Random Question for Friday

Apple or PC?

I work from a PC and like it but have two i-pods. So why I have Apple products, I guess you would call me a PC girl.

What about you? Apple or PC?

Going with the "Maybe"

I've been reading a book that deals with fear. It's a great and encouraging book that has helped me a lot. One of the points the author, Jentzen Franklin, makes is that sometimes when we feel fear about something we have to trust God with the maybe.

Sometimes God tells us to do something and we don't really know how it's going to turn out. That's when we trust God to take care of us and believe His best for us.

I'm in a season right now in relationships, at my work, and life in general where I'm learning to trust God with the "maybe".

It's scary and there are times where I'm tempted to stay in my safe little corner. But here's the truth, I'll never fulfill the plans God has for me if I don't take risks and trust God with the "maybe".

Disappointed

Have you ever been disappointed in people? Recently, I was reading some comments by people who claimed to be Christians that just saddened me. It seems to me many who claim to follow Christ want to nullify the word of God. It seems they cherry pick verses that fit a god they can worship in their own image and that fits their world view. Please, I'm not trying to sound harsh but this is just what I observed.

I walked away sad but then God reminded me that people will fail, including myself. All I can do is to pray for them.

There has got to be a way we as followers of Christ can live in the truth and power of God's word without being harsh. Granted we probably won't win many popularity contests standing on God's truth, but we will lead more people into a real relationship with Him.

It's a tough balance, but when we find it, we can change the world.

Thoughts?

Random Question for Friday

I love to read old books from Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. I also love to read Christians books that speak into my life.

I don't like to read leadership books or how to be a better you at work type books. They make my eyes bleed due to boredom.

What kind of books do you like to read?

What kind of books do you avoid like the plague?

Taking Life One Day at a Time

I struggle with worry. Sometimes I worry so much, I forget to enjoy the day God has given me.

So, I'm praying and asking God to help me take life one day at time.

I want to enjoy every moment and take every opportunity to do what God has planned for me that day. It's been an up and down process. Some days I remember, other days I don't.

Hopefully soon, it will become a way of life for me. 

Is this something you struggle with? Any tips if you've overcome it?

Favorite Things

I love that feeling when I laugh so hard I get tears in my eyes.

It makes feel alive and gives me a sense that all is right with the world for that moment.

Honestly, it's one of my favorite things in life.

What about you? What are some of your favorite things?

Thoughts on Modesty

Everything I have is really God's because He's provided the money for it.

My house.

My food.

Even my clothes.

As I was thinking about this, it dawned on me...

If my clothes are given to me by God, then wouldn't I want them to more modest?

Now I'm not one of those people who think women should be covered from head to toe, but I do think women should guard the way they dress. Especially in the way of exposing their boobs to the whole world. I've seen amazing Christian women who cause guys to stumble all over themselves because their "girls" are hanging out of their top.

But I don't think the only reason women should dress modestly is so guys won't drool all over themselves.

I think women should dress modestly first to please God. And second, for themselves. Think about it, if you think you have to expose a body part to feel attractive, you probably don't think very highly of yourself.

There are ways women can look attractive without exposing themselves, it just takes some fashion sense and a little bit of creativity.

After all, our clothes are really given to us by God. Shouldn't they glorify Him instead of particluar body part? Just sayin'.

Random Question for Friday

I got a new phone.

And it's a smart phone.

Yes, I know I'm late to the game but I'm cheap and I wanted to wait until there was an affordable data plan out there.

And know I'm slightly addicted.

So, I'm trying to cut back. Big time.

Do you struggle being addicted to new gadgets? Any gadgets you're slightly addicted to now?

Romantic Comedies Study

I was listening to the radio and they were talking about this study. It seems that all those romantic comedies may not be good for our relationships. Here is the link.

Romantic Comedies Can Damage Your Relationships

Now, I'm not crazy about studies like this because sometimes they can be too broad. However, I can't deny that in the past my expecations in relationships and my friends' expectations in relationships haven't been effected by these movies.

Thoughts?

When God Repeats Himself

God speaks to everyone differently, but for me when God keeps bring up the same subject over and over again...I know He's trying to tell me something.

There are two things in my life right now that I'm  praying for like a mad woman and the message God is clearly speaking to me is "Don't give up!"

And strangely, it always seems to be tied to the verse Nehemiah 4:14 "...Don't be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers,your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!"

This verse is about a guy named Nehemiah who despite incredible odds, rebuilt the wall in Jerusalem. This guy refused to give up.

I don't know what God has for me but I do know that He doesn't what me to give up what I'm praying for.

Has God been repeating Himself with you, lately? What's He saying?

Grace

Lately I've been thinking about how Christians (myself included) give or don't give grace to others.

And I came to realize that sometimes we can be horribly inconsistent.

When someone messes up royally, we tend to sweep it under the rug and pull out the grace card to justify their sin.

But when it's something small, we tend to act like that person has committed a felony and we shred up the grace card and stomp on it.

I got to thinking about this because of something that happened about a week ago.

A friend of mine made a mistake (a small one) because they were hurt. The mistake was wrong, but I was surprised at the lack of mercy and grace some people had. It's as if they had no pity that this person was wounded.

In this instance, I was the only one trying to persuade everyone to have a little pity and understanding.

Now before you give me my halo, let me tell you that I'm not always this way.

In fact, this whole post is about the hypocrisy I see in myself. When someone screws up big time, I tend to extend grace...sometimes to point where I don't confront the behavior.

But in the little things, like if someone is just simply late to meet me some place, there is no grace at all. They were late, they're insensitive and selfish, and that's that.

Crazy.

So I'm asking God to give me more of a balance when extending grace. And that I will see people the way He sees them. And for heaven's sake, just give people the benefit of the doubt sometimes, especially in the little things. After all, God has given me so much grace when I don't deserve it.

