Michelle Sanders Brinson

Did you know you have a black smudge on your forehead?

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 07:17:52 -0800

I'm sure some of you have been asked this question... either yesterday or today...

For those of us who commemorate Ash Wednesday and the 40 days of Lent leading up to Good Friday and Easter Sunday, the marking of ashes on the forehead can represent a variety of things.

I came across the following explanations and thought these might be helpful today.

The Biblical Response

Over forty passages in the Bible associate ashes with mourning and grief. In Old Testament times people used ashes as a sign of repentance. They would sit in ashes, roll around in them, sprinkle them upon their heads, or even mingle them with their food and drink. They did this as an outward sign of their inward posture of repentance. Check out Daniel 9:3-6, for an example.

Ash Wednesday begins Lent, a time when we stop and assess how we’re doing in our walk with God. Lent helps us identify spiritual areas in which we can grow and sinful areas that we need to avoid. To repent, put simply, means to turn away from sin and turn toward God. We use ashes as an outward expression of our need to begin again.

A Traditional Response

Ashes are a sign of physical death, as in “ashes to ashes, dust to dust.” We began as dust (a joyless and lifeless existence), and our bodies will return to dust until we are raised up by Christ. By receiving ashes and keeping them on, we publicly proclaim our intent to die to our worldly desires and live even more in Christ’s image, which we focus on during the season of “rebirth” that is Lent (a Latin term for “Spring”).

The Historical Response

For over twelve hundred years on the dies cinerum (day of ashes) faithful followers have approached the altar and received ashes upon their foreheads. These ashes are made from the burnt palm fronds that were blessed on the Palm Sunday of the previous year. The ashes are sprinkled with holy water, usually fragranced with incense and blessed using four prayers that are thousands of years old.

The use of ashes for repentance and penance can be traced even further back and is practiced throughout the world. On Ash Wednesday ashes are applied to believers’ foreheads in the shape of the cross.

The Symbolic Response

God formed Adam out of the “dust” of the earth, which we read about in Genesis 2:7. In addition, Jesus healed the blind man with clay (earth and spit) in John 9:6. We mark ourselves with ashes as a “new beginning” at the onset of Lent, allowing the life of Jesus Christ to make us whole and new again.

The Most Basic Response

I’m a sinner. I don’t always love God as strongly as I could or as directly as I should. Ash Wednesday reminds me that it is only through God that I have life; He gave it to me.

Ash Wednesday also begins my preparation for Holy Week and the Passion and Resurrection of my Lord, Jesus, without Whom I have no life here and no chance at eternal life in Heaven. This is just a great opportunity for me to get better. Thanks for asking.

God forgives. He loves. And He gives this sinner a second chance.

Source: http://lifeteen.com/why-do-catholics-put-ashes-on-our-heads-on-ash-wednesday/

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Enemies of the Heart

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:16:39 -0800

I'll start by saying I'm a huge fan of Andy Stanley. Love his dad too... although they are very different in their styles of preaching and writing. I was super excited to receive a copy of this book from Waterbrook/Multnomah as part of their Blogging for Books program. With that being said, I'm still giving my personal opinion and it has no basis on receiving a copy of this book for free.

Andy Stanley is very insightful. He takes complicated ideas and thoughts and breaks them down into simple language that is easy to understand. This book couldn't have come at a better time for me. I struggle with these emotions constantly. This will definitely be a book I will read again and again.

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What Are You Exchanging?

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 00:28:17 -0800

Read this great devotion and wanted to share it with you...

Do You Have Anything That Needs Exchanging?
This devotional was written by Jim Burns

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. —Matthew 11:28-30

Today, stores are busy processing exchanges. It happens every year right after Christmas. But have you ever thought about spiritual exchanges? They are always in season.

Do you have anything that you need to exchange with God today? I know I do. Is there anything going on that is particularly burdensome? Then God wants to take your burden and exchange it with His presence. Here is a prayer that I pray that often gives me great perspective.

