I was considering a passage of scripture the other day. I must confess I am too lazy at this moment to go find it and give the reference, but it is popular enough that you will know it's in there if you read the Bible at all. The verse says something to the effect that those who call on the name of Jesus will be saved. For countless years I have kept that phrase in one tiny,little, box of meaning. That it only meant to be saved from hell. However, the other day I believe that God really opened my mind to what He really meant.
It was one of those mornings and at 8:15AM I was already stressed out. Taking the advice of a good friend, I closed my eyes and inhaled and exhaled the name of Jesus. The first syllable on the way in and the last on the exhale out. After about 3 breaths I could feel fresh grace pour over me and I went about my day brand new.
What I had done was call on the name of Jesus and I was...saved. Saved from frustration, saved from a pity party, saved from anger and saved from doing something I would have to ask for forgiveness from later. How small minded of me to think that calling on Jesus would only save me from the number one issue of hell. I can imagine Jesus standing there waiting and waiting, hoping that we will take Him at His word and call on Him so he can save us from all the things that this world throws at us.
I encourage you that the next time you are anything but full of joy and peace, call on the name of Jesus and allow Him to do what He promised...to save you from whatever you face. He is good, He is faithful and He is quick!! This is one promise I will not let go to waste!!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
O Christmas Tree
My Christmas tree has been up for quite some time now. I am just now taking it down. As I was doing so, I starting to think about all the wonder and magic that is present when we put it up as a family and what a chore it is as I take it down alone. A month and a half ago I looked at each ornament and recalled memories. Today I see how many I can take off at one time without any of them breaking. I also started to notice a few...like the angel made out of toilet paper...huh...really? LOL That always brings me to the thoughts of my ever growing children. Like when Reagan declared she only had six years of school left and the ache that promptly starts to form in my chest. I tried to imagine what my tree will look like when everyone is grown and gone. Will it be one that matches and has beautiful decorations all symmetrically placed? I think of how beautiful yet boring that tree would be.
I can hardly believe this Christmas season has come and gone and here we are starting another year. I feel like it went passed me in a blur and didn't even really "feel" like Christmas. So now as I take down this tree, instead of a chore to be done, I am taking the time to remember the past year and all of its great memories. The ways my family has grown and the individuals in it. I am thankful that at this stage I "get it." Time goes fast and that is helping me really treasure each moment instead of racing from one thing to the next. Yes we are busy, but even in the activity there are moments and like Mary did in the Bible, I hope that I too will tuck these things away in my heart and remember them always.
I am blessed beyond measure and yet I look forward to this next year with excitement at all God has in store for us. Some things we have gotten a glimpse of and after I put the fear aside I can say I am truly excited. There are other things that haven't been discovered yet, adventures planned, and moments to tuck away. If I have one resolution it is this: to get all I can out of each moment and each day that God gives me. To live in the present and really live this precious life...
I can hardly believe this Christmas season has come and gone and here we are starting another year. I feel like it went passed me in a blur and didn't even really "feel" like Christmas. So now as I take down this tree, instead of a chore to be done, I am taking the time to remember the past year and all of its great memories. The ways my family has grown and the individuals in it. I am thankful that at this stage I "get it." Time goes fast and that is helping me really treasure each moment instead of racing from one thing to the next. Yes we are busy, but even in the activity there are moments and like Mary did in the Bible, I hope that I too will tuck these things away in my heart and remember them always.
I am blessed beyond measure and yet I look forward to this next year with excitement at all God has in store for us. Some things we have gotten a glimpse of and after I put the fear aside I can say I am truly excited. There are other things that haven't been discovered yet, adventures planned, and moments to tuck away. If I have one resolution it is this: to get all I can out of each moment and each day that God gives me. To live in the present and really live this precious life...
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Priceless
Tuition: $1286.72
Hours spent studying Math alone: 100+
Earning an A in all three classes: Priceless
Yes I am finally done with this term and I got all "A's" the jury is still out as to if I have any sanity left, but I got the grades I needed! I will post of picture of whatever sparkly I buy myself because I totally earned one!! Now I get a break (if you call preparing for Christmas a break) and then it's off to the races again in January. I learned a lot about myself this term and I think being able to achieve that A in math has really helped my confidence soar. I feel like I am more patient with the kids when they are working through something that is frustrating to them. I know what it is like to feel like you are spinning your wheels or that there is no point in what you are doing. It's really hard to explain, I just feel different. Who knows, maybe I actually grew up a little bit. What I do know is that God was with me every step of the way and I am pretty sure I witnessed a miracle on the last test I took before my final exam. I still don't understand that particular section of math and yet I got an A on that test. What was totally cool was working on the final exam and knowing that I did learn something...98% correct of something. Not sure how long that information will stick, but that's OK too.
I knew it before in my head, but now I know it in my heart...God desires to be involved in the details of our lives. Even though He knows our thoughts before we think them, it's still nice to be asked or talked to about whatever is on our minds. I know my kids love me, but if I never heard them say it ever again, that would make me sad. I think it's like that with God. That's why He wants us to ask for help, to tell Him that we love Him, because it's nice to be asked and it's nice to hear a person say those things.
If every school term has such a profound affect on my life as this one has, I cannot wait to see what I become by the end of this process. God is doing good things, and I for one, am excited about it!
