Running My Race

You Are Not What You Weigh

2012-02-01T09:00:00.002-05:00

Take Every Opportunity-Go Through Every Open Door

2011-09-30T14:03:00.001-04:00

One of my most repeated sayings to myself and others: "Take every opportunity. Walk through every open door. Say 'yes' a lot more than you say 'no'".

This is coming from someone who wasted a lot of life and time by sitting around waiting for just the "right" timing and just the right opportunity- the perfect decision, the only one i thought God had for me. I think I sat around in fear that i might miss the will of God if I didn't wait for a real 'sign' that this is the decision He wanted me to make. But I also think it was fear in general. A subconscious fear of being uncomfortable. A fear of the "what ifs".

I used to take only very few chances and very few opportunities that were open to me. Sometimes out of being comfortable where I was. My personality tends to be more introverted- so that closes a lot of doors right there.

That was until I got tired of living in fear and living a closed box life. Now, I take every opportunity that comes my way. I walk through every open door. Anymore, I don't consider whether I'll be comfortable or not. I look at it as good medicine for me- it is GOOD for me to live outside my comfort zone. To do new things, try new things. Do hard things. Stretch myself more.

You never know who you might meet. What opportunities might await you. What connections you might make. If you are worried that it might be a mistake or not the 'will of God'- that's ok- God is still God and He can close the door so plainly- and even if He doesn't He will use it for good. If it's a mistake- we learn from it and grow. So either way, it's a win-win situation. You grow either way.

Once you decide to take an opportunity or walk through an open door- stick to your decision. Don't let fear and worry and 'what ifs' get to you. Don't allow yourself to think about them. Stay focused on the positive. Stay focused on meeting new people, being a blessing to someone, making connections, growing, challenging yourself.

My life has been much fuller since I've adopted this philosophy of taking every opportunity that presents itself. Yes, there times that I turn something down. Usually it's because my plate is very full and I have the wisdom to know that I need some down time. But for the most part I say 'yes' a whole lot more than I say 'no'.

Choose Love Over Fear

2011-08-27T18:53:00.004-04:00

There is no fear in love... (1 John 4:18)

"We have the choice. We can choose to live in fear or we can choose to live in love. Encouragement is about believing the best- of others, of life. Fear is a choice to believe the worst. To believe for the best is to choose to believe that God is good and that what He does is good.

Optimism is a choice that changes your trajectory. I have found that if you fear the worst, you create what you expect. You make choices out of fear and limit your options. But what would happen if you made choices on the assumption that things would work out? What would life be like if you decided that God was truly interested in helping you, and that difficult people and situations were heaven-sent lessons that could lead to greater personal growth and a better life?

I have wasted too much energy on fearing what could happen (which never did happen). When really tough things have come along in my life- the things I most dreaded- I discovered that I was cared for and led along step by step."

(The Art of Encouragement)

Time For God's Will

2011-04-14T15:26:00.001-04:00

One reason we are so harried and hurried is that we make yesterday and tomorrow our business, when all that legitimately concerns us is today. If we really have too much to do, there are some items on the agenda which God did not put there. Let us submit the list to Him and ask Him to indicate which items we must delete. There is always time to do the will of God. If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy.

Lord, help me to take your yoke on my shoulder, not a yoke of my own making. May I learn from You to be gentle and humblehearted. May I find that your load is light.

-Elisabeth Elliot

The Greener Grass Conspiracy

2011-04-08T09:25:00.001-04:00

"Greener Grass Conspiracy" Trailer - Stephen Altrogge from Crossway on Vimeo.

Inner Beauty Advice

2011-04-07T13:26:00.004-04:00

I read this great post today about Leading with Love over here.

"Humble people are not self-absorbed braggarts. Instead, they promote and praise others according to the “more excellent way” of love."

Enjoy your day!

You Can Become Bold and Fearless

2011-04-05T20:26:00.002-04:00

Bold: to be brave, daring, courageous, intrepid, valiant.

God is calling us to be bold. If you have the tendency to not take chances in life because you're afraid of making mistakes, God wants you to know He's pleased with you when you try. It doesn't matter if you don't do everything exactly right. What matters is that you step out in faith, believing God will help you!

Taking the Focus Off of Performance

There are so many people who are so afraid of making a mistake that they don't do anything. Instead, they sit around saying, "What if I'm wrong?" Well, we're human. We're going to make mistakes and look silly from time to time.

We can be so afraid of being judged or criticized or getting laughed at. But the only thing fear does in our lives is stop our progress.

What matters to God is relationship…not performance. God knows we aren't perfect, and He's totally okay with it. The problem is, the devil knows it too, and he does his best to tell us every step of the way!

We can be going along, serving God, doing good, stepping out in faith and then all of a sudden, without there being any justification for it, we'll have a day or week when we have an attack on our mind about fear. That's when we need to say what God's Word tells us:

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. — 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 NIV

Honesty Outweighs Perfection

We can care too much about what people think of us to the point where it totally immobilizes us and we are petrified about looking wrong. But do you know what? I think if we are more truthful, we will actually get more respect than we do by trying to hide everything, pretending we're perfect.

I believe one of the main reasons people like to listen to me is that I tell all my junk. It helps them to relax, to relate to me, and offers them hope that if I can do some of the things I've done and make it, so can they.

We need to stop living in fear of making mistakes, because we will make mistakes—period. God is not asking us to not make any mistakes. He's calling us to be bold—fearless in approaching Him, in stepping out in faith, and in trusting Him to lead us.

(J. Meyer)

You Know You Are Filled With Contentment When...

