"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17
I had to think about this one for a bit. The author talks about "spinning your wheels" in life and I could definitely relate to that once I started thinking about it. Usually I don't have too much trouble moving forward once I decide to do something but there are a couple of things that get me every time. Eating right and exercise.
Don't get me wrong. I'm actually one of those people that likes the sweaty, in your face type of exercising. Jillian Michaels is my hero. As much as I wanted junk food, I didn't have anything during Lent so willpower isn't an issue when my mind is set on it. That's the problem. I'm so "all or nothing" that I'm either totally obsessed with food and the gym or I'm not at all and nothing seems to motivate me. I can't seem to strike that perfect balance. Neither option works well for very long. Somehow, I need to realize that if I miss one day or mess up, I can start over the next day or that just a bit for today is better than nothing. For some reason, it doesn't take much to completely throw me off the track in either direction.
So for me, living my Best Life needs to be a healthy balance of eating right and exercising and permission to go off track once in a while without a total standstill. That's what I need to be a new and better physical me. A new creation.
Have a healthy and moving Best Life Day!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Today Is A New Day
"You have dwelt long enough on this mountain....Behold, I have set the land before you; go in and take possession of the land which the Lord swore to your fathers...to give to them and to their descendants after them." Deuteronomy 1: 6, 8
What a wonderful gift it is to wake up each morning knowing you get another chance to get it right (whatever 'it' is). Didn't exercise? That's okay, start today. Didn't eat right? Today is a whole new set of calories. Didn't remember to count your blessings? They are doubled today. Didn't use kind words? You're getting a new day to apologize and make it right.
Holding onto the past is something I'm prone to do. It is often very difficult for me to let things go. What is the saying? Women aren't hysterical; they are historical. Over time, that kind of thinking really eats at your insides physically and emotionally. Forgiveness, though is "giving up the hope that the past could have been any different" (Oprah). So if where I am is because of where I've been then all that was God's plan and moving forward from here takes me on the path that God has intended for me. That makes me look at things that have happened in my life in a very different way. It's just not that easy to do.
Thank God, I get the chance to try again each and every day!
Have a brand new Blessed Life day!
What a wonderful gift it is to wake up each morning knowing you get another chance to get it right (whatever 'it' is). Didn't exercise? That's okay, start today. Didn't eat right? Today is a whole new set of calories. Didn't remember to count your blessings? They are doubled today. Didn't use kind words? You're getting a new day to apologize and make it right.
Holding onto the past is something I'm prone to do. It is often very difficult for me to let things go. What is the saying? Women aren't hysterical; they are historical. Over time, that kind of thinking really eats at your insides physically and emotionally. Forgiveness, though is "giving up the hope that the past could have been any different" (Oprah). So if where I am is because of where I've been then all that was God's plan and moving forward from here takes me on the path that God has intended for me. That makes me look at things that have happened in my life in a very different way. It's just not that easy to do.
Thank God, I get the chance to try again each and every day!
Have a brand new Blessed Life day!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Run Free
But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things re possible." Matthew 19:26
It's Easter Sunday and a beautiful day outside. The windows are open, a gentle breeze is blowing. The girls are playing with a friend, we had a wonderful family weekend with my in-laws and got a surprise invitation to dinner tonight with good friends. It truly does seem like all things are possible today.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Have a Best Life Easter Day today!
It's Easter Sunday and a beautiful day outside. The windows are open, a gentle breeze is blowing. The girls are playing with a friend, we had a wonderful family weekend with my in-laws and got a surprise invitation to dinner tonight with good friends. It truly does seem like all things are possible today.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
Have a Best Life Easter Day today!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Fresh Positive Attitudes
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4
A friend of mine posted on Facebook that he needed a new dream or goal. I could definitely relate as I have been searching for that myself this whole year. I still can't articulate why I had stopped dreaming. It just sort of happened as I let everyone else go ahead of me in line! It's hard to follow a passion when you're not even sure what that is.
I took a big leap this week and applied for a position that is heading me in the direction I believe it is time for me to go. I felt really scared before I hit that send button. It's not that I didn't think I could do it or that I was worried what people might think but I knew that as soon as it was "out there", that the Lord could make all things happen and that the path of my life could change. I was fearful of the unknown.
