As we begin this new chapter in our lives I find myself.....finding myself.
Can anyone relate? I think everyone can.
What goals should I be marching toward? How do I fit into the puzzle? What am I supposed to be sharing with others? Who am I supposed to be serving? Are some of the personal dreams I have totally crazy? Where should I volunteer? What is my calling? What do I need to do to be effective? Who else should I pour my energies into? And so on.....
Kind of deep, I know. But I don't think I'm alone in my pondering. Whether you are a business exec leading board meetings and going on business trips, or a stay-at-home mom who attempts to keep crumbs off the floor and dirt off of small faces - don't we all have a desire to be of use? And don't we all - no matter how fleeting the moment - occasionally find ourselves wanting to be of BIG use? This crumb catcher sure does.
Acts 17:28 says: For in Him we LIVE and MOVE and EXIST....
That verse doesn't exactly quiet all my questions - but it does point to my ultimate purpose. I live, move, and exist for The Almighty - therefore - He will show me how and where to do all three.
As I rummaged through boxes this morning - I found The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I'll leave you with a few thoughts from this book:
" Focusing on ourselves will never reveal our life's purpose. " p.18
" You are not an accident." p. 22
" The way you think determines the way you feel, and the way you feel influences the way you act." p.182
" God's ultimate goal for your life on earth is not comfort, but character development." p. 173
" The essence of love is not that we think or do or provide for others, but how much we give of ourselves." p.127
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Maxwell Video Clip
"If I can fill your mind with the right thoughts, it's amazing what you can accomplish in life."
- this is what John Maxwell's father told him as a young boy ..........and it worked!
John Maxwell is one of our favorite authors. He has written many books on leadership and is considered an authority on the subject. My husband actually had the privilege of meeting this talented man a few years ago, and we proudly display the photograph of the two of them meeting. He is truly a man we look up to - in leadership and in spirituality.
As I was browsing John's website today, I came across an interesting video of John speaking about children's books. There is nothing better we can do for our children's knowledge than to read them books, and once they become of age, for our children to read books themselves. An avid reader myself - I hung on every word Mr. Maxwell said in this video. As soon as I was done watching it, I told our son to go grab some good reads off of his book shelf. We climbed up on the couch and had a lovely story time.
May it inspire you to do the same....
www.johnmaxwell.com/readinglist/
- this is what John Maxwell's father told him as a young boy ..........and it worked!
John Maxwell is one of our favorite authors. He has written many books on leadership and is considered an authority on the subject. My husband actually had the privilege of meeting this talented man a few years ago, and we proudly display the photograph of the two of them meeting. He is truly a man we look up to - in leadership and in spirituality.
As I was browsing John's website today, I came across an interesting video of John speaking about children's books. There is nothing better we can do for our children's knowledge than to read them books, and once they become of age, for our children to read books themselves. An avid reader myself - I hung on every word Mr. Maxwell said in this video. As soon as I was done watching it, I told our son to go grab some good reads off of his book shelf. We climbed up on the couch and had a lovely story time.
May it inspire you to do the same....
www.johnmaxwell.com/readinglist/
Reaching For It
Oh, how I wish I had his wonder. My two year old has such hope - even when the odds are against him.
Outside this morning, we stood staring up into the sky at a huge flock of birds flying overhead. My son loves birds and just wanted so badly to reach up and grab one. As he was yelling "Birrrrd! Birrrrd!" - he began jumping up with all of his might - arms outstretched towards the sky - reaching with everything he had to catch one. His efforts left him a good 50 feet short of his feathery friends. But still, he kept trying. He does the same thing at night time. To him, the stars at night are magical light balls that he could have some real fun with - if only he could reach one.
"Just maybe this next jump will get me there!"
Tenacity and Drive - making themselves known in the sweetest and simplest forms.
What does his Mommy learn from this? You may think it's a stretch, but it reminds me to keep trying. No matter how grim the outlook. He teaches me to have hope and determination in the little and big things of life.
Shouldn't I be the one teaching HIM that?
Outside this morning, we stood staring up into the sky at a huge flock of birds flying overhead. My son loves birds and just wanted so badly to reach up and grab one. As he was yelling "Birrrrd! Birrrrd!" - he began jumping up with all of his might - arms outstretched towards the sky - reaching with everything he had to catch one. His efforts left him a good 50 feet short of his feathery friends. But still, he kept trying. He does the same thing at night time. To him, the stars at night are magical light balls that he could have some real fun with - if only he could reach one.
"Just maybe this next jump will get me there!"
Tenacity and Drive - making themselves known in the sweetest and simplest forms.
What does his Mommy learn from this? You may think it's a stretch, but it reminds me to keep trying. No matter how grim the outlook. He teaches me to have hope and determination in the little and big things of life.
Shouldn't I be the one teaching HIM that?
Monday, July 28, 2008
Next Door
She invited us to church .....AND gave me a hug.
We met our new neighbor tonight! Yes.....she invited us to her house of worship.....embraced me....and called me Honey. Truly a woman after my own heart-right next door. I have big plans for our relationship. Waving while on the lawn mower, watching her house while she is away, baking things for her, having her over for tea or dinner, and having nice conversations in our driveways. This is the first time in our married life that we have a neighbor who's dwelling isn't attached to ours. We actually live in a real house now - with a real yard - and real neighbors. What joy.
