There is not one day in the year I dread and LOATHE more than Valentine's Day. For those of you that might be thinking I am just bitter, let me clear the fog. I am married to a VERY sweet and loving husband. He spoils me on a daily basis be it by sweet words, selfless actions, or tender touches. He constantly wants to buy me things (me, being the budget person has to tell him no a lot of the time). So there...I am not jealous or bitter of anybody and their relationship.
So, why do I loathe this sickening heart filled day? I firmly believe it is a day for those that have sucky relationships to celebrate one time a year. I mean, if you have a great relationship and constantly remind each other of your love and follow it with loving actions and words, why do you need one day a year to celebrate? You should celebrate your love and relationship 365 days a year!! Come on...let's be real. There is nothing special about doing something on the SAME DAY that everyone else is! It is also not special (or smart) to be paying 10 times as much for a dinner, flowers, chocolates or WHATEVER just because it is for February 14th! SERIOUSLY!!! (I know what you're thinking..."come on Randi, tell us how you REALLY feel!" ha ha)
I also think it is a sad time for those that are not in a relationship (due to loss or just lack thereof). They are reminded that they are alone and have no one to share this day. They are bombarded (as every other sucker in America) with pink and red junk, hearts, flowers and chocolate on every corner! They can't even turn on the TV without being suckered into some commercial giving them (and all the other people watching it) ideas of what to get their "special someone." UGH!!!
Let me take this time to remind them (and you) that you are NEVER alone! We are blessed with an overwhelming love from a magnificent Savior! He loves YOU and reminds you EVERY DAY (not just once a year) that HE LOVES YOU! How does He remind you? The sun comes up in the morning (ahhh heck...you WOKE UP this morning!)! Do you have a friend or family member that loves you, or that you love? That is His gift to you. Do you have a child that you adore with all your heart? That is a SMALL reminder of how much He loves each one of us! Did you happen to see a flower in the hillside or a star in the sky? Perhaps He put that there JUST FOR YOU knowing that you would look up and see His beautiful handy work!
Some of you may read this and think I am just cold hearted. I beg to differ...we all just have our own opinions (just as I realize my thoughts on this yuck filled day are my own). Thankfully, Ben finds himself to be lucky and blessed. He knows I appreciate him 365 days of the year and I don't want or need him to take some commercialized "holiday" to prove himself to me. (I put that in quotes due to me having a very hard time seeing anything holy about it in the way it is utilized today) At least, I hope he does know I love and appreciate him. If not, that is my shortfall and I need to do a better job of letting him know how much I LOVE him and appreciate everything he is! He is a bright spot in my life and I wouldn't trade him in for any other make or model of human God has put on this earth!
My blog is not meant to offend, just to give you more of a glimpse into my head (where some of you may have not wanted to venture after reading this). I felt I needed to get this out of my system as I am already SICK of the commercials, hype, and hooplah going on in preparation for this Sunday. I feel better already. If it weren't on a Sunday, I would hole myself in the house and watch war movies just to be belligerent. (yes, I know...big and firm word) So, as some of you smell your overpriced flowers, go to a crowded restaurant, or do something "special" like every other person who is taken to be a sap : please forgive me as I turn my head the other way and...upchuck.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
My God - how great You are!
I dropped Banner off at the cousin's house this morning. He goes to BSF with them and I have started dropping him off in the morning so he can go with them and I can start work on time. I feel so badly having to wake him up in the morning, but he is always a happy camper knowing he is going to see his cousins. He sleeps through me taking off his pajamas, changing his diaper and then putting on his pants. He typically starts to wake up as I put on his shoes and/or shirt. :)
Anyways, on the way home I have a quiet car and this gives me time to think about my day, week, life, etc.. I am using this time to talk to God (I must look insane if anybody were to peer into my car window and see me talking to myself. Yes...when I talk to God I typically talk OUT LOUD). If a song comes on that begs me to sing along, I will belt it out at the top of my lungs! Ahhh...to have an audience of Christ alone. NO judge or jury. He doesn't care when I hit a wrong note, say the wrong word, or sound like the neighbor's barking dog. :)
The song "How Great is Our God" came on the radio. (I am not 100% sure that is the title of the song. I am HORRIBLE with titles/artists ; I just know a song when I hear it) I love this song! My God IS great! I think of all He has gotten me through; I think of how He has been a wonderful Father to me ; I think of how He has made sure I am always loved. My favorite part of the song? Oddly enough it is the simple line : SING WITH ME. "What?! Are you serious?! Why?!" (I can hear the questions now. Calm yourselves...I will answer that)
It is a begging call for all of those in agreement with the prior line ("How great is our God") to stand up and praise Him!! Don't let the rocks cry out because you are silent! Believe me...they will. Read Luke 19: 37-40. The disciples shouted out praises to the King of Kings. The Pharisees were NOT happy at this and told Jesus to tell His disciples to be quiet. (What?! Oh no they didn't! Yes...they did!!) Jesus replied to them : "I tell you...if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." OH SNAP!!! How embarrassing...you mean a simple, possibly ugly rock will step up to the plate if I fail to do so? Yes.
