31 Days of Loving Life {Day 30 Let Him Take The Lead}

May I admit that I have been asking, no, begging God for the past nearly three years to be a stay at home mom?  Is it also ok to admit that I have allowed myself to have PPD because of it?  Well, not intentionally.  But, that's what happens when strongholds take over you.  I don't know if I will ever not want to be a stay at home mom.  I don't feel like I spend enough time with my family.  But, what I do know is that God is leading this journey.  I'm just taking His hand as a child would.  I don't know the plans He has for me, but He does.

"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

Maybe God knows that I wouldn't be happy as a stay at home mom.  Some stay at home mom's don't feel fulfilled.  Maybe that would be me. 

Maybe God isn't saying no, but just not now.

Whatever He has planned for me is good. 

Just like when I was a teenager and my parents wouldn't let me ride with my newly licensed teenage friends (and I was so furious), they knew what was best for me.  They were protecting me.  They didn't want me to be a statistic.  They didn't want me to die like my cousin did at only 14 years old.  They had my best in mind.  They weren't trying to steal my fun or be overprotective.

I didn't understand it then. But I do now.  And, I appreciate it now. 

And just like my parents...even more than my parents...God is watching over me now.  He knows what is best for me and I'm going to let Him take the lead.

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 29 What A Ride!}

I love this quote.

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, favorite beverage in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming,Woo Hoo...what a ride!" Author Unknown

What a great to live your life.  Though it doesn't seem to be a Christian quote, I see it through the Christian filter.  How wonderful to live a life of serving others and taking the awesome ride called life!

How about the lyric in Lonestar's song "Mountains"?  The good Lord gave us mountains so we could learn how to climb.

Another great mental picture of how life is to be lived.

We would complain that life was boring if we didn't have ups and downs and curves along the way.  I think God knew that.  He's awesome like that.

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 28 The Three Little Pigs Is Not A Fairy Tale}

The Three Little Pigs Is Not A Fairy Tale.

Yes, all words are meant to be capitalized.

It's true.

The big bad wolf is standing outside your door, huffing and puffing and trying to blow your house down.

Will you let him?

Or, will you put on the full armor of God and take charge.  Will you fight?

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

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¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, ¹⁵ and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. ¹⁶ In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷ Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
 ¹⁸ And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.  Ephesisans 6:10-18

Photo Credit: Google

31 Days of Loving Life {Day 27 The End, Part Two)

Yesterday we left off asking, Would anything change in our lives if we were told we only had a few precious days to live.

I'm a little sad to say that my life would be very different.

I would quit my job and spend as much time with my family as possible.

I would let them know how much I love them.

I would cook a beautiful meal for them.

Maybe take a short vacation.

Tell as many people about Jesus as I could.

I could go on and on.

So, why don't I go on and do that now?  Why do we have to wait until the end to live like we want to live?

Loving this life is not about getting but giving.  It's not about anything of this world except for people.  Other souls.  Precious lives that are hanging in the balance.

I have some things that I will be changing.  Do you?

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 26 The End}

My husband was telling me about a co-worker who received some tragic news recently.

His co-worker went to the doctor and was told he had a thyroid issue.  After visiting a specialist he was told he had stage 4 cancer.  In addition, he was told he only has 4 to 6 weeks to live.

It breaks my heart to hear this and I don't even know this person.

It makes me think too.

How would I live my life if I was told I only had a few precious days left?

Would anything change?

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 25 The Frogs}

Today is October 25th.  It is so hard to believe that we are 3/4 through our journey of 31 Days of Loving Life.  I hope you have been encouraged, inspired and even stretched.  I hope you have experienced an aha moment or two.  Ultimately, I hope God has used my little blog in this great big world to speak to you in some way, no matter how small.  During these last few days in this series, I have a few things on my heart, but I'm not sure where God will lead.

Today I want to talk about the recurring problems in life.  The ones that seem to cycle, come and go.  They are thorns in our lives. 

For me, they are a lot like the dog lying on the nail.  The old hound dog was lying on the front porch just howling and moaning.  Someone asked his owner why he didn't do anything to help the poor old dog and he replied, he's laying on a nail and it just doesn't hurt bad enough for him to get up and move.

