I was watching Scotty McCreery and Tim McGraw singing Tim's hit "Live Like You Were Dying" on American Idol, and it got me to thinking. There's a trend of people creating "bucket lists". That list of things you want to see or do before you die. Things like "see the Grand Canyon", or "go skydiving", or even "find the world's best pizza (or die trying!)". While I am all about setting goals and working to achieve them, I think we should probably be looking at this a little differently.
As a Christian I am here to glorify God, but most bucket lists read more like Superman's To-Do list than God's Glory list. It has little to do with God and a lot to do with satisfying me, and my (super)ego. If I am truly living like I'm dying, then my focus shouldn't be on doing what I want. It should be on bringing glory to God, and sharing Him with others.
Today could be my last - I'm not guaranteed tomorrow. What did I do today to plant a seed for Jesus? How did I reflect the Lord in my coming and going today? Who did I reach out to in love? Who did I forgive? Who did I help? How was I Jesus' hands and feet today?
If I am living like I'm dying, then my focus should not be on me, but on those who still need Jesus. Those who are without hope unless someone (me) tells them about THE GREAT HOPE. How are my daily conversation and deeds leading others to Christ?
I have to think that when I stand before God, He's not going to be concerned about whether or not I had that pizza. He's going to want to know how I lived my life for Him on a daily basis. He'll want to know how hard I tried to tell others about Him. He'll want to know who I helped in His name.
So, maybe it's time for a new bucket list. One that includes things like "go on a mission trip - foreign and domestic", or "share with those in prison", but more importantly "live for Jesus - Daily".
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Got it together - for now, anyway!
Okay. So I think I'm finally starting to get the hang of this being home thing. I have actually managed to have dinner ready (and sometimes even on the table) when my husband gets home from work. I manage to do some sort of workout almost every day. Brenna and I have a set devotion time each afternoon. Seth is starting to nap only once per day and go to bed at a decent hour. Things are looking up!
Now, life isn't perfect (someone still wakes early in the morning and wants to go to bed with Mommy!), but things are finally starting to settle. Of course, things will change once school is out. Then I'll have to rework the whole schedule - isn't that always the way? Just when I think I have things under control something will inevitably happen to "shake things up". I guess the Lord just doesn't want me getting complacent and thinking I can handle things all by myself (because THAT would be a disaster!).
I did have a phone interview for a job, which was encouraging. There just isn't much out there right now, and there are still a lot of qualified people looking for work. So, I'll be content to take care of home and family until the right job comes along.
We have expanded the garden this year, so we can have a vegetable stand to sell veggies. So be looking for us, and come get some fresh veggies for dinner! Darien is a great gardener!
Kelley is back from her trip to see the kids and grandkids, so The Scarlet Chord will be rehearsing again. I'm looking forward to really buckling down and getting some new songs worked out. I know the Lord has a plan for this and the Pottery Wheel ministry, and am looking for things to get busy on this front, too. I want to use my talents for His glory, and am excited to be working toward that goal again!
I'm going to bask in these last few days of feeling like I have it all "together", and prepare for the whirlwind that will become the norm over the next few weeks. I'm just thankful that all the activity means I am a useful human being, especially when being used by the Lord.
By the way, since I've asked for accountability with my Weight Watcher's program...... I lost 6.5 lbs the first week! YAY!! Thanks for your support!
Now, life isn't perfect (someone still wakes early in the morning and wants to go to bed with Mommy!), but things are finally starting to settle. Of course, things will change once school is out. Then I'll have to rework the whole schedule - isn't that always the way? Just when I think I have things under control something will inevitably happen to "shake things up". I guess the Lord just doesn't want me getting complacent and thinking I can handle things all by myself (because THAT would be a disaster!).
I did have a phone interview for a job, which was encouraging. There just isn't much out there right now, and there are still a lot of qualified people looking for work. So, I'll be content to take care of home and family until the right job comes along.
We have expanded the garden this year, so we can have a vegetable stand to sell veggies. So be looking for us, and come get some fresh veggies for dinner! Darien is a great gardener!