Away from the world and hidden from public view,

I exchange my weariness for His strength,
I exchange my weakness for His power,
I exchange my darkness for His light,
I exchange my problems for His solutions,
I exchange my burdens for His freedom,
I exchange my frustrations for His peace,
I exchange my turmoil for His calm,
I exchange my hopes for His promises,
I exchange my afflictions for His balm of comfort,
I exchange my questions for His answers,
I exchange my confusion for His knowledge,
I exchange my doubt for His assurance,
I exchange my nothingness for His awesomeness,
I exchange the temporal for the eternal,
I exchange the impossible for the possible,
I exchange my fear for His love.

GOING DEEPER:
Today, take a moment to relinquish your will to the will of God. After all, He can take whatever you give him and lighten your load with His peace and presence.

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 55:22; 1 Peter 5:7

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God the Father

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:49:02 -0800

Sharing a GREAT Devotion Today!

How do you see God as Father?

"To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12 NLT

God's fatherhood

Most people in the world would agree with the statement that "we are all God's children." It's a nice sentiment. It just isn't what the Bible teaches. According to God's Word, unrepentant sinners are actually God's enemies(see Romans 5:10 and Colossians 1:21)! It's only when we put our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ that we are reconciled to God and experience forgiveness and adoption into God's forever family (Galatians 4:5; Ephesians 1:5).

For a Christian going through hard times, this "adoption" truth is the best of all possible news. God is not just the powerful Creator or a righteous Lord, he is a loving Father. He sees your trials. He listens to your pleas. He cares and protects and supports. He is never harsh or impatient with you. He is never "too busy" for you.

Take all the best qualities of all the best earthly dads you've ever seen, add them together, and multiply by infinity. That's the kind of heavenly Father God is to Christians who hurt.

Lord Jesus, I do believe in you. I have accepted you as my Savior and Lord. Thank you for revealing yourself to me. Thank you for saving me! Because of your grace and my faith, I am a child of the living God. I praise you. What a privilege! What joy to know that in every situation I have a loving, wise, and good heavenly Father to counsel and help me.

adapted from Praying God's Promises in Tough Times by Len Woods, Tyndale House Publishers (2002), pp 68-9

As a substitute father for hundreds of youth over the past thirteen years, I've yet to encounter a young person in trouble whose difficulty could be traced to the lack of a strong father image in the home.
PAUL ANDERSON

A child is not likely to find a father in God unless he finds something of God in his father.
AUSTIN L. SORENSEN

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Living Free Every Day

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 07:13:31 -0700

Today's morning devotion really hit home with me today... so I thought I'd share just in case someone else needs to hear this today.

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Monday, October 31, 2011

Today's Scripture
"The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need." Psalm 23:1 NIV

Thoughts for Today
Studying the facets of God's character helps us see how he meets human need at the right time and in the right way. He cares for us—personally. He is Jehovah-rohi: the Lord is my Shepherd. God is our heavenly Father who watches over, feeds, keeps company with, and is a personal friend to us.

Many children do not have the benefit of an earthly father who shepherds them with care, security, consistency, gentleness, or as a personal friend. Some children grow into adulthood with this vacuum. The best of earthly fathers cannot provide the gentleness, consistency, or personal friendship our heavenly Father brings.

Consider this …
David wrote Psalm 23. Having a close relationship with his heavenly Father, David sought the heart of God. Psalm 23 describes this picture of God as his shepherd. He related to his heavenly Father in a personal way. "The Lord is my shepherd." My shepherd. David didn't see God as a shepherd or the shepherd. He saw his heavenly father as his personal Shepherd who would provide his needs.

How do you view God? Is he personal to you? Do you trust him to provide your needs?

He loves you personally. He loves you so much, he sent his only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for your sins so you can be forgiven and have a personal relationship with him—forever. He cares about everything that concerns you. He wants to meet your every need. Will you let him?

