High Expectations are the key...

"High EXPECTATIONS are the key to everything." ~ Sam Walton

Good Morning Lord. Thank You Lord for providing me with a new morning, for the fact that You are always near me and will never leave me. I love You. I love Your Word.

 

3 Things that I am grateful for this morning are ...

 

- That I still have my parents. So many people have gone through life with only one, some with none. I have been so blessed to have mine in my life, even now, into my 50's. Please Lord, continue to keep them safe and healthy. Please bless them and give them relief from thier pain. May I be a blessing to each one of them.

 

- Financial security. Thank You Lord that we both have good jobs. Thank You that we are both able to contribute to our budget and grow in wisdom toward a safe and sound financial future. Please continue to bless those who bless us and give each one financial security.

 

- For healthy, happy grandkids. Lord, You know that they are such a blessing in our lives. Please protect them and bless them. Give them wisdom, good friends, financial peace, and all that they need to grow up into loving, responsible, God honoring adults.

 

3 things that will make today a great day, that are in my power are...

 

- renewing my mind... only thinking good thoughts.

- being a blessing to another human being. Making them smile, helping someone, what ever it takes.

- spending time in Gods word, prayer and meditation.

 

I have High EXPECTATIONS. I am a woman of faith, courage and enthusiasm... I go boldly, with faith and confidence into each situation, knowing that I am prepared and knowledgable, and up to the task. And I come out a WINNER every time.

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Blessed beyond Measure...

"For, he that expects nothing shall not be disappointed, but he that expects much—if he lives and uses that in hand day by day—shall be full to running over." ~ Edgar Cayce

Good Morning Lord. I love You Lord. May I glorigy You Lord. Please forgive me of my sins and order my day... my life. Thank You for this new day and new mercies this mornings.

3 things I'm thankful for this morning are...

- God's word.... I so love the word of God. Thank You Lord that I can open my Bible every day a learn something new, or get closer to You Lord. Thank You that I still have the freedom to read the Word of God.

- My friendship with Joanna T. Thank You Lord that I met her 6 years ago and we have stayed friends. She is an inspiration to me and I pray that she knows you as her personal savior, friend, hope and salvation. May I be instrumental in getting her there.

- Susie A. My hairdresser and friend. Thank you that I found her. She is such a blessing to me and a true witness for You LOrd. Please bless her life and her family.

3 things that will make today great are...

- using my gifts and talents to glorify God.

- spending time in prayer and meditation.

- Spending time working....

I am a woman of high expectiation and high accomplishment. I am blessed. My cup runs over with the blessings of the Lord and the fruits of my labor. I am blessed beyond measure.

 

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Powerful morning ritual

Do you have a morning ritual?  I bet you do.  What is it like?  Do you hit the snooze alarm 3 or 4 times before finally dragging yourself out of bed with a grumble, with barely enough time to grab a quik shower, a cup of coffee and dash out the door? Or, do you allow yourself some time to think when you first get up?  

Are you aware that you have the ability to create a good day or a bad day.  Or at least turn what looks to become a bad day into a good one. That's right, you have that kind of power. And it all starts with the thoughts you think first thing in the morning.

I understand that everyone is different, and thousands of senarios happen in homes every single day.  But many of those morning scenes turn into disaster with the tiniest mishap, for the simple reason that the person didn't chose to "think" first thing in the morning.  That's right, they go through their morning ritual without turning on thier mind.  I don't mean thoughts don't run through their minds at a a lightning pace, after all there is that morning meeting at the office, and the dry cleaning needs to be dropped off, and the kids lunches made, the dog walked, oh.. and that shirt left soaking with the wine stain from last night....etc, etc etc. A million things are constantly bombarding our minds.

But, happy is the person who takes control of the thoughts that go through her mind.  Which is a whole study in and of itself.  But the point I would like to make today, is that we can get a head start on our day by taking 5 minutes in the morning to think.  

I listened to a program the other day called "Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson: A Travel Guide to life".  http://drjamesdobson.org.  Ryan Dobson was talking about something he and his wife do every day called the 5 Minute Journal. I took some notes.   I think this is one of the easiest ways to start your day with intention and focus, and to start it off on the right foot.  Though I do something similar in my morning quiet time, it takes a lot more time.    I know that not everyone has the desire to be up before the chickens.  So, this is an excellent way to start your day, and it only takes 5 minutes.  Here it is....  

1. Read an inspirational quote or challenge.  Copy it into your journal.  

2. Write 3 things you are grateful for today. (Try not to repeat yesterday's)

3. Write 3 things that would make today great, that are within your power.

4. Write a declarative statement about yourself, something you hope to acheive.  Example: "Im organized and tidy"

Ryan and his wife also do this in the evening.  If you'd like more info on that you can check out http://www.fiveminutejournal.com

I challenge you to try it out for a week or two.  Get up 5 or 10 minutes earlier.  Kick start your brain. Put yourself in a possitive state of mind.  I'll bet you it makes a difference in your day.   I'd love to hear how it works for you.  

Happy Sunday.

