Circle of Strength

Good afternoon family. I've let the morning get by me but I've been productive. Our tree is up and lit. My grands helped especially Charm Marie aka "ChaCha". Thanksgiving day was busy and the blessing of having full "bellies" was received and greatly appreciated. I'm very thankful for all God has provided because Lord knows things could have been so different. Yesterday as we gathered to say grace before dinner my daughter made the statement that it was the smallest group of people we've had in a long time. Even though everyone didn't eat with us there was still about 15 total. That's a nice size group. What she said sparked a conversation about "small groups". We all chimed in, made our comments, but what I was reminded of is, it isn't the size of your group, it's the quality. As we move into the new year, each of us should take a look at the quality of our friendships/relationships. How good are they? Are they working for us or against us. Why do we hold on to certain people and why do we let certain ones go. At the same time we should really think about our growth. Is our "circle" filling a need, a purpose? Or is our "circle" made up of people who don't want to rock the boat so they don't contribute at all. I don't know about you but I want people in my life who can teach me something "good", things I need to learn/change, things I need to reach for, things that will "rock my boat" but add value. 2013 has been a good year for my family. We've changed and matured but I/we still have work to do. I truly believe that God is strengthening my network, strengthening my family/friends so that I/we make the right choices and live according to how His word says I/we should. Our network of people have to be people of high standards, people on the move, people doing things better/different/more efficiently. I challenge you as I challenge myself, pray for those who have been placed in "your circle" and pray for those who will enter in. Lastly, have the faith that Daniel had when you're making decisions, understanding that God's way is the only way. There are are lots of lions/tigers/bears waiting on your faith to slip, waiting to devour you. TeamCircleOfStrength. Bblessedloveyou

Rest Required

Good morning family and Happy Thanksgiving. We've been planning and getting ready for this day for the last few weeks, can't believe it's finally here. So many things to be thankful for but the main thing is I'm thankful for my life and yours. Yesterday I left work with the goal of starting my cooking last night, at least getting the baking out of the way. When I got home, I know longer had the desire or energy to start. I looked around the kitchen and decided it wasn't going to happen. Sometimes we have to allow our plans to change and not do things just because others are expecting it. Most women I know stress about getting things done on time or having the resources to do the things they want or need to do. What I've found is, that if I make up my mind about something I shouldn't feel guilty about it. If I'm unable to meet a deadline or complete a task, I should accept it and regroup. There are days that all we need is a good nap or a good night sleep in order to move forward. We become cranky and irritable when we don't allow our bodies and minds to rest. So guess what I did instead of cooking last night, I went to bed. I am better for it and my dinner is almost done. So shout out to all my women friends who stayed up late last night or got up early this morning. I'm sure our dinners will be great and I'm thankful that God has provided. Lastly, I'm so thankful for my hometown, Vernon TX. I learned so many lessons there and one of the best things I experienced was good cooking. Remembering the flavors and smells as we visited different homes during the holidays is what keeps me cooking. Never forgetting the smell of home. TeamRestRequired. Bblessedloveyou (For Ms Ro, Proverbs 21:10 and 27:15-16)

You're Grown

Good morning family. Worked from home yesterday. Enjoyed the peace and quiet and the fact that I didn't have to be out in the rain. Praying for peace and that everyone have a glorious Thanksgiving feast. If you're like me, you have internal struggles. You know those times when you're really not operating in faith, when your heart is somewhere else, when that stubborn side of you kicks in, when you want to shout people down. My internal struggles, all of them. My internal struggles come with lack of obedience and I know I'm not alone because I interact with a lot of people who know what the word of God says. Don't get me wrong, I'm not judging, I'm just saying. To repair internal struggles and to become more obedient, we first have to confess, own our shortcomings and realize that change is needed. One of the greatest struggles I had was learning to forgive my mother for "her" life choices. Learning to forgive her for something she didn't know she needed forgiving for. I had to confess to her that I often wondered what life would have been like had my father lived instead of her. Once I shared this with her and my reasons why, our relationship was better. I felt a release and I think she did to. I also felt convicted because I'd held her accountable for my "adult" transition. Like she was responsible for all my bad decisions. After our conversation I realized that all the things I had been mad about were nothing in comparison to all the "good" things she represented in my life. My mom was a strong-willed beautiful woman. She had a spirit that shined brighter than anyone I ever met. She commanded attention and wasn't afraid to speak her mind. The most important memory is her love for God. I share this to remind all the adults in my life that no-one is responsible for your happiness but you. I understand that childhood trauma/drama is real but I also understand that what we're exposed to is meant to make us better/stronger/happier. Our exposure should not be used as an excuse to live like "hell" on earth. My heart spills over with love when I think about my mom, oh how I wish she were still here. As the holidays approach begin to release, begin to confess and most of all begin to walk in thankful praise for everything, the good, the bad, the ugly and the beautiful. Thankful for a merciful God who has kept me. TeamYou'reGrown. Bblessedloveyou.

