02.26.09
The Best Day of My Life
Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is the best day of my life, ever!
There were times when I wondered if I would make it to today; but I did! And because I did I’m going to celebrate! Today, I’m going to celebrate what an unbelievable life I have had so far: the accomplishments, the many blessings, and, yes, even the hardships because they have served to make me stronger.
I will go through this day with my head held high, and a happy heart. I will marvel at God’s seemingly simple gifts: the morning dew, the sun, the clouds, the trees, the flowers, the birds.
Today, none of these miraculous creations will escape my notice. Today, I will share my excitement for life with other people. I’ll make someone smile. I’ll go out of my way to perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone I don’t even know. Today, I’ll give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down. I’ll tell a child how special he is, and I’ll tell someone I love just how deeply I care for her and how much she means to me.
Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don’t have and start being grateful for all the wonderful things God has already given me. I’ll remember that to worry is just a waste of time because my faith in God and his Divine Plan ensures everything will be just fine. And tonight, before I go to bed, I’ll go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens. I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon, and I will praise God for these magnificent treasures.
As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow, I will thank the Almighty for the best day of my life. And I will sleep the sleep of a contented child, excited with expectation because I know tomorrow is going to be the best day of my life, ever!
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02.25.09
Instructions For Life
1. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
2. Memorize your favorite poem.
3. Don’t believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
4. When you say, “I love you”, mean it.
5. When you say, “I’m sorry”, look the person in the eye.
6. Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
7. Believe in love at first sight.
8. Never laugh at anyone’s dreams.
9. Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it’s the only way to live life completely.
10. In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.
11. Don’t judge people by their relatives.
12. Talk slowly but think quickly.
13. When someone asks you a question you don’t want to answer, smile and ask, “Why do you want to know?”
14. Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
15. Call your mom.
16. Say “bless you” when you hear someone sneeze.
17. When you lose, don’t loose the lesson.
18. Remember the three R’s: Respect for self; Respect for others; Responsibility for all your actions.
19. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
20. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps
21. Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
22. Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
23. Spend some time alone.
24. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
25. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
26. Read more books and watch less TV.
27. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll get to enjoy it a second time.
28. Trust in God but lock your car.
29. A loving atmosphere in your home is so important. Do all you can to create a tranquil harmonious home.
30. In disagreements with loved ones, deal with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.
31. Read between the lines.
32. Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.
33. Be gentle with the earth.
34. Pray. There’s immeasurable power in it.
35. Never interrupt when you are being flattered.
36. Mind your own business.
37. Don’t trust a man/woman who doesn’t close his/her eyes when you kiss.
38. Once a year, go some place you’ve never been before.
39. If you make a lot of money, put it to use helping others while you are living. That is wealth’s greatest satisfaction.
40. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a stroke of luck.
41. Learn the rules then break some.
42. Remember that the best relationship is one where your love for each other is greater than your need for each other.
43. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
44. Remember that your character is your destiny.
45. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.
Taken from Life’s Little Instruction Book
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02.24.09
Lessons in Life
Sometimes people come into your life and you know right away that they were meant to be there…to serve some sort of purpose, teach you a lesson or help figure out who you are or who you want to become.
You never know who these people may be but, when you lock eyes with them, you know that every moment they will affect your life in some profound way.
And sometimes things happen to you at the time that may seem horrible, painful and unfair but, upon reflection, you realize that without overcoming those obstacles you would have never realized your potential, strength, will power or heart.
Everything that happens to you can become a reason to learn and grown. Without these small tests, life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere. Safe and comfortable but dull and utterly pointless. The people you meet affect your life. The successes and downfalls that you experience can create who you are, and the bad experiences can be learned from. In fact, they are probably the most poignant and important ones.
If someone hurts you, betrays you or breaks your heart, forgive them and walk in love; and recognize they have helped you learn about trust and the importance of showing them how Jesus loved. If someone loves you, love them back, not only because they love you, but because they are teaching you to love and open your heart and eyes to little things.
Make every day count. Appreciate every moment and take from it everything that you possibly can, for you may never be able to experience it again. Talk to people you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Let yourself fall in love, break free and set your sights high.
Hold your head up because you have every right to. Tell yourself you are a great individual and believe in yourself, for if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will believe in you.
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02.23.09
The Cracked Pot
A water bearer in India had two large pots, each hung on the end of a pole which he carried across his neck. One of the pots was perfectly made and never leaked. The other pot had a crack in it and by the time the water bearer reached his master’s house it had leaked much of it’s water and was only half full.