Do you see yourself doing this sometimes? Thoughts?

Random Question for Friday

Yesterday, someone told me that I'm an animated talker...meaning that I bob my head and use my hands when I talk.

I'd never noticed that before.

So here's my question for you. Are you an animated talker or are you a hold still don't talk with your hands kind of talker?

Conquering Fears

I'm all about conquering fears. In fact, I'm trying right now to conquer a few of my own. And it's proving to be quit a battle.

But there is one fear that I have no desire to conquer. Ever.

Jumping out of a plane at 10,000 feet.

You see, a friend's b-day is coming up. And she and a few of my other friends are going skydiving. I'm going...but only as ground support. My size fives will be firmly planted on the ground with a video camera in my hand to record their stupidity...I mean bravery ;)

Some people believe in doing radical (and somewhat dangerous) activities to conquer their fears. I am not one of them.

I prefer the pray to God and ask His power to take my fears away while my feet are firmly planted on the ground method. Then obeying His voice and doing what He tells me (hopefully it will never involve skydiving...or I'm in trouble).

Of course, I'm very proud of my friends' courage to do what they're afraid of. That's is always admirable. And I will be their biggest fan when they do it...I'll just be cheering on the ground instead of 10,000 feet up in the air.

What about you? How do you conquer your fears?

Rain

I love the rain.

It's calm and peaceful.

It cleanses and makes everything clean.

When my life is in chaos, there's something about a quiet rain storm that calms me. And strangely makes me think everything is going to be alright. I can't explain it, but I'm grateful every time God sends a quiet rain storm my way.

What in nature calms you or gives you peace every time you see it?

A Jab and a Smile

Have you ever been with someone and they take a swipe at you or someone else with a smile on their face?

I call it the jab and smile technique.

And I should know about it, because I used to do it. All.the.time.

I would use sarcasm or a cute comment to veil a criticism or issue I had with someone. Until someone pointed out to me that even though I thought I was cleverly disguising my frustration, the person on the other end got my full meaning. And it was more of an insult that I said it with a smile.

So I decided to try and change.

It was tough.

Mainly because I didn't know how to express my feelings in a constructive way. I would do real well for a while and then fall back into my "jab and smile" tactics. But after much practice, I finally discovered how to express my feelings rather than hide behind a quick but stabbing comment. Not that I don't fall on my face every now and then, but for the most part the jab and smile technique is history.

Have you ever struggled with this? Have you ever been on the receiving end of this?

Thoughts?

Random Question for Friday

I've never gone on a  blind date.

But one of my friend's tells a story of a blind date gone wrong and it makes me laugh out loud everytime I hear it.

I'm not opposed to blind dates, just curious of how they usually turn out.

Have you ever been on a blind date?

If not, do you have any blind date stories you've heard about?

Attack

There are some in the Christian community that believe everything is the devil's fault.

Tire blows out...it's the devil.
Tripped down the stairs...it's that guy with the horns and pitchfork again.

I'm not one of those people.

But lately...all the things that have happened to me and those in my family can only be described as a spiritual attack. It has literally been one thing after another.

I don't claim to know everything about spiritual warfare, but I can tell when I'm in it.

And I'm in it.

It's tiring but it brings me closer in prayer for myself and those in my family.

God is bigger and stronger...that's what I remind myself as I walk through this.

What are your thoughts about spiritual warfare/attacks? Any tips?

Loyalty

Recently, my pastor did a message on loyalty and what that means. Before that sermon, I thought I was loyal...now I realize there are areas where I'm not so loyal.

When I think of loyalty, I think of Jonathan, the son of Saul.

This guy defies his father, defies in own self-interest, and remains loyal to his friend David no matter what.

Would I be that loyal to friends or family?

I don't know. I'd like to think I would be.

I guess it's the against my own self-interest part that would be the most difficult. I mean, Jonathan was loyal to David even though every time he helped David, he risked his own life and sabotaged any chance he would have at being the next king of Israel. That is loyalty on steriods.

So as I strive to be more loyal to my friends and family, I will look to Jonathan as an example and only hope that I can come close to that kind of loyalty.

Thoughts about July 4th

I hope everyone had a great fourth of July.  I love this holiday because it reminds me how grateful I am to live in this country.

And how grateful I am for the brave men that stood up and fought to establish this nation.

Lately I've been really looking at our Constitution and all the effort and thought was put into it. It's really amazing all the debates that went on to establish our country.

If you haven't checked out the Constitution or the history surrounding it, I recommend that you do. It really is interesting about all the personalties that made up and influenced our Constitution.

What do think of when you think about the fourth of July? Besided hot dogs and fireworks ;)

Random Question for Friday

The last really good movie I saw in the theater was "Up".  I loved the humor mixed with beauty of the story of Carl Fredrickson's realization that his adventure hadn't ended...there was still more for him to do.

What was the last really good movie you've seen?

Learning Something New

There is something about learning how to something that you had no idea how to do previously that makes your confidence go up and makes you feel like you accomplished something.

This last weekend a learned something new.

Laying sod.

Me and some of my friends helped with Habitat For Humanity and we (and a large group of people from my church) laid sod for two houses thank you very much.

It was interesting to see me and my friends learn how to lay sod (we aren't exactly the type that know home building type stuff).

So needless to say we were pretty proud of ourselves.

Have you learned anything new lately? Please share.

Just Because There's Truth There...Doesn't Mean You Say It

I was in the seventh grade. One of my good friends was wearing a short and somewhat tight skirt.

What did I do?

I went behind her back and told my classmates about the awfulness of her skirt. And of course, she found out.

It hurt her so bad, it took me two days to get her to talk to me. She finally forgave me, but it took a while for our friendship to get back to the way it was. I learned two lessons that day that have stuck with me.