Prayer
Father, thank you for loving me. I thank you that Jesus died on the cross for me, personally. Please forgive my sins and help me follow you. Help me stop looking at my problems and focus on you, my Shepherd. Help me trust you to meet my needs at the right time in the right way. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

Knowing God My Father: Applying the Names of God to My Personal Life by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. This curriculum is designed to help people strengthen their relationship with their heavenly Father by applying His names to their personal life. Along with helping Christians know God better, it can serve as an evangelistic tool by giving a true picture of God to people who may have a distorted view of Him because of an absent or abusive earthly father who did not or does not provide for them. This group can also help men who want to be better fathers. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

Would you like to have these devotions appear daily on your church or ministry website? Learn More

©Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to info@LivingFree.org

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Good Reads

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:12:43 -0700

Max on Life by Max Lucado

I am a HUGE Max Lucado fan. There are very few things he's written that I didn't just simply love. This book falls once again into the category of a great Max Lucado book. Max has an incredible way of drawing you in and making you feel like you're sitting down next to him with a cup of coffee listening to him share his heart. In this book, Max offers thoughtful answers to more than 150 of the most pressing questions he’s received either via email or in person on topics ranging from hope to hurt, from home to the hereafter. Max writes about the role of prayer, the purpose of pain, and the reason for our ultimate hope. He responds to the day-to-day questions-parenting quandaries, financial challenges, difficult relationships-as well as to the profound: Is God really listening? This book is timeless and something that can easily be read all at once or over the course of time. You definitely can't go wrong buying this for yourself or a friend. Also a special addendum includes Max's advice on writing and publishing.

How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen

Being an unpublished writer, I was looking forward to reviewing the 4th edition of How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen. This book is easy to read, filled with relevant examples. This Writer's Digest classic outlines in a clear step-by-step manner how to create an effective nonfiction book proposal. This edition of the book features information about recent changes in the publishing industry, updated trend information, new sample proposals, a completely updated resources section, and a new chapter on online promotion. This book is a comprehensive how-to guide filled with lists, bullet points, dos and don'ts, hot tips, and sample proposals that will help writers create a winning proposal. The information in this book is well organized and presented in a way that the layperson can easily understand and apply. Larsen covers subjects such as Your Subject Hook, Your Title, Your Promotion Plan, Your Bio, and Your Competition. He also provides tips on marketing and research, as well as sample proposals and information on what editors and agents want. If you're a writer looking to get published and perhaps gain some insight into the publishing industry, this is well worth the read.

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews
I am a big fan of Andy Andrews and I really enjoyed reading Andrews' new book, The Final Summit. It is a book filled with wisdom and laced with history. The story line has the lead character David Ponder working with historical leaders like Anne Frank, Winston Churchill and Abraham Lincoln to find the one principle that will save mankind before the hourglass runs out. It’s filled with highs and lows, thrills and chills and twists and turns. This book really caused me to stop and think about a lot of things in my life. I was enlightened. I was challenged. I was inspired. I would strongly encourage anyone who has a love for history or a passion for experiential reading to pick up a copy of this book. Then give a copy to a friend. This is definitely a book I would highly recommend. It would also make a great book for a study group. The Reader’s Guide poses a lot of really great questions that would make for a great discussion. I promise if you read this book you will be delighted and entertained but you will also be challenged for sure.

The publisher sent me a complimentary copy of each of these book through BookSneeze®, but all opinions stated are honest and true.

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Enabled to Give

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 07:49:43 -0700

There are several devotions I read on a daily basis. It's my spiritual nourishment and I'm constantly amazed by the timing of each message. Is it too bold of me to believe that God knows exactly what I need to hear and when I need to hear it? I think not. I'm going through some tough trials right now... and when I read today's devotion... I knew it was meant for me. It gave me peace in terms of how I've handled a few situations. I'm grateful for God's grace. He has saved me!

