Push-- Pushing past the "red clay"...

Andy and I used to go kayaking- SO FUN!!! Ever been? We always have so much fun and usually spend the entire day outside- having a picnic and talking- having fun together!! :) I miss going!! We haven't been in- well- a year or two!

Just like the picture- there we are gliding down the beautiful peaceful river-- smooth as can be-- when you all of a sudden-- we hit a few rocks. 

So, we get out to shake the kayak free and step into the mushy thick red clay dirt. Your feet just don't magically move like they are free here-- they stick like they are in setting cement (it's kinda gross). 

We try to keep moving our feet because let's face it... no one likes to be in the middle of a moving river with their feet in the sticky clay and rocks brushing up against them! We wanted to get it back on track ASAP so that we can go on, moving forward to get to our picnic spot. 

When you think about it, life is kinda like the river. Sometimes we can be going smoothly down the river, and then oops; get caught up on some rocks that we need to PUSH out from. While pushing out and getting untangled from the rocks, we have to "step out" of the boat and get our feet wet and muddy-- & our feet get stuck sometimes- but we don't just stand there do we? NO!!! We keep moving to get loose-- keep pressing, keep moving on to get to our destination- can't stay there in one place forever-- 

When we need some encouragement for the "red clay" times- look upon God. He is fully able to exceed your every thought! He will help you. No bad & horrible time is going to last forever. (& I know that is something hard to hear especially if you are in that season at the moment) BUT-- there is light at the end of the tunnel-- It's there-- sometimes it's so hard to see-- but there IS A LIGHT... 

Matthew 17:20 NIV says "

 ^"He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Keep that mustard seed close!! It's tiny-- just like the light might seem-- but it's there-- God is there-- GOD IS HERE!! 

Take care of you :)

Hard Times... OH POOP

These are the times that you wish that would just GO AWAY and STAY AWAY-- It's really hard to go through and experience these nasty days. Only one moment can set it off-- and BOOM!! There it goes..... kaplunk.

It's really difficult to know that you bust your butt working day in and day out- and all you ask at the end of the week that the bills are paid and the family is taken care of. Well, it's really hard when that hard, long, long work week comes to an end and you find out the bills are paid-- but how much is leftover? Yes, the bills are paid PRAISE GOD- and then it comes to getting the things you need for the week... ummmm food? With me at home-- it's easy... $10 bucks and I'm okay (enough to get salad and veggies & then I can eat on stuff at the house) Andy on the other end... he's out on that long hot road daily eating what he can-- but when you go to the store and get a pack of water, canned items, tuna, crackers, snacks... the $$ adds up. It's so hard-- we gotta get those bills paid and get my meds and my acupuncture... things that are super important... but they are swallowing us!!! OH MAN I AM READY FOR A BREATHE please GOD save us!!!

I lay all that ground work to say something that bothers me from time to time-- I know Im not the only one... When I think about not feeling good, or being sick, or whatever--- it makes me think about my past. Having Leukemia & a Bone Marrow Transplant {okay that is a blog in itself for later :)} and being sick all those years... makes me so upset sometimes. I feel like something is ALWAYS wrong-- it's so annoying- I guess if I took more care and payed more attention to health and myself I could prevent all this CRAP-- GRRRRR!!!!

But then- just then... I have a bright light turned on-- all of my suffering- all of my pain-- God is with me. ALWAYS wit me-- always plowing the way-- always providing for us-- no matter what the circumstances look like-- He WILL COME THROUGH.

It's so difficult sometimes to see the silver lining isn't it? So HARD-- and it doesn't always work out as we want it to either-- and THAT itself is hard.

So---

• Thank God in all circumstances
• Ask Him for help and guidance 
• EXPECT Him to help you, uphold you, and give you HIS SUPERNATURAL strength
• Remember that not everyday is a good day-- but you can choose to have a good day
• Think positive and keep moving forward

Hope this helped someone!! lol

Take care of you :)

To share or not to share?

It's a funny thing that as human beings we want to talk... talk and talk and talk some more. Now there are some people that really like to keep to themselves- but I would say the majority of people that I know like to talk and be around people.

I can say that I like to talk. Everyone always called me a "Social Butterfly"... and still do actually :) I don't like drama or gossip but I like to share my experiences and talk things out. (Sometimes talking things out gets me in a whirlwind-- & I have to be reminded to CALM DOWN)

So when you've got good news, bad news, or believing in something generally we want to share it with someone. Well, somethings are meant to be shared and some things... just are better left unspoken.

