Tag Archives: thoughts

the spin cycle.

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Public Washing machine
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You know those times when doubt, fear, comparison fill your mind? It can come out of no where. Suddenly, so quickly your mind is filled with questions, comparisons and lies. And you are left spinning. Spinning downward.

How am I going to do this? Why are my kids acting like that NOW? What is she thinking of me? I don’t know what I am doing and I’m pretty sure everyone else does. Why can’t we have that? Why don’t I look like that after 3 kids? Why don’t I act that graciously when that happens to me? She probably doesn’t struggle with that. Yes, that family has it all together. I should do this, act that way and be a part of that. I’m sure she always does that and never does that.

and. the. list. goes. on. and. on.

It’s ugly isn’t it? And it can take us out like that! It happens to all of us. It’s true. Yes, even the seemingly “perfect person” that you constantly compare yourself too. They do the same thing.

And I do it too. I so easily can fall into this ugly spin cycle that gets me know where but feeling worse than where I started.

So what do you do to stop the spin cycle? One word. Truth. You set your mind on truth. You go to his Word. You talk to Him. You tell him it all. He listens. And slowly as you let it all out. Let it all go. The lies are replaced with truth. The anxiety is replaced with peace. There is grace and compassion for he knows. And yes, once more he stops the cycle and brings your focus back on him, where you can rest in him.

The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion. The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in in great need, he saved me. Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you. Psalm 116:5-7

we are called.

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Choose love.

Act justly.

Love mercy.

Walk humbly.

Micah 6:8

A goal I have for my family this year is to memorize a verse together each month. I want to choose verses that display characteristics I desire to have in myself and in my kids. This is the verse I have chosen for January. Something short and simple but so powerful. If they memorize the verse that is a bonus. More than the memorization I would love to see a heart change, a change in their character because of the verse we are learning. I know it starts with me. Acting justly when I don’t really want to or think it’s necessary. Showing mercy when I’m all “mercied out” for the day. Walking humbling when my pride fills the room. Yes, it starts with me. Thankful He has gone before me and prepared the way.

 

 

2012 words for the year.

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Day 168 :: and i have waited, the anticipation's got me glued
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The past couple of years I have picked a word or two for the year. Something I want to focus on, study, make a point to remember  and practice as the year rolls on. I take some time to pray and think about it at the end of the year/start of the next year. I don’t really know how to explain how I decide it’s just something I feel in my heart. So without further ado…

Let the drum roll begin…..

My words for 2012 are obedience and humility.

Obedience. I want to strive for obedience in all that I do. How I act, talk, my motivations, how I treat others, respond to my husband and parent our kids. I want to be obedient to wherever God calls me to, whatever he calls me to do and be. I want to practice obedience even when it’s uncomfortable, or when I think I know better. Abiding in Him in all that I do, with all that I am.

Humility. The longer I am a Christian the more I see how much I need help. How I can’t do this thing called life on my own. How as much as I would like to have it altogether… I don’t. Nope, I don’t. And I’ve come to the hard realization I never will have it all together. I need others and most importantly I need Him. I want to continue to grow in humility before Him and before others. It’s messy at times and causes more feelings of uncomfortableness. It’s scary too when you just let it all go and stand there with your messiness in front of others, in front of Him. But I am convinced, yes I believe good, good things come out of that messiness when we aren’t afraid to show it. When we take down the walls, open up our heart, peel back the layers and are truly know by others. Most importantly by the One who loves and knows us most.

So there it is, obedience and humility.

Let the journey begin…

 

what are you listening to?

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Bible reading. Coffee. Oatmeal. All good stuff

It could be in the still, quiet of the early morning. Maybe you are alone. Maybe you have a little one sitting next to you. It could be loud with this and that going on around you but in your small inner space it is quiet. Maybe its in the middle of the day while eating lunch, over coffee or with an afternoon snack. It could be late at night, when the day is done, everyone is in bed and all is quiet once again.

Whatever the time of day it is He is there. He is listening. He is waiting for you to stop and take some time with Him. He wants to speak to us, fill us with hope for the day, reminders of His promises, His truth and love. Yes, He is listening to us but He wants us to listen to Him as well. Even when the “to-do” list is longer than usual, when the day just doesn’t start out right, even when every obstacle it seems is getting in your way. Because all those things will happen and more. Just do it. Stop. Listen. And take time with Him.

What are you listening to?

simply love.

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Theia’s been asking a lot of questions which have led to some awesome conversations. Brian and I are both amazed at how even at 4 years old there is so much their little heads and hearts can take in.

She quietly sat at the table and drew this picture, and glued a cross of yarn on it. When she was done she asked me to write at the top “I love you Jesus.”

Wow, I know what my heart did when she asked me and then to watch her proudly tape it up in the kitchen. I can’t imagine what Jesus’  heart did.

It reminded me that is all He wants-my love. Heart abandoned, hold nothing back. Just a love that follows Him, that listens to Him, that waits for Him. There’s nothing tricky or complicated about it. It’s not performance based or guilt ridden. Simply love ME he says.

I love when I get these big reminders from the little people in my life.

Thanks Theia.

simple words.

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Simple words I needed to read this morning.

Stop worrying, hurrying, planning, rushing, stessing.

Be still.

Enjoy the moments right now, even if they are not what you planned

And know.

Know I am here, right now when things are going unplanned.

I hear you.

My promises are still true. Know I will never leave you or forsake you.

Know that you can unload your burdens on me and I will take them for you.

Know there is hope in me.

Be still

and

know.

***found this picture via pinterest on viewalongtheway. very cute ideas!

thankful.

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What are you thankful for today?

This banner hangs on our mantle. It’s a constant reminder that I have so much to be thankful for. Here are just a few.

  • coffee with a new friend last night
  • weekly coffee date with a special friend tonight
  • a warm house
  • hugs and kisses in the morning from 3 little people
  • a new workout shirt for the gym
  • answers to prayer
  • a husband that makes me laugh
  • connections and friendships being formed through twitter and blogging
  • a big family to visit and spend time with on Thanksgiving
  • what I am learning in His Word

Look around. What are you thankful for today?

Take it all.

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Water fall

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He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out generously. Titus 3:5b

I love this. He didn’t just give us a little but he poured out generously for us. He loves us that much. You are covered today my friend. Generously.

When you lose it. When you worry. When you doubt. When your are sad. When you just don’t know. When you are overwhelmed.

He is there. Covering you. Out of His love and kindness for you.

You are covered generously.

Take it all.

 

 

 

 

right here. right now.

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482 Hidden sunlight

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Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Chirst Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7