1. Never talk behind someone's back.
2. Just because something has truth in it...doesn't mean you should say it.

I was thinking of all this because lately I've run into a few people who have the habit of chattering about others behind their back. And I realized in every instance, they weren't making up vicious lies or anything. They took a small element of truth and made assumptions about that person. And decided to tell the whole world about it.

Much like I did when I decided to gab about my friends skirt.

I'm more convinced every day that we should all listen to Thumper in the Disney movie Bambi...with a little addition of my own.

 "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all...(even if there's a little bit of truth in it)."

That last part is my addition.

Random Question for Friday

If you looked at my ipod you would see that I like singer/songwriter music, alternative music, and a few pop songs.

You would also see that I'm not at all into rap or country music (with the exception of the Rascal Flatts...for whatever reason I actually like some of their songs).

What kind of music would I find on your ipod? What kind of music will never be seen on your ipod?

Hannah's Heart

Crushed. Desperate. At the end of her rope.

That's the picture we get of Hannah in 1 Samuel. She's got no children in a culture where being a mother is everything. And she is made fun of and taunted year after year because of it.

I've got to believe that wasn't the first time she had begged God for a child.

But for whatever reason, God decided it was time to answer her prayer.

As I was reading this, I couldn't help but wonder...

Why this time? Why at this moment did God answer her prayer? Was her prayer especially desperate this time?

Truthfully, I never really arrived at a solid answer. I can only think that it was God's timing for that prayer to be answered and come to pass. I guess it's the mystery between each person and their relationship with Christ. And every situation is different and unique to that person.

The hope I get from this story is to never give up.

Because if God has given me a desire like the one in Hannah's heart...I've got to believe He'll answer that prayer in His timing and in way that's better than I could ever imagine.

Double Standard?

Why is it when an older woman dates or marries a younger man she's called a cougar or puma but when a guy dates a younger woman he's a just a regular guy?

Am I the only one who finds this  double standard interesting?

Now I'm not into dating guys 8 years (or more) younger than me...but still...I don't think women should be called names because they find someone who happens to be younger than they are.

Thoughts?

Circumstances

There are some people who say that all  the circumstances we find ourselves in are random.

Call me a dreamer, but I believe some of the circumstances we find ourselves in are weaved together in a beautiful way towards the plan God has for us.

I mean...take a look at the story of Ruth.

She made the choice to stick with her mother-in-law and move back to the land of Israel.

And of all the fields in that area, she just happened to work in Boaz' field.

Boaz just happened to notice her.

Boaz' just happened to be the guy who's job it was to take care of her (he was a distant relative).

And even when it seemed there was a kink in the plan, God came through.  Another guy was in line to marry Ruth (thus leaving Boaz in the cold), but he decided he didn't want to marry her. And Boaz was next in line.

Hmmm...kind of makes you think God wanted those two together.

I know some circumstances are brought on by evil and by this fallen world and have very little to do with God. But I believe that it's the little things, the circumstances that we normally wouldn't notice, that God uses to bring us into His plan for our lives.

The Upper Hand

At the beginning of the year, I fasted along with members of my family.

We believed it would be the best year for all of us.

So far, it's been one of the hardest.

I guess I thought after fasting, everything  would magically fall into place. But it hasn't.

I was getting a little discouraged until God reminded me of something Beth Moore said in my Bible study this week.

God always had the upper hand.

Even when things look bleak, God's got it under control and will turn it around. Then she made another great point. I'm paraphrasing but basically she said that we'll never know the thrill of God coming through for us if we don't have what seems like an impossible issue staring at us right in the face.

Well...I've had a lot of those lately so I guess I'm going to see God come through in some big ways this year.

I just hope it's sooner than later.

And in the meantime, I'll remember that God has the upper hand.

Random Question for Friday

So...I need to get my hair done. Bad. I usually just highlight it blonde and get it trimmed.

Nothing too drastic.

But that doesn't mean I haven't had my share of crazy hair do's. I remember one time in college I had this brilliant idea that I needed to be a red head. Never mind it is the hardest color in the world to match. But that didn't stop me. Even when my hairdresser said she didn't think it was a good idea...it was full steam ahead!

I ended up having dyed red hair and dyed red eyebrows to match.

It was a disaster.

Needless to say in less than a week I was back to my blonde hair again. After several deep conditioning treatments.

What's the worst hair experience you've ever had?

The Power of a Good Story

Stories are powerful.

They make us cry, fill us with hope, inspire us to action, and challenge us to change.

I think that's why I love a good story.

It can be from a book, a movie, a personal story, or a story about someone's life in the Bible.

Right now I'm reading about the the life of Joshua in the Bible.

It's fascinating.

This guy's mentor was Moses. When God chatted with Moses, Joshua was actually there right beside him! It's clear that God prepared this guy from day one to fight and lead the people of Israel through the Promised Land.

It reminds me that God has great plans for us. And that fills me with hope.

What's a good story you've read or heard about lately? It can be a personal story, a story from a sermon, book, movie...it doesn't matter. Feel free to share!

Closer the Victory...the Harder it Gets

Anyone who has grown up around church has probably heard about the Wall of Jericho about a hundred times.

You may have even re-enacted the story in Sunday School by marching around blocks as a little kid.

But the real wall of Jericho wasn't made of blocks.

In fact, history tells us it was actually two walls. And exterior retaining wall about 12-17 ft and a wall behind that about 25 ft. tall. It surrounded a town that was probably 9 acres.

Can you imagine marching around that?

The people of Israel did. They marched once around the wall for six days.

But on the seventh day something changed.

According to what God told the Israelites, it was the last day for them to march  around the wall before it would come crashing down to the ground. You think God would give them a break. After all, they were so close.

