212

Hey, readers!  I'm back!  I took a much needed break from the blog to clear my head.  I'm still "changing directions" but I'm also moving FORWARD.  I've been busy brainstorming some ideas and praying about the direction I'm going to take.  I thought I'd look through my files and see if I had a good favorite moment devotional and I found one.  Enjoy!

 

Game day - heading to a football field.

Favorite moment of the day (January 27, 2010):  being blessed with this day by our Lord.  Even if nothing great, funny, happy, or awesome happened, I still had the opportunity to enjoy it and see my friends and family.  And for that, I am thankful.

                   “…Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.”  Psalm 2:12

                  I just realized that the verse I chose for this favorite moment has the number 212.  This was a powerful number for us in 2010.  Our pee wee football team was, and is, a very big part of our lives.  We are such a close knit group of parents because our boys are such a special group of kids.  We adopted this motto in the fall of 2010 for our B Team season.  212 is the number of degrees at which water boils.  The coaches told the boys during pre-season practice how that one number, one degree, makes a difference.   At 211 degrees, water does nothing, but at 212 degrees, water boils and produces steam which can power a locomotive.  It’s all about that extra degree, that extra push to be better than average.  We prayed together as a team that year.  The moms prayed together before each game – not to win, but for the safety of the players, wisdom for the coaches, and good sportsmanship from the teams.  We all put our trust in the Lord.  And we were blessed.   We had several teammates and families come to know the Lord that year.  We all still get together, even though our boys now play middle school ball.  We are a family of Christians, blessed by God, because we put our trust in the Lord.  Even when I can’t find anything specific to call a “favorite moment”, I can always count the simple blessings He gives me because I trust in Him completely.

Changing direction

You aren't going to find a favorite moment devotional here today, folks.  And I realize I didn't post yesterday.  I was in another one of "those" moods.  Today, I'm reflecting.  You see, it's my birthday today, and I've been flooded with messages and hugs and smiles.  It all started with the sweetest message from my middle child just after midnight.  He wanted to be the first to wish me a happy birthday.  Well, my sister actually told me yesterday but we won't tell him that!

Anyway, I've been reflecting, meditating, thinking and praying about what I want my life to be like.  I'm still debating on whether to continue this blog in the direction it was going.  I just have some things I need to sort out and I feel like my posts are not truly conveying what I feel or want to say because my head is so clouded with distractions.

Don't worry.  I still plan to write and post every few days.  It's in my blood to jot down my thoughts, and the idea that there might be someone who has the same emotions or concerns and needs to know she's not alone motivates me to share.  So that will still happen.  I'll probably throw in a poem or short story every once in a while just to shake things up a bit.  God's working on me right now so I'm just going to let Him direct what I do. (That's some of my birthday reflections going on.)  My fortune cookie tonight even said "Your luck has been completely changed today."  I don't really believe in fortune cookies but the message is nice.  And I do believe in the power of prayer and I know that God changes things by changing me.  And that's what I'm reflecting on for a few days.

I hope you loyal, or first time, readers continue to check in and see what's being written.  Just don't get lost "on the line" if I happen to skip a day or two.  Come back and read a while!

It's in the way you greet others

Favorite moment of the day (January 19, 2010):  seeing my little baby nephew jumping up and down for everyone who entered the daycare this morning!  And for saying, "Archer cool" - baby talk for Archer is going to school but we all know he's really saying Archer is cool!

What if we all jumped up and down with excitement at everyone we encountered throughout the day?  What a wave of positivity and confidence that would stir!  Instead of dreading Mondays, walk into the office or school with the biggest smile and excitedly greet everyone you see.  The cheer and positive energy would not only brighten someone's day but also have a positive effect on your own attitude.  Starting the day talking to God can change your attitude too.  He gives us a beautiful sunrise that we can see on clear mornings.  That's his excited "Good morning, my child.  I love you." greeting for us.  What about the rainy or cloudy days?  Maybe that's when He passes the responsibility to us.  Those are the days He wants us to be the sunshine for someone else.  This is something I need to work on myself and I'm making a bit of progress.  I need to be more like my baby nephew (who is a little older now) and be genuinely excited about every person I see. 

