Found my cd's from high school and college and had a great walk down memory lane! I didn't see a music video for this song, but I feel it could be my theme song for this moment in my life! Enjoy a walk down memory lane yourself, and check out this video!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Missed the weekend devotionals
I accidentally left my devotional book at work last weekend, so I read through them yesterday. I love when a devotional speaks to me - it's amazing that no matter how many times I hear that God knows my heart and knows what I need, that each time I'm blown away by things that speak to me. It's like God is saying "duh!!" So here are my thoughts on my "missed" devotionals...and, if you read all the way through, some prayer requests.
October 30 - Hebrews 12:1 - Let us run with patience.
There are 2 kinds of patience. The kind where you are still and reflective. But, even stronger evidence, is the ability to cope with problems in the public eye, and continue on being "strong" in the presence of others and supporting them, giving them joy. You must really "run" with patience, because you still have to continue to function in the public eye while continuing to sort through your personal issues. Jesus did this on his time on earth - dealing with the immortal struggle of good versus evil, but in the meantime going out and creating joy for others, and helping them with their issues.
I pray that I will have that kind of patience. I do agree that it is hard to go through the daily motions while dealing with personal issues. But I have also realized recently that helping others actually does help me - not only does it make me feel better, but it puts things into perspective for me. I am not the only person in the world dealing with issues and trying to live "around" or "through" them. And there are people with bigger and harder problems that I have, and they don't have the support on earth that I do. So the patience that I want to pray for is the ability to perservere through my issues and problems, while being able to live my life to the fullest and to help others when possible. Patience will help me understand that my issues will be worked out and resolved over time, and I can't just sit around and wallow in self pity - that won't accomplish anything for anyone.
October 31 - Romans 8:26-27.
Sometimes I just don't know how to pray. I don't know what I should pray for, or if I should pray in a certain order, or "Should I thank God first, or should I come right out and ask for help?" or "Is it selfish for me to ask for things I want and need when I should really be praising God for what he's already done?" It's actually a big conflict for me. It's actually part of why I don't like to lead public prayers - I don't pray outloud in bible studies or before meals for example.
This verse talks about how it doesn't matter if you don't know what to say outloud, or even to yourself in your head. All that matters is that God knows the matters of your heart, and even things you don't even realize you're feeling, and he can see that and can act on that. The whole point is that you ask for help and thank Him for his help, in the past, present and future and he knows exactly what to do.
I struggle with control. I like to be in charge of things, and be able to control what happens to me and around me. That's a hard thing to let go for me. I want to control my job, my friends, my relationships, etc. But I need to pray for the ability to let go! I know that's my main issue, but I don't know what else I'm really feeling or thinking about it deep down inside. But God knows. And He knows that I am aware of my basic flaw, and he knows everything else and what needs to be done to help.
The devotional also gives an example of a mother and child seated next to each other, while busy with other things. They may not be speaking to each other, but there's a peace - the mother knows the child is there, and the child knows the mother is there. So they are in fellowship. And a calm that you are not alone. In the same way, a believer can be going through their day as normal, and even though there may not be a constant verbal communication with God, they can beleive and take comfort in the fact that God is always with them and has a hand in all that they are doing.
October 30 - Hebrews 12:1 - Let us run with patience.
There are 2 kinds of patience. The kind where you are still and reflective. But, even stronger evidence, is the ability to cope with problems in the public eye, and continue on being "strong" in the presence of others and supporting them, giving them joy. You must really "run" with patience, because you still have to continue to function in the public eye while continuing to sort through your personal issues. Jesus did this on his time on earth - dealing with the immortal struggle of good versus evil, but in the meantime going out and creating joy for others, and helping them with their issues.
I pray that I will have that kind of patience. I do agree that it is hard to go through the daily motions while dealing with personal issues. But I have also realized recently that helping others actually does help me - not only does it make me feel better, but it puts things into perspective for me. I am not the only person in the world dealing with issues and trying to live "around" or "through" them. And there are people with bigger and harder problems that I have, and they don't have the support on earth that I do. So the patience that I want to pray for is the ability to perservere through my issues and problems, while being able to live my life to the fullest and to help others when possible. Patience will help me understand that my issues will be worked out and resolved over time, and I can't just sit around and wallow in self pity - that won't accomplish anything for anyone.