For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his master’s house. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.
After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream. “I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you.” “Why?” asked the bearer. “What are you ashamed of?” “I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master’s house. Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don’t get full value from your efforts,” the pot said.
The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, “As we return to the master’s house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.”
Indeed, as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the side of the path, and this cheered it some. But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad because it had leaked out half its load, and so again the pot apologized to the bearer for its failure.
The bearer said to the pot, “Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of your path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it. I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you’ve watered them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my master’s table. Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house.”
Each of us has our own unique flaws. We’re all cracked pots. But if we will allow it, God will use our flaws to grace his table. In God’s great economy, nothing goes to waste. Don’t be afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them, and you too can be the cause of beauty. Know that in our weakness we find our strength.
- Author Unknown
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02.20.09
Can I Ever Be “that” Woman?
As my children have gotten older I find myself thinking about their spouses whom God has created and set apart for them to one day marry. I think about the wives my sons will one day take into their homes, and the wives my daughters will grow to become. Then I think about myself and I wonder about the kind of wife I have been all these years. I wonder if I have set a good enough example for my sons and daughters. I used to read about the Proverbs 31 woman and was intimidated by her. I never really liked the Mother’s Day messages that were presented on this absolutely astounding woman of God; which I could not seem to measure up to. I would wonder how any woman could live up to those standards. Even though I desired to be like her; I knew I never could be her. She appeared to be a superwoman of some type. She is considered the “ideal woman” and as I looked at myself I felt far from “ideal” so many days.
As I have grown and matured as a Christian I have come to look at the verses of Proverbs 31: 10-31 in a different light. I have come to learn how I am this woman mentioned in this oracle in so many ways; knowing that most women are this “ideal” woman.
King Lamuel’s mother is the one who is talking in Proverbs 31. In verse 1 she starts off by giving him instructions about his life. I love how even though he is King his mother is still giving him advice! And sound advice at that!
Though this Proverbs 31 woman is the “model” woman; you and I are like her as well. She is priceless. An “excellent wife,” verse 10 says, “who can find? Her worth is far above jewels.” I would dare say you and I are priceless and have worth far above jewels. Our Heavenly Father created us and placed us here on this earth for a plan and a purpose. There are no accidents. You and I are no accident. No matter how you arrived here, or who your parents are – you are here for a reason. God cared about you so much that He knew you before He placed you in your mother’s womb. (Jeremiah 1:5) He – God knew you! He placed you there and had plans for you! So you ARE priceless and have a worth far above jewels!
Verses 11 and 12 go on to describe this wife just like many women I know; as being trustworthy and kind.
Verses 13-19 then describe this woman in her role as a homemaker. These are the verses which used to really bother me – first as a woman and then as a wife and mother. However in these verses it is describing her personality and who she really is: she is a woman who works joyfully, who goes the extra mile to get the choicest goods or the best for herself, her home, and her family. She is disciplined, she is enterprising or prudent with money; in other words she looks at the money she has and she budgets it out to pay her bills, finding the best deals she can, being a good steward with her finances. She is energetic and she is diligent. How about you, does any of that describe you? I know it does, it describes me too!
This woman is compassionate and generous to her neighbors. And over her home she is prudent, elegant, influential, and industrious according to verses 20-24. Most women I have met care greatly about their homes and are kind to their neighbors. Taking pride in who they are and helping whenever help is needed. As a teacher she is both poised and wise in verses 25 & 26. This does not mean she is a teacher in another profession; she is a teacher right in her own surroundings; in her own home. I am forever teaching my children; always giving them life lessons. I know you do too!
Even if you are not a mother or a wife you are still this woman. You care about your home, your neighbors, and you are a teacher to those in your circle of influence.
She manages her home, she is praise worthy and distinguished, and as a person she is God fearing and honored! Ladies this is a description of you and I. We are those things. We may not be perfect; no one but Jesus was or will ever be perfect. We strive to be like him whenever we are acting on those characteristics listed in Proverbs 31: 10-31. We are the kind of women who when we open our mouths- we speak wisdom, we stretch out our hands to the needy, and we are excellent and our worth is far more than rubies or jewels!
We were fearlessly and wonderfully made by our Heavenly Father. He makes all things beautiful and wonderful. Therefore, you and I have the characteristics of this Proverbs 31 woman. We are of virtue, faithful, reverent, good, a willing worker, strong, we endure and are well rounded. We are charitable and provide for ourselves and those we love. We are honorable, wise, and kind and most importantly we fear the Lord!
