Arggggghhhh! I have a problem with the amount of time I spend on fb. For some reason, I can't seem to control it. I can limit myself to only signing on once a day, but even still it is a constant battle for me to stay away - it calls my name. In the past, I have fasted from it and it was great, but as soon as the set time was over for the fast, I was right back to it. I had to catch up and see what I had missed. It is literally like a soap opera for me - I can find out who is pregnant, who is getting married, who just had a baby, who bought a new house, who is taking a vacation, who is sick or in trouble...
Now, I do love that most of my friends from all over the world are on FB. It is a great way to keep in touch with them. Also, I use it to add people to my prayer list. Until recently, I had an on-line accountability group on FB - we would send messages to each other about what we had read during our quiet times. It was a wonderful group, but I felt I was using it as my excuse to get on FB. I would say to myself, "I need to sign on and tell the group what I read" So, I told them I would no longer be posting because I don't want to use the group as an excuse to feed into my addiction. I know that is what it is - an addiction.
What is the cure? I don't know...like I said, I have tried fasting and limiting myself, but I have little "self-control" in the area. My next thought is to stick a post-it on my computer screen asking myself if there is a better way I could be spending my time - quiet time w/ God, cleaning something, spending time with my family, etc. If that doesn't work, I'm afraid I might have to delete my account - I fear this option the most (reminds me of the scene in Fireproof where he demolishes the computer with a bat).
Do you have any suggestions or things that help you?
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
My Husband
I am so thankful to have the husband that I have!
He is a wonderful, godly man with many talents. His talents have saved us many $s in repairs because he was able to fix the a/c in my car, install a 3 prong plug for our dryer, fix the circuit breaker for our dryer, and replace the break pads in my car - just to name a few.
Ever since I met him, he's always had a strong sense of work ethic - he goes to work when he's supposed to and does what he is supposed to do. My husband has always made it a priority to provide for his family, even when it meant sacrificing things for himself. For example, he loves to work on cars and his dream has always been to open his own performance shop and make cars go fast. When we moved to TX, he was going to attend UTI and pursue that dream, but since our daughter had just arrived into this world and I was nervous about putting her in daycare so I could work - he chose to take up a career working for the oil industry.
Recently, he has changed positions for his company and now has a rotating position. It's funny that he is away more now than he was when he was in the US Navy. :) It stinks when he is away, but the benefits of the position out weigh the cons. I love that despite his 12 hour days, he still makes it point to talk with his "girls" via Skype and find out what is going on at home. He loves me and he loves his daughter - there is no doubt about that.
I know a lot of people who say they couldn't handle having their husband be away so much, but my question to them would be, "Well, what would you do?" I love my husband. I married him and I am committed to loving him (as our vows said) in good times and bad. The times away might not be fun, but the time he is home is cherished.
Like I said, I am so thankful that God gave me a wonderful, loving, hard-working, and handsome husband.
I love you, Babe!
He is a wonderful, godly man with many talents. His talents have saved us many $s in repairs because he was able to fix the a/c in my car, install a 3 prong plug for our dryer, fix the circuit breaker for our dryer, and replace the break pads in my car - just to name a few.
Ever since I met him, he's always had a strong sense of work ethic - he goes to work when he's supposed to and does what he is supposed to do. My husband has always made it a priority to provide for his family, even when it meant sacrificing things for himself. For example, he loves to work on cars and his dream has always been to open his own performance shop and make cars go fast. When we moved to TX, he was going to attend UTI and pursue that dream, but since our daughter had just arrived into this world and I was nervous about putting her in daycare so I could work - he chose to take up a career working for the oil industry.
Recently, he has changed positions for his company and now has a rotating position. It's funny that he is away more now than he was when he was in the US Navy. :) It stinks when he is away, but the benefits of the position out weigh the cons. I love that despite his 12 hour days, he still makes it point to talk with his "girls" via Skype and find out what is going on at home. He loves me and he loves his daughter - there is no doubt about that.
I know a lot of people who say they couldn't handle having their husband be away so much, but my question to them would be, "Well, what would you do?" I love my husband. I married him and I am committed to loving him (as our vows said) in good times and bad. The times away might not be fun, but the time he is home is cherished.
Like I said, I am so thankful that God gave me a wonderful, loving, hard-working, and handsome husband.
I love you, Babe!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Using SOAP to Study God's Word
Since I was saved in October 2006, I have been pretty consistant in reading God's Word. I am thankful that my husband won't let us go to sleep at night unless we have read at least one chapter. :) Sometimes, I just read it though - not really studying it or taking it in - just reading it. In my on-line accountability group we have decided to study the book of James together and I have learned so much by just reading it and reading other's posts on what they have learned from the scriptures. In Courtney's blog - Women Living Well - she talked about using the SOAP method.