Youth retreats

Favorite moment of the day (January 18, 2010):  my boys came home today!

My boys had gone on a youth trip for a weekend.  And by boys, I mean both sons and my husband.  It was just baby girl and me.  I missed them terribly but I knew they were in good hands.  They were spending a weekend in the Smoky Mountains growing closer to God and learning about His plan for their lives.  They still live out God's plan.  They have grown into caring, loving young men who know and believe that God is their savior and that He will take care of them always.  I don't like it when our family is spread out in different places but I find comfort in knowing that God holds them in His hands.

Just breathe

Favorite moment of the day (2010): chillin' with Jessalyn in the chair and she fell asleep in my arms. Sometimes I just need to relax and listen to my children breathe.

Additional comment I made on my status:  Yes, it was a precious moment. And being the always busy, multi-tasking, perfectionist mom that I am, I don't take enough of these moments. But I'm working on that!

I noticed on status updates today that, although not all use the words “favorite moment of the day”, more and more friends are beginning to comment and post something wonderful that happened.  One person called it her “highlight of the day”.  Others are just talking about the moments that made them thankful or happy during the day.  It’s quite interesting.  I don’t think it’s my influence but God’s.  He’s the one who called me to do this and keep track of this.  I am finding that I am awakening in His spirit more and more.  It’s amazing and there is an amazing thing happening here.  I only hope that when this “project” is over in a year, that it will be even better than it is now. (2010)

I have been blessed with three beautiful, healthy children and I thank God every day for that.  My husband and I didn't actually plan any of them.  They were all pleasant surprises!  I feel very deeply for those who have trouble conceiving and want children so badly.    I need to take more time to enjoy these children that God is letting me borrow while they are here on Earth.  Even though they are older now and don't like to snuggle, I still, sometimes forcefully, give them hugs and kisses and pour my love all over them.  As I travel back in time through this project, I am reminded of God's blessings on my family and how He loves us all.  I think we owe it to Him to recall the daily joys and give Him thanks.

Make a joyful noise

My budding actress and singer when she was in a production of The Wizard of Oz.

Favorite moment of the day (January 16, 2010):   Shopping at Hobby Lobby, Ross and Target with my Jessalyn and listening to her sing the whole time.

     "Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands!  Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before His presence with singing."  Psalm 100:1-2 New King James Version

My daughter loves to sing.  She sings in her room instead of cleaning it.  She sings in the car.  She sings in the children's choir at church, and sometimes in the adult choir.  I love to hear it and so does the Lord.  He actually requests it.  To me, she has a lovely voice that needs just a little refinement that will come as she matures.  But God doesn't actually care.  He doesn't tell us to come before him with beautiful singing, just singing.  As long as we are singing His praises and glorifying His name, it is a beautiful sound to him.

Dancing away the troubles

Favorite moment of the day (January 15, 2010): Watching the danceline kick some dancin' booty tonight at the basketball games. Those girls did AWESOME!

       "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: ...a time to dance..." Ecclesiastes 3: 1-4 New King James Version

I love to dance.  I danced on a college dance team.  I used to coach a high school dance team and I would dance right along with them.  It is my favorite form of exercise.  God tells us in Ecclesiastes that there is a time and purpose for everything, even dancing.  When I get down on myself or depressed, I like to dance.  Like paining and writing, it is one of my creative outlets to which I can let go and give things to God.  I know that the hardships I'm currently going through will pass.  Everything has a season, even the hardships.  So I will continue to dance and praise Him until He sees me through.

I'm just not feeling it anymore

Sorry.  I'm just not into it anymore.  I can't.  Writer's block?  Maybe.  But not likely since most of my favorite moment devotionals are already written since I've been working on that for a few years now.  Winter blues?  Probably.  It's been raining and cloudy.  I haven't seen sunshine in days.  I need warm, humid Alabama breezes, not this cold, winter-y precipitation.   Discouraged?  A little.  With so many things going on right now and so many mixed emotions, I can't seem to focus.  I'm upset and disappointed in myself for imposing this challenge and not wanting to finish just a month into it.

My mind is so full of things that I just don't think I can continue.  It's not fun anymore.  Now, it feels more like an assignment given to me by an overbearing professor.  Only the overbearing professor is me, and the student is also me.

