Sweetness

LIFE IS SWEET…

When I walked into Children’s Hospital today I saw little kids running around, some had their protective masks on, some had hair and some didn’t, some were laughing and some just gave a quick smile. But in a split second I realized at how sweet life can be. In an instant I became aware at how blessed I really am and yet I get so upset over the smallest things. Why? These children are sick and hurting and yet they run around with smiles, lifted hands, turning circles, and laughter. Some things were revealed to me today… “do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring enough troubles of it’s own”. God will make a way for things to work. God will bless a broken spirit. God will heal the sick.

I sat in Bailey’s room and there again I noticed how precious and sweet life can be. There in the room sat a sick boy and yet he made time to make jokes… about me! I said “coke” and if you know me this is NOT normal. I usually say “coca cola classic” and so when I said “coke” Bailey quickly said “WHAT DID YOU SAY MAMA J?”. I quickly knew what he was referring too. It’s an inside joke. I was caught. I did not say the usual “coca cola classic” line. We both busted out laughing and again for a moment sickness turned into laughter and I was reminded of how great spending time with others truly is…

So today, enjoy time with friends, family, and complete strangers. Smile at others. Realize that God will make a way! Laugh and tell jokes often. Run with your hands lifted high (like a kid), take each moment in and remember life is SWEET!!!

Thanks be to God.

Honesty

Maybe I live in an unrealistic world where everyone is honest but it's what I want to believe. I would love to keep believing that people are honest. I want to keep believing that people are real. I want to live in a world where people say what they feel and all cards are out on the table... even the Joker can be seen (the card we usually toss to the side, hidden). People sometimes say "the truth hurts" but at least it's real. I long for the days when we look each other in the eyes and are open with nothing held back... until then...

I wait.


No man has a good enough memory to make a successful liar. ~Abraham Lincoln

A half truth is a whole lie. ~Yiddish Proverb

Look a man in the eye and say what you really think, don't just smile at him and say what you'resupposed to think.

I have found that being honest is the best technique I can use. Right up front, tell people what you're trying to accomplish and what you're willing to sacrifice to accomplish it.

It's Cold Outside

It's soooo cold outside today and I'm somewhat fond of this weather. I guess it's because you can eat soup, bundle up on the couch, and watch sappy love stories on TV! Sound strange? I'm sure it does to some but to me it's about comfort. Safe inside a warm place... it's where I want to be.

Another safe place for me is in the arms of a Savior who cares and brings comfort. I'm thankful that His arms are never crossed and that they are always open to welcome me.

SO today...day 2, I thank God for the moments that bring comfort. Lord, you are my Refuge and My Comforter! Thank You!

Take Risks

If I'm completely honest, i'm not much of a dare devil or a risk taker...
I'm scared...scared of the unknown, failure, or even loss.
But what if we truly realized and recognized that God was by our side? What if we really took His hand, realizing He would never let it go?
My friend Rachel is making a huge decision about a huge mission trip... Basically it's eleven countries in eleven months...CRAZY and EXCITING! It's a huge commitment.... It's a risk I would be scared to take... But can you imagine the excitement? Can you imagine the complete Joy of working for God in eleven different countries? Rachel is being bold and taking a risks.

Max Lucado explains taking risks in this way: "He lavished you with strengths in this life and a promise of the next. Go out on a limb; He won't let you fall. Take a big risk; He won't let you fail."

Rachel, go out on that limb and a take a huge risk... He's got your back. Love you!

TO everyone else, be bold... TAKE RISKS FOR JESUS!!!
Today I will begin to remind myself of this everyday!

Friend or Acquaintance

I heard it once said "Be as loyal to your friends as you want them to be to you". Are you loyal to your friends? Do you keep your promises? Are you there for your friends in good times and bad? What kind of friend are you? Are you a friend or just an acquaintance? THERE IS A DIFFERENCE. Your relationship with an acquaintance is defined more by contact than by commitment. To me loyalty is a distinct characteristic of a friendship. Two people who are willing to make personal sacrifices for each other, who are LOYAL, and who are simply there at all times is a true friendship. In a true friendship the two who are woven together do not keep score of who owes who... who is right and who is wrong.
If Im going to be honest with you all I must say that the things I listed above are things that I fail at most of the time. I'm not always loyal. I'm not always there through good times and bad times. I'm not willing to put my pride down and say I was wrong. I usually keep score of who does what and when it is done... and this is not being a true friend....
to those whom i have failed...
Sorry.

Challenge: Find a true friend, thank God for them, be open, listen more, and remember... be the kind of friend you would want to have...

John 15:13

I really do know how you feel

We've all felt this way at some point in our lives...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUPk5eKsGvs

Some things I've learned lately...

So, here are some things I've learned lately...
(I'm Shocked I haven't learned these things earlier)

God is Good
My mom will always be right... and to be honest, I'm okay with that!
Never treat someone like they're second best!
Everything you want comes after you stop looking for it...
We all have secrets.
God is the Great Physician!
Never take anything or anyone for granted.
You always end up where you're supposed to be...
This life is not about keeping score!
Get up and do something...
Talk with God
Don't Text and Drive at the same time - Please
Talk less and Listen more!
"The beauty of photographs are that they never change...even if the people in them do!"
Laugh a lot
Surround yourself with good friends!
"Never write a check with your mouth that your body can't cash" (Never make a promise you can't keep) - My Favorite
Be kind!
Letting Go doesn't mean giving up!
Every second I am mad or upset is a second of joy and happiness I can never get back!
Praise God in EVERY situation!