Ok friends, I'm not sure how I ended up with the self-pressure to do a daily blog. But here it is...
Day 3 wasn't the best "Self improvement" day. I cheated on my "diet", didn't exercise because my leg muscles are still punishing me, spent more money than necessary and managed to not really accomplish anything other than getting some gifts for the kids teachers.
I did however spend some quality time with my mom (we shopped) and had a nice phone conversation with my brother, who invited us over for the fourth of July.
But then there is always tomorrow right?
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Day 2
If you are looking for Day 1, it is just the post before this one.
Since yesterday was a physical improvement (running), and my body is still sore... today is dedicated to financial improvement.
As most people feeling the pinch, we find ourselves being creative to be able to live as comfortable as before. Comfortable.. foolishly... that one is still out for judgment.
But a while ago we made an appointment with someone from our church who does financial counseling. Jeff and I were both looking forward and dreading it at the same time.
They recommended Dave Ramsey and shared some beliefs that are new to us. We will be praying about some decisions that will be coming up. But we feel very good about it all.
On the fun side, we did enjoy a dinner away from the kids at Boatwerks. We used a Dining Concepts coupon and a coupon from the LocalE book (coupon book for local Holland restaurants). The whole meal cost us $17.00 including tip. Not bad for a dinner, salad and appetizer (we split it all) at a swanky restaurant.
But then, it isn't the "Yellow Jacket" (probably more our style).
Dear God,
We know that whatever money we have in our possession, is not ours but yours. Please help us to learn how to use your resources wisely and in a way that is pleasing to you. Thank you for our financial counselor. Give them wisdom and help them be your hands and feet. We love you and thank you for all the blessing you have given us.
In your Son's name,
Amen
Since yesterday was a physical improvement (running), and my body is still sore... today is dedicated to financial improvement.
As most people feeling the pinch, we find ourselves being creative to be able to live as comfortable as before. Comfortable.. foolishly... that one is still out for judgment.
But a while ago we made an appointment with someone from our church who does financial counseling. Jeff and I were both looking forward and dreading it at the same time.
They recommended Dave Ramsey and shared some beliefs that are new to us. We will be praying about some decisions that will be coming up. But we feel very good about it all.
On the fun side, we did enjoy a dinner away from the kids at Boatwerks. We used a Dining Concepts coupon and a coupon from the LocalE book (coupon book for local Holland restaurants). The whole meal cost us $17.00 including tip. Not bad for a dinner, salad and appetizer (we split it all) at a swanky restaurant.
But then, it isn't the "Yellow Jacket" (probably more our style).
Dear God,
We know that whatever money we have in our possession, is not ours but yours. Please help us to learn how to use your resources wisely and in a way that is pleasing to you. Thank you for our financial counselor. Give them wisdom and help them be your hands and feet. We love you and thank you for all the blessing you have given us.
In your Son's name,
Amen
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Blog Sweet Blog
Sometimes I wonder why we all blog. For some it is a therapy, a way to keep up with loved ones, a documentation of a journey, a place to entertain others, to enlighten others, etc.
I mostly blog for my own sanity. I'm not sure everything I write here is newsworthy or even understandable to anyone else but me. But that's okay. I'm worth it... at least to myself and God.
With that in mind... here is what I originally wanted to title this post.
MARIANNE'S NEW LIFE DAY ONE:
This weekend I had the privledge of sitting back with friends and having honest conversations of life's little frusterations. We talked about how at certain times in our lives, we feel frusterated with where we are. More specifically, where we put ourselves. Maybe I should clarify the above by restating it as "SOMETIMES WE ARE FED UP WITH OURSELVES FOR NOT BEING WHAT WE WANT US TO BE".
A little more organized, disciplined, healthy, etc.
God has really put it on my heart to find my passion. That one thing that I would spend thousands of dollars for. The job that I would do even if I didn't get paid.
Well that has spilled over to what what do I want my life to look like.
