« July 2007 | Main | September 2007 »
Below is a link to a great little video (sent to me by Pam McKinney). Hand puppet signs to the song... "What a Wonderful World".
You will really enjoy it, and the guy who is doing the hand gestures (nice ones!) to the song is great!!
Well, as most parents know, it's not only back to school for the kids, but also for the parents. Dad did homework duty last night. I'm on duty tonight. I feel for kids...they have to go to get up early, go to classes all day, and then homework to do at home. If your child does sports, there's another factor in the equation!
However, Leanna, our daughter, loves being in school. She loves making new friends and seeing her old friends. The feeling of community makes all the other things worth putting up with.
When was the last time you lifted a student's book bag or backpack? Unbelievably heavy!! I wonder how they avoid back problems.
I know we will settle into the new routine. The sound of the alarm clock will become less annoying, the fear will lessen (hopefully) when we wait to find out what homework she has to do (us too), and we will get the hang of it all.
Time has become even more precious. There are SO many things to gobble it up right in front of your eyes, as you look in horror and wonder how to keep the wheels from flying off (you know time flies :-).
When I really think about it, it brings me back to the bottom line- every situation we find ourselves in is another opportunity to learn how to trust God, and how to pray.
I know that I'm definitely enrolled in Patience 101 (I hope I pass :-). I've learned God doesn't care how we learn the lessons, but that we DO learn the lessons.
Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Aren't you thankful God's mercies are new every morning?? Me too!!!
Today's Quote
Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.
-Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
I love this quote by Oliver Wendell Homes, Jr. "Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never gains its original dimensions."
I love to sit down and talk to people who have the ability to dream big. To capture, hold, and see something come to pass what once was only a dream.
I want to live my life with vision, but it has to be vision with potential. Potential for something great. When God made me and you, He had already written a plan for our lives. I've been asking God to take the scales off my eyes so I can clearly see the vision He has for my life.
If I am able to see this plan God has for me, there are no limits to what I can do...but it has to be "through Him." More and more I am realizing that without Him I am nothing.
I know there have been times in my life where I have spent too much time only staying "in touch with God" rather than doing everything it takes to fully know God's and His will for my life. There's a sacrifice... if I want the the greater things... am I willing to pay the price?
Life is a series of choices we make, and our dependence upon God. He is the vine and we are the branches. We need what the vine (God) puts into the branches (us). There are things in the vine that we can never duplicate or even think of on our own. That is why we need the Lord in all we do. When we have allowed God to put His vision in our hearts, it wil be the "real" vision, and not a counterfeit.
I will not be able to fulfill the plan God has already planned for my life unless I am I am able to allow Him to show me what the plan is. I'm asking God to give me new eyes to see His plan, and a heart to obey. I hope you feel the same about your life.
A couple of weeks ago I went to Montana to see my family. It was a great trip, but I learned some lessons.
It was a joy to see some of my Mom and some of my extended family that I had not seen for years. I have nieces and nephews who are grown now, and have families of their own. We tend to freeze people in time. In our minds, they look the same until we see them again...they are frozen in time. So, anyhow I had to go home and "unthaw" some of the relatives.
While I was visiting my Mom, I felt like the Lord sent some "life lesson" tests for me. Needless to say, I did not pass all of my tests. I will be 48 next month, and my Mom can still get on my nerves. (Never go home for two weeks...shorten the time...you'll pass more tests 
As our lives weave in and out of others lives, we have to be flexible. Everyone is different. If you want to save yourself a lot of stress, stay prayed up. Patience is a virtue.
At one point of deep frustration, I sent a text to one of my friends and said, "I think I'm losing my religion!" I was trying to be funny in the midst of my situation. My friend sent me a text back and we laughed together, but what I loved most is that she was really there for me. She prayed for me, and I felt her prayers. We must have people in our lives like that.
Robert was really there for me, too. It meant SO much. He prayed for me, gave me a lot of encouragement and reminded me of some scriptures to stand on.
We can hit spiritual warfare and find God in the midst of whatever is happening.
When it was all said and done, I am thankful that I went home to see my family. I know how important it is to cherish each and every moment with the ones we love. I have purposed in my heart to be there more for my Mom. Each day I would see my Mom go to check her mail. I became keenly aware of how she needs to receive things besides junk mail and bills. Don't we all? Plus, I plan to call her more- now that I have set some boundaries. No two hour phone calls for me. Mom's a talker, but after 20 minutes...30 minutes on a good day that is it for me.
Anyhow, I know a lot of you were praying for me too while I was away, and I can't tell you how much that means to me. I also deeply appreciate those who covered all the bases for me here so I would not have to worry about anything. You guys are the best!!
When it comes to passing tests, we not pass them all, but if we can eventually pull the life lesson out of it, and gain understanding...we still win the victory in the end. So, if you are like me, and have not passed all of your tests, ask God for understanding. He is faithful to reveal what you need to see.
Good to be back...there's no place like home!
Since getting back in town, I have hit the ground running. I hope to put some thoughts together soon.
Recent Comments