2011-03-01T11:25:00.002-05:00

You stop complaining about what you don’t have

You cease comparing your life to someone else’s life

You appreciate ALL your blessings, rather they are big or small

You thank God daily for the “little things”

You love where God has currently planted you in your life

You enjoy your life the way God has intended for you to enjoy it

You eliminate the things that cause you consistent bitterness

You strive to be a positive thinker

You desire to build things up instead of tearing them down

You cherish God’s calling(s) for your life

Your joyful attitude creates a positive environment for those that are around you

You sing a song of joy within your heart

You can endure the stormy times of life without too much fear or trepidation

You can embrace the inner beauty of being a Woman of God

You find pleasures in the simple and ordinary things of life

You refuse to be dominated by constant gloom

You can take life one day at a time without being overly stressed about the future

You can accept others for who they are without any condemnation

You smile because you like who you see when you look into the mirror

You don’t feel a need to be excessively greedy

You have a pleasant attitude, which is not boisterous or demanding

You trust God fully with your complete soul, mind, and heart

I am praying for more of a heart of contentment....

10 Things To Pray For Yourself or Others

2011-02-23T11:19:00.003-05:00

I loved this from Nancy DeMoss over at Revive Our Hearts:

1. Guard my heart-

2. Fill me with Your love

3. Fill me with Your Spirit

4. Clothe me in humility

5. Make me a servant

6. Guard my tongue

7. Give me wisdom and discernment

8. Give me a grateful spirit

9. Help me to walk by faith and not by sight

10. Teach me the fear of the Lord

you can read more details about each one here

Our Response To Our Kids Mundane Moments

2010-10-27T12:03:00.001-04:00

"When it comes to motherhood, I like the idea of being a mom who inspires my children to great accomplishments in medicine (developing the cure for cancer) or statesmanship (a future president of the United States) or the arts (a Christian movie producer). The everyday realities of running a household just don't have the same appeal.

But such humdrum activities, of course, comprise the majority of a mother's experience. Before I had children, I never realized this. I really had no clue that admiring a Beanie Baby's pen, taking a picture, finding a T-shirt, and helping to unlock a gas cap would be the kinds of sacrificial acts required of me most often while I attempted to fulfill the mission of motherhood.

As I have grown through the past eighteen years of motherhood, however, I've come to appreciate the importance of the many thousands of routine moments in a mother's life, for it is in these moments that real greatness tends to be taught and caught. It is certainly important to grasp the great calling of motherhood and respond to a vision for what a family can be.

But it's the way I respond to my children in everyday moments that gives me the best chance of winning their hearts… and if I approach them with a servant's heart, then I have a far better chance of influencing them in the larger and more critical issues of life." The Mission of Motherhood, pg. 62-63

Holly Elliff's Life...Eight Kids Later

2010-10-26T09:25:00.001-04:00

More Thank Just A Savior- Francis Chan

2010-10-06T11:03:00.001-04:00

To Be or Not to Be

2010-10-01T12:48:00.002-04:00

I am honestly praying about whether I want to get this next fitness training certification. It seems this season of life is being filled up with so many new things. Women's bible study, MOPS mentoring, small group, counseling and Arielle's new little one arriving any day. Do I really want to concentrate on being a personal trainer again?

I kind of thought I graduated from being a personal trainer (physical) to more of a spiritual personal trainer, but maybe you can do both. I don't want to get overwhelmed. I don't want to cause any unnecessary anxiety or stress.

I have 8 months to finish the ISSA course. So I'll take a bit more time to consider it.

So thankful these days for all the wonderful opportunities to meet a lot of great new people. New opportunities to learn from and to sow into others. But I want to remind myself to be careful not to be a 'Martha'- but to purposely take time to be a 'Mary'. I want to keep my focus on Him and keep abiding in Him.

Attitude and Confidence

2010-09-10T13:16:00.002-04:00

"Your attitude belongs to you. Nobody can make you have a good one, nobody can make you have a bad one. If you have a bad attitude it's because you've chosen to have a bad attitude. It's NOT because of what's happening to you in your life. Not your circumstances."

"You can either be fearful and insecure and totally focused on your weaknesses OR you can be confident. Where does true confidence come from? Knowing God. Not knowing about God- but knowing God." (J.M.)

Planting Trees

2010-09-04T14:30:00.005-04:00

Arielle text me the other day to tell me that this song "Planting Trees" by Andrew Peterson, reminded her of me (see video below). I finally listened to it today. It is the greatest compliment for me. I am so honored and blessed to hear that from one of my own children.

I think about how my whole life all I wanted to be was a mother. I love pouring my life into my children. I have loved it- even though it has not always been easy. Every fiber of my being has wanted to sow into my children all that they would need to be a blessing to others, to be responsible adults and to glorify God with their lives. I honestly can't think of anything I'd rather be doing.

I've loved reading all the stories, getting up in the morning playing relaxing music and making them hot tea so they would feel special and comfy, the little notes they need to feel loved, the Bible lessons after someone has disappointed them, the lessons on friendship and putting others first. Baking together, coloring together, and just all the TALKING together, especially late at night sitting on their beds letting all the stuff of the day just finally come out. I've loved staying up late with them laughing way too loud. Letting them fill up my room with blankets and stuffed animals and books. Totally PRICELESS :)

Which brings me to the bittersweet point- that this season of my life seems to be drawing to a close soon. I know my youngest are still 11 and 14, but there are no more little ones to read to, to teach little Bible stories to, to watch with joy and surprise as they learn new things. When your kids are grown and are the blessing and responsible person you taught them to be- it seems like your job is over. That time seems like it's approaching too fast.