Maybe tomorrow the urge will be back to continue what I've begun.  I don't know.  I think I miss writing the cute, sentimental stories and poems about motherhood and the silly things my children do and say.

I know one thing.  I'm going to pray about it tonight and let God direct my path.

Warming our souls

 God's beautiful creation that surrounds me daily.

Favorite moment of the day: dinner with my family at Pizza the Hut and then seeing the gorgeous sunset over the lake while crossing the river bridge. Breathtaking.

                  “In the beginning God created the Heavens and the Earth.”  Genesis 1:1

                  The beautiful sunsets and sunrises, a full moon and sky full of stars, flowers blooming in every color imaginable – these are all creations of our God.  How can someone look at these things and not know that there is a God?  Nature amazes me and actually calms me when I am stressed out.  Just taking the time to walk around and look at the creation that surrounds me is so nurturing and calming to my spirit and soul.  I love that He can bring so much warmth and radiance in the middle of winter with a beautiful orange, red and yellow sunset.   But He can also bring warmth and radiance to our souls when we take the time to listen to Him, talk to Him through prayer, and live according to His word.

Gorgeous sunset over Notre Dame in Paris.  I was blessed to be able to see this magnificent showing of God's wonder in this beautifully painted sky.

Pants on the ground

I was really tired yesterday and have a bit of the winter blues and just didn't write the devotional.  I've got to find a way to snap myself out of this winter depression I'm in.  I'm supposed to be motivating others but I can't even motivate myself.

Favorite moment of the day (1-13-2010): Pants on tha ground, pants on tha ground, you lookin' like a fool wit yo pants on the ground!

This favorite moment was from one of my favorite television shows, American Idol.  An older gentlemen had written a song about young men wearing their pants down around their knees instead of up on their hips and waist like you should.  He was proudly auditioning his song for the judges.  I loved it!  Such courage, not only to audition on national television, but to stand up for what he believed in.  We should all have the courage to stand up for humanity, for Jesus, for Christianity.  When we are weak and easily persuaded by worldly things, the devil can take a stronghold and pull us away from God.   We must have courage, have faith, have hope in the truth of Bible and be ready to defend it at times.  The devil comes disguised as the things we covet.  He'll do anything to pull us away from the Kingdom of God.  We have to pull our pants up, have courage, and be ready to fight those worldly desires that can distract us from our relationship with the One who is not of this world, the One who gives eternal life.

Let's Rock!

 

 

Favorite moment of the day (2010): so many but I'm going to pick...the great day I had at school today! My Spanish students RoCk!!!!

 

As a teacher, I have good days and bad days.  Days when the students don't seem interested, won't participate, or just fall asleep in class.  But then there are awesome days.  Days when my hard work to prepare an engaging lesson really pays off.  The same is true when I taught children at church.  The days they really grasped the lesson and took ownership of the Word of God were really great.  I imagine Jesus had this same feeling when He was teaching others.  It's all in the Bible.  Some days he had to work harder than others to get his followers to believe and understand the lesson.  But some days were much easier and his students rocked.  We are all God's students here on this Earth.  Some days we struggle and just don't get it.  Then, some days we rock!  The goal is to have more rockin' days than not and to spread that enthusiasm to others.

Reaching out with your talents

Favorite moment of the day (2010): watching Jessalyn at baton practice! Too cute!

I love watching my children participate in activities that interest them.  It makes me very proud to see them working so hard to achieve something.  I hope that my Heavenly Father is proud of me.  I strive to live each day to make Him proud.  I also try to use the talents He gave me to tell others about him.  I hope my children will do the same.  They each have very different interests and talents that they could use to build the kingdom.  It is very interesting and amazing to watch them grow physically and spiritually.  I imagine it is amazing for God, too, to watch us grow as we take our spiritual journey.  And I'm sure it makes Him proud when He sees us reaching out with our talents to bring others along on the journey as well.

Be a living Bible

  This is actually the favorite moment from Jan. 10.  I forgot to post yesterday.

Favorite moment of the day (2010):  helping Archer finish his book for school.