So rejoice my friend, you ARE a Proverbs 31 Women and so am I!
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02.19.09
Just Deserts
Last week, I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, “God is good, God is great.Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!”
Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark, “That’s what’s wrong with this country. Kids today don’t even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!”
Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me,
“Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?”
As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job, and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table.
He winked at my son and said, “I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer.” “Really?” my son asked. “Cross my heart,” the man replied.
Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), “Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes.”
Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal.
My son stared at his for a moment, and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, “Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already.” ~ Author Unknown
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02.18.09
Be Free
If you are quick to take offense, then you’ll be under the control of those who you find offensive.
If you are easily angered, then your actions will be dictated by those who anger you.
If you are obsessed by what other people think, then you will be imprisoned by their thoughts.
If you yearn for easy answers and quick solutions, you’ll fall prey to people who offer you nothing but promises.
If you find the truth too difficult to bear, you’ll be enslaved to those who tell you what you want to hear.
When you have the courage to think for yourself, the strength to accept what is, the commitment and discipline to make a difference, then you are free.
You are truly free to live with purpose, joy and fulfillment.
Let your life be defined, not by reactions to what others do, say, or think but rather your own unique vision.
Raise your eyes above the pettiness and follow the path of the greatness that is within you. ~ Author Unknown
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02.17.09
40 Inspirational Speeches in 2 Minutes!
We all know the cheerleader type when we are in school, but now as grown women can we still recognize who the cheerleaders were in high school? I think so, but not for reasons you may think. I have found that those who were cheerleaders in school most likely are encouragers as adults. I was the high school cheerleader, and in my daily life I am still there cheering on others to run the race and cross the finish line of life with victory.
Today as I was pondering on what to write to you, to give you inspiration, I came across this video of words of encouragement. So for fun envision me as your personal cheerleader today, cheering you on and encouraging you to get up and go- you can do it!
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02.16.09
Step Out and Let Go!
As we travel through life we all sooner or later reach the crossroads in our path where we must decide which course we will choose; whether we will boldly blaze a pathway to a whole new level of achievement and happiness, taking a chance on making our lives everything we have dreamed they could be or instead we can simply choose to stay right where we are right now. The choice is ours. So many people wonder “what is my purpose, what does God have me here for? Do I step out in faith towards what I believe God is calling me to? In these defining moments we are faced with a choice; will we choose to make all of those cherished dreams we hold close to our hearts come true or will we allow them to sadly slip from our grasp? One thing I know for sure is; we must step out in faith and be willing and ready to let go of some things in order to grasp what is ahead. We must show the courage to take charge and step into the promising future that is there for the taking, pushing ourselves well beyond our present boundaries or we will end up giving into fear and self doubt and let the life we could have and should have lived pass us by!
We all know what faith is according to Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” But what we forget to recognize is the fact that faith must be walked out – and talked out! We cannot stand still and walk in faith; we cannot have faith without speaking it out of our mouths. When we are standing at the crossroads faced with do I step out and do this, or do I stay right here where I am and believe God will change it – you had better step out! God wants us to move and step out, trusting him, believing him. We however want 5 signs from God, all the “t’s” crossed and the “I’s” dotted, when God just wants us to have the faith to let go and step out!
Whenever I speak or counsel I am always asked “yes but what if” “what if I mess it up, or what if I am wrong, or what if…..” This is always my answer, if you have sought God, spent time in the Word with him concerning this matter, sought Godly counsel, then you have done all that you are supposed to do, now the choice is yours, the crossroad is yours to decide. You must step out or stand still, but remember there is nothing you can mess up so badly that God cannot fix. He is after your heart! If you step out in faith knowing that you trust him, he will honor your actions. Even if we mess it up, he can fix it up.
The choice is ours; do we stay where we are or do we let go of some things and step out in faith, trusting our Father to lead us.
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02.13.09
The Wise Woman’s Stone
A wise woman, who was traveling in the mountains, found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation. The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime.
But, a few days later, he came back to return the stone to the wise woman. “I’ve been thinking,” he said. “I know how valuable this stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me this stone.”
— Author Unknown
What do you have in you that is of value to others? Kindness, love, unselfishness – Jesus? Why not share Him today as you go about your day. Ask our Father in Heaven to put someone in your path today in which you can share what is inside of you with them.
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