If you aren't sure if God answers prayers, here is one story that God totally blew our minds with!
My heart was already humbled by what God could do with a "lame" like me in running. And then He went and humbled me with this...
"Saturday, September 23, 2006
Wendy with an "i".
I had my Lupus appointment a couple of weeks ago. The rash on my face (from Lupus) was very red. I had been concerned about it for weeks and knew my doctor would be, too.
At the appointment he was very concerned that my Lupus would be "flaring up", so he performed some blood work to see if anything was going on in my body. He told me to hold off going off of my last pill. I had been waiting 8 months to go off of my pills to try for another baby. I left the office wanting to cry but I still kept the faith. I told Jeremy to drive to my good friend Maria's house. God ordained, Maria lives 3 blocks from the clinic. I needed prayer. When I got to her house she was more than willing to pray and stand beside me during this life test.
Could this be it? I mean, we have come this far. This was my last pill (medicine for my kidneys). Eight months of preparing for another baby. We figured that if I got off of all of my medicine by September (this month) I could get pregnant in December, right before Jeremy has to leave (deploy with the military). Maddy would be 7 years old and a big helper.
After awesome godly words from Maria and other awesome friends of mine, I began seeking the Lord for His will in our lives concerning a child. Our hearts had been for Guatemala. My dad was born there and came to the States when he was 5 yrs old. He learned english from Sesame Street on television. My heart began to desire that of another country. Jeremy and I prayed. The childrens pastors from our church had adopted a little girl from Guatemala City, 1 1/2 yrs. ago. She is something. A lady from McConnell adopted one from there, too. He attends the child development center, where I work. He is something, as well. I am in awe looking at these "hand picked (from God) children" for these families. I told God when He is ready for us to move in this area I will. I will do it without a problem.
After I ran the Endurance50, I had no idea my husband and friends had planned a surprise birthday /congrats on my race dinner at a resturant. After we ate, we went to Starbucks. When we got there we noticed in big writing on their window...GUATEMALA. What was this? We walked in and noticed that if you buy a bag of coffee, your money goes to a school in Guatemala to help. We totally jumped on it. Wow, Lord was this why you had us desiring the better for Guatemala? Okay we will do it. Little did I know God desires bigger things.
So here it is, Friday night my husband and I are double dating to a Michael W. Smith (Christian artist) concert at a local church. We are worshipping the Lord and amazed at this man who has sung songs for Jesus for 20 years. Nineteen albums and the hand of the Lord is all over him. Such an intimate time.
He stopped singing in the middle for an intermission. Before he left the stage he introduced an organization he is in called, Compassion International in Jesus' Name. I had heard this on the radio many times but never felt pulled to do this. He showed a video on helping children in other countries. My heart began to beat fast. After the video they said to raise your hand if you want a child's packet to see who you would sponsor. I prayed that Jeremy would raise his hand for a packet if we are supposed to do this. I prayed that this child would be Spanish speaking preferrably from Guatemala. I said this prayer with doubt saying to myself "you cannot tell God to do these things". I learned that you cannot limit God. God is so big and wants bigger things for his people...especially children.
Jeremy raised his hand..."thank you Lord", I said. Out of thousands of children's profiles, only one was selected for us. It was by God's process that this volunteer selected this packet to give to us. Here came the profile, it passed through 7 pairs of hands to get to us. My heart was racing to see this child.
There she is...her name is Wendi. My heart melted. I was nervous, scared, overwhelmed, and excited to see where she was from. She is from Guatemala. Jeremy was in shock, our friends were speechless (that is how God does it), and I cannot stop crying. Thank you Jesus.
We committed ourselves last night to this child, trusting that the Lord will do great things for this girl and her family. Just knowing that she will know who Jesus is is more than enough. I am excited to see this relationship grow, excited to see how Maddy interacts with her, but most of all excited to tell her what her name means...Wendi means "walks with God".
"...and whoever welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me." -Matthew 18:5"
Monday, August 23, 2010
Oldies but Goodies pt.1... "My First Marathon Attempt..."
I have decided to close my 'myspace' account. I have held on to this for over a year due to not wanting to delete the first 
time I had ever blogged. Now that I have this, it's time to move on.
I have copy and pasted my first blogs. Please excuse the grammar, punctuation, and "newbyness" of it all.
This was the first blog ever about running.