S - write down the scriptures
O - write down your observations
A - application of the scripture
P - prayers
Recently, my pastor at church has been leading a churchwide study on Reading the Bible for Life. Two things I have learned from this study (so far):
1) Understand the context of what you are reading - historical, cultural, literary, and theological
My study Bible has all this commentary about each book and the verses in it and sometimes it makes a huge difference if I take the time to read that information before I actually read the chapter. I understand the verses in a whole new way.
2) Try not to think about what God wants you to learn in the scripture first, but rather what you can learn about God's character. Ask yourself these questions when reading the books in the Old Testament: How is God at the center of each story?
What is the whole point?
What characteristics of God are portrayed?
What does God value?
What is God's agenda?
The last thing I am sure most people already know about is on-line commentaries. I just recently learned about one that has helped me out a lot : biblegateway.com
Though it takes time, I have really been able to study God's Word this way and what a blessing it is to know God's Word more intimately.
S - write down the scriptures
O - write down your observations
A - application of the scripture
P - prayers
Recently, my pastor at church has been leading a churchwide study on Reading the Bible for Life. Two things I have learned from this study (so far):
1) Understand the context of what you are reading - historical, cultural, literary, and theological
My study Bible has all this commentary about each book and the verses in it and sometimes it makes a huge difference if I take the time to read that information before I actually read the chapter. I understand the verses in a whole new way.
2) Try not to think about what God wants you to learn in the scripture first, but rather what you can learn about God's character. Ask yourself these questions when reading the books in the Old Testament: How is God at the center of each story?
What is the whole point?
What characteristics of God are portrayed?
What does God value?
What is God's agenda?
The last thing I am sure most people already know about is on-line commentaries. I just recently learned about one that has helped me out a lot : biblegateway.com
Though it takes time, I have really been able to study God's Word this way and what a blessing it is to know God's Word more intimately.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
It Isn't the Same
Have you ever had something about you be the same for so long that you didn't really notice God changing you? For so long, my profession, my heart, my everything has been about children. I wanted to be a teacher from 6th grade on (maybe earlier). I worked with children all through middle school, high school and college - baby-sitting, nursery, teaching, tutoring, etc. When I graduated college, I began teaching right away - taught kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade during my 9 year span. When I had my daughter, I began teaching the children's Sunday School class at our church. I figured that is where my gifts are, that is my passion...right? Well, recently I have realized I hadn't been so passionate about teaching Sunday School - not that I don't love the children and want to serve them and teach them Christ's love for them, but I just haven't been excited about doing it.
A close friend was telling me about how a lot of times the "struggles and trials" we have been through become our passion. God uses those to allow us to help others and encourage others b/c we've been through it and came out the other side. Well, as she was telling me this I was thinking what has been my struggle or my trial? I thought of 2.
1) My marriage! I mean, not now - right now it is pretty great and my husband and I praise God often, but at the beginning it was pretty rough. We started out as two non-Christians who were basically sharing an apartment. We didn't consult the other on anything - we didn't communicate very well at all and we fought constantly. God brought us so far in teaching us, through HIS word about how to treat each other. He taught me how to be submissive to my husband (which doesn't mean letting my husband walk all over me or beat me or any of the "negative" things some people think when they hear the word submissive) and how to let him lead our family. The Lord also taught my husband how to love me and be more sensitive to my needs and my desires. Because we had a rough marriage for about 4 years, I can relate through those wives who are struggling in their marriage, I have a heart for those women who want "out" because I was there.
2) Being a mother! I really struggled in the transition from being a working wife to being a stay at home mother. I knew it was what I needed to do and it was best for my daughter, but it took a lot of prayer and a lot of struggle to get to where I was content with this new "job" that God had called me to do.
So, my passions have changed. I am passionate about helping women who are struggling in these areas and providing encouragement for them because, like I said, I have been there. I am not so sure what specific ministry God wants me to be a part of in order to use these struggles to help others, but I am keeping my eyes open.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will follow you!
A close friend was telling me about how a lot of times the "struggles and trials" we have been through become our passion. God uses those to allow us to help others and encourage others b/c we've been through it and came out the other side. Well, as she was telling me this I was thinking what has been my struggle or my trial? I thought of 2.
1) My marriage! I mean, not now - right now it is pretty great and my husband and I praise God often, but at the beginning it was pretty rough. We started out as two non-Christians who were basically sharing an apartment. We didn't consult the other on anything - we didn't communicate very well at all and we fought constantly. God brought us so far in teaching us, through HIS word about how to treat each other. He taught me how to be submissive to my husband (which doesn't mean letting my husband walk all over me or beat me or any of the "negative" things some people think when they hear the word submissive) and how to let him lead our family. The Lord also taught my husband how to love me and be more sensitive to my needs and my desires. Because we had a rough marriage for about 4 years, I can relate through those wives who are struggling in their marriage, I have a heart for those women who want "out" because I was there.
2) Being a mother! I really struggled in the transition from being a working wife to being a stay at home mother. I knew it was what I needed to do and it was best for my daughter, but it took a lot of prayer and a lot of struggle to get to where I was content with this new "job" that God had called me to do.
