Decade of Destiny

This issue of contentment has been a hot topic around here this past week.  There have been so many emails and messages, clearly its something many are thinking about and I again want to thank each one of you who took the time to comment and share your valuable insights.

I thought long and hard before I posted this on contentment, but the tug on my heart was so strong I knew I had to.  My hesitancies were that I didn't want to make it seem like I have it all together and I didn't want it to sound like I was judging anyone.

Having it all together?  That's just laughable.  If I start to think I do that is a clear sign that I most certainly do not.

And the judging thing?  Well, regrettably I'm really good at that.  I very much dislike that part about myself and am working on changing, but too often I allow it to rear its ugly head. 

That was not the motivation behind the things I said though.  My heart was just hurting for people feeling hopeless and helpless.  In this past year people very close to me have gone through job loss, infertility, chronic pain, miscarriage, cancer, addictions.  Countless others I know have gone through a divorce, the death of a loved one, have lost their home, mental health issues, a wayward child, abuse....and that's just here in America where we have it good.  But even with the knowledge of those things, I understand that you can rarely really know what people are going through.  In no way was I trying to make light of the struggles or deny that they exist.

The following was sent to me by a friend who was going through something very painful and really helps to sum up how I feel about struggles and contentment.


"Faith is what allows us to declare in confidence that God is with us no matter what happens."


The way to overcome our fears is to follow Jesus in faith. Our faith is what allows us to enter the future -- not with a question mark -- but with an exclamation point!


Faith is what allows us to declare in confidence that God is with us no matter what happens. We are certain God is for us and certain he has our best interests at heart.
Through faith, we know that God is working all things out for our good -- if we love God and are following the commands of Jesus (Romans 8:28). If you are a believer, the Bible says all things are working together for good -- not that all things are good -- but working together for your good and the Glory of God.

There is no difficulty, dilemma, defeat, or disaster in the life of a believer that God can’t ultimately get some good out of – so what is there to fear, as we enter this Decade of Destiny?


When you face the future, what do you see? Do you look at it with eyes of doubt? With eyes of cynicism? With eyes of expecting the worse?

You have two choices about the future –

* You can either face the future as a cynic, a doubter, with negative thoughts, expecting the worse, or …

* You can face the future expecting God to be with you and that His goodness and His mercy will follow you all the days of your life.
 
~Rick Warren

Filthy Boy

Amanda bounces into the kitchen for lunch, sees her brother sitting in his chair like this and says...

Hey, Filthy Boy!  You might want to wash up your face before the mice take a bite out of YOU!


No idea.

Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.

Matthew 7:1

Project 365, Week 2

January 2

Hmm...two days into the year and no picture.

January 3

It's time for a change around here in the way of some minor decorating.  My sister, who is exceptional at it, came over to give me some ideas.  It was embarrassing to pull out all the picture frames I own....they just kept coming and coming.

January 4

What is wrong with this picture?

January 5
In January, you have to take days that are "warm enough" and we did.  The kids took the dog out to romp around and I...took pictures, of course! :)

January 6
The girls played Mary and Joseph for quite a while.  Surprisingly Avery was Joseph.  Funny stuff to overhear and some serious sweetness going on.

January 7
Got to meet my 14th niece/nephew today, though he was born at 11:25pm on the 6th. (I have to specify this because at some point I know I'll look back here when I'm wondering when his birthday is...there's gotten to be too many to accurately keep them all straight).  His name is Wyatt Zane and he is so soft and smells heavenly.  My brother and his family lived in Colorado for the first three babies, so what a treat it was to be able to drive just over an hour to see him, less than 24 hours old.  And here they are...four kids, four and under.

January 8
Hiding at the doctor's office, waiting to surprise the doctor.  Thought Amanda had an ear infection but right now its just fluid.  I had no idea that 75% of all ear infections clear up on their own after a couple weeks.  Thankful for a doctor who is not quick to offer antibiotics.  She knows I'd fire her if she started throwing prescriptions around. :)

Since Shaun was pretty sick he stayed home from church and kept the younger two so Avery and I got the evening together.  After service, we did a marathon after-Christmas-returns, finally de-bagging (a word?) our bedroom.  So cute...she was "artistically" looking out the window here.  We had a front row seat to some beautiful fresh snow falling.

I'm linking up with Sara again this week.

Hangin With The Books

First of all, thank you all so much for your comments on the Contentment post.  I felt like I was really putting myself out there but I also feel like I needed to do it.  The response via comments, f*acebook, email and phone have been overwhelming.  If you haven't yet, I would encourage you to go back and read through the comments that were left.  Exceptional thoughts, ideas and feelings were shared....I've spent much time mulling it all over.  I do plan on revisiting it soon, but for now....

