When you can't trace His hand...trust His heart.
That quote has stuck with me for many years now...and I tend to fall back on it more than I realize. As I have grown closer to Christ through this process, I have learned that His hand is involved in everything I do. Well, actually...His hand and His heart. But there are moments when I can actually picture His hand guiding me towards my future. And I follow...slowly...uncertainly...I follow. I know there is a path. I believe that beyond what you can imagine. But the path sometimes is so dark. It is hard to find my way. It is hard to see the next step...even the one right in front of me. And what I am learning, is that I have to just close my eyes and walk anyway. There are stumbling blocks along the way. Provided by none other than the devil himself. But every time I find myself on the ground, I have help getting back up. God has provided me with the most wonderful support system...no matter what is going on in my life. I have parents who support me and are proud of me no matter what. They love me as God loves me and have never...ever turned their back on me. I have a sister who is there for me without fail. Emotionally and physically. I have a husband...who doesn't fully understand my "womanly" ways...but he never lets me down. He is there to listen...to support...to help me make decisions. And he too loves me unconditionally. And then I have these amazing friends. All I can say is that I hope that you all have the kind of friends that I have. They are there for me...they are encouraging....they make me laugh...and they say just the right thing when you need it the most. I think that the song that plays when you pull up this blog would apply to just about everyone in my life at some point or another.
Last night a friend said some things to me that warmed my heart. They made me smile. They gave me encouragement. They gave me the confidence to move forward in my life. And it was such a God thing. He was there. He orchestrated the entire conversation. I am so blessed to have friends with a God loving heart. It is truly a blessing. Beyond measure.
His hand and His heart are always present in my life due to the people that I have surrounded myself with. I am forever thankful for the love and support of my friends and family...and fully and completely believe...
God gave me you.
Have a Blessed Day!
Referee of 3
Referee of 3
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Back
Good morning! We're back...from Spring Break. What does this mean? Oh nothing, but blissful, non fighting moments between Big and Middle. It means sending Middle to school with his new, green cast for all of his friends to admire and sign. It means having some special one on one time with Little. It means getting up before 9:00am and drinking several cups of coffee to make this seem right. It means Coach begins his season of coaching baseball...tonight. (GO CATS)
It means...life as we know it...resumes.
Oh well.
We knew it was coming for us. And it was a good break. Lots of productivity...a broken arm...some special time with the kids...and a break. From normalcy. Sometimes, that is all we need. Going on vacation is wonderful. Packing up...leaving what we know to be our day to day...and venturing out. But for us...just taking a vacation from our daily routine proved to be much needed and wonderful.
Coach and Big always get very nervous the night before we return to normalcy. Middle, Little and I are much more likely to fall asleep standing up...and seem to find our way to dreamland no matter how close we are to resuming normal life. But when the alarm went off this morning, you can bet my mind was spinning. Backpacks, lunches, breakfasts, agendas, blogging, showering...COFFEE...etc. Immediately as my feet hit the floor, I knew where I was. Back to reality. And to be completely honest...I am ready.
I have a responsibility each day to face the challenges with God. Many, many mornings...and especially here lately...I've been facing them on my own. At the end of the day, things seem less "done" than when I had started. Typical of a day without God. So my challenge this week...amongst the stress of returning to life...I am going to include Him in my day. Quiet time...decisions...fret and worry...will go to God. Moments of excitement...weakness...and success...will go to God. Coffee...selfishly I am keeping to myself. I think God understands this one. :D
I wanted to share something that jumped out at me at bible study last night.
This got me thinking...for whoever does not love those whom they Have seen, cannot love God, whom they Have NOT seen.
Interesting. As we go about our week...focus on loving those you thought not possible. Reflecting His love...shining His light in their lives. You might be surprised in the change you see. Because if we can't love those here...in our presence...that cause us grief from time to time...we cannot love God...who loves us all the time, no matter what. Show His love and feel His love in return. Food for thought!
Have a blessed day!
Referee of 3
It means...life as we know it...resumes.
Oh well.
We knew it was coming for us. And it was a good break. Lots of productivity...a broken arm...some special time with the kids...and a break. From normalcy. Sometimes, that is all we need. Going on vacation is wonderful. Packing up...leaving what we know to be our day to day...and venturing out. But for us...just taking a vacation from our daily routine proved to be much needed and wonderful.
