Who are you? Teachings from the Pulpit 4

Hi Fans. So this week we had a guest speaker at Church - Tom Flick. He's a football superhero (apparently) and is now known for helping companies throughout the world get their corporate acts together. Anyhoot, he had some great questions (You know I love questions!) to ask and some great points about what life truly should.

So let's dive in, shall we? In today's society, Christians are not seen as something special because we are so mixed into the world and the influences of the world that Non-Christians can't tell the difference between themselves and their Christian Counterparts. Christians swear, Christians fail, Christians cheat, Christians lie, Christians get drunk, Christians use the Lord's name in vain, Christians abuse, Christians disappoint, Christians don't keep their word, Christians break promises, Christians are constantly disappointing a world that so desperately needs Christ - so the question arises - How are you living your life to be Christ like? Yes, please do get on people's level and don't be a stick up your butt, prudish Christian that is more worried about being religious than being spiritual. However, are you practicing what you are preaching? Or are you giving God a bad name by the way you're currently living your life? I know I'm a daily disappointment to God, but the wonderful thing about it is that I know that he still loves me even if I fail him a million times. But, how are we supposed to win people over and say that we're different if we don't act or look any different than our Non-Christian friends? How are people going to see that "something different" in our lives if we aren't living a life that's "something different"?

Often, Christians fake it. We fake our perfect lives living in our perfect little Christian Bubble. Well, I have news for you fans, I don't fit in the box that so many traditional Christians have placed me in. I'm a lover of life, not a quiet submissive woman that should never speak. I love passionately the things and people in my life. The box is the safety net of Christians today. We're too scared to venture out into the scary world that is the real world that Christ himself lived in. So we find our box and decide that we just shouldn't even try. How is that meeting our purpose for living? Hiding in a box forever, until Christ comes? Don't you remember the story of the talent and how the one servant dug a hole and buried it - just because he was too terrified of losing it? And what did Christ say to him?

People, there is a reason we have fear... thanks to the bad things of this world we will always be fearful. But we will continue to fail until we start trying. And even if you start trying, there is not guarantee of success at first... but keep trying until you meet with a success unseen in common hours. You will be successful even if it takes you a million different ideas and a thousand different ways of doing things. However, you will not fail until you fail to try. So get out there and start trying!!!

Ask yourselves some questions this week (As I am doing as well):

1. Who are you?
2. Why are you here?
3. Where are you going?
4. Do you stand out in the crowd? If so, is it good or bad?
5. At the end of your life, what do you want to be remembered for?
6. If you were to stand before Christ today - what would He say to you? Would he be proud? Embarrassed? Disappointed?
7. And if He were to be one of the negatives - how can you change?

I suppose this wasn't much about my sermon.... but all of this has really been weighing on my heart for the past few days. Hope all of it made sense. Stay safe my friends, and remember that God loves you no matter where you are, what you've done, or who you've become.... and He will meet you wherever you are at - I promise.

Thankful

It's Turkey Day Fans.... and it's almost over for me. As with every other year I have overeaten and am now feeling it! I love this holiday, and this year was no different. I spent the day with my amazing family, and was able to get up, have some cinnamon rolls with Sister and soon to be Brother, Nathan. Then Mama Sue and I started cooking and getting everything set up for the evening meal. We had a 31 pound Turkey... he was a BEAST! But everything came together so well and we all so enjoyed ourselves. I love the fact that there is always some random group of people that we don't know very well - usualy Sue invites someone that doesn't have family in the area. It's exciting to get to know a new person and have a different dynamic at the dinner table each year. I LOVE IT!! :-)

So, in the mood of the season, here are the things I'm thankful for:
I'm thankful for friends and family
I'm thankful for my Christian Faith
I'm thankful for being able to live in this amazing country
I'm thankful for the troops that are fighting and sacrificing their time for us.
I'm thankful for music and the joy it brings me
I'm thankful for my job and the mental stimulation it always brings
I'm thankful for new books to read
I'm thankful for being able to cook
I'm thankful for the struggles I've been through in my past
I'm thankful for this year and all the things I've learned throughout it
I'm thankful for being so blessed emotionally, physically, mentally, and financially
I'm thankful for the Sacrifice Christ made for everyone over 2000 years ago.
I'm thankful for the freedom I have to write
I'm thankful for being able to be myself and have the freedoms that I, as a woman, have.
I'm honestly so thankful for everything in my life - because good or bad it's all going to teach me something.