Here's the devotion:

Enabled to Give

Luke 18:18-30

"If it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously."
(Romans 12:8b)

God is sovereign, even in the uneven distribution of wealth, just as He is sovereign in the distribution of His gifts of grace. Some people seem destined to financial success while others are not.

There is a temptation for those with above average wealth to use it as a means of power. That alone is not necessarily bad if the power is used in submission to Jesus Christ and for His glory. Often, however, our wayward hearts use wealth to manipulate others to our own ends. We are naturally controlling. The love of money grows great, making it very hard to keep Jesus as our first love (see Matthew 6:24).

Paul says to give generously. He means that we should give "with no strings attached." When you give, allow the receiver to be accountable to God and not to you. It requires faith, a measure of which God has given to the giver. We can give with no strings attached because Christ's love for us came not with strings attached, but with overflowing grace and with nails attaching Him to a cross.

INSIGHT
Regardless of material wealth, you are rich in Christ. Give freely of the treasure of the gospel that you have in "clay jars"
(see 2 Corinthians 4:7).

If you'd like to sign up to receive this devotion... here's the link:
http://www.haventoday.org/anchor-devotional.php

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The Help

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:11:00 -0700

A few weeks ago I went to see the movie The Help. I'd heard great things about the book and the movie, but I had no idea it was going to be sooooo good.

I'm an avid movie fan. I grew up watching movies. I worked in video stores back in the late 80s when VHS was at its peak. I've seen so many movies I probably couldn't count them all. As much as I love them, I find that there are just a lot of movies that aren't very good. Then there are the select few I could watch over and over and over.

The Help is one of those movies. I can't wait to see it again. I will probably buy the DVD. It made me laugh. It made my cry. My belly hurt after the movie was over because of all the laughter.

It's been a long time since I've seen a movie that evoked that much emotion.

I have taught my two-year-old son to say "I'm smart, I'm kind and I'm important." I did however add "and Jesus loves me."

There are some valuable lessons to be learned from this movie.

I can't wait to read the book. I'm sure it will be awesome too.

If you haven't seen this movie... go. You won't regret it.

Now, if I could just get BzzAgent to pick me for The Help project, then my life will be complete. #imabzzagent

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Loving Jesus

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 07:57:00 -0700

The last week has been one of the most challenging for me as a single mom. My two-year-old son has moved from one daycare to another daycare... new location, new teacher... thankfully some of the same kinds he's been in class with are there... but still it's a lot of change for my little guy. I also am dealing with my first real experience of "separation anxiety" - at least that's what my girlfriends are telling me. He's cried when I dropped him off at the nursery at church, he's cried at the daycare. It breaks a mother's heart to hear those types of cries. You know they are going to be fine, but you just hate to hear them cry begging you not to leave them.

Not only has this affected our daytime routine, but seems as if it has also carried over to nighttime. We've had many nights this week where Jadon doesn't want to go to bed. He wants me to hold him and rock him (which I love) but when I lay him down, he will cry and cry and cry. I'm not a fan of letting him cry it out, because he doesn't stop. I know that works for some moms but it hasn't been effective for me.

Needless to say I'm exhausted. I'm drained. I'm worn out. I feel like a walking zombie.

Being a mom is a tough job. Probably the toughest. Yet, it is also one of the most rewarding jobs. Last night after giving Jadon a bath, he started singing some song I'm sure he's made up about cars. He LOVES cars. I'm not sure of all the words, but I kept hearing the word "car" and at the end he yelled "yea!" and was delighted with himself. It was a moment of pure joy for this mommy.

When he woke up this morning, he was talking about the images on his wall... pictures of monkeys, zebras and lions... along with his name. He pointed at one of the letters and said "o" - and he was right... it was the letter "o." He also recognized the letters "a" and "d." He's only two and he's already so smart. He sings the ABC song and makes very few mistakes. He can count to 15. He's recognizing shapes and colors and can talk all about cars, trucks, tractors, trains and airplanes - basically anything that goes.