We all enjoy an evening at the library, especially during the school year when we are the only kids there.  In my mind, I picture us all curled up together reading new and exciting books, but they like doing their own thing when we get there.  That's ok, we can reserve the curling up and reading for home with our familiar favorites.  Also, it gives me a chance to play with my camera while chasing Aiden.  Yes, he's running now and quite proud of it.

 This was too humorous to me to change it.  His football shirt has blood on it from a cut finger.  Didn't even know it was cut until we found the blood source...tough guy already.

Like his hair?  He woke up from a nap just before we left and I didn't notice it.

Amanda was "reading" this story and I heard her say Daddy, may we please get the puppy?  I also heard words like marvelous and interesting

Took us 20 minutes to check out because I let the girls do it on their own.  Amanda, of course, got chatty with the librarian.  As we were leaving Amanda said Well, alright then...have a Merry Christmas!

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were 

written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not 

have room for the books that would be written.

John 21:25

Contentment

A friend recently posted a challenge on F*cebook...describe 2010 with one word.  Here were some of the responses:


abysmal
underwhelming
stressful
Bittersweet
loss
Ugh


I also saw things like Thank God 2010 is over!  Can't wait for 2010 to come to a close!  


Its been weighing on my heart ever since I read those posts.  To be completely honest, its shocking to me and terribly sad that someone would feel that way about an entire YEAR of their life.  I would never lump a whole week together and say What a bad week...I'm so glad its over!  And so I have to wonder...what is the difference?  Is my life so free of problems that I never have a bad week or a bad year?  Do I have things so easy while others have difficulty over difficulty?


Well, I DO think that God has blessed me, but I don't think He has picked my out as a "favorite".  I think so much of it is simply about perspective and with that, contentment.  


Its the strangest thing, but I attribute this contentment quest back to when I was working at the bank, back to the beginning when I was a teller.  The weather is a hot topic with the customers, as you might imagine.  During the winter months (and late fall and early spring) I would join right in with the complaining about the weather.  Ugh...more snow?!?  It is SO cold...I can't stand it THIS cold!  Are we ever going to catch a break??  You know...the usual stuff.  


One night I was walking out to my car to go home and it must have been especially cold because I was grumbling to myself.  Suddenly I had a thought.  I live in New England.  Am I really going to complain and be miserable because of the weather for six months out of my life every year?  That seemed like a waste to me.  So, what are my options?  Well, we could move, but Shaun doesn't like hot weather and both of our families are here.  To me, that left the option of accepting what I cannot change and to STOP the endless complaining.  I started to very deliberately look for good things about the winter and just be thankful to have that six months of my life.


Since then, I've been very deliberate at putting that into practice with other areas of my life.  I don't want to waste a day of this fleeting life being unhappy or ungrateful.  Life is hard and somedays it takes all the strength I have but I want to choose to find the good. I want to be happy...right here, today.  I am far from mastering this attitude...it continues to be a daily decision.


WIll you choose it with me?  Don't live with the attitude:


I'll be happy when...
Once such and such has happened, I'll be happy
I can't wait until...


Resolve in 2011 to pursue contentment.  Make it one of your very top priorities to have a grateful heart.  Think about that one  word you want to use to describe 2011 and make it happen.


While I was writing this post, I thought I bet Joyce Meyer has something to say on this subject.  So I looked it up and, sure enough, she says it better than I ever could


The Bible clearly teaches us to "be content" no matter what our circumstances are. In Philippians 4:11 Paul said, "I have learned in whatsoever state I am in therewith to be content".The Amplified Bible describes being content as "satisfied to the point where you are not disturbed or disquieted". It doesn't say satisfied to the point where you don't want change, but satisfied for now until God brings the change. 


Philippians 4:6-7 sheds more light in this area by saying, "Have no anxiety about anything, but in all things by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, continue to let God know what you want", and verse 7 "the peace that passes understanding shall keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus". 


Allow me to paraphrase these scriptures in my language for you. Don't be upset about anything, no matter what is happening. Pray about it, and tell God your need. While you are waiting for God to move, be a very thankful and grateful person for all that God has done for you already. (Note: Let me say here that if God never did one thing for us except write our names in the Lamb's Book of Life, that alone is more than enough.) 


Being thankful from the heart is necessary for the receiving of God's continued favors in our lives. Then verse 7 says after this: 
1. Have no anxiety or care, 
2. Tell God your need, and 
3. Be thankful. 
Then you will have tremendous peace and contentment no matter what state you are in while you are waiting for God to work out His will in your life. 

 

Project 365, Week 1 !

Happy New Year!  I love the freshness of a new year and the inevitable reflection time that it instigates.  Well, maybe I don't always love the reflection part, but it IS good for me.  My third year doing Project 365!  You all were so sweet with your comments and I'm thrilled that some more of you are jumping into the project.  It is amazing how well you get a feel for someone when you get a glimpse into their lives everyday.  Our everyday is not glamorous or all that exciting, but its ours and its wonderful and I wouldn't trade it for anything.  I asked my husband if he thought I should bother with 365 for another year and he quickly responded yes!  So I guess for the pain that always having a camera brings, the documented-memories trade-off is worth it.  Hope the kids agree someday.