I may not have the clearest vision of what that is at the moment... but I know it isn't what I see when I look in the mirror (figuratively and literally).
So my babystep today is going for a walk/run. I want my BMI to go down 9.7 to a "normal" weight for my height. I'd calculate it in pounds but the truth is... I'm too embarassed!
So I (mostly) ran in the rain tonight in the last twilights of the day (because most people are in their houses by then.) It felt good to lace up my shoes, put on the headphones, walk out the door and run for as long as my body could take it.
Day 1 is done and I'm happy with the effort I've put in. I pray that tomorrow is more of the same.
I mostly blog for my own sanity. I'm not sure everything I write here is newsworthy or even understandable to anyone else but me. But that's okay. I'm worth it... at least to myself and God.
With that in mind... here is what I originally wanted to title this post.
MARIANNE'S NEW LIFE DAY ONE:
This weekend I had the privledge of sitting back with friends and having honest conversations of life's little frusterations. We talked about how at certain times in our lives, we feel frusterated with where we are. More specifically, where we put ourselves. Maybe I should clarify the above by restating it as "SOMETIMES WE ARE FED UP WITH OURSELVES FOR NOT BEING WHAT WE WANT US TO BE".
A little more organized, disciplined, healthy, etc.
God has really put it on my heart to find my passion. That one thing that I would spend thousands of dollars for. The job that I would do even if I didn't get paid.
Well that has spilled over to what what do I want my life to look like.
I may not have the clearest vision of what that is at the moment... but I know it isn't what I see when I look in the mirror (figuratively and literally).
So my babystep today is going for a walk/run. I want my BMI to go down 9.7 to a "normal" weight for my height. I'd calculate it in pounds but the truth is... I'm too embarassed!
So I (mostly) ran in the rain tonight in the last twilights of the day (because most people are in their houses by then.) It felt good to lace up my shoes, put on the headphones, walk out the door and run for as long as my body could take it.
Day 1 is done and I'm happy with the effort I've put in. I pray that tomorrow is more of the same.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Memorial Day
Am I the only one who can't even make it through a patriotic parade without shedding tears?
The veterans getting the respect they deserve, the school bands, the school kids waving flags and wearing all sorts of red, white and blue paraphernalia.
For about 20 minutes (Zeeland is a small town, and yes, I am exaggerating a little) there is enough good in the world to make me forget all the bad.
If only there was a "Joy-o-meter" like there is in the movies to measure the belief in all things good.
God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
The world around us...
Isn't it crazy to think that with so many people on this earth, there are billions of things happening in the world?
I found this little bit of news that astounds me.
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1899155,00.html
I found this little bit of news that astounds me.
http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1899155,00.html
This morning's epiphany...
I forgot my cell phone this morning so I drove back to the condo after dropping off the kids at school.
Right now I can't recall what lead me to this thought.. and the fear of losing all memory of this scared me enough to prompt me to write this at work... So I will be quick.
BEING JESUS TO OTHERS
What if God gave us our horrible trials... so that we can be Jesus to others?
If I lose my job, will I be able to take the fall for the benefit of others, whether it be monetarily or spiritually?
If I live in poverty, will that make me more valuable (sympathetic) to give when I am blessed with more?
If I lose a parent or a child, will that make me more valuable (capable) to others who need me to walk along side them?
Jesus died a terrible, terrible death for us. How many times have we been told that? He paid the price. Our price.
What if God is giving us the opportunity to be Jesus for others and we are so focused on ourselves that we aren't using the gift the way it was meant.
Jesus was human enough to cry out "My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me".
Just like we do when we lose our jobs,
when we don't have enough money to pay for our bills,
when we lose a loved one,
when life seems unfair,
when a company goes under,
when natural disasters occur,
I could go on and on.
But when we can turn the prospective off of ourselves, we can focus on the fact that God is using us.