Debbie

Today is Good Friday

Today's Good Friday.  I never took the time to really digest what today was about.  I dont mean to say that I didnt understand the meaning of Good Friday.  But I never sat down and read, and absorbed what took place on that day.  The physical pain that Jesus endured is so hard to fathom, that I never really went beyond that.  But today, I have been reading my devo with the other SRT sisters,

http://shereadstruth.com/2015/04/03/it-is-finished/

, and there is sooo much more.  The shear weight of the burden of every sin that has ever or will ever be committed.... we will just never understand... I just cant fathom it.  And... the crowd that gathered to watch this specticle.... something happened... changed in them.  When the lights went out for 3 hours.. and the veil in the temple was torn in half... oh, the gravity of what they had just seen, even taken part in... they went home "beating their chests"!  Whoa!  

Psalm 22:27-31, Luke 23:44-49, Mark 15:33-39, John 19:28-30

My heart is so heavy as tears flow down my cheeks at the thought of what took place on this day... for me!  Yet, it brings so much joy!  Joy to know what took place on this day FOR ME!  Though I dont deserve it, I can now have a relationship with my heavenly Father.  And....

"Because it is finished, there is nothing that any one of us can contribute to Jesus’ work on the Cross to bring us any closer to salvation." 

Thank You Jesus!  Thank you for your sacrifice for me... for all of us this day.  I'm so grateful that all I have to do is accept it.  

What are you afraid of?

Fear.  What is it and why do we let it rule us?

Fear is nothing but an illusion.  It's a thought, an imagination, that something bad will happen.  It can be debilitating.  It is the biggest reason why many people dont experience the life that they hoped for.  Maybe something bad has happened in the past that caused them to think that it will happen again. But that does not make it a reality.  

Fear is just a thought. 

And here's a thought... we are in charge of our thoughts.  We get to decide what we are going to think.  Yes, I know that you may be thinking... "I cant help what pops into my head".  And that may be true to begin with, because if you have never taken control of your thoughts, it may be a new concept.  It may be hard, and some have said that once the thought is there it cant be unthunk.  But.... when you decide to take control of your thoughts, you can stop the thought (fear) immediatly, by saying "NO", (to yourself if you are with people, or out loud if you are alone).  Then replace it with a different thought.  

Fear is a worse-case-scenario thought.  For example:  You would love to take a ride in a balloon, but your fear has always said.  "I could never ride in a balloon, because... what if it crashes? I could die, or be seriously injured."  Instead, when the fear comes, you say "NO", then immediatly say to yourself the opposite... the best case scenerio.  "I can ride in a balloon, it will be exhillerating! It will be fun.  Millions of people ride in balloons, all the time.  Balloons are safe.  The operator is a skilled professional and knows how to keep me safe.  Etc, etc"  No matter what the fear is, there is an extreme opposite of the worse case scenario.  Replacing the negative thought with a positive one, and taking the action, will eventually prove to eliminate, or at least greatly decrease the fear.

I am naturally afraid to make prospecting phone calls.  My initial thought is that I will make the person angry or at the very least, disturb them from what they are doing.  I dont like to inconvenience people.  But making prospecting phone calls is a vital part of my business.  I'm not saying I couldnt do my business without them, but doing this one action saves time and produces the most results in the shortest amount of time. So, it's something I feel I need to do.  How do I overcome the natural resistance, the fear?  I talk to myself.  I say, "What if I'm the only one who reaches them to share this vital information? They could end up making an uneducated decision that could cost them thousands of dollars.  If I dont at least try to reach them, their financial future could be in jeopardy.  They need the information that I will share with them.  They will be happy to be disturbed. And if they are angry for being disturbed, oh well, at least I tried to help them."  This always helps me get started dialing the phone.  After a few phone calls, I'm always glad I did.  And now, I dont feel the fear the way I use to.  (Now its just more of an avoidance or procrastination issue, which is a whole other discussion.)  But, I still do the pep talk every time, because it pumps me up and helps me get excited about making the calls. 

What do you fear?  Is it stopping you from living your life to the fullest?  What are you going to do about it?  

Hardcore success

If you want to be super successful, you have to be hardcore! How many people do you know that made it to the top of thier game by doing the their job, the basics... just enough? I dont know any!!! All the winners that I know have been hardcore. They are up in the wee hours of the morning, they are studying their craft and practicing and studying the competition deep into the night. They eat it, they drink it, they live and breath it. The Curt Warners, the Michael Jordans, the Oprah Winfreys, they dont give up when they fail. They dont stop working at it and trying to get better when they miss the mark. They didn't get to where they are by quitting.

The question is.... How hard are you (am I) willing to work? How smart are you willing to work? How late are you willing to work? How hardcore are you willing to get? If you're not willing to go all the way....to go HardCore,... then what's the point?

Mediocre might be ok for some people... for the average person. Do you want to be average? Do you want to barely make it by the skin of your teeth?

Or do you want to climb to the top? Climb hard, either with slow determination or high intensity speed. Use wisdom, leveraging your skills and talents and those of your team. Use knowledge, learn as much as you can about your game, learn even more about your competition. Be the smartest, be the fastest, be the greatest _____ that ever walked the earth. How? DECIDE! That's how.

