Only one more day until my little cutie patootie turns the big 1!!!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Attitude
I don't know why I should be surprised that God's timing is perfect, but I AM!
Let me elaborate. On our daily drive to work, Timmy and I usually take that time to talk about the "to do's " for the day and the week. This morning was no different except for a small part. I just had this overwhelming "bothered" feeling. "What is the matter with me?"
I had a really chaotic time last night. Timmy and I both go to the gym and we have to work out our days around what all it going on for that particular day ALONG with the responsibilities with having children. I had worship practice early, and I had all these to do's at home waiting for me I kept thinking about. I just got overwhelmed and S.T.R.E.S.S.E.D out! Why do I do that to myself? Why can't I just take each obstacle, using patience and a sane mind to work it all out?
This morning, 1st thing, I woke up just feeling "UGGGGH" You see, I went bed feeling stretched, irritated and just in a foul mood! So of course, with out fail, conviction came over me. God spoke to me on our drive to work this morning. I just heard Him say, if you don't confess this, then I can't help you and you won't be able to move on. I had to admit to that I was being "not so nice" last night and totally in the wrong for my behavior. There is a word that I could use, but I won't! I think you get the picture. I had to ask for forgiveness!
So here is the part that just blows my mind (why it does I don't know, but it does) God's timing is perfect. I receive a daily devotional and this is what today's was about.....take a little time to read it if you can. I feel totally humbled!!
Father God, Thank you for always knowing exactly what I need. Thank you for speaking to me and reminding me of your love. Thank you for giving me "2nd" chances daily when I mess up. Thank you for forgiving me and molding me to be what YOU would have me be for your kingdom. Help me to remember that my time here is not about me, but about You. Remind me daily of how blessed my life is because of You. In Jesus precious' name I pray-Amen
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5 (NIV)
Is the glass half full or half empty? Is it partly sunny or partly cloudy? Perspective makes all the difference.
Even for strong Christians who are grounded in their faith, discouragement can easily sneak its way into hearts and minds as life deals us chaos. As we struggle with the challenges and difficulties of everyday life, or things that happened to us that were unfair or unwarranted, it is easy to get pulled into a habitual mindset of negativity. Just like that old song from the รข€˜80s says, we may find ourselves asking God, "What have you done for me lately?"
Our answer to that question will depend entirely upon our perspective. God does more for us each and every day than we deserve, but it 's so easy to lose sight of the good, because we are caught up in the reality of the bad. How do we combat this perfectly human attitude?
Prayer.
Resolve to have an attitude like Christ.
Take inventory of our every blessing.
Life. Your every breath. Your every heart beat. A spouse or loved one. Children. Clothes that need to be washed because God gave you clothes to wear, and a way to wash those clothes. Good health to help those whose health is failing. Trusted and educated doctors to treat you when you are facing health challenges. A house that needs cleaning. A car to drive. The ability to purchase gas for the car. A job to go to. The ability to be a stay at home mom or wife. Healthy kids who can play music or sports. Friends. Family. Freedom. Jesus. Eternal life.
What is on your inventory list today? If you were honest with yourself, would you say you have been looking for the positive aspects of the situations in your life? Are you considering how God could be using those things to draw you closer to Him? Or have you been primarily focused on the negative?
During times of negativity, we actually become our own enemy. We wage a battle in our mind because we look at our situation from our own perspective, instead of what God may be doing through our situation. So in order to change our minds, we have to choose to change the way we think – our perspective. Attitude is a choice.
Winston Churchill once said, "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." What do you usually see?
To quote an old cliche©, today is the first day of the rest of your life, and it is never too late to become an optimist! I have heard it takes 21 days of doing something for it to become a new habit. The more you practice challenging your thought patterns, the more automatic it will become. Changes may not take place immediately, but over time, the challenge gets easier, and optimism becomes the norm instead of the exception.
Are you willing to take the challenge to become an optimist today? The rewards of looking for God's goodness in every situation will be a healthier and happier heart.
Dear Lord, help me with my human tendency to be critical or look for the negative in situations. Forgive me for a lack of gratitude for all You have given me. Thank You for Your patience with me as I strive to be a Godly example. Guide my heart to recognize You at work, instead of seeing things from an earthly perspective. Lead me into a closer relationship with You by helping me remember to count my blessings every day. I n Jesus' Name, Amen.