October 31 - Romans 8:26-27.
Sometimes I just don't know how to pray. I don't know what I should pray for, or if I should pray in a certain order, or "Should I thank God first, or should I come right out and ask for help?" or "Is it selfish for me to ask for things I want and need when I should really be praising God for what he's already done?" It's actually a big conflict for me. It's actually part of why I don't like to lead public prayers - I don't pray outloud in bible studies or before meals for example.
This verse talks about how it doesn't matter if you don't know what to say outloud, or even to yourself in your head. All that matters is that God knows the matters of your heart, and even things you don't even realize you're feeling, and he can see that and can act on that. The whole point is that you ask for help and thank Him for his help, in the past, present and future and he knows exactly what to do.
I struggle with control. I like to be in charge of things, and be able to control what happens to me and around me. That's a hard thing to let go for me. I want to control my job, my friends, my relationships, etc. But I need to pray for the ability to let go! I know that's my main issue, but I don't know what else I'm really feeling or thinking about it deep down inside. But God knows. And He knows that I am aware of my basic flaw, and he knows everything else and what needs to be done to help.
The devotional also gives an example of a mother and child seated next to each other, while busy with other things. They may not be speaking to each other, but there's a peace - the mother knows the child is there, and the child knows the mother is there. So they are in fellowship. And a calm that you are not alone. In the same way, a believer can be going through their day as normal, and even though there may not be a constant verbal communication with God, they can beleive and take comfort in the fact that God is always with them and has a hand in all that they are doing.
In Christ Alone
Heard about this great take on a great song by Owl City - the same group who sings the very famous song "Fireflies". Enjoy, fellow bloggers!!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Writing Prompts
Since it’s NaBloPoMo, my goal is to write a least one blog a day for the entire month of November. However, my life is not always that exciting. Hardly ever, in fact. So I thought I would turn to the web and Google “NaBloPoMo prompts” and it turns out that other people need help getting their creative juices flowing too! Each day, someone posts a “prompt”, like a thought, suggestion or question, to get you to start thinking. Some questions are like “where were you 10 years ago today?” or “what was your first Halloween costume?” and things like that.
I just have a hard time with those kinds of questions – they have a “structure” (sort of) because they give you a place to start, but my mind is so busy that I have a hard time pinning a good starting place down, and if I do, I have a hard time getting it written. I like the prompts that are usually more specific. Like, “What 5 items would you want to have if you were stranded on a desert island?” or “If you could invite 5 people to dinner, alive or dead, who would they be and why?”
I couldn’t find one that I really like for today, so I came up with my own. I’m unfortunately a normally pessimistic person. I need to start looking at the positive, especially if I want to turn a bad day into a good day. So for today my prompt is: Write down 3 things you may see as negative and say something positive about it.
1. It’s not snowing. Normally, by this point of the year in Colorado Springs, it’s snowed 4 or 5 times. I am totally obsessed with snow. I spent 22 years of my life with hardly any so now it’s an amazingly wonderful event for me to see snowfall, each time it happens.
But – on the plus side, since it’s so nice outside, I don’t have to worry about road conditions, and I don’t have to worry about getting my car fixed or getting into an accident.
2. It’s only Wednesday. It feels like such a long week, and it’s a hard week. My boss is on vacation, it’s the week of our annual Benefits enrollment for 1,500 employees, we have Orientation this week (and I set for all the classes), we’re still training 2 new Training Managers, we’re almost done with revising our employee guidebook and I have to make all of the changes, and I have to cover some of our receptionist’s job duties while she’s on vacation while handling things that come up at the last minute. AND still do MY job!
But, on the plus side, the week is almost half over! Plus, no one really knows how stressed out I am, so I can’t really get annoyed when someone asks me something. It’s also one day closer to the weekend and Law and Order: SVU and Los Angeles should be new tonight! I’m also in charge of planning and making dinner on Sunday and I’m looking forward to grocery shopping and then cooking! The best news – next week we don’t have Orientation and there’s nothing extra planned, so I get a nice breather! I just have to make it through Saturday afternoon!
