Week of Thanksgiving

Today is Sunday, and thus begins the week of Thanksgiving.  With our busy lives, its common for us, when asked what we're thankful for, to quickly spout, "I'm thankful for my family and friends."  Or if you're a teenager you're likely to respond with thanksgiving for your ipod or your laptop or your car.  But what are we truly thankful for?  Sure its okay for teenagers to be grateful for their possessions - to an extent.  And its fantastic if we're thankful for our family and friends; as long as we're truly showing our appreciation to them.

Beginning today I invite you to come along with me and concentrate on one thing each day this week for which you are thankful - truly thankful, and show your appreciation.  Dig deeper than the surface responses and explore what you're most appreciative of.   And express sincere gratitude.

Today I'm grateful for my home.  It's not the largest or the nicest and it doesn't have a prestigious address - at least that's what society says.  However, I think it has the best address in the world.  It has the address that places it adjacent to my parents on the other side of the block.  It has the address that places it in the same neighborhood where I grew up - allowing me the privilege of raising my children next to where I was raised.  It has the address that surrounds us with family and friends.  And it has the address that places us ever so near to our beloved church and church family. 

My children and I have lived in this home for almost 9 years.  That's hard for me to believe - the years have really flown by.  But I rejoice in the fact that my children have had one home in which they've grown up.  At the ages of 16 and 13 today, this is the home where the vast majority of their childhood memories have been made.  Having grown up in a house that my parents moved into when I was  4 months old - and where they still live today - being able to give my children a home - one home - in which to grow up instead of moving around every few years was very important to me.  I realize that not everyone is able to do that and its not important for everyone to remain in one home.  But for me, that was a huge priority in my life and I'm so grateful that God has allowed it to come to pass. 

I bought a book a few years ago by author Robert Wolgemuth entitled, "The Most Important Place on Earth."  I had never heard of it and just happened across it at a Christian bookstore one day.  I highly recommend it - right up there with Max Lucado's "Cure for the Common Life:  Living in Your Sweetspot."  The most important place on earth is, of course, the home.  The subtitle to the book is, "What a Christian Home Looks Like and How to Build One,"  and that's exactly what the book is all about.  Realizing that your home is the most important place on earth for you, for your family, and for your children.  Some of the ideas are obvious and are things that most of us probably do without even thinking about it but there are also lots of suggestions that you may not have thought of - and they're all Biblical.  My intention isn't to provide a book review, but rather share with you how I work to make my home a Sweet Spot in my life, and more importantly in my children's lives, because it is the most important place on earth.

Our home is where we laugh together and cry together and pray together.  It's where we work together and play together.  It's where we celebrate and where we mourn.  It's where we express ourselves. My son has always had an artistic eye, so several years ago we turned one entire wall of his room into a dry erase board.  Several pieces of his artwork cover the other walls along with shelves of his favorite things.  My 16-year old daughter has a beautiful shabby chic flair to her room, complete with photos of Paris.  But most prominent in her room are the things she loves the most - her guitar and keyboard.  

I have a dear friend who recently told me that she likes to come to my house to see what I've hung on the wall. Okay, okay, I'll admit it.  My name is Monica and I am a hangaholic.  I love to hang something on the wall!!  I love surrounding myself with things I love and I find ways to display them - on the wall!!  My pastor is the complete opposite - he doesn't like anything on the walls.  I swear I see him twitch every time he comes into my home!!   If it sits still long enough and I have an empty spot on the wall, chances are it'll get hung at my house!!  The point is, my home reflects my personality and my children's personalities are evident in their rooms as well. 

Is your home a place where you love to be?  Does it reflect your personality?  Is it a place your family wants to be and invite friends to visit?  Mine is.  And its not because its the largest or the grandest or has a prestigious address.  But there's no other place in the world I'd rather be than at home - and I pray my children feel the same way.  Today I'm grateful for the beautiful home I share with my children and for the privilege that God has granted us to create this home over the past 9 years. 

Day 1 of Thanksgiving Week:  Is your home the most important place on earth in your life?