What am I talking about? So let's say you are believing for something. So you decided to share it with some people. Well you've heard the saying "the more the merrier" right? Well, not ALWAYS true in this case. You share your desires, hopes and ideals with these people.. these people that are "suppose" to believe with you and back you and be on board with you-- only for you to discover that they have their own motives. They have their own expectations that THEY think you should experience and have. They think THEY know what is best for you and your life and your walk. Now, who are you to know that this would happen? Here you are excited about what you are believing for and there are these people you confided in that are (not intentionally to themselves) going against what you are believing for. How easily can our prayers, hopes, desires, ideals be altered? SO EASILY... by one word... one thought.

My best advice here... 

"Share with A Select FEW"

1. Get closer to God. Yes, God. Don't say "Oh it's Michelle talking about God again..." because UMMM it's the truth... He is the truth. He listens and draws near to us when we draw near to Him. He's listening... why not tell him what's going on anyways.
2. Get a close friend to share things with. Someone that believes what you believe in (Equally yoked)- Someone who you can trust and count on. Someone who lifts you up... someone that you can call anytime and that will pray with you- someone who doesn't fill you with just "religious words and jargon" I mean a REAL TRUE FRIEND.

My dad always used to say "Your real true friends will fit on one hand- If you are lucky... you can fill it up" OH SO TRUE!!!! I think I have 3 fingers "taken" lol How many do you have? Think about it... not just friends you know... which are great and everything but who are your TRUE "drop everything" friends?

In my personal experiences... yes EXPERIENCES. (No not just did this happen to me once long ago-- but as if I didn't learn the first time- I caused myself pain over and over again. One day I'll learn.)

Take care of you:)

Time well wasted? Nope...

I was watching a podcast from Joyce Meyer today-- and she was preaching some GOOD stuff man!!! I needed to fill ya'll in on some of her preachin' action!!

It's kinda a humbling- scary- yet liberating feeling when you make this HUGE GINORMOUS realization that you have "wasted" your days. What you say? "NO NO NO Michelle-- your days haven't been wasted!! Don't say that" - you say. Well, let me tell you- I HAVE WASTED so many good ones!! 

How and why would I say this? Well... let's start with "HOW"~ How have I wasted my time- my days- my life... being stressed over completely nothing! How in the world did I let things get this BAD?!! I mean seriously? "Oh but Michelle- your life never appeared bad to me!!" AH HA-- but I KNEW. Like how did I let very little tiny thing get to me?! And which leads me to "WHY"- well, why did I let everything get to me? It's easy-- I let the nasty things in and never let it out. Never took DEEP breaths... NEVER took the time to just be-- I was always wrapped up in work, doing over my absolute best, and wanting to be PERFECT all the time. (Being strong for Andy as he took on the pastor life, new job, loosing insurance temporarily, changing positions with my work, taking care of Daisy, dealing with money & living stuff)-- OH and what happened next... MADE MYSELF SICK!!! Really sick & drained and tired and weak... and well... honestly-- left God behind. Need an excuse? I had it... I was busy and overwhelmed--- not only trying my BEYOND best in every area of my "peachy life" --- yeah... everywhere EXCEPT with my relationship with God. I'm sure you can fill in the blanks with your life stuff...

I'm done wasting my days...all of them!! I don't want to live upset, angry, disgusted, stressed, worried and anxious!! I wasted soooo many days being this way... and I am NOT giving in anymore!!! I want God to be proud of me!! I want Him cheering me on "THAT'S MY DAUGHTER!! THAT'S MY GIRL!!!" 

The more I'm in a hurry-- the more I run over people! Think about it... you're in a hurry right... huffing and puffing while waiting in line somewhere. You get to the counter FINALLY- only to find the sales person is new, doesn't know which buttons to push, and needs to call for help. You have 2 choices... 

1. Stay flustered and give her a hard time "OMG, huffing and puffing... in which making their day worse      OR....
2. Be calm- collect yourself- and SMILE!! Even though you might be in a hurry and you are set back... STILL SMILE and YOU say hello!! It might just help... they will take a deep breath, and relax. You never know-- you might have made their day.

When we are in a hurry... we really don't think about the impact of our actions. SLOW DOWN- BREATHE...