What are you thankful for this year???

Quote of the day from Brother's and Sister's:

"The things and the people that are important your in life are those that you have to truly fight for"

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!! :-)

Something...

I heard this saying the other day, one of those cliche one's that you hear all the time, but for some reason it hit me as something I needed to learn.

"Stand for something or you'll fall for anything"

Wow! Is that not the truth? Looking back on years past I've realized that during the times in my life that I was struggling the most, I was the most lost. Unaware of who I was as a person, unresolved in the stand I needed to take, and confused about my role in this huge world. However, God has shown me through the years that when I'm faithful in standing firm for His plans for me and standing for the "something" He has called and directed me to, I'm a whole person - a person on a mission, a goal, and a focus - a person of success.

However, I often get back on the path well-traveled and two weeks, or two months, or even two years later I realize that what I am standing for is nothing.... nothing but myself. I'm taking the focus off the tasks I've been assigned, and I let myself wander from the very thing that I'm standing for. It's a constant uphill battle that is waged in the day-by-day grind that is my life. How do I keep my focus on the one thing that I'm standing for? How do I become successful at standing? I'm not quite sure... but I'm constantly on the learning curve and slowly, yet surely, I've been able to find out that I can get through anything when I realize that the one thing I'm standing for is my Jesus, my Savior, my Comfort, and my Strength. For with Him, I can do anything, and without Him I am nothing.

Teachings from the Pulpit Part 3

Well... Sunday again and more Jesus loving for one and all! I have forgotten how much I missed being 100% a part of the Church. I love the worship and the teaching and seeing people I haven't seen in awhile. Anyways... we finished up our Jonah reading today and here are some the great points/questions: How to Care about God's Grace (more than your reputation)

*Move your focus off yourself- "each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." - Philipians 2:4
*Move your perspective to God's perspective - "We are Christ's ambassadors, and God is using us to speak to you. We urge you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, 'Be reconciled to God!'" - 2 Corinthians 5:20

1. Are you more concerned about what God thinks of you or what other people think of you?
2. Are you seeing people the way Christ sees them and not as lost causes?


*Recognize to move the focus off yourself, but move it to others- and your reputation will be blessed.

And the last thing on the docket that was so terrific is that once you are in the middle of your problems and struggles of everyday life don't get overwhelmed or angry at God for the issues going on in your life. Ask yourself - what can God teach me through this problem?

It's kind of short and sweet today, but I thought I'd share what I learned- pretty much don't be selfish - and love others more than yourself- look to the needs of others and your life will be greatly blessed in everyway. It's amazing and it's so true! I hope that I can share that compassion on you, my readers. Upward and Onward into the week!! :-)

A Daddy's Love

Well, here is the verse for today. It's been one of those weeks - I'm feeling overwhelmed with life in general and it's amazing how even in our most difficult times God has something to teach us. When we are overwhelmed and just beaten and confused - He is using those everyday problems to give us the compassion, love, respect, and equality with our brother's and sister's here on earth. Life's problems are given to us to help others who may go through the same or similiar circumstances. God doesn't want His children to hurt or to struggle, He only wants to bless us and keep us from the pain - He's our daddy, our one and only defense from the ugliness of this world.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11

3"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.


Count your mournings as blessings for with those mournings and struggles you will be Blessed. It may not be today or tomorrow, or even next year - but you will find joy in your darkest hours and you will find peace in the most tumultruous times in your life - Call Out to Jesus, Find that Missing Person within you, and Live the Life you were called to live - one worthy of the words "Well Done my Good and Faithful Servant".

Questions of all Questions

Fans... it's been a wonderful day filled with new items to ponder the brain about. I've been chatting with a friend of mine about possibly moving out when I graduate, instead of waiting for the planned 2009 move out. Thus, she began challenging me with the questions below, and she actually answered the questions on her own... it was terrific!