When had that happened? When did a new challenge ever bring me fear? Slowly, though as the week progressed, I felt it happen. I got a bit lighter and the shadows began to give way to light. I'm now very excited about the possibilities that this new opportunity could bring to me and to my family. My prayer now is that it is the right place, the right time and it is God's will for me to go this way.
I've always told my girls, "What you think about is what you bring about". It's another way of saying that your attitude plays a real role in how you live your life. "Stinkin' Thinkin'" is another quote I've heard. I'm really ready to give up that stinkin' thinkin' and move ahead. Let's see what God has planned!
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1 Peter 1:3
Have a Happy Easter!
A friend of mine posted on Facebook that he needed a new dream or goal. I could definitely relate as I have been searching for that myself this whole year. I still can't articulate why I had stopped dreaming. It just sort of happened as I let everyone else go ahead of me in line! It's hard to follow a passion when you're not even sure what that is.
I took a big leap this week and applied for a position that is heading me in the direction I believe it is time for me to go. I felt really scared before I hit that send button. It's not that I didn't think I could do it or that I was worried what people might think but I knew that as soon as it was "out there", that the Lord could make all things happen and that the path of my life could change. I was fearful of the unknown.
When had that happened? When did a new challenge ever bring me fear? Slowly, though as the week progressed, I felt it happen. I got a bit lighter and the shadows began to give way to light. I'm now very excited about the possibilities that this new opportunity could bring to me and to my family. My prayer now is that it is the right place, the right time and it is God's will for me to go this way.
I've always told my girls, "What you think about is what you bring about". It's another way of saying that your attitude plays a real role in how you live your life. "Stinkin' Thinkin'" is another quote I've heard. I'm really ready to give up that stinkin' thinkin' and move ahead. Let's see what God has planned!
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 1 Peter 1:3
Have a Happy Easter!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Break the Cycle
Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit," says the Lord Almighty. Zechariah 4:6
The thoughts for today's devotion really struck home.
"God wants to do a new thing in your life. What you will receive is directly connected to how you believe. But you've got to do your part and get outside that little box you've grown accustomed to. Start thinking big!"
Getting outside the little box I've grown accustomed to is exactly what I need to do. It's so easy to tell my graduating 8th grader that the "world is her oyster" and "Who knows what great things await you in high school?" because I've been through it already and know how wonderful it can be. I never used to be afraid to step out on faith and go for it. The consequences of just risking myself didn't seem too big. It seems so much harder with a family - the consequences and worry seem so much bigger. But what do I really have to lose? I can't dream as big as God can dream for me. If He has faith in me, why shouldn't I have faith in myself? If I'm not afraid to take a hot air balloon ride, zip line, backpack with a friend through Europe, ride in a small engine plane or get married and have children, what's the worst that can happen by starting a new career? My worries are small in comparison. Maybe the cycle I have to break is my own bad thinking.
Have a great Best Life day!
The thoughts for today's devotion really struck home.
"God wants to do a new thing in your life. What you will receive is directly connected to how you believe. But you've got to do your part and get outside that little box you've grown accustomed to. Start thinking big!"
Getting outside the little box I've grown accustomed to is exactly what I need to do. It's so easy to tell my graduating 8th grader that the "world is her oyster" and "Who knows what great things await you in high school?" because I've been through it already and know how wonderful it can be. I never used to be afraid to step out on faith and go for it. The consequences of just risking myself didn't seem too big. It seems so much harder with a family - the consequences and worry seem so much bigger. But what do I really have to lose? I can't dream as big as God can dream for me. If He has faith in me, why shouldn't I have faith in myself? If I'm not afraid to take a hot air balloon ride, zip line, backpack with a friend through Europe, ride in a small engine plane or get married and have children, what's the worst that can happen by starting a new career? My worries are small in comparison. Maybe the cycle I have to break is my own bad thinking.
Have a great Best Life day!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Passing on a Legacy
We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done. -Psalm 78:4
I often think about the legacy I am leaving my girls. I idolize my own mother and hold her in the highest respect yet I can remember a time when I couldn't imagine sacrificing the way that she did for her children. She gave up her "career" when she married and knowing she always wanted a family, had six children. We never truly appreciated her until we were older and began to understand all that raising children entailed. She did most of it by herself with my dad taking a very traditional role of breadwinner.