Decide what you want. Decide when you want it. Decide to Figure out what it will take to get there. Decide to Creat a strategy. Decide to take the first step... Decide to take the second step...Build the momentum...Push harder...Get up earlier...Stay up later....Push Harder...Take the next step...and the next, and the next. If you want it.... really, really want it,... Decide that nothing can stop you from getting it. Decide to be HARDCORE about it.

1 Corinthians 9:24 ESV

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

And you will get it.

Happy Sunday.

Debbie

 

 

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Happy Monday

Yesterday was PF Changs, Rock N Roll half marathon.  Another 13.1 miles down.  Another year I ran it after saying I wasnt going to.  And another year I'm glad I did.  We ran, walked and had a blast.  It's just amazing to me how the human body can remember.  I mean, we havent had much training (again).  I've been getting about 3 to 4 miles in, 3 days a week, but not seriously training for a half marathon.  Delinda and I started picking up our miles about 2 weeks before the race and only got up to 8 miles.  But when the big day arrived, our bodies knew what to do.  We weren't fast, but we were able to do something (fairly easily), that litarally scared me to death when I first started running.

Life is like that.  All new things are a little bit (or a lot) scary at first.  But once you get started, the initial fear subsides.  If you keep doing it, not only does it get easier, you get better at it, and it can become a lot of fun.  I' m not saying that running a half marathon isnt hard work.  Yes, it's still painful, it still takes a lot of time.  But it's not quite as daunting a task as I first imagined it.  And the painful muscles and joints go away much quicker than before.    

Maybe you've been thinking about doing something new. Or maybe the Lord has placed something in your mind and heart to do that may seem way too big.  It may be scary and may cause some pain.  You may have to give something up, like time, money, comfort.  But, if you will allow yourself... if you will make yourself do it.  You may find that it was worth it.  It may even become fun.  

Happy Monday.  Have a blessed week.

Debbie

Manners

I don't know about you, but I think that people have really gotten rude and inconsiderate lately. And today's smart phone technology is a big contributor to that. Personally, I believe that when you are with a person, you should be with that person. I just hate it when I'm in a conversation with someone and they aren't really all there. They are half listening to me and half watching their phone for the next text alert or email. Or even worse, they are caught up in the latest candy crush saga and cant give me (or anyone, for that matter) their full attention.

What happened to good old fashion curtesy? You know...Manners. I cant say I've always been on the receiving end of that scenario either, shame on me. But I do try to be considerate of the person I'm with, especially if they have given up part of their day to be with me. I've decided, one of my goals for the year is to be more considerate, courteous and a better listener. I believe that not only will this help my relationships with my family and friends, but I truly think it will increase my business and help make me a better communicator. Here are some of the things I am pledging to work on.... will you join me?

1. Put my phone on silent before I meet with someone, or better yet, leave it in the car. (Gee, I wonder if the world will collapse if I don't have it right by my side or in my purse for a little while?)

2. If I happen to have my phone with me (and have forgotten to put it on silent mode), and it rings, I will apologize to the person I'm with and immediately silence my phone. I will not answer it. (It's so nice that the iPhones now have an auto-response option. Now there is no excuse.)

3. If I'm in a public place, like a restaurant, and feel the need to use my phone (obviously I will be alone), I will be as considerate as possible to those around me, and keep my voice down or leave the room. (Have you ever been in a restaurant, when someone starts talking on their phone at about 40 decibels above everyone else? It's so annoying!)

4. When I am in a conversation with someone, I will give that person my undivided attention. I will look them in the eye and listen to them. Not for an opportunity to jump in with my opinion, but to really hear their heart.

I know that there are lots of ways to show good manners and common curtesy. These are just some of the ways I'm going to start. Can you think of any others that would help us all to become better communicators and better friends? Please share.

Have a blessed day.

Debbie

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Gratitude

This was a little blessing in my path yesterday

While running PF Chang's race in January, I hurt my hip. I was complaining in my mind about the pain and whining to God. Then, at about mile 10, I came upon a beautiful, strong, little woman, who had no use of her polio ridden legs. She had done the entire race on crutches; the kind that are strapped on at the shoulders. I could only imagine how painful it must have been for her arms and shoulders. But as I passed her, she looked up at me and smiled the most radiant smile. Suddenly my little ache in the hip didn't seem so big. I began to count my blessings. Which also prompted me to pray for her strength. Wow! What a lesson for me. Praise God for two good legs!

In that same race I kept intermittently passing a man and his son. You want to talk about determination! This man ran pushing his grown son in a wheelchair the entire race.  The poor man was so exhausted you could just see it all over him. But he never quit, he just kept pushing. Wow! Thank you God for my healthy children, for my healthy body. How could I complained about a little pain in my hip!

Next time I start to feel sorry for myself, I will remember how truly blessed I am. No matter how bad things get, there is always someone who has it worse than me. I am so blessed to have been born at this time in history, in this country, to loving, godly parents, and to have good relationships with all my family members. And have a strong, healthy body and capable mind.

