I think it is extremely important for us to remember that ANYTHING or ANYONE that we put first in our lives…becomes an idol. So, if it isn’t God that is first…then we have to re-adjust..re-order the things in our lives. With that being said….

Do you have too much on your plate? Are you loaded down with “things” that get in the way of what should really be your top priorities ? You know…Too many activities, things that take away from God and family, too much social media, too many clubs, too much volunteering. That is just to name a few.

We shouldn’t let our lives speed out of control. We should live intentionally. Keeping our priorities in order helps make this intentional living possible.

Psalm 39:6 has this to say about living lives that are too busy and filled with too many distractions: “We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth, not knowing who will spend it.”

I am working on simplifying my life. Eliminating certain things from my life…one of those things being my personal Twitter account. I LOVE Twitter..I love Social Media. It just distracts me. So..I am changing it to my “blog Twitter” and no longer a personal Twitter account. I have removed a few more social media distractions as well. I am also being more intentional about the quality in the time that we spend with our little family…Making sure that my family is first after God. Another thing that I have been doing is reading a book called The Excellent Wife. It is written by Martha Peace. I highly recommend it. This book has really made me look at my role as wife in the way that God wants me to view it. Convicted to say the least.

Is there SOMETHING or are there some things that YOU may need to cut loose of for a time?

Here are a few signs that you may have too many distractions or things out of order:

~ Stress (no brainer)

~ Irritability.. because you feel rushed all of the time.

~ Never seem to be able to finish a task.

~ Complaints from husband/wife/children that you never have time for them..or if you are with them they say you are distracted.

~ No time for bible study or quiet time.

~ No time for quality family time.

~ Exhaustion (mental and physical)

~ Feeling the “need”  to check your multiple social media sites throughout the day ..but never feeling the need to open your bible app or open your bible .

There’s got to be balance. If you give a majority of your time to volunteering, social media sites, friends, etc.. and find that your time with Jesus and your husband/wife/kids is less than the others, it’s time to refocus and get things (people) back in the correct order.

In “THE EXCELLENT WIFE”, Martha Peace writes: Wives are also to love their husbands as their closest neighbor. The Lord Jesus made it clear, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). Compare how hard you work at showing love to your girl friends with how hard you work at showing your love to your husband. He is your closest neighbor. He should come first.

(This goes for husbands as well…)

So, I invite you to join me in taking a look at your life and praying about what God wants you to do so that you will glorify HIM. There is freedom in surrender. True peace and joy comes when we have our lives in the right order. The alternative is stress and feeling all out of whack. I hope you’ll join me in looking deep within and seeing what you need to change..who knows, you may not need to change a thing. Chances are, somebody that you know may need to. So, share this post if you think it could help someone.. There are also several links to other posts that I placed in this one. (Hoping that one will help even just one person.)

             Until Next Time,

Ephesians 5:20 ~ And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Give THANKS for EVERYTHING? Even when the kids are fussing? When the puppy (who is 18 months old) is still tearing things up on a daily basis? When the kids talk back? Give THANKS?

Well….that’s what HE said.

Give THANKS for EVERYTHING.

Other than the FACT that it is a COMMAND….

Maybe it is because when we give thanks we are believing that HE can bring good from anything.

Maybe the reason is because thanksgiving chooses to see the good in even the worst of situations.

Maybe it’s because GIVING THANKS brings joy and hope and belief that GOD IS GOOD and HE really will take care of everything.

Our circumstances are always changing. For some…our days are up and down..because of multiple people in our household whose circumstances change too. This leaves EACH ONE OF US with the choice…to Give Thanks or to COMPLAIN. 

There is ONE THING that never ever changes for believers..well..at least one..

~ GOD NEVER LOVES US MORE OR LESS THAN HE DOES AT THIS VERY MOMENT ~

Hebrews 13:8 ~ Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

1 Chronicles 16:34 ~ Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.

So…. TODAY… I am choosing to give thanks for:

1) My children…even on the days that I want to pull my hair out…because..They are healthy..precious..a gift from God..and I have them here with me still.. Oh how I love my girls…So, this means being thankful even on the days that parenting is tough.

2) Cloudy and rainy “spring break” days…because…they give us down time…time together in our home..time is precious..

3) Tough times…times and situations that I don’t always understand..times when I am feeling hurt and confused..because honestly..it is in those times when I cling to GOD even more and grow…

4) The way God speaks to me..in HIS time..through fellow believers…when they confirm an answer to a question that I had asked of my Father God..HE is so faithful….

