Tuesday, March 30, 2010

stick a fork in me....I'm done!

I am TIRED...weary, exhausted, worn-out, drained, fatigued, bushed, beat, used-up, and all gone. (sorry was having fun with the thesaurus...lol) But that is how I feel. The last few weeks have just been busy and the To Do List seems to never end.

Now we have had some great times this last few weeks. This weekend, according to my son was "the best ever!" (celebrating a friend's birthday and his; so good reason to be joyful) But it just seems like I have been pouring myself thin, and I am just ready to crawl into bed and sleep through spring break! And seeing as how it looks like it will be nice and warm; I want to head to the beach and relax in the calming but empowering atmosphere of God's amazing creation!

I NEED REJUVENATED!! I NEED ENERGY!!

But I have found (from trying far too often) that although energy drinks work...they don't last, and if you mix one of those with chocolate...you get a lovely buzzing feeling going on in your brain, you start acting a little goofy/hyper...and then you crash. That is not what I am looking for.

I need a source of strength.

I am thankful that these well known verses remind me where to look for what I need:

THE JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH!

I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH!


So....even when the many things demanding my attention and focus pile on me leaving me dragging my sluggish body to bed longing to sleep for weeks...I need to remember where my strength and source of life and freedom come from:

"God, I need a refreshing renewal. I thank you Lord for all Your blessings and the joy you bring to my life. I thank You for always being there. For lifting me up when I am down. For carrying me when I am weak. For loving me when I am unworthy. For not condemning me when I am guilty. For sending me kisses from Heaven in sweet, unexpected ways in all that goes on around me, causing me to smile...take a deep breath...and enjoy this life you have blessed me with. But right now Lord...I am done! I am just plain tired, and want to forget all the responsibilities and troubles and chores (yes Lord I know the floor needs swept so bad that if you collected all the crumbs there would be a feast...but I am tired!) Help me Lord....maybe send Merry Maids or something please. (I am glad God has a good sense of humor :)
I just need you Lord. I need your strength. I praise You Lord for the seasons changing and Spring arriving. I thank You Lord for the flowers blooming and the heat rising...it does make me feel alive again and ready to get motivated! Just help me to focus Lord. Help me to keep my priorities straight....You first...and then all else falls into place! Give me rest Lord....good rest so that I will wake and be ready to tackle the to do list with the energy of my six year old! I love you Lord, and I praise Your holy and wonderful name. Lord if anyone else is feeling the same beat-down, worn-out, dog-tired feelings I am experiencing...be with them Lord. Uplift them. Encourage them. Give them strength and joy! In Jesus name. Amen."

p.s. the floors did get swept don't worry :)

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Love Letter

June 2,2009


To My Prince of Peace,

I thank you my Prince for you devoted love; you know the very depths of my heart, yet you continue to pour out your love in countless ways upon my life. I thank you that in my darkest hours, you come for me. Your grip is strong as you uplift me. Your arms are gentle as you carry me. Thank you my Prince of Peace that when the hazy clouds of confusion come in to damper my mood, toy with my emotions, and destroy the foundation on which our relationship is established, You pass through with your sword and bring refreshing clarity.

At last I can breathe again, thank you my merciful Prince. Your shield of protection has blocked the intruders from further attacking the depths of my mind; for this I am grateful, my powerful Prince. My faithful and loyal Prince of Peace my love and desire are for you alone. I stand in awe of Your majestic beauty that outshines even the grandest of sunsets that fall below the horizon by the command of your voice. You are my love, oh triumphant Prince. Your words of endearment are what I long to hear above the chaos of life forever crashing in from every side, threatening me to fall in their destructive overbearing pits of darkness in which my fragile human hands alone are not strong enough to claw out of. But my honorable Prince of Peace—you are for me! Your fight is for me! The pain you have born was for me, my most loving Prince. And in return, I will live for you. What Your will is, oh Most High, as will be mine. May our hearts be as one my trusted Prince.

I will praise you and sing of your comforting touch. I will laugh with joy as your soothing Spirit over-rides all that once used to pull my shoulders to the ground. I will dance when darkness rears it’s ugly face, for it is by Your strength, my valiant Prince, that moves the rhythm of my heart. I will now stand, when once I was not able. For once upon a time the poisonous roots of insecurity were wrapped tightly around my very being; choking the life you created, mighty Prince. But not now! And no longer! For my merciful Prince—You saw me loosing life with every passing struggle—and You came. You came to me. You crossed through all to find me; through Heaven and Hell—to get to me. You came faithfully to my rescue my merciful and loving Prince. You came. Not with harsh words of condemnation, but with sweetly spoken promises. To remind me not only of who You are, but also of who I am in You. I am Your beloved. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am precious in Your sight. I am created with a purpose.

And as for You my all-knowing Prince, you come whispering promises never to leave me nor forsake me….in my simple human form, I try to respond to this, “but in my weaknesses Lord….” But before I can finish my thoughts of unworthiness Your battle-scarred hand comes firmly but lovingly to my mouth to hush my troubled words. You promise again to never leave me and it is an unconditional and everlasting promise.
This and many other promises are made by You my loving Prince, My Savior and You write them in red letters of love upon my heart, so even if I feel You are absent, I can declare these powerful words from the mountaintops and in the valleys. I know Your truth is spoken for my ears to hear, for my mind to comprehend, for my heart to hold, and for my life to live out. In the promises of my Prince I will stand firm. For He did not come so that I may struggle alone, but so that I made ride victoriously with Him on His white horse truly living the abundant, joyful life. Oh, my Prince is the true writer of “happily-ever-after fairy tales” that really do come true. There is the “scary” parts of course, but I do not have to cower from them, I have a protector for times such as those, and He has empowered me with self-defense techniques which I can find in His words of truth.
I love you my Prince of Peace, and my prayer is that my heart would desperately and passionately seek after You alone. May I also experience deeper levels of Your love and wisdom; and as I seek You above all, then may I see Your promise that all else will fall into place.