1. What are the pros and the cons of moving out?
Answer:
Pros- you build equity(if we decide to buy), you gain responsibility, you are in charge of everything, you answer to no one but yourself, you make all decisions, you learn about yourself, and it builds character for you to be out on your own without others holding you back.
Cons- Financial - you can't save as much money- but really, am I putting all the money I would spend on housing into a separate account to save for my future, relationally/companionship - you may not have anyone around to talk to

So honestly, the pros do outweigh the cons, and really the cons can be made into pros because you could have a roommate, and you will be more financially responsible this way. I thought she made a good argument - gotta love a friend that will challenge you!

2. What's holding you back from doing so or wanting do to so when you're done with school?

Now this is the kicker- what's holding me back? I feel like I can't leave because my family needs me - I'm the cook, the cleaner, the grocery store shopper, the organizer - how will my house run without me?

My friend was nice enough to explain that I'm hiding behind the needs of my family which are not even relevant because my mom has already lived without me for two years - she can take care of herself.

So I guess the only other reason is financial - right now I have too much stuff to pay for to move out, so I can't really think about doing so - however, there is no reason that 6 months down the road I can't make that transition into a new life and a new home....

3. And again with the questions, where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I did say in an earlier post that I wanted to own a condo by the time 5 years comes around, so . . . what's the problem with owning one a little sooner than 5 years, right?

I know, this is a super random post, but I thought it was thought provoking. At least I learned something from the conversation - that I make FAR too many excuses in my daily life, and I need to learn to say no, grab life by the horns, and just do what's best for me, not for everyone else. Because the world will still be spinning even if I were not around - life goes on and I need to accept that! :-)

Realizations

In my Non-Profit class today I began to realize something. Actually, we had one of those days where we list out where we want to be in 5 years, 10 years, and 20 years down the road. And I was shocked at my answers - all this growth I've had in the past month is incredible... here's what I found out:

In 5 years, I'll be in my late twenties. And as I sat in that classroom I started writing things like: I want to own a condo, I want to start my own business, I want to write a book. Then I started thinking about my relationships and my future marriage to someone, and I was sitting there thinking "Oh no, I can't be married by 5 years... I'm still so young!". WOW! What a realization to have. A lot of my friends have gotten married recently, and I am so glad that each of them found the right person to fit their lifestyles. However, I find it difficult in the Christian community to discuss marriage. For some reason we have this thought in our mind, or this pressure from other's that we need to be married now - especially if we're in a relationship. That is just not the case for me. I could not be married right now... I still have so much growing to do, and honestly, I'm scared out of my mind for marriage. So from now on, I'm not worrying about what other people say about my relationships- me and my mate are the one's that will be making the decisions, and honestly it's none of anyone's business if and when we're getting married. I STILL HAVE TIME PEOPLE!!! Let me live my twenties and have some fun!

And 10 years, now that's where I'm thinking that I'll be married. I would probably like to have kids around 30 or so, and start a family. I want to be the #1 soccer mom - but still somehow connected to the business world (that's where my own business comes into play). In 10 years I want to have a house with some land somewhere, and still make time for my family and my friends.

And 20 years, I can't even think that far. It would be great to have enough money to be retired and start traveling the world. I'd love to see all the sites and just go out and have some fun with everything. I'll still be the #1 soccer mom, and I'll still be enjoying myself. I want to entertain a lot - have dinner parties with friends and business associates of my future husband. Honestly, I have no idea where I want to be in 20 years, but I want to be happy!

SO now I ask you, where do you see yourself in 5 years? In 10? In 20? These are GREAT questions to ponder! :-)

I love Rascal Flatts

So... since downloading the most recent Rascal Flatts CD I've come to find that I have just forgotten about the amazing songs this band sings.... my latest and greatest and favorite for today is called, "Take Me There". Literally the BEST song ever, and if a guy ever sincerely said this kind of stuff to me I would literally melt... this is the guy I need in my life!!

There’s a place in your heart, nobody's been,
Take me there.
Things nobody knows,
Not even your friends,Take me there.
Tell me 'bout your momma, your daddy, your hometown,
Show me around,I wanna see it all, don't leave anything out.
I want to know, everything about you THEN.
And I want to go, down every road you've been.
Where your hopes and dreams, and wishes live,
Where you keep the rest of your life hid,
I want to know the girl behind that pretty stare,
Take me there.

