Women of Faith

I went to my first Women of Faith meeting last night. This is a group of women from our church, Mountain View Baptist, who get together once a month to have prayer, bible study and to fellowship with each other. I had my reservations about going because Ethan is about to be 3 months old and I feel like my evenings are cut short as it is with my commute. However, God has been working on me for awhile to get more involved with our church. As I have gotten older, I'm not so easily swayed to "step outside the box" when it comes to doing things like this. I am a big believer in praying about what God wants for us. So, I went. It was wonderful.

I met some very kind, strong Christan women. We ate together, chatted about our families, work and how God IS working in our lives. We brought up prayer requests for those who are in desperate need at the moment. We listened to our hostess read some scripture and then we did something that was truly amazing. From the moment everyone walked in the door, everyone was asked to take a helium filled balloon and tie it around their wrist. I will admit that I was less than enthusiastic but I played along. I knew it would be irritating to me to try to "deal" with this ridiculous balloon while eating, talking, etc. Most of the meeting was held on a deck outside looking out over Hagan's Mountain. It was beautiful.

Anyway, before we adjourned, we were asked write on a small piece of paper all of the things we wanted to give to God....things that are weighting us down in our lives. When we finished, we slid the piece of paper onto the string of the balloon and tied it so it would fall off. We proceeded to talk about what God wants for us. Then, at the same time, we all released our balloons and watched them float away from this house sitting high atop the mountain. The balloons were many different colors. It was truly a sight to behold. It was the neatest thing to see all of those burdens floating away with those balloons. Just knowing that each woman had released something to God was truly amazing. I felt like I could instantly breathe better.

We all have "things" that weigh us down or irritate us. I am not exempt just because I'm trying my best to have a more positive attitude. It's difficult sometimes to "choose" to be happy when it seems as though most everyone around you isn't, but I have to keep plugging on and pray that God will give me the strength to help lift them up when they can't seem to lift themselves.

I continue to be amazed at God's love each day. He has given me so much to be thankful for. I will continue to praise him and I will try to continue to see good in everything.

I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me"

Philippians 4:13

My Drive This Morning

It seems that I got behind everyone that had no sense of time this morning. I tried to shake off my frustration by listening to my favorite tunes. They are as follows: Soulshine by the Allman Brothers (always helps me put things into perspective), Dancing In the Moonlight by King Harvest (because it's just fun), Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus (yes, I said Miley Cyrus), Into the Mystic by Van Morrison (my absolute favorite), Free/Into the Mystic (live) by Zac Brown Band and last but not least Summer of '69 by Bryan Adams (this one really gets me pumped). So, a beginning to another day. The sun is shining and I am fortunate enough to be alive. I was blessed enough to kiss my husband and my baby boy goodbye this morning. I also was fortunate enough to see my parents due to dropping Ethan off on my way to work. What a blessing to get to see so many people I love as I start my day. It's going to be a good day. Thank you God for the gifts you have given me.

The End to a Monday

"The long day is over" or so Norah Jones says and for that I am thankful. Mondays always seem to be the most difficult day at work. Noone is in the mood to be back at work especially if they've had a good weekend. I think it's harder for me now to return on Mondays since we have been blessed with Baby Ethan. I miss him so much on Monday mornings as I'm driving my 55 miles to Mercer. I never thought I could love someone so much. I mean, it's a given I love my husband, but a child? I have never been a woman who just loves children. However, it's true what everyone told me: "You'll feel different about your own." He is evolving into this little person with this little personality. It's amazing!!! He has made it easier for me to have a positive outlook on things. Brittany & Scott Storey spoke at our church on Mother's Day. They sat there sharing their testimony with little Beau sitting between them. She shared a handful of stories about the children that had gone to heaven while they were in the hospital watching their own son fight for his life. All I can say is there are so many things in this world that are of no importance. There are so many things that deserve our complete focus. So, as for the negativity I mentioned in my previous blog....it's out the window and I'm focusing on the people and things that really matter; my relationship with God, my family and my friends. Tonight I pray for those who do not have the peace I possess right now. I have waited a long, long, long time to acquire this peace. It is such a wonderful feeling.

Avoiding Negativity

Trying with all my might to douse all flames of negativity surrounding me today. Life is too short to be angry and frustrated with things I have no control over. I wish everyone would feel the way I do at this moment. I am at peace. Thank you Lord for sending our son Ethan. He has already taught me a handful of valuable lessons. Life is mostly made of choices. I choose to pray and believe that things will always get better. I have decided to ask myself two questions every morning on my drive to work:"Am I proud of how I conducted my thoughts and my actions yesterday and if I'm not, how can I make today different?"