There are two things that elementary bring: lice and the PTA. For the mom in this week’s story both lice and the PTA landed in her lap. The lice eventually will go away after much shampooing/sprays and the unending loads of laundry. However, the PTA does not ever go away.
The mom in our story has a huge problem when it comes to the word NO. Instead of saying my plate is full she says yes to everything. Sure I will do that and yes I can help out with that. Before you know it she has taken on much more then she should have. Jumping up every time someone asks for help our mom says yes pick me, I can do it.
The first year was a cakewalk. She was the room mom (this is a huge job in of it’s self, I did this once a couple of years ago. Being a single mom working a fulltime job, I decided to take on that challenge because I could now). Our mom in the story was not sure who she impressed but she continued to take on more – not only was she the room mom but she also became the head mom, on the Carnival Committee, the Committees Committee and the Youth Protection Chairman, the latter one being the most recent role.
This mom’s role is hard work, thankless work. Relaxing is not even a word in her vocabulary. However, volunteer is the first word in her dictionary. Speaking to other moms to help out with activities is like taking a pry bar to open a door. Can you believe the other’s mom excuses for not helping out is because they want to keep there weekends free. How do you keep your weekends free when you have three children?
When it comes to going to the bathroom or taking a shower, one would think that this is a time for a few seconds of peace. Not in this moms home (nor is it in most moms homes). There are two kids and the dog at the mom’s feet while going potty. When it comes to the shower, the toddler opens up the door every few seconds or the husband is coming in to ask where this or that. Can anyone do without mom for a few minutes – seems not!
Moms like the one in our story are not the only crazy mom’s. There are other mothers that walk among the hallways with glassy-eyed look, frantically patting their clothing to ensure their clothes are on the right-side out. Forget about making sure everything matches - the teachers are used to unmatched outfits as the kids are now dressing themselves and do not know how to match correctly.
Looking like June Cleaver is not the way of life these days. Who has time for makeup and pearls? Moms have time to brush there hair before heading out the door. The teachers do not care if the parents are naked when they show up. There are happy to see the parents who care enough to just show up and help out.
Yes, the PTA can get under your skin. It is a thankless position. Aggravating and annoying, yes and yes. What matters most is when your child comes up and gives you a big hug and says thank you – you are the best mom ever, it makes being the PTA mom and all the volunteer jobs worth that one moment.
Life Lesson #6:
Recognize what’s important
When living a high quality life you must know what you value – what’s most meaningful in your life? When you are completing all the millions of task you can you will lose perspective on life. You begin to lose your ability to discern what’s most important from what’s not because everything seems to be urgent – equally critical. However, that is not true.
“No matter how frantic life gets, the truly successful people are able to rise above the pandemonium and maintain their perspective.” The reason they can do this is because they know how to determine what is most important. Their values become their compass – no matter what they stay on course regardless of what may come there way. These types of people maintain a vision of what truly matters, what their life is all about and what they want their life to be.
What are your qualities and attributes you consider essential to living your best life? Remember, these are values that define who you are. Take for example: your list could include the following attributes as: Integrity, honesty, playfulness, understanding, trustworthiness, responsibility, truth, creativity, and adventurousness. There are many more possibilities for you. Make a list that resembles your core values – not what you think they should be but what you feel is truly important to you.
Once you see what your core values are you can adjust your life as such and begin to invest time and energy into those things you hold sacred. Ask yourself, what is it that I value? What’s most important to me? What do I really want? Not only will this help you understand more of yourself on a deeper level, but ultimately this will help you refocus your life around what’s truly meaningful to you.
Now that you are gaining a better picture of what you consider to be important, ask yourself: what do I need to change in order to have my values expressed more visibly in my everyday life? Is there anything I need to add to my life? Are there activities or commitments I need to eliminate?
Once you begin to focus on who you truly are, what you believe in, and what you love – you will begin to create a life in which your outer life matches your more deeply held values and beliefs. Having the feeling “all of piece” is an essential ingredient in living the life you are meant to live.
Now comes the finishing touch ~
Remember when we wrote our self a love letter? It is time to write our self another letter. In order to love and support others, we have to understand the true meaning behind this by first loving and valuing ourselves.
Make an agreement with yourself – allow all your feelings to come alive in your letter. Do not censor anything and most of all, do not judge who you are. This is not a letter to be little who you are but rather to up lift yourself. Here is a list to help guide you while writing your letter.
What’s in my best interest?
What do I need to do to take better care of myself?
Are there any insights that can help me grow as a person or make my life more balanced?
What do I love, cherish and admire about myself?
What are my top 10 core values and principles?
What are five qualities I’d like to be remembered for?
What have I found myself saying to the world over and over throughout my life?
Once finished with your letter, be sure to save the letter for those times when life itself seems so overwhelming and you need a pick me up – read your letter.
Food for thought – Ask yourself everyday, is this what I want to be doing? If the answer is “no,” you can, day-by-day, begin to alter your course. Changing course is a process – it happens slowly, incrementally. But if you are persistent you will end up where you want to be.
Have a wonderful and bless week ladies. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!!!!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
View from an empty nest ~ Week 5
Hearing the words “empty nest” many would say yahoo while others would say that put me into a depression. The lady in our story this week felt that it would be a pleasant position to be in. She had three children and the thought of not waking up to children in the morning sounds quite attractive.
Here idea of an empty nest would be not wearing stained spit-up clothes, being able to finish sentences when speaking to her husband, and carrying her purse without any baby related items.
The beauty of sitting down to enjoy a dinner without spilled mike, the house being quite, no sticky fingers all on the walls, and the thought of sleeping throughout the whole night sounded blissful. When shopping she could fill the cart with food rather then kids.
After thinking about the thought of an “empty nest” it became rather more of a disappointment. The empty nest no longer sounded attractive. As the children become older many of the issues had resolved themselves. The children became more independent and less dependent on mom. There was no more spit-up, and less crying to be fed in the middle of the night. No longer did she attend to the baths or getting the children dress or having to tie shoes many times throughout the day.
Now the children are grown and have moved out. When she walks through the hallway in there home she tries not to look into the empty rooms that are now clean and orderly. These rooms once where full of clothes everywhere, school books, papers, and cans of hair spray.
When she finally crept out of the depression she began to notice her husband. He was looking almost the same when she fell madly in love with him. However, he is now looking a bit worn but in a good way. She noticed the few gray hairs by his temple, understanding completely where they came from. The creases on his face where not from worrying but from smiling many years.
Sitting there and gazing at her husband, she realized her nest was not empty after all. There was still one special person in that home. The home is quite now and gives us time to find each other again. It is time to rekindle the sparks that once originally ignited when they met.
Life Lesson #5 ~ Discover where you reside in the story of your life
Through out our life thus far we have lived many lives already – not talking about reincarnation. We are talking about the many chapters in our life that we have lived – childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, marriage, motherhood, and for some, divorce or death of a spouse. During these chapters you have experience both pain and joy. Most importantly, you have developed inclinations, patterns, and preferences. Now is the time to become a detective and investigate your own life.