Seeing as I am nearing the time for my 4th marathon, I thought it would be good to reminicse and remind me of why I love what I love. Enjoy!
"Thursday, September 21, 2006
My first marathon attempt, the Endurance 50
This is my first blog. I wasn't sure I would know what to say but I have some news and thought to share.
Like I said in my profile I hadn't been much of an athlete until I began running in January this past year. I heard about a 5k race on the Air Force Base and wanted to train for it. At that time I was a newby so I thought that a 5k was 5 miles. I then realized after I ran it that I had only ran 3.4 miles. I had completed the race in 32 minutes but I knew I had discovered my passion.
The next race I wanted to run was a 10k Easter Sun Run. I finished 6 miles in 58 minutes and cried as I saw the finish line. I now know what the entrance to heaven will look and feel like. All these people on the sidelines cheering you on, it was amazing.
There was another race on the Air Force Base a month later. It was another 5k, but this time for a prize. I came in 2nd in my age category winning an 8 pk. of Gatorade. Hey...it's all good. I finished the 3.4 miles in 22 minutes. This was ten minutes faster than the one two months prior.
Running had me hooked. I subscribed to Runner's World magazine and after 2 black toe nails (from the wrong shoes) I invested in some Asics. I felt so much better running and more confident that I wasn't a newby anymore.
I had heard of this Ultramarathon man (Dean Karnazes) and read about him in awe of how the human body can go to the extreme. In admiration of how he could do this I was determined to do a marathon or triathalon. Could my body do this? I have Lupus. I have had this for 3.5 years. I have not had pain in the last 2 years (in my joints and muscles). Would I cause injury training for something like this? Well, with faith in my Lord Jesus that only He was the ultimate maker and healer. I knew I could do all things in He who gives me strength. I began going off of kidney medicine that the "disease" had seemed to attack and I was still feeling great. I would run short distances on my lunch break at work (3.5 to 4 miles a day) and long runs on Saturday and sometimes on Sunday ( I now know that truly is my day of rest). One Saturday I ran I ended up running 12 miles. I was hurting. When I had stopped running my legs still felt ahead of me. I was walking like a flamingo but the feeling was indescribable. Am I really a runner? I thought.
I had read in Runner's World that the Ultramarathon man was coming to Wichita. He was going to run 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states. He planned to run our October 2006 marathon course. I knew I had to participate. I had gotten some advice from a couple runners on the Air Force base on how to pace myself. At first I thought I knew it all but I then realized runners need each other and I cannot do this alone.
One Saturday I had gotten up early for a long run. I had reached 12 miles and at the 1 hour and 50 minute point I got a massive "runners high". I was sprinting so long and hard. I felt like conquering the world. I was thanking God, he had given me this ability. I was then rudely interrupted by the wonderful bladder and had to run home. I was thinking to myself "how can I run 26.2 miles if I have to stop and go to the bathroom". Well, the Bible says "ask and you will recieve", I knew I had to pray that I wouldn't have to go.
So here it is the day of the race and I am so nervous. Will I be the only one running that hadn't ran a marathon. How fast will Dean go? Will I have an oppurtunity to talk and run with him? Will I keep up? All these questions and more got answered. .
When my husband and I drove the starting point we had no idea it was going to be so cold and rainy. I had ran in rain before but not this windy or cold. The car said 50 degrees but the wind chill was around 40 degrees. We went inside to get signed in and wait for Dean. When we walked inside I was in awe of all the runners. They stood around talking about their previous runs and upcoming runs. "I hadn't done this before. Am I going to be the only one?" I wondered. As we gathered around to talk about what was going to take place I ended up meeting another first timer. We connected right away. We talked about how we were feeling and how we would just stick together.
The first six miles we talked and it went by fast. We were both feeling pretty good and the weather maintained. We got to the 8th mile and I began to run faster. In the famous words of Forrest Gump, "I was run-ning". Dean was making his rounds talking to everyone from the front, middle, and back of the group. How awesome that he would be "mayor" of the road. I checked with someone about our pace and we were running 9:45 min/mile. Wow! I had been running 10 minute miles and this was great.
