K- So you know how anytime you're trying to follow a recipe, you always look for 2 things before you start? (Well, at least I do.) 1. The ingredients needed 2. How long it's going to take to prepare. Some days I'm really in the mood to throw a bunch of stuff into the mixing bowl and spend hours upon hours putting together a spectacular feast. But, for the most part, I want something good and filling- but with fewer ingredients and an expected lesser prep time. Of course, those meals are still thankfully received and enjoyed. Yet, it's really hard to beat a 10 course meal that took me hours to create.
You know, life is the same way. However long you spend preparing yourself for something great, is about the way you can judge the outcome. If you spend NO TIME with your family, chances are you won't be close at all. If you seldom read your Bible and pray, you're going to struggle as a Christian. If you never work, you're not going to make a living. If you don't advance your education, you won't get your hard-earned degree. Now, I understand not everyone has the same tastes. Even in food- if you spent 10 hours preparing me a plate of squid and escargot- I'm NOT going to want to eat it. Sorry. It's just not something my taste buds want to partake in. I would much rather eat a pb and j sandwich that took 2 minutes to make. Yet, in life, I like knowing I did everything I could to live the life of my dreams. I have to know I do what I can to let my family and friends know that I love and appreciate them. And those I love need to know I love them enough to spend QUALITY time with each of them. I want to be able to look ahead to a dream of mine and be able to say honestly, "You're working towards that. You're taking steps to get there."
My last entry talked about how badly Aaron and I have wanted to go back to school. Well, it's all settled now. Classes start in January 2012. We're thrilled! Not because of of the super busy schedule we'll have. The homework is not what we're excited about. And when we think about the 4-6 years we'll be taking courses... it starts getting overwhelming. BUT- we keep telling ourselves, and each other, that it's going to be worth it in the end. When they hand us our Bachelor's degree- and possibly Master's- I can't even imagine the feeling of pride, gratitude , relief and fulfillment we'll be experiencing! Thinking about that moment, keeps us motivated, determined.
My husband is also a preacher. A GREAT ONE! He preached a message a couple of years ago that really stuck out to me: "From Mediocre to Magnificent." He talked about how not every day of our life was going to be awesome in every aspect. There were going to be days where we just followed our routine. This is okay. For those of us who want our lives to COUNT- to stand out and make a difference in the world, this is sometimes hard to accept. We think we're not going to ever do great things if we're not a part of something fantastic every single day. However, if we keep doing all we can, loving our life and our families... if we keep doing everything with a smile on our face--- one day, with more than likely no real notice, our "mediocre routine" will present a "magnificent opportunity." Take that and grasp it tightly. Enjoy it- and grow in it. Eventually, this will probably seem somewhat mediocre to you as well. What do you do?.... Everything with a smile on your face- and keep on keeping on- doing whatever you can- until your "mediocre routine" presents another "magnificent opportunity." And so on... Get it?
When you take time to prepare, your life will be full of amazing things. Opportunities you never expected- and dreams you wished upon stars to come true... will! God honors a heart and life that sacrifices all to Him! Reaching the lost and hopeless, encouraging the downhearted, filling childrens' mouths with laughter- HOWEVER you need to according to His will- do it! Prepare for it! When that first "magnificent" comes, it'll all be worth it!
I'm so glad the Lord allows us to live such fulfilling lives! My prayer and biggest wish, is that all people would realize their dream and do whatever it takes to reach it... for the Lord! No matter how different it might seem. (Those are usually the first ones to grow wings and fly!) Give your life wholly to the Lord- and watch your dreams come true.
A wise man's steps are ordered (prepared) of the Lord!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Try Something New
Are you afraid to? Do you fear what the outcome will be? Does the thought of failure make you shudder at even the slightest possibility? Is this keeping you from making something of yourself? I was there... that was me. I can't say I snapped my fingers and just made up my mind that I was done with it. BUT, I did fall on my knees and determine in my heart, that this was not God's will for my life- and WE were done with it. Oh, how much happier I've been!