Your first real kiss, your first true love,
You were scared.
Show me where,
You learned about life, spent your summer nights, without a care.
I want to roll down main street, the back roads,
Like you did when you were a kid,
What made you who you are,
Tell me what your story is.I want to know, everything about you THEN.

And I want to go, down every road you've been.
Where your hopes and dreams, and wishes live,
Where you keep the rest of your life hid,
I want to know the girl behind that pretty stare
Take me there.Yeah,I want to know, everything about you,

Yeah, everything about you baby.
I want to go, down every road you've been.
Where your hopes and dreams and wishes live,
Where you keep the rest of your life hid,
I want to know the girl behind that pretty stare.
Take me, take me, take me there,
Oh.I want to roll down main street.
I want to know your hopes and your dreams.
Take me, take me there, Yeah.


This song is me... crying! Literally, on my way to school today I was bawling my eyes out listening to this song... ALL guys need to know is to be interested and sincerely CARE for the girl in their lives. Listen to their stories, let us take you there, and be real with us - it's all we need. Take me there....

One Year Left...

So, I was watching Private Practice tonight and the questions arose:

If you had one year left to live, where would you be right now? What would you be doing? Who would you be with? Where would you go?

Good questions...

If I had one year left to live I would be in a Condo on the Kirkland Waterfront or in a Cabin with the most spectacular view of the mountains. I would travel to Italy, Israel, Hawaii, Australia. I would be spending every free moment I had with my family and my friends. I would take the time to reconcile the problems and the hurts of the past so I could have a fulfilling future. I would be working where I am now and volunteering at my Church more frequently. I would write that book I've been wanting to write for years. I would tell my story to the world - the story of a lost little girl thrown into a grown up world far too early. I would be with my mom and my brother and all my teddy bears and with someone who loved me do deeply that I wouldn't even understand the greatness of his love and passion for me. I would be reading more. I would run more. I would take those singing lessons I've wanted to take for years. I would take those dancing lessons I've always wanted to. I would go out more with my girl friends for a glass of wine and some fabulous baked brie. I would go to the spa more and have more girls days. I would take care of me for once in my life - not everyone else.

So what's holding me back from doing all these things? I could say time or money or people or priorities... but in all honesty, the only thing holding me back is myself.

You should ask yourself the same questions - if you had one year left to live, what would you be doing with your life?

Busyness of my life!

Hi Gang-

So this week is going to be absolutely insane... actually the next four weeks are! I have papers and tests, and more papers and tests... I'm practically swimming in all of it! I wanted to share a song with all of you that one of my dear friends shared with me over the weekend. On top of "Wasted" this one is speaking to me and my life right now, it's called "No Reins" by Rascal Flatts... it made me cry today (yes, I'm sometimes emotional). So enjoy!

She left that loser in a dust cloud
Heart in his hand, chin on the ground
Cried her last tear for that cloud
She can see a little clearer now
She said, "Oh, oh, I gotta go and find me"
Oh, oh she found the strength to break free

Like a painted wild mustang
Flyin' out across the open range
Finally gets to live her life that way
No fear, no fences, nobody - no reins No reins

All she's ever felt is held back
She says, "It's kinda nice to hear myself laugh"
She's gonna do a lot more of that
She's makin' plans and makin' tracks
She said, "Oh, oh I gotta go and find me"
Oh, oh she found the strength to break free

Like a painted wild mustang
Flyin' out across the open range
Finally gets to live her life that way
No fear, no fences, nobody - no reins No reins

Oh, oh she's learnin' how to let go
Oh, oh whichever way the wind blows
Oh, oh she's learnin' how to let go

Like a painted wild mustang
Flyin' out across the open range
Finally gets to live her life that way
No fear, no fences, nobody - no reins No reins


How INCREDIBLE!! Except for the loser part at the beginning (I know no losers). But that Chorus, second line, and bridge is exactly where I'm at right now. I'm learning to let go. I'm learning to laugh again, I'm learning to fly across the open range that is my life. I need to love life and enjoy every second of it, because it's all a GREAT blessing! I love my life that way- with no fear, no fences, nobody - no Reins. There is nothing holding me back right now and I seriously feel SO free! I'm loving it. God is gracious and He is good. He watches over his children and pours his every blessing over them. I plan on living for God's best, not my own. . . all with No Reins!!!

