24/7/365 ~ DIVE!: If you want a laugh...

"It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are." ~e.e. Cummings

My Dad always had one thing to say to me..."just be yourself." There were years when that was tough because who I was acting like and who I wanted to be were two different people. So I had to work through the kinks.

My Mom always had one thing to say to me, too..."God go with you."
Between the two I finally figured out that I was made to be someone in particular. Now, I'm not saying I'm 100% happy with the quirks He's given me, but I can honestly say I am courageously growing up...to be myself as God goes with me.

Thanks, Mom & Dad ~ it's the best advice I've ever gotten.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

If you want a laugh...

This video is an absolute HOOT!! Watch closely ~ if you're not laughing by the end, you've gotta see a counselor. ;D

On a separate note ~ it's August! HOW DID THAT HAPPEN????? I'm gearing up for my first year as PTA President (I say "my first year" because hopefully I'll do well enough they'll ask me to come back again...not because I think they should, but I'd hate to not do the job well enough to be asked back for year two!) At times it's overwhelming, but then God shows me...reminds me...opens my eyes to see that HE is the One who is in control. My job isn't to be PTA President extraordinaire. My job is to be a vibrant, passionate, ever-growing, loving, learning and surrendered child of God. When I remember that ~ when I take the time to place that deep inside my soul ~ all things are held together. What a beautiful opportunity to live in His freedom, His plan, His purpose! My prayer is that as I fill my role at the school I will live in such a way that others will want to know what my "secret" is and I'll be able to change people's lives for my Lord. I pray I consistently see people through the eyes of a Savior who loves them and longs for them to know the truth of who He is, and that I treat them as I would want to be treated at all times.

A few months ago, during one of my late-night sessions with Jesus (I prefer to call them "early morning" sessions with Jesus since I haven't become a morning person yet), I received this edict: "Go where I lead. Share what I give you. Live in love."

It's become my filter, if you will ~ am I doing what God has called me to? Am I saying things, sharing things that are helping or hindering other's faith? Am I living with an attitude of grace and compassion while staying anchored in the law of God's Word as I deal with people? At times I get a good "whack" up-alongside the head when I take my little inventory, and that's not fun, but as I learn to live this out automatically I find my peace, contentment, courage and confidence in who God has created me to be increases in multiples.

As an after-thought...I realize as I write there is an over-arching umbrella thought I hear and say often to keep everything in perspective. It sounds crass and cold at times, but I've learned the truth can do that. The statement is this, "I care about what you think of me, but I don't care enough to forfeit the truth of what I believe for your approval. I won't be answering to you at the end of my life. I'll be answering to the very One who created me. Knowing this means I may not always do what you want me to, and that's okay. I have to stay focused on the end-result."

If you were to incorporate this into your life how do you think you'd say it? Tone makes the difference (how many times did I hear growing up, "don't you use that tone with me!"??), and I have to say my desire for people to see Christ in me ~ the TRUE Christ, He who didn't shove His law in the faces of the unbelievers but did deliver righteous anger to those who claimed to be His ~ changes how and what I would say to people depending on who they are.

I'm rambling now so I'll stop. Love God...Love People. That's all.