I've heard it said, "Success is not common. Therefore, the common rarely see success." This is true... and I don't mean it to look down on any. When I say the "common"... I am not talking about the middle class person in the economy. I'm not meaning the B-C average student. The "non-popular" crowd doesn't even cross my mind when I say that word. I think of those who just don't try... those who just want to "go with the flow" or "follow the 'in' crowd", and those who just get swept away with every new fad that blows their way. A lot of people, especially young people, feel that they have to fit in by keeping up with the latest trends and styles. Let me say something to you potential-filled lives right now- What the majority does is not cool- it's common. STAND OUT!
I'm not for just doing ANYTHING to get attention- that's not really unique in our day and time anymore either. But- do something that matters!! Going out of your way to make a difference- a GOOD difference- that's success. Even IF you don't get to accomplish every single thing you attempt... living a life where you're constantly trying to make yourself a better person, a better friend, someone who has the resources to help those in need... and still make time to "smell the roses" and "live, laugh, and love,"... that is a life well-spent. A life well-accomplished.
To make things personal... I've wanted to go back to school to allow myself an opportunity to fulfill one of the biggest dreams in my heart- which in turn- will open doors for me to reach a lot of other goals I have set. Me and my husband. We've put off going back for about 4 years or so- because we let other people keep talking us out of going. "You need to do this"... or "you should probably do that"... and even "you're too good at this to pursue anything else..." The list could go on. We actually felt like we needed to listen to all those things at first. Yet, after years kept passing we realized we were getting older. (duh) Our opportunities were coming... and going. Our excitement and zeal to do great things for the Lord were slowing dissinegrating into nothingness because what we felt like doing- what we were excited about - didn't seem to be the right things... ... to other people... ... Why in the world does that matter?? I mean, seriously. Why? It shouldn't. Now, I'm very passionate about these things, and I get aggravated when I see other people trying to discourage other people's dreams (when they're in the right)- just because they don't understand them. (But, I'm still against rebellious attitudes and spiteful spirits. If they get ahold of you- your dreams will not be what they were intended to be. Don't let this happen. PLEASE.) But, don't sit back and watch others live the life they want to, while you just sit back and say, "I'm just meant to sit here and wait till I'm called on." No, you're not. You were put here on this earth by the Creator of it to bring glory to His name, healing to broken hearts, encouragement to those who are low, hope to those who have lost it all, love to children who have never been shown it, a smile to those who can't bear to see another look of disappointment. You are here for a reason! A great, important, precious reason. Find out what that is. You'll know. And try it!
Here is an example in my life that is both comical and almost inspiring... I love Taco Bell. Always have. If I choose fast food- I choose Taco Bell. And for YEARS... and I literally mean YEARS... anytime I would go I would order the SAME EXACT THING: A bean burrito and a soft taco, both with sour cream. That is what I wanted. I was okay with them. I ate them once... liked them both... and decided I didn't need to try anything else. This absolutely horrified and crawled underneath the skin of one of my absolute greatest friends in the universe- Jessica. She tried something new EVERY TIME she entered that place... even if it was just the sauces or meat. She always did. Never failed. Ever. I remember once, (we were about 15-ish) we went to Taco Bell, and I ordered my only meal of choice. She ordered the newest thing- the double decker. She talked for about 10 minutes on how bored my stomach must be with the foods I eat. (This was the girl who later grew up to bring a plate of squid to a church pic-nic. lol) She pretty much forced me to try her taco. I did. It was good. Then the inspiring Jessica (which she is still today... in much bigger things) spilled off something like- "Kristi, you've just got to try different things. Life has so many choices..."
It's simple, yes, I know, but remember this story when you wake up every morning thinking the same negative thoughts. Think of the meaning behind it when you go to bed each night feeling like you'll never meet your goals. As funny as it is, remember Taco Bell.
My life's menu has not changed- I've just finally started looking at it. Now, I love trying new things, even if they're sort of scary. I think, "When God leads you to the edge of a cliff, trust Him fully and let go. Only one of two things will happen. He will either catch when you fall, or teach you how to fly!" You're gonna be okay either way! Try! Reach for that thing you've wanted to but have put off for other people's silly reasons- or your own needless fears. You'll never know what great things can happen if you don't!
Me? -- well, my husband and I- have serious hopes in reaching our goals. We're going back to school! We have finally pushed past fears, doubts, and disappointed looks- and we're full of zeal and excitement again!