Coach and Big always get very nervous the night before we return to normalcy. Middle, Little and I are much more likely to fall asleep standing up...and seem to find our way to dreamland no matter how close we are to resuming normal life. But when the alarm went off this morning, you can bet my mind was spinning. Backpacks, lunches, breakfasts, agendas, blogging, showering...COFFEE...etc. Immediately as my feet hit the floor, I knew where I was. Back to reality. And to be completely honest...I am ready.
I have a responsibility each day to face the challenges with God. Many, many mornings...and especially here lately...I've been facing them on my own. At the end of the day, things seem less "done" than when I had started. Typical of a day without God. So my challenge this week...amongst the stress of returning to life...I am going to include Him in my day. Quiet time...decisions...fret and worry...will go to God. Moments of excitement...weakness...and success...will go to God. Coffee...selfishly I am keeping to myself. I think God understands this one. :D
I wanted to share something that jumped out at me at bible study last night.
1 John 4:20 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.
This got me thinking...for whoever does not love those whom they Have seen, cannot love God, whom they Have NOT seen.
Interesting. As we go about our week...focus on loving those you thought not possible. Reflecting His love...shining His light in their lives. You might be surprised in the change you see. Because if we can't love those here...in our presence...that cause us grief from time to time...we cannot love God...who loves us all the time, no matter what. Show His love and feel His love in return. Food for thought!
Have a blessed day!
Referee of 3
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Survivor
"That book breathes life"
Does anyone watch Survivor? I am a forever fan. I (along with my Mom and Grandparents) have been a fan since season one. My Grandparents actually lived in a condo in Arizona and became friends with Jeff Probst's parents. So...I could even say I know him. I would be lying...but it sounds so cool to know that my Granny has talked to his Mom.
I wanted to share this with you because it is so easy to get bogged down in this world with smutty tv. Reality TV shows can bring out the absolute worst in people...this being one of them. But this season, a young man by the name of Matt has surfaced as a "believer". Now...on national television, not everyone knows what that means...but, we do. He believes that Jesus Christ is his Lord and Savior. This man was taken out of the game at an early stage, but has kept himself "alive" in the game by winning several duals. He is alone on this part of the island until the next person is voted out of the game, and they face off in a "dual". Whoever wins the dual gets the chance to enter back into the actual Survivor game later in the season. But in order to do so...he has to win each dual that he faces. If you lose...you are out. Completely.
On last night's episode, the young woman that was voted out, entered the area of the island where he had been staying and they immediatly shared the bond of being "believers". They talked openly about God...prayed together...and talked about scripture. They talked about no matter who won the dual, it would be God's will. God's will! On national TV!!! I was so proud of them for speaking of God...openly...without reservation. And they are young. What an inspiration to other young people! And to all of us actually.
At the end of the dual, Matt won and the young woman went home. But before she left, she gave her luxury item to Matt. It was her bible. He had not brought his along, and she left hers with him as she journeyed home. He said how great it was that she left it with him...
because "that book breathes life".
Amen brother. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
Referee of 3
Does anyone watch Survivor? I am a forever fan. I (along with my Mom and Grandparents) have been a fan since season one. My Grandparents actually lived in a condo in Arizona and became friends with Jeff Probst's parents. So...I could even say I know him. I would be lying...but it sounds so cool to know that my Granny has talked to his Mom.
I wanted to share this with you because it is so easy to get bogged down in this world with smutty tv. Reality TV shows can bring out the absolute worst in people...this being one of them. But this season, a young man by the name of Matt has surfaced as a "believer". Now...on national television, not everyone knows what that means...but, we do. He believes that Jesus Christ is his Lord and Savior. This man was taken out of the game at an early stage, but has kept himself "alive" in the game by winning several duals. He is alone on this part of the island until the next person is voted out of the game, and they face off in a "dual". Whoever wins the dual gets the chance to enter back into the actual Survivor game later in the season. But in order to do so...he has to win each dual that he faces. If you lose...you are out. Completely.
On last night's episode, the young woman that was voted out, entered the area of the island where he had been staying and they immediatly shared the bond of being "believers". They talked openly about God...prayed together...and talked about scripture. They talked about no matter who won the dual, it would be God's will. God's will! On national TV!!! I was so proud of them for speaking of God...openly...without reservation. And they are young. What an inspiration to other young people! And to all of us actually.