Power Verses:
1 Peter 1:1-3, "Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want." (The Message)
Let me elaborate. On our daily drive to work, Timmy and I usually take that time to talk about the "to do's " for the day and the week. This morning was no different except for a small part. I just had this overwhelming "bothered" feeling. "What is the matter with me?"
I had a really chaotic time last night. Timmy and I both go to the gym and we have to work out our days around what all it going on for that particular day ALONG with the responsibilities with having children. I had worship practice early, and I had all these to do's at home waiting for me I kept thinking about. I just got overwhelmed and S.T.R.E.S.S.E.D out! Why do I do that to myself? Why can't I just take each obstacle, using patience and a sane mind to work it all out?
This morning, 1st thing, I woke up just feeling "UGGGGH" You see, I went bed feeling stretched, irritated and just in a foul mood! So of course, with out fail, conviction came over me. God spoke to me on our drive to work this morning. I just heard Him say, if you don't confess this, then I can't help you and you won't be able to move on. I had to admit to that I was being "not so nice" last night and totally in the wrong for my behavior. There is a word that I could use, but I won't! I think you get the picture. I had to ask for forgiveness!
So here is the part that just blows my mind (why it does I don't know, but it does) God's timing is perfect. I receive a daily devotional and this is what today's was about.....take a little time to read it if you can. I feel totally humbled!!
Father God, Thank you for always knowing exactly what I need. Thank you for speaking to me and reminding me of your love. Thank you for giving me "2nd" chances daily when I mess up. Thank you for forgiving me and molding me to be what YOU would have me be for your kingdom. Help me to remember that my time here is not about me, but about You. Remind me daily of how blessed my life is because of You. In Jesus precious' name I pray-Amen
What Has God Done For Me Lately?
11 Feb 2009
Tracie Miles"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." Philippians 2:5 (NIV)
Is the glass half full or half empty? Is it partly sunny or partly cloudy? Perspective makes all the difference.
Even for strong Christians who are grounded in their faith, discouragement can easily sneak its way into hearts and minds as life deals us chaos. As we struggle with the challenges and difficulties of everyday life, or things that happened to us that were unfair or unwarranted, it is easy to get pulled into a habitual mindset of negativity. Just like that old song from the รข€˜80s says, we may find ourselves asking God, "What have you done for me lately?"
Our answer to that question will depend entirely upon our perspective. God does more for us each and every day than we deserve, but it 's so easy to lose sight of the good, because we are caught up in the reality of the bad. How do we combat this perfectly human attitude?
Prayer.
Resolve to have an attitude like Christ.
Take inventory of our every blessing.
Life. Your every breath. Your every heart beat. A spouse or loved one. Children. Clothes that need to be washed because God gave you clothes to wear, and a way to wash those clothes. Good health to help those whose health is failing. Trusted and educated doctors to treat you when you are facing health challenges. A house that needs cleaning. A car to drive. The ability to purchase gas for the car. A job to go to. The ability to be a stay at home mom or wife. Healthy kids who can play music or sports. Friends. Family. Freedom. Jesus. Eternal life.
What is on your inventory list today? If you were honest with yourself, would you say you have been looking for the positive aspects of the situations in your life? Are you considering how God could be using those things to draw you closer to Him? Or have you been primarily focused on the negative?
During times of negativity, we actually become our own enemy. We wage a battle in our mind because we look at our situation from our own perspective, instead of what God may be doing through our situation. So in order to change our minds, we have to choose to change the way we think – our perspective. Attitude is a choice.
Winston Churchill once said, "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." What do you usually see?
To quote an old cliche©, today is the first day of the rest of your life, and it is never too late to become an optimist! I have heard it takes 21 days of doing something for it to become a new habit. The more you practice challenging your thought patterns, the more automatic it will become. Changes may not take place immediately, but over time, the challenge gets easier, and optimism becomes the norm instead of the exception.
Are you willing to take the challenge to become an optimist today? The rewards of looking for God's goodness in every situation will be a healthier and happier heart.