This seems like such an elementary belief, but for me it was looking at it from a different view that made it such an "aha" moment.
Sorry for the babbling.
Yeah God!
Right now I can't recall what lead me to this thought.. and the fear of losing all memory of this scared me enough to prompt me to write this at work... So I will be quick.
BEING JESUS TO OTHERS
What if God gave us our horrible trials... so that we can be Jesus to others?
If I lose my job, will I be able to take the fall for the benefit of others, whether it be monetarily or spiritually?
If I live in poverty, will that make me more valuable (sympathetic) to give when I am blessed with more?
If I lose a parent or a child, will that make me more valuable (capable) to others who need me to walk along side them?
Jesus died a terrible, terrible death for us. How many times have we been told that? He paid the price. Our price.
What if God is giving us the opportunity to be Jesus for others and we are so focused on ourselves that we aren't using the gift the way it was meant.
Jesus was human enough to cry out "My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me".
Just like we do when we lose our jobs,
when we don't have enough money to pay for our bills,
when we lose a loved one,
when life seems unfair,
when a company goes under,
when natural disasters occur,
I could go on and on.
But when we can turn the prospective off of ourselves, we can focus on the fact that God is using us.
This seems like such an elementary belief, but for me it was looking at it from a different view that made it such an "aha" moment.
Sorry for the babbling.
Yeah God!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
I finally did it...
For some of you who know me from many many years back... you will know who I am talking about. But for others, you might have these people in your life and might relate.
The other day, I reached out to a person who I intentionally took out of my life. To make a long story short, I felt convicted to sever my "best friendship" with a gal in my life who had been part of my life since high school. I can't say that it was a black and white decision. I was just starting to be challenged as a Christian, and I couldn't imagine keeping up my friendship with her as I was starting to change my lifestyle, beliefs and ways. What it came down to, I think, is that I knew that my relationship with her, would make my transformation more difficult. So I ended it.
Now that I look back, I realize that I am was so immature in my thinking (So all you young 20-30 somethings, don't start thinking you have all the answers, it never ends, we still have so much more to learn.)
Anyhow, in my Facebook infatuation, her face keeps coming up on the side and it has been tugging at my heart to ask for forgiveness.
So I did.
And while I planned to blog this yesterday when I actually sent her a message, I happened to quick check Facebook while I opened up my blog tonight...
and she wrote me back.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for being the conductor in the symphony of my life. When I look to You to lead, I become amazed at the beauty of the music that results. Forgive me for the times I think I can do it on my own. For the times I feel I need a solo, my own crescendos and tempo changes... The music just doesn't turn out as sweet.
But now Lord, I ask that You lead me in this reconnection. Guide me in Your ways and as I step out in sight-reading this next piece. Help me to look to You for direction.
My desire is only to let You use me to be part of Your kingdom.
In Your Son's name.
Amen
The other day, I reached out to a person who I intentionally took out of my life. To make a long story short, I felt convicted to sever my "best friendship" with a gal in my life who had been part of my life since high school. I can't say that it was a black and white decision. I was just starting to be challenged as a Christian, and I couldn't imagine keeping up my friendship with her as I was starting to change my lifestyle, beliefs and ways. What it came down to, I think, is that I knew that my relationship with her, would make my transformation more difficult. So I ended it.
Now that I look back, I realize that I am was so immature in my thinking (So all you young 20-30 somethings, don't start thinking you have all the answers, it never ends, we still have so much more to learn.)
Anyhow, in my Facebook infatuation, her face keeps coming up on the side and it has been tugging at my heart to ask for forgiveness.
So I did.
And while I planned to blog this yesterday when I actually sent her a message, I happened to quick check Facebook while I opened up my blog tonight...
and she wrote me back.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for being the conductor in the symphony of my life. When I look to You to lead, I become amazed at the beauty of the music that results. Forgive me for the times I think I can do it on my own. For the times I feel I need a solo, my own crescendos and tempo changes... The music just doesn't turn out as sweet.