True success,  happiness, wholeness and peace in life are impossible without gratitude. When a person looks around them and counts their blessings instead of complaints, the complaints seem to fade away.

Will you take the time today to count the blessings in your life and pray for those less fortunate than you?  I think you will be glad you did.

My newest little blessing, Justin Max

Have a blessed day.

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The Narrow Branch.

I'm an average woman; a woman no different than any other..  Average abilities, lower than average height and higher than average weight (for my height).  I step out of bed one foot at a time, I don't function without a cup of coffee in the morning.  I've lived a less than exciting life (with a few moments of shear ecstasy woven in).  I have a less than average education (one year of college), less than average job excitement (Ive changed jobs an average of every three to five years most of my adult life).  And I have raised 3 healthy (thank God) adult children, (not sure how they turned out so good.)

I'm just saying that there is nothing in my life that marks me as special, gifted, wise, etc.  And yet I have done some pretty amazing things that I never thought I could or would ever do.  It really makes me wonder why other people wont step out on that narrow branch and spread their wings to fly.

I know that there are those gifted people who shine in their area of expertise ( the Michael Jordan's of the world), not that their achievements aren't hard earned, but they do seem to have an edge over the rest of us.  But, I'm talking about overcoming the fear, procrastination, laziness, time constraints, etc and all the other excuses (because that's what they are) and doing something they have always wanted to do.  Just throwing off the constraints; yelling to the world "Screw it!!!" And plunging in with everything they have!!!

I never thought I would be a runner.  I'm too short, too slow, too fat, too old, to whatever! But at 40 years old, 5' tall and 180 pounds, I decided " Oh what the heck!  I'm tired of all the excuses!  I'm tired of being fat, I'm tired of being tired!  I'm too poor to join the gym, and don't have time anyway!"  So I started running. well, walking first.  There was no way I could run more than a few feet a that point in time.  But I decided to move my butt!   (Why don't people decide to move their butts?!!!)

Yes, I had to make some sacrifices!  I had to get up earlier in the morning.  I had to endure sore achy muscles as I added more time and speed.  After quite a long time and humiliation (being passed by an 80 year old man), I worked my way up to 3 miles of jogging.  I lost 50 pounds and eventually moved o Arizona ( from WA state), where my darling sister spurred me on to add more and more mileage.  The first year here, every run brought a new milestone.  First 5 miles, then 6, 7, 8 (this one was huge!)  I ran my first half marathon in 2006 and I felt like I had accomplished a flight o the moon and back   We continued to add events and worked up to 3 half marathons per year.  Until 2009 -   When my Friend and coach convinced me to run a full marathon.  She told me that my sister said she would if I would and told my sister the same about me.

We ran the Tuscon half in December, the PF Chang's Rock and Roll in January and the IMS Arizona Half in February.  Then 2 and a half months later or first full marathon.  26.2 miles in San Diego California (which was totally awesome!)  But the 2.5 months of training just about killed me!  You want to talk about sacrifice!  We were on the road by 5 am two mornings per week and ran 5 to 20 miles on those days as well as 2 medium sized runs during the week in the evenings.  We ran in freezing rain (on the 18 mile day), we ran in the heat (101 degrees on the 20 mile day).  We got dehydrated, chafed, blistered, sick, sunburned, and chilled to the bone.

Yet we continued our practice runs long past when we hit the wall and were ready to quit, long past throwing up on the side of the road, being chased by dogs, getting lost in the desert and screaming at the top of our lungs (mine in particular) "I'm done!!!  Bring me the truck!  I'm not taking another step!"  (that was on the 101 degree, 20 mile day.  Thank God it was our last long practice run!)  We continued.

What made it all worth it?  What made it so good?  It was crossing that finish line in San Diego  with a smile on my face!  I had endured the hard parts - those practices.  The real race, in 62 degree San Diego was a breeze!  tI not only was physically easier (because of climate), but it changed me.  I learned some things about myself.

I learned that I'm not just an average, short, chubby, girl.  No!  I elevated myself  into a whole new bracket.  I am above average!!  I have accomplished something that 95% of people will not even take the first step to accomplish.  That puts me in the top 5% of people in the world.  If I can run a 26.2 mile foot race in a short, chubby, average, 49 year old body, what else might I be able to accomplish?  The sky's the limit!

I've started to raise my expectation of myself.  I've continued to run at least 2 halves every year and I've run in some really neat places like Seattle.  I've also hiked the Grand Canyon, North to South rim.  I've changed careers yet again and have doubled my income in the last 2 years!

I've learned that "average" is a state of mind.
And everything worth having or accomplishing is worth working for.

And the doors have continued to open for me.  Sometimes taking a step toward the door is all it takes to open it.  As long as they continue to open for me, I'm going to walk, or Run, through them.

I hope you will too.