Each experiences has left clues to those values you have built your life on, like the things you love, the dreams you’ve fulfilled, and moments of satisfaction. The past will remind you of the many challenges you have endured, strengths accumulated, and wisdom extracted from all the experiences. There is a connection from your past and where you are today in your life. “As I look back over my life, I appreciate where I’ve been and how far I’ve come.” This is such a true statement for me.
Basic tool: Your Journal
Journaling is a valuable tool. This is where you can begin writing all about you; get to know yourself more intimately, become more confidante, and give you more introspective and self-reflect.
Keep your journal private, you do not have to share this with anyone. Your journal is all about you where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, hopes, fears, and dreams – anything that you want to express. Journaling allows you to express everything with no censoring and no judging.
Call your journal book the “Life Review”. This exercise will help recognize who you truly are and the path that led you to where you are today. Life is a moving motion – it is better understood when recognizing what you have already lived through and how far you have come. You life choices will reveal the person you are today.
When you begin writing about your life put it into decades. Pull out old photos – this will show you many different periods in your life. Create a quite and relaxing place for you to reflect back on your past. Put on some music, make a cup of coffee/tea, grab your pictures, and begin writing in your journal. Break it up as follows: middle school, high school, the decade between eighteen and twenty-eight, from twenty-eight to thirty-eight, and so on. This will take weeks, months; spend fifteen minutes or more a day working on your life review. Here are some questions to ask when working on your journal.
What three people influenced me most during this period of my life?
What one event had a major impact on my life?
How does that event affect my life today?
What challenges did I overcome?
What successes did I accomplish?
What gave me the greatest sense of satisfaction or pride?
Were there any compromises I made? What impact do they have on my current life? Is there anything I sacrificed that I’d now like to reclaim?
What did I like to do?
Who were my friends?
While working on your journal, you not only will gain insights of yourself but you will become more comfortable in your own skin. You will begin to have a greater appreciation of everything that you have been through, your major accomplishments, and the major decisions/roads you have taken. Throughout the exercise you will have a renewed appreciation of your worth. No matter what changes you choose to make, know that your life already is a success. Press in ladies and enjoy this new journey you are about to embark on.
For me, journaling has become a way of life.
Here idea of an empty nest would be not wearing stained spit-up clothes, being able to finish sentences when speaking to her husband, and carrying her purse without any baby related items.
The beauty of sitting down to enjoy a dinner without spilled mike, the house being quite, no sticky fingers all on the walls, and the thought of sleeping throughout the whole night sounded blissful. When shopping she could fill the cart with food rather then kids.
After thinking about the thought of an “empty nest” it became rather more of a disappointment. The empty nest no longer sounded attractive. As the children become older many of the issues had resolved themselves. The children became more independent and less dependent on mom. There was no more spit-up, and less crying to be fed in the middle of the night. No longer did she attend to the baths or getting the children dress or having to tie shoes many times throughout the day.
Now the children are grown and have moved out. When she walks through the hallway in there home she tries not to look into the empty rooms that are now clean and orderly. These rooms once where full of clothes everywhere, school books, papers, and cans of hair spray.
When she finally crept out of the depression she began to notice her husband. He was looking almost the same when she fell madly in love with him. However, he is now looking a bit worn but in a good way. She noticed the few gray hairs by his temple, understanding completely where they came from. The creases on his face where not from worrying but from smiling many years.
Sitting there and gazing at her husband, she realized her nest was not empty after all. There was still one special person in that home. The home is quite now and gives us time to find each other again. It is time to rekindle the sparks that once originally ignited when they met.
Life Lesson #5 ~ Discover where you reside in the story of your life
Through out our life thus far we have lived many lives already – not talking about reincarnation. We are talking about the many chapters in our life that we have lived – childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, marriage, motherhood, and for some, divorce or death of a spouse. During these chapters you have experience both pain and joy. Most importantly, you have developed inclinations, patterns, and preferences. Now is the time to become a detective and investigate your own life.
Each experiences has left clues to those values you have built your life on, like the things you love, the dreams you’ve fulfilled, and moments of satisfaction. The past will remind you of the many challenges you have endured, strengths accumulated, and wisdom extracted from all the experiences. There is a connection from your past and where you are today in your life. “As I look back over my life, I appreciate where I’ve been and how far I’ve come.” This is such a true statement for me.
Basic tool: Your Journal
Journaling is a valuable tool. This is where you can begin writing all about you; get to know yourself more intimately, become more confidante, and give you more introspective and self-reflect.
Keep your journal private, you do not have to share this with anyone. Your journal is all about you where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, hopes, fears, and dreams – anything that you want to express. Journaling allows you to express everything with no censoring and no judging.
Call your journal book the “Life Review”. This exercise will help recognize who you truly are and the path that led you to where you are today. Life is a moving motion – it is better understood when recognizing what you have already lived through and how far you have come. You life choices will reveal the person you are today.
When you begin writing about your life put it into decades. Pull out old photos – this will show you many different periods in your life. Create a quite and relaxing place for you to reflect back on your past. Put on some music, make a cup of coffee/tea, grab your pictures, and begin writing in your journal. Break it up as follows: middle school, high school, the decade between eighteen and twenty-eight, from twenty-eight to thirty-eight, and so on. This will take weeks, months; spend fifteen minutes or more a day working on your life review. Here are some questions to ask when working on your journal.
What three people influenced me most during this period of my life?
What one event had a major impact on my life?
How does that event affect my life today?
What challenges did I overcome?
What successes did I accomplish?
What gave me the greatest sense of satisfaction or pride?
Were there any compromises I made? What impact do they have on my current life? Is there anything I sacrificed that I’d now like to reclaim?
What did I like to do?
Who were my friends?
While working on your journal, you not only will gain insights of yourself but you will become more comfortable in your own skin. You will begin to have a greater appreciation of everything that you have been through, your major accomplishments, and the major decisions/roads you have taken. Throughout the exercise you will have a renewed appreciation of your worth. No matter what changes you choose to make, know that your life already is a success. Press in ladies and enjoy this new journey you are about to embark on.
For me, journaling has become a way of life.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Life Lesson #4 – Who are you?
I am a mother of two precious boys. My job is to provide a roof over their heads, put food in their belly’s, teach them the love of Jesus, direct them down the right path in the hopes that they will remain on that right path (if they choose to veer to the right or the left help them back onto the straight and narrow path), show them love and support. My job will never be done with them. Each day is precious being a mother. Of course there are moments when you want to explode on them but don’t because it does no one any good. Take a time out, breath in, and move on. I love my boys with all my heart and I let them know everyday that I love with.
I am a friend ~ I so love my girl times. Getting together to talk about anything and everything, enjoying each other’s company, speaking into each other’s life, going shopping, having coffee, a glass of wine, and watching a movie. Girlfriends are priceless ~ there is never a dull moment whether it is happy ones or sad ones – there is always something going on.