I know everyone will say that now I will have grand kids to help teach and pour into- and maybe it will fill some of the void, but motherhood is never replaceable -not when that's all you've ever wanted to be. I will have to trust God that when that day comes and my last child is gone from my home- that He will have something good and fulfilling for me.

For other mothers or mothers-to-be out there: work your hardest at raising your children, more than any other job. Your rewards come later but they are everlasting and the fruit goes on and on. You never know how your self sacrifice will go on to bless more generations and bless other people way down the road. The work we do now is so very important for the future. A hundred years from now- even two hundred years from now- your life can make a difference by the difference you've made in a child or many children. It's so important to leave a legacy.

Don't worry about the rest of the world. Don't worry about what everyone else is doing these days. Don't worry about the trends or keeping up with the next door neighbors. Children are only little once and you only have one opportunity to pour into them. It's only a season of life. Use it wisely and pour your whole heart into it. It will get tiring. It will seem thankless and boring and unrewarding and even old fashioned sometimes. But always remind yourself that there is purpose behind it all. This is the stuff that lasts.

Make sure you turn my music player off first down at the bottom left :)

Maintaining A Right Attitude

2010-09-03T08:16:00.003-04:00

"No matter what happens to you, determine to go through it with the right attitude. In fact, determine beforehand that you will keep a positive attitude in the midst of every negative situation that presents itself to you. If you make this decision and meditate on it during a good time in your life, then when difficulty arises you will already be prepared to maintain a good attitude. For example, if an unexpected bill or major repair presents itself to you, make up your mind that you will not complain because you have to tighten your belt financially for a few months to make up for it. Instead, look at the challenge as an adventure and decide you will find creative ways to cut costs for a while and look for ways to enjoy life without spending money.

No matter what difficulty you encounter, maintaining the right attitude will be much easier than regaining the right attitude, so as soon as you sense your attitude losing altitude, make an adjustment. As soon as the enemy sends negative thoughts into your mind, stop them. Determine that you will not agree with them and decidethat you will not listen to his voice anymore. Discipline yourself to stand strong with your positive attitude in every circumstance. Misery will always be an option; you can always choose to be unhappy and pessimistic, but you can also choose to be optimistic." (J. Meyer)

Oh Normal Day

2010-09-02T12:47:00.001-04:00

"Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return." ~Mary Jean Iron

Stormy Weather

2010-08-30T09:33:00.002-04:00

"Remember, our faith is always at it's greatest point when we are in the middle of the trial, and confidence in the flesh will never endure testing. Fair-weather faith is not faith at all." (Spurgeon)

The person who has not learned that every wind that blows can be used to guide us toward heaven has certainly not mastered the art of sailing and is nothing but an apprentice. In fact, the only thing that helps no one is a dead calm. (Streams in the Desert 8/30)

See in this a reason to be joyful when the winds blow against you. Trust in Him.

Simple but Great Workout

2010-08-19T18:02:00.002-04:00

I've discovered a bunch of new workouts lately. Some from Men's Health and other sports trainers. I also found this one from the Firm which isn't too hard yet it's challenging if you really push yourself. I had a great workout today that kicked my behind. I'll post that one another day.

2010-08-12T11:23:00.000-04:00

"Adultery is never consequence free. Affairs are messy, explosive, volatile things that leave shards of glass and shrapnel everywhere. Just ask anyone who has cheated or been cheated on. Just ask the kids of the cheaters. Co-workers, friends, family, and neighbors also find themselves picking shrapnel out of their skin in the aftermath of an affair. "

Before the Morning

2010-08-06T11:11:00.002-04:00

Make sure you turn my music off down in the left bottom corner ;)

Wisdom

2010-07-30T07:13:00.000-04:00

"Wisdom always does what it will be satisfied with later in life, but emotions only do what feels good right now." J.M.

Not Giving Up

2010-07-27T21:33:00.003-04:00

God has laid it on my heart to hang in there for awhile longer. Boundaries still apply and and things are no where near being worked out. But I am believing that God can make something good out of all this- even if it doesn't end the way I hope. But I do still have hope.

It's funny how the people who don't have the Lord as their hope can so easily fall into blindness and the world's way of doing things. It's so clear to me that wrong is wrong and right is right and sin is sin and you can't justify those things. I see people justifying their choices because it's what makes them 'happy'. It feeds their flesh but not their soul because happiness is not all there is. There is following Christ and holiness. Following Christ and doing what is right is what brings you true joy- not a temporary happiness. You can't be quoting bible verses while you're deceiving people and expect to be full of joy.

The things God has been teaching me have been incredible. Wouldn't have asked for my lessons to be taught this way- but He is God and I am not. The peeling away of more self consciousness, learning how dependant I still was on man instead of trusting God more. I know it's all a process so I am not going to look back with regret or 'I wish I would have'. It's all in God's hands and God's timing.

I also think how many times I've been knocked down and have gotten back up. Sometimes it was slower than other times- but I got back up, brushed myself off and pressed forward with my eyes on Him. Running this race is definitely not a sprint- it is one long marathon.

So thankful for the prayers of others. Thankful for God's strength and grace and mercy. I truly can't believe how far I've come!

Fragile yet Strong

2010-07-25T14:31:00.005-04:00

I think about how fragile we all are as human beings- just breakable really. Yet somehow God has also made us so resilient and strong in so many ways. Like the Bible says- we are a vapor, like a fading flower, like grass that withers- yet we can be made strong when the need arises. God has equipped us with the will to fight and to stand up when we are knocked down.