At the end of the dual, Matt won and the young woman went home. But before she left, she gave her luxury item to Matt. It was her bible. He had not brought his along, and she left hers with him as she journeyed home. He said how great it was that she left it with him...
because "that book breathes life".
Amen brother. Amen.
Have a blessed day!
Referee of 3
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Where have you been?
Well...Spring Break. And before that...I decided to take down the curtains in my kitchen/bay window area to paint. And before that, I was stressing about the daily schedule we were about to take on with the start of baseball. And before that, I was worried about our future...and the changes that are being made in our lives.
Middle...had a bike wreck.
I was driving home from the grocery store and Coach called to tell me that Middle had fallen and needed to go to the Dr. I came straight home, switched cars with Coach and drove Middle to the Dr...tears and all. On the way there, he kept telling me how bad it hurt. He had an ice pack around his wrist and his other forearm was all beat up. I cringed as I looked at his injuries. Since the boys were born, I have had a pain in my stomach when any of them even talks about an injury. As I looked him over and he told his story, the pain was there in full force. My stomach was turning.
We sat in the office and he had such a brave face. A few tears every now and again, but Middle was as brave as I have ever seen him. He "sucked it up" as Coach would say...in a big way. The X-ray tech put the pictures up on the light board as Middle and I were escorted to the room. And my wonderful friend Shannon motioned for me to come to the hall. As I rounded the corner, my sister (who has worked at our Dr.'s office since she got out of school) was standing there with her hands over her mouth. "He broke it!", she said. From there...it gets a little hazy. I turned around and told Middle..."well...you broke it." (his wrist, by the way) He simply said..."okay". Then the chin quivered...but NO tears. Except for mine. I got a little teary at the thought of him having to be casted up at the start of baseball season. The Nelsons LOVE baseball. But...I was quickly reminded that it was NOT his writing hand so school would not be a huge problem. That was good...especially for his teacher who happens to be one of my very best friends.
Like...quit worrying about things you can't control.
Like...quit worrying about other people.
Like...quit worrying about your baseball schedule...( I cleared that up for you a bit...poor Middle )
Trust me.
Fine.
Fine, fine fine fine fine.
I will trust you God.
So, I apologize for my lack of blogging. I've been very busy not trusting God. It pains me to tell you that, but it is the honest truth. I've been worrying and trying to control things far beyond my control. After the bike wreck...and a few handfuls of cookie dough...I am totally giving this to God.
Have a blessed day!
Referee of 3
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Mess
In the middle of my little mess....
I forget how big I'm blessed...
I am continuously singing that song. Over and over and over. And I have heard several comments and have seen it posted two or three times on facebook. What that means to me is that there are others out there whose lives are like mine.
Except...staring at my kitchen counter, I would like to replace the word 'little' with BIG OL'. I have so so so so much to do tonight. Just to get ready for tomorrow. And to be honest with you, I am feeling a bit
O,
ver,
whelmed.
This morning when I sat down to write...I had nothing. So I went on about my day. And here I am...12 hours later...and this is what I have for you. That I am overwhelmed. I made myself a pot of vanilla flavored coffee in hopes that it will give me the kick in the backside that I need to get this BIG OL' mess cleaned up.
Sometimes in life...it takes just that. A little boost of whatever it is that motivates us...and baby steps. Even though it seems as if this mess became a mess in a matter of minutes...the truth is, it has built up over time. Setting something here or there because I didn't have time to put it away. Or maybe it was because I got distracted? And forgot? Yeah...I bet I forgot. None the less...it has built itself up over time into a big, huge pile of just "stuff". And here I sit...staring at the stuff.
Life is just as hard. When we let things pile up on us...we tend to feel as though getting to the heart of the matter would be too difficult. We don't have time to tackle the mess. We don't have time to take the steps necessary to clean up after ourselves. Truth again people...we do. Rome wasn't built in a day. Neither was the mess our lives can sometimes end up to be.
It takes motivation and baby steps to get ourselves back where we should be. Is it a bible study? Is it attending a new worship service? Is it taking part in a mission trip? Is it making dinner for someone who has had surgery or maybe a new arrival in the family? Whatever it is that motivates you to clean up your own life...allow it to do just that and take the baby steps necessary to get there.
Tonight my motivation is vanilla flavored dunkin'donuts coffee. And little by little, I'll tackle this mess. Tomorrow, I'll handle the big stuff...and I will forever know that the steps I take, I will not be taking alone.
