Five Minute Friday: "Older"

Older

AND START:

As I look back on my childhood, I like so many others couldn't wait to get older. I had images in my mind as a little girl as to what I would look like, what I would be doing.

It's weird seeing those images in my head as I play them back, seeing now what I saw then.

For some strange reason I pictured myself as a short blonde college cheerleader. I also pictured myself as a business woman working in an office. I thought I'd travel New York on a taxi cab in the finest business clothes there are (you know like the movies). I thought that those things would make me important.

I had this desire and if I'm really honest - I still catch myself desiring to be important.

Unlike then, now I know as I get older it doesn't require effort to be important.
If I try to be important with material things I would be missing out on what is so precious. Being Real with My Sweet Husband, My sweet children- and my dear Savior.

What makes me important doesn't require any effort - Just being Me- & that is enough!

AND...STOP 5 MINUTES IS UP.

Now it's your turn click here to participate, or just to read some beautiful entries based on one word.

Making Beautiful Memories...

I met a beautiful woman a while back behind me at the bank; with such an evident beautiful heart...She was 85 years old; her name was Millie. I guess I could say I didn't technically meet her but I had the honor to stand in the long line to hear a woman speak to me about just how beautiful her life has been thus far. This conversation began after her taking notice of my daughter Shianne; who she absolutely adored!

You could just see fond memories flashing before her eyes as she looked at & commented on her freckles- at which point she told me she was a teacher her whole life; taught elementary and in her elder years opened up a daycare of her own which she expressed being sad the day she closed her doors.

I just sat there in line listening to her knowing she was an awesome teacher! Not to mention a woman who lived her life well; she spoke of traveling the world with her sweet husband Stan who went to heaven about a year ago. This was a woman who dearly misses her husband- but who could see the good in all. Her treasured memories of her sweet husband glowed through her eyes as she spoke of their memories together.

This is why I love old couples, and the wisdom they have gained together- by living selflessly, the true joy they have found in accepting each other, and building one another up through the years. It shows in the way they look at each other. It was as if that day, she was looking into her sweet Stans' eyes as she spoke of all their joyful memories.
You could tell it was enough...just enough to get her through that day.

So today I am reminded as we head into our 10th year of marriage to make memories. Make memories that will last forever- and treasure that Man I love so dearly, the same way I did when I first fell in love.
To hold onto those precious memories and feelings I had when we met, went on our 1st date, spoke the words "I Love You", shared our first kiss, committed our lives to each other, began our family, and strengthened our faith in God through the trials we have shared.

As I think on these things and the many more memories that are yet to come- I don't ever want to forget to "GLOW" in love the way Millie did that fine day.

Happy Anniversary to Us...and to many more beautiful memories together!
I Love You Jay Arthur! :)

Five Minute Friday: New

As I head out onto the highway, bags packed, ready for that 1st step away from home completely on my own. Just me, my green geo, and a few bags in the back of my tiny little car. How in the world am I supposed to fill up a new apartment? I am going to be surrounded by emptiness.
Little did I know that it would take some time for what at one time seemed empty, to be full of New life! My New life with my New baby girl about 2 years later. During this time God was transforming me into something New, for her, and for everything else He was planning to place in my path.
These are just a few small moments in which He made me New- from that girl who traveled alone on that highway, feeling so alone...to a new embrace of my Almighty Father,expecting new life in more ways than one- never to be alone again.


Today was five minute Friday...and I love it!!! It's a chance to just write, or paint a picture with your words using one word given from the gypsy mama website. Click on the link and check it out for yourself. If you don't feel like writing you can read all the other posts that linked up.

Harvest Crusade '2011= Girls Weekend!!!

We had such a fun weekend! I spent it with Shianne, my Mom, and Aunt Heidi at the Harvest Crusade '2011. It's been a long time since I went to Harvest almost 18 years!!! It was such a blessing to see a stadium packed with so many people to hear the word of God and be part of one of the best worship services ever!!!
We had a blast!!!





We spent the next morning after a long night with Coffee delivered by my fabulous Dad and stayed in our jammies til about noon-

Girls Weekend Rocks!!!
And..to top it off my Mom made us this fabulous lunch. Homemade hearty tomato soup with Lemon & Rosemary, and a Turkey meatloaf with Feta and Sundried Tomatoes. -DELICIOUS!!!

Five Minute Friday: Beauty

BEAUTY: (5 minutes) START:

Beauty...

Beauty is the way my husband and I laugh together at the wake of day just before the busyness takes over.

Beauty is the refreshed smiling faces of our children when they spurt out their crazy dreams they had through the night.

I love the way they jump into bed with us and we all laugh together.
This is Beautiful.

Beauty is the gift of the family God gave to me- without them who knows where I would be.

Beauty is the fresh morning air ready to start a new day- forgiven- and filled with Faith in He who loves us all.

He who wants us to keep laughing.

He who is beautiful-

and He who calls us beautiful.