Royalty in Waiting

With all the news and excitement about the engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton, I've heard many newscasters question whether or not she's ready for her upcoming title - first as Princess and later, most likely, as Queen.  What sort of preparations must it take to become accustomed to a life of royalty?  Afterall, she'll be living in a palace, wearing gem filled crowns, inheriting royal jewels...how does a "commoner," as she's been described, prepare for such a life?  It must take alot of work, right?  What about us?  How could commoners like ourselves ever begin to make plans for that type of lifestyle? 

The answer is simple...become a Christian.  The Bible tells us that Heaven will be our reward and that it will be filled with mansions and palaces.  We will be donned with robes and wear jewel encrusted crowns.  How fabulous is that?!  Just like the Royals!!  But wait, there's more.  In Heaven there'll be no sickness or death.  No sadness or heartache.  No scandal or scrutiny.  Only pure joy and happiness as we live eternally.  Not even Queen Elizabeth herself can promise that!!

Buckingham Palace and the life that awaits Kate Middleton may sound grand and glamorous...but Heaven will be so much greater.  More wonderful than we can even imagine.  And our preparation for life there is simple.... Ephesians 2:8,9 reads (KJV) ^"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast." 

 Kate Middleton may have alot of work to do to prepare herself for the life of royalty that awaits her, but her works won't get her to her eternal reward.  Only God's grace and her faith can provide that life.  

Question of the Day:  Have you made preparations for the eternal life of royalty that God has promised?  

I Can't Get No Satisfaction

I know you've seen the commercials and heard the slogan.  "Snickers Satisfies."  While a Snickers bar is one of my favorite candy bars, I have to say that the "Fun Size" Snickers bar really ain't alot of fun; and it certainly doesn't bring alot of satisfaction.  I swiped one recently from my daddy's stash of leftover Halloween candy, and didn't find any fun in it whatsoever.  It just ticked me off and made me want more!!  So I ate another.  Nope, still no fun and no satisfaction.  It was delicious, don't get me wrong, but it left me wanting more.  I stopped myself after two bars for fear of feeling like a pig.  But what if I had had a full size bar?  Or even the king size?  Would that have been enough?  Would Snickers have REALLY satisfied?  Probably not; not that night.  And definitely not in the long run.  Even if it had satisfied my hunger, it would have been fleeting.  I would have been hungry again in the morning! 

Are we that way with life?  Are we constantly searching for satisfaction?  Or if not satisfaction, at least a little fun?  Sure we are.  And we should enjoy our lives.  But the enjoyment doesn't have to be fleeting.  We should seek enjoyment and satisfaction in things that are lasting, not just things that are going to curb our appetite for a while and eventually leave us longing for more in the long run.

What things am I talking about?   Simple...relationships.  Relationships with family, relationships with friends, and our relationship with God.  These are the only things in our life that will provide lasting fun and true satisfaction.  Now don't get me wrong - I'm not saying that all relationships will be a bed of roses and all fun.  I don't know of any relationship that will ever be that way.  They all will have bumps in the road.  But the right relationships nurtured the right way will be extremely satisfying.  Even our relationship with God won't always be smooth sailing.  We'll question Him, have days that we doubt, wonder why it doesn't seem like our prayers are being answered...but the satisfaction comes in knowing that He's there, He's always been there, and He always will be there.  Just like with the right relationships in our lives.  We may argue with our significant other, fight with our children, disagree with our parents, get angry with our friends...but at the end of the day when it's all said and done, these are the same people from which we draw our strength and the same places in which we find true satisfaction. 

Realize what's important in your life.  And realize what's not.  Think about what brings you satisfaction for the moment and what will satisfy you for a lifetime.  Decide which you'd rather have and go for it.  Work on it.  It's worth your effort.  Again, don't misunderstand me.  A little instant gratification is good for the soul - I still love my Snickers bar!  But we have to realize the difference in the fleeting satisfaction of today and the lasting satisfaction of the things that truly matter in our lives. 

Isaiah 55:2 NIV  "Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to Me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare."

Question of the day:  Where are you looking to find satisfaction? 

That's What Friends Are For...

I am blessed to have a wonderful group of people in my life.  Some are family, some are colleagues.  Some are young, some are old.  Some I've known all my life, some only a short time.  But all of them are friends, and I can't imagine how I would get through life without them. 