We got to the 11th mile and we were headed on to McConnell Air Force Base. Yes! This was my turf. I run this road and path everyday. I know I can do this! I felt such pride that my husband serves in the military and I work for the Air Force (Child Development Center). Here I am running with professionals. We were to run 8 miles on base with some air force runners with air force pride. At first we were going strong. I was running in the front with two others. How can this be that a year ago I couldn't even jog one mile and now I am at the 14th mile with no thought to stop. As we came up to the 15th mile the wind got stronger and the rain came down harder. The wind began to push me off of the path. I kept quiet and pushed through. Is this endurance? I can do this.
I could see we were going to be passing by my work My co-workers knew I was doing this today and they were rooting me on. These thoughts helped me press on. My hands began to get stiff and the wind and rain hitting me in the face. I was beginning to feel weak. I noticed my husband on the side with our video camera yelling, "go Wendy! not too much longer". How much longer? I thought. I cannot do this anymore. I wanted to veer off the path and fall into his arms.
As we were running an older man came up beside me trying to encourage me. I couldn't really hear him because my hands were hurting and legs were burning. Freezing from the rain I could barely run straight. Another guy ran up beside me. He told me to run behind him and we would be a shield from the wind and rain. I tried to stay behind them but I kept tripping. As we made a turn on base which was on the 18th mile I knew my end was coming. My hands began to shake and my knees began to knock. One of the guys running gave me a pair of his socks and told me to put them on my hands. I wore them for a little while but they quickly got wet from the rain. Two others came up beside me to encourage me. They stuck beside me for what seemed to be minutes upon minutes. Is this what runners do? They slowed down to my pace and would not leave my side. Dean came up and told me to stick behind him he would run in front of me to guard me. I tried for a little while but then I had to stop. My arms and legs began to shake uncontrollably. The Endurance50 car had been following us. They had noticed me slowing down and one of the guys got out of the car and gave me his jacket. What was going on? I felt fine on the inside. My heart rate and breathing were fine. My body was experiencing something different. The medic car was right behind us and they helped me into it. The medic told me that I was in the stages of hypothermia. She asked me who she could contact. I told her my husbands number and she called him. Was this it for me? All these months of training and I am done? Yes...I was finished.
When my husband met back up with me he was so worried about me. I was pretty hard on myself but he just said,"you're awesome". With encouraging words and some roses I was back to being myself. After about thirty minutes my body stopped shaking. I was ready to go to the finish line to see them and meet Dean.
They finished in 4 :20 min. When we walked inside I noticed the people who helped me and right away thanked them for their encouragment. They had related to me and made me feel better as I had been hard on myself. I looked around the room and I didn't see the first timer. Where was she? Was she okay? I said a prayer for her to finish and to be safe.
I got my gift bag and immediately looked for the Ultramarathon Man book to get it signed. As I stood in line I looked around. I was so proud to be where I was. I love running.
It was my turn to get an autograph. Dean was very welcoming and concerned. He related to the hypothermia and reassured me. I got an autograph and a picture with the ultramarathon man. I walked away with having experienced a little endurance. I didn't even have to stop to go to the bathroom. I was feeling blessed.
After saying good-byes my husband and I were ready to leave. We walked out just as the first timer finished her run in 4:50 min. She did it. She was concerned for me but I was so proud of her. I felt a saddened heart that we were leaving. After all these months of excitement, anxiosness, and nervousness, this was it.
What is next for me? I want to run the October 22nd marathon. I will train for it and prepare for the weather. The most important thing for me to do is to encourage those running around me because I experienced what it is like in a runners world. "
time I had ever blogged. Now that I have this, it's time to move on.I have copy and pasted my first blogs. Please excuse the grammar, punctuation, and "newbyness" of it all.
This was the first blog ever about running.
Seeing as I am nearing the time for my 4th marathon, I thought it would be good to reminicse and remind me of why I love what I love. Enjoy!"Thursday, September 21, 2006
My first marathon attempt, the Endurance 50
This is my first blog. I wasn't sure I would know what to say but I have some news and thought to share.
Like I said in my profile I hadn't been much of an athlete until I began running in January this past year. I heard about a 5k race on the Air Force Base and wanted to train for it. At that time I was a newby so I thought that a 5k was 5 miles. I then realized after I ran it that I had only ran 3.4 miles. I had completed the race in 32 minutes but I knew I had discovered my passion.
The next race I wanted to run was a 10k Easter Sun Run. I finished 6 miles in 58 minutes and cried as I saw the finish line. I now know what the entrance to heaven will look and feel like. All these people on the sidelines cheering you on, it was amazing.