But that's not what happened.

God actually asked them to march longer. This day they had to march around the wall seven times.

As I read this, something jumped out at me.

Sometimes the closer the victory...the harder it gets.

Sometimes when God's about to answer a long awaited prayer or deliver us from the circumstances we're in, He asks us to dig deeper than we ever have to achieve victory.

And that ecnouraged me because honestly, it's been really rough lately. But I feel like God is telling me to fight harder and not give up no matter what.

If you're where I am right now and it seems as if things are getting harder not easier...have hope. Because victory might be just around the corner.

Loss

I don't have much to say today. Last week, I lost my "Grammy" who I loved and who I know loved me very much. Please be in prayer for my family.

Random Question for Friday

Since I just got back from vacation, I thought this would be a great question to ask for Random Question Friday.

What's the best vacation you've ever been on?

Vacation

I'm headed for vacation with my family.

And I can't wait.

For the next seven days I'll be hanging out by the pool, shopping, and pretty much doing nothing.

Thank you God for vacation.

Leaving the Unmarried Folks Behind

It happens a lot. Your friends get married and you're deleted from their social circle.

Sometimes it's intentional and sometimes it's not.

But it still happens.

Now, let me say I do have some good friends that haven't left me in the dust, but those kind of friends are rare.

This is just my opinion, but I think those who are married should be pouring into those who aren't. No matter how long they've been married.

They have insights and wisdom that those who are unmarried could learn from.

It reminds me of a verse in Joshua. You see, God was leading all the tribes to the Promised Land. Well...right before they crossed over, two tribes said they had found the land they wanted. So they asked Moses to give it to them.

This was Moses' response, "Stay with them (the rest of the tribes) until the Lord gives them rest, as He has given you rest, and until they, too, possess the land the Lord your God is giving them. "

In other words, he told them to help their friends and neighbors fight for their land before they settled down all comfy and cozy in their own.

I would argue that those who are married should do the same. It doesn't have to be anything huge. It could be praying for your unmarried friends, sending them an encouraging note,  or giving them relationship advice.

I hope to do that for my unmarried friends when I get married.

...if I have any unmarried friends left by the time I walk down the aisle.

Thoughts?

Random Question for Friday

Swim. Bike. Run

If you had to, which one would you choose?

I can swim to save myself but my form looks like a 3rd grader. Swimming is out.
I could bike but I don't have the money for a nice bike. Biking is in works for the future.

Therefore, my answer for now is run. It's fun, relaxing, and great excercise.

Your turn.

Respect and Honor

I have a friend who just got married.

Of course, I was in the wedding.

Yeah I know, always a bridesmaid...

Anyways. One thing I noticed about her and her now husband is they speak well of each other.

In all of my conversations with her, she never tore him down. In dating or now in marriage.

Even when something bothers her, she speaks well of him to others.

And people say the same thing about the way he treats her.

It's not blindness, because they know each other's faults.

It's respect and honor of their spouse.

That's the kind of spouse I want to be.  And that's the kind of spouse I want to have.

So thanks to two friends for being a great example of what respect and honor looks like.

Lost Art

I love old movies.

It was time where the story was more important than how many sex jokes you could place in a movie.

The actors and actresses looked good and had talent.

Everything about old movies has become a lost art.

I wish they made more like them.

What do you think as become a lost art?

My Past Body Image Issues

I look so fat.
I've got to skip a meal today because I didn't get to work out.
If I have that piece of cake it's over.

Sadly, many years ago this is what my thought life was. I was obsessed with my weight. I would skip meals, excercise like crazy, all to stay thin.

And here's the crazy part...I was thin!

But I was filled with fear. Fear of gaining weight, fear of being unloved...rejected.

It took years to have a healthy relationship with food and excercise.

Now...praise God...I am free.

I eat healthy, excercise regularly...but I am not crazy about it.

Here are signs you may have an unhealthy body image:
Guilt when you miss a workout.
The feeling of being "fat" when you miss a workout.
Having no sweets. Ever. End of story.
Working out more than 3 hours a day (unless training for something)
Skipping meals
Counting calories like a mad woman

All of these things led me to have a very unhealthy body image.
We live in a society that uses food as a drug. We either eat too much and live unhealthy lives. Or we starve ourselves and live unhealthy lives.


Both are deadly and destructive.


If you are struggling in this area, talk to someone. Get help. God wants to set you free. All you have to do is open the door and let Him in.

It Ain't Cause We're Good

God blesses us because we follow Him and because of our faithfulness to Him.

Sounds about right...or does it?

I know there are plenty of verses that say God blesses those who follow Him.

And while that's true,  I think sometimes we can take those verses a bit too far.

And end up getting things backwards.

We believe it's because of our faithfulness that God blesses us. But in reality, it's because of His.

This all hit me when I read chapters 8-10 in Deuteronomy. God basically tells the people of Israel it ain't cause you're good that I'm giving you the land I've promised you, it's because of my faithfulness to the promises I have for your life.

So the next time I'm blessed with something I'm  going to remember one thing...

It ain't because I'm good, it's because God is faithful.

Random Question for Friday

Everyone has a dangerous food item that if they could have it all day every day they would gain 200 pounds in 6 months.

Mine is salt and vinegar chips.

And since I've yet to find a healthy version...I'm stuck with the ones that will make you blow up like a blimp.

I'm not kidding when I say I could eat bag, after bag, after bag...and then lick out the inside of each bag.

That's why they are never in my house.

What's your dangerous food item?

Finding LOL Friends

Growing up and even well into adulthood I always kept friends at arms length. They would give, I would take, and give nothing in return.

I know now it stemmed from insecurity. I thought if people knew me, they would reject me.