My dad was sooooooo right!!! He used to say "Just calm down Michelle, Just callllllllm down". Funny thing... it used to make me soooooo mad to hear him say that. And still after he passed away my mom and Andy used to tell me this too--- in the same way oddly enough... and it stirred up SO much anger in me to hear it. Well... dad was so right!! I really do need to CALLLLLLLLLM DOWN!! lol

You know in Exodus 20:8-11 it says to keep the Sabbath holy... take Sunday OFF-- no hard labor--Spend time with your family, have a movie marathon- instead of hard core cooking-- order a pizza, do something for yourself- yes... something YOU enjoy!!! If God needs to rest- what does that tell you? Doesn't have to be "Sunday"- just make it one special day a week to take a rest and take care of you.

So... I'm not gonna be cliché here- by saying "oh God changed everything" (but He really did) "read your bible" "go to church... blah blah blah..." I'm not going to sit here and preach to you about what you NEED... HELLO? Who am I to tell you? I can only preach to myself and try to share my personal experiences with you to help you.

Keep your life in balance- on purpose! Make an effort to walk a life with patience, kindness & love.

It's up to you ultimately to establish your own personal walk with God. It's not hard to ask Him into your life- Do you know God? Do you understand that He sent His Son Jesus to die for you? Do you know that Jesus died on the cross FOR YOU and for your sins? Do you know that He loves you more than you know and that He's coming back for you? Ummmm... answer yes? Guess what? You have Jesus in your heart and we will totally see each other in Heaven!!! YAY! 

Take care of you :)

A Restoration testimony...

Jeremiah 33:3 says 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ 

For the past month or so, I've had that song "Restoration" by David Brymer in my head. Here's the link to the YouTube video~ http://youtu.be/7LcyQOLVS_U 


I've really been through a lot this past month... physically, mentally, spiritually... just A LOT. For those of you that don't know-- let me share a little bit of how incredible God is. 


I was overworked, tired, grumpy, not happy with life-- however, I truly believe that I was living a "stained glass masquerade" -- making believe that everything was okay and that "I had it" myself. Well, while working and planning and juggling family issues... (Andy and I are stuck together like glue/velcro and he is now working as a truck driver that's gone all week and only home on weekends) so that is stressful right there alone-- apart from EVERYTHING else like money and life in general... AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Here's a timeline of my restoration testimony...

SUNDAY:I got sick. I was diagnosed on Sunday, June 3, 2012 with Bells Palsy on the left side of my face. Bells Palsy is a paralysis or weakness of the muscles on one side of your face. Damage to the facial nerve that controls muscles on one side of the face causes that side of your face to droop . The nerve damage may also affect your sense of taste and how you make tears and saliva. This condition comes on suddenly, often overnight, and usually gets better on its own within a few weeks. Symptoms are Sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of your face that causes it to droop. This is the main symptom. It may make it hard for you to close your eye on that side of your face, Drooling, Eye problems, such as excessive tearing or a dry eye, Loss of ability to taste, Pain in or behind your ear, Numbness in the affected side of your face, Increased sensitivity to sound... etc. (This is something I have experienced about 10 years ago- right after Andy and I got married. I had a really bad inner ear infection- that was the determined cause. It was a MUCH worse case than this one was) Not to mention emotionally draining!!!! I have had to quit EVERYTHING in it's tracks!! I had to leave my summer leadership position (less money) and give up what " I " wanted to do... haha "what I wanted to do..." So... instead of pooping out on God and giving up... I PRESSED in... I pressed in harder... I was determined to be near to God even though life was horrible (in my eyes). On a more personal note... Andy and I had just used all the money we had in the checking account to pay the rent- we had nothing... I called up a place in Gainesville (@ 5:00pm on a Sunday no less) and they agreed to see me WITHOUT PAYMENT... ummm can we say GOD?! So, my brother in law met up with me at the doctor so I wouldn't have to go alone. :) Not only did was he there with me- but paid for my medicine that I needed too. (What a blessing) That was the evening before I was suppose to start my summer leadership position (that I had to leave- all that planning- all that long hours-- and I couldn't execute-- that was frustrating) Thinking that the long day was finally over... I mean dealing with all THIS... and going to the dr, and driving home... ALONE... andy out on the road... you would think that the day was done right? NO WAY. I got home, took meds, laid down finally fell asleep only to be woken up around 2am with bright & loud lightening hail storm! (For any of you who know me AT ALL... this is a HUGE deal. I HATE BAD WEATHER-- and I was alone with Daisy) Hail POUNDING on the window-- the window sounding like it was going to crash into the bedroom... I RAN into the bathroom holding daisy crying out to God to save us!! Right there I cried out to Jesus and was praying. I yelled at the devil and told him to flee in Jesus name and I was so scared! We actually sat in the bathtub and I called Andy and told him what was going on. I told him that I though there was a tornado happening... he was able to look at the weather bc my phone wasn't loading due to the weather. He said we were safe- "that the worse was over". A sweet comfort to my soul. Holy Cow right?! WHATELSE I thought?! I was D O N E with the STUPID DEVIL ATTACKS!!