I can do all things... like running 13.1 miles on a whim

Me and my friends Becky (left)  and Michelle (right)

I ran my 6th PF Chang's Rock and Roll half marathon yesterday. I know I wasn't as prepared as I should have been. Actually my training leading up to the event was pretty lame. So lame that I had decided to downgrade to the "Mini", which is about 5.4 miles. My friend and running partner, Michelle and I had made this decision weeks before when we hadn't gotten our miles up past 5 miles, and our training time was running out. But, when I picked her up on Friday to go to the expo to pick up our packets, she suggested that we go ahead with the half, since that's what we we signed up for, but instead of running the whole thing, we could run half and walk half. I thought this was acceptable so I agreed.

I have to admit that this isn't the first time that I haven't felt totally trained and ready for a race. This same scenario has happened several times before. This time I was a little more apprehensive because I have put on 10 pounds since my last race, and I'm not as young as I use to be. But there are some things that I know from all my years of running that made it not only possible but super fun.

1. The old cliche "it's 99% mental" is not just a cliche'. When I stepped onto my regular running path the previous Saturday morning, I was thinking,"I really don't think I can run five miles this morning," and came up with a thousand excuses why, I was absolutely right. In fact I turned around at 2 and only did a total of 4. When I know I need to get in more miles, no matter how I'm feeling, when I tell myself I can do it, I just do it. So I decided that I could and would do the 13.1 miles, and I did.  The power of the mind is incredible. " (Romans 12:12 "be transformed by the renewal of your mind) (Phil 4:8 whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praise worthy, think on these things)

2.  I remember learning about muscle memory when I first started running with my group in 2005. My trainer at the time had been running for many years and she said that after a while your body just knows what to do and does it. I remember thinking " I can't wait for that to happen to me, and wishing it would hurry up already.   I think I'm finally there. I didn't feel any differently during the race than I did when I was full trained. 

3.Moral support from good friends is an awesome motivator.(Ecclesiastes 4:12 a chord of 3 strands is not easily broken.) We know we are not trying to break any records. We just love to run together for three reasons; exercise, social and motivation. Any task shared with a friend or two makes lighter work. Whether its doing the dishes or running 13 miles it's always more fun with a friend. 

4.  Keep your eye on the prize.(Phil 3:14, press on toward the goal. 1 Cor 9:24 run in such a way as to get the prize) I think about it this way.  When I take that first step across the start line, knowing that its going to be long time (2 to 3 hours) before I cross that finish line, I visualize crossing that line.  I know what the end feels like, so I pre-live it in my mind.  It's kind of like presetting your GPS navigational system in the car. As long as you keep pressing the accelerator and following the path laid out there, you will get to your destination.  I love that I always do.

5. Pacing yourself and taking mini breaks is crucial to finishing.  (Ex 34:21 God demanded rest.) My friends and I are not fast and we know it.  And we are okay with that. This may not be the philosophy of most racers, but our goal is different that theirs.  So we take it nice and slow.  I didn't know if I would be able to run more that five miles, and I was okay with walking the rest, but because we didn't push too hard in the beginning, we had enough energy to make it to the end, running (or shall I call it jogging) most of the time. Slow and steady finishes the race, (i know, another cliche').

6   You don't have to look like an athlete to be one. Appearance isn't everything.  (Ps 139:14 You are fearfully and wonderfully made).   My body was not made for running.  I'm 5 foot even.  So I cant say I look like a gazelle when running.  But it really doesn't matter.  Any body shape can run, or swim, or bike-ride, or you fill in the blank. The idea is to just get moving. (1 Tim 4:8 bodily training is of value, 2 Tim 2:5, 1 Cor 6:19 your body is a temple) Don't let yourself off the hook because you don't look the part, or feel it for that matter.  Just DO IT.

Only .1 mile left to go.  We rocked it!

Though this was my 6th Rock and Roll half Marathon, I've probably done 15 or more, (I've lost count), plus one full.  Before I moved to Avondale, AZ 8 years ago, I had only run 3 to 5 miles maximum.  I never thought I would run a half marathon!  And while I don't recommend doing it the way that I did this time. I do recommend pushing yourself hard to do something you never thought you would do.  The rewards are more than just physical.  But that,s a subject for another day.  

Thanks for stopping by the blog.  I pray you have a very blessed day.

Shut the door on negativity.

My friend Candace Jo wrote a post on her blog this morning at http://www.hopeinthehealing.com/2013/12/31/negativity-fast-a-fresh-start/

She is challenging all of her readers to a "negativity fast". And I have decided to accept the challenge.

Bad things happen in this world that we live in. Whether it be on a personal level or an international one, or somewhere in between We are constantly being reminded about them on the news on television, the internet, radio and even our own smart phones.

  But how we respond and talk about them is really what will determine the effect that they have in our lives and the lives of those around us.

I encourage you to read Candace Jo's blog and let me know if you will go on a negativity fast with me.

I want to wish you a very healthy, prosperous and positive 2014.

Debbie.

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Jesus is still the reason for the season.

I want to wish you a very blessed and special Christmas and holiday season, and a prosperous, healthy & happy year to follow.