Thankfully, I no longer feel this way. God freed me of my insecurity a couple of years ago. And around that time,  I walked into a women's group suggested by my sister. I was down (about a boy, of course) and I'm sure I looked like a pathetic mess. But these girls didn't seem to mind.

They took me in and accepted me. Even though they had been friends longer.

Now...around three years later they are the greatest friends ever. We've had some additions to our group, heartache, lots of laughter, and three weddings (and hoping to have many more).

They are the friends I never knew I could have.

The ones that challenge you to be more like Jesus, make you laugh out loud, and encourage you when you are down.

So here's to good friends who help me be more like Jesus and make me laugh out loud more than any group of girls I've ever known.

Do you have friends like this?

Advice

My last posts were kind of heavy so I thought I would keep this one light. Women always go to each other for advice.

Especially relationship advice. 

I think sometimes we tend to go to each other before we go to God. But that's for another post.

When it comes to  advice, I've got to be honest...I usually open my mouth and give my advice too quickly. I speak before I think, especially when I really care about the person.

And sometimes it makes me look like a jerk.

So I decided to try something new. Recently, when a friend was asking for advice, I was more quiet. I still gave my advice. But it wasn't my stupid human wisdom...I simply said "I don't know. Ask God and He'll show you what to do."

Imagine that. I pointed someone to God instead of my own silly ideas.

I think I'm going to start doing that from now on. Especially when I don't really know what they should do (which is most of the time).

What about you? Are you quick to give advice?

Wanted: More Men (and women) Like Joshua and Caleb Part 2

Yesterday I talked about Joshua and Caleb. And that it amazed me to find that they were the only two men (20 years and older) that got to leave Egypt and actually enjoy the Promise Land.

What made them different than everyone else?

This is my humble observation. One, they were leaders not followers. Everyone else was panicking, whining, and rebelling against God. But not these guys. Check out what God said about them.

"The only exceptions are Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun, for they have wholeheartedly followed the Lord." Numbers 32:12

Two, they had perseverance. It must have been hard not to complain...not to be discouraged and afraid, to totally trust God. Even the great leader Moses couldn't see it all the way through. In a moment of weakness, Moses didn't trust God. And he got to see the Promised Land but not enter it.

This got me thinking.

Where are men like Joshua and Caleb these days? Men who aren't afraid to stand up and live their lives for God. Men who aren't afraid to be different from the world. Not just kind of different...but radically different. Women too. Why can't we have the strength these guys had?

Now I'm not talking about being weird different. But a secure, confident different.

I don't know about you, but I don't want to be like the Israelites...who whined and completely turned from God out of their distrust of Him.

But that doesn't scare me really.

What scares me is that I'll be like Moses. I'll be strong and trust God. But in a crazy moment of weakness I'll distrust him...and get close to living the dreams and plans God has for me...maybe even get a glimpse of them. But I won't get to enjoy them.

No. I want to be like Joshua and Caleb. I want to see it all the way through. I want God to say about me what he said about them...that I "wholeheartedly followed the Lord." And frankly, I want a man who will do the same.

Wanted: More Men (and women) Like Joshua and Caleb Part 1

Moses leading the Israelites is a story many are familiar with. We learn about Moses and his brother Aaron leading a large group of rather whiny Israelites through the desert.

But we forget about two heroes that stood out among the rest. Joshua and Caleb.

Here's what went down. God told Moses to send 12 "spies" to scope out the new land. All 12 spies saw the same thing...large fruits and vegetables, large foreign armies, and giants. Yes...giants. All of them totally freaked out and got all the Israelites to freak out too.

Except for two...Joshua and Caleb.

I love what these men said. "Don't rebel against the Lord, and don't be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don't be afraid of them!"

Sadly...no one listened.

Everyone rebelled except for Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb. And God told them that everyone 20 years and older would wander the desert and never enter the Promised Land. Sad.

But that's not what really struck me. This is what got my attention.

Out of all the Israelites (20 years and older)...only Joshua and Caleb got to leave Egypt and enter the Promise Land. They got to experience the whole adventure...God's whole purpose for them.

Even Moses and Aaron sinned and were unable  to enjoy the Promise Land. Moses got close...but because he sinned, he only got to see the Promise Land...not enjoy it.

In next couple of posts, I'm going to talk about these guys Caleb and Joshua. And how we need to be and find more men and women like them.

Random Question for Friday

I love fashion...especially at an affordable price.

My favorite stores with affordable fashion are Kohl's and a website called ModCloth.com

I also shop the sales at BCBG.

You can get cute clothes at a good prices.

My weakness in stores is Anthropologie, when I have some extra money and can find prices that are reasonable...I indulge and buy a top there.

What are some stores you've found with cute clothes at affordable prices? What's your indulgence store?

Don't Give Up!

There is something that God has been speaking to me lately. He's almost screaming it at me. 

Don't give up. On your dreams and the vision I've given you.  

A certain verse keeps coming up every time.

Nehemiah 4:14 "...Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and daughters, your wives and your homes."

This verse is Nehemiah talking to the Israelites. You see, Nehemiah had a problem. His people had been in capitivity in Babylon for years and the protective wall surrounding the city of Jerusalem was in ruins.

And even though they had the opportunity, the Israelites had not rebuilt the wall.

Nehemiah believed that God wanted him to do it. So, he gathered all the people together and they started to rebuild the wall. But they faced fierce opposition and  they got discouraged. So Nehemiah encouraged them with the verse above.

Nehemiah had a vision from God. He could have given up. But he didn't.

And neither should you or I.

If God has given you a vision or assignment, don't give up. No matter how long the wait or how fierce the opposition. Remember who God is and rely on Him, He will bring it about.

Tacky Comments

When you are in the south, the older you get and are unmarried, the more tacky comments you get by well-meaning people.

The most frequent one is this...you're a pretty girl, a smart girl, you love God,  I cannot understand why you're not married! Then they begin to question me about my love life.