In my devotion this morning I read about the Egyptian Pharoah with the frog problem.  There were thousands of frogs in his country, maybe millions.  They were everywhere.  The frogs came as a result of a dispute with God over the Israelites.  God sent Moses to speak to the Pharoah:

"When shall I intreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses?" “Tomorrow,” Pharaoh said. Moses replied, “It will be as you say, so that you may know there is no one like the LORD our God." Exodus 8:9-10

This was an aha moment for me.

How often do I say tomorrow to God?  How often do I say tomorrow to my problems?  Why wait a moment longer than I have to, to rid myself of my own "plagues"? 

It's time to clear out the frogs!

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 24 While I'm Waiting)

What are you supposed to do when we are waiting for the Lord to answer your prayers?  Continue Praying.  Be obedient.  Stay faithful.  Continue to serve Him.

Isaiah 30:18 Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; blessed are all those who wait for Him.

Isaiah 40:31 They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.

I absolutely love the song "While I'm Waiting" by John Waller.  Below is the video used for Fireproof.  Love the song.  Love the lyrics.  Love the movie.



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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 23 Choose Happiness}

"Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it."

~ Groucho Marx

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 22 Everything is A Miracle)

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is. "

~ Albert Einstein

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 21 Count It All Joy}

Today's post is a little later than normal.  I apologize for keeping you on the edge of your seats! Just kidding!

Back in July, my husband had to have ear surgery.  Sounds very simple, but it was anything but simple.  He had a cholesteatoma deep within his ear that had taken his hearing.  We were terrified.  Worried about the surgery.  Worried about the medical bills.  Worried about him being out of work for several weeks.  Worried that we couldn't make ends meet.  Just a whole bunch of worry.

We knew that God would provide. 

He did. 

We knew that God would provide healing. 

He did.

We cut back on everything.  It was really a luxury to go out to eat, even at a fast food restaurant.  And, not only did we survive, but we thrived.

We enjoyed spending time together as a family.  I became quite spoiled to not having to wake up so early and I loved getting home early too.  We found our church and fell in love with our church family during that time.  My husband was able to spend a lot of time with our son.  We had eight full weekends together as a family.

But, there was a problem.  The tumor was gone, but his hearing didn't improve.  And, it still hasn't.

Today, he met with the surgeon again and has scheduled another surgery for November 15.  And, I'm not worried.  I'm happy.

God provided more than we needed during his last surgery and recovery and I know He is already providing for us now. I see this as an amazing opportunity and blessing. 

Now, I don't have to look at the calender and be disappointed that my husband can't make it to a family Christmas gathering because he has to work. 

I don't have to figure out if we can go as a family to our Christmas program at church.

We can truly enjoy spending this Thanksgiving and Christmas season together as a family.  That's the greatest gift we could ask for.  On our wish list, the success of the surgery and we know God has already provided that too.

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These are the verses that I have clung to during many times of trial I have experienced (various translations):

3 John 1:2
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

James 1:2-8
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

Philippians 4:19
My God will richly fill your every need in a glorious way through Christ Jesus.

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 20 Flying Blind}

Have you ever seen the "God is my Co-Pilot" bumper sticker or tag?

Have you heard the song "Jesus take the wheel" by Carrie Underwood?

These words became real life for Jim O'Neill in November, 2008.  Jim suddenly became blind while he was piloting his two seater Cessna airplane from Scotland to England.  At first, Jim thought it was temporary and due to the glaring sun, but quickly realized there was a bigger problem.  Jim had suffered a stroke that rendered him completely blind.  Jim was 15,000 feet in the air with no way out. 

Amazingly, with the help of the Royal Air Force and Air Traffic Control, Jim was able to safely land his plane.  The Royal Air Force flew to meet Jim and stayed within 300 feet of his plane and guided him by giving simple instructions, turn right slighly, go up, go down. After three attempts at landing, he did land and was taken to the hospital.  Jim had suffered a stroke and did recover.  (You may read the full story here.)

I love this story.

I love struggle victory stories.