Oh, and btw- The cheesy potato burrito, with chicken instead of beef, is amazing.
Try it.
I've heard it said, "Success is not common. Therefore, the common rarely see success." This is true... and I don't mean it to look down on any. When I say the "common"... I am not talking about the middle class person in the economy. I'm not meaning the B-C average student. The "non-popular" crowd doesn't even cross my mind when I say that word. I think of those who just don't try... those who just want to "go with the flow" or "follow the 'in' crowd", and those who just get swept away with every new fad that blows their way. A lot of people, especially young people, feel that they have to fit in by keeping up with the latest trends and styles. Let me say something to you potential-filled lives right now- What the majority does is not cool- it's common. STAND OUT!
I'm not for just doing ANYTHING to get attention- that's not really unique in our day and time anymore either. But- do something that matters!! Going out of your way to make a difference- a GOOD difference- that's success. Even IF you don't get to accomplish every single thing you attempt... living a life where you're constantly trying to make yourself a better person, a better friend, someone who has the resources to help those in need... and still make time to "smell the roses" and "live, laugh, and love,"... that is a life well-spent. A life well-accomplished.
To make things personal... I've wanted to go back to school to allow myself an opportunity to fulfill one of the biggest dreams in my heart- which in turn- will open doors for me to reach a lot of other goals I have set. Me and my husband. We've put off going back for about 4 years or so- because we let other people keep talking us out of going. "You need to do this"... or "you should probably do that"... and even "you're too good at this to pursue anything else..." The list could go on. We actually felt like we needed to listen to all those things at first. Yet, after years kept passing we realized we were getting older. (duh) Our opportunities were coming... and going. Our excitement and zeal to do great things for the Lord were slowing dissinegrating into nothingness because what we felt like doing- what we were excited about - didn't seem to be the right things... ... to other people... ... Why in the world does that matter?? I mean, seriously. Why? It shouldn't. Now, I'm very passionate about these things, and I get aggravated when I see other people trying to discourage other people's dreams (when they're in the right)- just because they don't understand them. (But, I'm still against rebellious attitudes and spiteful spirits. If they get ahold of you- your dreams will not be what they were intended to be. Don't let this happen. PLEASE.) But, don't sit back and watch others live the life they want to, while you just sit back and say, "I'm just meant to sit here and wait till I'm called on." No, you're not. You were put here on this earth by the Creator of it to bring glory to His name, healing to broken hearts, encouragement to those who are low, hope to those who have lost it all, love to children who have never been shown it, a smile to those who can't bear to see another look of disappointment. You are here for a reason! A great, important, precious reason. Find out what that is. You'll know. And try it!
Here is an example in my life that is both comical and almost inspiring... I love Taco Bell. Always have. If I choose fast food- I choose Taco Bell. And for YEARS... and I literally mean YEARS... anytime I would go I would order the SAME EXACT THING: A bean burrito and a soft taco, both with sour cream. That is what I wanted. I was okay with them. I ate them once... liked them both... and decided I didn't need to try anything else. This absolutely horrified and crawled underneath the skin of one of my absolute greatest friends in the universe- Jessica. She tried something new EVERY TIME she entered that place... even if it was just the sauces or meat. She always did. Never failed. Ever. I remember once, (we were about 15-ish) we went to Taco Bell, and I ordered my only meal of choice. She ordered the newest thing- the double decker. She talked for about 10 minutes on how bored my stomach must be with the foods I eat. (This was the girl who later grew up to bring a plate of squid to a church pic-nic. lol) She pretty much forced me to try her taco. I did. It was good. Then the inspiring Jessica (which she is still today... in much bigger things) spilled off something like- "Kristi, you've just got to try different things. Life has so many choices..."
It's simple, yes, I know, but remember this story when you wake up every morning thinking the same negative thoughts. Think of the meaning behind it when you go to bed each night feeling like you'll never meet your goals. As funny as it is, remember Taco Bell.
My life's menu has not changed- I've just finally started looking at it. Now, I love trying new things, even if they're sort of scary. I think, "When God leads you to the edge of a cliff, trust Him fully and let go. Only one of two things will happen. He will either catch when you fall, or teach you how to fly!" You're gonna be okay either way! Try! Reach for that thing you've wanted to but have put off for other people's silly reasons- or your own needless fears. You'll never know what great things can happen if you don't!