MONDAY: My sister reminded me that going to see an acupuncturist helped the nerves and my body a while back-- so looking online I found a place called Flourish Acupuncture in Gainesville. I called and the lady agreed to see me without payment up front!! She started my treatment next day!! I immediately experienced a difference!! Started taking better care of myself and started taking herbs and vitamins.


LATER ON THAT WEEK: I attended a church retreat weekend about three years ago called Georgia Mountains Tres Dias. It's a 3 day spiritual walk with God held on a beautiful mountain top in Dahlonega, GA. (www.gmtd.org) So, once you attend a weekend... you can go back and serve and be a blessing to others! (& God called me to go back and serve!!! and this was something I was called to do from way back in like February-- & I had been preparing for it) So, if the stupid devil thought for one minute that THIS bells palsy and weakness was gonna keep me from serving... he had another thing coming to him!! We were all believing for God's miraculous healing power on this special weekend!! It was really difficult to attend the weekend with my face looking the way it did-- it's funny... no matter what people tell you "oh you are beautiful Michelle" it hits you emotionally different when it happens to you. When it happens you just want to hide away-- be alone-- secluded from the world. But instead of closing myself out... I opened up and out for God and His glory!!! (It was hard...) Man did God show off!!! I felt change all weekend!! By Saturday night... my face looked TOTALLY different!! And Sunday... HOLY COW!!!


THEN TO PRESENT DATE: Still getting better day after day and I can fully wink!!! I go for weekly acupuncture treatments and totally notice a difference. God is so good and He is RESTORING every moment of each day. I've been watching what I'm eating-- mainly I'm staying away from anything smoked, bbq, chicken, caffeine, fried foods, dairy-- so i'm eating lots of salad & veggies--

IT'S STILL BUMPY...

A few days ago- I had a real scare. I decided to give Daisy a bath. I didn't bring my cell phone in the bathroom (which is weird) for some reason-- anyways... I was done with her bath and decided that I was now soaked-- so I might as well take a shower too. As I was about done, I noticed my nose was bleeding. I pinched it thinking "oh it will stop in a minute no big deal" WELL... um 5 minutes later it hadn't stopped yet. I got out of the shower, grabbed a washcloth and held it to my nose. Still not stopping... I kinda started to freak out. With the water running still I sat down in the shower with Daisy still sitting pretty on the side of the tub- she could tell i was in trouble- I just kept talking to her calmly and told her "Daisy don't worry God is helping mommy" and I prayed for help. Within MOMENTS... my nose stopped bleeding. Now... there is SOMETHING THERE!!!! 


Again on this past Friday... I was waiting for Andy to come home from being at work all week and I was so excited!! I went out and got stuff to make dinner for him! I made Meatball Sammy Casserole-- it was good- I tasted it as I was cooking :) Anyhow, he called and said he was gonna be really later than he thought, so I went ahead and fixed me a plate to sit down and eat. I had everything ready, sat down to a movie with Daisy-- and on my right side of my face-- my jaw locked!! I was in tears! ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK-- I rubbed it and massaged it and nothing was working. I read online that jaws can be locked for days!! (Whenever mine locks it doesn't usually last that long- but is extremely painful when it pops) So, I thought I'd hop in the shower- maybe the heat would loosen it up-- I continued to pray and ask God to save me from this!! I got out of the shower and it seemed looser-- I put on some Britt Nicole and jumped on the gazelle for a few minutes and as I was walking i felt something loosen up- i rubbed my mouth and BAM!! UNLOCKED in JESUS NAME!!! NO PAIN!!!!!!!!! (I still have a nasty bruise on my cheek from it though but NO PAIN when it popped) Now... there is SOMETHING THERE!!!! 