This does not pertain only to singing (when in church, the car, or at home). This encompasses life in general. If you fail to praise Him for what He has done for you, a rock will praise Him in your place. I don't know about you, but I put my foot down and refuse to have an ugly rock stand in for me! I CHOOSE to tell people of His glory, His love, His awesomeness!
Now, please understand me. I am not saying you have to constantly be talking to people about how great He is. We don't want to be rambling idiots with no couth or discernment as to the time and place. Sometimes people need a listening ear and a quiet mouth (whew...that one is so hard). There is a time and a place for everything under the sun. But, don't forget to give Him the glory in your life. He has put His Spirit in your life to urge you in His way. I know I have felt His Spirit SOOOOO many times calling me to stand up, lift my hands, sing out...no matter who gives me dirty looks (or looks of "whoa...she's lost it!"). It is then up to me to listen to Him or let a stupid rock stand in my place.
One of the most fun (and life changing) chapels I went to at Wayland was when our speaker talked about David dancing in his ephod. (2 Samuel 6:12-15) In plain language, he told us an ephod was pretty much David's underwear. Whoa! I went to a Baptist college and he talked about David dancing in the streets, praising God in HIS UNDERWEAR!!! (now, do you understand why it was life changing? hee hee) The thing that shocked me the most? David's wife was embarrassed of him and "lectured" him later on telling David that he should be ashamed of himself behaving that way in public. (2 Samuel 6:16 and 20) (this is not what shocked me. this would be a perfectly understandable "conversation" after someone behaves this way) The shocking part is that David told Michal (his wife) that he would celebrate before the Lord...no matter how foolish he looked. Because of Michal's hardened heart toward's David's praising God, the Lord closed her womb. WHOA!!! Now THAT is a shocker!
Please don't think I am encouraging dancing around in your underwear (especially in public...these days that is punishable by law). This story is also NOT a license to do things to bring attention to yourself. That's the thing : praising Him is about HIM...NOT YOU! If your intention is to get others to say, "Look at her/him. Aren't they something? Aren't they cool? They must be holy, have a good relationship with God, etc.." Your heart is WRONG and you are NOT praising Him, but yourself!
On the flip side, if God gives you the gift of discernment, His spirit will discern motives. But it is NOT our job to judge! Some may truly be praising God (in song, in story, in actions, whatever), and some may be wanting the lime light on themselves. But, that is something between them and God. God will rebuke them if they have selfish motives. And, I believe that most will see through them. However, bottom line is this : watch your OWN heart. Don't let your heart get hardened like Michal's.
I use this story as a way to encourage you to put yourself aside and think of laying it all down to praise Him! He didn't think of Himself when He laid it all down for you on the cross. He was completely selfless. When you compare the two, praising Him should be easy! So, come on : SING WITH ME!
I hope this day finds you blessed and filled with His joy!
Anyways, on the way home I have a quiet car and this gives me time to think about my day, week, life, etc.. I am using this time to talk to God (I must look insane if anybody were to peer into my car window and see me talking to myself. Yes...when I talk to God I typically talk OUT LOUD). If a song comes on that begs me to sing along, I will belt it out at the top of my lungs! Ahhh...to have an audience of Christ alone. NO judge or jury. He doesn't care when I hit a wrong note, say the wrong word, or sound like the neighbor's barking dog. :)
The song "How Great is Our God" came on the radio. (I am not 100% sure that is the title of the song. I am HORRIBLE with titles/artists ; I just know a song when I hear it) I love this song! My God IS great! I think of all He has gotten me through; I think of how He has been a wonderful Father to me ; I think of how He has made sure I am always loved. My favorite part of the song? Oddly enough it is the simple line : SING WITH ME. "What?! Are you serious?! Why?!" (I can hear the questions now. Calm yourselves...I will answer that)
It is a begging call for all of those in agreement with the prior line ("How great is our God") to stand up and praise Him!! Don't let the rocks cry out because you are silent! Believe me...they will. Read Luke 19: 37-40. The disciples shouted out praises to the King of Kings. The Pharisees were NOT happy at this and told Jesus to tell His disciples to be quiet. (What?! Oh no they didn't! Yes...they did!!) Jesus replied to them : "I tell you...if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out." OH SNAP!!! How embarrassing...you mean a simple, possibly ugly rock will step up to the plate if I fail to do so? Yes.
This does not pertain only to singing (when in church, the car, or at home). This encompasses life in general. If you fail to praise Him for what He has done for you, a rock will praise Him in your place. I don't know about you, but I put my foot down and refuse to have an ugly rock stand in for me! I CHOOSE to tell people of His glory, His love, His awesomeness!
Now, please understand me. I am not saying you have to constantly be talking to people about how great He is. We don't want to be rambling idiots with no couth or discernment as to the time and place. Sometimes people need a listening ear and a quiet mouth (whew...that one is so hard). There is a time and a place for everything under the sun. But, don't forget to give Him the glory in your life. He has put His Spirit in your life to urge you in His way. I know I have felt His Spirit SOOOOO many times calling me to stand up, lift my hands, sing out...no matter who gives me dirty looks (or looks of "whoa...she's lost it!"). It is then up to me to listen to Him or let a stupid rock stand in my place.