There was another race on the Air Force Base a month later. It was another 5k, but this time for a prize. I came in 2nd in my age category winning an 8 pk. of Gatorade. Hey...it's all good. I finished the 3.4 miles in 22 minutes. This was ten minutes faster than the one two months prior.
Running had me hooked. I subscribed to Runner's World magazine and after 2 black toe nails (from the wrong shoes) I invested in some Asics. I felt so much better running and more confident that I wasn't a newby anymore.
I had heard of this Ultramarathon man (Dean Karnazes) and read about him in awe of how the human body can go to the extreme. In admiration of how he could do this I was determined to do a marathon or triathalon. Could my body do this? I have Lupus. I have had this for 3.5 years. I have not had pain in the last 2 years (in my joints and muscles). Would I cause injury training for something like this? Well, with faith in my Lord Jesus that only He was the ultimate maker and healer. I knew I could do all things in He who gives me strength. I began going off of kidney medicine that the "disease" had seemed to attack and I was still feeling great. I would run short distances on my lunch break at work (3.5 to 4 miles a day) and long runs on Saturday and sometimes on Sunday ( I now know that truly is my day of rest). One Saturday I ran I ended up running 12 miles. I was hurting. When I had stopped running my legs still felt ahead of me. I was walking like a flamingo but the feeling was indescribable. Am I really a runner? I thought.
I had read in Runner's World that the Ultramarathon man was coming to Wichita. He was going to run 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states. He planned to run our October 2006 marathon course. I knew I had to participate. I had gotten some advice from a couple runners on the Air Force base on how to pace myself. At first I thought I knew it all but I then realized runners need each other and I cannot do this alone.
One Saturday I had gotten up early for a long run. I had reached 12 miles and at the 1 hour and 50 minute point I got a massive "runners high". I was sprinting so long and hard. I felt like conquering the world. I was thanking God, he had given me this ability. I was then rudely interrupted by the wonderful bladder and had to run home. I was thinking to myself "how can I run 26.2 miles if I have to stop and go to the bathroom". Well, the Bible says "ask and you will recieve", I knew I had to pray that I wouldn't have to go.
So here it is the day of the race and I am so nervous. Will I be the only one running that hadn't ran a marathon. How fast will Dean go? Will I have an oppurtunity to talk and run with him? Will I keep up? All these questions and more got answered. .
When my husband and I drove the starting point we had no idea it was going to be so cold and rainy. I had ran in rain before but not this windy or cold. The car said 50 degrees but the wind chill was around 40 degrees. We went inside to get signed in and wait for Dean. When we walked inside I was in awe of all the runners. They stood around talking about their previous runs and upcoming runs. "I hadn't done this before. Am I going to be the only one?" I wondered. As we gathered around to talk about what was going to take place I ended up meeting another first timer. We connected right away. We talked about how we were feeling and how we would just stick together.
The first six miles we talked and it went by fast. We were both feeling pretty good and the weather maintained. We got to the 8th mile and I began to run faster. In the famous words of Forrest Gump, "I was run-ning". Dean was making his rounds talking to everyone from the front, middle, and back of the group. How awesome that he would be "mayor" of the road. I checked with someone about our pace and we were running 9:45 min/mile. Wow! I had been running 10 minute miles and this was great.
We got to the 11th mile and we were headed on to McConnell Air Force Base. Yes! This was my turf. I run this road and path everyday. I know I can do this! I felt such pride that my husband serves in the military and I work for the Air Force (Child Development Center). Here I am running with professionals. We were to run 8 miles on base with some air force runners with air force pride. At first we were going strong. I was running in the front with two others. How can this be that a year ago I couldn't even jog one mile and now I am at the 14th mile with no thought to stop. As we came up to the 15th mile the wind got stronger and the rain came down harder. The wind began to push me off of the path. I kept quiet and pushed through. Is this endurance? I can do this.
I could see we were going to be passing by my work My co-workers knew I was doing this today and they were rooting me on. These thoughts helped me press on. My hands began to get stiff and the wind and rain hitting me in the face. I was beginning to feel weak. I noticed my husband on the side with our video camera yelling, "go Wendy! not too much longer". How much longer? I thought. I cannot do this anymore. I wanted to veer off the path and fall into his arms.