As I boldly approach my Prince, I have one last request as I bring my love letter to a close. When I began to grow and willingly dive deeper into the depths of Your supernatural being, and my life begins to reflect the greatness of who You are, I have a great desire that I wish for you to take from Your lips straight to the throne of the Most High God. As You and I ride off on you white horse into the eastern sky, may we together grab onto the multitude of bruised and fatigued hands that I see trying to conquer the circumstances that reek havoc on those battling with negative, hopeless mindsets. Souls that were created by a loving Father who still hears their shrieking cries amongst the battlefield. May we, my peaceful Prince, take them with us? Please my Lord. The fight is not over yet. I wish that none be left alone to suffer; I know this is Your heart's desire as well.
Please allow them to look up from their defeated dungeons and allow them to see our hands reaching to them. Allow them to see Your sweet freedom that is available to them now! Oh, my loving Prince, let us fight together for them!

I praise You with my whole heart. I thank You for strength, for the joy You have filled my life with, for Your blessings that rain down upon me. I praise You Lord. I adore You. I stand in awe of You my Prince. And lastly, I thank you my Prince, for Your peace that passes all understanding. I love You.

Forever Yours,
Christina Gail

Friday, March 19, 2010

TGIF

TGIF.....THANK GOODNESS IT'S FRIDAY :)

THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE, LET US BE REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!

It is easy to praise God on a Friday heading into a beautiful, warm, sunny weekend....BUT....

We need to remember to praise God everyday: On Monday mornings, on cloudy days,on irritable days, and on nothing seems to go right days.

Like my favorite kids book My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss says "Some days are yellow, some days are blue. On different days, I'm different too." We change moods often....

But God is consistent. He is always there. He is always loving. He is always merciful. He is always faithful.

So even in our ever changing roller coaster of a life: PRAISE GOD EVERYDAY FOR HE IS WORTHY TO BE PRAISED!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

when the stars go blue...

God speaks to us in so many ways it is amazing....

For me, one way He often speaks to me is through music because I love music and always have it on.

The last two nights I have been sort of down...not negative or in a bad mood...just some things on my mind, I need a hug, could cry for a bit, and then be OK type of mood....

So, I was watching One Tree Hill, (which of course watching a drama when you are already down is not highly recommended) and the song came on "When the Stars Go Blue". And one of the repetitive lines in this song ask, "Where do you go when you're lonely? Where do you go when you're blue?"

So? Where do you go to drown out your sorrows? I know the world has plenty of things/places/people to offer a "solution"....but when its all said and done..the sorrows are still there, the void is still painful, and the heart is still empty.

I know where you can go when you are so lonely the emptiness leaves you lost in a world of billions of people....

I know where you can go when the sorrow stings so deep you ache, and swear you'll never see the light of day again....

I know where you can go when the weight of the world on your shoulders pushes you into a pit of depression...

I know where you can go when you need comfort...

At the feet of Jesus.

He understands loneliness...his disciples fell asleep on Him at a very crucial moment in His life...and he prayed in the garden alone before His death.

He understands pain and agony...He pleaded with God in so much agony He sweat drops of blood.

He understands rejection...thousands yelled out release Barabbas and crucify Jesus.

He understands betrayal....hello--Judas.

He understands sorrow...Jesus wept.

He understands death....he bore all our sins on a cross.

BUT....He also understands love and faithfulness better than you could ever imagine....Jesus is there and will never leave you nor forsake you. Cry at His feet, and He will wrap His arms of love around you. Now, I have often argued that, well....I want someone who is actually standing before me to wrap their arms around me and love on me....but take it from this person who has been alone for a decade now, (well almost a decade, seems like a century) and has learned that there is nothing like the peace and comfort of Jesus. Many a nights I have "wept at His feet", and He has filled me with such peace the overrides all the pain...the circumstances may not change, but my heart is filled with His love, comfort, peace, strength, and also joy!

No person or place or thing can compare to the love and peace of Jesus. His love is unconditional and everlasting. His peace passes all understanding. His shoulders are big enough to bare the pain, sorrow, and burdons so....YOU DON'T HAVE TO!!

So...when your stars go blue...go to the creater of the stars. Go to Jesus and you will find all that you need.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

It's Go Time Baby!


Recently the Nike slogan has been running through my mind..."Just Do It". My own six year old has his favorite saying with a similar idea, "It's go time baby!".

Both of these are statements requiring action...setting things in motion....getting a move on it....full speed ahead!

Are these slogans you can relate to? Or, do you find yourself holding back...at a stand still....dazed and confused...lost....settling?

I think we far too often make excuses, and just sit back; watching life pass us by....

As Nike and my son would agree...it's time to move forward and get actively aggressive in our lives.

Now, what came to me today, after Nike's slogan continued to bounce around in my brain for about a week....was the fact that I (and perhaps you) need to quit making excuses and JUST BE THE WOMAN OF GOD HE HAS CALLED ME TO BE! TO LIVE MY LIFE ABUNDANTLY-- WHICH REQUIRES ACTION ON MY PART!

God has chosen me. I am a child of His. And He has a purpose and plan for my life...to be prosperous and successful, and to be a light for the lost. So why am I just sitting around waiting thinking the following: I am not ready, I am not who He wants me to be just yet, I am too old/young, I have not fully developed my talents to the degree of any usefulness, I am not aware of my purpose/career in life at this time, I have messed up too much to shine for the world to see...

Yes, the old song "He's still working on me" is true....BUT...that doesn't mean while He is working on me I am to sit upon a shelf in some dusty, old, run-down workshop and just do nothing!!