I'm trying to find joy in the little things. It helps me when I deal with some of the major challenges... or when I'm exhausted beyond explanation.

One of my dear friends told me that this is just a season and that if he cries to be held, hold him. Right now he is my #1 ministry. She's right.

Another dear friend shared the following poem with me. I couldn't help but cry as she read it aloud. It certainly puts things in perspective.

I share this with all the mothers who are and are yet to be... may it touch your heart and remind you of just how valuable and special you are.

Loving Jesus

I started my day early,

Before the room was light.

I lifted my son from his crib

And wished it was still night.

But as I held him close and said,

"Hi, Kenneth, precious one,"

I knew that as I greeted him,

I greeted too God's Son.

When my daughter woke up later,

Calling, "Mommy! Mommy! Down!"

I picked her up and hugged her

In her worn Elmo nightgown.

I know she felt the closeness

That a mother's touch affords.

I welcomed not just Ellie,

But so, too, the Lord of Lords.

That day, I mixed some formula

And opened jars of peas.

I fixed some "pizza butter" bread

When she grinned and said, "Pleeeeease."

I heated up some leftovers;

I had to nuke them twice.

And when I fed my children,

I was feeding Jesus Christ.

I made some funny faces,

And "played puzzles" on the floor.

I dressed kitties, ran around outside,

And played with them some more.

We laughed and jumped and tickled,

Making memories to be stored.

When I spent time with my children,

I spent time with my Lord.

I wiped up sticky cereal

And washed the dishes clean.

I straightened, picked up, put away,

And dusted in between.

I did six loads of laundry

And folded it like new.

When I cleaned for my children,

I cleaned for my Savior, too.

When my children were both crying,

I held them in my arms.

I cuddled them and whispered

That I'd keep them safe from harm.

I told them how their Father saved them

With His perfect Lamb.

When I comforted my children,

I comforted I AM.

Later on that evening,

I put them in the bath.

I washed their little bodies

As they kicked around and splashed.

I dried them in soft towels

And put their jammies on.

When I had washed my children's feet,

I'd washed the Holy One.

I cooked and cleaned and rearranged,

Made beds and taught and played.

I made sure that we had food to eat

And that we often prayed.

I died to self. I made a home

From ordinary things.

But when I served my children,

I served the King of Kings.

To some, I have done nothing,

But to two, I've done the world.

I made eternal difference

To my precious boy and girl,

And to the One who watches over

Every pathway that I've trod.

For when I've loved my precious children,

I've loved Almighty God.

- Megan Breedlove

http://www.mannaformoms.com/loving_jesus.html

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Kay Arthur's "When The Hurt Runs Deep" is Powerful!

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:27:11 -0700

Kay Arthur's book, "When The Hurt Runs Deep" is a powerful book. I've had my fair share of hurts and disappointments. In fact, the timing of this book couldn't have been better. I'm going through a divorce and now a single mom. Life has been harder than I ever imagined. This book helped me see God and His power, His love, His goodness, in the midst of my struggle.

Kay has an amazing way of taking scripture and applying it to our daily lives. She's extremely talented and truly a teacher of God's word. She speaks from her heart and her own personal experiences. It's easy to relate to her. I've always enjoyed her books and Bible studies and this book is no different.

I enjoyed reading every word and look forward to reading it again.

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God's Hands

Sun, 26 Jun 2011 16:53:11 -0700

Today is in God's hands and so are you.

His hands are strong and will uphold you;
His hands are great and will enfold you;
His hands are gentle and will embrace you;
His hands are protective and will cover you;
His hands are reassuring and will quiet you;
His hands are powerful and will defend you;
His hands are parental and will train you;
His hands are masterful and will conform you;
His hands are compassionate and will care for you;
His hands are healing and will renew you;
His hands are calming and will comfort you;
His hands are giving and will bless you.

