Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Rising Above Storms

Even though a storm is threatening Florida, my home is peaceful.  I'm reminded that we have the power to find peace in any situation.  We just need to have faith and embrace our inner strengths.




I found this story at www.inspirationalstories.com

Did you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks?  The eagle will fly to some high spot and wait for the winds to come. When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it.  The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm.

When the storms of life come upon us – and all of us will experience them – we can rise above them by setting our minds and our belief toward God. The storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God’s power to lift us above them.

God enables us to ride the winds of the storm that bring sickness, tragedy, failure and disappointment in our lives. We can soar above the storm.  Remember, it is not the burdens of life that weigh us down, it is how we handle them.

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Kids

I'm sure I have mentioned that I work with children. School started on Monday and today was my first time back since June. God, I really missed them. I work with between 60 and 80 kids and I just love them. The things the say will both break my heart and make my day.

We asked one child to tell us how he shows people he likes them and he replied, "Duh. I give them a hug". Geez, how did I not realize that. I am really excited about going back to schools tomorrow and Friday. I can't wait to see how much they've grown, how they are feeling about school, what their plans are for the school year and how we can help them be successful.

I really believe that kids are lacking positive role models. I spoke with a mom about recently moving out of town and asked how her son was feeling about having to start a new school. She responded, "I don't know. I haven't asked him". Well, maybe you should.

I'm not a parent so I can't pretend that I know what it is like. I do love the children I work with, though. I know that they crave attention, feedback, guidance, fun, honest conversation and unconditional love. I don't know the exact kind of parent I will be but I do know that I will respect my child and show genuine interest in him or her. I wish this for all of the kids I work with. I wish that they had three meals a day and weren't exposed to violence. I hope that they feel loved and cared for. I strive to teach them leadership skills and to find their innate strengths.

Prayer:  Please, God, take care of the kids I work with. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of their lives. Help them feel loved and appreciated. Give them strength to make good choices; especially, in difficult situations. Remind them that there are people who care for them and that we will do everything in our power to see that they reach their full potential.

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Vertigo

I have another opportunity to make a change in my life.  It has been almost five months since I began this process.  At times I have been frustrated and impatient.  I keep reminding myself that God has a plan for me and things haven't moved forward because the the time is not right.  To be honest, this has not been easy to accept.  There are moments when I am so discouraged, I feel like I am falling.  I really am grateful for scripture.

I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. 
The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.
Psalm 118:13-14 


Good things emerge from our darkest moments. We just need to be patient and hope in the Lord.

Prayer:  God, I hope in you and I trust that you will open doors for me.  When I get discouraged, shower me with Your love and give me strength.  Thank you for being there when I feel like I am falling.  You are my safety net.  Amen.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Unconditional Love

Today is Floyd's birthday. He is 15 years old.

How could you not love him?

He's amazing. Obviously, I love him more than I could have ever imagined as I've blogged about him before here and here. Floyd is the embodiment of unconditional love. He does not hold onto anger or resentment. When life disappoints him (i.e. he runs out of treats), he gets over it quickly and moves on. Floyd reminds me to appreciate the little things and to take lots of naps. He is patient and independent. I love how he craves being snuggled for a few minutes and then, after he's had enough, he does his own thing. Floyd reminds me to savor an ocean breeze, sleep in the sun and indulge every now and then. Happy Birthday, Bobo Butt.


Eating dinner in a beach parking lot on the Emerald Coast.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Giving Thanks

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18




Monday, August 6, 2012

Renewal

One of the best parts of my job is that I assess people. I love doing assessments. It's sort of like I am getting paid to hear people's stories. They welcome me into their homes and open their lives to me. Their authenticity and vulnerability are beautiful. Every time I meet with someone, I am reminded of how compassionate and giving people are. These are good reminders in a world that, at times, seems like it is full of hate and hopelessness. When feeling like I am being consumed by my work, I reflect on things such as this - it helps renew my spirit.

I just ate a very simple dinner. I love to cook - to chop veggies, use lots of spices and herbs, be creative in the recipes I create. Sometimes, I want to focus on other things. Like tonight. I chose to have soup for dinner so that I had enough energy to write, practice photography and walk on the beach with my husband. Eating soup for dinner reminded me of the plethora of options we have. We can choose how we live our lives. It's just about prioritizing.

I'm searching out new blogs to connect with and found a Monday Meet Up at Covered in Grace. What a great way to connect with other like-minded individuals!



My feelings of discouragement are beginning to fade. I think in part to putting ideas into place and taking control of some things that I tend to be lazy about. Plus, I've been praying a lot about this. The darkeness is fading. God really is rejuvenating.