Most of you know that my full time job is a realtor and recently on the way home, I noticed this adorable white bungaloo on a street that I frequently travel. For the last four years, I would drive on this particular road and to my knowledge I never saw the home.
I kept recalling in my mind, who moved this house here? Aww, shucks no one moved it, it has always been there, hidden. For years it lay hidden on a busy street buried behind overgrown trees, bushes, trash and debris. Ironically on the same street were beautiful homes with well manicured lawns, swing sets and children galore, it rung with happiness. Yet there was this one abandoned home. Despairity was written all across the home. It was if someone put up the caution tape and said do not enter for YEARS! No one knew it was there, until someone came and cleared all the mess up. Roots and weeds were destroyed, years of abandonment had now come to and end.
The home was power washed, gutters and windows were cleaned all of the junk, gunk, grease, dead bugs everything was gone. The home was totally restored. No longer is that home hidden in darkness, but the home now is the prettiest HOUSE on the street, its as if it has the sunlight always beaming on it.
How many times have we passed by this house. Are we too busy in our lives that we neglect those that are on our streets and in our neighborhoods? Chances are that we know someone like this house. All the years of neglect caused abandonment to the home and no one wanted to be bothered with the home because it looked like a disaster. BUT someone took the time and helped to establish the home. CHAMPIONS remember someone took the time to MINISTER to US. No we are not perfect just FORGIVEN!
It is my prayer that we not only look at our homes and clean it up but that we look on the busy streets of life and see who is that is calling out of despairity and asking for help. Who is it, that just wants someone to speak a word of encouragement to them so that they can find hope and a chance to live. Who is it that is seeking restoration?
CHAMPIONS YOU ARE VALUABLE AND GOD LOVES YOU!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Rubic Cube
Boy did I love that Rubic Cube at first it was the best thing, pretty soon it became the worst thing in my life. Constantly trying to get everything to line up was a bummer.
Turn after turn, that cube worked my last nerve. After countless hours and months I finally had everything lined up, all colors were in sync. To the CHAMPION that is struggling with the twist of life and it seems that every time you get close to getting all the colors lined up, something else shows up. Be encouraged and know that it is working out for your good.
Every path you have taken, every turn, every disappointment, every heartache, every struggle helped to make you who you are. Clothes don't make you, your job, your current status, but what's inside of you that has been given by the creator makes you who you are, it makes you a CHAMPION! Never give up, be strong and courageous.
Turn after turn, that cube worked my last nerve. After countless hours and months I finally had everything lined up, all colors were in sync. To the CHAMPION that is struggling with the twist of life and it seems that every time you get close to getting all the colors lined up, something else shows up. Be encouraged and know that it is working out for your good.
Every path you have taken, every turn, every disappointment, every heartache, every struggle helped to make you who you are. Clothes don't make you, your job, your current status, but what's inside of you that has been given by the creator makes you who you are, it makes you a CHAMPION! Never give up, be strong and courageous.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
A Nightly Prayer
Father God,
I pray that every vision that you spoke over your people would come to pass. I pray that not only will it come to pass, but you will supply the resources to fund the dreams. May we continue to walk in harmony with you, may we continue to seek you daily.
I pray for those that have been hurt and that have not let it go. I pray that you would break the chain of unforgiveness, that you would take the sting out of the hurt and teach them first to love you and then themselves so that they in return will be able to love others.
I pray for a healing of the mind, every negative seed that was planted I pray that God your words of love, joy and peace would overtake those dark spots and the seeds of life will take root and start to grow.
I pray for those that have had to deal with rejection, whether it was from a loved one, co-worker, church family or a neighbor. God has not forgotten you, he has been the one who has consistently and constantly been by your side. Don't be upset by what people did, wipe the dust from your feet and move on into your greater.
Father we are effected by tough economic times, I pray that even in the midst that you would continue to provide. Thank you for your unlimited resources that will hit our hands and when we do receive it we will tell you thank. Help us to be better stewards over what you have given us.
I pray for the one that is lost through darkness, the one who once knew you but decided to take a different path, that you would put a nudging in their heart that they would return back to you.