As we were running an older man came up beside me trying to encourage me. I couldn't really hear him because my hands were hurting and legs were burning. Freezing from the rain I could barely run straight. Another guy ran up beside me. He told me to run behind him and we would be a shield from the wind and rain. I tried to stay behind them but I kept tripping. As we made a turn on base which was on the 18th mile I knew my end was coming. My hands began to shake and my knees began to knock. One of the guys running gave me a pair of his socks and told me to put them on my hands. I wore them for a little while but they quickly got wet from the rain. Two others came up beside me to encourage me. They stuck beside me for what seemed to be minutes upon minutes. Is this what runners do? They slowed down to my pace and would not leave my side. Dean came up and told me to stick behind him he would run in front of me to guard me. I tried for a little while but then I had to stop. My arms and legs began to shake uncontrollably. The Endurance50 car had been following us. They had noticed me slowing down and one of the guys got out of the car and gave me his jacket. What was going on? I felt fine on the inside. My heart rate and breathing were fine. My body was experiencing something different. The medic car was right behind us and they helped me into it. The medic told me that I was in the stages of hypothermia. She asked me who she could contact. I told her my husbands number and she called him. Was this it for me? All these months of training and I am done? Yes...I was finished.
When my husband met back up with me he was so worried about me. I was pretty hard on myself but he just said,"you're awesome". With encouraging words and some roses I was back to being myself. After about thirty minutes my body stopped shaking. I was ready to go to the finish line to see them and meet Dean.
They finished in 4 :20 min. When we walked inside I noticed the people who helped me and right away thanked them for their encouragment. They had related to me and made me feel better as I had been hard on myself. I looked around the room and I didn't see the first timer. Where was she? Was she okay? I said a prayer for her to finish and to be safe.
I got my gift bag and immediately looked for the Ultramarathon Man book to get it signed. As I stood in line I looked around. I was so proud to be where I was. I love running.
It was my turn to get an autograph. Dean was very welcoming and concerned. He related to the hypothermia and reassured me. I got an autograph and a picture with the ultramarathon man. I walked away with having experienced a little endurance. I didn't even have to stop to go to the bathroom. I was feeling blessed.
After saying good-byes my husband and I were ready to leave. We walked out just as the first timer finished her run in 4:50 min. She did it. She was concerned for me but I was so proud of her. I felt a saddened heart that we were leaving. After all these months of excitement, anxiosness, and nervousness, this was it.
What is next for me? I want to run the October 22nd marathon. I will train for it and prepare for the weather. The most important thing for me to do is to encourage those running around me because I experienced what it is like in a runners world. "
Friday, August 20, 2010
"That's Not My Name..."
Then Manoah inquired about of the angel of the Lord, "What is your name, so that we may honor you when your word comes true?" He replied, "Why do you ask my name? It is beyond understanding." Judges 13:17-18
This scripture has been on my mind a lot. We read this the other night and it has been reinventing to me of what it means to "glory to God."
I was reflecting on things that I have been a part of in the past in my home, in the church, and in my relationships. Wondering if I had really given "glory to God" or did I secretly take glory myself? I know those things may not bother some people but lately my heart has been wanting to go deeper into what the Lord has for me. That means getting into the Word more. I had slacked for so long seeking what God's continuing purpose is for my life...and then I got TIRED of it. I took a step. Wow! What an amazing step it was! Each day I find a renewed sense of the things HE has for me.
This morning I was listening to a podcast and in the message the pastor talks about how there was a lady praying before she spoke at a seminar. She asked God to "show up" when she spoke and so on. She said she heard God say in a loud voice, "I invited YOU to this. This is MY party. You are one of MY guests." I think that was Gods way of speaking to me about certain things I am going through. Good things that is. Although, I see negativity through it because it seems as though it is a stressful situation. I understand, now, that the enemy wants it to be so that all God wants to show me is hidden. Sometimes when you are going through that "valley" what you don't realize is that the mountain is right there. All we have to do is keep moving.
We were invited to HIS party. NOTHING you do is YOU. NOTHING. It took me a while to realize this. I am not just a wife...I am invited to be a wife to HIS child. I am not just a mother...I am invited to be a mother to HIS child. I am not just a runner...I am invited to run w
ith HIM.
So when you are "dreading" that church meeting, that friend who really needs grace, that spouse who just needs you, that child that wants your attention, or that AMAZING GOD that wants you to spend time with HIM...remember, that's an invitation to HIS party!