I know God has done that for me and I am so thankful. But with my children, I have to trust God that He will give them that strength and the will to want to fight against all kinds of things that are not from God- temptation, despair, rage and bitterness. It will be their choice. I can only model it as much as I can but I can't choose for them.

Watching my children go through emotional devastation - causes me fear and anger that probably only a mother knows. You have all these thoughts of 'how can anyone do this much harm to a child because of of their own selfish desires'?

A few days ago started me on a new journey- one where I will do whatever it takes to keep my children stable and secure. I will not be swayed by emotions and I will not give in to despair and self pity of any kind. I will teach them about renewing their minds and choosing to be optimistic- about trusting God even when things look bleak and unfair.

With God's help and trusting in Him, we will all go on and run our race.

2010-07-16T21:04:00.003-04:00

Well, this blog is called Running my Race for a reason- sometimes this race gets really tough and now is one of those times. (or should I say tougher that normal :) Today I kept thinking how I wish this was all a bad dream and that I am going to wake up and things will be 'normal'. But what is normal and do I really want to go back to way things were. Probably not, the Lord knows we all need refining.

I keep thinking about 'lifting my eyes unto the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord'.

With Christ, I will keep pressing on. I will keep moving forward, wherever forward is. I will keep an open hand concerning my marriage and my husband. That is a hard thing to do!

I will keep reminding myself that God is for me.

Reasons To Quit Complaining

2010-07-09T12:13:00.002-04:00

"If you don't like something change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. Don't complain."
Maya Angelou

Reasons to Quit Complaining

1. Complaining is not fun.

Now this requires that you be honest. There are situations in which complaining can seem legitimate and sometimes it even feels like if we don't complain then we are letting ourselves get "walked all over". However, in truth complaining is only an automatic reaction to feeling hard done-by or threatened. And when you complain about something it implies you are focusing your attention on something unpleasant. Focusing on unpleasant things is necessary at times but it is never fun.

2. Complaining distracts you from the things that make (or break) the quality of your life.

In every moment of every day there are loads really of important things that deserve your full attention. There are many small things that are easily missed. Smiles, compliments, thank yous, honesty, making sure all is clear in all you relationships, listening to people ( I mean really listening ), all of these things contribute to creating what I consider to be a high quality of life. When you are complaining you are not able to pay as much attention to things of this kind. Unless you quit complaining it is likely that at some stage you will miss significant opportunities in all areas of your life.

3. Complaining is a waste of time.

When ever you are complaining, you are not thinking in a way that is creative. From a goal-setting/goal-achieving perspective it is definitely a waste of time. All the time you spend complaining is time that you could be using creatively, to think of solutions to your problems and ways to improve your situation.

4. Complaining creates unnecessary negativity.

How does it feel to be in the same room as someone who is unhappy, who is not enjoying themselves? In my experience, not that great. Those who complain carry a heavy burden of negative thoughts and emotions around with them. Carrying negative thoughts and emotions can prevent you from focusing on the things at hand here and now.

5. Complaining creates tension in the body mind which is damaging to health.

Negative thoughts act like a poison for the body and mind, which can be very bad for your physical and emotional health. It can also affect both business and personal relationships.

6. Negativity distorts your vision of reality.

This is the way in which negativity acts like a poison for the mind. In my experience, when people complain they shut themselves up in a little bubble of misery. All they can think of is their problems. Their vision of reality becomes a long list of what is wrong in their lives and the good stuff gets left out of the picture.

7. Quit complaining - save your precious energy.

Complaining requires a certain amount of physical and psychological energy. Seen as complaining can not bring you anything positive, all of the energy used to complain all goes to waste. I know that I really notice a difference in the amount of energy/motivation depending on my mind state. The more negativity there is in me, the less energy I have. So if this works for you too, when you quit complaining not only will free your self of unnecessary negativity, you will also save loads of energy.

8. Not complaining does not mean passively accepting.

When I say "quit complaining" I am not advocating passive acceptance of all unpleasantness in your life. If something is disturbing to you and you have the means to take action and change this then by all means go for it. Realize that the complaining can never make taking effective action easier. It will only make it harder for you to focus on what needs to be done.

9. It's contagious and It spreads

Complaining is contagious and addictive. Unless you are alert and consciously choosing what goes on inside of you, it is very easy to let other peoples behavior affect you directly. Unless you quit complaining now, you will be spreading all of the undesirable effects I have mentioned above. You will be influencing the people around you in a way that does not help them, does not make them happy. Remember that every second of your life you are directly influencing the world around you in small yet very significant ways.

"Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world..." Phil. 2:14-15

Think About What You're Thinking About

2010-06-26T21:07:00.002-04:00

"Whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]." —Phil 4:8b

Some people are very unhappy, and they have been that way so long that they no longer realize there is another option. I can well remember being like that. I blamed my unhappiness on the way others behaved. I thought my husband and children caused me the most unhappiness. If they would change and just be a little more sensitive to my needs, I knew I’d feel better. If they would help around the house more, volunteer to run errands, or just ask how I was doing, I knew I’d be happy. Of course, I never said anything to them. If they were sensitive and caring, I thought, they would be able to see how they could help me and make my life easier.

I did pray about it, and I often told God how much happier I would be if they cooperated more, but they didn’t change.

One day, God spoke to me—but not with the words I wanted to hear. He said, Think about what you are thinking about. I had no idea what God meant. In fact, the words didn’t make sense. How could I think about what I was thinking about?