One of the most fun (and life changing) chapels I went to at Wayland was when our speaker talked about David dancing in his ephod. (2 Samuel 6:12-15) In plain language, he told us an ephod was pretty much David's underwear. Whoa! I went to a Baptist college and he talked about David dancing in the streets, praising God in HIS UNDERWEAR!!! (now, do you understand why it was life changing? hee hee) The thing that shocked me the most? David's wife was embarrassed of him and "lectured" him later on telling David that he should be ashamed of himself behaving that way in public. (2 Samuel 6:16 and 20) (this is not what shocked me. this would be a perfectly understandable "conversation" after someone behaves this way) The shocking part is that David told Michal (his wife) that he would celebrate before the Lord...no matter how foolish he looked. Because of Michal's hardened heart toward's David's praising God, the Lord closed her womb. WHOA!!! Now THAT is a shocker!
Please don't think I am encouraging dancing around in your underwear (especially in public...these days that is punishable by law). This story is also NOT a license to do things to bring attention to yourself. That's the thing : praising Him is about HIM...NOT YOU! If your intention is to get others to say, "Look at her/him. Aren't they something? Aren't they cool? They must be holy, have a good relationship with God, etc.." Your heart is WRONG and you are NOT praising Him, but yourself!
On the flip side, if God gives you the gift of discernment, His spirit will discern motives. But it is NOT our job to judge! Some may truly be praising God (in song, in story, in actions, whatever), and some may be wanting the lime light on themselves. But, that is something between them and God. God will rebuke them if they have selfish motives. And, I believe that most will see through them. However, bottom line is this : watch your OWN heart. Don't let your heart get hardened like Michal's.
I use this story as a way to encourage you to put yourself aside and think of laying it all down to praise Him! He didn't think of Himself when He laid it all down for you on the cross. He was completely selfless. When you compare the two, praising Him should be easy! So, come on : SING WITH ME!
I hope this day finds you blessed and filled with His joy!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
I did it! Watch out internet world
It's official! I am going to be a blogger! Every time I read a friend's blog, I would think "Hmmm...I want to do that. I need to write my thoughts down and keep track of my life." So, no more thinking about it...I DID IT!!
For anybody who cares to read this, I will be writing about whatever is going on in life : kiddo, hubby, work, local and national happenings, etc... I will also be writing my thoughts on subjects that come to mind. You will come to know that God has given me a mind and voice and I intend to use both.
I have never been one to blend in with the crowds or change myself to please others. Now, I am not talking about areas of sin; I know I am a sinner and I need God to forgive me daily and help me become more like Him. What I am talking about is how He made me a particular way and I have learned to bask in His glorious handiwork. He made me on purpose. He has a plan for me, He loves me in my uniqueness and who am I to change what God has designed?
To give you the quick snippet of what is currently going on in my life : Ben and I have now been married for a little over 5 years. We learn more and more each day how to love each other and support each other in our walk with Christ and our roles on this earth. We have been blessed with our surprise miracle, Banner. He is a complete joy and we wouldn't change a thing! He is a very happy and contented child. VERY easy going! I know this has nothing to do with our parenting skills (or lack thereof), but God answering my prayers from the get go. I prayed on a daily basis that he would be a joyful baby and have a sweet heart. God heard me!!
I work from home for a wonderful company and am blessed to have been able to do my job from the comfort of my chair wearing my pjs! I do work at least 40 hours a week (though in this past year I have only had a couple of weeks that I did NOT have overtime), so it is not the same as being a stay at home mom. The things that tear at my heart are when I cannot take him to a friend's house to play, or to the zoo on a beautiful day. I ache when he asks me to play in his room or sit on the couch with him and I cannot. But, I focus on the blessings of seeing him all day, every day. He has never had to go to a day care and, yet, I can still keep working and helping to provide for my family.
Ben works at UPS and has started going back to school. He is also working with a Christian catering company in the afternoons to bring in some more moolah (for projects around the house...duh!) and to keep him out of trouble. :) He is a wonderful Daddy and Banner thinks that he is the funniest thing on earth! Banner likes to "work" like Daddy with tools around the house (although sometimes this can be a bad thing : like the time Banner found Ben's saw and tried to "work" on the desk!)
We bought our first home in June of 2008. We were so excited and proud (we still are) of the blessing of a home! One time I will blog of the awesome journey of getting to that point and God's hand in it all. Our home was built around 1920 (we believe) with additions done around the 50's or 60's. Needless to say...they just don't make things like they used to. This house is SOLID! We have had a blast doing projects and Ben has shown his awesome skills doing things such as building a pantry, tiling the bathroom, building a walk-in closet in the master and oh-so much more. The best part of this home has been getting to know our neighbors. Not just on our street, but in our small, cute neighborhood. We live near some of the nicest people and have been blessed to be able to share our faith and learn that a lot of them are believers! God's hand is sovereign and we know He has placed us here for His reasons!
Well, I guess that about does it for my first post as an official blogger!!!! You will "catch up" more as I post things going on in our lives. For now, may you have a blessed day and may His peace and love shelter you!
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