I am a daughter ~ unfortunately; my mother never took the time to really see who I was and how precious of a daughter she had. My dad was not in the picture during my up bringing and now that I am in his life he still chooses to not be completely involved. The sad thing is that it is there loss. I am a precious daughter full of love and compassion. This is why it is so important for me that my boys know just how much I love them and how important family really is. I do have a dad that thinks the world of me and he is in my life everyday. Without him being in my life I would not be the women I am today and would not be where I am today. Thank you Jesus!
I am an employee ~ I love my job and I am good at what I do. I give a 100% to my duties and then some. I am always willing to lead a helping hand. I work for an amazing company called Scentsy. The owners are amazing and love their employees deeply. God really blessed me with a great job.
The lady is the story we read this past week was not happy with her life. He heart’s desire was elsewhere and her love for life was dying where she was. We all have desires – God gave us those desires.
Psalms 37:4 ~
The desires God placed in your heart were put there for a reason, they reveal the secret of who you really are and the life you are meant to live.
My desire as a little girl was to be a mommy. I wanted my children to know how much they were loved and that I was always going to be there for them. I never had that as a child and I new in my heart that was not right. A child yearns for love and attention. I wanted to have a happy family. Unfortunately I hit some rough patches but I have bounced back and I do have that happy family. Even though things did not work out as I thought they would, things did work out as God knew they would. For the first time in my life I am happier then I have ever been just where I am.
I am a friend ~ I so love my girl times. Getting together to talk about anything and everything, enjoying each other’s company, speaking into each other’s life, going shopping, having coffee, a glass of wine, and watching a movie. Girlfriends are priceless ~ there is never a dull moment whether it is happy ones or sad ones – there is always something going on.
I am a daughter ~ unfortunately; my mother never took the time to really see who I was and how precious of a daughter she had. My dad was not in the picture during my up bringing and now that I am in his life he still chooses to not be completely involved. The sad thing is that it is there loss. I am a precious daughter full of love and compassion. This is why it is so important for me that my boys know just how much I love them and how important family really is. I do have a dad that thinks the world of me and he is in my life everyday. Without him being in my life I would not be the women I am today and would not be where I am today. Thank you Jesus!
I am an employee ~ I love my job and I am good at what I do. I give a 100% to my duties and then some. I am always willing to lead a helping hand. I work for an amazing company called Scentsy. The owners are amazing and love their employees deeply. God really blessed me with a great job.
The lady is the story we read this past week was not happy with her life. He heart’s desire was elsewhere and her love for life was dying where she was. We all have desires – God gave us those desires.
Psalms 37:4 ~
The desires God placed in your heart were put there for a reason, they reveal the secret of who you really are and the life you are meant to live.
My desire as a little girl was to be a mommy. I wanted my children to know how much they were loved and that I was always going to be there for them. I never had that as a child and I new in my heart that was not right. A child yearns for love and attention. I wanted to have a happy family. Unfortunately I hit some rough patches but I have bounced back and I do have that happy family. Even though things did not work out as I thought they would, things did work out as God knew they would. For the first time in my life I am happier then I have ever been just where I am.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Follow Your Heart ~ Week 4's story
Wow, this week’s story is a different view on how I see life as it is now. The woman in this week’s story is a single mother of four children. She is an ocean person who longs to live most of her life away by the sea. Being a single mother many uncertainties fill you up. I know this to be true as I am a single mother. Wondering how are we going to make it this month. How will all the bills get paid and food on the table and what about those unexpected situations that come up.
This single mother had raised her four children all alone, through poverty and struggles, but with lots of laughter, kite-flying and hiking in the hills above their town. She worked a job that she hated, waiting for the older three to finish high school, feeling like she was marking time while the years passed by her. She could not see the beauty that everyone else saw in her town. Her heart was at the ocean and her soul was dying in the town that she lived in.
I believe that we need to breath in our surroundings and take in the amazing view that God created. No matter where you are there has to be amazing views, trees, waters, hills, mountains, flowers, structures and so on. Life is too short to live empty, with no compassion, wanting more only to find out what you have now is enough and where you are now is amazing in of it self. For this single mother in our story her heart was elsewhere and she was dying where she was now.
Her 42 birthday was here and her sister gave her a trip to see the gray whale migration outside of Tofino on the wild, West Coast – this was her longing, a dream come true. It was a great experience for her. The ocean was serene, there were whales everywhere, and she was where she belonged. The day could have lasted forever but it did come to an end. She returned to her home town, to a job she hated, and to a persistent depression as the winter was closing in.
She decided to write a letter to the lady who had taken her to see the whales. In her letter she stressed how lucky this lady was to have such an amazing job living her dream. She also stressed to the lady that this has been her longing to live there and do what she did. Aw an open door appeared. When she went to see the whales the lady who took her told her that she would love to find someone who loved her job as much as she did so that she could have relief to enjoy more leisure time. So in this letter the single mother stressed that she just might be that person to relieve this lady.
Time went by and there was no reply back from the whale lady and so the winter went on. The single mothers eyes were deaden, the walls were closing in. She felt trapped in her life for the need to earn a living and support her kids, and loneliness – waiting for Mr. Right to come along but he never did. A break through came where she worked – she won recognition from an aware employee. She was flattered. Her employer encouraged her to take the supervisory training and apply for the supervisor position. She passed the training and won the supervisory position. For the first time in her life there were no struggles to pay the bills and put food on the table. She was making enough money to make life simple and stress free. However, she was deadened because she was not doing what she loved.
Being a single mother we strive for security, which is hard work. An opportunity of a life time came in the form of a letter from Tofino, offering her the choice that she has wanted for so long. Here she just earned the supervisory role and was making good money. Now the opportunity of a life time was here and would only be part-time paying her $6 an hour. Does she keep the security with her new supervisory position or does she go for her dream?
Well, she took the other job – went for her dream. Even though she had to take more then one part-time job to make ends meet she was doing what she longed for – for so long. For 10 years she has walked blissfully through some of the most spectacularly beautiful landscapes on the planet. She has fullness in her now, which does not compare to any amount of money she would have made at the other job. She also learned that there is no security other then what we carry within side of us. We need to stop and listen to the inner voice inside of us. There is inner wisdom inside of us and if we listen to that our lives can become enriched immensely.
Life Lesson #4 ~ Be True to Yourself
We all were created for a reason and we should be the person that we were intended to be. Why do women strive to be someone other than who they really are? We as women need to stop living through others who want us to be who they think we are. Each one of us is made unique – therefore, we must be who we are. It’s time to stop trying to be who your parents expected you to become or what your spouse, partner, or children want you to be.
During our early years we sought our identity and fulfillment in the outer world, and during the first half of your life that’s appropriate. As we mature we realize that there is so much more to life. It is time to start looking into the inner part of you.