Dear Lord, help me with my human tendency to be critical or look for the negative in situations. Forgive me for a lack of gratitude for all You have given me. Thank You for Your patience with me as I strive to be a Godly example. Guide my heart to recognize You at work, instead of seeing things from an earthly perspective. Lead me into a closer relationship with You by helping me remember to count my blessings every day. I n Jesus' Name, Amen.
Power Verses:
1 Peter 1:1-3, "Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want." (The Message)
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Happy Birthday Scout!!!
Saturday we went to celebrate one of my very best friend's little girl's birthday. Scout turned 1 years old! Her and Chloe Grace are exactly 10 days apart. 
Isn't she a cutie patootie. It took her a minute to figure out what exactly she was supposed to do with the cupcake, but after mom helped her out, she got after it!
I love this little outfit on her, and not because I made it, but because the colors are perfect for her. She is such a little spit fire! She looked really interested in the card. I would too if I knew there was money in it!
Sweet Sweet Scout. I wish you many many more fun days and Happy Birthdays. You and Chloe Grace will develop such sweet relationships like your mommy and I have. Love your sisters and be a good girl!
Love you bunches!!
Mardi Gras Marathon, New Orleans
Well I promised race pictures, but I didn't think that it would take a week to post them. Things have been suppppppper crazy for the Snowbirds lately. Ok, so lets see......how about we start out with this one. Brodey was such a good sport the whole day long. He pretty much stayed like this the whole time.... well, there was just this one time we had to take him out so that we could "sprint" across trail to get to the other side of the trail.......yes while runners were running....and yes...we are crazy!
So were in the park, hanging out waiting for the 1st of our group of runners to come through, and before we knew it Greg came running round the curve. We waited and waited and looked and looked for him to come around ,and then in a split second he was RIGHT there. I almost didn't' get the picture he was so fast. Lookin good Greg, looking good...keep it up.
Ok, do you see what I see? Are you thinking what I thought? What is the heck is that kid doing running? Is he running with his dad for support? NO! WAIT, he has a bib on. OH MY LORD.....how old is he? Can't be any more than 10! GEEEZZZ UHMM PETEZZZZZ!
Oh, who is that a coming around the corner? Can you tell which one it is??? Give up, ok, I'll tell ya, Timmy. He was smilin and looking good on mile 6ish I believe. It looked like he was having a really good time. I'm thinking lord, I would not have made it past mile 2!
GO JIMBONI GOOOOOOOOOOOO! I almost missed him too. It's like you wait, looking very closely, then BAM!, They are RIGHT there at you and you almost miss them.
See what I mean. I missed David coming around the corner, but I didn't know what he was wearing to know what too look out for, so it's really not my fault. David, you'll have to let us know what your attire is next time. I'm thinking ya'll should do something really florescent like HOT pink. That would be a good color that would make a BOLD statement! HA!
YEAHHHHH!!!!!!! Greg made it!! We missed him finish which I'm still upset about. We were too busy trying to sprint across the park road in FRONT of runners to get the other side so we could leave the park. I think next time we will think things through a litttttttle more clearly girls!! I'm so sorry Greg!! You did an awesome job and I know that Bro and Laney were so proud. Greg beat his own time by 5 mins. Isn't that right? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I heard that right. Can we get a WHOOOP WHOOOP, you da MAN!!!
Uh ohhhh....look out!! Here he comes, rounding the last curve. The finish line is in site........you're almost there.........
just a little further................
YOU DID IT!!! 13.1 miles. Can you believe that folks???! Thats like driving from West Monroe to North Monroe!! I can NOT believe it. I really was so so soooo super proud of Timmy. There is just something about watching not only him but allll those other people get out there, run and come through that finish line. To me that is just something so inspiring, moving and so encouraging.
13.1!!!! Great job hunny. I love you and am SO very proud of your accomplishment. You have encouraged me in so many ways. Thank you for being the husband that you are.
Ok, so ya'll remember that kid?? Well here he is AFTER he finished the 13.1 miles. I'm still in awe, really. I just am beside myself that a kid got out there, trained and ran that far. I actually found out he was 9 years old and that his dad is a runner. He told a lady that I was talking to, that he was going to run a full marathon in TX. Ain't that just something!!!??