See, giving THANKS to GOD doesn’t deny that what you are feeling or have experienced may be awful or that your heart may hurt… No, giving thanks is trusting HIM to lift you up and that HE can and will take care of you. Giving THANKS when you are hurting is an act of love to GOD…it is saying: “God, I trust you and I know that YOU have already won and that the enemy has NO power over me as your child.”

What are you going to thank GOD for today? Not just the easy things..

            Until Next Time,

I’m good at stuffing. Stuffing drawers. Stuffing cabinets. Stuffing closets. AND, yes, stuffing my feelings. Throw it all in and hurry and slam it shut before it falls out or comes undone. Just, out of sight, out of mind.

That’s. Not. Healthy.

So, to be honest..it took me writing out my testimony to realize some of the reasons that I stuff. Some are just hereditary..and some are because of choices made.

So, after realizing some truths, I began to make some changes.

And..I began to change.

Now, I still fight the battle of stuffing. No, I’m not a hoarder by any means.I have no problem throwing away stuff.  I just tend to get overwhelmed and want to forget about it. That’s the case with organizing my home and my emotions.

You can’t break a lifelong habit overnight. It takes intentionality….To make healthy changes. It takes work.

When it comes to being unorganized…I found that admitting I can’t do it alone helped me a lot! I asked for help from someone near and dear to me..(she knows who she is). She’s a natural at this sort of thing. So, we organized and MAN, is life getting easier! I can focus better. It is awesome!

Now, as far as the emotional stuffing goes…That is a work in progress. There’s a thin line we have to be careful of. To still bridle the tongue and glorify God in everything.

To keep in mind that making a big deal about feelings…makes it ABOUT ME…not God.

To trust HIM in every situation and at the same time to deal with emotions, hurts, and feelings instead of stuffing them down. Pretending that they don’t exist. That’s. NOT. Healthy. But trusting HIM and giving it ALL to HIM to handle…That’s WAY BETTER than stuffing.

Psalm 28:7 ~ The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.

So…I’m still a work in progress. Learning what to stuff and what not to stuff. Learning that everything has a place and that includes emotions.

I challenge you to look at yourself…Are you a stuffer? Or are you an exploder? Lysa Terkeurst’s book, Unglued, is a fantastic book.. She talks about the four reaction types. Most of us are more than just one type of reactor. Here is her blog post where she discusses the four types.

I’m so glad to know that God is not finished with me yet.

Philippians 1:6 ~ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Until Next Time,

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. (Psalms 34:18 NLT)

There are things in this world that happen, that I’ll never understand. I won’t claim to understand.

This I know, My Savior.. My Redeemer, is GOOD.

The truth is that this world that we live in is broken and sinful. So much so, that God sent His one and Only Son, Jesus… Immanuel.. To save us.

John 3:16,17 ~ “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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

Jesus means, The Lord Saves.

Immanuel means, God With Us.

When trials come.. And they will…

When circumstances are sometimes awful.. And that’s a guarantee…

When bad things happen to good and innocent people and children, we can rest in the fact that this is NOT our home. If you know Jesus, and most importantly, if HE knows you… This broken and sin-filled world is only temporary. Our real home is HEAVEN.

John 16:33 ~ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

While we are here though… Let’s live right. As my father in law shared at Granny Shiver’s funeral; When asked if she had any advice for us on living our lives.. She said : “Just Do Right..Do right.”

That’s pretty good advice if you ask me.

Just do right. Just forgive. Just live. Just let bygones be bygones. Hold the ones you love close. Tell them you love them.. Show them that you love them with actions. And.. JUST DO RIGHT.

Even when you don’t understand the why’s… Just Do Right.

And remember… We are just passing through. There’s two final destinations.. Heaven or Hell. Although those are great words of advice.. “Just Do Right” won’t get you to Heaven. Truly knowing and following HIM will. So, do you know HIM and as Granny witnessed.. Does HE know you?

See, when asked if she knew for sure about her place in eternity, she said “oh yeah, I know Jesus and HE knows me.“

Trust HIS promises that are found in The Word. Rest in HIM. “The Lord Saves” AND “God With Us”

Hebrews 13:6 ~ So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

We don’t have to understand.. We just have to trust God.

Until Next Time,

Heather

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV84)

Today… I am thankful for so many things and Granny Shiver tops the list.