I am not in charge, the boss, #1, holier than thou, perfect, or God..."That's Not My Name." My name is Wendy...and it means "walks WITH God."
What does your name mean?
This scripture has been on my mind a lot. We read this the other night and it has been reinventing to me of what it means to "glory to God."
I was reflecting on things that I have been a part of in the past in my home, in the church, and in my relationships. Wondering if I had really given "glory to God" or did I secretly take glory myself? I know those things may not bother some people but lately my heart has been wanting to go deeper into what the Lord has for me. That means getting into the Word more. I had slacked for so long seeking what God's continuing purpose is for my life...and then I got TIRED of it. I took a step. Wow! What an amazing step it was! Each day I find a renewed sense of the things HE has for me.
This morning I was listening to a podcast and in the message the pastor talks about how there was a lady praying before she spoke at a seminar. She asked God to "show up" when she spoke and so on. She said she heard God say in a loud voice, "I invited YOU to this. This is MY party. You are one of MY guests." I think that was Gods way of speaking to me about certain things I am going through. Good things that is. Although, I see negativity through it because it seems as though it is a stressful situation. I understand, now, that the enemy wants it to be so that all God wants to show me is hidden. Sometimes when you are going through that "valley" what you don't realize is that the mountain is right there. All we have to do is keep moving.
We were invited to HIS party. NOTHING you do is YOU. NOTHING. It took me a while to realize this. I am not just a wife...I am invited to be a wife to HIS child. I am not just a mother...I am invited to be a mother to HIS child. I am not just a runner...I am invited to run w
ith HIM.So when you are "dreading" that church meeting, that friend who really needs grace, that spouse who just needs you, that child that wants your attention, or that AMAZING GOD that wants you to spend time with HIM...remember, that's an invitation to HIS party!
I am not in charge, the boss, #1, holier than thou, perfect, or God..."That's Not My Name." My name is Wendy...and it means "walks WITH God."
What does your name mean?
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Happy Mother's Day!
Wow. What an amazing Mother's Day! I was so overwhelmed at the message at church today I had a lump in my throat the whole time. When I was finally able to talk to Jeremy I just released all the emotions I could not contain. I am on a journey of falling in love with Christ more and more. It seems that the moment I begin to hand things over He begins to show me what He has been wanting to give me for some time now. I know everything has a purpose so I am over condemning myself for some things I carried inside. I am ready to recieve the gift He promised.
I took a trip to Atlanta a week ago to a conference for our children's ministry. After getting a phone call the day before I was supposed to fly out about a blessing that was coming, I was already overwhelmed when I got there. I remember sitting in worship and praying about something I felt the the Lord put on my heart. I asked, "Why God? Why when I feel this way would you want to bless me? I am not worthy." I felt the Lord say, "It's not always about you. I have to do this for them." I immediately lost it. I was so ready to tackle the world...and then there's the waiting.
Today I felt completely covered with that love again that I could feel myself getting a little anxious. It's the "waiting" for things promised that is hard BUT I am willing.
It's hard for me to write them all down right now but I will tell you that a long awaited prayer is unfolding behind the scenes. We are just in the "audience" waiting on the curtain to open.
After church Maddy and I went to Five Guys Burgers and Fries. (We noticed a high chair with rollers on them and I laughed at how I used to push her around the resturant in those, so I made her get in one. I know it seems silly and she was shocked that I requested it but I had to see her in it.) When we sat down at the table I began reflecting on the "when" God will provide for the prayer request. It was so overwhelming I had to turn my head from Maddy so she wouldn't see how emotional I was. Yeah, I can be a sap. But who isn't when it comes to trying to comprehend God's greatness?
While I sit here and talk about being anxious, it starts to make me feel that way. I am remembering the scripture about anxiousness:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."-Phillipians 4:6
In EVERYTHING through prayer and petition...present your request to God...and then comes peace. Amen!
Soooooooo, this is my Mother's Day gift: prayer, petition, request, and PEACE. Thanks Lord!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
"Crazy Love"
I am reading a new, to me, book called "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. It is hitting home pretty hard with a phrase of "Are you IN love with Jesus or just His everyday blessings?" Wow. My heart was on fire today to confess it to the world. I wanted to shout out, "I am guilty Lord! I have taken you for granted! I have loved materialistic items more than you! I have enjoyed freedom and MY time! I have taken grace for granted! AND I'M SORRY!" I got to share some testimony with a friend and I felt the Lord's grace at that moment.