Thank you, Lord.
We met our new neighbor tonight! Yes.....she invited us to her house of worship.....embraced me....and called me Honey. Truly a woman after my own heart-right next door. I have big plans for our relationship. Waving while on the lawn mower, watching her house while she is away, baking things for her, having her over for tea or dinner, and having nice conversations in our driveways. This is the first time in our married life that we have a neighbor who's dwelling isn't attached to ours. We actually live in a real house now - with a real yard - and real neighbors. What joy.
Thank you, Lord.
Pots and Pans
Recently, my husband surprised me with a new set of pots and pans. They are the shiny kind with copper around the bottom. I feel so chef-like when I use them.
While I'm more than thrilled with my new cooking toys - I'm even more blessed by how I got them. My husband got to pick out a free gift for some points he had accumulated through a work program. He had been eyeing this really nice circular saw - when he noticed the pots and pans set. Because he is so thoughtful - he opted to forgo the manly circular saw and chose the shiny pots and pans set - for me. Is that not the sweetest thing ever? He is totally reaping the benefits though...tonight I made brats with green peppers and onions in my new skillet.
Just call me Giada.
While I'm more than thrilled with my new cooking toys - I'm even more blessed by how I got them. My husband got to pick out a free gift for some points he had accumulated through a work program. He had been eyeing this really nice circular saw - when he noticed the pots and pans set. Because he is so thoughtful - he opted to forgo the manly circular saw and chose the shiny pots and pans set - for me. Is that not the sweetest thing ever? He is totally reaping the benefits though...tonight I made brats with green peppers and onions in my new skillet.
Just call me Giada.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Parenting Quote
I enjoy reading parenting books. Some of them are junk, some are thought-provoking, and some are amazingly helpful. One of my favs is The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartain. I want to share a quote with you from her:
" I also learned that I didn't have to be a perfect parent. I just had to be a praying one."
What a great reminder. If you are a parent - let it encourage you.
" I also learned that I didn't have to be a perfect parent. I just had to be a praying one."
What a great reminder. If you are a parent - let it encourage you.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Relocating
We are smack-dab in the middle of a move. Whether I'm moving across state lines or simply moving across town - it is always hectic. I have to-do lists coming out of my ears, boxes scattered throughout our apartment, and very bare walls. Thanks to those awesome 'Magic Erasers' there aren't even any crayon marks on the walls anymore. While every move can be a little stressful - this one is different. We are in the process of buying our very first home! I don't think the knots in my tummy will actually go away until I am holding those shiny house keys in the palm of my hand. Having faith that everything will work out, I am so exited to get into an actual house! A home - with a driveway to plow, a yard to mow, and walls that I can actually paint! My husband is chomping at the bit to get into our new place, as well. It is situated on the outskirts of a small community consisting of mostly farm land. He has lived in the big city for too long now - and is already making plans for some crops, a few animals, and a workshop. He is a true testament to the old saying "You can't find your soul on the sidewalk." I love him for it.
While relocating, movers come and pack your entire material lives on a semi-truck. Every time it makes me feel so small. As I was cleaning out things today, I began thinking about how humbling a big move can be. Sifting through your belongings you begin to realize just how much junk you own. Things you don't need - never really did. Here in America - we have such an over-abundance of THINGS. I heard about a book a while ago that discussed the amount of material goods Americans own - compared to people of other countries. The writers went around the world and asked families to bring everything they owned out of their homes and place it in their front yard (if they had one.) It was astounding how much more STUFF Americans accumulate - things we thought we needed but only really wanted. And yet, in our very own country - there are still people who don't have enough to eat. Ironic, isn't it? It makes me feel so convicted.
I am pumped about this move. We will be living MUCH closer to some of our most treasured friends, close enough to attend Buckeye games, yet out of the city enough to see the stars at night. (Assuming of course - this whole darn home buying process is successful. I'm trusting it will be.) I'm so thankful.
I better get back to my to-do lists.
While relocating, movers come and pack your entire material lives on a semi-truck. Every time it makes me feel so small. As I was cleaning out things today, I began thinking about how humbling a big move can be. Sifting through your belongings you begin to realize just how much junk you own. Things you don't need - never really did. Here in America - we have such an over-abundance of THINGS. I heard about a book a while ago that discussed the amount of material goods Americans own - compared to people of other countries. The writers went around the world and asked families to bring everything they owned out of their homes and place it in their front yard (if they had one.) It was astounding how much more STUFF Americans accumulate - things we thought we needed but only really wanted. And yet, in our very own country - there are still people who don't have enough to eat. Ironic, isn't it? It makes me feel so convicted.
I am pumped about this move. We will be living MUCH closer to some of our most treasured friends, close enough to attend Buckeye games, yet out of the city enough to see the stars at night. (Assuming of course - this whole darn home buying process is successful. I'm trusting it will be.) I'm so thankful.
I better get back to my to-do lists.
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