I wasn't sure for a long time if I even wanted children. That changed when I met the right man. Then I couldn't imagine giving up my "career" to be at home. Forced to make a choice, I couldn't imagine leaving my first baby for a full time job and part time wasn't an option in that moment. Enduring years of comments about me "not working", I struggled with how my girls would perceive me. Would they think of me the same way I had thought of my own mom? My life is very different from hers. I have, in fact, worked outside the home almost the entire time I have been raising my children. It hasn't been in the same line of work as before but it always brought something to the family that could help either financially or in kind.
I listen to women who have gone on with their careers or started something new and hear them say, "I wanted my girls to have a strong role model. I wanted them to know that their mother was passionate about something and went after it." Does that mean I didn't? Should I not have "given up everything" for them? I can't imagine doing things any differently but now I wonder again about what legacy I am creating for my girls. Would I want them to do the same thing I have done and my mother did? I'm not sure. I think there needs to be a balance. I think I might have been too all or nothing in my choices. It almost feels like heresy to write this down.
So now as I think about pursuing something for myself, I know it will mean sacrifices from my family because we've all grown used to the routine we have. Will they survive? Most likely. Will I? I'm not so sure. I'm still looking up from the bottom of the priority list.
All your actions, words, and knowledge that you share while you are living become the gift that you leave when you are gone. ~ Jim Allen
I often think about the legacy I am leaving my girls. I idolize my own mother and hold her in the highest respect yet I can remember a time when I couldn't imagine sacrificing the way that she did for her children. She gave up her "career" when she married and knowing she always wanted a family, had six children. We never truly appreciated her until we were older and began to understand all that raising children entailed. She did most of it by herself with my dad taking a very traditional role of breadwinner.
I wasn't sure for a long time if I even wanted children. That changed when I met the right man. Then I couldn't imagine giving up my "career" to be at home. Forced to make a choice, I couldn't imagine leaving my first baby for a full time job and part time wasn't an option in that moment. Enduring years of comments about me "not working", I struggled with how my girls would perceive me. Would they think of me the same way I had thought of my own mom? My life is very different from hers. I have, in fact, worked outside the home almost the entire time I have been raising my children. It hasn't been in the same line of work as before but it always brought something to the family that could help either financially or in kind.
I listen to women who have gone on with their careers or started something new and hear them say, "I wanted my girls to have a strong role model. I wanted them to know that their mother was passionate about something and went after it." Does that mean I didn't? Should I not have "given up everything" for them? I can't imagine doing things any differently but now I wonder again about what legacy I am creating for my girls. Would I want them to do the same thing I have done and my mother did? I'm not sure. I think there needs to be a balance. I think I might have been too all or nothing in my choices. It almost feels like heresy to write this down.
So now as I think about pursuing something for myself, I know it will mean sacrifices from my family because we've all grown used to the routine we have. Will they survive? Most likely. Will I? I'm not so sure. I'm still looking up from the bottom of the priority list.
To have passion, to have a dream, to have a purpose in life. And there are three components to that purpose, one is to find out who you really are, to discover God, the second is to serve other human beings, because we are here to do that and the third is to express your unique talents and when you are expressing your unique talents you lose track of time. -Deepak Chopra
All your actions, words, and knowledge that you share while you are living become the gift that you leave when you are gone. ~ Jim Allen
The Legacy You Leave
All You will leave behind for the world to remember is Your Legacy, so ask yourself:
Will you have earned the respect of your peers and the admiration of your critics?
Will you have acted humbly at the peak of success and graceful in the face of defeat?
Will you have kept your childlike wonder and reveled in the beauty of the world and the small miracles that each day brought?
Will you be remembered for how often you laughed and brought smiles to the hearts of others?
Will small children and the elderly have been overjoyed to be around you?
Will others have trusted you with their inner most secrets?
Will you have forgiven and offered heartfelt apology?
Will you have looked for the very best, and done your utmost to build worth, in others?