I have friends from childhood, friends from high school, friends from adulthood.  I have friends I grew up with, skipped school with, and got into trouble with.  Friends I had sleepovers with, went to church with, graduated high school with, and friends I used to work with.   Friends who are family, friends who are neighbors, and friends who are part of my church family.  Friends who've entered my life because our children were/are friends.  They share my past, my present and will definitely be a part of my future.  They laugh with me and cry with me.  They challenge me and pray with me and forgive me when I'm wrong.  They listen to me when I need an ear, they get mad with me when things aren't going my way, and they rejoice with me when they are.  They visit, call, text, email, send messages via Facebook, send cards in the mail, meet me for lunch, invite me to dinner, and plan shopping trips, vacations, and weekends away.  

Can you imagine life without friends?  I can't - and certainly wouldn't want to!  They are my support system, my rock, my anchor, my lifeline.  They keep me sane and let me know that I'm not as crazy as I think sometimes.  They validate my feelings, accept my anger, wipe my tears, ease my pain, and celebrate my victories.  They are such a blessing in my life and I love each and every one of them!!

Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loveth at all times..." 

Question of the day:  Have you told your friends you appreciate them?  Are you a good friend? 

   

He's Got This

Today's blog is a little different.  I've searched for a topic, an analogy, a story of some sort and while I have many thoughts and ideas, nothing can compare with the need and desire I have today to simply say, God is good all the time.  All the time, God is good. 

I'm in a rough patch in my life right now.  Just when I think things can't get any worse it seems they somehow do.  Yet, I am reminded daily that God is here with me.  He shows His love and His provision for me over and over and over again.  And He shows it in ways that just completely blow me away.  He answers my prayers before I pray them, He meets my needs before I know I have them, and I am blessed beyond measure.

I keep reminding myself that everything happens for a reason and I just have to trust God to show me His plans and one day I'll realize the reason for going through this difficult phase of my life.  It's not always the easiest thing to do but daily conversations and daily affirmations of His hand on my life carries me through. 

 Two of my favorite scriptures are Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)  ""For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."" 
and Psalm 37:4 (NASB)  "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." 

I am reminded daily - in large and small ways - that God is in control of my life.  "He's got this," my sweet sweet boyfriend reminded me over the phone last night after sharing with him how God had blown me away with His provision for me yesterday.  And he's right - God's got this.  He's got my life in the palm of His hand.  And I'm so grateful!

God is good all the time.  All the time, God is good!  

Question of the day:  Can you see God's provision in your life?  Do you give Him the proper recognition?     

Trash or Treasure?

I love love love a good bargain & I love searching for and finding treasures - especially in other people's trash.  No I'm not talking about dumpster diving, although the thought has crossed my mind a few times!!  I'm talking about bargains like the $12 roadside dresser I mentioned in a previous blog.   A dear friend & I frequent antique shops, thrift stores, and Goodwill.  And next weekend this friend, my sister-in-law and I are off to have some girl time and to explore a yard sale.  That's right - a yard sale.  But not just any yard sale - a 65 mile long yard sale spanning across Southwest Georgia!!  I am so excited - it's going to be Bargain Hunter's Paradise!!  But first, we're having our own yard sale this weekend.

That's right - we're hoping to sell off a bunch of our own stuff this weekend so we can spend next weekend pilfering through other folk's stuff!!  Sound crazy?  Maybe.  But you know what they say - "One man's trash is another man's treasure."  Hopefully people will find treasures in amongst our trash this weekend and then we will turn around and do the same next weekend!! 

In this economic frenzy that we're living in, it seems that more and more people are thinking differently.  Second hand shops and consignment stores are listed in the slim category of businesses who have actually seen a rise in profits the last couple of years.  Everyone is looking for a bargain these days.  Whether it be shopping for clothing at a consignment shop, searching Craigslist for a piece of furniture, or finding new purpose in someone else's yard sale item...it seems that more than ever, people are looking for treasures amongst other's trash.