 

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Happy Thanksgiving

I have so many reasons to be thankful This year. And one of them is the reason that I have not posted a blog in quite a while. You see, this is the busiest time of year in my line of work. I am a Medicare insurance agent, and this, being the open enrollment season, has kept me away from my blog. I'm not complaining mind you. In fact I am very very thankful to God for blessing my business.

 I've been doing a study with the "she reads truth" morning devotional on "Giving thanks in all circumstances". You can join by going here: http://shereadstruth.com/2013/11/16/give-thanks-circumstances

And one thing I've learned is that it is so easy to be thankful when times are good. When we're being blessed in our work, when our relationships are good, when things are going the way that we want, it is natural to give thanks.
It is not so easy however to be thankful in times of sorrow and pain and sadness. But, we still are to be thankful because a grateful heart is good medicine.
I'm not saying that we should be thankful for our sorrows pains and suffering. No, instead we should be thankful "in" these times, during these times. Why? Because our thankfulness, our gratefulness for what is good in our lives can and will help us to heal. I know it's hard to find the good when you're in the middle of a crisis. But there are many things that you can be thankful for. Start with just one. Find one small thing in your life and give God thanks for it. The sunshine, the rain, the sound of a childs laughter that brought a smile to your face. This will start the healing process. I encourage you to check out this devotional if you are in the middle of a trying time. I think it could help.
This wasn't where I thought I was going when I sat down to write this today. But somehow it is where I ended up. This is one thing I know, God is good, He loves us, he is there for us even when we don't feel it.
I hope and pray you have Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving Day. May God grant you peace and love In whatever you are doing this holiday weekend.

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To love or not to love

Love is a choice

Love is not something you fall into. It is not an accident. It's not that heart pounding feeling of twitterpation you get when the object of your desire walks into the room. It's not the inability to think about anything other than the person of your desire. It's not the feeling of passion, or sexual arousal or the need to be with, or even the feeling of comfort and security that you get when you are with that person.

Love is more than that...

If not, than what happens when all that emotional newness wears off? If all you had was excitement, passion and desire, what happens when you aren't feeling, pretty, sexy, passionate? What happens on the days when you look and feel your worst? When you don't feel like combing your hair and you want to stay in your pajamas all day?

Love is not a knight in shining armor sweeping us off our feet. Love is not always a happy ending. Love is not always pretty. It's not always kind, sweet, or even happy. Sometimes it can even be downright painful. and yet... you have a choice...

...to love or not to love.

Love is a choice. When the butterfly's in your heart settle down. When the flowers stop coming so frequently. When the romance actually takes work. When the routines of life settle in, and the kids, the bills, the job all begin to take precedence over romance... You have a choice...

...to love or not to love.

If you choose, you can have the kind of love that lasts a lifetime. But you can be assured that it's not always going to be easy. It is going to take some work. There will be problems, like lack of passion, fatigue, extended family, etc There will be dissagreements. There will be hardships. There will be times when you actually hate that person. And yet, you have a choice...

...to love or not to love.

It is something that takes work. Love is not a feeling, it is an action word. It is not something that you wait around and hope happens to you. It's something that you DO. You decide what to wear to work, you decide to wash your car, you decide to love that person, even when you don't feel like it. When he doesn't ignite your fire. When he sits on the couch all day watching football while you clean and cook for his family to come visit. When he's not what you thought you were bargaining for... you have a choice...

...to love or not to love.

And after all of that, you may be wondering, why would I want to?

Because when you do the rewards are soooo goooood! When love is deeper than the passionate infatuations that movies and books seem to over emphasize, it is so much better! It's better than the best friendship you ever had. The memories that you create are a mere drop in the proverbial bucket of the rewards of a long term, true and godly love....

A love that is patient, a love that is kind. A love that doesn't envy, boast, or isn't proud. A love that honors the other and isn't selfish. A love that holds no grudges or anger toward the other. A love that delights not on evil, but on truth. A love that protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres. (1 Cor 13:4-8). This kind of love ensures long, joyful, rewarding relationships. This is godly love.

In generations past, when marriages were arranged. Many women weren't given the option of who to love. Yet... They had a choice...

...to love or not to love.

Many chose to love, and went on to have long happy marriages. We have the same choice today. Our circumstances may not be what we always planned. Our lives may have turned out totally opposite than our expectations. And (barring abuse) we have the privilege to decide to stay or leave, to forgive or hold a grudge...

...to love or not to love.

37 years ago, I chose to love....and I choose every day.

 And I've never regretted it.

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Words

Monday Praise – Words

 

There is a very thought-provoking Christian song out now called "Words", By Hawk Nelson. And the lyrics are;

 

"Words can build us up, words can break us down, start a fire in our hearts, or put it out." Here's the full song on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anVweXDcxhA

 

Praise God for words.

Words that can be so powerful in constructing a human life.

Words that plant seeds of hope.

Words of encouragement

Words that communicate.

Words that point others to God's glory.

Words that bring change.

Words of instruction and correction.

Words of joy, peace, and love.

Kind words, loving words, thoughtful words.

Thought provoking words.

Poetic words.

Passionate words.

Words of caution.

Words that cause action.

Words that bring life.