My friends laugh because we all know that's code word for what the *&!# is wrong with you?

It's as if they want to uncover the mystery of your marital status, I always tell them when you figure it out let me know.

So...what's the tackiest comment someone's said to you regarding your marital status?

Modesty Suggestions 4 the Fellas

I'm all for modesty. There is nothing worse than going out or even going to church and being greeted with double D's right in your face. And ladies...when you do this you look cheap not sexy. Just sayin'.

I believe a woman can look hot without showing off her body. It's called fashion. Note I said fashion, not trends that the teenagers are wearing. See TLC's What Not To Wear for tips.

However, I think we are hard on women and forget that men can cause women to stumble too.

So here are my humble suggestions for the fellas.

1. If you are in good shape, please keep your shirt on. We know you work out...you don't need to advertise. 

2. If your are in good shape, don't were tight shirts that could fit a toddler. It's just like going out with your shirt off. Plus, it just makes you look like you're trying too hard.

That's it for me.

Some would add the tight jeans to that list. But that doesn't really cause me to stumble as much as it makes me jealous that you can fit into those jeans and I can't.

What have I left out? Are there any other things you would add to the list?

Grocery Story Lines and Patience

Patience used to be something I really struggled with. I couldn't even wait in line at the grocery store without getting grumpy.

And since I couldn't wait in the small things, it was near impossible for me to wait for the big prayers I was asking God for. I asked God to help me in this and His answer surprised me a little.

Don't worry about having patience for the big things right now, focus on the small things first.

And so I did. Instead of being in a rush and impatient wherever I went, I started to take things slow. At first,I failed more than I succeeded. But after a while, waiting in lines at the grocery store or waiting for other little things didn't bother me anymore. In fact, it allowed me to slow down and just enjoy the moment even if it wasn't what I wanted it to be.

And something strange happened, that attitude began to translate into the big prayers I was asking God for.

I began to enjoy the moments I had rather than impatiently wishing them away so I could move forward.

I think God has us start with the little things because it's what we can tackle (with His help) at the moment. And then He takes what we learned there, and applies it to the big things in life.

I still have my moments of impatience (in the big and small things), but impatience doesn't own me anymore. And it all started when I learned to have patience while waiting in the line for groceries.

Mother's Day

I rarely post on Sundays but I have to say Happy Mother's Day to my mom and sis-in-law! You are the best moms I know!

My heart also goes out to those of us who want to be mothers but aren't.

Whether you're unmarried and want a family or a couple who longs for a baby, you are being prayed for today.

Random Question for Friday

I love any kind of ethnic food. It can be Thai, Mexican, Japanese, Latin Fusion, Italian,Greek...you name it. My friends and I search the local (not chain) restaurants that have the best food on the planet. Most of them are ethnic in some way or have unique flavors.

But I don't really care for southern comfort foods.

Which is weird because I live in the Upper South. Oh well.

What's your favorite kind of food?

Risk

Risk sometimes involves hurt. And it’s better to risk than to do nothing at all.

We take risks every time we venture out into a place where people are and where we might feel uncomfortable.

As I thought about that, I remember how I used to be. You see, I used to be the one who didn’t take risks, didn’t venture out, and stayed within my routine.

But then God showed me something. Yes, staying in your home, your routine, your comfort zone, feels safe at the time. In fact, you feel pretty good. And you seemingly avoid all the negative emotions that can come along with taking risks.


But it’s a lie. A set-up. A deception from Satan or from yourself that actually robs you of what you want most.

The truth is, risk involves getting hurt sometimes.

Feeling awkward. Feeling like you might not measure up to everyone else.

But it also leads to meaningful friendships, getting to know new people, and opening your heart and life to relationships.

For me,  I know that risk may hurt at times, but I believe the rewards it can bring is worth it.

So the next time you feel like you’ve taken a risk and it has hurt you, remember that risk doesn’t always involve pain. If you keep at it, it will bring you joy and rewards from God you never dreamed of.

What is it you’re risking right now?

Living Everday Like I Just Got My Hair Done

I have fine but very thick, long hair. So I always know it's time to visit my hairdresser when my hair starts look less like long in style tresses and more like I'm part of some community where the women wear long skirts and never cut their hair.

This weeked it was time.

Not only to get my hair cut but I got my hair blonde again.

I know guys would never understand this, but there's something about getting your hair done that makes a woman hold her head up a little higher. Stand a little taller. Is that a bad thing? No.

But I wish I felt that way about myself all the time. But truth is, I don't.

I get trapped in comparing myself to others and forget who God made me to be.

I guess I need to remember that every day is an opportunity for me to hold my head high, feel secure in myself, and treat everyday like I just got my hair done.

Rockin' the High Heels Again

I love heels. It can be a boot, a sandal, a peep toe, as long as it has a high heel...I'm in.

But I had to stop wearing them for a while.

I was training for a half-marathon and I couldn't wear them while training. I tend to get sciatica and the best way to help prevent that is to stop wearing high heels while training.

The good news is for the first time I had no sciatic nerve problems while training or in my race.

The bad news is I couldn't wear my high heels.

But now my race is over...the high heels are back.

And that makes me happy.

This girls is rockin' the high heels again...until the next half-marathon.

Making Things Complicated

I was at the tag agency this last weekend. And if you've ever been to one of these you'll probably hear conversations that go something like this...

Man: But I thought I needed to go here...

Woman behind desk: You do. But first you need a 936.

Man: A what?

Woman behind desk: A 936. A form you need to get from the county assessors office.

Man: I can't get that here?

Woman behind the desk: No. Go to the county assessor's office, get the form, and then come and pay your taxes. Have a nice day!

This is just one of the many kinds of conversations I heard.