Have a good one friends!
Referee of 3
I forget how big I'm blessed...
I am continuously singing that song. Over and over and over. And I have heard several comments and have seen it posted two or three times on facebook. What that means to me is that there are others out there whose lives are like mine.
Except...staring at my kitchen counter, I would like to replace the word 'little' with BIG OL'. I have so so so so much to do tonight. Just to get ready for tomorrow. And to be honest with you, I am feeling a bit
O,
ver,
whelmed.
This morning when I sat down to write...I had nothing. So I went on about my day. And here I am...12 hours later...and this is what I have for you. That I am overwhelmed. I made myself a pot of vanilla flavored coffee in hopes that it will give me the kick in the backside that I need to get this BIG OL' mess cleaned up.
Sometimes in life...it takes just that. A little boost of whatever it is that motivates us...and baby steps. Even though it seems as if this mess became a mess in a matter of minutes...the truth is, it has built up over time. Setting something here or there because I didn't have time to put it away. Or maybe it was because I got distracted? And forgot? Yeah...I bet I forgot. None the less...it has built itself up over time into a big, huge pile of just "stuff". And here I sit...staring at the stuff.
Life is just as hard. When we let things pile up on us...we tend to feel as though getting to the heart of the matter would be too difficult. We don't have time to tackle the mess. We don't have time to take the steps necessary to clean up after ourselves. Truth again people...we do. Rome wasn't built in a day. Neither was the mess our lives can sometimes end up to be.
It takes motivation and baby steps to get ourselves back where we should be. Is it a bible study? Is it attending a new worship service? Is it taking part in a mission trip? Is it making dinner for someone who has had surgery or maybe a new arrival in the family? Whatever it is that motivates you to clean up your own life...allow it to do just that and take the baby steps necessary to get there.
Tonight my motivation is vanilla flavored dunkin'donuts coffee. And little by little, I'll tackle this mess. Tomorrow, I'll handle the big stuff...and I will forever know that the steps I take, I will not be taking alone.
Have a good one friends!
Referee of 3
Monday, March 14, 2011
Remember
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - 2 Peter 1:5-8
Yesterday at Target, I picked up some new vitamins for Coach and I. His...a men's multi-vitamin. Mine was a women's multi-vitamin. Just as I went to put mine in the cart, I saw a box that said Energy. So I grabbed it and read more. It was a multi-vitamin plus energy and memory boosting. WHAT??? They make that? I mean, all this time, I've gone along forgetting one thing after another, and here is a vitamin that might help me to remember? I really hope I can remember to take it...
Today's verse I thought was so relevant in my life. I am forever second guessing my actions. Sometimes I am right...sometimes I am wrong. But I am constantly looking back thinking...Did I do the right thing this time? And to be honest with you...I don't very often come up with a solid answer. I just wonder, and worry, and fret. About my emotions...about the feelings of others...and it makes me all anxious inside.
This verse is relevant to me because basically it is saying...if you live your life like Jesus wants us to live...there will be less questioning. You'll do everything you do with faith, goodness, perseverance, godliness, self-control, mutual affection and love. It says if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of Jesus Christ.
All I want is to do the right thing. The right thing is so hard to see clearly sometimes. You think you are doing that, only to turn around and see that what you thought to be right and true...was wrong in the eyes of someone else.
But we aren't to live for the likes of others. We are to live as a reflection of Him. And we all know that during the time of Christ on earth...people questioned Him. People were put off by His good works. That is and has been one of the challenges of being a Christian for many years.
So, my focus this week will be to live intentionally for Christ. Trying to look forward in ways I can show his love instead of looking back. The steps I have taken are exactly that. Taken. So we move on...which is a hard thing to do sometimes.
Hope you have a wonderful Monday!
Referee of 3
Yesterday at Target, I picked up some new vitamins for Coach and I. His...a men's multi-vitamin. Mine was a women's multi-vitamin. Just as I went to put mine in the cart, I saw a box that said Energy. So I grabbed it and read more. It was a multi-vitamin plus energy and memory boosting. WHAT??? They make that? I mean, all this time, I've gone along forgetting one thing after another, and here is a vitamin that might help me to remember? I really hope I can remember to take it...
Today's verse I thought was so relevant in my life. I am forever second guessing my actions. Sometimes I am right...sometimes I am wrong. But I am constantly looking back thinking...Did I do the right thing this time? And to be honest with you...I don't very often come up with a solid answer. I just wonder, and worry, and fret. About my emotions...about the feelings of others...and it makes me all anxious inside.