Thankful

Good morning family. Yesterday morning I received messages from someone who was very upset. I had a choice, I could respond emotionally or I could keep it moving, keep it real. I chose to keep it real. When I say "keep it real", I mean I focused on the love I have for that person and not what they were saying. This person wasn't upset with me but didn't like the way things were going based on prior and current interactions with others. Sometimes we get so busy proving and defending that we forget how to love, we forget to forgive and let go. Our emotionally charged responses have us boiling, saying things that in five years won't even matter. This morning I pray for anyone who's tied to an emotional issue from their past/present. I ask God, our Lord and Savior to touch the hearts and minds of those who for some reason can't let go of a hurt, that hurt that stays in their front pocket locked in their heart. I ask our Heavenly Father to open our minds to healing and shows us how to communicate the way we're feeling based on His ways, His words. I ask Him to lead us away from words that divide and cause pain, give us words that help us move forward, help us rebuild relationships we've thrown away. I ask God to take those fingers we point at one another and direct them towards ourselves because at the end of the day, we have to own what we feel no matter how someone else made us feel. I ask our Lord to grant us the courage to love "anyway" even when the people we are charged with loving may not deserve it. I fall to my knees in thanks to our God for keeping everyone in my life safe for there are so many families who aren't planning Thanksgiving dinners because their focus has to be on planning funerals for their loved ones, setting court dates, planning visits to a jail or hospital or making no plans at all. Father God we are blessed beyond measure and we ask Your forgiveness because we forget what and where you've brought us from and too. With all my heart I ask You to watch over my family, my friends, my co-workers and the people of our nation, thanking You again for allowing us another chance, another day/year to break bread with each other and to bask in the glory of Your generosity/blessings. In Jesus "Sweet" Name, AMEN. TeamThankful Bblessedloveyou

Telling Stories

Good morning family. Praying for my family and friends in OK and TX, the hawk is out along with sleet and icy roads. The cold weather continues this morning. Thanking God that it didn't feel like 41 degrees. It's actually not that bad. I dosed the kids up last night because they played in the cold all day. Our kids aren't as tough as we used be. For some reason I don't remember us having colds and coughs like they do. Maybe it's because we played outside more as opposed to sitting in front of the TV playing games. Exercise is one of the keys to raising healthy kids. IJS. This morning I give all honor and praise to God for all He allows and shows. The more we learn about ourselves based on His word, the better we become. What I've learned is that I/we can't allow my/our circumstances to discourage me/us or others. Speaking positive affirmations is a must. I'm so grateful that I've been able to understand that negative things happen in my life to make me stronger, to build me up. I'm more aware of seasonal transitions so I don't allow frustration to take over. Change is a must and welcomed in my life. What we all must learn is that every second of our lives holds a story that someone needs to hear. Whether the story is funny, whether a story is a lesson or whether it's a release, we have to continue telling telling/sharing them. When we don't tell/share our stories we miss the opportunity to help others. I can't tell you how many times my spirit has been lifted by hearing someone else tell me their story or share an experience. As we inch closer to the New Year, I pray we all continue sharing our lives. I feel that every day is new journey for my family and friends, a journey worth sharing and documenting, a journey full of stories that will influence the "me" God wants to see. Praying for us all. TeamTellingStories. Bblessedloveyou. (reading for today, Daniel 1:1-21, 2:1-20, 1Peter 3:8-22, 4:1-5, Psalm 119:65-80, Proverbs 28:14)

Explore the Talent

Good morning family. What a beautiful Saturday. This is one of those days that you not only appreciate life but you appreciate living in Florida. One of the best weather days this year. I've been sitting listening to kids cycle through their piano lessons and it really makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something even though I'm not taking the lessons. Exposing our children to "life" outside of our normal life is very important. I know we can't guarantee them success when they become adults but we can point them in the right direction. Guiding and directing them starts at home. If you have an opportunity to speak to and encourage children, don't miss it. It's so easy to just wait around for children to grow up and move on, but that's not the right thing to do. While we have their ear, while we have the chance to influence them we should be supportive, affording them the opportunity to explore theirinterest. My three boys always played baseball. I can remember standing in the middle of the park at Rondette trying to watch Courtney play in the dirt and three baseball diamonds at one time. They played so much ball that they became disinterested and simply decided to quit. What I failed to do is ask them what they wanted to do, what their interest were. I didn't try to uncover any other talents because my husband and I felt sports was it, they were boys, right? Courtney always had the gift of gab and writing, but I had no idea my boys possessed that same gift. I can't make up for what I failed to recognize in them but I can help my grandchildren find their niche, that thing they love, that thing that makes them smile. I can and I will. TeamExploreTheTalent. Bblessedloveyou

Mature & Patient

Good morning family. Everyone have a great Friday, enjoy the day. Feeling thankful and refueled this morning. Safe travels to those going to the Classic this week. Praying that our family and friends "play" responsibly. Sometimes we loose patience when we don't receive the answer or response we're looking for. Some get angry, some judge, some shut down and some argue. What I understand is that until the person responding and the person asking are on the same page, there won't be an agreement. We have to work towards "agreement". What works for me may not work for others. The things I do for others may not be the things another person is willing to do. What others give may seem minimal to what you bring to the table but it depends on who's doing the measuring. It's also important to understand how mature a person is. Have they had enough life experience, have they been exposed to life events that help shape a "mature" thought life? As we move through our days, we should think about our responses/our request/our suggestions. We are all unique and constantly learning/growing/changing so have patience when you're on the brink of loosing control based on interactions with others. TeamMature&Patient Bblessedloveyou.