God wants me to just do it!! To get out there in this world with my head held high and live out a life full of the joy of the Lord so that those seeking after something to fill their void will look at me...a christian...and say "I want that!!"
My pastor often states, Christians are the ones who are supposed to be setting the standards in this world...yet it is well known that the number one reason for atheism is: Christians.....
THERE IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THAT! HOW DO WE FIX IT?
WELL....IT STARTS WITH THE PERSON YOU SEE IN THE MIRROR EVERYDAY....

Are you just pleasantly living in a pit just hoping to hold on until the coming of Christ? Or, are you living your life as the aggressor force like my son saying, "IT'S GO TIME BABY!"?

I am ready to do the will of God! I am ready to live my life with a smile on my face even in the mist of sorrow, and dance in the darkness, and display a positive presence (not acting like I ate a bowlful of bitterness every morning), and I am ready to shout it from the rooftop that I have a reason for living and that reason is JESUS!

2 Timothy states that God does not give us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and a sound mind....

Stop being afraid of all those lies creeping around in your cranium that are holding you back from all that He has called you to do....know that God has already equipped you with what you need-- His spirit, a powerful spirit, to help you live life boldly before Him!

STOP HOLDING BACK FROM LIFE FOR FEAR OF FAILURE AND START LIVING KNOWING HE IS ALWAYS THERE WITH YOU AND YOU CAN LIVE IN FREEDOM!

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Make a Joyful Noise


"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord"

This song just came to mind....and my response to that was....yeah, I am sure that would be better than the "waaa,waaa,waaa" He normally hears out of my mouth...lol.

As a parent, I often find myself getting on my children while they throw a tantrum, and then a few minutes later thinking....OK God, I get it...I throw my adult tantrums far too often as well...

How often do we "stomp our feet" and "throw a fit" when we don't get what we want? Or when things don't go they way we like them to go? It may not look as bad as when a child throws a hissy fit....but news flash...it is the same thing...

OUCH...I KNOW THAT HURTS...

It hurts me, too every time I get a God check on my attitude...

When we "pout" about life, we are complaining to God, and basically telling Him, "You just ain't getting it right God" Hmmmmm...I wonder how much He likes to hear that.....probably about as much as we like to hear the whining, complaining, arguing, door slamming, fussing, and fit throwing of our children...

I don't know about you, but it grates my every nerve to hear all that mess...
Now, thankfully we have a very loving, compassionate, understanding Heavenly father, and we can ALWAYS go to Him about anything. I am not trying to say don't be real with God. He knows all, and knows our heart, and wants us to go before Him with an open and honest heart. But what I am trying to say it that we need to often check our spirit, our tone, our attitude, and our heart...

Are we just always whining to Him? Or in the mist of being real with Him, are we also making a joyful noise before Him...one that He can take delight in? We are called to forever sing praises to Him, for He is worthy!!

There is always something to be thankful for--count your blessings! If you take time to notice, there is always something beautiful that God has created for us to enjoy, and hello--smile about! Throughout your day, God is there in all you do and encounter...praise Him for it! Let your heart be filled with joy, and share it with the world...I know...I was just thinking I sound like those women in beauty pageants that say, all I hope for is world peace. (I was just thinking of the movie Miss Congeniality lol) Well...what is wrong with that?? Nothing.

SO STOP COMPLAINING AND START PRAISING!

I promise...the more you do it...the lighter you will feel...and the happier you will be. When positive words are always on your lips, and praise to God is always in your heart...you will find you are living the abundant life God promises for you.

The words in the song "Take Control" by my friend Devin Williams always helps me with my attitude check times: "When I open my eyes...let Your light shine. When I open my mouth...let Your words come out. My life is Yours. My life is Yours" Also, repeat this verse, "Create in me a pure heart, oh God, renew a steadfast spirit within me" Psalm 51:10. When you find yourself in a slump...pray these words, and allow God to heal your heart so that you can sing a song of praise.

BE POSITIVE! MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE!

Sunday, February 28, 2010

The Unknown

The fear of the unknown has caused too much stress in my life over this last month...

One of these unknown fears is: will I have a job next year; being a single mom of two young boys, financial stability is important....I am a teacher assistant, and I was one of the last ones hired; so my job is not guaranteed each year....for this school year, I found out a week before school started that I could have my job back....it was not a fun summer...spent far too much time worrying and looking for a job. I have my license to teach, but I have yet to find a teaching job in this area either. So, the once again straining my brain question is...what will I be doing in a few short months when I have no income once again?

Another fear category for me is, of course...the whole mess of the dating at thirty plus years old....which leads to the fear of being alone...forever...

I often find myself thinking...will it really work out at meeting someone at this point in life? What if we are too much set in our own ways to come together as one? I think when you meet someone when you are younger...you grow together in realizing who you are, and comfort comes easier....now my fears of this unknown world of meeting someone at my age sound like the following....

I like things the way I like them....I like my living room and bedroom decorated the way I want them to be....don't really want someone to come in and try to replace my Italy print with a football poster....lol....(I am kidding...I do believe in compromise though...you can hang it up...in the garage...lol...sorry...I am laughing...I guess this is not something I should post under my profile on any dating sites...lol)
Ahh, which leads to the fear of the dating sites....hmmmmm....so many psycho people out there...how do you know? And I have already had one bad encounter a long time ago with that....when the guy called me he was like a perverted freak!! It is scary out there!!

Also,I talk way too much and I have often wanted to beat myself over the head thinking..you are annoying the mess out of everyone...just like Sandra Bullock in All About Steve....so just shut-up every now and then! lol But in the end of that movie...she is loved by so many and she is confident in who she is...even as different as she is...I am thankful God has brought me to that place :) But I want someone who shares the same passion for communication as I do...is that out there?