3. My phone screen is broken. A while back, Bailey knocked my phone off of the couch and the screen cracked. It looks extremely tacky and I can’t quite see things on my screen very well.
But – on the plus side, my phone still works just fine and I could easily switch back to an older phone that’s in good shape and possibly save money on my cell phone bill. (If I could only get used to NOT having internet and Facebook on my phone!)
So what about you? Is there anything you’re looking at and thinking “well that sucks” that you could turn around and find a positive in?
I just have a hard time with those kinds of questions – they have a “structure” (sort of) because they give you a place to start, but my mind is so busy that I have a hard time pinning a good starting place down, and if I do, I have a hard time getting it written. I like the prompts that are usually more specific. Like, “What 5 items would you want to have if you were stranded on a desert island?” or “If you could invite 5 people to dinner, alive or dead, who would they be and why?”
I couldn’t find one that I really like for today, so I came up with my own. I’m unfortunately a normally pessimistic person. I need to start looking at the positive, especially if I want to turn a bad day into a good day. So for today my prompt is: Write down 3 things you may see as negative and say something positive about it.
1. It’s not snowing. Normally, by this point of the year in Colorado Springs, it’s snowed 4 or 5 times. I am totally obsessed with snow. I spent 22 years of my life with hardly any so now it’s an amazingly wonderful event for me to see snowfall, each time it happens.
But – on the plus side, since it’s so nice outside, I don’t have to worry about road conditions, and I don’t have to worry about getting my car fixed or getting into an accident.
2. It’s only Wednesday. It feels like such a long week, and it’s a hard week. My boss is on vacation, it’s the week of our annual Benefits enrollment for 1,500 employees, we have Orientation this week (and I set for all the classes), we’re still training 2 new Training Managers, we’re almost done with revising our employee guidebook and I have to make all of the changes, and I have to cover some of our receptionist’s job duties while she’s on vacation while handling things that come up at the last minute. AND still do MY job!
But, on the plus side, the week is almost half over! Plus, no one really knows how stressed out I am, so I can’t really get annoyed when someone asks me something. It’s also one day closer to the weekend and Law and Order: SVU and Los Angeles should be new tonight! I’m also in charge of planning and making dinner on Sunday and I’m looking forward to grocery shopping and then cooking! The best news – next week we don’t have Orientation and there’s nothing extra planned, so I get a nice breather! I just have to make it through Saturday afternoon!
3. My phone screen is broken. A while back, Bailey knocked my phone off of the couch and the screen cracked. It looks extremely tacky and I can’t quite see things on my screen very well.
But – on the plus side, my phone still works just fine and I could easily switch back to an older phone that’s in good shape and possibly save money on my cell phone bill. (If I could only get used to NOT having internet and Facebook on my phone!)
So what about you? Is there anything you’re looking at and thinking “well that sucks” that you could turn around and find a positive in?
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
NaBloPoMo - Year 2!
As some of you may know, November is National Blog Posting Month (NaBloPoMo)! Last year I was able to accomplish the feat of posting a blog at least once a day for the entire month! So here I am to repeat!
In honor of this blogging month, I've decided to post about one of my favorite things - the show "30 Rock" on NBC! I recently decided to sign up for my own Netflix account and the streaming video instantly on my computer has become ADDICTING!! So I just finished watching the entire 4th season and now am about halfway through the 3rd season (yes, I'm working my way backwards).
I now can not go without doing a little dance every time I hear the theme song, and have started to quote the show's lead character, Liz Lemon (played by Tina Fey) on a regular basis. So please enjoy some of my favorite "Liz Lemon catchphrases". (I tried to find funny images/icons but I found this video instead - SHE'S MY FAVORITE)
In honor of this blogging month, I've decided to post about one of my favorite things - the show "30 Rock" on NBC! I recently decided to sign up for my own Netflix account and the streaming video instantly on my computer has become ADDICTING!! So I just finished watching the entire 4th season and now am about halfway through the 3rd season (yes, I'm working my way backwards).