YOU TELL ME THERE IS NO GOD-- NO JESUS??!!! HE IS AWESOME AND THERE IS POWER IN THE BLOOD!!! OH THE BLOOD OF JESUS WASHES OVER ME! 

I keep believing in Him and His glorious healing power. It's not all over YET-- but He is constantly holding me and uplifting me and healing me. I'm still on Prednizone (which definitely has it's side effects... HoT flashes, sleepless nights, increase water weight and appetite... etc) but it is worth it... Prednizone is causing the inflammation to go down and help. ~Even though the hOt FlAsHeS are HOLY COW H O T !!  ~~It's like cooking from the inside out!!! LOL 


GOD BRINGS RESTORATION-- HE BRINGS RESTORATION TO MY SOUL!! 


I've learned to relax, take it easy, take REAL deep breaths, don't stress over the little things in life. When I start freaking out or getting bound up... I confront it... & if I don't see it happening Andy does, he kinda "grabs ahold" of me :)  I give God things I can't ultimately control-- (& I am a control person...lol) I try to think positive... be calm. When something seems like a junky situation... I BREATHE and ask God for help.  


God is so amazing and awesome and He provides each and every day!! Be sure to thank Him-- It also says in Jeremiah 33:10: “Give thanks to the Lord Almighty, for the Lord is good, his love endures forever.” "...For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were before, ’ says the Lord."   


You know something though... I've learned SO much. God has really showed me so many things. 


Thanks for reading and letting me share some of my testimony with ya'll. I hope you are blessed by this and if you know someone suffering from Bells Palsy... please share this with them-- trust me they need encouragement.

My Picture Timeline:

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Take care of you :)

Turbulence??

Experiencing some bumpiness lately? I know I have.

Surprise! Not everyday is a FABULOUS, most AWESOME UPLIFTING day. These are the more difficult days... and they are NOTat all fun.

Welcome to challenging times...

BUT... what if I told you that YOU have the power... you have the choice to turn it around? Could it really be THAT easy? Really?

God gives us the power to choose to turn the day around. 

We can ask... just ask Him--

 Lord, today is more than I can carry. It's a hard day. There is so many negative things going on right now and I'm tired, weak and so bogged down in the dumps. Can you please help me Lord Jesus? Please take this nasty feelings and turn them into positive ones. I need you Lord. Help me. 

Simple? Yes -- but it can kinda be hard too because you have to come to the realization to actually ask for help--or someone that is an "A Type" personality- An "I can do it myself" person... this is a lot more difficult to do. It's okay... did you know that when you need help and you cry out to God- He comes running to you? How encouraging is that? He doesn't leave you alone and God never intended you to "run the race" alone- that's why He sent His Son. To help us!!

Make it an effort to ABSORB yourself with positives!! All positive things-- speak positive-- be positive!! It is sometimes SUPER HARD to do-- especially when you are down in the dumps-- but TRY TRY TRY-- Just try- Ask God for help- HE WILL come to your rescue!! He loves you oh so much!!

Hope this helps!!!

Take care of you :)

Keep Calm &...

~Miss Daisy May Miller~

This is not a serious blog tonight... it's later than normal and I realized I never posted one for Saturday!! OOPS!!


You know the "Keep Calm and..." posters that are out now... most commonly known one is... "Keep Calm and Carry On". Well I thought it would be fun to create some "Keep Calm" sayings to make us all smile :)


Yes, I am THAT dorky!!

• Keep Calm and Smile :)
• Keep Calm and Slow Down
• Keep Calm and Pretend you are at the Beach
• Keep Calm and Hug a Pug
• Keep Calm and know that Jesus has overcome the world
• Keep Calm and know that God loves you
• Keep Calm and Learn to Love
• Keep Calm and Be still and KNOW that He is God
• Keep Calm and eat some Mexican Food
• Keep Calm and listen to some relaxing music
• Keep Calm and be creative
• Keep Calm and wear flip flops
• Keep Calm and Go take a nap!! lol

"Keep Calm and Carry On was the third in a series of World War 2 posters drawn up by the UK Ministry of Information in order to boost the morale of the British people by passing on a message from King George VI. The posters were a stark white text on a red background, with the only image on the poster being the royal crown of George VI." - From http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/guide-to-keep-calm/


Well I hope these made u giggle... let me know your "Keep Calm" creations!! 


Take care of you :)

Which Reflection?

Reflection... a word with a few meanings...