Another fear with dating is, I am a single mom of two strong-willed, hyper young boys....will someone really want to take that on and love them like they are his own?
Being a single mom of the above listed type...I usually go to bed exhausted...which means....when I wake up...it is a scary site...a hot mess if you will :)
I am pass the age of thirty which means gravity has been presented to me as a gift in a not so pretty package that I want to return!!! Who will want that?
(My boys really are awesome by the way...they bring so much joy and laughter to my life...just wanted to add that)

I have also heard, and I like to say often when people share the short jokes with me...that good things come in small packages...well is short the same thing as small? Not so much...because I am short...I have been compacted....which means the box of cupcakes I ate this weekend has no where to go but around my waist....my legs...look like tree stumps...and I love the flair button I have on facebook..."I was pale before Twilight made it popular"....

Now my fear is that I am pretty much scaring off any potential guy out there who I might have had a chance with....lol....

So...the fear of the unknown....what will someone think when the find out all this stuff about me? What if I cannot provide for my kids by the end of summer? Will I ever fulfill my dream and become a published writer? Will I become a crazy cat lady and live alone forever? (I prefer fish though...so maybe I will just have an apapterment full of fishtanks...lol When will I ever get a house? When will I become more organized?


So many questions running through my mind....

But I want to introduce those nagging thoughts about the unknown...to the ONE I KNOW!

Lord, I give it all to you...I may not know the answers to all this mess spinning around out of control in my head...but you are an Omniscient Heavenly Father....you know all!

This verse broke me last night, and as I continually repeated it...I found the peace I needed, and I was able to place all my worries, fears, and doubts into the hands of my Savior...

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" Psalm 46

Let go of your unknown worries and questions and rest in the peace that passes all understanding...

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Praise

I just want to give praise to my awesome, loving Heavenly Father....

Recently I was playing a game with the boys when suddenly I had a cramp in my foot...Brayden came to my rescue as he yelled out to Riley, "quick brudder, I need a needle, a wrench, and a bowl of mash potatoes!"
We could not stop laughing....
If you ever get a cramp...I don't know...maybe try Brayden's remedy :)

But I was thinking about that recently, and this came to mind....
Isn't it amazing how God knows exactly what we need it our life.....EVEN IF THOSE THINGS MAKE NO SENSE TO US!!

When things happen in our lives...no matter how random they may seem, no matter the good, or unfortunately the bad, the laughing until your stomach hurts times, or the cry until your completely drained times, when a door opens, or when a door closes....we must remember that ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD FOR THOSE WHO LOVE GOD! (Romans 8:28)

In our human minds we may not understand why things happen or why we are dealt a certain deck of cards....but God does understand....AND HE HAS A PERFECT PLAN!

JUST HAVE FAITH
God is working on your life...and He knows what He is doing!

I thank you God for all that you have done in my life.
I praise you Lord for you are holy and wonderful.
I thank you for your faithfulness.
I praise you Lord for your creative beauty surpasses all.
I thank you Lord for your grace and love.
God you are my God and I will ever praise You!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Walking Backwards

I was doing hall duty this morning when I had to get on a student for walking backwards....now me, being the graceful person that I am...lol...I would have not been able to accomplish that task, however she was managing just fine. But doing my job...I have to keep students at bay from dangers...such as falling or running into things/people....so I had to ask her to walk the right way.

Now...what does the word of God teach us about heading backwards...
"Forgetting what is behind, and straining towards what is ahead" Philippians 3:11-13

Hmmmmm....perhaps God is trying to keep us away from heading down a dangerous path with this warning....no good can come from staying in a state of mind focused on all the negative things that have made there presence well known in our lives.

We are called to LET GO OF OUR PAST....LEAVE IT IN THE PAST!
And we are to focus on the good that the Lord has planned for us ahead.

Like this student, some of us may seem to be managing just fine walking backwards and dredging up the past as we keep it constantly on our present mind....at least we think we are managing fine....but if we cannot let go of the mistakes,the hurt,the pain, and the what if questions...then we will never be able to grasp all that is in store for those who believe.

A song I used to sing in college, based on a scripture, says "No eye has seen, no ear has heard...the good that the Lord has prepared for those...who wait on Him to bring good news...I am the potter and you are the clay"

This states that we cannot even imagine what God has planned for us, and that if we willingly allow Him to form us and shape us...He will do extraordinary things in our lives.

If he is willing (once we confess our sins) to put them behind him, and forget about them....then why do we not do the same?


Learn from the past yes...but do not live in the past!
I have learned so much from the mistakes I have made and things I have been through, but I will not allow those mistakes to continue to bring the weight of condemnation on my shoulders so that I can not rise above it and live victoriously each day. I want to be able to walk straight ahead into a promising future!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Love Life

Well...Valentine's Day rolls around again...a day of love!

So...my thoughts about Valentine's Day....hmmmm....
This last few years I have to admit I have had mixed feelings about the day...I play tug-a-war between being the bitter, lonely old maid with a disdain for the day (being alone on two special days in one. it is also my birthday. not cool...lol) and still being the romantic at heart who loves to share the love :)
I saw the movie Valentine's Day this weekend with some awesome friends, and had a great time laughing! I loved the idea of the hating Valentine's Day party...when the girl brought out the huge pinata heart to beat on with a bat...I was like...awesome!....lol...ok...now let's focus on the positive since I got that off my chest...ha ha ha....I am mostly joking...but also want to let all of you who also had no hot date for today...I understand....but let me tell you now about someone who does love you and who is there for you....

Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate love--and there is a Heavenly Father who loves you so much that His word states "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" Notice the word in all caps and bold print...whosoever...hey that includes YOU! HE LOVES YOU! AND THAT IS SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE!

So this is for you...the one who may be feeling unlovable, the one who feels left-out, the one who feels like one of the ogres instead of the fairy princess...don't count yourself out of a love that is unconditional and everlasting. He is there to be your valentine...your prince...your savior. And not just on one day out of the year....but EVERYDAY!

Now let's also talk about what our awesome God who loves us wants us to do with our life....
LOVE LIFE AND LIVE IT ABUNDANTLY!