 

Words are powerful things. And we have the power and the responsibility to use them with wisdom and compassion. It's also our responsibility not to misuse them. Because once they are said, you can't unsay them. And words used wrongly can actually drive people away from God.

"Set a guard, oh Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!" Psalms 141:3

 

I am reading a book right now by Paul David Tripp. It's called The War of Words. And it really speaks to God's divine purpose for our words and our communication. If you haven't read it yet, I recommend you read it. It is a very insightful and thought-provoking, biblical look at how we should, and can use our words.

 

"… There is hope of substantial change because Jesus Christ, the Word, the Redeemer, has given us every resource we need to speak as we are meant to speak." Paul David Tripp

 

I praise God for words and I praise him for His Word.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God." John 1:1–2 ESV

 

Proverbs 16:24"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones."

 

Dear God,

May my words be like a honeycomb.

Amen

 

 

 

 

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Change

2 Corinthians 5:17  "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone the new is here!"

Change is not easy. But creating new and better patterns and habits in our lives is worth the challenge. And the Bible says that "We can do all things through Jesus Christ who gives us strength." Phil. 4:13

When I first decided to start running, It was a hard change to make in my sedentary lifestyle, because I am basically a lazy person. If I didn't have to get up and exercise every day (otherwise I'd be as big as a house), I know that I would not. But I do, because I know that I have a very slow metabolism and exercise is Gods gift to help me to keep my weight under control.  So I started by making very small changes in my life. The first thing I did was start taking a walk during my lunch hour at work. Little by little I added either more time, or a little bit of jogging to add variety. Soon I decided to get up a little earlier in the morning and do my walk/jog before work. After a little while I was doing more jogging then walking. And not long after that I was doing all running. These were small steps that I decided to make in order to improve my life.  None of them, of themselves, were very hard to do. The hardest part was making the decision to do it.   That's where all change starts.

You must decide what you want to change. Get a clear picture in your mind of what and where you will be after the change.  For me that part  was easy because I knew that I was going on a vacation to Key West, Florida, and I wanted to look good in a bathing suit or shorts. So I pictured myself in a bathing suit on the beach in Florida. Not the current self, but the way I wanted to look.  I had already started a healthy eating program and had lost some weight, so it was positive next step for me to start an exercise program.  And an upcoming vacation was the perfect motivation that I needed to get started.

Now exercise is a lifestyle habit. That Key West vacation was in the year 2000. And since then I have run several half marathons and a marathon and continue a healthy lifestyle of exercise on a regular basis.

I don't believe that it is ever too late to change. Yes, change can be hard. Especially if you're looking at changing something that is very drastic, but empowered by the Holy Spirit we are able to do much more than we ever thought possible.

Like Joyce Meyer says, "You don't have to live in your old ways. You can now make new, better choices empowered by the Holy Spirit. If you find yourself regretting some of the unwise choices you've made in the past, don't be deceived into thinking its too late to do anything about it. Just start doing what's right and stick with it".

 If at some time you fall down and mess up. Just get back up and start where you left off. Change is inevitable. You can either be the subject of change or the instigator of change. You choose.

OMG I'm obsessed!

With Twitter?!!!

Recently I have found myself staying up late tweeting, reading tweets, following, and my favorite part; being followed. I wake up early in the morning and first thing I do is check my phone to see how many new followers I have. What am I a narcissist?

I have never been a big social network person. Yes I've done the obligatory Facebook, LinkedIn, etc., in order to stay in in touch with family, friends and business associates. But I've never been real faithful at posting or even checking my accounts... Until I discovered Twitter.

Originally I thought I would Get a twitter account in order to market my blog. And it has helped bring traffic to the site. But as I have continued to use it and grow my following, I have found a whole new world out there. I have begun to converse with people all around the world.  People I would never have met, or probably even thought about before Twitter. For example. I met an artist in France who is from the UK and has a beautiful website where she sells her artwork and blogs about her life on her farm in France. After conversing with her a few times, I got a tweet from somebody else in that same area. The person left me a comment about my blog saying he was going to send his wife to the site. A few days later, He said "you and my wife have already met.". His wife was the artist. Her Name is Sarah Cunnington And her website is www.artbysarahcunnington.com

Another friend I met is from Bogata Columbia. After she had followed me, I tweeted back to her thanking her for the follow. When I saw that most of her tweets were in Spanish, I tweeted back that I was learning Spanish, and knew very little. She responded that she would love to help me learn.  She is a beautiful young woman with a true heart for God. And we have become wonderful friends.

Yes, Twitter does feed my ego. But I know it also feeds my love of people and my need to make friends. I also know that I have to be careful. I have to be aware of how much time that I spend there. I have to ask myself is it really productive? Or am I just wasting time.

During a breakfast meeting with a friend and mentor yesterday morning, I was describing to her my new fascination with Twitter. In the same conversation I also complained about some of the issues that I was facing in my business. And one of them was lack of organization.  Of course, you have to know that her response was that I was wasting too much time on Twitter and other social networking. She gave me some pointers about rewarding myself for spending the right amount of time on appropriate areas of my business. She suggested that I reward myself with social networking, Especially Twitter. She thought it would be a good idea to save Twitter for the very end of the day and only allow myself to tweet if I had completed the tasks that I had set for myself that day. In other words, punish myself for not completing my tasks by disallowing myself to use Twitter or other social media.