How to see God Work - Do what He says

More teachings from the Pulpit. Today, Pastor Mike was going more into depth on his Jonah teaching. It was a GREAT sermon and really hit home to me. Here are some of the verses that are amazing:

"So you see, it isn't enough just to have faith. You must also do good to prove that you have it. Faith that doesn't show itself by good works is no faith at all - it is dead and useless" - James 2:17 NLT

"...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15

Both of those verses are incredible because each discuss the responsibilities of our faith. Questions arise like: am I living the best life so others see something different in me? How is my faith a part of my daily life? And who am I serving... my own selfish desires, or am I serving Christ with everything I do?

Pastor Mike gave us 4 points to remember on how we can do what God says:

1. Commit to thanking the God of 2nd (and 3rd, and 4th, and 5th, etc) Chances.
2. Commit to Unlimited Obedience to Christ's plans
3. Commit to Joyfully serving
4. Realize that the things God commands me to do are his absolute Best for my life.

Points to also remember:

*God's plan for our lives is infinitely better than ANY plans we as humans make.
*Choose if you're going to be hot or cold - Don't be a lukewarm Christian - it's all or nothing.
*Our behavior must follow our faith - actions, words, etc.

And last, but definitely not least, BE GENEROUS! There are 4 different types of people in the world, and God calls Christians especially to be generous to those around us. The 4 types of generosity are:

1. Not at all generous - self focused
2. Sometimes generous - when it works for you
3. Frequently generous
4. Sacficially generous- giving by faith.

I just thought that today's sermon was too great not to pass along to others. Pastor Mike also shared a personal story of him when he thought he met the woman he was meant to be with. Even though the two of them had nothing in common and constantly fought with each other - he would still pray daily that his relationship with this girl would be blessed and that God would bring their hearts together. That story, definitely hit home for me. I definitely thank God for unanswered prayers. Although, the prayers were answered, God just said no to them. Because there is something better and more fitting for me in my life. My future is in His hands, and as we said earlier, God's best is the ONLY best I want. I can't make my life what I want it to be, it can only be what God wants it to be. And I pray I'm a blessing!

I'm praying for you blog friends tonight, and for everyone I know and love. You all mean so much to me, and I hope you know it. :-)

Life's busyness

Hi fans! And Happy Saturday to one and all! So, I don't know about you, but Saturday's are usually my super busy days that are filled with catch up stuff like: laundry, grocery shopping, the Costco run, doing my nails, getting the hair done, planning meals for the week, meeting up with friends to catch up. It's just one of those days that just seems to fly by, and all of a sudden it's Monday again. Argh!

Anyways, lately I've been realizing how great life truly is. I love the fact that I'm able to do whatever I want when I want to do it. I love that I can go see friends that I haven't seen in forever, or book a trip to California or Arizona to see family and friends. I don't have to ask permission, or make sure my schedule fits with someone elses, I'm just free :-). I've come to appreciate my time at home, reading and watching movies. I've come to appreciate my family so much more than I ever thought possible. And I've come to appreciate my friends and all the things they do for me. It's wonderful!

So this week on the learning docket is this: What goes around comes around. It's so funny because I was listening to that Justin Timberlake song the other day, and thought that phrase was so true. Have you ever had something happen to you that was kind of like "I knew this was going to happen"? I've had SO many of those times, it's unbelieveable. However, I'm learning to take those times and learn from them. For instance, I had a tendency to push friends aside if I was feeling too overwhelmed, and I've lost friendships because of it. So now, I'm changing my lifestyle. If I know I can't make a date ahead of time, I just let the person know my schedule and that I can't make it. Instead of attempting to cram everything into 5 mintues, I'd rather spend the actual time with friends.

I've also learned that What goes around comes around in dating as well. Not that I'm dating anyone right now, but I know I've lead people on in th past that really did like me. You know how I dealt with them? Just ignored them, instead of telling them what was up. Probably not the nicest thing in the world. Honesty, is honestly, the best policy.

Well, I'm off into the world of laundry and grocery shopping. Then off for a coffee date with an old friend! WOOT!! :-) Have a GREAT day everyone!