I am going to once again link up with Sara, who is hosting yet again.  I quit part of the way through last year because I felt bad that I couldn't make it to other people's blogs.  I was in over my head with things and just had to make it one of the things I dropped.  I will try again this year, Sara!  Thanks for all your efforts to host...you've been so faithful!

Every year, like clockwork, I marvel at how long this week between Christmas and New Year's is.  When we finally arrive at New Year's Day I'm always amazed that Christmas was just ONE week ago!  This week I gave myself some time off and it was so nice.  There were at least two days that I stayed in sweats.  Nice and slow!

So let's follow up the longest intro with a slew of photos from the week.  

December 26

Our family left early to beat the snow storm that started in the morning.  Towards the end of the day I came across this scene.  For all its imperfections, I just love the sub-stories in it, screaming their personalities.  Aiden is wearing pink eye shadow and crumbs on his face.  Avery is doting on him, dressed from head to toe in her new "cool" clothes.  Amanda is...Amanda.

December 27
The girls woke up asking to go sledding, excited about our first real snow.  So, we did the only logical thing and headed to Pop and Kiki's house.

 My dad loves the excuse to go out and play in the snow, although he's been know to take a few trips down the hill with no kids present.

 I didn't think Aiden would have any interest, but I guess he thought since his sisters were doing it, he probably should, too.  Maybe next time I won't be such a sally and will go out with them to get better pictures...the smiles sure were abounding!  We ended our time with tea and hot chocolate...now that's what I'm talking about!  (Hey, I've never made any claims to being an especially fun mom....New Year's Resolution??  Don't act my age so often?).

 December 28
Amanda woke up with a fever and she was down for the count.

 We went to see Shaun's mom for her birthday and ate lunch in the hospital cafe where she works.

Sweet, sleepy angels on our way home.

 December 29
The girls play so well together, I enjoy listening to them in the monitor.  They made up a game of memory with old maid cards.

 The Boy was safely out of their way downstairs.  I laughed when I was looking at this picture before I chose to include it because he has pink eyeshadow and crumbs on his face.

 December 30
Uncle Nathan surprised us by picking the girls up to take them skating.  It'd been two years since they last went and he said they did well.  Isn't it beautiful there?

We were sitting at the table sipping tea.  Amanda caught Avery kind of snickering at her dress so she explained that this is how Belle wears hers and, well...she's got the right idea. :)

Actually, I caught some of it on video.  I don't yet know how to edit my videos so the whole thing is here, but only the first 30 seconds apply.  If you listen longer than that, you'll just hear lots of whining.



Boy time!

December 31
Last night with the tree, so I tried a couple things.  The first one just happened and I think its precious, the second one I spent quite a bit of time trying to achieve.  Its a start, not quite what I was looking for though and the third is my final attempt at a Christmas picture of the three of them.  Hopefully in a year or three I won't remember that it wasn't taken on Christmas. :)

January 1
Amanda was up early and wanted to join Trot and I on our walk.  It was nice to have the company...sort of.  When we got home, the girls helped me put away all the Christmas decorations.  Ah...always feels so good to have it gone.

 As independent as Amanda is, in so many things she wants to be doing just what Avery is doing.  If Avery dresses in a leotard and jeans, you better believe Amanda's going to find something similar.  (Avery's licking peanut butter, in case you were curious...she finished off the jar).

After church we went out to eat...the restaurant was chosen by the kids because they have balloons....cheap marketing!  My two handsome boys. 

If you are new to 365, you might want to link up with Sara and meet the wonderful community there.

Scripture Memory #1

Beginning today, Beth Moore is starting up her Scripture Memory again like she did in 2009.  I participated then and liked the accountability and camaraderie that doing it with her blog afforded.  About a month into it, my mind started to go to the scriptures I had memorized in its "down time".  It was wonderful to spend my mental downtime on those life-giving words instead of the garbage that I can so easily default to.  In Beth's words:

Look at it this way: you’re going to be meditating on something: unforgiveness, toxic memories, misery, lust, greed, dissatisfaction, jealousy, competition. Choose Scripture! Christ Himself said as a man thinks, so is he. He also said His words are spirit and life. This is work worth doing, Sweet Thing.

Even if you are not really into the church scene, I wonder what can be the harm of purposely filling your mind with positive thoughts.  If you can't think of your own scripture, scroll through the comments on her blog and find one that hits you.  I would love to have some people I know doing this with me...what do you say?  There's a Q & A here, but really its very simple....a new verse on the 1st and 15th of every month for one year.  Keep them short and simple so it will be meaningful to you.

Oh, I hope you will join me...it'll be so much more fun!  Here's my first one for the year:

I have given you authority to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” Luke 10:19 NIV