Take a moment to sit in silence and reconnect with your essential self. Begin to listen to that still, small voice of your heart and above all, heed the wisdom of the philosopher, Diogenes: “Know thyself.”
Our work for this week is to sit and bring forth what is real and true about you. Who are you?
Have a great week!
This single mother had raised her four children all alone, through poverty and struggles, but with lots of laughter, kite-flying and hiking in the hills above their town. She worked a job that she hated, waiting for the older three to finish high school, feeling like she was marking time while the years passed by her. She could not see the beauty that everyone else saw in her town. Her heart was at the ocean and her soul was dying in the town that she lived in.
I believe that we need to breath in our surroundings and take in the amazing view that God created. No matter where you are there has to be amazing views, trees, waters, hills, mountains, flowers, structures and so on. Life is too short to live empty, with no compassion, wanting more only to find out what you have now is enough and where you are now is amazing in of it self. For this single mother in our story her heart was elsewhere and she was dying where she was now.
Her 42 birthday was here and her sister gave her a trip to see the gray whale migration outside of Tofino on the wild, West Coast – this was her longing, a dream come true. It was a great experience for her. The ocean was serene, there were whales everywhere, and she was where she belonged. The day could have lasted forever but it did come to an end. She returned to her home town, to a job she hated, and to a persistent depression as the winter was closing in.
She decided to write a letter to the lady who had taken her to see the whales. In her letter she stressed how lucky this lady was to have such an amazing job living her dream. She also stressed to the lady that this has been her longing to live there and do what she did. Aw an open door appeared. When she went to see the whales the lady who took her told her that she would love to find someone who loved her job as much as she did so that she could have relief to enjoy more leisure time. So in this letter the single mother stressed that she just might be that person to relieve this lady.
Time went by and there was no reply back from the whale lady and so the winter went on. The single mothers eyes were deaden, the walls were closing in. She felt trapped in her life for the need to earn a living and support her kids, and loneliness – waiting for Mr. Right to come along but he never did. A break through came where she worked – she won recognition from an aware employee. She was flattered. Her employer encouraged her to take the supervisory training and apply for the supervisor position. She passed the training and won the supervisory position. For the first time in her life there were no struggles to pay the bills and put food on the table. She was making enough money to make life simple and stress free. However, she was deadened because she was not doing what she loved.
Being a single mother we strive for security, which is hard work. An opportunity of a life time came in the form of a letter from Tofino, offering her the choice that she has wanted for so long. Here she just earned the supervisory role and was making good money. Now the opportunity of a life time was here and would only be part-time paying her $6 an hour. Does she keep the security with her new supervisory position or does she go for her dream?
Well, she took the other job – went for her dream. Even though she had to take more then one part-time job to make ends meet she was doing what she longed for – for so long. For 10 years she has walked blissfully through some of the most spectacularly beautiful landscapes on the planet. She has fullness in her now, which does not compare to any amount of money she would have made at the other job. She also learned that there is no security other then what we carry within side of us. We need to stop and listen to the inner voice inside of us. There is inner wisdom inside of us and if we listen to that our lives can become enriched immensely.
Life Lesson #4 ~ Be True to Yourself
We all were created for a reason and we should be the person that we were intended to be. Why do women strive to be someone other than who they really are? We as women need to stop living through others who want us to be who they think we are. Each one of us is made unique – therefore, we must be who we are. It’s time to stop trying to be who your parents expected you to become or what your spouse, partner, or children want you to be.
During our early years we sought our identity and fulfillment in the outer world, and during the first half of your life that’s appropriate. As we mature we realize that there is so much more to life. It is time to start looking into the inner part of you.
Take a moment to sit in silence and reconnect with your essential self. Begin to listen to that still, small voice of your heart and above all, heed the wisdom of the philosopher, Diogenes: “Know thyself.”
Our work for this week is to sit and bring forth what is real and true about you. Who are you?
Have a great week!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Week Three answers to the questions
Here are my answers to the week three questions. I hope that you all have enjoyed this past week. On Monday I will post a recap of week four's reading. May you all have a wonderful and bless weekend.
Questions worth asking yourself ~
1) How do the people in my life see me? People see me as a loving mother, compassionate friend, creating a healthy and safe home for my boys, setting healthy boundaries around me, becoming strong in my walk with Jesus, hard worker, beautiful on the inside and out, bubbly/happy, giving of myself to help out, and free.
What do they come to me for? Friendship
2) What role do I play most often: caretaker, teacher, nurturer, risk taker, rebel, diplomat, the responsible one? Wow ~ back in the day I was definitely the caretaker, nurturer and responsible one, but not in a healthy way. The last couple of years I have learned how to become the caretaker of myself for the first time. In order for me to help take care of others I need to take care of myself first so that there is nothing in between. I now can take care of others with no attachments or bitterness. Ah, teacher to my boys – I am now free to speak life into my boys and breathe truth in them with the hopes that I am leading them down the right paths. Nurturer, I am able to love my boys compassionately along with others around with no one being jealous. Risk taker, I would say that I am putting myself out there more walking in Faith that all things are possible. Rebel, yes, we do all have this to some extent. I am learning to recognize this and wonder where this is coming from. Learning how to submit rather then rebel has been a task for me, but a healthy task at that. Diplomat, I would say that I have stirred away from that. We all have our own points of view. I have learned to listen and if I do not agree I will with grace say why and move on. There is no reason to engage in an argument – at least I do not think so. The responsible one - has always been second nature to me.
3) How has playing this role served me? For me, playing in these roles I would say is not playing. This is who I am and how God created me to be. For the first time in my life I am living the way that he created me to live. Finally, I am free to be me and share me with others.
Does it still serve me? Yes
4) How has playing this role blocked me from doing the things I truly enjoy? Before I came free, these roles where no fun and I did not see any light at the end of the day. Now, I embrace each day given to me and the roles that I play bring me much joy and comfort knowing that I am not the one in control but he is. I am free because of Jesus and I am living the life he created me to live.
Questions worth asking yourself ~
1) How do the people in my life see me? People see me as a loving mother, compassionate friend, creating a healthy and safe home for my boys, setting healthy boundaries around me, becoming strong in my walk with Jesus, hard worker, beautiful on the inside and out, bubbly/happy, giving of myself to help out, and free.
What do they come to me for? Friendship
2) What role do I play most often: caretaker, teacher, nurturer, risk taker, rebel, diplomat, the responsible one? Wow ~ back in the day I was definitely the caretaker, nurturer and responsible one, but not in a healthy way. The last couple of years I have learned how to become the caretaker of myself for the first time. In order for me to help take care of others I need to take care of myself first so that there is nothing in between. I now can take care of others with no attachments or bitterness. Ah, teacher to my boys – I am now free to speak life into my boys and breathe truth in them with the hopes that I am leading them down the right paths. Nurturer, I am able to love my boys compassionately along with others around with no one being jealous. Risk taker, I would say that I am putting myself out there more walking in Faith that all things are possible. Rebel, yes, we do all have this to some extent. I am learning to recognize this and wonder where this is coming from. Learning how to submit rather then rebel has been a task for me, but a healthy task at that. Diplomat, I would say that I have stirred away from that. We all have our own points of view. I have learned to listen and if I do not agree I will with grace say why and move on. There is no reason to engage in an argument – at least I do not think so. The responsible one - has always been second nature to me.