Wasted

So... I've adopted a new life song for myself... actually it was one of my favorites about 6 months ago, and it just came back into my mind. Gotta love your Carrie Underwood, especially in her "Wasted" Song. Here are the lyrics, in case you're not aware of them:

Standi'n at the back door she tried to make it fast
once love hit the hard roadit fell like broken glass
he said sometimes love slips away and you just can't get it backl
et's face it
for one split second she almost turned around
but that would be like pouri'n rain drops back into the clouds
so she took another step and said I see the way out and I'm going to take it

Cause I don't want to spend my life jaded,
waiti'n to wake up one day and find that I let all these years go by, Wasted

Another glass of whiskey
but still don't kill the pain so he stumbles to the sink and pours it down the drain
and says it's time to be a man and stop living for yesterday Gotta face it

Cause I don't wanna spend my life jaded,
waiti'n to wake up one day and find I let all these years go by, Wasted

He kept driving along,until the moon and sun were floating side by side
he looked in the mirror and his eyes were clear for the first time in a while
yeah yeah Oh, I don't want to spend my life jaded
waiti'n, to wake up one day and find, that I let all these years go by, wasted (thanks to Cowboylyrics.com)

Aren't those the most amazing words ever? I don't want to wake up one day and find that I've let all my years go my Wasted. I'm done wasting time. I'm done being the prim and proper me, and I'm ready to be the me that God has called me to be. The me that is tenacious, driven, focused, funny, sarcastic, laid back, giggly, beautiful, amazing, intelligent. I know who I am and I know the person that I'm supposed to be. I'm excited about all the new propositions in life and everything life is throwing my ways these days. I'm beginning to realize that I'm going to be the best darn Insurance Agent around, and really bring new light into the boring world of Insurance. WOOT!

Here's our saying for today: "Ones best success comes after their greatest disappointments."

And thank you Jordan Johnson for helping me to realize what an amazing person I truly am... I'm free to be who I need to be because of you.

Best Wednesday Ever!

Well fans, good times had by all today. It was just one of those days where life was just too funny. Every single time I thought about my relationship problems, I would just start laughing my heart out. It was TERRIFIC! Seriously, one of those amazing days that I really just needed. My friend and I kept boy bashing and it was seriously the best relief I've had in a long time. We kept coming up with great sayings like: "Love No one" or "Boy-COTT!". And we just reveled in the women's brains for awhile. We are some amazing creatures us women are. Seriously, how interconnected and woven we are is outstanding. The ability to love and cherish and have such compassion for those around us is a true gift.

I've definitely found a Kindred Spirit in Jane... and I'm SO blessed to have such an amazing friend in her. Our talks are amazing. She is the best listener about all my venting and ranting and raving. Hopefully, I'm just as helpful to her.

I also heard from a friend today that I have not heard from in awhile, and we just had this random conversation on Facebook... it went a little something like this:

Friend: Hey - What are you doing these days? Let's get the gang together to hang out.

Me: I'm SO glad you contacted me!! It's been far too long my friend and all this boy drama is happening in my life... let's do coffee.

Friend: What do you mean boy drama?

Me: Well, let's just say it's retarded. I'll tell you one thing though, I know I'm dang amazing and smart and intelligent, and sexy, and funny, and exciting, and just the BEST person that has ever graced the planet earth. So... reallly it's his loss, sure I miss him, but obviously he was not in his right mind to know how great of a girl he was giving up on.

Friend's Response: You are Awesome. Plain and Simple... Awesome!

I love it! I absolutely love it. I know that was quite a conceited response of mine, but I'm finding as I get more out of the whole situation, that I am an amazing person. I've got so much life these days and am so excited and passionate about everything, it's unbelieveable! God has plans to prosper me and not to harm me. He is FAITHFUL and through the hard times He is able to turn around our doubts and questions and pain, and make us laugh or learn something from it.

Here are some of the things I've learned today: a) while dating someone don't write off all of your friends- keep in touch with them because you never know when you'll need them b) be thankful for the relationships you've been a part of and the things others have taught you. c) laugh as much as possible and don't lose yourself in a relationship - make sure you're still you - once you've given up on yourself there is no way to continue a positive relationship with anyone else d) don't let a boy tell you your worth - know your worth as God sees it. You are His precious child and he wants to guide and protect you always and forever.