My pastor talked about this today....to love life and have good days. (If you have read my last two post...you know I needed to hear about having some good days...lol...and for a side note...I have risen above the negative mood and I am back to my bubbly, goofy self again, and I am so thankful for God restoring peace in my life and for placing amazing friends in my life who love me and encourage me)
So...we are to love life and have good days. We don't have to wait until we get to Heaven to have a glorious life. We are to enjoy life now...even in the mist of this negative world...we are to be positive and live life abundantly! I know someone may read this and say well that is easy for you to say, but you don't know my life....well...if you have been reading my blogs...I do know.....but I also know that this is true...with the joy of the Lord as my strength I can dance in the face of darkness, I can laugh when I want to cry,and I can enjoy all that God has for me....success and blessings. joy and peace. strength and wisdom. Its all for me! And for you! He loves you and He promises these things to you! SO SEEK AFTER THE ONE WHO LOVES YOU, WHO COMPLETES YOU, WHO DIED FOR YOU, AND WHO LIVES FOR YOU! AND HE WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO REALLY LOVE LIFE!

What does the Bible say about love?
"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 with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Remember these words...check your heart and ask yourself....is this the kind of love you are showing towards those you love? And to all?

I pray that you have had a blessed day today on this special day. I also pray you continue to share the love everyday! I pray that love and laughter are poured out abundantly in your home!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Transparent

As hard as it is…I want to be completely transparent right now. I say hard because I know people who may read this, and I think…hmmm I would rather them not see this side of me, but my prayer is that this reaches out to someone who needs it. I had said the same with my last post as well because I am having a very, very bad week. But helping others, reaching out to them, and pulling them out of their pit, and facing them in the right direction is important…so if I can share the secrets about my pit, and what God is teaching me in the mist of it, and it helps someone else get the strength to climb out of theirs…then that is what matters to me.

I am ready to give up…well at least ten minutes ago I was…I was done…the end of my rope had been long lost and the pit was painted a hopeless pitch black. It started last Wednesday…I was alone in the house for the first time in a while…and it just all came tumbling down…everything I was trying to hold together let go in the mist of the lonely, empty space. I allowed myself to slip into the pit without even putting up a fight…I gave up. I allowed the emotions to rule again and sanity to slip slowly away…..

And the heaping mounds of dirt just kept piling on top of me making my pit a grave…..

I was just trying to jog out the bitter mood on the treadmill at my friend's house (it had worked the night before, but that was also after hearing a positive message at church…this was after getting more bad news)(I am so sorry Melissa…by the way…and thank you) and I didn’t know weather I was going to puke because I had just stuffed my face trying to drown out the sorrows… or scream as the angry music added fuel to the fire (I was unfortunately in that bad of a mood I kept skipping past the spiritual songs that I should have on replay) or just weep uncontrollably...

So basically all those things took over my mind, and my friend once again became my shrink…..(when I hit the lottery we will settle the bill….lol) I am blessed with amazing friends!! (Thank you Melissa, Tammy and Tina for your words of encouragement tonight. And thank you to all my family...miss you mom, and friends (Linda you have been a great help this week, too! who love and encourage me, and ALWAYS listen...)So we were discussing what is the worst of it? What is at the top of the list…the financial problems? The fact that I will be thirty-two Sunday and still have no career in site? The problems with my amazing ex-husband that never seem to end? (hope you caught the sarcasm with the word amazing by the way)? Things dealing with being a mom? The feelings of failure and unworthiness that have seemed to come back into my life at full-speed after years of battling them, and I have had great victory over them, but apparently they must have missed me because they came visiting this week, and I welcomed them back with open arms...
Or the loneliness?

I am a people person…I LOVE TO TALK…..I will give you a minute to collect yourself…those who know me…because I know that just sent you into shock…
I am very much a people person, and I need communication (no matter what form in may come in…taking, texting, emails, phone calls…touch…) I love to communicate with people…..so that being said…going to bed alone every night for about six years now…..it sucks!

But as my friend so eloquently put it…..would you rather still be in bed with your ex? So….point taken with that…..NOT SETTLING FOR LESS THAN WHAT I DESERVE….AND I DESERVE ONLY GOD’S BEST!

So, while talking on the phone with a friend the worship song "While I’m Waiting" just came to mind as I was throwing my tantrum, and telling my friend I am tired of waiting…..

I am tired of waiting on the career, the man, the ex to fall off the face of the earth….sorry…did I mention I was in a bitter mood…lol…I am tired of waiting on the dreams to become a reality….waiting leads to all the wondering questions that never shut off in my overactive mind… Why? When? What if? What’s wrong with me? What’s the point?

But what does the song say…. “While I’m waiting…I will serve you while I’m waiting….I will worship while I’m waiting”
My friend had told me a few weeks ago she heard this song and thought of me, and was saying all these sweet, positive things about how this song reminds her of me, and how I praise God even while I am waiting on the desires of my heart to be fulfilled…..I am going to try to not start crying all over again while I think….hmmm if she could see me now what would she think…..being the amazing friend she is (Thank you Brenda) I know she would say this too shall pass, and I know the true Christina who praises God in the mist of the storm and dances in the rain is in there somewhere, and just remember who you are in Christ….another friend may say…she needs to come on out before I slap her out of there…..I need both right now…lol…see I am laughing again…

The words continue to say… “I am waiting on you Lord. And I am peaceful. I am waiting on you Lord though its not easy. But faithfully I will wait. I will move ahead bold and confident. Taking every step in obedience.” “I am waiting on you Lord though it is painful….though patiently I will wait.”

I love amusement parks…I love roller coasters…but what is the worst part…the waiting in line…for most people…see I don’t mind it much…because again my talent of talking passes the time for me (maybe not others…sorry Joseph, Joey and Ralph) but I don’t mind waiting in those lines because you can either make the best of it like I do….or you can gripe and complain. But eventually you will get on the ride and you always find (well I do) that it is worth the wait….you scream…you have a blast…you enjoy the ride.