3) How has playing this role served me? For me, playing in these roles I would say is not playing. This is who I am and how God created me to be. For the first time in my life I am living the way that he created me to live. Finally, I am free to be me and share me with others.
Does it still serve me? Yes
4) How has playing this role blocked me from doing the things I truly enjoy? Before I came free, these roles where no fun and I did not see any light at the end of the day. Now, I embrace each day given to me and the roles that I play bring me much joy and comfort knowing that I am not the one in control but he is. I am free because of Jesus and I am living the life he created me to live.
Monday, November 29, 2010
With a Little Help from a Stranger ~ week three
Week three’s lesson take us on a different view that I have never considered. Everyone is unique in there own ways and we all brings different views on how to live a peaceful life. The lady in this week’s story is a strange case that I would have never thought of. Who in there right minds would allow for a Bee Hive to be inside their home? Not me for sure. When I see bees outside I run from them as if they were really going to hurt me. Really, I am so much bigger then they are. Why would I run from something so small that only stings for a bit? I totally understand why some would as they are allergic to them and have severe side effects if stung. My mom would die if stung by a bee.
If I were to walk into this women’s home who had the bee hive I would walk right out – why? The lady assures her guest the bees will not hurt her. For me I would be a bit hesitating and yet intrigued. What if I were to miss a divine appointment there? Sure enough the two ladies sit at the table with a glass of ice water that had the freshest twist of lemon and hummus on pita bread for lunch. The host was very attentive and sincere when asking her guest to “tell me about you.”
How does one tell someone else about who they are? This should be a simple question to answer, you would think. Yet, if you were put on the spot right now, how deep would you go or would you be quick to say that I am a mother of two boys, work for Scentsy in the Finance department and leave at that. That would be a simple answer, but the truth is that we are much more then that.
Life Lesson #3
Get to Know the Real You
We are with ourselves 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We should totally know who we are and what we stand for. For most of us we tend to others and focus on who they are. We need to focus more on who we are so then when we attend to others we are more valuable to them. We need to be authentic –
Authentic – worthy of acceptance or belief as conforming to fact or reality: syn. Genuine, veritable, bona fide; being actually and precisely what is claimed.
So many women become wrapped up in everyday life and forget who they really are. How do you introduce yourself to others? I know for me when I am meeting my kids friends parents I always say I am Tristan’s mom. But I am more then that. Hello, my name is Amber and I am Tristan’s mom – this is how we should introduce ourselves.
For us women we become identified with the many roles we take on in our life such as; being a mother, wife, caretaker, daughter and a career woman. We begin to lose track of who we really are and become what we do. Our dreams become glimpses, our love becomes shallow, and what we value seems so distant – we lose our self.
“Many women have buried their authentic selves under a façade constructed in order to please other people or to be socially acceptable.” In order to uphold this image it becomes draining and self-defeating, which requires much energy to maintain thus leaving nothing for us to take hold onto.
Break free from this scripted life and begin to find out who you really are beyond being a mother, wife, caretaker, daughter, friend, and career woman. Remove everything that is not essential and discover your true authentic identity. Become the women you are – the one God created you to be. Begin to know and understand what is important in your life. Remember your hopes and dreams and bring life back into them. Take yourself on a mission to recover your joy, wisdom, passion, enthusiasm, self-confidence, vitality – the threads of your true self that you lost along the way.
Taking this journey requires courage, commitment, and perseverance. We can do all things with him in control. Rest in God and he will show you who you are in him.
Questions worth asking yourself ~
1) How do the people in my life see me? What do they come to me for?
2) What role do I play most often: caretaker, teacher, nurturer, risk taker, rebel, diplomat, the responsible one?
3) How has playing this role served me? Does it still serve me?
4) How has playing this role blocked me from doing the things I truly enjoy?
Be blessed in this weeks reading and journey.
If I were to walk into this women’s home who had the bee hive I would walk right out – why? The lady assures her guest the bees will not hurt her. For me I would be a bit hesitating and yet intrigued. What if I were to miss a divine appointment there? Sure enough the two ladies sit at the table with a glass of ice water that had the freshest twist of lemon and hummus on pita bread for lunch. The host was very attentive and sincere when asking her guest to “tell me about you.”
How does one tell someone else about who they are? This should be a simple question to answer, you would think. Yet, if you were put on the spot right now, how deep would you go or would you be quick to say that I am a mother of two boys, work for Scentsy in the Finance department and leave at that. That would be a simple answer, but the truth is that we are much more then that.
Life Lesson #3
Get to Know the Real You
We are with ourselves 24 hours a day 7 days a week. We should totally know who we are and what we stand for. For most of us we tend to others and focus on who they are. We need to focus more on who we are so then when we attend to others we are more valuable to them. We need to be authentic –
Authentic – worthy of acceptance or belief as conforming to fact or reality: syn. Genuine, veritable, bona fide; being actually and precisely what is claimed.
So many women become wrapped up in everyday life and forget who they really are. How do you introduce yourself to others? I know for me when I am meeting my kids friends parents I always say I am Tristan’s mom. But I am more then that. Hello, my name is Amber and I am Tristan’s mom – this is how we should introduce ourselves.
For us women we become identified with the many roles we take on in our life such as; being a mother, wife, caretaker, daughter and a career woman. We begin to lose track of who we really are and become what we do. Our dreams become glimpses, our love becomes shallow, and what we value seems so distant – we lose our self.
“Many women have buried their authentic selves under a façade constructed in order to please other people or to be socially acceptable.” In order to uphold this image it becomes draining and self-defeating, which requires much energy to maintain thus leaving nothing for us to take hold onto.
Break free from this scripted life and begin to find out who you really are beyond being a mother, wife, caretaker, daughter, friend, and career woman. Remove everything that is not essential and discover your true authentic identity. Become the women you are – the one God created you to be. Begin to know and understand what is important in your life. Remember your hopes and dreams and bring life back into them. Take yourself on a mission to recover your joy, wisdom, passion, enthusiasm, self-confidence, vitality – the threads of your true self that you lost along the way.
Taking this journey requires courage, commitment, and perseverance. We can do all things with him in control. Rest in God and he will show you who you are in him.
Questions worth asking yourself ~
1) How do the people in my life see me? What do they come to me for?
2) What role do I play most often: caretaker, teacher, nurturer, risk taker, rebel, diplomat, the responsible one?
3) How has playing this role served me? Does it still serve me?
4) How has playing this role blocked me from doing the things I truly enjoy?
Be blessed in this weeks reading and journey.
