If you can't say anything nice....

I remember as a child hearing the saying "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all."

I have recently become more aware of how people feel it is necessary to criticize others when they don't agree.  Case in point - I love Pinterest! I have recently discovered the benefits of this little gem in planning my home school "Stuff" like organization, possible curriculum etc.  I came across a few pins where in the comment section people who obviously didn't agree with homeschooling, made comments criticizing the practice.  My first thought was - why are you commenting?  This is a pin clearly labeled for "home school" so why are you even looking at it and in looking at it, why do you feel it is necessary to criticize?

I see this also a lot on Facebook - I have a FB account because it allows me to stay in touch with people that I just don't get to see very often if at all.  Some of my friends decide to use it as a platform for their opinions - whatever floats your boat!  I choose not to do this, but it amazes me how often someone will post about something they believe in and how others have the audacity to tell them they are wrong!  If you don't agree, MOVE ON, SCROLL DOWN, BLOCK or UNFRIEND!  Why does there have to be a debate via Facebook for everyone else to see. I have to say that the critical comments never change the other person's mind. In fact I think it just shows the commenter's ignorance to the fact that not everyone has to agree with you. I have friends who have different perspectives on things, and no I may not agree with them, but that doesn't mean I have the right to disrespect them on their own page.  It may mean that I pray for them a little more but not disrespect them.

Just a thought: If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.

Abundant Blessings

Wow, let me just say again, Wow!  It is amazing what is happening these days. The Lord is rocking our world let me tell you.  Prayers are being answered, prophecies are being fulfilled, true spiritual growth is happening among my family and church.

For me in particular - the Lord is showing me how to put into action all these things that He has put on my heart.  I am learning how to get organized, focused and actually accomplish the tasks at hand.  How is this happening, you ask? Obedience, simple and pure obedience.  I am in the Word everyday, whether I feel like it or not.  I am fasting one morning a week, whether I feel like it or not.  I am praying throughout the day and praising Him continually. Why - Philippians 4:6-7 that's why!

He told me to make a schedule so I made a schedule and I am sticking to it.  It is amazing the peace you feel when you realize that you don't have to accomplish everything in the moment that it comes to your mind.  I tell myself - "I will take care of that at the appointed time." and I am released from feeling like I am overwhelmed.

He wants me to embrace what He is giving me, not be overwhelmed by it.  And by being obedient, He is answering prayers and revealing His intentions.

Commitments update

Well, considering it has been over 2 months since I last posted, I would have to say that the commitment of posting every week has in fact - FAILED.

As far as all the other ones, I think I am still going strong.  But then again how would you know since I haven't posted anything in over two months - oh well :)

The last several weeks have consisted of remodeling projects that must be finished before our vacation in a couple of weeks because by the time we return we will be hitting monsoon season.  We have been redoing our decks.  I have never been so tired in all my life, well maybe after giving birth.  But since then I have not worked so hard.  I am bruised and battered but the job is finally finished.

I also have wrapped up co-teaching a Bible Study with my dad - the Preacher Man.  That was really cool and I really learned a lot.  Not just about that particular Bible study but also about my capability in teaching.  I am really gaining confidence in this area.  I also preached for the 3rd time and I am really happy with how that went as well.  I finished up the Peacemakers study with the Sunday school kids and we are now preparing for them to "Preach" one Sunday this month and teach the adults what they have learned.

So as you can see I do have some good reasons for not posting for awhile - I will try to do better. Umm well actually the rest of this month may be challenging but starting in July - I promise (maybe)...

Joyfully Busy

Wow, I am all of a sudden a force to be reckon with, let me tell you!

Don't know if it is the Kale/Spinach/fruit smoothies I have been drinking, the fact that I am consistently working out 3 days a week, the fact that I am sleeping better due to getting a newer mattress from some friends of ours, or the fact that last week I had an incredible day where I experienced pure joy and have been continuing to experience it ever since - or maybe all the above!

Not sure what it is but I am going to go with it - this weekend I finally cleaned out the rat infested shed.  My dad came over and helped me take two loads to the dump. That really got the ball rolling and I ended up spending a good portion of Saturday cleaning out the rest.

Now I have to tell you that the shed has bothered me for over a year.  I have a rodent phobia of sorts, I pretty much get hysterical at the sight of any kind of rodent - mice, rats, gerbils, ferrets etc. etc.