Then I realized the truth. My mind raced from one thought to another. That was bad enough, but worse, my thoughts centered around myself and my needs. I had thought that if they—the other people in my life—changed, I would be happy. I finally reluctantly admitted that even if they changed, I’d find something else to be unhappy about. I was just unhappy and didn’t need any particular reason. It was first one thing and then another.

As I pondered my condition, I thought of Philippians 4:8, where Paul presented a list of the kind of things we need to focus on. If God did not want me to think about the things I was thinking about, I first needed to know what I should think about. I soon realized I had a lot to learn. Although I had been attending church for years, I could not remember anyone ever telling me how important my thoughts were to God and to my quality of life.

If we concentrate our thoughts on good things—the kind of things Paul mentioned in that verse—we will be built up. We will grow spiritually and become strong in the Lord.

As I continued to meditate on God’s message, I realized how my thoughts affected my attitude—and this is true of all of us. God tells us to do things that are for our good. He wants us to be joyful and fulfilled. If we want joy and fulfillment, we must find it God’s way. If we’re full of wrong thoughts, we’re miserable. That’s not a theory—that’s spoken from my own experience and is found in God’s Word. I’ve also learned that when we’re miserable, we usually end up making others around us miserable, too.

Since those days, I’ve made it a practice to take a regular inventory of my thoughts. I review the way I think. What have I been thinking about? I ask myself.

I stress this because—as I learned from my own experience—Satan deceives us into thinking that the source of our misery or pain is other people or sometimes our situations. He tries not to let us face the fact that our own thoughts are the source of our unhappiness. I would venture to say that it is practically impossible to be happy while maintaining negative, critical, depressing thoughts.

(Battlefield of the Mind)

Optimism

2010-06-09T12:50:00.002-04:00

I got this email today from Jarrod Clark and I thought he really explained well what Optimism is. I can truly testify from personal experience that what he writes here is true. By nature I was not an optimistic person but because of life 's challenges and trials, I've learned to CHOOSE to be optimistic. For me it's imperative. It's not an option to be pessimistic. Living with anxiety, fear, self doubt, off and on depression, and 'what if' thinking, is no way to live. The battle is definitely in the mind and thought life.

"Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious-- the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse." Phil 4:8 (The Message)

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Optimism is defined as, a tendency to expect the best possible outcome or dwell on the most hopeful aspects of a situation.In other words, no matter what situation you face, you strive to see the best possible light to it. It can be rather difficult to think positively, when you've become conditioned to negative thinking. But don't worry you're not alone.

Studies show that the majority of our thoughts are negative. Most of those negative thoughts stem from the subconscious part of your mind.

But the good news is that you can change your mind-set to see the better aspect of life. It all comes down to a choice that you have to make.Well you may say "that's easier said than done-- I've got so many things coming at me, I just don't see any resolve." ...remember it can always be worse.

A baby doesn't start out running... no- he starts out crawling on his knees, then he stands, then he begins to take baby steps. After they build their momentum, then they are able to run with ease. At such a young age, infants haven't yet been conditioned to think that they can't walk. The mind-set of a baby is that, it's imperative that I'm going to walk, it's only a matter of time. Like an infant, make a choice today to change your thoughts for the better. Began to take baby steps and focus on the positive end of the spectrum.

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Pressing on, Chanin

Today

2010-05-28T09:23:00.002-04:00

It's Friday AND the kiddos are finally out of school- yay!!! I actually slept in this morning. It was so nice!

As optimistic as I try to be- the truth is that life is hard. There is no denying that. In my optimism, I don't try to pretend that things are easy and should just be a bed of roses. No, life is difficult and full of trials. It's how you choose to handle those trials. It's our attitudes and actions going through the difficulties. My attitudes are not always great at the beginning of a difficult situation. I fall, I fail. But something deep within me spurs me on to be a better person. To dig deeper, to go the extra mile, to push ahead and not give up. To smile in the face of the enemy when he expects that I'll pout and faint.

I'm thinking of the last couple of weeks and especially the last few days. The heat is getting hotter. There are difficulties that I must press through. I have caught myself wavering, caught myself feeling sorry for myself, caught myself entertaining lies from the enemy. But this will not do. I was made for more than this. I am always amazed how God pricks my heart and reminds me of His ways and His truths. I am amazed at the perseverance and determination that He gives to me. I am so thankful for that!

Today is another new day. I only receive grace for today and I'm going to take that grace and use it for all it's worth. Just today. Today I can do whatever I need to do- whether it be to keep my joy, to smile in the face of adversity, to have a cheerful attitude, to encourage my children to look for the good in all situations. I only need to think about today. And I can do 'today'. God has promised that I can. So I will :)

Rain or Shine

2010-05-19T10:09:00.002-04:00

I'm one of those people who really don't mind the rainy days. I don't even notice if it's been raining for days on end. I adjust my life as needed :) Rain and clouds don't get me down at all. I think when you have gone through alot, you get to a point where you learn that you can't let outside circumstances affect your happiness in any way. There are much worse things out there than a few cloudy days. Cancer, divorce, abuse, starvation, persecution... now those are some things that I would consider getting down about. But even in the midst of those things- God is still there and He is still faithful .. and should we not rejoice in our trials?