My answers to the questions from last week
What are the three things I've accomplished in my life that I'm most proud of?
1)Having this time right now to speak life into my boys. Directing them onto the right paths. We have had many curve balls thrown our way and we are pulling out of that ontop. Learning how to take care of me and healing me I can take care of my boys and raise them in a healthier safer home.
2)Learning to truly give my life over to God by allowing him to guide my ways. Walking every step of the way in Faith - knowing that he will take care of all things
3)Earning my bachelors degree in Business Science & Accounting. It does not matter what age you are you can still earn a degree.
What are five of my strengths, talents, and positive qualities?
1. Multi-task
2. Organization
3. Compassion for others
4. Cooking
5. Sharing my story with others in hopes to help set them free
How do I use my gifts and strengths in everyday life?
Each morning I wake up I spend my time with God. Allowing him first in my day helps all my gifts and strenghts come to life. Without God being first in control then my day becomes a downward spiral.
Are there ways in which I could make better use of my resources?
There are always ways in which we can make batter use of our resources. We just have to find out what works best for us in order to gain from those resources. What works for me may not work for you. This is what makes great conversations because everyone is able to bring something to the table and gain more then what they originally found.I am always looking for things to help me with life situations, struggles, or even the simple things as to finding a recipe. There are more resources now at our fingers tips - why not use them.
Hope you all enjoyed last weeks read. This week's story is "With a Little Help from a Stranger"
Have a wonderful and bless day my friends =0)
1)Having this time right now to speak life into my boys. Directing them onto the right paths. We have had many curve balls thrown our way and we are pulling out of that ontop. Learning how to take care of me and healing me I can take care of my boys and raise them in a healthier safer home.
2)Learning to truly give my life over to God by allowing him to guide my ways. Walking every step of the way in Faith - knowing that he will take care of all things
3)Earning my bachelors degree in Business Science & Accounting. It does not matter what age you are you can still earn a degree.
What are five of my strengths, talents, and positive qualities?
1. Multi-task
2. Organization
3. Compassion for others
4. Cooking
5. Sharing my story with others in hopes to help set them free
How do I use my gifts and strengths in everyday life?
Each morning I wake up I spend my time with God. Allowing him first in my day helps all my gifts and strenghts come to life. Without God being first in control then my day becomes a downward spiral.
Are there ways in which I could make better use of my resources?
There are always ways in which we can make batter use of our resources. We just have to find out what works best for us in order to gain from those resources. What works for me may not work for you. This is what makes great conversations because everyone is able to bring something to the table and gain more then what they originally found.I am always looking for things to help me with life situations, struggles, or even the simple things as to finding a recipe. There are more resources now at our fingers tips - why not use them.
Hope you all enjoyed last weeks read. This week's story is "With a Little Help from a Stranger"
Have a wonderful and bless day my friends =0)
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Wisdom of the Birds
Hello ladies,
I am sorry that I did not get this posted last week. Before I knew it the week was done and over. So here I am. Please read the next story "Wisdom of the Birds". Here is a small glimpse to this week’s story.
Life can bring many different life changing events your way. You can be going along with life planning for one thing and then all of a sudden an event happens such as a loss of a job, an illness, a death in the family, a divorce and so on.
Our story this week shows how planning for retirement can change in an instance. Instead of planning on being alone with one another, there is a sick parent to take care of, a child moving back home with her child, or a husband’s mental health not in good shape due to loosing his parents last year. Then, the husband looses his job. What else could go wrong?
Now the wife must request a leave from work to help out her daughter who is an emotional wreck. The wife decides to take a leave of absence from work in order to stay home to take care of the grandchild while her daughter puts her life together.
As adults/parents we have to make decisions that are hard but end up being rewarding in the end. There was already one income loss due to the husband loosing his job. Now the second income will be limited as well. But the joy of raising a grandchild will bring life back into the home.
Nature is so beautiful. God new what he was doing when creating all the animals, trees, plants and so on! Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I love when the leaves change from green to a warm red, orange, and yellow.
It is amazing how things can be put into perspective when you do not have much. For me, I have learned to live on a budget as a single mother with two boys. We buy only what we need and wait for the things that we want.
Here is the second life lesson we need to learn ~
Instead of focusing on your flaws and shortcomings, you should focus on the strengths, talents, and positive qualities God gave you. There has to be a balance in your life. For example; everything you have done, everyone you have loved, every mistake you have made, every obstacle you have overcome ~ this is what created the women you are today.
We must have a committed relationship with our self in order to live a balance life. Avoiding taking care of yourself only brings a destructive array around yourself ~ you are not much help to others. We are to love ourselves as Jesus loves us. Ladies, he sees you as precious jewels that glisten in the light and shine brightly in the dark. Embrace who you are. God created us for a purpose and that purpose is not for us to look down upon ourselves.
I will be back later this week with my answers to the questions. I look forward to reading yours. God bless and have a great week!
Questions to ponder ~
What three things I've accomplished in my life I'm most proud of?
What are five to my strengths, talents, and positive qualities? (yes, you do have them. If you spend a little time, you'll find that there are far more than five)
How do I use my gifts and strengths in everyday life?
Are there ways in which I could make better use of my resources?
I am sorry that I did not get this posted last week. Before I knew it the week was done and over. So here I am. Please read the next story "Wisdom of the Birds". Here is a small glimpse to this week’s story.
Life can bring many different life changing events your way. You can be going along with life planning for one thing and then all of a sudden an event happens such as a loss of a job, an illness, a death in the family, a divorce and so on.
Our story this week shows how planning for retirement can change in an instance. Instead of planning on being alone with one another, there is a sick parent to take care of, a child moving back home with her child, or a husband’s mental health not in good shape due to loosing his parents last year. Then, the husband looses his job. What else could go wrong?
Now the wife must request a leave from work to help out her daughter who is an emotional wreck. The wife decides to take a leave of absence from work in order to stay home to take care of the grandchild while her daughter puts her life together.
As adults/parents we have to make decisions that are hard but end up being rewarding in the end. There was already one income loss due to the husband loosing his job. Now the second income will be limited as well. But the joy of raising a grandchild will bring life back into the home.
Nature is so beautiful. God new what he was doing when creating all the animals, trees, plants and so on! Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I love when the leaves change from green to a warm red, orange, and yellow.
It is amazing how things can be put into perspective when you do not have much. For me, I have learned to live on a budget as a single mother with two boys. We buy only what we need and wait for the things that we want.
Here is the second life lesson we need to learn ~
Instead of focusing on your flaws and shortcomings, you should focus on the strengths, talents, and positive qualities God gave you. There has to be a balance in your life. For example; everything you have done, everyone you have loved, every mistake you have made, every obstacle you have overcome ~ this is what created the women you are today.
We must have a committed relationship with our self in order to live a balance life. Avoiding taking care of yourself only brings a destructive array around yourself ~ you are not much help to others. We are to love ourselves as Jesus loves us. Ladies, he sees you as precious jewels that glisten in the light and shine brightly in the dark. Embrace who you are. God created us for a purpose and that purpose is not for us to look down upon ourselves.