The hands that hold you will never let you down.

-Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer

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Holding On To HOPE

Wed, 25 May 2011 20:48:43 -0700

I've often wondered where so many of the catchy sayings we use come from.

Here are just a few:

You get more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

As slow as molasses.

Caught between a rock and a hard place.

And my all time favorite... and I'm sure it's Mr. Murphy's as well:

When it rains, it pours.

I suppose tonight we could take that quite literally, as we are facing some HUGE storms coming through the Nashville area. As much as I would like to be asleep, I'm listening to the rain, wind and thunder while seeing magnificent bolts of lightening flash through the sky. There is some sort of strange beauty in the midst of this type of destruction.

Tonight I'm praying for my friends and neighbors... that all are safe and sound, that no one loses a life, a home, property or even electricity for that matter.

My heart goes out to those in Joplin, Missouri, who have lost so much through the tornado that recently hit their town. It brings back memories of all those in my community who lost so much in the flooding of last year.

Just writing this reminds me of all I have to be grateful for. I'm healthy. I have a home. I have a job. I have my family. I have my son who I love more than anything.

Yet I'm struggling. I'm down. I'm depressed. I won't bore you with all the details... it's nothing compared to losing your life or your home... but it's still something tough I've got to deal with.

I'm trying to hold on to HOPE.

I'm praying for a miracle. I need a miracle. God knows. He knows exactly what's going on, what I need, what I feel, what I think. He knows. I do trust Him! I do believe Him! I'm holding on to HIM. He is my HOPE.

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Ups & Downs

Sun, 22 May 2011 19:55:00 -0700

Life is full of ups and downs. Highs and lows. Mountains and valleys. Okay, so you get the point. Today, was a mix of both for me today. First and foremost, my son Jadon is always an UP for me. I get the biggest kick out of watching him grow up. He's learning new words constantly. Today, one of his new words was "balloon." His nana taught him to say it. It was hilarious.

Meanwhile, I had entered him into the Cover Kids contest. This is where they pick kids to be on the cover of the Parenting magazine in the area. I'm constantly told over and over how cute Jadon is. Of course as his mom, I know that... but it's also nice to hear it from others as well. But then again, who's going to tell you your kid is ugly. No one should ever think that, much less say it. Each and every child is beautiful, handsome, special and lovable. But I digress.

The audition consisted of me walking Jadon across the stage when his name was called and to basically smile and wave at the judges. He blew them a couple of kisses, and looked incredibly adorable. The only downside... they had pasted these shiny stars all over the stage and they were extremely enticing for little toddlers like Jadon. He wasn't the only one who was distracted by them... he wanted to pick them up and play with them.

I think there were around 30 kids in his age group. Now I know I'm his mom and I'm partial to him, but he was just too cute for words. But for some reason they didn't see it. He wasn't called back as a finalist.

I don't handle rejection well. I was really hurt, sad and disappointed. I know it will probably the first of many "nos" Jadon will hear in his life... just like I have. But it's still not fun. Disappointment hurts. I know it all too well.

The most important lesson... pick yourself up and keep going. It's not in the falling that your true character is revealed. It's in the getting back up that shows the world who you are and that you're a fighter and not one who gives up.

I know it was just a local contest... and not the end of the world. But still, I was sad and disappointed. I just couldn't understand how they couldn't see this cute, adorable personality that I know and love.

You be the judge... don't you think Jadon would look too cute on the cover of the Parenting magazine?

I know... I'm his mom... of course I think they should have picked him.

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Funny Story Friday

Fri, 20 May 2011 11:15:05 -0700

This past week I had the pleasure and privilege of being a part of a new mom's group at my church. We had a blast and I'm looking forward to getting to know these ladies better and to do life together. I honestly believe God intended for us to live our lives in community and relationship with each other, as opposed to independently and isolated.