AND...STOP

Want to take five minutes with me and share what you found? Want to just write without worrying if it’s just right or not. Here’s how we do it:

1. Write for 5 minutes flat with no editing, tweaking or self critiquing.

2. Click Here to link up with the website that provides such a free writing experience.

3. Go and tell the person who linked up before you on the site what their words meant to you. Every writer longs to feel heard.

OK, are you ready? Give me your best five minutes for the prompt:
Beauty…

Realness Journey...

August 5, 2011

What do you want your family to look like in ten years?

My Family in 10 years. Wow this is a lot to think about! I read today on Marybeth Whalens blog that she is a big fan of intentional living. She’s not kidding. These questions really leave no choice but to be intentional.

Who we are now is a stepping stone to what we will become.

I want our family to have been led. Led by our heavenly Father I want us to all be earnestly seeking His will for our lives. I want us to have developed a strong sense of unity- and openness to speak to one another without fear of any of us thinking the other will ever love them less. That we can feel content knowing we traveled this road together and are so proud of the outcome. Realizing we are never complete- but that God continues to work in us and will carry His plans to completion.

I want to know I know my husband and children as best as I ever could- My hearts desire is that their lives be full of joy with the same peace my sweet Jesus gives to me. I want to know they will think twice before stepping into their decisions- and always ask God to show them the way. I want us to all be REAL that we all spent our lives REAL. I began a realness journey just today (read previous post) and the Lord has opened up my heart to just see my family for who they are- helping me to look into their hearts with a genuine –REAL desire; not distracted by the outside world but focused on the goal He has and that I want for my precious family. I pray in 10 years I will never forget it! He is reshaping me into a Mother He calls beautiful- and beautiful where it counts the most.

Saying Goodbye to that Fear...

August 4, 2011 Journal Entry
What kind of personality do you want to have in ten years? How might you work on developing that between now and then? Question from Marybeth Whalens August Challenge- click on her name to check out what it's all about.

I have to admit; I have this almost crippling fear of comparisons, and worry over what everyone thinks. No matter how many times I try to keep my kids from doing this same thing amongst their peers; I am reminded it is where I struggle- and I feel quite hypocritish- (lol I just made that up). I hate that honestly I go to my childrens events and am too concerned with me and the people that surround me. People who might see me. I do not know why this is other than some form of insecurity- which I hate having. When my children were born I was confident in my job, the people I spoke to- I think somewhere along the lines the world took over me. What people were wearing, how old or young I look, my hair, my face, how much I lost or didn’t lose after my babies were born. I became a slave to the comparison trap and feel stuck in it every time I am in a crowd. Sometimes I am scared to go to a crowded event- that is sad. I spend a lot of time thinking people around me are better Moms than me, that they may not like me, that I may not be able to start any form of conversation- let alone keep one going. It stems from being so worried about what people think of me that I have become crippled by my comparisons and insecurities- I got sucked into the way the world wants me to think so I’ll buy more- and try more things all with the purpose to please people.

Journaling this today really makes me see just how big of an issue this has become. I just spent the other day at my childrens’ elementary school to do a meet and greet with the teachers. Here I ran into so many people I remember from last year- and I literally felt myself act as if I didn’t know them because I was too afraid to get too close- too afraid of looking like a fool- too afraid of being called the one who has absolutely zero personality. I fear I have no personality compared to others and am deathly afraid to be labeled as that girl- so I stay away. If I really look at it- it is my fear that makes me unapproachable- because I make myself this way- now how am I going to change this exactly?

Well…I’m certainly not gonna go it alone- that definitely doesn’t work. I’m praying for Gods guidance to rid me of this fear- I can’t truly enjoy every single one of my childrens events if I’m solely focused on me and everyone else around me- so scared other people are watching me and forming opinions. – Who cares what they think! I want to truly feel that down to my core. I’m praying that more and more each day the Lord will set me free of this. This entry is about personality – and the personality I want to have in ten years is to be “ME” who God has made “ME” to be; not worried about what others think; but only what He thinks of me. Because this I do know… He loves me very much and that is one promise I know I can ALWAYS stand on. He knows the desires of my heart and that is to be the best wife & mother to my family that I can be. My fear has the potential to hold me back- and today as I get ready to take my boys to their first day of school- I say goodbye to that fear, grab hold of my Fathers hand and enjoy this day to the fullest. Everyday is a gift from God; I don’t want to take advantage of such a special Gift.
Thank you Lord for this realization today!

Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee: He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22

My Grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.
2 Corinthians 12:9

“My business is not to remake myself, but to make the absolute best of what God has made”
-Robert Browning

When I am Scattered...

It's 5 minute Friday again and the word is - "WHOLE"


The first thought that comes to mind is pieces, because we need pieces to make us whole.

Not all my pieces are perfect but my Jesus is.

It is because of Him I am made whole- and not lost just scattered in pieces everywhere.

I know that in His wholeness He will bring whatever messy pieces I have- to not be ashamed of, but to be real, to be seen as a sinner like everyone else who walks this earth today.