But now Lord, I ask that You lead me in this reconnection. Guide me in Your ways and as I step out in sight-reading this next piece. Help me to look to You for direction.
My desire is only to let You use me to be part of Your kingdom.
In Your Son's name.
Amen
I LOVE THIS QUOTE
"A woman is like a tea bag - you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water." - Eleanor Roosevelt
Thursday, May 14, 2009
List of Joys 5/14/09
Kimmers Jo is pregnant with my two precious nephews. I love them already.
The sun comes out most days and makes me smile.
My college roomie Wendy makes the most beautiful paper creations. I love that I found her blog and can appreciate them on a regular basis.
My mom seems very at peace with her life.
My husband.
Tristan is 9 years old and he still shows his mom affection.
The Lord loves me more than I will ever know.
I love tea the way most people love coffee.
My dad was the awesomest person I know.
I'm not afraid to let people know that they are special to me and that their presence in my life makes it that much better.
Mozzerella and Tomato Paninis at Panera.
KenKen puzzles.
The sun comes out most days and makes me smile.
My college roomie Wendy makes the most beautiful paper creations. I love that I found her blog and can appreciate them on a regular basis.
My mom seems very at peace with her life.
My husband.
Tristan is 9 years old and he still shows his mom affection.
The Lord loves me more than I will ever know.
I love tea the way most people love coffee.
My dad was the awesomest person I know.
I'm not afraid to let people know that they are special to me and that their presence in my life makes it that much better.
Mozzerella and Tomato Paninis at Panera.
KenKen puzzles.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Stolen devotional... belated Mother's Day...
May 13, 2009
Lessons from the Bamboo Farmer
Sharon Jaynes
Today's Truth
Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap a harvest if we do not grow weary" (Galatians 6:9 NASB).
Friend To Friend
For years, I told people that I was in labor for 23 hours. However, the truth is more like 23 years. Being a mother has been the most fulfilling, frustrating, exciting, exhausting, mind-boggling, hair-raising thrilling tiring, stimulating, soul-stirring, delightful, difficult, consuming, laborious, uplifting, inspiring, challenging, captivating, and rewarding job I've ever had. Did I mention difficult? I should have gotten a clue when I was told that having a child begins with a word called "labor."
I've had times when I felt like throwing up my hands in frustrations and saying, "I quit!" Is what I'm doing making any difference to anyone? I want result! Show me results! Then I think about the bamboo tree.
When the Chinese plant bamboo, first they plant the seeds, then water, and fertilize them. The first year, nothing happens. The second year they continue to water and fertilize the seeds, and still nothing happens. The farmer continues this process for a third and fourth year with no visual results. Then sometime during the fifth year, in a period of approximately six weeks, the Chinese bamboo grows ninety feet.
Did the bamboo grow ninety feet in six weeks or did it grow ninety feet in five years? The obvious answer is that it grew ninety feet in five years. If the grower hadn't applied water and fertilizer every year, there would be no bamboo.
It is the same way with raising children. We pour into their lives. We plant seeds of character, pull weeds with discipline, water with prayer, and fertilize with encouraging words. Then one day, if we are persistent and consistent, we will see beautiful results.
If you are in the midst of raising your children, or even a parent of grown children waiting to see the results, I want to encourage you to press on. Don't give up! Keep praying! Keep encouraging! Keep loving! And one day, when you least expect it, your child will one day "rise up and call you blessed."
Let's Pray
Dear Lord, sometimes I get really tired and frustrated as a mom. When I grow discouraged, will You help me to keep the goal before me...to raise a child who is a man or woman after God's own heart? Help me to remember that You, as my heavenly parent, never give up on me. Even when You don't see the results that You desire, You continue to love, nurture and teach me. Thank You for being my example of persistent and consistent love.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.
Lessons from the Bamboo Farmer
Sharon Jaynes
Today's Truth
Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap a harvest if we do not grow weary" (Galatians 6:9 NASB).