Kelley is back from her trip to see the kids and grandkids, so The Scarlet Chord will be rehearsing again. I'm looking forward to really buckling down and getting some new songs worked out. I know the Lord has a plan for this and the Pottery Wheel ministry, and am looking for things to get busy on this front, too. I want to use my talents for His glory, and am excited to be working toward that goal again!
I'm going to bask in these last few days of feeling like I have it all "together", and prepare for the whirlwind that will become the norm over the next few weeks. I'm just thankful that all the activity means I am a useful human being, especially when being used by the Lord.
By the way, since I've asked for accountability with my Weight Watcher's program...... I lost 6.5 lbs the first week! YAY!! Thanks for your support!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
"Sheepish" Thoughts.....
Psalm 23 (mingling KJV and NIV)
The Lord is my shepherd.....I guess that makes me the sheep! Contrary to popular belief, I am not in charge, He is in charge. He is the shepherd - the Good Shepherd. Everything else only applies if I am the Good Sheep, and follow the shepherd.
I shall not want.....it is the shepherd's job to find places that are good for the sheep. I will reap the reward, IF I continue to follow the shepherd. If I strike out on my own, then the shepherd is no longer providing for my needs, and I am lost.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters....no matter what is going on around me, I am assured of green pastures and still waters along the journey to rest - IF I continue to follow the shepherd. He knows life can be a distraction, but He also knows the best way for me to go. I just have to follow Him.
He restores my soul....not only will I find physical rest, but also spiritual renewal - IF I follow the shepherd. If I wander from the shepherd, my soul will find no rest.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.....the shepherd knows the best path. The path that will lead me to those places of growth (lots of green grass and water!) and rest. And in the end I will be a sheep that brings glory to his name - IF I follow the shepherd.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me....the valley of the shadow of death is not scary - IF I am following the shepherd. If I am following Him, then HE will lead me safely through, unscathed, and His rod and staff are at the ready to protect me. However, if I have wandered astray and end up in this valley, I am in danger. Luckily, He is the Good Shepherd who leaves the flock to find the one lost lamb. He will arrive with His rod and staff to protect me, but I will leave with the scars I reap from my disobedience.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies....those who wish to do me harm may be nearby sharpening their claws, but I can put my head down and eat in peace - IF I am with the shepherd (he still has that rod and staff, you know!) The Enemy will wait for me to stray from the shepherd to do me harm.
You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows....priests are anointed. They are allowed direct access to God. I am allowed direct access to the Good Shepherd. He calls me by name (John 10:3) and I know His voice (John 10:4). I am filled with joy - IF I stay with the shepherd.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever....goodness and love will always be with me - IF I stay with the shepherd, for He is Love and all that is good. If I follow Him, then at the end of my days I will live with Him in the place He has prepared for me (John 14:2-3) - IF I have trusted my life to the shepherd!
The Lord is my shepherd.....I guess that makes me the sheep! Contrary to popular belief, I am not in charge, He is in charge. He is the shepherd - the Good Shepherd. Everything else only applies if I am the Good Sheep, and follow the shepherd.
I shall not want.....it is the shepherd's job to find places that are good for the sheep. I will reap the reward, IF I continue to follow the shepherd. If I strike out on my own, then the shepherd is no longer providing for my needs, and I am lost.
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside still waters....no matter what is going on around me, I am assured of green pastures and still waters along the journey to rest - IF I continue to follow the shepherd. He knows life can be a distraction, but He also knows the best way for me to go. I just have to follow Him.