God is right there with you.  All the time.  He gives us those simple instructions that we need to safely land, ie live our lives.  Just like with Jim, we usually only get one step at a time. 

Go this way.

No, that's not a good idea.

Read this book, blog, etc.

Here's a verse to help you.

I am so thankful for that God is ever present in my life.  Are you allowing Him to guide you, or do you question His every instruction?

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 19 Excusitis}

Have you ever had a case of excuseitis?  I'm too old.  I'm too young.  I'm overweight.  I'm not smart enough.  I don't have any time. 

Fauja Singh could have said he was too old.  When he was 89 years old he began running marathons.  Yes, that is correct.  89 years old.  Over the weekend he completed his eighth marathon.  In case you don't know, a marathon is 26.2 miles.  Fauja finished in last place, at 8:25.17. 

Photo Credit

What stands out most to you in this story?

I certainly hope that it isn't that Fauja came in last place.  I hope that it's the fact that not only did he conquer his own reasons not to run, but I'm sure, he overcame the remarks and opinions of others too.

What an inspiration.

Reminds me of Abraham and Sarah.  God doesn't look at age.  He's ageless.  Timeless.  He doesn't look at any of our other excuses either.  He knows our limitations, but calls us anyway, because He equips us.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.  Phil. 4:13

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 18 The Pumpkin}

This past weekend, while Dylan wasn't feeling his best, we speent the weekend at home.  Normally when we are home I keep the Nick Jr. channel on at a low volume, hoping he will learn all of the positive character qualities they teach as well as math, colors, etc.  Well, this weekend, mommy learned something too!

If you are a mom of a young child, I'm sure you have heard of Franklin.  If not, fyi, Franklin is an adorable little turtle cartoon, check it out, super cute.  Moving on now.  Franklin and his friend Bear had grown a huge pumpkin and wanted to take it to the fiar to be judged.  They were on their way to the fair when tragedy struck.  The pumpkin rolled down the hill and smashed into a tree.  Franklin and Bear were so upset.  I can't blame them, all their hard work ruined.

Then came the life lesson.

Mrs. Muskrat came up on them and saw what happened.  Then she said it.  "Don't worry, everything can be made into something good."

Repeat:  Everything can be made into something good.

What good is a smashed up pumpkin?  It's perfect for ribbon winning pumpkin pie!

Are you broken?  Feel smashed up?  Feel like you have hit a tree head on?  Know that you have good inside you too.

Everything can be made into something good.

I'm learning that being broken isn't always such a bad thing.  It's often the perfect time to share what's on the inside of you that's normally hidden in your shell.

Here's to turning smashed pumpkins into pumpkin pie!

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 17 He Understands}

I've always heard that Jesus understands our pain, that while on earth He was tempted and suffered just as we do. It's one thing to hear it and a completely different matter to believe it.

I'm currently reading Max Lucado's new book, God's Story Your Story.  In this book, Max Lucado quotes the verse that is the origin of this saying, and it is quoted in a translation that I've never heard it quoted before.

For our high priest [Jesus] is able to understand our weaknesses.  When he lived on earth, he was tempted in every way that we are, but he did not sin.  Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God's Throne where there is grace.  There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it.  Hebrews 4:15-16 NCV

This verse doesn't exactly paint the picture of Jesus sitting on His throne, tapping His fingers and saying, I can't believe she just did that, said that, failed that...again.  No completely opposite.  I'm envisioning Jesus sitting at His throne, looking down with love, saying you can do this, you have what you need to overcome this, I am with you, I have been there.

We all gravitate to people that we have things in common with.  I hope that this verse causes you to gravitate to Jesus more than ever before!

He does understand.

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 16 What's your MO?}

I can hardly believe that we are on Day 16 already! My how the month has flown by!  It will be Christmas before we know it! I LOVE Christmas and fall, so I don't want to rush it!!

Today I'm thinking of my MO.  I used to watch a lot of crime shows, I don't anymore because they are so negative, but I did really love them.  I liked trying to figure out who did it and why.  Clue for television!  In those shows, the police are always searching for the criminals' MO, mode of operation or manner of operation.  Basically, how they choose their crimes, etc.