Hmmmm……let me take a minute to breathe that in…..

Faithfully Lord…I will wait….because all you have for me…..is worth the wait.

Your ways are perfect. Your timing is perfect.


This pit is a choice. It is a mindset. And I am filling in the hole with your word and your promises and I will get out and stand firm on your solid rock.

I choose life and life more abundantly….and that is how we live if we worship while we wait.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

HIBERNATION PLEASE!

Have you ever had a really bad day, and then it just kept getting worse? I was laying in bed alone in the house this afternoon ready to hibernate and not get up until spring because of one of those days....
I wish I was a bear...first they get to stuff there face with food to store up fat for the winter...and the fatter the better (and cuter...which is not so true for me!)and then they get to sleep all winter!! Well..I was working on the first part wishing it would lead into the hibernation when the reality hits me in the face while I was standing in front of a mirror....I am not a bear, and this is not working out for me! Now I am sick to my stomach and overwhelmed with guilt as I throw away the empty Crunch-n-Munch box...at this point begging for the hibernation because of the humiliation I am feeling as I stare at my reflection that I promise you seem to be growing larger by the moment! A bad day led to weakness and weakness led to worthlessness....
So the worst way to end my bad day: I am laying in bed and my son comes in and crawls up in bed with me and says "Mommy, when you send me to me room whenever I am in trouble...I say mean things about you."
I am trying not to drench my laptop with tears as I type this because kick ya when you're down doesn't even began to cut it with this comment....
Have you ever had one of these days???
Although I am someone who usually shares all anyways...this is very hard to post (no one likes to air their dirty laundry for all to see)...but today I was thinking about a comment someone posted listing the realities of life to me, and debating that fact that life could be extraordinary....
Believe me, I do understand the concept of all hell being unleashed, and when it rains it pours.
But I also very personally understand this: when HIS BLESSINGS and PEACE and JOY RAIN....THEY POUR OUT ABUNDANTLY ON MY LIFE AND IT IS EXTRAORDINARY!
I hurt like you hurt, I cry like you cry, I am aching inside as I type this for so many reasons I can't even unscramble them all in order to get them all written down so that you can understand; I get it...life is messy...
As I type this my beautiful son is laying next to me in bed right now, and all I want to do is hold him, and love on him, and take away all the hurt, pain, frustration, sorrow, and anger he has ever felt or will ever feel....but I can't. And that hurts more then the painful words he just spoke to me.
But the reason I can lay my head on my pillow in peace tonight is because I know who can take it all off our shoulders, and whose hands are large enough to hold it....God.
We may not be able to hibernate like bears...but we can rest in His peace! Give it all to God....let it go. Life is messy and we cannot clean it up on our own...I know the best housekeeper :) Release control to Jesus and let Him clean up the mess and he will make something beautiful out of it!
A day lily is my favorite flower and it means something special to me: they are very bright, beautiful flowers that grow wild in ditches.....life can put you into a "ditch" quite often enough....but if you allow Him to....God can create something extraordinary out of that ditch. He will lift you up and bring you to a place where your beauty shines for the world to see. His joy will be your strength so that you will be able to dance in the ditch.
I am not sure how much of this really makes sense because it is late (to me) and I am exhausted....but I am just sharing my heart and I hope it helps....
Also here is another song that I have had on replay all night: "The More I Seek You" by Kari Jobe. Here are the words from the chorus; I pray they bring comfort to your soul: "I want to sit at your feet. Drink from the cup in your hand. Lay back against you and breathe...feel your heartbeat. This love is so deep. It is more than I can stand. I melt in your peace...its overwhelming"
Rest peacefully....allow Him to show you the beauty He already sees in your life :) it is there and He believes in you!

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Seriously?!

"Life isn't perfect...its messy" (from Bride Wars)

I was driving home on this beautiful, sunny, Sunday afternoon, and the boys and I decided to get some Moe's nachos for dinner. All was going well until I had to stop for a red light and......sure enough the nachos and all their glory went flying all over the floorboard of the car....SERIOUSLY???

Thick white cheese sauce, chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and all those delicious toppings that were to make up our tasty dinner... are now a giant mess on my floorboard....

Life can me messy....amen! But have you ever felt like it was just you...that you were the mess? Like life would be fine if it weren't for you messing it up all the time...if you would just shut your mouth...you would never say the wrong things...if you would just not have cared as much...it would not be so painful...if you would have taken the right advice...you would be a successful person by now...if you were prettier...you would not be spending another Saturday night alone...if you would have just tied up the bag...you would be eating nachos instead of cleaning up one big mess!!

I will write often about the subject of seeking after God to find your confidence and worth in Him because that is what God has been teaching me for 15+ years....and it is a valuable life changing thing to grasp hold of!

We all have messy days and yes life is messy....BUT YOU ARE NOT THE MESS...YOU ARE THE BEST! GOD'S BEST!

"I will praise you Lord for I am fearfully and wonderfully made" Psalms 139:14

Anytime you feel like like a failure, or someone unworthy of love and attention, or a mistake, or a hot mess, or you just feel like a big dork (I often have those moments....lol) keep repeating this verse in your head, put in on a post-it note on your mirror or refrigerator....keep it forever on your lips....because you are wonderful, and God sees past all the mess and into your heart, and He calls you His child--He claims you as His!