1. Something such as light, radiant hear, or sound that is reflected.
2. Careful or long consideration or thought

Tonight... we are look at #2

So... let me set the stage here... 


You get out of the shower, brushing your hair... putting on make-up... you of course look into the mirror to do these things right? So... have you ever really looked into the mirror and took a good look? I mean a GOOD look? Did you like what your refection showed? Did you feel "clean"? Did you feel "dirty" still? Feel something different? Seriously speaking here... on a personal level... I have looked into the mirror many times and still felt completely dirty... like I wondered who was I looking at. "Who am I ?" I asked. 


Now what? You looked in the mirror and found something you didn't like (I'm not talking about wrinkles or bags under your eyes here)... now what? What can I do about it? 

Let's take a quick look of how inviting God into the situation can help out.

In Ephesians 2:10- it says "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." We are HIS masterpiece!! He said so! So no matter what the situation or the circumstance- know that HE created YOU so that YOU can do the good things HE PLANNED for YOU long ago. (Notice how many times YOU is used here-- He sent His Son for YOU- He did it all for YOU because He loves YOU that much- hard to imagine right?!


The beautiful thing about God and His grace is that He sent Jesus for YOU- and when you accept Him into your heart... He takes over!!! I mean takes OVER completely! It's a rush-- gotta understand that every day is a challenge and is full of decisions of right and wrong and choices... make the right choice- make the wrong choice-- God's grace covers a multitude of your sins!! He never just drops you- even the times where you feel the loneliest- He is always holding you & never let go- He hasn't left you- 


He never gets tired of you--


God sees you as His beautiful child- He chose you for such a time as this! He wants to be your Daddy and have a relationship with you. 


You know it was funny- it wasn't that long ago when I "thought" I knew God and had that "relationship" with Him... only to find that I slipped away for a bit- and where was He? Right there waiting for me. He never left me. 


My most awesome hubby pointed it out and it was so clear... he said "Honey, you need to trust Him like you trust me" That was like a slap-- I wasn't really trusting God like I trusted Andy. WOW-- and Andy is NOT GOD- Only God is God. lol I needed to hear that. 

So, I know I went off on a trail there- but something to think about.

Back to your reflection-- I guess the main thing is to see Jesus with skin on- Are you "in His image"? Are you doing things to glorify God? Are the choices you are making positive or negative? Can you honestly control the way your actions are against yourself and others? The answer to that last one is yes. Just try. Try to make an effort to speak more positive about yourself- about others. Golden rule from my dad's lips... "Don't have anything nice to say... don't say it at all." It works every time. Or from the movie "The Help"- the maid says “You is kind. You is smart. You is important." That is so true!! God certainly thinks so anyways... and that's what ultimately matters... for real! 

As always... hope this helped your day become brighter

Take care of you :)

How to climb out 101...

In a bad mood? Having a not so great of a day? Feel like you're in a HUGE dirt pit? No worries... here's somethings you can actually do to BEAT it-- Don't believe me? Humor me... TRY IT!!

Picture this... You wake up and swing your feet out of bed. Your feet reach the carpet and... MUSH goes your foot! WHAT HAPPENED?!!! Your most precious doggie decided to use the bathroom! WONDERFUL!! So, you clean it up and move on. THEN...You jump in the shower-- no hot water, You're running late now... toaster isn't working... clothes are wrinkled... out of gas... WHAT ELSE?!!! AHHHHHHHH!!!! INSTANT BAD MOOD!!!

OR...

You get a visit from someone/or a phone call that makes you upset.

Okay, so now whatever your "bad day" is... here's some ways to conquer it!!