Our Granny Shiver passed this earth and entered into HIS presence this morning. I guarantee you there’s a party going on!!

Granny.. Or Grandma.. Or Mama or Hilda.. However you may have known her.. I knew her as a strong and loving woman. A lady who accepted me as one of her own.. (Even though I wasn’t her grandchild by blood) She loved life and she loved the Giver of Life! It was evident. Her actions proved what her lips professed.

Granny possessed a strength that can only come from a real relationship with her Heavenly Father. That strength got her through many losses..many tough times in her life. That strength was Jesus in her.

But you know what? I’m gonna quote her: “I can let it make me bitter or better.” She chose better!

She knew how to live. She lived with no inhibitions. She loved with all she had & would even give you whatever she had. Granny was loved by many.

I’m better for having known her. She lives on through her children, grandchildren, and great grands… Her legacy will remain!

See.. God was first. She had her priorities straight. She missed her husband every single day since he left this earth and entered into the presence of Jesus. She took care of him while he was here. She raised her family.. And she did it well.

She could make the best homemade lemonade… Banana pudding.. Cobbler.. Mayhaw jelly. (Remember the room filled with jars) .. The list goes on.

Her thumb was green.. not brown like mine. She loved her flowers.

Oh and her grapevines! Man..

She loved her family! All of us.. Blood or not.. She loved!

I’m not even going to try to list everything.

Too many memories.

Too many things and funny stories to list.

I’m thankful to have married into this family.

Something tells me that she and Granddaddy danced a little jig and ran into each others arms when she took her last breath here. I bet it was beautiful!

The Bible says:

John 10:27-29~ My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.

Those verses bring comfort and assurance.

I’m thankful that God put my husband and I together. Through a friendship that I had with his cousin. I love our family. I’m blessed with my family and my family by marriage..

I’m so proud of our family. We may not get together as often as we used to, but when there’s a reason to celebrate or a tragedy strikes.. This family unites and stands behind one another. Unity.

I can’t close without saying that I’m so thankful that Granny was an authentic Follower of Jesus! What comfort to know where she is and that all who are also authentic followers, will see her and Granddaddy (or Pepa) again!

So.. I have to ask…Do you know my Jesus? Are you really following Him? Don’t waste another minute of uncertainty.. Don’t waste another minute living with doubt or living without the peace and assurance of truly Knowing HIM.

And one more thing: Do you really love?
Do your actions prove what your lips profess? It’s not too late.. To love.

Thankful and Blessed..

Until Next Time,

Heather

My girl…Content…

Philippians 4:12 ~ I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Philippians 4:19 ~ And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

I think it is safe to say that most of us have had good times and most of us have had not so good times. Whether it be financially, our health, or whatever. We have had times when we are on the mountaintop and times when we are in the valley.

The question is, have we been CONTENT in either place? Sure…we are content when we are way up high on the beautiful mountain. It’s easy to be content up there.

It’s when we are in the low times…the times of want…the valleys..that our faith is tested and proven.

It’s those times when we don’t know how we are going to make it… Those times that we walk in faith.. Trusting that God WILL provide all of our needs. We may not always get what we WANT…but GOD promises to meet ALL of our needs.

THAT IS SOMETHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR!

When we can learn to be CONTENT in ANY situation, we have learned what it means to be fully surrendered. And full surrender = contentment…PEACE.

Does content mean that I LOVE every situation? NO. It simply means that I am gonna be ok no matter what because my GOD has got it under control. It means that I am able to find joy in the yuck. It means that I can find something to be thankful for in every situation.

Trust me..I know….some days it is harder to find that joy. Some days it can be almost impossible. Those are those days and moments when we have to work harder at being content. CONTENT in ANY and EVERY circumstance. Sometimes this will require us to “suck it up” and move on. Laugh if you want..but that is fact.

I want to be like Paul..in his letter to the Philippians..when he was able to say that he learned the secret to being content in any and every situation. This means that I must always look for the good, and always trust in HIM.

I have so much to be thankful for this week..

1) My husband..He has dropped everything to take care of me several times lately. (we’ve had stomach virus and cold junk with fever for the past 2 weeks in our home..)

2) Good health! Finally!

3) Power of prayer…privilege of prayer

4) My parents and my “other” parents (in-laws)…I’m so blessed to have a wonderful relationship with all of them.

