Purposeful Pain

Recently, I've been getting some nasty knots in my back due to work. Usually they're in my shoulders, so after a few days of stiffness, and if I remember, I'll ask John to rub them out for me. Sometimes it just needs a little rubbing, and other times it needs quite a bit more. After all is said and done, my shoulders are relaxed, my back feels better, & my neck as well. I'm very thankful for John removing the knots. The pain from rubbing out the knots can be nothing, or rather intense. Occasionally I will squeeze his other hand to death so he can keep going. I know deep down that if I just wait until he is all done, I know that I'll feel right as rain again.

Now, keeping that in mind, why do I forget that important truth when God does the same thing? 1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV) says "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." The painful trials we may face in our life, whether it's a paper cut or a deep wound, God will work it out the rest of the way. Sometimes we just need to have patience and wait it out. Sometimes we just need to squeeze his hand and cast our cares* upon Him. I encourage you today to remember this as you go about the rest of your day and into your week. You may be going through something painful, but it's for a time, and God will work out those knots the rest of the way for your good!

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28 (ESV)

*Isaiah 41:13 and Psalm 55:22

Just write....

It's one of those beautiful spring days in which you just want to write.

(Our first daffodil! Spring is so vibrant and lovely!)

I'm not even sure what I'd like to write, but I'd love to do so.

So here I sit and type.

(And eat my breakfast. ;~)

The kids are outside playing so the house is quiet..

I've been wanting to write, but haven't been able to figure out what.

I wrote about being sick with mono back in March, and I think I have begun the road to improvement.

Throughout this mono I've come down with pneumonia, a cold, a couple migraines, and I think now I have another cold.

This is definitely a test of my patience, faith, and steadfastness in God.

It is so easy to get down, depressed, and discouraged about oneself.

If God hadn't seen me through this, I'd be a mess!

I laugh to myself because I am a mess.

I'm far from perfect, but God is perfect!

I've been thinking about Psalm 138:3 (ESV) this morning:

On the day I called, you answered me;

my strength of soul you increased.

I've called to God so many times to help me through this.

Every single time I've called, He has answered.

He has been strengthening me in every way.

And I can't thank Him enough.

God is so good!

Psalm 73:28 (ESV)

But it is good for me to be near God;

I have made the Lord God my refuge,

that I may tell of all your works.

I'm not sure how I'd like to wrap up this long rambling post.

Remember, no matter what you're going through, look to God!

Sounds cliche, yet it's the best decision you can make!

And now I shall go enjoy this lovely spring weather with a book and some tea!

Au revior!

30 Days of Love: 10

Ephesians 4:2

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Be humble with your speech, do not boast about what you're doing but listen to what they are doing. Be gentle and patient when you spend time together. And remember, just show your love.

30 Days of Love: Day 3

 Proverbs 14:29

Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding,
    but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.

When you get annoyed with someone, are you slow to anger or quick? Do you show understanding? Today I challenge you to be patient with them. Give them soft answers when they annoy you.

C.K.H.G.P.F.L. Part 2

How did you do with the challenge I gave you?

Remember this challenge?

How did you do?

Be honest with your self, don't chalk it up to "I was tired." or "I was sick." BE HONEST.

I think since I have been doing this over the past almost 4 months that I have improved vastly on these items.  God is at work! :~)

How about you?

C.K.H.G.P.F.L. - Colossians 3:12-14

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility,gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14

If you have read my blog, you will get the inkling that I am a bit of a fashionata, it is a weakness I must confess. 

What if you take your clothes and view them as virtues?

I'm going to give you a 2 week challenge. 

For the next 2 weeks, "put on" each of the aforementioned virtues. Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, Patience, Forgiveness, & Love. Be honest with your self if you fail. If you are like me, you strive to the very best to be more like God.

	Compassion	Kindness	Humility	Gentleness	Patience	Forgiveness	Love
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Total

For each that you nail, place a check mark, if you fail cross it off for the day. If you aren't sure, you can go for 1/2.

At the end of the 2 weeks tally your scores and see how you did. Be honest with your self, don't chalk it up to "I was tired." or "I was sick." BE HONEST.

When it gets hard, pray, pray, pray. And when you're done reflect on the 2 weeks to see how God worked in you.

In 2 weeks I'll check up on you!

2 Corinthians 8:11
 Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.

2013 is almost here!

The year just started.

We just had our birthdays.

We just danced in our dance recital.

I just went to camp.

We went just camping as a family.

The baby was just born.

School just started.

Apple and pumpkin season just got here.

Dance JUST started.

We just had Thanksgiving.

We just celebrated the birth of our Savior, Christmas.

2013 is almost here?!?!?!?! 

As I told one of my friends, 

"The only year that will feel short is the year you get taller than me."

What is your goals for 2013? 

Mine are:

• To grow more like God.
• To increase my abilities in dance.
• To work harder to become a better teacher.
• To have patience always.
• To help out around the house more.