Luckily, I never saw any just their damage to numerous boxes  and all the remnants that they thought of the shed as their castle. I must have shoveled a bag full of their little leftovers - yes the shed was full of rat dooty!  But I got it done, mostly because I was fed up.

I have also cleaned out the garage and  am planning out my garden, which I will be starting in the next few weeks.

Usually, when I look at my list of To-Do's I instantly get overwhelmed. This week however, I look at this list and think - I can do and I can do it well. One job at a time, one day at a time. Done.

Commitments update

Here is an update on the commitments that I made back in January.

Health wise - I am working hard, the girls and I have been doing devotions together 3 days a week, followed by working out together.  We have kept this up for 5 weeks and we are starting to notice positive changes in both the things we discuss during the devotion time as well as in our bodies and energy.  Little sister doesn't do much more than jump around while big sis and I are working out!  We are doing a combination of weights and toning exercises. Three days a week was a good beginning - doable but not overwhelming which would just lead to failure.

I am also NOT weighing myself anymore - I have decided to go by how I feel vs. those little red numbers that just defeat me even when I am feeling good.

Love wise - I think I am gaining ground on being able to overlook negative stuff and just love others for who they are, God's Children.

Wife/Mother - I am enjoying my daily life as mom and wife very much, I am going easy on myself as far as pressure to be all that I can be in every area and concentrating on being all that I can be as mom/wife. I look at my girls and just get this overwhelming feeling to cherish every moment with them, they are growing up so fast. 

Overall, I think things are going well so far on these commitments that I made to myself. 

Luv ya

Spring Cleaning

Yeah, it is day one of spring cleaning!  Apparently, I am the only one excited in my house too.  I have decided that since the girls and I are home for the next 3 days (which is a rare feat these days) we are going to spend some time cleaning out clothes, books, and whatever else I can come up with. 

I also realized that this is a good time to do some spring cleaning on myself also - no I am not talking about doing "that" kind of cleaning (although a good detox probably wouldn't hurt).  I  have been thinking a lot about the things that get me down, put me in a bad mood, and I realize that I can control my thoughts and that I need to stop worrying, dreading, getting frustrated over other people or jobs that need to be done. And turn it all back to God, who can help me turn it to joy.  I need more joy in my life, even over the little things.  I desperately want to wake up each morning with a sense of - I can deal with whatever life brings me today because I have Him to deal with it along side me and I can do this with joy in my heart.

This is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Manage Your Emotions & Expectations

I think one of the biggest lessons I have learned these last few months is how to manage my emotions and expectations when dealing with people.

Unfortunately, we live in a time where some one's word doesn't always equal commitment.  And in a dog eat dog world many are growing up with the attitude of me and mine first and others are not a priority.

Working in ministry these days means that more and more I am dealing with people NOT following through on their commitments.  I was getting really down a few months back, it seemed like I had gotten to point where I expected to be let down or I expected people to not follow through on their commitments. I realized then that this was affecting my relationships with others and was conflicting with the command to love others. I went to the Lord with this issue and here is what He has been telling me:

Love them no matter what, manage your expectations, I give you hope so have hope that I am working  in their lives - but don't lock them into your expectations.  Manage your emotions to reflect love for others, and do what needs to be done with JOY in your heart.

In my "line of work" and anyone else who is in a "ministry" type of atmosphere,what we  need to understand is that we are dealing with the root of people.  In some jobs you deal with people and their skills - accounting, medical, people skills, organizational etc.  Character issues come out but it isn't always the area that you need to deal with.  In ministry it is the main focus - we are dealing with the spirit and soul of people and that is why I believe so many ministries are struggling these days.  Even as Christians we screw up and need forgiveness and even as Christians our pride and controlling spirits get in the way.

I can't stop loving someone every time they let me down, however, I can always have a back-up plan.  I will get frustrated and there may be times when I or someone else needs to confront others regarding these issues. I may also have to stand ground and not allow someone who isn't trustworthy to make a commitment that will most likely end in not following through, which can be hard.  Many make decisions based on emotions but when the time comes to follow through, they are no longer in that emotional state and that is when the priority of following through gets pushed down. I have had to stop asking certain people to help because even though they mean well, it isn't gonna happen. 

This is a Spiritual warfare fight in the lives of many, so most importantly I need to pray and love - no matter what.  I have hope in the Lord and I trust the Lord.