5) An extra computer cord that happens to work with my laptop that I’m typing on right now..because..Marleigh struck again. This time the puppy chewed my laptop cord while I was writing this blog post.. {forced grin} I think she thought it was her bone..because she was chewing on her rawhide bone at the same time.

6) I’m EXTREMELY thankful for each and every one of YOU and that you take the time to read and sometimes share these posts.

What are YOU thankful for? Comment on here..or write it down in your journal. It’s contagious..giving thanks..

(While you are sharing with me what you are thankful for…would you share with me one Thanksgiving Day tradition and/or Day after Thanksgiving tradition… ?

On the day after Thanksgiving, my family and I usually begin putting up our Christmas decorations. We also go Black Friday Shopping sometimes. Years ago, we used to go to the Christmas tree farm and have a picnic together. Memories…Make some with your family this holiday season. )

                Until Next Time,

Nahum 1:7 (NIV) ~ The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him.

This past week has been one of those weeks that made me thankful & tired all at the same. If ya know what I mean…

We all have times of trouble. Times when we need rest. Nobody is exempt.

That’s what you call… LIFE.

But… As believers in Christ.. Authentic Followers of Christ, We have a SAFE REFUGE. The LORD.

Who do you run to when you are weary? Where do you find rest?

True rest. True peace. True comfort…
Is only found in HIM.

I keep thinking of these lyrics from Hillsong.. I Will Exalt You

My hiding place My safe refuge
My treasure Lord You are
My friend and King Anointed One
Most Holy

That’s. Who. HE. Is.

Psalm 32:7 (NLT) ~ For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory.

Beautiful promises.

We only have to let go of our grip.. Our control.. And just rest. In Him.

Are you tired? Are you in pain of any kind? Are you just looking for a place to rest?

Maybe you’ve had a long week. A week of sickness or disappointments. Perhaps you are just plain worn out.

God knew that you would experience every single one of these emotions.

While we are commanded to do everything without grumbling or complaining.. We aren’t commanded to be without feelings.

He knew. He provided.. The Refuge. The Hiding Place.. It’s HIM.

I hope you will find your hiding place.. In Him.

Until Next Time,

Heather

Hebrews 12:28,29 (NIV) ~ Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.

Thankful. Worship. Consuming Fire.

Have you ever looked at “Thanking God” as an act of worship?

That’s what it is…

We are to be so consumed with God that HE is in the center and controlling everything!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) ~ Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Our feelings and circumstances should never cause us to hold back from worshipping our God with thanksgiving. Feelings are feelings.. They don’t control us. We have the choice to have self-control and not let outside influences dictate our reactions or responses to them.

There will be days that we don’t “feel” like looking for the joy and giving thanks to Him for anything. Those are the days that we are allowing “self” to get in the way. Those are the days when we need to dig deep and look for the joy, even in the tiniest of things. There is joy to be found everywhere and Yes, even in the not so good days.

This isn’t saying to THANK HIM for all the things that happen to us..but, to “give thanks in ALL circumstances”. 

To trust HIM.

Proverbs 3:5 ~ Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding

Proverbs 29:25 ~ Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.

Before I tell you what I am thankful for today, I want to share with you a blog post from last year that I wrote about thankfulness.

You can click HERE to read it.

I am THANKFUL for……………..

1) Time spent with my family and loved ones

2) New pine straw in my flower beds..and that my husband put it out

3) Running my best time ever in a 5K road race last Saturday (winning 3rd in my age group)

What THREE things are you thankful for this week?

Share them with me and others…Thankfulness is contagious.

Until Next Time,

I must admit, some weeks are more challenging than others. Some days it is more challenging to find the joy in the yuck. Those moments when we choose to find the joy in the yuck..those moments define us.

Earlier in the week, I had a day of inconveniences and little aggravations. I caught myself feeling aggravated and stressed out because I couldn’t get something simple taken care of…simply. Ever had a day like that?

Roadblocks.

Detours.

People are watching us. They are watching us to see how we handle the “yuck”. Our kids, our friends, our families, and strangers..Yes, strangers..are watching to see how we (Christians) are handling those things.

I’ll be real honest with you.. It was quite a battle. Fighting self. Wanting to whine and complain. Whining and complaining. Stopping myself from whining and complaining. Feeling guilty. Repenting. Starting fresh.

See, Jesus instructs us to NOT grumble and complain. Being “human” isn’t an excuse. As Christians, we have The Holy Spirit in us..so we aren’t just human.