I'm a teacher.  I'm a mother.  So that means I have lots of children - 3 biological ones, one Canadian exchange daughter, and lots of students that I have taught over the years.  I have helped lots of children learn many things and accomplish goals.   Is that enough?  Have I been a good example of how a Christian woman and mother should be?  Have I lived in a way that I am someone's Bible?  It's a good question to ponder.  I feel like I do a pretty good job at being kind, serving others, and teaching young people but I know I can do better.  I am limited, as a teacher, at what I can and cannot say about my personal beliefs and I have to be careful not to "push" my beliefs on my students.  But I usually say what I want and most of my students know where I stand as far as my belief in God and Heaven.  My children are extensions of me in the way they act, treat others, and function as responsible, caring citizens.  My students know where I stand when they watch my own children.  That's how Jesus did it.  He gathered 12 disciples and they followed in His footsteps - acting the way He did, serving others in the same capacity, even after He ascended into Heaven.  Others learned from them because of the way He taught them.  When we follow His word and live in His image, or when we don't, others notice.  We might be the only Bible someone ever reads.

Loads of laundry

January 9, 2010 – observation – I noticed today that one of my friends posted her favorite moment of the day on her status.  This is the first I’ve seen so far but hopefully it will catch on.  It’s so easy to do and has really made me look at my actions, my choices, my everyday life in a different way.   After a little over a month of this little experiment, I have noticed that most of my favorite moments are with my children and family.  And most of these moments did not cost any money.  So why do I worry about money so much and why do I want more of it when I obviously don’t need it to be happy?

Favorite moment of the day:  getting laundry done!

Laundry is a never-ending cycle at my house.  With two adults and three children living here, we have piles of it everywhere.  Sometimes I wonder why we have so many articles of clothing.  I know we need undergarments, pants and sweaters for cold weather, shorts and tee shirts for warm weather, a jacket and a heavy coat, but at what point does it become excessive?  Did Jesus and the disciples have multiple outfits?  Did they always match their shoes/sandals to their robes? 

Sometimes I think of scaling down all of our wardrobes.  Selfishly, I think of all the money I could save by not purchasing laundry detergents and stain removers as often, lowering my water and electric bills by not running the appliances as often, and all the time I would have to do something more enjoyable than washing clothes.  But I also think of all the people who could benefit from our excess.  It seems we acquire more articles of clothing faster than anything else.  Every time we turn around, one of the children has been given a new tee shirt.  The kids get new shoes but the old ones are not worn out yet.  I want to give back more and acquire less.  Even Jesus told the rich, young ruler to give away all his possessions and follow Him.  That's essentially what we are called to do.

Taking a break

Favorite moment of the day(2010): sleeping late and not going anywhere today!

I like having lazy days where I don't do anything and have nowhere to go.  However, if I am to meet my goals and dreams, I can't be lazy all the time.  Each day, God gives me an opportunity to wake up and be awesome!  I know that if I don't use my time wisely, I may miss a moment that could change my outlook on the day or even change my future.  God gives us moments and opportunities to encourage others, move forward on our goals and dreams, and to grow closer to Him.  Seize those moments and take advantage of the blessings He sends.  But just like God rested after creating the Heavens and the Earth, the waters, the animals, it's alright to take a break occasionally.

Snow days!

 Snow angel from snow storm in January of 2014.

Favorite moment of the day (2010): SnOw!!!! *.*.*.*

Sometimes God gives us things like snow days to slow us down.  I know I get too busy with the children, school, and my own agenda that I will often get sick.  If we don't slow down to enjoy each and every moment, they will be gone too soon and we'll wish them back.  I tell my students and children not to wish their lives away.  Enjoy the snow days that God gives us to relax, refresh, and rekindle our relationship with others and with him.

A hug from God

I'm going to admit something.  I'm stressing myself out with my self-imposed challenge and it's not exactly "fun" anymore. But I love checking my post list to see how many views each one received, and I'm surprised most of the time.  To me, 20 views is awesome.  I know some bloggers get many more than that, and while I would love it if the little bits of my daily life were that popular, I am satisfied and honored that anyone actually reads what I write.  That's what keeps me going, even when I don't feel like posting one of my favorite moment devotionals.  Thanks, readers.  This is all for you.  All 20 of you!