He restores my soul....not only will I find physical rest, but also spiritual renewal - IF I follow the shepherd. If I wander from the shepherd, my soul will find no rest.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.....the shepherd knows the best path. The path that will lead me to those places of growth (lots of green grass and water!) and rest. And in the end I will be a sheep that brings glory to his name - IF I follow the shepherd.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and staff, they comfort me....the valley of the shadow of death is not scary - IF I am following the shepherd. If I am following Him, then HE will lead me safely through, unscathed, and His rod and staff are at the ready to protect me. However, if I have wandered astray and end up in this valley, I am in danger. Luckily, He is the Good Shepherd who leaves the flock to find the one lost lamb. He will arrive with His rod and staff to protect me, but I will leave with the scars I reap from my disobedience.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies....those who wish to do me harm may be nearby sharpening their claws, but I can put my head down and eat in peace - IF I am with the shepherd (he still has that rod and staff, you know!) The Enemy will wait for me to stray from the shepherd to do me harm.
You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows....priests are anointed. They are allowed direct access to God. I am allowed direct access to the Good Shepherd. He calls me by name (John 10:3) and I know His voice (John 10:4). I am filled with joy - IF I stay with the shepherd.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever....goodness and love will always be with me - IF I stay with the shepherd, for He is Love and all that is good. If I follow Him, then at the end of my days I will live with Him in the place He has prepared for me (John 14:2-3) - IF I have trusted my life to the shepherd!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Changes
It's official. I am the mother of a one year old toddler. Things are changing around the house. He also decided that it was time to wean, so I am no longer getting my early morning baby snuggles while he nurses. *sigh*
With that comes the realization that it is time to do something about the remaining baby weight. Nursing will no longer be helping me lose the weight, so it is time for a new plan. After encouraging a friend today who just started Weight Watchers (hereafter WW), I realized that I needed a plan. I used WW a few years ago and had great success - losing over 20 lbs. Of course, I am starting all over again now!
So, tonight after dinner, I went online and signed up for WW online.
It would be easy to say "I've done this before" or "I know how to do this" and rest on my laurels. However, I am a different person in a different situation. Last time I did weekly meetings at work, so this online "thing" will be different. I also had a competition with some other girls I worked with for a mani/pedi (and I won!). This time it is just me, getting back in shape and getting healthy. I hope I find I am as motivated and successful as before.
I am asking those of you who have regular contact with me to help keep me motivated and accountable. I want to be back in my old wardrobe, but the big thing is being healthy and more energetic for my family. Please help me keep my focus, and talk me through the "plateau" weeks. And if you are with me, definitely talk me out of the extra helping of dessert!
I couldn't do this without determination, and help from my family and friends. Most of all keep reminding me to take it to the Lord in prayer. I am not always the most disciplined person (no snickering!), but I know that if it is His will - I will accomplish my goal.
As things continue to change around my house - I'm hoping that my external changes won't be the only changes. I'm hoping that this will be a journey in praying without ceasing and seeing other changes for the better in my life. Journey with me, and we'll see how things go!
With that comes the realization that it is time to do something about the remaining baby weight. Nursing will no longer be helping me lose the weight, so it is time for a new plan. After encouraging a friend today who just started Weight Watchers (hereafter WW), I realized that I needed a plan. I used WW a few years ago and had great success - losing over 20 lbs. Of course, I am starting all over again now!
So, tonight after dinner, I went online and signed up for WW online.
It would be easy to say "I've done this before" or "I know how to do this" and rest on my laurels. However, I am a different person in a different situation. Last time I did weekly meetings at work, so this online "thing" will be different. I also had a competition with some other girls I worked with for a mani/pedi (and I won!). This time it is just me, getting back in shape and getting healthy. I hope I find I am as motivated and successful as before.
I am asking those of you who have regular contact with me to help keep me motivated and accountable. I want to be back in my old wardrobe, but the big thing is being healthy and more energetic for my family. Please help me keep my focus, and talk me through the "plateau" weeks. And if you are with me, definitely talk me out of the extra helping of dessert!
I couldn't do this without determination, and help from my family and friends. Most of all keep reminding me to take it to the Lord in prayer. I am not always the most disciplined person (no snickering!), but I know that if it is His will - I will accomplish my goal.
As things continue to change around my house - I'm hoping that my external changes won't be the only changes. I'm hoping that this will be a journey in praying without ceasing and seeing other changes for the better in my life. Journey with me, and we'll see how things go!
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