I will be back later this week with my answers to the questions. I look forward to reading yours. God bless and have a great week!
Questions to ponder ~
What three things I've accomplished in my life I'm most proud of?
What are five to my strengths, talents, and positive qualities? (yes, you do have them. If you spend a little time, you'll find that there are far more than five)
How do I use my gifts and strengths in everyday life?
Are there ways in which I could make better use of my resources?
Sunday, November 14, 2010
My love letter
Love letter to self
I am reading a book by Chicken Soup for the Soul – Life Lessons for Women. One of the stories that caught my spirit was the love letter. When you think of a love letter it is a letter that we write to someone else explaining why we love him/her. In this story I am instructed to write a love letter to myself. This has taken me a week to think about how to do this and were do I begin. So, the past week I have been thinking and this is what I have come up with.
Growing up in a dysfunctional home for 18 years I was told that I was not pretty, I was fat, that I would never amount to anything, I was selfish, a bitch, whore, and a slut. What little my mom new was that I was an amazing daughter that God created. Thank goodness God has his angels around me and protect my mind from completely believing what my mom was speaking into me everyday. I did not feel pretty and I was not fat but I believe that I was because of the lie my mom spoke into me. Today I believe that I am over weight, which has been a struggle for me and this too I will conquer. My mom had it made with me. I helped take care of the house when she was absent. I took care of my brother and sister and put mom to bed when she arrived home wasted. In the mornings, I made sure that my brother and sister were awake and ready for school. Breakfast was made and lunches were packed. If we missed the bus I would make sure that we had a ride to school from someone else so that we did not disturb my mom. If she only new how many times we missed the bus, it was rare.
Comes my adult years and I am still taking care of everyone else but myself. My first marriage I did not dress up at all. I wore clothes that were bigger than me to cover me up as I felt fat. My husband did not want me to wear flattering clothes as it kept other men from looking at me. If I worked, I came straight home to attend to all his needs and he continued to ignore me. His drinking was more important along with flirting with other women.
My second marriage my husband loves it when I dressed up. He bought me clothes that made me look and feel good. However, this did not stop him from being with other women. So, what I was doing was not enough to keep him home and all to me. Therefore, I felt that I was doing something wrong again. I became a punching bag to him. I knew that this was not healthy and left this marriage too.
Third marriage – people say that 3 is the charm. Well that is so not true. My third marriage was the worst. Not only did he have a drug problem, but alcohol became an issue along with pornography. If I dressed up he would wonder who I was dressing up for. I better make sure that I do not look at anyone else. Lies consumed his mouth in order for him to keeping living the sinful life he chose and accuse me of doing all the wrong in order to make himself feel better for what he was doing wrong. I became a woman full of anger and did not understand what I was doing any more. Finally, it hit me. I am worth so much more. I deserve so much more. God has bigger plans for me and he loves me. That is all that matters is that God loves me.
Finally, enough is enough. The most important thing in life now is that I know that I am worth much, much more and that God loves me for who I am as he is the one who created me and has molded me.
My love letter to myself is this –
Amber, you are an amazing daughter of the most High King. You are a loving mother who shows the love to her boys everyday. You are raising your boys as the precious kings God has created them to be. You are a loving and caring friend who cares about others thoughts and feelings. You have compassion for those who are hurting and will be there for them with open arms. There is no more taking advantage of you. You have learned about healthy boundaries and know when to say no. There is a fire in you to want to know more of the love of Jesus in your life. You are beautiful both on the inside and out. You have many talents that Jesus wants you to use and not be afraid of what other people think. Speak boldly in love and truth. Learn to love yourself and take care of yourself. Pamper yourself as you deserve it. It is time to spread your wings my dear sister, spread wide and high. God is there with you flying by your side. No more fear!!!!!
I am reading a book by Chicken Soup for the Soul – Life Lessons for Women. One of the stories that caught my spirit was the love letter. When you think of a love letter it is a letter that we write to someone else explaining why we love him/her. In this story I am instructed to write a love letter to myself. This has taken me a week to think about how to do this and were do I begin. So, the past week I have been thinking and this is what I have come up with.
Growing up in a dysfunctional home for 18 years I was told that I was not pretty, I was fat, that I would never amount to anything, I was selfish, a bitch, whore, and a slut. What little my mom new was that I was an amazing daughter that God created. Thank goodness God has his angels around me and protect my mind from completely believing what my mom was speaking into me everyday. I did not feel pretty and I was not fat but I believe that I was because of the lie my mom spoke into me. Today I believe that I am over weight, which has been a struggle for me and this too I will conquer. My mom had it made with me. I helped take care of the house when she was absent. I took care of my brother and sister and put mom to bed when she arrived home wasted. In the mornings, I made sure that my brother and sister were awake and ready for school. Breakfast was made and lunches were packed. If we missed the bus I would make sure that we had a ride to school from someone else so that we did not disturb my mom. If she only new how many times we missed the bus, it was rare.
Comes my adult years and I am still taking care of everyone else but myself. My first marriage I did not dress up at all. I wore clothes that were bigger than me to cover me up as I felt fat. My husband did not want me to wear flattering clothes as it kept other men from looking at me. If I worked, I came straight home to attend to all his needs and he continued to ignore me. His drinking was more important along with flirting with other women.
My second marriage my husband loves it when I dressed up. He bought me clothes that made me look and feel good. However, this did not stop him from being with other women. So, what I was doing was not enough to keep him home and all to me. Therefore, I felt that I was doing something wrong again. I became a punching bag to him. I knew that this was not healthy and left this marriage too.
Third marriage – people say that 3 is the charm. Well that is so not true. My third marriage was the worst. Not only did he have a drug problem, but alcohol became an issue along with pornography. If I dressed up he would wonder who I was dressing up for. I better make sure that I do not look at anyone else. Lies consumed his mouth in order for him to keeping living the sinful life he chose and accuse me of doing all the wrong in order to make himself feel better for what he was doing wrong. I became a woman full of anger and did not understand what I was doing any more. Finally, it hit me. I am worth so much more. I deserve so much more. God has bigger plans for me and he loves me. That is all that matters is that God loves me.
Finally, enough is enough. The most important thing in life now is that I know that I am worth much, much more and that God loves me for who I am as he is the one who created me and has molded me.
My love letter to myself is this –
Amber, you are an amazing daughter of the most High King. You are a loving mother who shows the love to her boys everyday. You are raising your boys as the precious kings God has created them to be. You are a loving and caring friend who cares about others thoughts and feelings. You have compassion for those who are hurting and will be there for them with open arms. There is no more taking advantage of you. You have learned about healthy boundaries and know when to say no. There is a fire in you to want to know more of the love of Jesus in your life. You are beautiful both on the inside and out. You have many talents that Jesus wants you to use and not be afraid of what other people think. Speak boldly in love and truth. Learn to love yourself and take care of yourself. Pamper yourself as you deserve it. It is time to spread your wings my dear sister, spread wide and high. God is there with you flying by your side. No more fear!!!!!