Philippians 2:14 (ESV) ~ Do all things without grumbling or questioning

Romans 8:9 (NIV) ~ You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.

Every day we have choices to make. We get to make those choices.. They matter. Even when it’s harder than usual to find joy in a situation that seems like NO joy can be found in it, there IS JOY TO BE FOUND.

Even when it feels like a game of hide and seek..keep seeking the JOY.

“Joy’s a function of gratitude. And gratitude’s a function of perspective. Counting gifts changes my perspective – & my LIFE” ~ Ann Voskamp from her book…One Thousand Gifts

“All gratitude is ultimately gratitude for Christ, all remembering a remembrance of Him.” ~ Ann Voskamp…One Thousand Gifts

God cares about the tiny details. HE cares and provides. HE allows. HE knows that we can’t do this thing called life alone. WE can do it with HIS strength.

Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) ~ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

So, without waiting any longer, let me share with you some of the things that I am thankful for today and this past week.

1) that THIS is not home. This place.. This world is temporary and my citizenship is in Heaven.

2) for conviction by The Holy Spirit, JESUS in me, that tells me when I’m not glorifying my Savior.

3) that my Jesus loves me.. HE loves ME.. And I’m not always easy to love..

4) for this wonderful group of women (Dstudy group) that I get the privilege to grow with and teach them and learn from them as well..

5) for beautiful..awesome sunsets and sunrises that never grow old..

6) for the pure JOY that my nephew expressed to me when I surprised him with a visit today..

7) for getting Lysa TerKeurst’s book, UNGLUED, for $1.99 today! (on iBooks and Amazon)

I guess I’ll stop for now… on here.. But I can promise you that my gratitude journal of 1000 gifts is continuing to grow every single day. For when we continue to look for the good and counting the joy, that is when we know what true joy really consists of. Thanksgiving. Grace. Joy. They go hand in hand.

Here is the Simple Truth my friends: There is JOY to be found in EVERYTHING…Because GOD created EVERYTHING & GOD is ONLY GOOD..HE is GOOD.

What are YOU thankful for?

UNTIL NEXT TIME,

Do I have some things to share with you!!

You know that book that I was telling you about last Thursday? One Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp… Well, it has truly inspired me to be even more thankful.

Thankful..Grateful..for even the not so good things. It’s becoming a habit..a positive change by choice, to count it all joy. Sometimes it takes longer, but I eventually get around to it.

 Like…on my gratitude list..

#32 clean sheets for when the puppy decided to tinkle on Alden’s sheets

#77 being able to be honest with God about my feelings (when I am not loving a situation, etc..when I don’t feel like joy is possible..)

#58 not losing my temper when Marleigh (the puppy) chewed my daughter’s bottom retainer.

#59 only the bottom retainer was chewed up

#60 if the bottom retainer is too expensive to replace right now, at least it is the bottom retainer..

Those are all things that I would have gotten angry and frustrated about before. Yet, GRATITUDE and THANKFULNESS and looking for JOY in every single thing is changing me. Changing me for the good!

Every GOOD thing comes from GOD.

James 1:17 (NLT) ~ Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

GOD is good. God is love.

AND...the truth is, that good can be found in everything that God created. Every single day is a gift. The yuck..it can even be made into something good and useful..to glorify God.

Romans 8:28 (NLT) ~ And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

 Will you choose to see the beauty in everything with me? Will you try to count it all joy? Will you begin..right now..by naming just THREE things that you are thankful for today. In this moment. Look around and be thankful.

 Philippians 4:4 (NLT) ~ Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again – rejoice!

Deuteronomy 28 :47,48 ~ If you do not serve the LORD your God with joy and enthusiasm for the abundant benefits you have received, you will serve your enemies whom the LORD will send against you. You will be left hungry, thirsty, naked, and lacking in everything.

 Will you?

For me..right now in this very moment, I am thankful for:

1) Coming home from the gym and finding a card from my husband that expressed his love for me. AND, he shared the beginning of his list of 1000 gifts with me.

2) A clean and organized laundry room..Thanks to a selfless best friend that gave of herself…

3) memories…that I can remember times gone by..good and bad ones..because it is important to remember. To grow and be thankful and move forward..

 ( The thing is..I don’t even know if I  realized at the time..that these were moments to be counted all joy.. these memories..time flies, slow down and count them ALL..All of the moments count.)

Thankful for each one of you!

Until Next Time,