Will you have fed a hungry child or clothed a naked man or given hope to a stranger in dire need?
Will you have left this world a better place by the life you have lived?
What kind of Legacy will You Leave?
© 2000 by Rick Beneteau
http://rickbeneteau.com
http://rickbeneteau.com
Have a Blessed Best Life Day!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Get Out of the Rut
Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. --John 14:12
"I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future." I heard this quote by Oprah Winfrey when asked what her greatest fear was going forward. Imagine having that kind of confidence when giving up a show that she's been doing for 25 years.
It's really easy to get so caught up in routine that pretty soon life is going along on auto-pilot and you realize that days, weeks and years have gone by and you can't quite recall how you got there. Having the courage to get out of a rut is a lot like getting up from the sofa to exercise. There's a certain amount of inertia that has to be overcome before I can start moving. Fear of failure, uncertainty and anxiety can all be forces that keep me from getting started. Somehow, deep within, I have to find the "potential" energy that God has for me and turn that into a moving force. Sometimes I've been go-go-going for so long, that when I finally find a moment to contemplate the bigger picture, I'm too exhausted to take a single step.
"Step out in faith and you will break through the barriers" says the author of these devotions. Just don't look down!
Have a blessed Best Life Day!
"I don't know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future." I heard this quote by Oprah Winfrey when asked what her greatest fear was going forward. Imagine having that kind of confidence when giving up a show that she's been doing for 25 years.
It's really easy to get so caught up in routine that pretty soon life is going along on auto-pilot and you realize that days, weeks and years have gone by and you can't quite recall how you got there. Having the courage to get out of a rut is a lot like getting up from the sofa to exercise. There's a certain amount of inertia that has to be overcome before I can start moving. Fear of failure, uncertainty and anxiety can all be forces that keep me from getting started. Somehow, deep within, I have to find the "potential" energy that God has for me and turn that into a moving force. Sometimes I've been go-go-going for so long, that when I finally find a moment to contemplate the bigger picture, I'm too exhausted to take a single step.
"Step out in faith and you will break through the barriers" says the author of these devotions. Just don't look down!
Have a blessed Best Life Day!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
The God of Increase
How great are his signs, how mighty his wonder! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom, His dominion endures from generation to generation. -Daniel 4:3
It's hard to believe that over a month has gone by since my last blog entry but it's taught me (again), just how fleeting life is. You blink and suddenly, your daughter is getting ready to graduate from 8th grade, find a few gray hairs that you swear weren't there yesterday and you begin to wonder what God's purpose is for your life because there seems to be more to see looking backward than looking forward.
God didn't take a break while I did. All around me continue to be messages of "follow your dream", "do something you love", "live your best life" and "find your passion". Each time something pops up, I'm reminded that this is a time in my life for introspection.
Life goes on whether you're ready for it or not. There have been many blessings in the last month. My daughters continue to show me that they are becoming amazing young women and can do so much more than I could at their age and understand more about their relationship with God than I might even know now! God truly is the God of increase and I pray that my girls will be blessed with that increase. Somehow, too, I know that God has something waiting in the wings for me. In His time, not in mine.
For now, I know that I need to return to these daily devotions and pray about the days ahead.
I hope you've been living your Best Life days!
It's hard to believe that over a month has gone by since my last blog entry but it's taught me (again), just how fleeting life is. You blink and suddenly, your daughter is getting ready to graduate from 8th grade, find a few gray hairs that you swear weren't there yesterday and you begin to wonder what God's purpose is for your life because there seems to be more to see looking backward than looking forward.
God didn't take a break while I did. All around me continue to be messages of "follow your dream", "do something you love", "live your best life" and "find your passion". Each time something pops up, I'm reminded that this is a time in my life for introspection.
Life goes on whether you're ready for it or not. There have been many blessings in the last month. My daughters continue to show me that they are becoming amazing young women and can do so much more than I could at their age and understand more about their relationship with God than I might even know now! God truly is the God of increase and I pray that my girls will be blessed with that increase. Somehow, too, I know that God has something waiting in the wings for me. In His time, not in mine.
For now, I know that I need to return to these daily devotions and pray about the days ahead.
I hope you've been living your Best Life days!
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