The day has ended just as great as it began. With good laughs with my family, and then for a drive that I've needed to take for about a year now. I had the TECHNO blaring in the Honda, sunroof open, and me just speeding along rocking my heart out(the best part was not having to hear how awful techno is from ANYONE - I love it, and that's ALL that matters!!!). Absolutely amazing day! I've loved every minute of it. And I've learned much. You can't ask for much more than that, right?

Insights of all....

Well, today is going to be a busy one. I'm still going strong with my "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living" book, and I'm still learning! Here is one of the items I got from today's lessons:

Stop sawing the sawdust in your life. The question is: Can you saw sawdust or can you only saw a tree? Carnegie is shows that there is no point sawing the sawdust for it has already been sawed. The analogy applies to our daily lives, when we start regretting or focusing only on the past and trying to relive what has already happened. We are sawing sawdust everytime we get caught up in the frustrations or the disappointments of the past. There is no reason to try to live your life from your past. Take the information and the life lessons that the past has given you, and use them in your daily life today. But don't focus all your thoughts on the regrets and problems that you cannot change.

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More amazing info!

So I was parusing the sites of Facebook and my friend Stephanie had the following on her profile and it was too good not to share... enjoy!

"Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.Life is beauty, admire it.Life is bliss, taste it.Life is a dream, realize it.Life is a challenge, meet it.Life is a duty, complete it.Life is a game, play it.Life is a promise, fulfil it.Life is a sorrow, overcome it.Life is a song, sing it.Life is a struggle, accept it.Life is a tragedy, confront it.Life is an adventure, dare it.Life is luck, make it.Life is too precious, do not destroy it.Life is life, fight for it"

This is terrific stuff! I'm also still listening to my "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living" book on CD (absolutely WONDERFUL). Holy cow... it's amazing how many things you can learn from one small book. I really need to start putting things into practice... that's for sure. Here are some of the steps to worrying less in your day to day life (apply this to any area - work, school, relationships, family issues, etc).

1. Write down what you are worried about.
2. Ask yourself, "What can I do about it?" (make sure you list both positives and negatives)
3. Decide what steps you are doing to take to deal with the worry.
4. Start immediately to follow your decision.

Here is another way to look at problems:

1. What am I worried about?
2. Accept the worst outcome possible.
3. Find ways to prevent the worst from happening.

I'm not going to lie, it's the hardest thing to actually write out your worries, but it's so freeing at the same time. I can't even begin to explain how great I feel after taking the time to look at lmy life and understand that worry has no place in it.

Another GREAT point that Carnegie writes out is the fact that keeping yourself as busy as possible during a time of worry is actually the best way possible to get over the worry. When you don't have time to worry, you don't worry. Ha! Gotta love it.

Honestly, I'm loving my new life... I feel like a completely new person that is just free and able to think for myself again. It's crazy how much stress and worry I allowed to take over my life. Instead of being thankful for the good things in my life, I became angry and unmotivated. I didnt' want to deal with the stress, and so I just pushed it aside. That's no way to handle it. Since facing the issues at hand head on... I've been sleeping better, feeling better, and honestly more productive than I've been in years. I love it! :-)

Question of the day: What are you worried about? And what steps are you taking to overcome that worry?

Teachings from the Pulpit

Well, today is Sunday, and Sunday means time for Church! WOOT! Today mom and I decided to head out to the local Church and I learned a lot during the message. First off, the worship... amazing! I really needed some good singing time with Jesus, and it was fantastic. I've found that I completely am in love with the song (that I don't know the name of) "You are my shield, my strength, my fortress, deliverer, my shelter, strong tower, my EVER present help in time of need".

Those are some powerful words, and they are so true. Often times we get so caught up in the idea that ourselves, or people, or things in this world will make us safe or be our source of strength, but it's just not true. God is the only source of strength and answers and clarity, and as long as I sit around trying to come up with my own answers, I'm just making it harder and harder for myself to accept Christ's plan for me. Then He takes something that is so valuable or important in our lives, and takes it away - and He takes it away for a reason.... to WAKE us up to His Plans for our lives and to remind us that He is in control, not our worldly selves.

Here are the main points from today's sermon (We read from Jonah):
1. Recognize that God is all I need.
2. My worldly way leads only to pain
3. God is the one that gives me what I need the most.