Father, thank you for hearing our prayers!
In Jesus Name,
Amen!
I pray that every vision that you spoke over your people would come to pass. I pray that not only will it come to pass, but you will supply the resources to fund the dreams. May we continue to walk in harmony with you, may we continue to seek you daily.
I pray for those that have been hurt and that have not let it go. I pray that you would break the chain of unforgiveness, that you would take the sting out of the hurt and teach them first to love you and then themselves so that they in return will be able to love others.
I pray for a healing of the mind, every negative seed that was planted I pray that God your words of love, joy and peace would overtake those dark spots and the seeds of life will take root and start to grow.
I pray for those that have had to deal with rejection, whether it was from a loved one, co-worker, church family or a neighbor. God has not forgotten you, he has been the one who has consistently and constantly been by your side. Don't be upset by what people did, wipe the dust from your feet and move on into your greater.
Father we are effected by tough economic times, I pray that even in the midst that you would continue to provide. Thank you for your unlimited resources that will hit our hands and when we do receive it we will tell you thank. Help us to be better stewards over what you have given us.
I pray for the one that is lost through darkness, the one who once knew you but decided to take a different path, that you would put a nudging in their heart that they would return back to you.
Father, thank you for hearing our prayers!
In Jesus Name,
Amen!
Balance In A Busy Life
Here it is and I am tired, yet I have a family. One child is asking for ice cream, another with help with a project and another one just wants to talk. Then there is another, yep, my husband, can't forget him.
Long hours, five schedules, school work and my professional career all are on high demand. How can I keep going like this? A question that I often ponder, but didn't know the answer until I looked closely at what I was doing on a daily basis. Huh, even now as I write, one of my kids is demanding my attention and showing me how the remote has a "new built in light" Wow....I didn't know that!
Ok back to the topic at hand on average I put in more than 50 hours a week of doing everything for the family. (i.e. mommy duties, working, school and ministry) and sometimes I forget the little things that require a lot of my time. Three years ago it was the first week of school and I was on a adrenaline rush that morning, oh yeah did I tell you that my day starts at 5am...I made breakfast, helped my husband get ready to leave out the house, got two of the kids to the bus stop, drove one child to school and then headed to work. Eight hours later my youngest came home from school and said mom, "thanks for packing my lunch, but you forgot to put the meat on my sandwich, all I had was muenster cheese on my bread."
Wow...talking about feeling bad, I kissed her on the forehead and said mommy, is truly sorry. Deep breath in and long one out, how in the world could I forget to put the meat on the sandwich?
Life is full of twists and turns and when you have a family it can be even more adventurous. There is this thing called balance, even though one side of the scale of life looks like it is excelling and the other looks as if it is in a decline it is when we take control of those things and say ok this is working, this is not, that's when the scale equals out.
You are probably wondering how I found my balance. First, prayer, then I asked for help. I started delegating the household duties to the children. For some it may mean that you have to write out a daily to do list until you get a grip of your schedule.
After you have made your schedule, stick to it and adjust when necessary. The last thing I want to tell you is make time for yourself. Take care of yourself, get regular doctor check ups, have a day once a month where all you do is just relax, no phone, no internet, no nothing! You deserve a day, go ahead and take it!
Long hours, five schedules, school work and my professional career all are on high demand. How can I keep going like this? A question that I often ponder, but didn't know the answer until I looked closely at what I was doing on a daily basis. Huh, even now as I write, one of my kids is demanding my attention and showing me how the remote has a "new built in light" Wow....I didn't know that!
Ok back to the topic at hand on average I put in more than 50 hours a week of doing everything for the family. (i.e. mommy duties, working, school and ministry) and sometimes I forget the little things that require a lot of my time. Three years ago it was the first week of school and I was on a adrenaline rush that morning, oh yeah did I tell you that my day starts at 5am...I made breakfast, helped my husband get ready to leave out the house, got two of the kids to the bus stop, drove one child to school and then headed to work. Eight hours later my youngest came home from school and said mom, "thanks for packing my lunch, but you forgot to put the meat on my sandwich, all I had was muenster cheese on my bread."
