the year, which is awesome. He will get a MADD pin to add to his collection. He also made a first: DUI arrest on a bike. I completed my 2 classes with an A and a B- which I thought was going to be a C..but am super thankful for the Lord working in on that one.
8 Months of marriage to round out the year.
Let's just say I didn't quite reach most of these goals. I did read a few books- not 13- but my textbooks count as 2 apiece- so that's 4, then I read Beyond the Badge. I started another...but haven't finished it. Oh- I also read American Sniper.
I do pray for my husband a lot. A whole lot. From the time I wake up to the time I go to bed.
Dog walking. Ha. Those poor babies need some walks.
Out of 13 places. I went to: Hilton Head, Miami, Honduras, Belize, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Boston, Savannah, Statesboro, Tybee, Atlanta, Macon, Lyons, Griffin. Some old- some new. 14. Check.
Let's look back at our year in review- the things we did do:
January- Purchased the (absolute dreamed up in my head) wedding dress with my mom
March- Had the time of our lives on our bachelor and bachelorette parties- I went to Hilton Head with my girls and Kevin took over ATL.
April-Something happened this month- but I can't put my finger on it. OH that's right- The New Pope was crowned! Me. We had the most awesome wedding with the most perfect weather and the best of friends there to watch us become united. We took a trip of a lifetime and went on the best vacation cruise ever. Cozumel, Belize, Honduras, and Grand Cayman.
May- The Mr. celebrated his first birthday married (and first birthday with me). Cirque de Soleil was a great gift! As a late present I flew him to Boston for a week and let him have a great time while I was at a conference. We also got to meet up with my host family from Connecticut and have a fabulous Italian dinner with them.
June & July- we played on the lake as much as we could. My husband tried to teach me how to wakeboard- but it isn't for me. We didn't go to the ER this year- so I count that as a plus. We did bust one tube (well the youth did), but I think they had a blast. We also learned that Papa Pope is a maniac when he drives the boat. It is scarily awesome! We did make a trek to Six Flags with the youth and had a great time.
August- 29 came for me with a 2nd Annual trip to the beach. My parents and my in-laws (and all of our dogs) rented a condo in Tybee to bring it in. Oh- and I started school at Georgia Southern to take some classes- to determine if I want to pursue a higher degree. We got a free trip to Savannah for work and had a good time hanging out with some of Kevin's old Nighthawk buddies.
September- Georgia Southern Football game.
October- We took our annual Halloween picture...And went to a UGA game thanks to some friends.
November- Kevin got his first buck! 8 pointer. We hosted Thanksgiving for my parents, my aunt, and 2 cousins at our house. I made everything but the turkey and some butter beans and peas. I think it went surprisingly well- I was proud of my spread. Kevin was a great help too. We also took a trip down south and blew up a lot of things (the boys did) and hung out with friends. And we didn't go black Friday shopping. A first for me since I was 15 I believe.
December- Kevin got his 50th DUI arrest for the year, which is awesome. He will get a MADD pin to add to his collection. He also made a first: DUI arrest on a bike. I completed my 2 classes with an A and a B- which I thought was going to be a C..but am super thankful for the Lord working in on that one.
8 Months of marriage to round out the year.
I think we have had an amazing start to the rest of our lives. 2013 was pretty great. Here's to hoping for many more memories together!
Monday, November 4, 2013
The times when
I took a significant break off from blogging. I got really busy with school and investing in my first year of marriage- so although I missed out of writing, I invested in some worthwhile things.
There has been a LOT of negativity surrounding me lately- whether through people who are just plain ugly in their actions or attitudes- or through the pursuing of increased education and it.being.really.hard.- or through the word "fake" manifesting itself in my daily presence- or even through just not having a clue about what to do with life.
And- as much as I sit here and complain about it, I keep telling myself- have you prayed about it as much as you have complained about it. The answer in a nut shell- nope.
Why do we as Christians- who have a direct line of communication with the Creator of the world- neglect to talk to him- when we can spend hours surrounded by friends at football games, or type hundreds of words in texts to people all over- but can't seem to make time for prayer?
Avoidance. We as humans do it everyday to something we don't want to be around. It might be people who dont live the same lifestyle as us, people who are different- people who have hurt us- or people who think they are better than us; a place that makes us uncomfortable- a food that brings back a bad memory; music, clothes- or sometimes even the things that we know are a temptation for us- we avoid that if we choose to not act out on our flesh. I avoid people, probably that I shouldnt but Im not ready to make nice with; I avoid dessert right now because Im trying to get my act together. Music that sings about things that arent really uplifting- places that really arent a joyfiller- and more of a joykiller. Tv shows that are gory and gruesome- but mainly I avoid my Savior.
I share my problems with friends- my sweet husband- and myself, but avoid giving it all up to the Lord. Knowing that my true friends do care makes my heart a little less heavy, but I sit and think about how much more God cares about me. Way more than I could ever dream or imagine or measure. And yet I still choose to not give him all of the stresses and tell him it is too much.
I feel closest to God when I write out my prayers. Maybe I enjoy writing on here because I feel like God is working in and on me as I get my thoughts out of my head.
I am reminded of a few songs and verses that encourage me to get it all out and give it to the Lord.
"You never said it would be easy, you only said I'd never go alone"
"Cast all your cares upon him, for he cares for you" (Jeremy Camp)
"Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." 1 Peter 5:7, Amplified version
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
Maybe this week I will give it up and get it out. God is the only true problem solver- the infinite answer- and the only peace.
There has been a LOT of negativity surrounding me lately- whether through people who are just plain ugly in their actions or attitudes- or through the pursuing of increased education and it.being.really.hard.- or through the word "fake" manifesting itself in my daily presence- or even through just not having a clue about what to do with life.
And- as much as I sit here and complain about it, I keep telling myself- have you prayed about it as much as you have complained about it. The answer in a nut shell- nope.
Why do we as Christians- who have a direct line of communication with the Creator of the world- neglect to talk to him- when we can spend hours surrounded by friends at football games, or type hundreds of words in texts to people all over- but can't seem to make time for prayer?
Avoidance. We as humans do it everyday to something we don't want to be around. It might be people who dont live the same lifestyle as us, people who are different- people who have hurt us- or people who think they are better than us; a place that makes us uncomfortable- a food that brings back a bad memory; music, clothes- or sometimes even the things that we know are a temptation for us- we avoid that if we choose to not act out on our flesh. I avoid people, probably that I shouldnt but Im not ready to make nice with; I avoid dessert right now because Im trying to get my act together. Music that sings about things that arent really uplifting- places that really arent a joyfiller- and more of a joykiller. Tv shows that are gory and gruesome- but mainly I avoid my Savior.
I share my problems with friends- my sweet husband- and myself, but avoid giving it all up to the Lord. Knowing that my true friends do care makes my heart a little less heavy, but I sit and think about how much more God cares about me. Way more than I could ever dream or imagine or measure. And yet I still choose to not give him all of the stresses and tell him it is too much.
I am reminded of a few songs and verses that encourage me to get it all out and give it to the Lord.
"You never said it would be easy, you only said I'd never go alone"
"Cast all your cares upon him, for he cares for you" (Jeremy Camp)
"Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." 1 Peter 5:7, Amplified version
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
Maybe this week I will give it up and get it out. God is the only true problem solver- the infinite answer- and the only peace.
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