During our meeting, we were asked to share a fun fact or something interesting. There were a couple of ladies in the group who chose to share one of their most embarrassing moments. I don't like to laugh at anyone's expense, but some of these stories were so funny, so hilarious, I still laugh just thinking about it. I admire each of these ladies for her willingness to share a story that might not present them in this "perfect" light.

As I've thought and thought about writing this blog, suddenly this idea popped into my head... I should call blog posts on Fridays "Funny Story Friday" - and well, as it turns out... I actually have a funny story to share.

It really started back when I was in high school. I was a cheerleader and quite proud of the fact that I could do the splits 3 different ways. During one of our summer cheerleading camps, I just had to show off and prove that I could do it. Well I did it alright, I tore my hamstring and I felt it as it tore. It was horrible. I was stuck wearing a neoprene sleeve all summer and went to lots of physical therapy.

Fast forward to Wednesday night. I wasn't trying to do the splits, but I was getting ready to lay Jadon down for bed, when I tripped over one of his toys on the floor, then my other foot hit a ball and I almost did the splits. I didn't fall. I didn't drop Jadon either. Can you believe it? But it sure did hurt.

Yesterday, it started hurting even more to the point that as I got ready to go to bed, the pain was so bad I couldn't sleep. I couldn't get comfortable. I was miserable all night long.

I have a unique relationship with my orthopedic doctor. I've followed this guy around Nashville for years. (Knees, shoulder, back, etc. ) He's just so good. He has a fabulous bedside manner and really knows what he's doing. He used to work with the US Olympic Swim Team (plug here for Dr. James Johnson). Anyway, I discovered this morning he'd moved offices again when I called to make an appointment. I get the new number, called and after a little begging and pleading, they agreed to work me in an appointment for today.

It hurts to sit down... so everyone in the office got a kick out of my standing up.

The good news is, my hamstring isn't torn or ruptured. But it is severely strained. As is my gluteus maximus which was duly noted when he touched it and I let out a shriek in pain.

The solution... steroids, pain killers, muscle relaxant and a neoprene sleeve for my hamstring (the old familiar blue neoprene sleeve). I jokingly said, "well, it's too bad you don't have a sleeve for my butt since that seems to really hurt now." Dr. Johnson's reply, "Have you ever heard of Spanx? You should try those."

I couldn't help but laugh... not just because he recommended Spanx, but that he even knew what they were.

Too bad I can't get a prescription for those since they literally cost a fortune. I don't suppose they'll take my insurance, will they?

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This Road I Know

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 20:56:47 -0700

There is this road I know.

I know it so well I can almost walk it with my eyes closed.

It's not a road I enjoy traveling.

It's a lonely road.

It's a sad road.

It is a road that seems to lead me nowhere.

Some days it feels like it's taking me in circles.

Other days the hills just seem too hard to climb.

I'm so tired of traveling down this road.

I'm always looking for another way.

Maybe there's a turn I missed.

Maybe I'm supposed to cut a new path.

Whatever it is, whenever it is, I wish it would soon come to pass.

This road I know. I don't like it very much.

I'm ready to blaze a new trail. I'm tired of this one I'm on.

Dear God... In humble admission, I realize there is nothing I can do on my own apart from you. Lord, show me YOUR path. This path I'm on, I just can't imagine it's your desire and will for me to feel like this for so long. I'm so tired. I want to enjoy time with my son. I want there to be peace in my life. I'm tired of the anger, pain, sorrow, sadness and depression. God take all of this away. Give me a new heart... a heart that is soft and tender and pliable for you. Show me the way Lord. Lead me and I will follow. I will trust and obey. You are the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords - nothing shall be impossible for you. Show me Lord. Teach me Lord. Mold me Lord. Use me Lord. I surrender!

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The Bend in the Road

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:40:06 -0700

God's shown this poem to me several times this week. I get the message loud and clear. Maybe someone else needs to hear this as well.