That's what God does with us after all, isn't it?  Doesn't He look at our trash and see treasure?  Doesn't He see past the tarnish on an old piece of silver or beyond the rip in the seam of a second-hand shirt?  He overlooks the chipping paint and water stains on an old piece of furniture.  He finds new life and new purpose in our trash.  He knows the silver can be polished and the result will be a beautiful shine.  He knows the seam can be re-stitched as good as new.  He knows the furniture can be stripped and refinished with a beautiful new stain or paint color.  He sees beyond the mistakes and sees the beauty within.  

I recently wrote about seeing beauty in others, but  do you see this beauty in your own life?  Do you see past your mistakes and see the potential?  God does.  And when He forgives us of our mistakes, He doesn't even see them at all anymore.  We may still remember them occasionally, but that's not God reminding us of them.  He has cast them as far as the East is from the West.  They are erased from His mind. 

Question of the Day:  What about having your own yard sale?  Do you need to get rid of the trash in your life so that you can make room for treasures?         

How's the Weather?

I've heard comments and read posts on Facebook lately about the changing weather.  It's nothing new I guess - we're always complaining about it aren't we?  Just a couple of months ago those 100-plus degree temps here in South Georgia had us dreaming of a cold snap.  And now that we're about to get one, guess what?  We're wishing it was beach weather again!!

Are we ever satisfied with the temperature?  Sure, when it's a perfect 75 degrees outside, the sun is shining and it's a gorgeous day.  Then we're happy.  What about the other days?  It's always too dry, too wet, too cold, too hot, too windy, too much humidity...

What about with our lives?  Are we ever satisfied with where we are in life or are we always waiting to see when it's going to warm up or cool down?  Are we constantly waiting for the storms to pass or eagerly anticipating the arrival of the next season?  Do we ever slow down, sit back and just enjoy what today brings us?  Do we take time to appreciate what today has to offer?  Or are we constantly checking the Weather Channel to see when something "better" is coming?  

Often times we don't stop and enjoy today.  We're just trying to get through the day until something better comes along.  Let me challenge you to take time to enjoy today...whatever the day may bring.  Remember - "This is the day the Lord has made.  Let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Question of the day:  Do you anxiously watch the forecast waiting for a change or are you basking in the weather of today, whatever it may be?

Voice Recognition

Last night I watched an old episode of Law & Order on one of the cable channels.  In this particular story line, 911 had received a call from a little girl named Maria claiming to have been taken from her parents.  She told female detective Olivia Benson that she hadn't eaten in a couple of days and that her captor never let her outside of her room and that he hurt her, and so did his friends. 

Broken-hearted for this child, Olivia talked to her on the telephone for over 2 hours, trying to calm her nerves and assure her that they were coming to save her.  Of course, the rescue wasn't that easy and because of an electronic device that Maria's captor had installed on the phone, police officers were unable to trace the call.  So Olivia kept talking.  She asked Maria dozens of questions, all in the hopes that one of her answers would help detectives determine her location.  And in the end, it worked.  They got to Maria just in time.  Her captor had knocked her out with chloroform and buried her alive.  Yet when they uncovered her and began CPR, Maria responded.  She was alive. 

When sweet little Maria opened her eyes, she saw a face she had never seen before.  Yet when the detective told her she was okay and she was safe now, Maria responded with, "Olivia."  She had never met Olivia before, had no idea what she looked like...but from that lengthy telephone conversation that led to her rescue, she recognized her voice.

Some voices are very recognizable to us, aren't they?  If your children are in another room and one of them calls out to you, can't you tell which one it is?  Before the days of Caller ID, weren't there certain voices on the other end of the line that we immediately recognized?  Our children, our spouse, our parents, close friends...we recognize the voices of those closest to us.  Some public figures have very distinctive voices that we recognize immediately.  Richard Nixon, George Jones, Billy Graham and Paul Harvey are just a few that I instantly know who they are when I hear their voice. 

What about the voice of God?  Do we recognize it?  Is it a voice that, like little Maria with Olivia, we recognize not because we've ever seen Him, but because the voice is familiar to us?  Or are we like young Samuel was when God called out to him during the night and he thought it was Eli calling.  Do we confuse God's voice with something else?  The only way to recognize God's voice is to hear it.  Are you listening? 

Question of the Day:  How does God speak to you?  In what ways do you hear His voice?