And do you know what is just as amazing....when life does get messy...or you do mess up...God does amazing cleaning jobs. He can remove a stain better than Mr. Clean's Magic Erasers.....scarlet red to white as snow! SERIOUSLY!!!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

the heart of a child



"we are to become like children to enter the Kingdom of Heaven"

I am a single mom of two boys who are now 7 and 6 years old. My youngest child fears only two things: shots and splinters...other than that his slogan in life is "its go time baby!" Of course he is usually saying this to battle someone in a duel..."fighting is my talent" he says...but I would like to just apply it to life in general. My oldest is a lover. (yes, I have the lover and the fighter) He is a friend to all, a parent figure to anyone younger than he is, and someone who truly finds joy out of life while he spends much time laughing so deeply his dimples seem to almost pop!

Passion, strength, joy, perseverance, fearlessness, compassion, abundant positive energy, love, and the ability to dance at the drop of a hat no matter what seems to be going on at the time; these are characteristics I see daily in my children....characteristics that I pray take root in my life on deeper levels than ever before....

Monday, January 25, 2010

sweeping




"My favorite definition of romance is that it is 'love in action'"
Gregory J.P. Godek

Do you believe in fairy tales and being swept off your feet by Prince Charming? Is there really a "Mr. Right" out there that will romance you and make you feel like a queen? Or do you believe that it really is just in the movies?

I was reading the book Chicken Soup for the Romantic Soul today, and the above quote is on the back cover; it could not have come to me at a more perfect time. I believe that if you care about someone or love someone deeply, then you show effort and thoughtfulness not only to win their heart, but to keep it as well. Sweeping someone off their feet requires action. Sweeping is an action, although when doing it for housework it is not all that fun....but when creatively showing your affection towards someone you love, showing them they are worth the effort and attention of your heart....now that can be a lot of fun!

I am a 32 year old divorced, single mom...so I very much understand the realities of life/love/dating/marriage/ect....but I am also still very much a romantic at heart and I believe for the impossible!

After reading a few stories from this book filled with true love stories, not ones hand written by people just trying to make a blockbuster hit....it showed me that real fairy tales do exist...they were funny, refreshing, heart-warming, and full of romance. I believe that action is the key to keeping a relationship/marriage alive. Action comes in many forms. Talking/communicating is an action! Physical expressions of love = action...very fun, rewarding, and even good for your health for a few reasons type of action! In a movie I just went to see called "Leap Year", an old Irish man said something like "Every time you kiss your wife...kiss her like it is the first time and like it will be the last time...that is what keeps the marriage alive!" I love this quote! I am all about the passion and fire staying hot in a marriage! :)

But it is the small thoughtful things that are very important to me...those sweet,surprising,random, romantic acts that make you smile, cry (joyfully), laugh, and love deeper than you already do. Here is where I would like to insert some suggestions...but this is where you take the effort to think of the one you love and dig a little deeper....

Rekindle the romance...make sweeping fun!

Friday, January 22, 2010

Everyday Heart



I like using iHearts on Facebook....I like sharing the love....lol...I don't get into the games like Farmville; mainly because I am already a very competitive person and love to win...so I don't need to get hooked on some computer game and spend all my time on it just so I can try to beat everyone. But I do like using the iHearts, bumper stickers, flair, and growing gifts; hint, hint if anyone wants to send me a gift. :)


The other day, I saw this new iHeart called an "everyday heart" and I thought it was cute so I sent it out to a few friends. Now I was just laying in bed thinking about the everyday heart....


We talk about how important God is in our lives....we praise Him while on the mountain top....we seek Him in the valley....but what about our everyday heart? Is it caught up in the mundane day to day reality that keeps our focus elsewhere or is it hungry for more of Him?

Thursday, January 21, 2010

define yourself

I know I make a lot of comments about how I have been alone for a long time....but it is when God is all you have...you truly find that He is all that you need.
This concept I did not fully grasp until this last year or so.....unfortunately I spent too much time the last six years after my divorce trying to understand what is wrong with me and why am I alone....I have spent most of my life dealing with the straining battle of insecurity.
I was never good enough....
But by whose standards?
How do you define yourself?
Is it by the highly impossible to reach standards of the world? (certain size, right color...this can refer to hair as well..gotta love the blonde jokes..lol...biggest bank account, if you are married or divorced, career, ect.)
Is it by the qualifications that past boyfriends/girlfriends or out of reach men/women put on you?
Is it by the hopes and dreams that you strive for, yet fail to reach daily...leaving you constantly feeling in a pit of emptiness?
Do you take any negative comment that comes your way as your manual that defines the very depths of who you are?
If any or all of these are true; or if you are constantly attacked by any other form of self-criticism that rips apart your life and leads it down a dark road of destruction....which is exactly what insecurity can do; then I would like to show you the only standard that you should use to define yourself. And you can cast all the other deceiving/degrading self checklists back into the pit of hell from which they came! Those lies that are being whispered in your mind that you will never amount to anything, that you are useless, or unworthy, or a mistake, or unlovable....those lies come from hell and to hell they need to be delivered back--by use of express packaging! And the following are some labels that you can paste on the package sent to the master of deception to show him you no longer believe his line of lies:
  • "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name" John 1:12
  • "I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:13-15
  • "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" Philip 1:5-7
  • "So God created man in His own image" Gen. 1:26
  • "giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love." Colossians 1:12-13
  • "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." 2 Corinth. 12:9
  • "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" Romans 8:1

These are promises printed in the word of God....and it is for you..yes you! I don't care who you are, or what you are going through, or how you feel about yourself right now.....stop believing the lies and hear the truth--the only truth that you should use to define who you are!

These words from a God who created you state: that He made you in His image (which equals awesome), will continue to develop Godly character in you and never give up on you, that you are a saint and an heir to a throne (one that sure beats all earthly thrones put together and then some), and that it is OK when you are weak because He is powerful and He is in you, and that you are wonderful!

So whenever you are questioning who you are....read the words of the one who loves you enough to die for you, cares for you enough to take all your burdens on Himself, and sees the very depths of your heart even at its ugliest moments, yet still calls you His beloved child. These are truths to hold onto even in your darkest hours....which because I have suffered years of doubting who I am in Christ; I know all about those life-threatening pits of insecurity, and I will do all I can to reach out to you and pull you from that pit and set you on the solid rock of Christ.