JIMBONIIIIII! You did it. Congratulations to your 6th FULL marathon. Thank you for inspiring Timmy and getting him out there to try this running thang that ya'll do. I know that he really has enjoyed the time and the experience. Pretty soon ya'll will be racing against each other for the best time. Watch out!
6 FULL marathons. That is...let me get the calculator....ok that is 157.2 miles!!!!!!
Congratulations guys. Ya'll did an awesome job.
Last but not least, DAVID!!! Hallelujah you made it!!!! Congrats!!! How many does this make for you now?? I'm glad that we waited around to watch you finish. Sharon, we missed you this time. :(
So were in the park, hanging out waiting for the 1st of our group of runners to come through, and before we knew it Greg came running round the curve. We waited and waited and looked and looked for him to come around ,and then in a split second he was RIGHT there. I almost didn't' get the picture he was so fast. Lookin good Greg, looking good...keep it up.
Ok, do you see what I see? Are you thinking what I thought? What is the heck is that kid doing running? Is he running with his dad for support? NO! WAIT, he has a bib on. OH MY LORD.....how old is he? Can't be any more than 10! GEEEZZZ UHMM PETEZZZZZ!
Oh, who is that a coming around the corner? Can you tell which one it is??? Give up, ok, I'll tell ya, Timmy. He was smilin and looking good on mile 6ish I believe. It looked like he was having a really good time. I'm thinking lord, I would not have made it past mile 2!
GO JIMBONI GOOOOOOOOOOOO! I almost missed him too. It's like you wait, looking very closely, then BAM!, They are RIGHT there at you and you almost miss them.
See what I mean. I missed David coming around the corner, but I didn't know what he was wearing to know what too look out for, so it's really not my fault. David, you'll have to let us know what your attire is next time. I'm thinking ya'll should do something really florescent like HOT pink. That would be a good color that would make a BOLD statement! HA!
YEAHHHHH!!!!!!! Greg made it!! We missed him finish which I'm still upset about. We were too busy trying to sprint across the park road in FRONT of runners to get the other side so we could leave the park. I think next time we will think things through a litttttttle more clearly girls!! I'm so sorry Greg!! You did an awesome job and I know that Bro and Laney were so proud. Greg beat his own time by 5 mins. Isn't that right? Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I heard that right. Can we get a WHOOOP WHOOOP, you da MAN!!!
Uh ohhhh....look out!! Here he comes, rounding the last curve. The finish line is in site........you're almost there.........
just a little further................
YOU DID IT!!! 13.1 miles. Can you believe that folks???! Thats like driving from West Monroe to North Monroe!! I can NOT believe it. I really was so so soooo super proud of Timmy. There is just something about watching not only him but allll those other people get out there, run and come through that finish line. To me that is just something so inspiring, moving and so encouraging.
13.1!!!! Great job hunny. I love you and am SO very proud of your accomplishment. You have encouraged me in so many ways. Thank you for being the husband that you are.
Ok, so ya'll remember that kid?? Well here he is AFTER he finished the 13.1 miles. I'm still in awe, really. I just am beside myself that a kid got out there, trained and ran that far. I actually found out he was 9 years old and that his dad is a runner. He told a lady that I was talking to, that he was going to run a full marathon in TX. Ain't that just something!!!??
JIMBONIIIIII! You did it. Congratulations to your 6th FULL marathon. Thank you for inspiring Timmy and getting him out there to try this running thang that ya'll do. I know that he really has enjoyed the time and the experience. Pretty soon ya'll will be racing against each other for the best time. Watch out!
6 FULL marathons. That is...let me get the calculator....ok that is 157.2 miles!!!!!!
Congratulations guys. Ya'll did an awesome job.
Last but not least, DAVID!!! Hallelujah you made it!!!! Congrats!!! How many does this make for you now?? I'm glad that we waited around to watch you finish. Sharon, we missed you this time. :(
LOL, Isn't this just funny??
So, how was our first experience you may wonder?? Well, I must confess, the week before the race I made the comment to David that I was NOT a runner and had no desire what so ever to get out there run, but after seeing all those people get together, there was something inside of me that wanted to do it. I know, call me crazy!!! I think I just want to prove to myself that I can do it. I may not be able to do a full or even a 1/2 marathon right now, but I can set a goal for a 5K and see where it takes me.
Anyone want to join me?
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