1. Take a deep breath. -This is one of the first things you learn in any CPR/ First Aid class-- Something bad happens... they tell you not to panic, but BEFORE you do ANYTHING... take a breath. Taking a deep breath not only allows you to assess what's going on, but clears the path a bit.
2. Confront the Mood. - Now that you've taken your deep breath-- I mean a deep breath-- (don't just breathe now) Confront the mood. Okay, you're like ummm okay and how should I do that? Okay... Ask yourself "Is this mood i'm in really worth it?" "How can anything i'm upset about add anything positive to this situation?" Or if it's the anger directed at someone... do yourself a favor and forgive them. If you hunker it down, it's gonna eat away at you! The longer you harbor it- the longer it stays around-- and is it REALLY worth it? I mean seriously?
3. Make a decision to STOP the bad mood in it's tracks. -Everything is a choice!! Try to make good choices!!! Every choice can be a good one or a bad one- God gives you the grace to choose.-You can say to yourself "I am determined to make this a good day"- even though "bad" things happen... you can still make it a good day... try not to say things like "OMG can this day get any worse?!!" Say things like "It's okay, it's gonna be a good day" "God I know you are with me... I will rejoice and be glad" 
4. Create a "Time Out".- When you are in the middle of "it all" it's hard to get that deep breath I was talking about in #1. Go find a quiet spot- walk away for a minute to collect yourself. If you're a mommy-- it might be hard to walk away-- but it's so important. You really don't want to take any aggression out on anyone! Goto a closet, pantry, laundry room, bathroom-- anywhere that you can distance yourself for 5 minutes to breathe and confront the mood so that it can GO AWAY! lol
5. Trust in God to make things right. -God never leaves us or forsakes us in ANY situation! His Word is the truth and He never lies!! He holds us in the palm of His hand!! Trusting in God is the key factor here. We need to not sit and "rock" in the bad mood rocking chair- we need to move forward WITH God- get up out of the chair and move. God wants us to rely on him fully. The bad mood will go away & the next time it comes around... know that you have a choice... are you going to throw a hissy fit? Or ask God to take over and help you change your mood?

This is a really cool youtube "A Man fell in a Hole"- It's about 3 minutes long (so not that long) totally worth watching. You won't ever forget it. (There is a man that ASKS if the man in the hole wanted to be free... Jesus is a gentleman... He asks you, He doesn't just grab ahold of you and drag you places) http://youtu.be/zx1FqGuADR4

As always, I hope that this blog helped you today. I know it helped me to write it.

Take care of you :)

The common factor...

Fear Not... Fear Not... Fear Not... -- Be careful...Say it enough times you might start to believe it. lol

So, have you ever really read Isaiah 41:10? I mean really READ it-- like absorb it? 


Let's read it together in some different versions::


(this is the NCV) So don't worry, because I am with you. Don't be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you; I will support you with my right hand that saves you.


(this is the Amplified Version) Fear not [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you; do not look around you in terror and be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and harden you to difficulties, yes, I will help you; yes, I will hold you up and retain you with My [victorious] right hand of rightness and justice.


Do you notice the common factor here? 

1. God doesn't want us to worry
2. God doesn't want us to be afraid
3. He supports us and strengthens us
4. God helps us

So what I have been learning is... all of the above (lol) and-- most of all that the more I read it, the more I see it, the more I actually LIVE it... believe it... TRY IT!!


God is for you and not against you-- so in the words of my amazing hubby..."Sometimes  we think that when bad stuff happens that God has abandoned us. But He fights for us and no weapon formed against us shall prosper! The devil ISN'T successful in his attacks even though they still trip us up and we still feel the effects!"


I heard something from Joyce Meyer the other day, She said that just because you "feel" fear doesn't mean that you are afraid!! I found that completely amazing when I heard her say this!! All this time- my whole life after being saved in 2006- I felt that I was always been taught-- "ohhhhh you can't fear!! NONONO you are giving into the devil if you fear-- fear is a sign of weakness-- NONONO" ... and so can a get a YAYAYAYAYAYAYAAYAYAYAYAYYYYY that is FAR FAR from the truth!!!!


Fear is NOT a sign of weakness!! (Matthew 17 -hang onto that mustard seed!- It's may be small- but it's all u need)


I hope today's blog helped a bit in your life :)


Take care of you :)

Meditate?

I started to ponder the thought of the word "Meditate"- and felt intimated; funny even- I thought I really don't "practice" that junk-- I don't do the horoscope and stars and blah blah blah-- so I thought that "meditation" was more of the same stuff... so imagine my surprise when I started researching that it wasn't all it was cracked up to be.


Meditate or the greek word Melatao-- is used in the bible quite a bit actually. (Some places like... Psalm 1:2, Psalm 19:14, 1 Timothy 4:13,15)


Some people say that the goal of meditation is to clear our minds of "things," but God wants us to meditate on "these things"--the life-giving, life-directing doctrines of His Word. He wants us to think on good things, noble things, positive things, lovely things... Philippians 4:8 sound familiar? lol


I was thinking about good things-- good things bring on positive attitudes- sunny days- love- happiness- it's like my acupuncturist was saying... whenever I get migraines, I shouldn't "brace for impact"-- like OH CRAP it's coming! But instead acknowledge the fact that I am having one and then start thinking positive things, loving things, happy things to make it better & RELAX.