Yesterday, my baby really didn't feel well when he woke up.  He was just lying around and whimpering and very tired.  The past few days he really hasn't been himself, so much that his nursery school teachers even commented on it.  So, I was already concerned about him.  So when he woke up that way, this momma panicked!  My first reaction, call the doctor!! Something is wrong!

Well, I did call and they referred me to Urgent Care.  Fun.  Always fun to go to the urgent care! I spoke to my husband and decided to wait it out a little bit.  He had no fever and no other symptoms.  Ultimately, he was fine and we didn't go to the doctor.

Afterward, that got me to thinking.  In my life, what is my MO?  What is my reaction?  Do I always panic?  Do I go to God first?  Or do I call my momma, my husband, the doctor? 

Let's say it isn't a negative situation, let's say something really great just happened.  I got a raise or Dylan just said a new word, then what do I do?  Call my husband or my momma? Or do I thank God?

I really believe that I need to change my own MO.  I need to put God in first place, my husband second, my family third and everything else can follow.  I say God is my number one, but my MO has proven that He gets called second or third.

Hmm, a little something to think about.

What's your MO?

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 15 Little Snowdrop}

Today is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness day.  So many families experience the loss of a child and many suffer alone.  Below is a poem that I found online, that is a beautiful memorial to the precious little ones that left us too early.

Little SnowdropThe world may never notice
If a Snowdrop doesn't bloom,
Or even pause to wonder
If the petals fall too soon.
But every life that ever forms,
Or ever comes to be,
Touches the world in some small way
For all eternity.
The little one we long for
Was swiftly here and gone.
But the love that was then planted
Is a light that still shines on.
And though our arms are empty,
Our hearts know what to do.
Every beating of our hearts
Says of our love for you.
~ Author Unknown

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 14 Meaningless Life}

Photo Credit Sandeep Kumar

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 13 Overcoming Anger & Negative Emotions}

Have you ever been mad at someone?  Really mad?  When you thought back on that time later, did you get mad all over again?

That nasty little cycle is two things: not letting go of the past and is also insanity.  Have you heard the saying that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, but expecting different results?  It's true.

I am a stuffer.  I tend to stuff my feelings instead of dealing with them.  I don't want to argue.  I don't want to talk about it.  I hope that I can stuff it, say it will be ok tomorrow and then pray that it will be.  Well, lets just say that doesn't work too often.  Nope, sure doesn't.

Whenever I see the person or am reminded of the situation, I am flooded again by frustration, sadness, you name it.   So how do I deal with it?

Pray.  God's Word directs us to pray for our enemies.  I don't believe that is just our arch enemies.  I believe it is also the things or people that rub us the wrong way and bring out the worst in us.  Then I pray for myself. I need strength to deal with this problem and that strength can only come from the Lord.

The formula is simple.  The answer is only a few short words:

1 Thessalonians 5:13 Pray without ceasing.

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 12 A Godly Husband}

Today is a very special day.  It is my husbands birthday!

To honor him, I'm sharing the traits of a godly husband that I recently read.  Although the list could be longer, these are a great foundation.

1. A wise husband is kind and compassionate.
2. A wise husband is honest.
3. A wise husband is hard working.
4. A wise husband is truthful.
5. A wise husband exercises self control.
6. A wise husband is a man of integrity.
7. A wise husband is faithful and reliable.

I am so very thankful for the blessing that my husband is to our family.  I will be praying these traits over my husband, not because he lacks them, but because I love him and want to raise him up!

See you tomorrow!

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31 Days of Loving Life {Day 11 When You Are Between A Rock and A Hard Place}

Do you ever wonder where God is during your struggles?  Do you question His love for you?  If you do, then these verses should answer those questions and confirm how deep the love of God is for you!

Isaiah 43 The Message
When You're Between a Rock and a Hard Place

^1-4 But now, God's Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob,
   the One who got you started, Israel:
"Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you.
   I've called your name. You're mine.
When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.
   When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you're between a rock and a hard place,
   it won't be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
   The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:
   all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!
That's how much you mean to me!
   That's how much I love you!
I'd sell off the whole world to get you back,
   trade the creation just for you.

Thank you Lord for your love.

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