I say all these things but at the same time I got angry at something today. I got mouthy at a situation today. I allowed the enemy to aggrivate me with petty things and things I have no control over. (When I think of control I laugh a little inside. I watch "The Office" and one of the characters, Andy Bernard, comes back from anger management. When someone makes him mad he says, "I cannot control the things YOU do, I can only control what I do." To bring humor to a 'stressful' situation, I say that exact phrase and move on. It has taken some time but I am getting it.)
With that being said, I am ALWAYS learning. I am learning that I have idled for far too long-it may not seem long to others but it was to me. I am learning that God does want to bless me, not just with everday blessings (husband, children, and materials) but with HIS blessing of grace, forgiveness, and everlasting love. I am HIS child and HE wants to. I am willing to accept.
How about you? Do you think that God's blessings are earthly items? Do you praise the Lord when you get a raise, a new car, or a home? I am guilty of that. I am also good at playing a game called, "Not Fair." Have you ever played that? It's easy. All you have to do is pout, moan, groan, and stomp your feet at the "not fairs" to YOU in this world. But you know what, there is no winner in that game-only "L"osers! I am learning that as long as you wake up in the morning and start your day, everythings fair and you deserve everything you have.
So...if you want to get a little "Crazy" then start with Jesus. You won't find any other love like that!
I say all these things but at the same time I got angry at something today. I got mouthy at a situation today. I allowed the enemy to aggrivate me with petty things and things I have no control over. (When I think of control I laugh a little inside. I watch "The Office" and one of the characters, Andy Bernard, comes back from anger management. When someone makes him mad he says, "I cannot control the things YOU do, I can only control what I do." To bring humor to a 'stressful' situation, I say that exact phrase and move on. It has taken some time but I am getting it.)
With that being said, I am ALWAYS learning. I am learning that I have idled for far too long-it may not seem long to others but it was to me. I am learning that God does want to bless me, not just with everday blessings (husband, children, and materials) but with HIS blessing of grace, forgiveness, and everlasting love. I am HIS child and HE wants to. I am willing to accept.
How about you? Do you think that God's blessings are earthly items? Do you praise the Lord when you get a raise, a new car, or a home? I am guilty of that. I am also good at playing a game called, "Not Fair." Have you ever played that? It's easy. All you have to do is pout, moan, groan, and stomp your feet at the "not fairs" to YOU in this world. But you know what, there is no winner in that game-only "L"osers! I am learning that as long as you wake up in the morning and start your day, everythings fair and you deserve everything you have.
So...if you want to get a little "Crazy" then start with Jesus. You won't find any other love like that!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
The Heart Monitor
It's been a little while since I have posted. I have been through a lot the past couple of months and have been experiencing some growth through the process. I know I still have a lot to learn but one thing I am thankful for is God's patience with me.
As most of you know I experienced what the E.R. doctor told me was a panic attack. He explained it as I have surpressed some stress and my body didn't know how to release it so it went in to panic mode. The emotion that it left me with was depression/anxiety. I had some tests done on my thyroid, which came back clear and even had to wear a heart monitor for 10 days to record heartbeats. I was able to run with it, sleep with it, and go everywhere with it. It became a part of me and I relied on it.
One day I was looking over it and it hit me..."the heart monitor is like Jesus." If you really think about it, I had to carry this thing around with me at all times. It was there in case I "panicked," and I had to push a button to record what was going on. It would then send a text message back to you if some action needed to be taken. The heart monitor came with a sensor that I had to wear around my neck like a necklace. Whenever the heart monitor was out of range of the sensor it would beep and I had to be back in range. It's amazing to me how that small heart monitor spoke many things to me. HE's there...The Ultimate Heart Monitor is there. HE is with you at all times and HE waits for you to need HIM. As I write this now, I am reminded of how much HE wanted me to need HIM over the last year and how I didn't reach out. But the amazing thing is how my "sensor" (the holy spirit) spoke to me through this process calling me back. And yet again the Father welcomed me back with open arms.
Going through this "panic attack" only showed me another chance to get back to the Lord...and how HE still loves me. My "sensor" was going off...I was out of range. At that point in my life, I didn't know how to get back BUT I have a "Commander" who showed me and is still showing me.