So, my passions have changed. I am passionate about helping women who are struggling in these areas and providing encouragement for them because, like I said, I have been there. I am not so sure what specific ministry God wants me to be a part of in order to use these struggles to help others, but I am keeping my eyes open.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me. I will follow you!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Setting an Example
I've tried various methods of cleaning my house, but the one that seems to work the best for me now is this:
Monday - laundry (all), general cleaning from the weekend
Tuesday - Bathrooms and gather trash
Wednesday - Dust
Thursday - vacuume and mop and laundry (just clothes)
Friday - catch up day - grocery shopping
I am thankful that I have a husband who isn't overly concerned with whether the dishes get washed each day or if the floors got mopped that week because sometimes I am really slack in my household chores. The thing I have realized lately though, is that I am setting an example for my daughter, not only with what I am doing, but with the attitude I do it with. She has started commenting on the fact that I need to do ALL those dishes in the sink. I usually reluctantly say, "I know, I know, I'll do them soon"
If I want her to do her jobs the right way, all the way and in a nice way - then I need to do mine that way as well.
Lilly's Jobs:
Clearing and setting the table.
Wiping the table.
Moving the trash can to the back after the trash man comes.
Putting the silverware away.
Folding the wash cloths.
So, as I learned in the Frazzled Female study this past semester, I will make a list of the things I think need to be done that day and pray over it. If it isn't important to God that I get it done then I pray He will let me know so that I only do what He wants me to that day. All the rest, I pray He will allow me to do with a cheerful heart.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Blueberries
A few days ago, some friends and I took our children blueberry picking. My daughter and I went last year and the blueberries we picked lasted us a good 9 months, so I was excited to go back and do the same thing this year. It was very warm outside by the time we made it to the farm (here in Texas it gets like that :) ) so I think all of us moms had similar thoughts - lets just pick the blueberries, fill our buckets, and get to where the a/c is.
Our children, on the other hand, had different ideas. They wanted to eat the blueberries and run in and around the rows. As moms, we kept saying, "Don't eat them, pick them." But, how could we expect them to resist the temptation of eating a delicious blueberry that was right in front of their face? Could I resist a temptation like that?
Were they wrong? I don't think so....
The moms knew we were trying to prepare for the future, have blueberries to eat for later.
The children were enjoying the experience, enjoying what God had provided at the moment.
I know I can learn from the children and remember to stop and enjoy the moments we are given at the time. :)
Our children, on the other hand, had different ideas. They wanted to eat the blueberries and run in and around the rows. As moms, we kept saying, "Don't eat them, pick them." But, how could we expect them to resist the temptation of eating a delicious blueberry that was right in front of their face? Could I resist a temptation like that?
Were they wrong? I don't think so....
The moms knew we were trying to prepare for the future, have blueberries to eat for later.
The children were enjoying the experience, enjoying what God had provided at the moment.
I know I can learn from the children and remember to stop and enjoy the moments we are given at the time. :)
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
I Am A Creature of Habit
I like schedules and I like doing things the way I've always done them. Change is hard for me, but once the change is made, I can adapt.
My husband recently got a new position at work which requires him to travel quite a bit for different lengths of time in each place.
Plus side is: he gets equal time on and off - so if he is gone for 2 weeks, he gets 2 weeks off when he returns. :)
Down side: There is no schedule of when he is going on these various trips so we really can't plan any trips in advance because we don't know when he'll be home or when he'll be out of town. :(
It is a recent change and for the most part I have adapted pretty well so far to all the "uncertainties" that have come with this new position, except for my quiet time with God. I used to wake up with my husband at 4:30am and make his lunch, have my quiet time while he was getting ready for work, and then go back to sleep until my daughter woke up. Now, I no longer have to get up at 4:30 to make his lunch so I have to figure out when to have my quiet time.
This is definately a test of my faith because when I got up before it was because my husband needed me to make his lunch. God doesn't "need" me to spend time with Him, I NEED to spend time with Him. I pray the Lord will give me the desire to wake up early and spend that time with Him every day no matter what the "schedule" is.
My husband recently got a new position at work which requires him to travel quite a bit for different lengths of time in each place.
Plus side is: he gets equal time on and off - so if he is gone for 2 weeks, he gets 2 weeks off when he returns. :)
Down side: There is no schedule of when he is going on these various trips so we really can't plan any trips in advance because we don't know when he'll be home or when he'll be out of town. :(
It is a recent change and for the most part I have adapted pretty well so far to all the "uncertainties" that have come with this new position, except for my quiet time with God. I used to wake up with my husband at 4:30am and make his lunch, have my quiet time while he was getting ready for work, and then go back to sleep until my daughter woke up. Now, I no longer have to get up at 4:30 to make his lunch so I have to figure out when to have my quiet time.
This is definately a test of my faith because when I got up before it was because my husband needed me to make his lunch. God doesn't "need" me to spend time with Him, I NEED to spend time with Him. I pray the Lord will give me the desire to wake up early and spend that time with Him every day no matter what the "schedule" is.
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