I have learned not to seek after my value in worldly things, or in a man, or in other relationships. It has been a long journey out of my pit, but from where I stand now...I see a beautiful sight...even in my own reflection....because I see Christ in me.

Find your completion in Christ alone.

Whenever those negative thoughts began to crowd my mind and choke the hope of a life that God has called me to live, the following songs have always helped lift me back up to higher ground:

You're the One" by a collage friend of mine Devin Williams on his album Pour it Out (you can find it on itunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/pour-it-out/id302129791, rhapsody, amazon, cdbaby, and reverbnation) The whole album is defiantly worth it; I play it all the time, and I am so thankful for his heart and ministry. But this song is my favorite and speaks to my heart every time I listen to it. It reminds me that it is Christ who completes me, and He is all I need...and it is not about what I want but about His will for my life.

Also "You are For Me" by Kari Jobe http://my.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZPersonalizer.woa/wa/viewCMA?id=303754179

And "Wallflower" by Laura Woodley (which I apologize I cannot seem to find it anywhere...if anyone knows where to find it; please post a comment. Thanks)

These songs really encourage me when I am feeling unworthy I hope they uplift you as well....just remember to find your confidence in Christ and smile...

Monday, January 18, 2010

Joy




Though the sorrow may last

for the night...

JOY comes in the morning!








Last night I went to bed deep in prayer for many of my loved ones who are dealing with sorrows of many sorts, and it built up a righteous anger in me and made me want to kick the teeth in of the Devil....if you are tired of the attack on families please join me in prayer.


One of the best things about me being alone this last six years (wow....yeah I'm actually saying there was good to come of it...I know my close friends will be shocked, but I am so thankful for what God has done in my life these last 6 years and would not change it) was that whenever I began to feel lonely; God placed in me a pleading prayer life for marriages. Instead of whining about being alone...I would put all my passion into praying for God to strengthen marriages and families, and for God to be put back into the center of homes again. For husbands to rise up and be the strong men of God he is calling them to be. And for wives to grow in their confidence in who they are in God, and allow Him to daily develop a Proverbs 31 woman in them; building Godly character in them so that their husband and children will rise up and call them blessed. For children, even young ones, to find such a deep desire to serve Christ, and to fall deeply in love with Him that nothing in this wicked world will compare to that relationship with their Heavenly Father. Then a true generation of warriors for Christ will rise up in our schools and many will follow.



I pray for passion to reenter marriages; a deep selfless desire to grow truly into one spirit....to become one as the word says...in every area of a marriage. I pray for communication barriers to be broken and for the impossible to be done in marriages and families. I want to hear testimonies about the marriages of those I love becoming the new standard of Godly marriages- that many others come to them to find out what makes their marriages work and so filled with passion, confidence, joy, peace, and love. The answer--God is in the center again!

I am so thankful that joy can come again to the lives of those I love deeply. Because it is promiced in His word. There is only one place to find this joy we seek after....at the feet of the One who believes in us, and who created the family, and whose heart is also pleading at the feet of His Father on our behalf.



I pray that your home is filled with laughter, dancing, peace, strength, wisdom, love, and joy in the powerful name of Jesus.

If you are hurting...if your pillow was covered with tears last night....please know there is a Savior, a friend, who cares and hears your pain crying out from the depths of your heart. He is there even when you feel so distant. He will never leave you nor forsake you. And if you can just let go of all that you are tightly holding onto (and I am saying this to myself as well) worries, doubt, fears, anxiety, your desires, your pain, and your problems.....
let it go...give it to God and your JOY will come in the morning!

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Just Float

OK...so Disney Channel is on all the time when you have two young kids, and we were just watching The Suite Life on Deck when I heard that Zack was talking to a girl who is a professional swimmer training for the Olympics. She was talking about how she is always training and working hard; she never gets a break.

He told her sometimes you need to stop swimming and just float.
Doesn't our Heavenly Father say the same thing to us?
"Be still and know that I am God" Ps. 46:10

In the mist of our chaos we need to remember to take more time to worship and praise the very one who gives us breath for each day and the strength to get through them. Believe me....as a single mom of two small boys...I know how busy life can get! I feel like it never stops spinning! But then I have those moments that remind me to stop, breathe, and smile.

I was just going over the to do list in my mind, while checking my facebook, and finishing up homework, when the boys began dancing to some commercial (again on Disney); it was so adorably funny that it brought such a huge smile to my face. Which of course made them dance even harder. They were excited to be noticed by someone they love, that they put on a great show and enjoyed the joy on my face. God does the same for His children.....

When we take the time to show our love to Him, He cherishes every moment. When we praise Him even more from the depths of our hearts, when we dance in His presence, when we smile at the beauty of His work that surrounds us, when we laugh with our loved ones, when we take the time to give to others and share the love of Christ....all these things bring joy to His heart. But all these things take us learning to relax in His presence in order to seek out the things that matter most.....

This year try to put aside the to do list more often....be still....and focus on what matters most--your relationship with Jesus Christ.....
Hey, then He promises if you seek Him first and His righteousness.....then all else falls into place anyways....

Monday, November 30, 2009

To Dream or Not To Dream?


Dreams - what are they? Are they just that- dreams? Unreachable, imaginative ideas used just for pleasure....


Or as one definition from Webster states for the transitive verb form of dream: to consider as a possibility...


Or, are they something that God places in you?


Something He wants you to strive for and persevere against all odds in order to obtain those seemingly out of reach ideas; all the while, allowing your faith and character to be strengthened in the mist of the journey.


Just remember along the path - always seek God first and His will.


Allow God to guide you while your dreams grow into reality; in order for the glory and praise to be given back to Him- the Almighty God!
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