Because of His wholeness I am made whole- FORGIVEN- in Him - even when I feel scattered- He reminds me which direction to turn my heart and soul to-

and it is NEVER NOT HIM.


Link over to GypsyMamas Blog be part of this beautiful 5-minute, one word,stress free writing. If you don't feel like writing- link over there to read all the beautiful entries. You will not be disappointed.

"Like a Tree Planted by the Water"...

August 3, 2011

Today’s journal entry is In ten years what do I want to be known for? In ten years I want to be known for writing. Someone who learned the quality of painting a picture with her words, and can encourage others in sharing what God has taught me; whether that be in struggles or victories. In my school age years I always loved to be given a topic in English to write on; which is why I think this August Project is so neat. Not to mention with years of continuous practice I can’t get worse; I can only improve right?

What I want to be known as ten years from now sure sets up a pretty big platform to purposely live- and really take a moment to focus on where God is leading me. I think aside from writing, first and foremost I want to be known as a Christian who is not afraid to share my faith in the Savior who changed, and continues to change my life. That my story will be shared in a way that is so real to others that they will know they are not alone and can experience the same joy I have. I want to be known as faithful to walk the course He’s laid before me- no matter what He purposes me to do. Known for the girl who didn’t miss her calling even though I am probably one of the most shy girls EVER! With that in mind I want to be known for the Confidence I have in Him.

Jeremiah 17:7-8
“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out it’s root by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; it’s leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

10 Years from now...

The August Challenge
I am doing a August Challenge this month with topics being coordinated by Author Marybeth Whalen from Proverbs 31 Ministries. I really love the idea- I wont be posting everyday; some I will keep to myself. This one; however I wanted to post here. If you want to try this too as a personal journal, or for a blog go to Marybeth Whalen.com where she will give you a new topic every day for the month of August! Have fun- I find that journaling teaches me a lot about myself and I Love it!

August 2nd, 2011

Today’s journal entry will be about how I want to be seen in 10 years. Hmmmmm haven’t exactly thought that far ahead yet. Right at this moment I am 32 years old, the wife of the Man I was meant for, and the mother of a breathtaking beautiful girl, and 2 extremely handsome boys; all of which have different hair colors- not that that matters in regards to 10 years from now, unless of course I sometimes wonder what their hair color will be as adults. I mean; mine changed and now I have to dye it all the time. 

Okay, okay all of this aside, I’m just getting myself set up for being able to answer this very intriguing question. 10 years from now…

Well My husband will be 52, and I will be 42- so I will pretty much be him and he will be…well…older & of course we’ll both be wiser. *wink wink* I pray that every year that passes, and each day that goes by teaches us to change together with God as our guide. To be there for each other in whatever life brings- for both of us to be done with self and live for God and each other. I’d like to travel the world with my husband- just to say I’ve done it; and even if we never get the chance to travel the world that we will have traveled each others’ world. That we really over the years can smile so big knowing we know what it’s like to walk in one another’s steps. That over the years we have encouraged and been encouraged by one another to live a life & marriage that pleases our Heavenly Father. That we can look at each other and say “that was some ride…I’m so happy I’ve got you”!

Socially we’ll still have the same friends. Of course they’ll be older too! ;) We’ll have made some really good new friends also, that we can relate to, encourage & pray for.

Our Children.

Let’s see Shianne will be 21…and I’m sure we would have spent a lot of years chasing those boys away. Most importantly praying that The Lord protect her heart.

Brenden will be 18… and I’m sure I would have spent a lot of years; taking every opportunity, teaching Him to be a good man. Praying even more, because by now, he will be even faster on a motorcycle. Most importantly that He follows Gods lead in His life.

Jimmy will be 17… and I’m sure he’ll still be chatting away (or at least I hope so). Most importantly that He follow Gods lead in his life too.

Okay so the idea of their ages only 10 years from now just brought tears to my eyes.

Do I know how to do this? How can I not waste a moment? Will I have really gotten to know them, to the depths of their innermost being? Will I know how to give them great advice, like the really top of the line Mamas do?

In 10 years from now I want to be known by my children as the Mom who didn’t have all the answers; but when she didn’t she looked to God for the best answers out there!

In 10 years from now I want to be known by my children as the Mom who always made time, because she realized one day how fast time would fly- and she didn’t want to miss a moment.

In 10 years I want to be known as the Mom who accepts them for who they were created to be, and even if that was different from her; that she never got too busy to get to know what makes “them” happy, sad or how “they” tick.

In 10 years from now I want to be known as the Mom who prayed for them every single day- whether tired or not, she was there never giving up on the power of our Almighty Father.

In 10 years from now, I want to be known as the Mom who put her family first and with the guidance of God it was made possible to be that kind of Mama.

In 10 years from now, I want to be known as the Mom who set goals, prayed over them, and never gave up hope even when they seemed unattainable.

In 10 years from now I want to be known as the Mom who loves their Daddy dearly, and was one of the best wives she knew how to be.

In 10 years from now- I cannot be fully prepared as of yet to know- but I pray God will prepare me daily, and shape me into something He can put His stamp on.