I thought...

When did our government get so complicated?

There's a form for this, a tax for that, you need this, have to go to another place for that. It's exhausting. And it some ways utterly ridiculous. We've made things that used to be simple, complicated.

I think we do the same thing sometimes in the church.

We think we need to follow this rule or have certain things that will make us right with God. We complicate the simplicity of the Gospel with our man made rules and regulations. Now I'm not saying throw out Biblical standards clearly outlined in the Bible, but we don't need to add our own "rules" that complicate the message of Jesus.

What do you think? What ways do you think the church has complicated the Gospel message?

Random Question for Friday

My favorite Starbucks drink is a Chai Tea Latte.

It is heavenly.

What's your favorite Starbucks drink?

New Car

I've been talking about my car adventures on this blog. Well...the car that I had the windshield wiper adventure with has finally departed.

Permanently.

I was driving to go celebrate a friends birthday and the car started smelling like burnt hair (so help me, burnt hair!) and...the steering wheel start smoking. Awesome.

Prior to this, I didn't think that was possible. Now I know.

Anyway, after I got home, I decided it was time to move on to bigger and better things. It was time for a new car.

So...I begin to shop around. Now, I'm not really car kind of girl. If it's safe and reliable...I'm good.
But then I started to see all that was out there and I began to be tempted to buy a pimped out car that I clearly couldn't afford. I almost made a stupid decision so I could look good in a car.

I think this is true in our lives too.

We start out with our values in place. We know who we are and what we'll do...or so we think. Then we see what other people are doing...and even if it goes against our values, we feel tempted to be like them.

Drawn in by what we think will make us look good.

But the truth is, if we give up our values, we usually end up in over our head (just like I would have been if I'd chosen the pimped out car-yikes!).

So stick to your values. Stick to what you believe in. God will work out the rest.

BTW-This girl got herself the basic package of a barely used 2008 Honda CRV at price she could afford. I kept to my values AND got myself a great car. Now that's what I'm talkin' about.

Weakness

Weakness.

It's not something we like to talk about. Hey...did I tell you how weak I felt yesterday? It was awesome!

But the Bible says when we're weak, God is strong. I never really got that until last week. Until something happened that exposed my weakness.

And I was lost.

So I did the only thing I could do. I ran to God. I told Him what a mess I was and that only He could do something about it. And He came through in a way and is still coming through in a way that I'm in awe of.

It made me realize that I'm such a mess, and I'm nothing without my Savior.

If you are weak right now, run to God. Tell Him you can't fix it, but He can. And I believe He'll come through in a way that will leave you breathless at His wisdom and grace.

Hitting the Wall

There's a phrase in running that describes when a runner hits the hardest part of their race.

Muscles tighten. Body aches. And you begin to feel the blisters forming on your feet.

Ideally, you want to hit the wall closer to the end of your race than the beginning. As I write this, I have blisters on my feet, my hips and ankles hurt, and I'm a little tired from running a half-marathon this morning. Thankfully, I hit the wall at about mile 11 on a 13.1 mile course.

But that doesn't mean it was easy.

The tough thing about hitting the wall is you want to move faster but you can't. You feel good endurance wise, your mind is OK, but your muscles just don't seem to want to move.

And you have a decision to make.

You can quit and start walking. Or you can push through it.

Here's the thing...if you quit and start walking the race actually becomes harder (trust me...I did that on mile 22 of my one and only full marathon and it was not. a. good. idea.).

Your muscles tighten up more and when you you try run again it fells like hot needles poking your feet and legs.

But if you choose to push through it, your legs actually end up relaxing a little bit. And your pace might be slower, but your legs and feet ultimately feel better.

I think the same is true in our walk with God. Sometimes we hit a wall. We want to go forward, we want to move, but we just can't. Things seem to move at a snail's pace.

And you have a choice.

You can quit. Give up and start walking. Maybe even walk away from God. Or you can push through it. And trust me, when you push through it, the run is easier. The burden lighter.

So, if you've hit the wall, push through it. You'll come through it with some aches and pains, but it's worth it every time.

Now if you'll excuse me, I need to stretch out my aching legs :)

Race Day

Tomorrow I'm running in a half-marathon. I like to run. It's challenging and stress relieving all at the same time. I also go to a Bigges Loser style class that forces me to weight train.

Because I hate to lift weights.

What do you like to do for excercise? What do you hate to do?

Random Question for Friday

I don't watch a lot of TV. In fact, I couldn't tell you about any sitcom on TV right now. But I do have one favorite show. It's The Biggest Loser.  I love the fact that people have the opportunity to change their lives and break free from something that's been holding them back.

So...what's your favorite TV show right now? Why do you like it?

The Robber of My Life

Everyone has a thing that steals their joy.

The thing that sometimes makes them not want to get out of bed in the morning. The thing that robs them of living their life the way God intended them to. Mine is fear and anxiety.


Fearful of bad things happening to the people I love. Fear of the future. Fear of being alone.

And it robs me of my security. I’ve been reading a book by Beth Moore about insecurity and she tackles this subject towards the end of her book. Admittedly, the process God took her through would not work for me. And that’s cool because God made us all different. But what I did get out if it is that I REFUSE to let fear and anxiety rob me of what the day holds for me.

God’s got plans for me. I’m not dead yet, so that means He’s got stuff for me to do.

And how can I possibly hear His voice and do what He’s telling me to do when I’m in the corner rocking back and forth like a mad woman?

So…I made a choice today.

I chose not to fear. I chose to believe God is in control. And I refused to let fear rule my life.

And guess what? Those feelings of fear and anxiety went away immediately. I think it’s because I’m a fiery kind of girl when I want to be and I decided that I’m just going to take it anymore. I’m not going to let Satan use fear to rob me of my life. This is a HUGE step for me. I know I probably have more to learn but I know I’m headed in the right direction. And that is a huge comfort.