Rainy days are wonderful for watching in amazement as God waters the earth to bring forth beautiful plants, grass and flowers. As He bathes the birds and renews everything from the Winter. Rainy days are a perfect opportunity to snuggle a bit with your children and hold them a little longer (sunny days are non stop playing- not much time for snuggling :) Rainy days are perfect to read a good book and have a cup of tea. It slows life down a bit- which is a good thing :)

I am so thankful for rainy days and sunny days! I am thankful for everyday that I am ALIVE :)

2010-03-13T19:30:00.003-05:00

Can't believe it's been over a month since I posted anything. Trying to get ready for spring/summer. Cleaning out closets and changing out winter clothes for lighter clothing. Going through the kids' last years summer clothes to see what still fits, etc.... I'm taking a bunch of stuff to Goodwill in the next day or so.

I also need to drop a few of the pounds I put on over the winter. So I am trying to fine tune my workouts and my food intake. I had gotten into the habit of eating just because it seemed like to was time to eat- but now I a waiting until my stomach is truly hungry again.

I had a good workout today using my 15lb. kettlebell. I did swings, a couple types of push ups, Turkish Get Ups, Goblet squats, and some good ab/core work. I have to lay off the caffeine because when my heart rate gets high, I can feel palpitations - that's a little scary :(

Here's the latest news going on here: Arielle's about 2 months along now :) Dan is on an Encounter weekend but still living away from home at the present. McKenna and CJ are doing good. We are still praying about what to do about school next year.

My focus the last couple of days has been on not looking at what you can't do- but at what you can do. Focusing on expanding what I am already good at and not worrying about the things that I am not good at. It just causes alot of frustration. Sooooo... I am very grateful for the gifts God has given me and I will invest in them and use them wisely :) No one is called to be good at everything.

Pressing on........... :)

Mothering=Leading An Army

2010-02-10T09:41:00.002-05:00

"You are as much serving God in looking after your own children, and training them up in God's fear, and minding the house, and making your household a church for God, as you would be if you had been called to lead an army to battle for the Lord of hosts."

~Charles Spurgeon

Being a full time mother is the most important job in the world. It takes everything you've got to invest your time and your thoughts and your wisdom into those young ones. No immediate reward except a few hugs and homemade cards here and there :) But I know the Lord is watching and He has given us these 'talents', these investments, these gifts. It takes a special person to look for the hidden gifts and talents in our children. It's a long season of life- laying down your own life to look out for the interests of others. I can't imagine doing anything else :)

This is not the final chapter

2010-02-09T21:59:00.003-05:00

Randy Alcorn wrote this yesterday: "We want every chapter of our lives to feel good. It doesn’t work that way. The current chapter may be terribly hard, but the story hasn’t ended. God promises a final chapter in which he ties together all the story’s loose ends and launches us into an eternal sequel of incredibly grand proportions. “He who was seated on... the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’” (Revelation 21:5)

How very true that is. Life is hard, seasons of life are hard. We don't like to be uncomfortable. We don't like pain (emotional or physical). We don't want to have to press through or trust through. I never knew when I was younger that life was going to be this hard or this painful. Sometimes I wish I could go back to when things were easier- but I know that God is coaching me, molding me.

One day there will be a never ending season of complete joy and peace that i don't have to choose- it will just BE. But in the meantime, I press on looking ahead to the finish line, the prize, the Treasure. I thank God that He enables me to press on. To hang in there, to not give up.

This life is not what we're living for. This life is not all there is. This isn't the final chapter. I find it frustrating to see others (including myself) discontented about things in this life- when this is not meant to be the life where we are satisfied and content with everything. That comes later.

_____.______________________________________________________________

Again this reminds me of the above example of how that line is eternity and the dot is our life here on earth (our 50 or 90 years). So, so short compared to eternity. And we make such a huge deal out everything that does not bring us happiness during that little 'dot'. I need that reminder daily!

Continuing to run my race..............

Training My Mouth pt. 2

2010-02-09T08:34:00.004-05:00

Today I will tackle the second part of training my mouth- which has to do with Gossip, Judging and Criticizing (actually Fault-finding was included in the list as well). We all sure love to tell something and we all sure love to know something.I know I've been guilty. An awesome story in the bible about keeping our mouths shut is about Noah- yes Godly Noah got drunk one day and was found naked in his tent. One of his sons thought it was funny and made a joke out of it. Noah's other two sons made the decision to not look and 'cover' their Father. To make sure others didn't see his sin or his faults. God blessed those two sons but the other son who was not discreet was cursed.

People who gossip usually have the intent to make others look bad and in turn will build themselves up. "Gossipers speak of the faults and failings of others, or reveal potentially embarrassing or shameful details regarding the lives of others without their knowledge or approval. Even if they mean no harm, it is still gossip."

In Romans 1:29-32 Paul talks about how God gave people over to their sinful nature and the list contains gossipers and slanderers: "They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them."

Wow, to think gossip is included with murder and heartlessness :(

A couple more verses in Proverbs discuss Gossip: Prov. 16:28 says that "a perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends”. Proverbs 21:23 says that those who guard their tongues keep themselves from calamity.

The Bible has alot to say about gossip. Gossip involves tearing someone down but also judging others. A great verse for me to remember is:

Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

I guess I'll tackle Criticizing next time :)

Today is a snow day for the kiddos! Any day that gets you out of school (a school building) is a great one in my opinion :) I love learning but I always hated traditional school. I guess I'm still a hippie at heart, growing up with a Mom who was a hippie for my early years. Nothing was traditional and you questioned everything. God knew what He was doing. I'll never be 'traditional' and neither will my kids. And that's OK. Different is good too :)

Until next time....