Me? -- well, my husband and I- have serious hopes in reaching our goals. We're going back to school! We have finally pushed past fears, doubts, and disappointed looks- and we're full of zeal and excitement again!
Oh, and btw- The cheesy potato burrito, with chicken instead of beef, is amazing.
Try it.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Eat Dessert First?
I will never forget what a co-worker's daughter said to her when she moved out on her own, "Mama, being an adult is great. I get to pick my own bedtime and eat my ice cream first." As funny as that is, it got me to think. Why is it that the majority of the world's population really would choose pie over pasta? Or a milk shake over a glass of milk? Why do kids want to skip the green beans and potatoes and dive into the chocolate cake?
We love to eat the sweet stuff... the sugary, rich and creamy, delicious stuff. Forget about the dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Let's indulge ourselves with fats and starches and the sweet sugary goodness.
That's just the way we roll. As much as we use the cliche, "Save the best for last," 95% of us really don't want to.
Okay, as you have probably already figured out, I'm leaving the "food talk" behind. Now, I'm discussing bigger and better things- our life -and the things we must do to make it count.
If you noticed in my last entry, "Why Just Now," I used a Bible verse in Psalms. (A verse I often quote and cling to.) What stood out to me here recently is that this verse is in proper order. The best IS saved for last. Or, if you will, the "dessert" is served after the "meal."
We would love to always skip to the end and get the desires of our hearts handed out first. Wouldn't that be nice? But, just like the "real world," you have to work for your reward. However, when you're following the Lord, you KNOW without any doubts, His promises are guaranteed. Your hearts dreams? They will come true.
"How do I delight myself in the Lord?" -- There's really not a list I can give or an outline I could make up. Not because the answer is too complicated, but just the opposite! The solution is extremely simple... LOVE HIM MOST. When you do, the delight... ...it just comes. I love seeking His Word to find direction, rather than asking the advice of others. I long to read His letter He's made available to me, rather than calling up a friend on the phone when I feel lonely. I am thankful each moment of my life that He saved my soul... and He gives me peace and joy. I am overwhelmed by the awesome fact that if I take one step, He'll take two! He opens doors that I didn't even know were there. Has it always gone the way I thought it should?? Honestly, more often than not, it's went the exact opposite of what I was thinking. But once everything was said and done... I looked back and breathed a sigh of MAJOR RELIEF that His ways are higher than mine. There are so many things I asked for... and things I just "knew" I needed- that if they were to have happened... wow. My life would be so different than it is today... and I DON'T mean for the better. All I can say is, God is so good to me.
Since I'm going with this "menu" theme- I'm going to bring up Olive Garden!! The greatest restaurant EVER!! When I go there, no matter what I order, I know it's going to be deeeelish!! If I'm in the mood for salad, spaghetti, or their amazing chicken scampi... or if I decide to fill myself with their fantabulous breadsticks and just eat their dessert of the day- I have no doubts whatsoever that I will savor, and thoroughly enjoy, every single bite.
With that example of truth above, I will say this, with NO disprespect at all- Jesus totally beats Olive Garden when it comes to what He has to offer. Hands down. I know that no matter I choose, whatever it is He brings to my table, it's going to be amazing. Even in the hard times we can experience hidden blessings. Everything in our life, when HE'S in control- is destined to be wonderful. That's my point. That's the bottome line.
Why do we want to always skip the filling stuff?? The stuff that makes us what we need to be? Those things are what make the dessert so mouth-watering. We're ready for it. We've done our part. Our plate is clean. Now, there's only room for the sweet stuff.
Don't keep waiting and solely focus on what He can serve you! Instead, this time you do the "cooking" and offer Him something that will fill your soul and satisfy your heart and life. That's what it's going to take. Don't try to please all your peers. Don't even think you're going to make EVERYONE proud. Don't strive for silly little things that seem big in the eyes of "some" that really don't matter at all. If you want the happiness, joy, zeal, drive, confidence, freedom, and relief that I've just experienced in such a wonderful way- give your life wholly to Jesus. 100%. Surrender it all. From here on out- worry about pleasing Him, no one else. Do what He says do. Do what makes you and Him happy- and let no one - EVER - take that from you. That is a blessing He wants for His children. A gift He wants to give you.