This verse is relevant to me because basically it is saying...if you live your life like Jesus wants us to live...there will be less questioning. You'll do everything you do with faith, goodness, perseverance, godliness, self-control, mutual affection and love. It says if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of Jesus Christ.
All I want is to do the right thing. The right thing is so hard to see clearly sometimes. You think you are doing that, only to turn around and see that what you thought to be right and true...was wrong in the eyes of someone else.
But we aren't to live for the likes of others. We are to live as a reflection of Him. And we all know that during the time of Christ on earth...people questioned Him. People were put off by His good works. That is and has been one of the challenges of being a Christian for many years.
So, my focus this week will be to live intentionally for Christ. Trying to look forward in ways I can show his love instead of looking back. The steps I have taken are exactly that. Taken. So we move on...which is a hard thing to do sometimes.
Hope you have a wonderful Monday!
Referee of 3
Friday, March 11, 2011
I will trust you God
"yet will i trust You". (Psalm 146)
Plain and simple. Sometimes that is the best way. I copied and pasted this bit of the verse from someone on facebook this morning and before these words it said this...
Life is hard sometimes.
Amen sister! Life IS hard sometimes. And I am finding out more and more that the moment I think I am in control...I lose it. Key words being "I". I so easily forget that I am never in control. God and I are a team. And I would like to think that He is in the drivers side most of the time. But sometimes I feel like when He steps out to fill the car with gas, I hop in the drivers seat and take off without Him. Which in this life...is never a good thing.
The harder I try to do this on my own, the more and more I realize I Need Him. I need that presence...that assurance. And I need to trust. Most of the time I feel like I do trust...but fully and completely trusting Him is something I have yet to do.
We sing this song in church and I will try not to butcher the lyrics. It has been playing in my head since last night and I think God is trying to tell me something.
In my weakness would You come
Help me stand up, help me run
To the shadow of Your wings
And the comfort that it brings
And I'll wait and be still
And I'll know You are God, You are God
I will love You and adore You
I will trust You, God
I will sing in times of trouble
And I will trust You, God
Lord, let this be the time when we come to you above all else. Let us allow you to shine your light on our lives so that we can shine our light for others who may be in the dark. Help me personally, to not be affected by other people's choices and give me the strength to face another day with encouragement and love. Amen
Today is in fact F R I D A Y!!! And I am loving it. Woohoo for Friday! I wanted to share a really cool video from David Crowder Band that was passed onto me from my sis yesterday. It really touched me and I think you'll find the same result.
David Crowder Band~Shine Video
Have a blessed day all !!!
Referee of 3
Plain and simple. Sometimes that is the best way. I copied and pasted this bit of the verse from someone on facebook this morning and before these words it said this...
Life is hard sometimes.
Amen sister! Life IS hard sometimes. And I am finding out more and more that the moment I think I am in control...I lose it. Key words being "I". I so easily forget that I am never in control. God and I are a team. And I would like to think that He is in the drivers side most of the time. But sometimes I feel like when He steps out to fill the car with gas, I hop in the drivers seat and take off without Him. Which in this life...is never a good thing.
The harder I try to do this on my own, the more and more I realize I Need Him. I need that presence...that assurance. And I need to trust. Most of the time I feel like I do trust...but fully and completely trusting Him is something I have yet to do.
We sing this song in church and I will try not to butcher the lyrics. It has been playing in my head since last night and I think God is trying to tell me something.
In my weakness would You come
Help me stand up, help me run
To the shadow of Your wings
And the comfort that it brings
And I'll wait and be still
And I'll know You are God, You are God
I will love You and adore You
I will trust You, God
I will sing in times of trouble
And I will trust You, God
Life is hard sometimes...yet I trust you God.
Lord, let this be the time when we come to you above all else. Let us allow you to shine your light on our lives so that we can shine our light for others who may be in the dark. Help me personally, to not be affected by other people's choices and give me the strength to face another day with encouragement and love. Amen
Today is in fact F R I D A Y!!! And I am loving it. Woohoo for Friday! I wanted to share a really cool video from David Crowder Band that was passed onto me from my sis yesterday. It really touched me and I think you'll find the same result.
David Crowder Band~Shine Video
Have a blessed day all !!!
Referee of 3
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