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Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Change.

Today I'm thankful for...
25. God opening my eyes to things about myself I've never seen before.
26. The way He is changing my life.
27. The wonderful people who surround me and push me everyday to be a better "Me"

 Stop being mean, bad-tempered, and angry. Quarreling, harsh words, and dislike of others should have no place in your lives. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving each other because you belong to Christ. 
Ephesians 4: 31-32

"You can suffer the pain of change or suffer remaining the way you are."
Joyce Meyer


Change. It's the hardest thing in the world to do. For the most part, we expect others to change and adapt to us. God says we are to adapt to others. We are to adapt to circumstances, situations, and people. We need to change whether they change or not because we're going to answer to God for ourselves and not for them. I have spent so much of my life to trying to change other people. Trying to make them what I thought they should be. I have ruined relationships and friendships with my terrible attitude and controlling ways. I've been hateful and hurtful, rude and obnoxious. My harsh words have done nothing but cause more strife in so many lives. God has really been convicting me about the way I have treated people. He made us all exactly the way we are. What a reality check.  Who am I to change anyone or condemn them for anything? I am a sinner just as they are. I am striving every day to let go and let God make the necessary changes in me.

Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye?  You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
Matthew 7:1-5

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Control.

Today I'm thankful for...

19. My sweet niece Madelyn and her precious smile.
20. Francesca Battistelli and her new CD. Girl has an amazing voice.
21. Photographs and the moments they preserve forever.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11 

I am finally learning to give up control. I have always been a control freak. For as long a I can remember. I like to control EVERYTHING. And when I can't, I freak out. Not anymore. I feel so much better knowing that I don't have to worry about being in control because God is. He is in control of everything. He already has a plan for my life. So regardless of what I try to control or how hard I try to control certain situations, He is in control. The best part about him being in control and me FINALLY REALIZING that He is in control?? I feel free again. I don't have to worry. He has it all worked out. It's a great place to be.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

You're not alone.

Today I'm thankful for...
16. New friends.
17. My ability to see beyond the surface.
18. My long talks with my Mom. She always knows just what to say.

This is just where I am today. My heart is full knowing that I'm not alone and I never will be.



I search for love, when the night came,
And it closed in, I was alone,
But you found me, where I was hiding,
And now I'll never ever be the same,
It was the sweetest voice,
That called my name saying

You're not alone, For I am here,
Let me wipe away your every fear,
My love I've never left your side,
I have seen you through the darkest night,
And I'm the one who's loved you all your life,
All of your life

You cry your self to sleep, cause the hurt is real,
And the pain cuts deep, all hope seems lost,
With heartache your closest friend,
And everyone else long gone,
You've had to face the music on your own,

But there is a sweeter song that calls you home saying

You're not alone, For I am here,
Let me wipe away your every tear,
My love I've never left your side,
I have seen you through the darkest night,
And I'm the one who's loved you all your life,
All your life

Faithful and true, Forever,
Oh my love will carry you

You're not alone, For I, I am here,
Let me wipe away your every fear
Oh yeah, My love I've never left your side,
I have seen you through the darkest night,
Your darkest night,
And I'm the one who's loved you all your life,
All of your life

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Kindness.

Today I'm thankful for...
13. My wonderful Grandparents.
14. My ability to make others laugh.
15. People who continuously go out of their way for others.


{[ BE KINDER THAN NECESSARY ]} everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

So often I get caught up in my own life and what I have going on that I seem to forget about others. I have always been so worried about me and my life and my "problems". For as long as I can remember I have thought that I should always come first...In relationships of all kinds, it has always been all about me. I get mad when someone doesn't ask about my day. But, the reality is that I NEVER asked about anyone elses day. Why on earth would they ask about mine?! God has really shown me my selfish ways. I feel awful for those people who had to suffer through my terrible attitudes and selfishness. Thankfully, day by day, He is softening my heart. Everyone has struggles. Everyone needs to know you care. Even if it is just "How was your day?" or "Is there anything I can do for you?".  I'm thankful for the lessons I'm learning from Him daily. I now know just how important it is to be kind. I also know that it's not about me at all. Everyone is worthy of kindness. Do something kind for someone else today =)

Monday, July 18, 2011

Joy.

Today I'm thankful for...
10. Peace of mind.
11. Forgiveness.
12. A good nights sleep.


Always be joyful. 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Everything we say and do on a daily basis impacts others in some way. Something we say, our attitude towards something the way we handle a situation. What we do has the ability to alter someones entire life. Pretty crazy. Sometimes we get so caught up in life and the crap that comes with it that we forget to be joyful. We allow certain situations and people to take hold and steal our joy. I refuse to let anyone steal my joy. I want my life to be a reflection of Christ. I want people to see the joy that I have and ask me where it comes from. I want to live everyday to bring to joy to others. Does your life bring joy to others?

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Unconditional Love.

Today I'm thankful for...
7. My new gym membership =).
8. Prayer.
9. Sunday family dinners.


I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33


Some days it seems so hard to keep going. We live in crazy messed up world. In the last few weeks I've learned just how much people will let you down. I know that God will NEVER let me down. He believes in me. He knows my heart. I'm so thankful for the unconditional love of my God. No matter how far away I go, He always welcomes me home with open arms.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Seek.

Today I'm thankful for...
4. Coffee
5. My job.
6. Sunshine.


Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 
Matthew 7:7-8


I'm learning to pray again. It's not easy. It's never easy giving up yourself and surrendering to someone else. I'm learning to ask for what I need. Even though God already knows the desires of my heart, He wants me to communicate with him. He wants me to tell Him. How amazing is it that HE desires a relationship with me. HE wants ME! I have nothing to offer. Just crap. He sees more in me. He sees beyond the crap. He sees my heart. Nothing compares to that.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Today, I'm thankful.

I'm thankful for...
1. God's forgiveness and plan for my life.
2. My loving family and friends.
3. Honesty.


Philippians 4:6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

It's so amazing to me how God knows exaclty what I need. So many times my needs are met before I even realize it or in ways I never realized they would be. I'm thankful for the doors closed. I'm thankful for new opportunities. Our lives can change in an instant. Be thankful for where you are today. You might not have tomorrow.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Just Be.

Sometimes the best way to find out who you are, is to get to that place where you don't have to be anything else. -DMB-


People change. Time goes on. Life passes us by. I woke up and had no idea who I was. I felt stuck again. Stuck in a vicious cycle. Back and forth, back and forth. Up and down. Up and down. It was time to let go and just be. I'm not sure what that means. But I'm just going to be. Be silent. Be still. Be open. Be honest. Be spontaneous. Be fearless. Be ready for whatever might come my direction. Be me. I'm not sure where I will go from here or how I will get there, but I'm ready.