Another thing that comes to mind is a scripture that has been so super relevant these past few weeks... Romans 8:28-- "All things work together and are fitting into a plan for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose." 


Joyce Meyer said is really good when she said " Even the hard times can work into God's perfect plan for your life. Cast your care, and be a thankful person."

I really think that each day if you set some time aside to "take inventory" of the things you have- instead of the things you don't have, "Meditate" on the things that God has and is doing in your life instead of what you are waiting on Him to do-- remember that one day is like a thousand years to God-- if our answers don't come "fast enough" not to worry-- God has it all-- DO NOT WORRY-- God is on it! 


Take care of you  :)

I am Love?

Today while sitting in the waiting room at the acupuncturist, I was reading 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and had a thought...

Humor me and read the following... 

⁴ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud.⁵ Love is not rude, is not selfish, and does not get upset with others. Love does not count up wrongs that have been done. ⁶Love takes no pleasure in evil but rejoices over the truth. ⁷ Love patiently accepts all things. It always trusts, always hopes, and always endures.

Interesting right? One of the most known and common scriptures in the bible- a verse that is used at weddings-- not really thought of being used on a daily basis. But what would this verse be like if used on a daily basis- what would it look like? Where would you even begin?

Try this...

Insert YOUR NAME wherever it says "love" (the blank spots)-- here's what it would look like...

^{4 ___________}is patient, _________ is kind. _________does not envy, _________does not boast, ________is not proud. ^{5 ___________}does not dishonor others, ___________is not self-seeking, _________is not easily angered, ___________keeps no record of wrongs.^{6 ____________}does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ^{7 ___________}always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

When you ask Jesus to come into your heart-- His love blossoms inside you- God lives inside you and His love illuminates through you and in you -- therefore Love is God, God is Love, and You are God's Love & He is your Love. YOU ARE LOVE.

~ L O V E ~   L O V E ~ L O V E ~

Hmmmm... takes a different spin now doesn't it?! You could walk that everyday~ who would have thought... 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 not only for the alter. 

Now try it!! Read it out loud... really read it with your name inserted. What an uplifting difference this makes!!

Take care of you :)

~As a side note... I know everyone who reads might not have a relationship with God-- & that's okay-- maybe you have had one and "walked away" or know Him but don't really KNOW Him & love Him as your own. I encourage you to seek Him-- just ask Him to help you live day to day- allow Him to walk beside you, and love on you.~ I'm not preaching at ya-- I just want to lift ya up :)

Think on THESE things...

What is happiness anyways?

Fear not!!! Happiness, Calmness & Relaxation can be achieved!! Ask yourself a couple questions...

1. What makes me joyful?
2. What are things that make me smile? 

~Elaborate on these questions... Don't just answer in one answer...REALLY ELABORATE... Think about it... close your eyes, lay your head back and THINK... "What makes me joyful? 


"Andy- because of his love & patience, & I love it when we hold hands, Daisy- because of the big sighs she gives out and the way she looks up at me with her big eyes, Jesus- because of His grace & He never gives up on me, Butterflies- because of the colors and how they flutter, Flowers- because of the colors."


Sounds stupid? Okay yeah maybe but after you take a minute... a second from the frustration and confusion and junk and try...REALLY TRY to clear the muck out and fill it with with the above... I PROMISE you will feel a difference!


I have up my mind to fill and infuse my life with a "Philippians 4:8" life. 

Philippians 4:8 is one of my favorite all time scriptures. It says: "Finally, brothers and sisters, (you can insert YOUR NAME where it says brothers and sisters to make it more personal- so it reads...) Finally, YOUR NAME whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever made is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Notice how it says what THINGS to think on... Whatever is TRUE, Whatever is RIGHT, Whatever is PURE,  Whatever is LOVELY, ADMIRABLE, EXCELLENT, PRAISEWORTHY... THINK ON THESE THINGS.

Now, your homework... lol DE-STRESS. No matter the situation... go into the bathroom if you need to for a minute to get away... listen to soft piano or calming music (CalmRadio.com is awesome btw)... close your eyes and THINK ON PHIL 4:8 things... make it an effort to submerge yourself in positive, calming ways. Your life is way to important to SO many people that love you for your health to decline from being overworked and stressed out. 


Take care of you :)