Life Lessons for Women ~ 7 essential ingredients for a Balanced Life
The Love Letter ~
Wow, write yourself a love letter. I have never had a love letter written to me. My younger son writes me little notes telling me how much he loves me and how wonderfully awesome his mommy is - yes that would can't as a love letter. Ok, close my eyes and see myself as the most glorious person in the world - really. Honestly, I would not want to be the ultimate beloved but I do get the point of what the writer is saying. We are to see ourselves as Jesus see's us and how other's see us.
When I close my eyes I see the love my boys have for me, how my friends look at me and how Jesus sees me as his precious jewel. Beleive me, it has taken a lot of work for me to get to this point.
Imagine going to your mailbox and pulling the pile of mail out finding a love letter. The thought of a love letter in my mail box warms my heart with much joy. What are you waiting for? I can already feel the warm fuzzies.
Find a comfy place to rest, brew yourself a cup of coffee or a favorite tea, grab a special piece of paper and a favorite pen, put on some soothing music, and begin writting yourself a love letter.
Talk about your special features like your eyes sparkle when the sun touches your face, your heart is warmed when your children love on you, etc....
Many of us ladies have made the same comment sometime in our life as this one "Most of you long for something more - more time, more money, more friends, a better relationship with your spouse or family. How many times have you heard yourself say, "I wish I had more time for myself"? "This stress is killing me." "I have to exercise and get in better shape." "I want my life to be more fun." "How am I going to make ends meet?" "Where has the day gone? I feel like I haven't gotten anything done!""
Take a look back over your life - not with a critical eye but look where you were and where you are now today. Ask yourself the following questions - What do I love? What are my core values and beliefs? What are my own needs and desires? How can I create a life that fits exactly who I am now, not who I've been?
It's time ladies to write yourself a love letter. I will be back on Friday with my letter to share. Be kind to yourself and love yourself as Jesus loves you. God bless you all!
Psalms 37:4 ~ The desires God placed in your heart were put there for a reason, they reveal the secret of who you really are and the life you are meant to live.
Wow, write yourself a love letter. I have never had a love letter written to me. My younger son writes me little notes telling me how much he loves me and how wonderfully awesome his mommy is - yes that would can't as a love letter. Ok, close my eyes and see myself as the most glorious person in the world - really. Honestly, I would not want to be the ultimate beloved but I do get the point of what the writer is saying. We are to see ourselves as Jesus see's us and how other's see us.
When I close my eyes I see the love my boys have for me, how my friends look at me and how Jesus sees me as his precious jewel. Beleive me, it has taken a lot of work for me to get to this point.
Imagine going to your mailbox and pulling the pile of mail out finding a love letter. The thought of a love letter in my mail box warms my heart with much joy. What are you waiting for? I can already feel the warm fuzzies.
Find a comfy place to rest, brew yourself a cup of coffee or a favorite tea, grab a special piece of paper and a favorite pen, put on some soothing music, and begin writting yourself a love letter.
Talk about your special features like your eyes sparkle when the sun touches your face, your heart is warmed when your children love on you, etc....
Many of us ladies have made the same comment sometime in our life as this one "Most of you long for something more - more time, more money, more friends, a better relationship with your spouse or family. How many times have you heard yourself say, "I wish I had more time for myself"? "This stress is killing me." "I have to exercise and get in better shape." "I want my life to be more fun." "How am I going to make ends meet?" "Where has the day gone? I feel like I haven't gotten anything done!""
Take a look back over your life - not with a critical eye but look where you were and where you are now today. Ask yourself the following questions - What do I love? What are my core values and beliefs? What are my own needs and desires? How can I create a life that fits exactly who I am now, not who I've been?
It's time ladies to write yourself a love letter. I will be back on Friday with my letter to share. Be kind to yourself and love yourself as Jesus loves you. God bless you all!
Psalms 37:4 ~ The desires God placed in your heart were put there for a reason, they reveal the secret of who you really are and the life you are meant to live.
Life Lessons for Women ~ 7 essential ingredients for a Balanced Life
Finally watched Julie & Julia this weekend ~ if feel so inspired to do something now. My heart desire is to lead women into freedom. There are many women who live in a lifetime of bondage ~ God does not want that for us. Romans 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.
Over the past couple of years I have received freedom from a life time of bondage. I now am free and I feel Gods love in my life everyday. There is such a relief and freedom knowing that I no longer am hanging on to all that was done against me or the sins that I have committed.
Why wait for that group to be gathered together ~ why not reach out to women now ~ So here I am reaching out to all you women who have suffered a lifetime of bondage and you are stuck in it wanting so badly to be released from it only to live a life of freedom as God intended you to live.
I have started reading Life Lessons for Women ~ 7 essential ingredients for a balanced life by Stephanie Marston, M.F.T. “Life Lessons for Women is the first book in a new line of Chicken Soup books. It is a true self-help book”. Find a book and read along with me. I will post the Life lessons after each study. We can talk about the study and post our answers to the life lessons. I will post my answers – if you do not feel comfortable in doing so that is alright. I do encourage you to do the work as this will open the door to freedom in your life.
The first Essential Ingredient is ~ Re-Collect Yourself
Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.
Lucille Ball
Our first lesson is “The Love Letter”
Today is Monday November 8, 2010 – I will give you time to find a book. For those of you who are joining late that is great - jump right in. On Wednesday November 10, 2010 I will post the first life lesson assignment. I look forward to going on this journey with all you women. May God enrich and bless your way
Over the past couple of years I have received freedom from a life time of bondage. I now am free and I feel Gods love in my life everyday. There is such a relief and freedom knowing that I no longer am hanging on to all that was done against me or the sins that I have committed.
Why wait for that group to be gathered together ~ why not reach out to women now ~ So here I am reaching out to all you women who have suffered a lifetime of bondage and you are stuck in it wanting so badly to be released from it only to live a life of freedom as God intended you to live.
I have started reading Life Lessons for Women ~ 7 essential ingredients for a balanced life by Stephanie Marston, M.F.T. “Life Lessons for Women is the first book in a new line of Chicken Soup books. It is a true self-help book”. Find a book and read along with me. I will post the Life lessons after each study. We can talk about the study and post our answers to the life lessons. I will post my answers – if you do not feel comfortable in doing so that is alright. I do encourage you to do the work as this will open the door to freedom in your life.
The first Essential Ingredient is ~ Re-Collect Yourself
Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.
Lucille Ball
Our first lesson is “The Love Letter”
Today is Monday November 8, 2010 – I will give you time to find a book. For those of you who are joining late that is great - jump right in. On Wednesday November 10, 2010 I will post the first life lesson assignment. I look forward to going on this journey with all you women. May God enrich and bless your way
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)