I now can not go without doing a little dance every time I hear the theme song, and have started to quote the show's lead character, Liz Lemon (played by Tina Fey) on a regular basis. So please enjoy some of my favorite "Liz Lemon catchphrases". (I tried to find funny images/icons but I found this video instead - SHE'S MY FAVORITE)
Monday, November 1, 2010
Buy Raffle Tickets for $5 - Get Club Level Stars Seats for free!!!
Buy some raffle tickets and win Club Level Seats! All proceeds go towards helping an Ethiopian adoption!!
Numbers 9:19
Yet another good devotional passage. “When the cloud remained…the Israelites…did not set out.” - Numbers 9:19
Yet another wonderful reminder that storms will come and it may seem like the smart thing to do to pack up and move away from the storm. Or, it may feel like a storm is approaching, and you’re stuck, and there’s nothing you can do but wait for it to hit you.
But it’s a great reminder, especially for me, that while I may either be in the middle of a storm, or see one approaching, that I am equipped to handle the storm. I may feel trapped in the storm, sure, and feel like I’d rather be anywhere else where I didn’t have to handle the brunt of the bad weather. But just like the metallurgist doesn’t leave the precious metal alone in the fire, God doesn’t leave you empty handed in the storm. That’s what the Bible and church and family and support is for – they’re your rain gear, to help protect you and get you through the storm!!
The devotional book starts off by saying it’s a test of obedience – rather than picking up and abandoning things, by staying put and sticking out the storm (with help), you’re showing God your obedience and trust that he has you there for a reason, and he has every intention of seeing you come out the other side safely, and a better person for it.
It’s also all about patience. It may be a long, tough storm. No one knows when the storms will end. Rather than praying for the storm to end, I need to work on being patient, and know that God has everything perfectly planned, and I should really be praying that he will give me the tools and equipment to get through it. That will be hard for me. I’m not naturally a patient person – I want it done right now.
So maybe, I should actually pray for patience. And maybe God has me going through this long storm so that I may actually learn patience. While it’s only been 2 weeks, I can actually look back at the last 2 weeks and see my change – while I’m still struggling with patience, I’ve seen a lot of things that I can put my trust in and ways that God has improved my patience. It’s just evidence that patience IS a virtue and there are benefits – I just have to keep reminding myself of that.
Yet another wonderful reminder that storms will come and it may seem like the smart thing to do to pack up and move away from the storm. Or, it may feel like a storm is approaching, and you’re stuck, and there’s nothing you can do but wait for it to hit you.
But it’s a great reminder, especially for me, that while I may either be in the middle of a storm, or see one approaching, that I am equipped to handle the storm. I may feel trapped in the storm, sure, and feel like I’d rather be anywhere else where I didn’t have to handle the brunt of the bad weather. But just like the metallurgist doesn’t leave the precious metal alone in the fire, God doesn’t leave you empty handed in the storm. That’s what the Bible and church and family and support is for – they’re your rain gear, to help protect you and get you through the storm!!
The devotional book starts off by saying it’s a test of obedience – rather than picking up and abandoning things, by staying put and sticking out the storm (with help), you’re showing God your obedience and trust that he has you there for a reason, and he has every intention of seeing you come out the other side safely, and a better person for it.
It’s also all about patience. It may be a long, tough storm. No one knows when the storms will end. Rather than praying for the storm to end, I need to work on being patient, and know that God has everything perfectly planned, and I should really be praying that he will give me the tools and equipment to get through it. That will be hard for me. I’m not naturally a patient person – I want it done right now.
So maybe, I should actually pray for patience. And maybe God has me going through this long storm so that I may actually learn patience. While it’s only been 2 weeks, I can actually look back at the last 2 weeks and see my change – while I’m still struggling with patience, I’ve seen a lot of things that I can put my trust in and ways that God has improved my patience. It’s just evidence that patience IS a virtue and there are benefits – I just have to keep reminding myself of that.
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