Updating

2010-01-29T16:41:00.004-05:00

Wow it takes me forever to get back on here and post anything. I keep wanting to post more about my thoughts on what comes out of my mouth- plus I've had alot of other interesting thoughts on life but just haven't had the time to write.

Only thing interesting right now is that my big toe nail is turning black! Ugh! I think alot of athletes get this thing called black toenail and I need looser tennis shoes. Either that or it's some type of ....should I say it.....fungus... ick!!! Anyway, because i am wearing my tennis shoes most of the day and most days of the week, I probably need to change something.

Friday is here! Tonight I'm going to see "Extraordinary Measures" with my hubby :) Saturday I will hit the gym, go to CJ's basketball game, clean house a little, relax a little (paint Kenna's nails and do girly stuff :) then off to Church 922 to see House of Heroes with Arielle and Jay. That may be our church service for the week.

I still really want to post some things, but it will have to wait I guess. Been thinking alot about the Asian holocaust and those types of things... and why I was born here and now and not there and then. That could so easily have been me. I always ask 'why'. How blessed I am. Honestly, really have you ever asked yourself why you were not one of those in the holocaust.... born being someone else, going through horrific things. Makes you really appreciate your own life, even with the menial trials that we go through,

Watched this with Dan the other night. So amazing and moving. Again... why wasn't this me? Why wasn't I born in Haiti.. poor and affected by the earthquake. I guess I have my own 'earthquakes' that bring me to my knees. O, Father, You alone know what we can endure. You are in every detail of everything that goes on. It cracks me up how priests and pastors blog and come on TV and say "God had nothing to do with the Earthquake". Really? That's kinda scary, then where was He? God knows all and sees all and stops the waves and the wind. Only He knows His reasons why things happen. People try to take God's 'bigness' away from him and try to make Him 'human'. That's a laugh. All I know is that we have to TRUST that He knows why and what He is doing. God is God and we are not.

32 Hours: The Church in Haiti

Training the Tongue

2010-01-21T10:53:00.003-05:00

I've been so busy lately I haven't had much time to post anything. Since I spend alot of time in my car driving around doing errands and all the stuff moms do- I like to use my time in the car wisely and listen to books on tape, teachings or sermons. The last couple of days I've listened to a series on the Power of our Words. I read a wonderful booklet a couple years ago that I like to refer back to again and again. But this teaching series is a little different. I am still growing in this area of taming or training my tongue. And I want to continue to!

I know I desperately need God's help because it says in the bible that no man can tame the tongue (James 3:8).

Here is a list of things NOT to do with your mouth:

Murmur, Grumble, Complain, Fault-Find, Gossip, Judge or Criticize.

I'm studying the first 4 for now. Then I'll move onto the last 3 :)

"Murmur" is a low-voiced, half suppressed complaint
"Grumble" is to mutter in self-centered discontent
"Complain" is to express selfish discontent

What are some reasons we murmur and complain?

We are discontent. We don't get our way. We are self-centered. We are not THANKFUL.

Alot of times when we complain we have a heart attitude that says we should not be inconvenienced. "Why is this happening to me?" Well, why not you? Every trial, even every inconvenience has a treasure in it and a lesson in it. That's a good thing! I can see why the bible says that we should be thankful in ALL circumstances. I know I've done most of my growing during the toughest times. When I complain and grumble it shows I do not trust God. Sometimes that is hard, I admit it.

It's amazing the things we find to complain about, isn't it? Honestly I think I am spoiled. We all are here in the western world. We don't like discomfort, we don't want to wait for anything, we don't like sacrifice or pain. When we don't get things the way we think they should be- we have a hard time not letting it fester in our thoughts- and that makes it so easy for it to slip out of our mouths.

It's crazy when you look back over your life and see all the times when you know God had His hand on you, when He watched over you or just showed His great love to you in a small simple way-- and then we FORGET so easily and start to murmur and complain at the slightest discomfort or situation we don't like. So sad really. Sometimes I think we treat God like He 'owes' us a good life.

What I need and what we all need is an attitude adjustment. An attitude of gratitude. I know I have to purposely do this every day. If I don't, I can find myself in alot of emotional trouble. Feeling sorry for myself, full of resentment, 'why me?' That does not look pretty coming from anyone!

Not only do I need to remind myself of the material/tangible blessings I have that many people do not(a comfortable home, more than enough food, clothing, family and friends who love me, a healthy body, even little things like my favorite lip gloss, my favorite books, etc...) but I also have spiritual blessings and the promise that He will watch over me and care for my needs AND I have eternal life with Him :) There isn't anything better than that!

Next time I'll post about the last 3 points of what we should NOT do with our mouths. My fingers are getting tired :) Had a great workout at home today. I had to stay home and wait around for the guy who comes to clean our water distiller so I couldn't go to the gym. No biggie. I did a Firm DVD called "Sculpt". Sweat like crazy!

So thankful to take the time to meditate on these things that I can (with God's help) improve on. He is in the business of growing us :)

Philippians 2:14 ..Do all things without grumbling (complaining);
1 Corinthians 10:10 ..Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer.
John 6:43 ..Jesus answered and said to them, Do not grumble among yourselves.
Jude 16 ..These are grumblers, finding fault, following after their own lusts, they speak arrogantly, flattering people for the sake of gaining an advantage.
James 5:9 ..Do not complain, brethren, against one another, that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.