How about you? Have you gotten out of range? Do you feel your heart needing/wanting more but not sure how to get there? Well, it starts with HIM...The Heart Monitor. You can carry HIM everywhere...well, HE carries you everywhere. You can hit the button if you feel "panic" and you will get an answer. I had to wait 3 weeks to get an answer (from the cardiologists) but during that time, I had to learn to walk away from the "what if's" and O.C.D tendencies. I almost caved to thoughts of "if I did this, then this won't happen." Well, you can't bargain with life...and you definitely can't bargain with God. HE wants you and ALL of you!
"Trust in the Lord with ALL your HEART and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will make your path straight."-Proverbs 3:5-6
This was revealed to me after walking out of the heart doctors office. It is my life scripture and it speaks more now than ever before.
As most of you know I experienced what the E.R. doctor told me was a panic attack. He explained it as I have surpressed some stress and my body didn't know how to release it so it went in to panic mode. The emotion that it left me with was depression/anxiety. I had some tests done on my thyroid, which came back clear and even had to wear a heart monitor for 10 days to record heartbeats. I was able to run with it, sleep with it, and go everywhere with it. It became a part of me and I relied on it.
One day I was looking over it and it hit me..."the heart monitor is like Jesus." If you really think about it, I had to carry this thing around with me at all times. It was there in case I "panicked," and I had to push a button to record what was going on. It would then send a text message back to you if some action needed to be taken. The heart monitor came with a sensor that I had to wear around my neck like a necklace. Whenever the heart monitor was out of range of the sensor it would beep and I had to be back in range. It's amazing to me how that small heart monitor spoke many things to me. HE's there...The Ultimate Heart Monitor is there. HE is with you at all times and HE waits for you to need HIM. As I write this now, I am reminded of how much HE wanted me to need HIM over the last year and how I didn't reach out. But the amazing thing is how my "sensor" (the holy spirit) spoke to me through this process calling me back. And yet again the Father welcomed me back with open arms.
Going through this "panic attack" only showed me another chance to get back to the Lord...and how HE still loves me. My "sensor" was going off...I was out of range. At that point in my life, I didn't know how to get back BUT I have a "Commander" who showed me and is still showing me.
How about you? Have you gotten out of range? Do you feel your heart needing/wanting more but not sure how to get there? Well, it starts with HIM...The Heart Monitor. You can carry HIM everywhere...well, HE carries you everywhere. You can hit the button if you feel "panic" and you will get an answer. I had to wait 3 weeks to get an answer (from the cardiologists) but during that time, I had to learn to walk away from the "what if's" and O.C.D tendencies. I almost caved to thoughts of "if I did this, then this won't happen." Well, you can't bargain with life...and you definitely can't bargain with God. HE wants you and ALL of you!
"Trust in the Lord with ALL your HEART and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE will make your path straight."-Proverbs 3:5-6
This was revealed to me after walking out of the heart doctors office. It is my life scripture and it speaks more now than ever before.
*The pic I posted is NOT of myself...I googled it. I am not that brave! :)
Friday, February 5, 2010
Farewell...
Dear Sweet Goodness,
I first off want to let you know how much I miss you. I remenise about the times we shared and how I had to have to with me wherever I went. You were refreshing on hot summer days and I even risked my life for you in the cold wintry storm.
I am sorry I had to let you go but it is good for me and my health. You have been awesome to me and I appreciate your goodness.
Farewell Sweet Goodness...
I know it's crazy huh? I have been in love with my sweet tea a.k.a. "Sweet Goodness" since I can remember. I never thought I would see the day where I had to farewell it but it has come.
After experiencing panic attacks and learning how to avoid them (caffeine and chocolate), I am learning that it wasn't so hard to let go. I began seeing the trigger signs and had to come to a reality that the "bad" things won't help it.
I haven't gotten this whole thing called "Life" down yet but I am learning. I am learning that like the sweet tea that can contribute to panic attacks, there are things in our lives that we could trade in. I could let go of bitterness towards some people and show some love (He loves), a heart full of want when I have what I need (He gives), and control over things I have no control over(He does). Like I said, I don't have it all figured out but I am learning and I think as long as we are doing that, we can't go wrong.
What can you trade in? Is it leading you to a life of unhealthiness? Something will always contribute to something. I want my life to contribute in a rewarding positive way. How about you? Are you willing to give up that "Sweet Goodness" that looks good but in the long run isn't?
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