So, what’s the robber of your life? What stops you dead in your tracks and causes you not to live the way God wants you to?

Hope

I was talking with my close friends yesterday and the subject of hope came up. Hope is something that we all need...but rarely keep. Mainly because our spiritual enemy, Satan, is a thief. He's constantly waiting around the corner to steal our hope.

So how do we hold on to our hope?

Hope that God will answer your prayers for the child you and your spouse want.

Hope that you'll get a job when you tried so many other times.

Hope that you'll find the person God has for you to marry.

Hope that your kids will follow the Lord with all their heart, even when you see no signs of it.

Hope for...fill in the blank.

We get up every day and choose to believe that God loves us. That His plans for us are good. Even when we don't feel it. Even when we're so weak, we can't imagine God coming through for us.

And we pray.

Not those formal prayers that we think God would want to hear. But the tear filled, gut wrenching prayers, as we pour out our hearts to God. In my experience, when I do this, a peace seems to come over me. And slowly...sometimes really slowly...hope starts to grow in my heart.

And  I begin to believe that God can do the impossible. And that no matter what happens, God will work it together for my good (Romans 8:28).

What are struggling to hope for?

Running in the Rain

So...I'm training for a half-marathon. It's not the first time. In fact, I've trained for many of these. And for the most part, they've been about the same.

Until yesterday.

It was raining steadily and me and my training buddy needed to run our last eight mile run before a race. We thought we would go to the gym and run on a treadmill but instead we decided to do something different. Maybe a little crazy.

We could run in the rain outside.

And so we did. Yes, we got soaked. And yes, we probably looked a little crazy. But you know what? It was fun. It was adventurous and completely out of ordinary. It got me thinking...how many times do we step outside of our comfort zones? How many times we do something just for the sake of having fun?

Doing something different will sometimes seem crazy. But trust me, the adventure is worth it.

When's the last time you did something different and stepped outside of your comfort zone?

BTW-There was no thunder or lightening while we were running. I may be a little crazy...but I'm not stupid.

Looks Don't Matter or Do They?

Some friends and I were talking the other day about beauty. And we asked ourselves a tough question.

Are we lying to girls and boys when we tell them that looks don't matter?

Because the truth is...they do. At least in the real world. If you look at statistics, attractive people usually get the better job, more attention, etc. Then we got into the conversation that went something along these lines...

How come you see a princess with a frog but never a froggette with a prince?

(Yes, I realize I just made up the word for froggette to describe a female frog.) But seriously, how come you see a beautiful woman with an averaging looking man but you almost never see a good looking man with an average looking woman? We asked the question and the room fell silent.

We had no answers. Nothing.  And personally, I still don't have any answers.

That's why I'm putting these two questions to you. Do you think looks matter? Why do you think we see more beautiful women with the average Joe, but rarely see a good looking man with an average Jane?

Shifting Sand

“My faith is like shifting sand
Changed by every wave
My faith is like shifting sand
So I stand on grace.”
-Caedmon’s Call


Sigh. These song lyrics are so typical of my faith. Some days I believe God is good and that His plans for me are great.

Other days I have doubts. Doubts of His plans. Doubts of His faithfulness.

And today was one of those days. I hate it that I feel that way. So I make a choice. Even though I don’t “feel” it, I choose to believe His character. And trust that God’s grace will cover the places in my heart filled with unbelief.

“I do believe! Help my unbelief.”
-Mark 9:24 Man with a sick son.

Do you ever have days like this?

A Word that Stings

The other day someone referred to me as a single. And the word stung. And I couldn’t figure out why. I mean I’m all about Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”, why does this bother me? So…I did a little searching inside my heart and I realized something.

It wasn’t the word itself it’s what the word actually means.
Alone. Not together. Single. Not double.

It’s as if the meaning of the word reminds me of how alone I am. And that stings. Now let me be clear, I not one of those PC police who slaps a ticket on the words people say. I don’t care what people call this demographic. And I refuse to walk around being offended that people refer to me as single. I’m just talking about the way I felt at the time someone said this to me. I don’t know if it will sting the next time someone says that to me…I sure hope not.

But just to be safe, I’ll prefer to call myself and others like me as unmarried. At least for now.

Has this ever happened to you? Someone says one word in reference to you and it stings? Or am I the only one?

The Teenager Inside Us All

They say that inside every man is a little boy. And from my experience, I believe it. Not that it’s a bad thing, unless you’re a grown man and still living at home. I take that back. In this economy, you may be wise (or forced) to do so…but I digress.

But few talk about the thirteen year-old girl that can often rear it’s ugly self in grown women.

My friends and I were talking about this last week. We asked ourselves why we get so upset when a man, even a man we aren’t interested in, can say something to us and we get hurt or angry. But a girl can say the exact same thing to us and we’ll confront her or just write her off as a…well you know.

It’s like all of the sudden we become this emotional thirteen year-old girl and anything a man says to us melts us to pieces or gets us so angry we wants to rip the guy’s head off his body.

As we were talking, I decided to lay out my theory. I think that women have to stop placing our value on what a man (any man…even the one we wouldn’t date if he was the last guy on earth) thinks about us.

It’s dangerous to our self-worth and unfair to men.

It puts so much pressure on them. Can you imagine if you knew that every word you said could potentially cause the guys in your life to have a total global meltdown?

Yikes.

I also think that men need to be guarded in what they say to women. It’s one thing to give your buddy a hard time about what he wearing or what he just said. It’s is an entirely different thing to give a woman a hard time. You. just. don’t. do it. Trust me, even though she may not show it, she’s either seething or crying on the inside (depending on her personality).

That’s my theory for what’s it’s worth. Am I right or way off base?