The Bend in the Road

By Helen Steiner Rice

Sometimes we come to life's crossroads

And we view what we think is the end.

But God has a much wider vision

And he knows that it's only a bend-

The road will go on and get smoother

And after we've stopped for a rest,

The path that lies hidden beyond us

Is often the path that is best.

So rest and relax and grow stronger,

Let go and let God share your load

And have faith in a brighter tomorrow-

You've just come to a bend in the road.

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The Measure by Roy Lessin

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 08:27:00 -0700

The Measure

Let the grace of the Lord be the measure of your sufficiency;
let the peace of the Lord be the measure of your quietness;
let the power of the Lord be the measure of your strength;
let the goodness of the Lord be the measure of your contentment;
let the love of the Lord be the measure of your service;
let the faithfulness of the Lord be the measure of your trust;
let the beauty of the Lord be the measure of your worship;
let the fullness of the Lord be the measure of your joy;
let the sovereignty of the Lord be the measure of your confidence;
let the promises of the Lord be the measure of your expectations;
let the coming of the Lord be the measure of hope.

You are my portion, O Lord. Psalm 119:57 AMP

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Complaining

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:40:36 -0700

I've been trying so hard not to complain during lent... it was something I really really wanted to give up. I have to admit, I've failed miserably. I know I'm blessed. I know there are others who are worse off than I am. I know I'm not the only person who is hurting or struggling... yet still, there are times when life seems unfair and all I want to do is cry out, yell and stomp my feet over it. (See you don't have to be 2 to want to have a temper tantrum.)

So what's bugging me today you might ask? It's silly... but someone took something of mine that didn't belong to them. Is it extremely valuable? No, not at all in the eyes of others - but to me, it was disrespectful. If they'd said they were hungry and asked for my lunch, I would have given it to them, or at the very least shared. Instead, they just took it. They didn't ask. It was extremely obvious it was mine and didn't belong to them.

So what do you do or say when someone disrespects you and your things?

Me, I just complain. Guilty as charged.

I wish it didn't bother me so much.

God, I'm sorry for complaining.

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Lost in thought

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:41:36 -0700

I've had so much going on in my life these past few months I don't really know what it feels like to stop and just enjoy life. I'm trying though. I'm still in the midst of trying to finish painting. I'm working on an oasis in the backyard. I desperately want a fence so I won't have to chase Jadon through the neighborhood. I'm praying God will bless us for this to become a reality.

Life has become too complicated. I'm looking for ways to simplify. I want to enjoy my life, play with my son, watch the blue birds play in the bird bath.

Life is so short. Our time so brief. It is over in the blink of an eye. I don't want to waste time on things that don't really matter. I want to enjoy each moment big or small.

Thank you God for reminding me of this today.

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Mother's Song

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 16:57:56 -0700

I heard this on Disney Junior and simply fell in love with the words. Now that I'm a mom to an almost 21 month old, I see the world through different eyes. My son is my delight, my joy and my song. This poem says it better than any words I could put together.

Mother's Song

My heart is like a fountain true

that flows and flows with love to you

as chirps the lark unto the tree

so chirps my pretty babe to me

There is not a rose wherever I seek

as comely as my baby's cheek

there's not a comb of honey bee

so full of sweets as babe to me

There's not a star that shines on high

is brighter than my baby's eye

There's not a boat upon the sea

can dance as baby does to me

No silk was ever spun so fine

as is the hair of baby mine

My baby smells more sweet to me

than smells in spring the elder tree

A little fish swims in the well

So in my heart does baby dwell
A little flower blows on the tree
My baby is the flower to me

Ten thousand parks where deer do run

Ten thousand roses in the sun

Ten thousand pearls beneath the sea

my babe more precious is to me.

I share this with all the moms and moms to be. Once you hold your baby in your arms, you will never be the same.

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