Solutions:
1. Recognize where your running has led you - Where are you currently in your life?
2. Return to God with a humble, repentant heart.
3. Surround yourself with those who are committed to supporting you and encouraging you to be a better person.
4. Surrender trust that God is moving you to exactly where you need to be.

GREAT Stuff today! Absolutely amazing and SO timely for my life. Now, fans, I'm the type of person that is not into uber "religious" Christianity... you know the ones where everything is "You're going to hell if you do this" or "I can't love you because you're not perfect". I recognize that I myself am a sinner and I am DEFINTELY not perfect. I don't want to push myself on other people, and I want people to see my life as different through my actions - not my overbearing "Christian" words.

So here's my question... how does one be spiritual but not overly religious? And how does one influence those around them for the better without walking on or making others feel uncomfortable??

The answers I've come up with are constant prayer for those around you and loving them through everything, not passing judgement or gaining revenge for anything, but genuinely loving them through their lives and their choices. I hope I'm that way to those around me. And if not... please give me some advice on how to better love you, my friend :-) Thank you and goodnight!

Saturdays gone by

Happy Saturday to one and all! I love Saturdays because you get to rest, and sleep, and not really worry about anything but taking care of yourself. This week I've learned a lot and grown a lot, and today I'm looking back on the insights and inspirations I've gotten throughout the week.

My friend Kate from school is such a wonderful, down to earth girl that is able to tell you what you need to know when you need to know it. This week she let me know that at this point in my life, I need to take care of me. I need to become happy with myself, proud of myself, and excited to live each and every day. I need to pamper myself because if I don't take care of me, I can't help those around me. Thank you Kate for the amazing words of wisdom. I will take time today and everyday for myself. Whether that means I read a book, or take a bath, or go get a pedicure or just sit and watch a movie with those closest to me. Once I am happy and content with me, I can be there for others.

Another piece of advice came from my friend Sarah Jane. She has been the most amazing friend this past week and I am so grateful for her insights into my life at the moment. She has just encouraged me to let things go and release them. She gave me the lyrics to the song "She let herself go" by George Strait. It pretty much sums up what I need to do in my life right now. I need to let myself go and do the things I've always dreamed of and be happy along the way.

And last, but certainly not least, my mom has given me more advice this week than anyone. I've had my cry fests and my frustrations and each and every time she is there to hug me, hold me, and love me. I never truly realized how much I missed her friendship and her support. I had given up on my mom, and I now realize that she always needs to stay a priority in my life. She is my number one cheerleader in times of need and fear. She has let me know time and time again that everything will be okay and that God is taking care of me and walking beside me every step of everyday. He will never give me more than I can handle and He has placed the friends and the family that I have in my life for a reason and for a lifetime.

Saying for today: "Some people are in our lives for a reason, some come into our lives for a season, and some stay with us for a lifetime".

Welcome to My World

Welcome one and all to the Blog of the Century! This is a place that I will share my latest insights into life, love, and anything else that comes across my path. There may be days of frustration and venting, and there may be days of praise and admiration. Enjoy! :-)

So, recently life has been a whirlwind of problems for me. And, my family and my closest friends have given me so much insight and so much encouragement that I want to share some of the items I've come across lately with you, my audience:

I was given the book "How to stop worrying and start living" by Dale Carnegie and have learned that I need to live in "Day Tight Compartments". I can't change the past, and I can't influence the future... I can only live for today. Sure, I'm planning for the future financially, but by placing my emotions on the fear of the unknown, I'm unable to move on with my life and Enjoy today for the gift it truly is. So today is the beginning of me living my life in "Day Tight Compartments". I can handle the problems of today and I can get through today, but I can't worry about the problems and the issues that have not even come up yet because I'm not superwoman (though many think I am). Things will probably be better tomorrow than I'm even worrying about today.

The second item of encouragement I've received is a Bible Verse:
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the Truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails". - I Cor. 13:4-8

Now here, there is a difference from "worldly" love that is constantly changing because of our selfish ways as humans and the uncertainty that comes with living in this world, and there is the "Godly" love that is described above. What is your love style? And which do you think is the best way to love those most important to you? Selfishly, so you can gain whatever you want from the person and you only "love" them if they fit into your box or schedule? Or Godly, where everyone and yourself are on equal playing fields and you are making the choices listed above on your daily walk to love one another? Great questions....