Hours spent studying Math alone: 100+
Earning an A in all three classes: Priceless
Yes I am finally done with this term and I got all "A's" the jury is still out as to if I have any sanity left, but I got the grades I needed! I will post of picture of whatever sparkly I buy myself because I totally earned one!! Now I get a break (if you call preparing for Christmas a break) and then it's off to the races again in January. I learned a lot about myself this term and I think being able to achieve that A in math has really helped my confidence soar. I feel like I am more patient with the kids when they are working through something that is frustrating to them. I know what it is like to feel like you are spinning your wheels or that there is no point in what you are doing. It's really hard to explain, I just feel different. Who knows, maybe I actually grew up a little bit. What I do know is that God was with me every step of the way and I am pretty sure I witnessed a miracle on the last test I took before my final exam. I still don't understand that particular section of math and yet I got an A on that test. What was totally cool was working on the final exam and knowing that I did learn something...98% correct of something. Not sure how long that information will stick, but that's OK too.
I knew it before in my head, but now I know it in my heart...God desires to be involved in the details of our lives. Even though He knows our thoughts before we think them, it's still nice to be asked or talked to about whatever is on our minds. I know my kids love me, but if I never heard them say it ever again, that would make me sad. I think it's like that with God. That's why He wants us to ask for help, to tell Him that we love Him, because it's nice to be asked and it's nice to hear a person say those things.
If every school term has such a profound affect on my life as this one has, I cannot wait to see what I become by the end of this process. God is doing good things, and I for one, am excited about it!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Bad Timing
So I think at this point it is clear that my picture a day idea is not going to work. Big surprise I am sure. I swear each time I sit in my class I get another huge assignment to do. I think it is finally time to admit that i just can't do everything all at once!
In happier news, I am currently carrying an A in all three classes, the dreaded math class included. In fact I have to cut this short because I have a math test tomorrow and there is lots to study yet! There is four weeks left and a final exam that breaks down to: Speech: 8 classes left (including the final exam) Sociology: 8 classes and Math: 13 classes...Not that anyone is counting or anything. Hopefully I can finish strong and keep all of these A's.
The books are calling...
In happier news, I am currently carrying an A in all three classes, the dreaded math class included. In fact I have to cut this short because I have a math test tomorrow and there is lots to study yet! There is four weeks left and a final exam that breaks down to: Speech: 8 classes left (including the final exam) Sociology: 8 classes and Math: 13 classes...Not that anyone is counting or anything. Hopefully I can finish strong and keep all of these A's.
The books are calling...
Monday, November 7, 2011
Mental Picture Day
Ha! I know that is a total cop-out, but alas all I have time for, so, picture this:
A stack of books, each one filled with page after page of non-fiction ever educating your tired mind. Next to the books is a stack of paper, waiting to be filled with the knowledge you just absorbed. A steaming cup of coffee, in hand, waiting to be sipped so you are sure to stay awake until all the assignments are complete. However, you must picture yourself walking away from this stack because you still have a 2 hour class to attend. Never fear, when you walk back through the door, that stack will be there waiting to greet you. It's good like that...it learned its ways from the dishes and the laundry. I am sad to report there is no homework fairy either...unless...gasp....I AM the fairy...drat.
A stack of books, each one filled with page after page of non-fiction ever educating your tired mind. Next to the books is a stack of paper, waiting to be filled with the knowledge you just absorbed. A steaming cup of coffee, in hand, waiting to be sipped so you are sure to stay awake until all the assignments are complete. However, you must picture yourself walking away from this stack because you still have a 2 hour class to attend. Never fear, when you walk back through the door, that stack will be there waiting to greet you. It's good like that...it learned its ways from the dishes and the laundry. I am sad to report there is no homework fairy either...unless...gasp....I AM the fairy...drat.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Pony Rides
Today my dear friend Chrissy invited us out to a fund raiser at a barn called Trails and Tails. There they had pony/horse rides for the kids and a bon-fire for us to keep warm. Turns out the fire is a double edged sword because although it is toasty while you stand by it, once you walk away the cold feels colder!! At any rate, it was fun to spend some time together. Ryan had a small melt down and Abby bit into a piece of gum and pulled her tooth out! Other than that it was a super fun morning...
Rebecca on the pony! She totally wants riding lessons now...her Aunts will be so happy.
Ryan on the horse. After a few rides he was telling the lady he could do it himself!
Thankfully she has rules to follow and that wasn't an option.
Chrissy and Abby having some fun together...before the tooth incident!
Abby with her fabulous "I love horses" face paint, taking a lap!
Reagan, who although can completely hold her own on a horse, would rather be lead around than not get to ride at all!
The super cool thing about this barn is that their lessons are super affordable. We are hoping in the spring to be able to let both girls take lessons. It was a really fun morning and I am so glad we went. Now I must get back to my homework. The kids are busy so I might actually be able to get through one of these half page math problems without someone interrupting me! Ron is watching TV with the headphones on and he keeps laughing. Every now and then I shoot angry, jealous eyes at the back of his head...stupid math.
Friday, November 4, 2011
picture
Yikes 6 minutes until tomorrow... I almost missed a picture on day 3 for heavens sake!! This was taken on our whale watching tour off of Cape May, NJ
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