This is a treat so good- that instead of keeping it all to myself, (like I would a box of oreos), I want to share it with everyone that will take it.
This feeling I have in my heart- it's the choice of the day. Every day.
We love to eat the sweet stuff... the sugary, rich and creamy, delicious stuff. Forget about the dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Let's indulge ourselves with fats and starches and the sweet sugary goodness.
That's just the way we roll. As much as we use the cliche, "Save the best for last," 95% of us really don't want to.
Okay, as you have probably already figured out, I'm leaving the "food talk" behind. Now, I'm discussing bigger and better things- our life -and the things we must do to make it count.
If you noticed in my last entry, "Why Just Now," I used a Bible verse in Psalms. (A verse I often quote and cling to.) What stood out to me here recently is that this verse is in proper order. The best IS saved for last. Or, if you will, the "dessert" is served after the "meal."
We would love to always skip to the end and get the desires of our hearts handed out first. Wouldn't that be nice? But, just like the "real world," you have to work for your reward. However, when you're following the Lord, you KNOW without any doubts, His promises are guaranteed. Your hearts dreams? They will come true.
"How do I delight myself in the Lord?" -- There's really not a list I can give or an outline I could make up. Not because the answer is too complicated, but just the opposite! The solution is extremely simple... LOVE HIM MOST. When you do, the delight... ...it just comes. I love seeking His Word to find direction, rather than asking the advice of others. I long to read His letter He's made available to me, rather than calling up a friend on the phone when I feel lonely. I am thankful each moment of my life that He saved my soul... and He gives me peace and joy. I am overwhelmed by the awesome fact that if I take one step, He'll take two! He opens doors that I didn't even know were there. Has it always gone the way I thought it should?? Honestly, more often than not, it's went the exact opposite of what I was thinking. But once everything was said and done... I looked back and breathed a sigh of MAJOR RELIEF that His ways are higher than mine. There are so many things I asked for... and things I just "knew" I needed- that if they were to have happened... wow. My life would be so different than it is today... and I DON'T mean for the better. All I can say is, God is so good to me.
Since I'm going with this "menu" theme- I'm going to bring up Olive Garden!! The greatest restaurant EVER!! When I go there, no matter what I order, I know it's going to be deeeelish!! If I'm in the mood for salad, spaghetti, or their amazing chicken scampi... or if I decide to fill myself with their fantabulous breadsticks and just eat their dessert of the day- I have no doubts whatsoever that I will savor, and thoroughly enjoy, every single bite.
With that example of truth above, I will say this, with NO disprespect at all- Jesus totally beats Olive Garden when it comes to what He has to offer. Hands down. I know that no matter I choose, whatever it is He brings to my table, it's going to be amazing. Even in the hard times we can experience hidden blessings. Everything in our life, when HE'S in control- is destined to be wonderful. That's my point. That's the bottome line.
Why do we want to always skip the filling stuff?? The stuff that makes us what we need to be? Those things are what make the dessert so mouth-watering. We're ready for it. We've done our part. Our plate is clean. Now, there's only room for the sweet stuff.
Don't keep waiting and solely focus on what He can serve you! Instead, this time you do the "cooking" and offer Him something that will fill your soul and satisfy your heart and life. That's what it's going to take. Don't try to please all your peers. Don't even think you're going to make EVERYONE proud. Don't strive for silly little things that seem big in the eyes of "some" that really don't matter at all. If you want the happiness, joy, zeal, drive, confidence, freedom, and relief that I've just experienced in such a wonderful way- give your life wholly to Jesus. 100%. Surrender it all. From here on out- worry about pleasing Him, no one else. Do what He says do. Do what makes you and Him happy- and let no one - EVER - take that from you. That is a blessing He wants for His children. A gift He wants to give you.
This is a treat so good- that instead of keeping it all to myself, (like I would a box of oreos), I want to share it with everyone that will take it.
This feeling I have in my heart- it's the choice of the day. Every day.
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