Jesus came to be PRECIOUS not 'useful'

2010-01-12T09:25:00.002-05:00

Listened to John Piper speaking at Angola Prison in Georgia. Amazing teaching!!! You can watch it here

Any Day Can Be Great

2010-01-11T12:49:00.002-05:00

My sermon to myself today :)

Any day can be awesome if you really want it to be. Renew your mind, change your thinking and what started out as a ho-hum day, can be such an incredible gift! :)

Instead of dwelling on the negative, the things you don't like about the day- choose to think of the positives, the things you have to be thankful for; starting with the fact that you are alive and well :) It's too easy to dread, to think of how we wish things were different. We don't HAVE to think on every thought that pops up in our mind. We can replace it. So many people think they can't control what they think- but we can.

Choose today to think on what's good and what's true. Choose to give hope and encourage someone around you, not only by your words but by your attitude.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." -Phil 4:8

Taking Action

2010-01-08T09:33:00.003-05:00

"That’s the thing about taking an action. You don’t know that you can do it until you do it. And then you become someone who does it." S. Derian

How often do you stop yourself from doing something, waiting for something else to change before you move forward? You think you need to wait until you’re more prepared, knowledgeable, financially savvy, confident, secure—or insert excuse—to take the action. But then you never get to that place and never take the action. Then 5 years pass and you’re still talking about it, feeling “not ready yet.”

Sign up for that class, make that call, put up that website, go on that trip, dust off that mauscript, ask for that raise, make that speech, take that test....fill in the blank.

Do that thing you’ve been putting off. Don’t wait for your feelings to change to take the action. Just take the action and see how your feelings change.

God gives us so many opportunities in this lifetime. We don't take action just for the outcome- though the outcome is rewarding- it's the process, the journey. And all that we learn in the journey. Learning to face fears, to lean on God, to walk in faith, to live this life fully, to use our brains, to help others along the way.

Today I'm signing up for a class that I've been thinking about for over a year! :)

Physical Training and Spiritual Training

2010-01-06T21:28:00.000-05:00

PHYSICAL TRAINING

Today I did my Turbulence training day A. I alternate between 2 workouts, day A and day B.

Day A is 3 supersets of the following:

Bulgarian split squat (8 reps)
Dbell presses (8 reps) (I did 35 lb dbells today! yay!)

Stability ball leg curl (12 reps)
Pushups - military (12 reps)

Stability ball jacknife (12 reps)
Lat pulldowns underhand grip (8 reps)

then i finished with a round of total body ten (bodyweight exercises done quickly) for cardio. This will get your heart rate up!!!!! and it's not boring cardio on a machine that takes forever :)

1. Y squats- 15
2. Pushups- 10
3. Step ups- 10
4. Push ups (on knees) -30
5. Bodyweight squats- 20
6. Spiderman- 15
7. Lunge- 10
8. Close grip pushup- 10
9. Stability ball leg curl- 10
10. Inverted Row- 10

SPIRITUAL TRAINING

Since this is the start of a new year I like to use these questions from Dr. Donald Whitney to challenge my spiritual life. No pressure here. I just take 1 or 2 at a time if 1 or 2 really strike me as something I'd like to work on. One that stands out to me every years is: "What is the single biggest time-waster in your life, and what will you do about it this year?" I'm staring at it right now! ;)

...a lot of snow is expected tonight. The kids and I are hoping for another snow day or 'days' :)

This blog....

2010-01-05T18:07:00.000-05:00

Why a new blog? For one, I am in a totally new season of life. I have changed. Things have changed. I am embracing change- I have to, it comes whether we like it or not :)

I really want this blog to be a place of encouragement for myself and anyone who may happen to stop by. A place to preach to myself, keep myself motivated and encouraged in all aspects of my life. This life is a race. It's certainly not a sprint, but it's a marathon. Not only does it take endurance to run a marathon, but a race like that 'produces' endurance and perseverence as well.

This is not a 'religious' blog per se, but it does include faith and following Christ, as well as day-to-day living. I've been a personal trainer in the past and I do love to encourage and motivate people- whether it be physically, spiritually or emotionally. I've had to use alot of encouragement and motivation on myself these past few years :)

God made us with amazing capabilities to do hard things. To go the extra mile. Sure, there are times of ease. They don't usually last very long though, do they? We need those times of ease to recover and catch our breath. A time of refreshment. Just like in a marathon, we need a drink, a refreshment, a moment to catch our breath. But then it's back to the race. Pressing on, pressing forward toward our goal.

You could even say life has it's peaks and valleys. Some people tend to have more peaks than valleys- others have more valleys than peaks. Sometimes it's all in how we tend to perceive it. When i look back over my life, I could tend to say I have many more valleys than peaks. But is that really true? Are the valleys just glaring in my mind and I've forgotten all about the many, many peaks??

This is what I am learning. To not let the valleys- the negatives- stand out so much, but instead make a point of recognizing the peaks- the positives. This is the difference I believe between a pessimist and an optimist. Did you know that just because you are one or the other- you don't have to stay that way?? It's true! I know because I've changed from a more pessimistic and critical person to a person who looks for the good in things and in people. I've learned to hope for the best. I've learned to look for the things I can be grateful for in any situation. I've learned to stop looking for what's wrong all the time.

I'm very grateful for my discerning personality, my critical thinking in problem solving, my detailed thinking, my high standards, my sensative nature... but if I'm not careful, these gifts can become my curses. Out of sheer necessity I've had to learn to balance my natural and/or learned personality traits.

I can be as joyful/happy as I want to be. No person, no circumstance can take that away from me. It is very freeing to take on the responsiblity of my own happiness :)I'm excited about the changes in my life, my attitude, my thought life, and my future!

New Year New Blog

2010-01-04T12:25:00.000-05:00

coming soon.....