Friend To Friend
For years, I told people that I was in labor for 23 hours. However, the truth is more like 23 years. Being a mother has been the most fulfilling, frustrating, exciting, exhausting, mind-boggling, hair-raising thrilling tiring, stimulating, soul-stirring, delightful, difficult, consuming, laborious, uplifting, inspiring, challenging, captivating, and rewarding job I've ever had. Did I mention difficult? I should have gotten a clue when I was told that having a child begins with a word called "labor."
I've had times when I felt like throwing up my hands in frustrations and saying, "I quit!" Is what I'm doing making any difference to anyone? I want result! Show me results! Then I think about the bamboo tree.
When the Chinese plant bamboo, first they plant the seeds, then water, and fertilize them. The first year, nothing happens. The second year they continue to water and fertilize the seeds, and still nothing happens. The farmer continues this process for a third and fourth year with no visual results. Then sometime during the fifth year, in a period of approximately six weeks, the Chinese bamboo grows ninety feet.
Did the bamboo grow ninety feet in six weeks or did it grow ninety feet in five years? The obvious answer is that it grew ninety feet in five years. If the grower hadn't applied water and fertilizer every year, there would be no bamboo.
It is the same way with raising children. We pour into their lives. We plant seeds of character, pull weeds with discipline, water with prayer, and fertilize with encouraging words. Then one day, if we are persistent and consistent, we will see beautiful results.
If you are in the midst of raising your children, or even a parent of grown children waiting to see the results, I want to encourage you to press on. Don't give up! Keep praying! Keep encouraging! Keep loving! And one day, when you least expect it, your child will one day "rise up and call you blessed."
Let's Pray
Dear Lord, sometimes I get really tired and frustrated as a mom. When I grow discouraged, will You help me to keep the goal before me...to raise a child who is a man or woman after God's own heart? Help me to remember that You, as my heavenly parent, never give up on me. Even when You don't see the results that You desire, You continue to love, nurture and teach me. Thank You for being my example of persistent and consistent love.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
crash-a-rino
I've been trying to post for like a couple of weeks now...
Everytime I get motivated, I type, I get interrupted, I lose my work.
Can anyone else relate?
Thursday, May 7, 2009
A New Habit...
I have been struggling lately.
I know that I'm in a busy time in my life and it feels like we are on the cusp of so much. School is ending, birthdays and activites make May a busy month for us.
I know I have been stressed because I have been having nightmares. That is always a clear sign to me that I'm overwhelmed.
But I have been trying to surround myself with the Lord. I carry my bible with me at all times. I post my prayers in my cubicle at work and I have started to use iTunes to listen to podcasts (which are free) at work.
I am subscribed to various Mars Hills podcasts, Saddleback - Crave podcast and am on the lookout for a good mom/homemaker podcasts as well.
If any of you techies are out there. I'm looking for more suggestions. If you aren't that "Techie", I suggest you try listening to some.
I'm also taking any other suggestion on other ways to surround myself with the Lord.
My favorite verse at the moment:
Do not confirm any longer to pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
I know that I'm in a busy time in my life and it feels like we are on the cusp of so much. School is ending, birthdays and activites make May a busy month for us.
I know I have been stressed because I have been having nightmares. That is always a clear sign to me that I'm overwhelmed.
But I have been trying to surround myself with the Lord. I carry my bible with me at all times. I post my prayers in my cubicle at work and I have started to use iTunes to listen to podcasts (which are free) at work.
I am subscribed to various Mars Hills podcasts, Saddleback - Crave podcast and am on the lookout for a good mom/homemaker podcasts as well.
If any of you techies are out there. I'm looking for more suggestions. If you aren't that "Techie", I suggest you try listening to some.
I'm also taking any other suggestion on other ways to surround myself with the Lord.
My favorite verse at the moment:
Do not confirm any longer to pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
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