This is a challenge. It is 6 o'clock on Wednesday morning, I've been up for an hour. I read one devotional, checked Twitter, and have spent the rest of my time writing this blog about Twitter! Aaahhhggg!!!!  Am I a lost cause?!!!

Monday Praise: Grandchildren

In thinking about what I am thankful for, There are so many things, it is nearly impossible for me to pinpoint one. So I went to the Internet and Googled 'things to be grateful for'. I did this to help me focus my thoughts on a specific area. Well...a million and one things came up!  Instead of focusing or pinpointing one, it gave me a boatload more to be grateful for. Thanks Google... So instead I decided to start with the obvious. This Week;

I praise my God for grandchildren. 

Lily, Aviana holding Stevie & Isabel

 Duh thought of the day... God knew what

He was doing when he placed grandchildren Into our lives.  

I remember the day that my first child Brook was born. My heart was so full of love for her that I couldn't imagine ever having enough room for another child let alone for anyone else. But God is so good to allow us to expand our love. What I found is the more I love, the more love I have to give. And there was always enough room. But I never, ever thought that there could be a love greater than the love of a mother for her child. Oh how wrong I was....

Aviana

 When my first granddaughter (Aviana) came along, my heart was so full of love for that child that it felt like it would explode.   She was two weeks old when I first met her and I immediately started crying like a baby. I loved her so much, and because we lived in Washington state and they lived in Arizona, I was devastated to think that the next time this child saw me she would not know me.

In fact the love for this beautiful baby was so strong that we sold our house in Washington and moved to Arizona.

Since then, God has been so good and blessed us with three more beautiful grandchildren in our lives. And praise God, they all live close by. I love their joy of life. Their daily exuberance and excitement is like a refreshing rain. 

Isabel

As I watch their carefree play, it refreshes my heart and helps me to remember not to take life so seriously. They usually have smiles on their faces and their giggles are medicine to my soul.  Even when they're being loud and silly

Isabel, Avi holding Stevie, Lily

They give and receive love with such ease and grace. And they're untainted by the world as of yet. I pray that they would maintain their sweet innocence with God's protection for as many years as possible. 

Proverbs 17:6 says "grandchildren are the crown of the aged..."

Lily & Isabel

Aviana

Lily

While I won't admit to being aged, I will admit that they are my crown. They bring so much joy to my life that I am blessed beyond measure.

Praise God for grandchildren!

Monday Praises

I'm in love with Today's technology.

Why?  I'm actually blogging right now and taking a run/walk, thanks to voice texting. I'm walking the last part of my run so I can use the time to work on my blog. (How cool is that!)

This is the first time I've actually been out all summer long. Here in Arizona the weather is much too hot to be running outside In the summer. So I spent the summer either running on the treadmill at home or jumping up and down in my living room with my daughter doing "insanity."

But this morning it was a lovely 79° at 7:30 AM when I headed out for my jog. It felt so wonderful to get outside this morning that I decided to take some pictures of what I saw on the route. I feel so blessed to live in such a pretty area.

I spent the first half of my run contemplating what I would say for "Monday Praise",  This is a gathering of Christian bloggers who want to give God the glory for all of the blessings in our lives. And today is the first day of Monday Praise. 

The idea was started by Amy at WalkhumblywithGod.Word press.com But I thought, "what a wonderful way to start your week." By giving thanks and glory to our Savior. I am so thankful for my salvation. I began counting my blessings, and I have so many things to be thankful for that it was hard to pinpoint one. 

Then I started noticing my surroundings. 

How blessed I felt!!

  I can run. I can walk. I can move and breeth.  I'm awake, I'm alive. I'm surrounded with the beauty of God's creation. Thank you God for that. 

I have an awesome family. I thank God for them.  For my children and their spouses and children. What a blessing they have been in my life. I'm in awe. 

I meandered this morning and lollygagged so long that it took me an hour and 10 minutes to finish a 4 mile run. And I loved every minute of it. 

I am amazed at the beauty surrounding me, and how much I take for granted. I never think about the desert as a beautiful place. Yet I see the presents and evidence of God everywhere. And as you can see, it doesn't look like the desert at all. 

We still have flowers! and its summertime!   I guess I'm saying I'm thankful for the small things as well as the big ones. 

Psalm 9:1&2 says;I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult you: I will sing praise to your name, Oh Most High. 

Joel Osteen said it nicely in his book; Your best life now.  "one of the main reasons that we lose our enthusiasm in life is because we become ungrateful… We let what was once a miracle become common to us. We get so accustomed to his goodness it becomes a routine… "

It's easy to praise God for the big blessings in our lives, but I don't ever want to let the small wonders of life become routine. I want to always see God in them. And be thankful for them. Because they each are their own little God moment.

Expect the best. And make it a great day!