Favorite moment of the day (2010):  One of my church kids running up to me and giving me the biggest hug ever today!

I could use a hug today.  Stressed about finances and the busyness of life is taking a toll on me.  However, I know my Heavenly Father is hugging me.  When I say my prayers tonight, I will feel his arms wrap around me, the same way I hug my children, and I'll know it will all be okay.  He won't let us down.  Sometimes I wonder why this is the path I'm on.  I know I'm here in my current situation because of decisions and choices I've made but I also know that God knows my path, He has laid it out for me, and this is all part of a bigger idea that He has chosen.  I do feel something big on my horizon and I just have to keep faith in Him and remember that it is all for His glory in the end.

Give your requests to God

Favorite moment of the day (2010):  Having a stress free day back at school!

 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4: 6-7)

I find myself stressed a lot.  I worry a lot.  But I don't need to because God tells me not to be anxious about anything.  I go to him in prayer frequently and ask for comfort and peace because I get so worried and stressed about things - school, finances, family, etc.  It's nice to have days where I am stress free.  It reminds me that He hears me.  Sometimes He answers my prayers with a good day at school, an unexpected art sale that puts gas in my car, or a day that my children don't fight with each other.  I am also reminded, when I have several good days, that if I will just go to Him in prayer and ask for help, He will provide and give me peace in my heart and mind.

Getting it all done

Favorite moment of the day (2010): Getting everything done that was on the to-do list!

                   “This is the day which the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:24

                  Sometimes we just need one of those days to get everything done – a day to catch up on laundry, clean the house, or run errands.  In this busy life, we often have to multitask just to make it through the day.  I know I do.  As a working mom, I don’t have time to devote a day just to paying bills, or washing clothes, or cleaning the house.  I have to do a little each day or do it on the weekends when I need to rest and relax.  But the Lord made each and every day.  We aren’t promised tomorrow.  Sometimes it’s nice to get a day where the checklist gets completely marked, but if it doesn’t, that’s alright too.  The way I see it, if God gives us tomorrow, then I have another day to get the laundry done.  If not, well, I live my life in such a way that I don’t need the laundry!  I’ll be in Heaven with my Father.  So, each day is a gift and we should use it wisely.  Instead of making sure that every item gets checked off the list, choose 2-3 most important tasks, and focus on those.  Life is too short to be stressed out over trivial things.  We should rejoice and be glad for the day, not dread it.

Apologizing for the mess

Favorite moment of the day (2010): my daddy came by for a couple of hours today unexpectedly!

 Snowfall on our house last winter.

Don't you love unexpected company?  Are you ready for them?  Do you frantically try to clean up and constantly apologize for the mess?  Will you be ready when Jesus comes or will you be apologizing for the mess?  I try to live every day ready for unexpected company.  My house may not be the cleanest (I have a family with 3 busy children) but I enjoy having visitors so I try to keep it neat.  I'll be ready when Jesus comes, too, because I try not to leave a mess in my spiritual life.  I constantly ask for forgiveness when I pray so I don't have to apologize for the mess when it's too late.

Time for me

favorite moment (2010):  getting some time to paint.

I don't get much free time to myself but when I do, painting is one of the things I enjoy.  It helps me free myself of my worries and troubles.  I usually paint Bible verses, flowers, or  beautiful places I've seen.  God gave me a talent to paint and draw and using those talents calms me when I am stressed.  I can just tune in to God and let him direct my brush or pencil.

Have no fear

I do not have a fear of flying, as seen here in one of my airplane photos.

Favorite moment of this first day of 2010: hiding behind a dark corner and scaring Archer! It was great!

                   “…I will fear no evil for you are with me…”  Psalm 23:4

                  We do this a lot in my family – hide and seek, scaring each other behind doors and closets.  It’s good, old-fashioned, family fun.  But in the real world, there are things that scare us.  Some people are afraid of flying, some are afraid of the dark, some are afraid of water.  Whatever the fear, God will help overcome it.  He tells us to fear no evil.  He’s got us protected.  The devil will use our fears to keep us from the things we enjoy, and even from God.  If you have God and follow His word, there is no reason to be afraid.