Wow...talking about feeling bad, I kissed her on the forehead and said mommy, is truly sorry. Deep breath in and long one out, how in the world could I forget to put the meat on the sandwich?
Life is full of twists and turns and when you have a family it can be even more adventurous. There is this thing called balance, even though one side of the scale of life looks like it is excelling and the other looks as if it is in a decline it is when we take control of those things and say ok this is working, this is not, that's when the scale equals out.
You are probably wondering how I found my balance. First, prayer, then I asked for help. I started delegating the household duties to the children. For some it may mean that you have to write out a daily to do list until you get a grip of your schedule.
After you have made your schedule, stick to it and adjust when necessary. The last thing I want to tell you is make time for yourself. Take care of yourself, get regular doctor check ups, have a day once a month where all you do is just relax, no phone, no internet, no nothing! You deserve a day, go ahead and take it!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Branching Out In Another Direction!
I hope this blog, finds you well! Today I sat down and thought of all of the things that I had experienced in my life, some good, some not so good, some great and some to be honest were just awful! However it was those bad experiences that allowed me to appreciate the good!
A gentle reminder of how we become too attached to things was when I looked at my tomato plants, I noticed some were ripe and others were ready to come off of the vine, but because I didn't take it off the vine...the ripe tomato's rotted.
Too many times we become comfortable with the familiar and when opportunities present themselves we brush it aside and say no that's not for me. A prime example of this is a few years ago, I wanted to take my career to the next level, but because of friendship and loyalty to the company, I stayed. Several opportunities came my way and I would always say, no, it's not the time. Can I say I pondered with leaving for almost an entire year, but again, I would brush those thoughts to the side. While on vacation that particular year, I received a call from my boss that our location was closing and we would have to transfer to another company. Hmm, wait a minute, could it be that those nudges I had a year ago was preparing me to get ready to leave?
Yes, those nudges that I brushed aside was God's way of preparing me for the next level, BUT, I didn't take heed to the warning! So instead of me pursuing the nudge, I waited until the door closed completely before I moved.
What are the nudges in your life that God is calling you too? Have you sat down and asked God for direction for your life? Transitions are not always easy, but with God's help you can move forward!
So as I finish typing this, I myself am evaluating those nudges....some career, some lifestyle change not a diet (smile) and in my personal life....how can I be a better Christian, wife, mother and business owner. What things are holding you back, what are you so attached to that you are beginning to take on its identity and not the one that God has created for you!
You are a CHAMPION and there is GREATNESS IN YOU!
A gentle reminder of how we become too attached to things was when I looked at my tomato plants, I noticed some were ripe and others were ready to come off of the vine, but because I didn't take it off the vine...the ripe tomato's rotted.
Too many times we become comfortable with the familiar and when opportunities present themselves we brush it aside and say no that's not for me. A prime example of this is a few years ago, I wanted to take my career to the next level, but because of friendship and loyalty to the company, I stayed. Several opportunities came my way and I would always say, no, it's not the time. Can I say I pondered with leaving for almost an entire year, but again, I would brush those thoughts to the side. While on vacation that particular year, I received a call from my boss that our location was closing and we would have to transfer to another company. Hmm, wait a minute, could it be that those nudges I had a year ago was preparing me to get ready to leave?
Yes, those nudges that I brushed aside was God's way of preparing me for the next level, BUT, I didn't take heed to the warning! So instead of me pursuing the nudge, I waited until the door closed completely before I moved.
What are the nudges in your life that God is calling you too? Have you sat down and asked God for direction for your life? Transitions are not always easy, but with God's help you can move forward!
So as I finish typing this, I myself am evaluating those nudges....some career, some lifestyle change not a diet (smile) and in my personal life....how can I be a better Christian, wife, mother and business owner. What things are holding you back, what are you so attached to that you are beginning to take on its identity and not the one that God has created for you!
You are a CHAMPION and there is GREATNESS IN YOU!
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