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Weekend Meditation: Whispers of Hope

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My women's small group has decided to use Beth Moore's Whispers of Hope book to study prayer.  There are few disciplines that I think are more important...or more challenging.  Prayer is our direct connection to God.  It is one of the ways we learn to understand the mind of God and to discern scripture, and one way we experience his presence.  Through this study, I hope to understand better God's purpose and provision through prayer. 

As I flipped through the book, I came to this scripture, "Like clay in the hands of the potter, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel." Jeremiah 18:6

I want to be like clay in His hands.  I know that I can't change the broken and bent places in me.  I can't change my mind from thinking about things wrong or my behavior from doing things that are not God's will for me, but when I yield myself to His hands, to His Word and His Spirit, He can change me.  I need it.  I'm so grateful for the hope that is in God's work in me through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.


Praying for all who read this post today.  Be healthy!

To My 16 Year Old Self

My little sister turns 16 years old today and I'll be 40 next month.  As I thought about what I've learned since I was her age, I was inspired to take a moment and express what I'd say to myself at that age.  Here's what I came up with...

This was me as a teen (might have been 17 here).

Dear Me,
Life gets better.  It also gets worse.  You'll survive.  Your mom knows a lot more than you think she does.  Try to love her back as much as she loves you.  Be patient with yourself and others.  Enjoy your uncomplicated life - trust me, it's uncomplicated right now.  Work hard and pay attention - your education is worth it.  Save some money every month.  Give away some of your money every month and a lot of your time.  Be a good friend.  Believe me, your thighs are great - don't worry so much about how your body looks to others.  Mostly, they're just worrying about how their body looks to you.  But eat more vegetables anyway.  Wait for God's best for you in a husband and never date a boy who doesn't love Jesus.  Protect your heart and your body.  Dedicate them to God along with your mind and He will guide your path.  God has a wonderful plan for your life, trust Him.
I love you,
Me

What would you tell your 16 year old self?  Be healthy!

On Waiting

Timing is everything, right?  We hear this over and over.  But it's hard to remember - hard to accept when the timing isn't our timing.  When I'm waiting for something, I am so impatient.  Patience is a virtue - just not one of mine.  Yet, I have seen over and over in my life that God's timing is not my timing AND it is perfect.

Today I got a call from a friend who has finally brought home a child of her own.  After the heartbreak of years of infertility, miscarriage, and unfulfilled longing, she finally has a child of her own.  Needless to say, she is full of joy.  One of the first things she said to me was "God's timing is perfect."  Indeed it is. In spite of her waiting, in spite of the pain and loss she experienced in the mean time, she is able to see that His timing is exactly right.  I know how she feels.  I waited a long time for the miracle of becoming mommy to my son too.

I have other friends who are still waiting.  Wonderful friends that I know will be amazing parents.  Longing to have a child together, to double the love they have for each other.  God's timing is perfect here too.  One friend will go in for a D&C because she lost her baby...a baby she's been waiting for years to celebrate.  God's timing is perfect for her too, right?  Another who recently lost the child she had also waited for years to hold, then raised with love and joy, only to see him lost to cancer (that awful thief).  Some will ask, is His timing perfect here too?

I do not understand God's timing.  But I know the character of God.  He is good.  All the time.  He is faithful.  All the time.  When we stand with Him, He gives us strength.  His best for us is better than any good I could pray for.  We ask for pennies, but He has riches for us.  Sometimes we cannot understand the waiting.  Yet, I am convinced that some of the greatest work that God has done in me has been done in the waiting.  During the hard days - the days when I could not see any further than my own two hands on the ground in front of my bent knees.  If only we could find joy in the waiting, in the sometimes-suffering, in the longing.  How?  Paul knew the "secret"...

 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. ~Philippians 4:10-14

He seems to be talking about physical needs, but I think that our emotional and spiritual needs are no less important.  How can we manage when our hearts are hungry?  First, we find our joy in Christ and He strengthens us in times of need and in times of plenty.  Whatever we're waiting for, He knows and He is with us. He gives us the courage, determination, strength and peace we need.  Second, we share our burden.  We aren't called to carry the weight of our waiting alone.  God gives us to each other to provide support, encouragement, and love - to be His hands and feet.  Whatever you're waiting for, I pray you're not waiting alone.  And if you are not in a place of waiting, be an encouragement.  There are people all around you waiting.  Be a witness with them in their waiting.  Give them some of yourself, for you are sure to find yourself waiting eventually.  Be present and faithful.  Be healthy!

Weekend Meditation: Abundance

During a period of intense transition in my life, I found myself seeking God's wisdom and direction (always a good thing to do - not just during "transition").  I adopted this passage as my mantra in considering what the next phase of my life might look like:

The thief comes to steal and destroy; [Jesus] came that [I] might have life and have it abundantly. ~John 10:10 (emphasis mine)

This morning, I was reading through some inspiration (Twenty Four Hours a Day) and came upon this:

Love the busy life. It is a joy-filled life. Take your fill of joy in the Spring. Live outdoors whenever possible. Sun and air are nature's great healing forces.  That inward joy changes poisoned blood into pure, healthy, life-giving flow. But never forget that the real healing of the spirit comes from within, from the close, loving contact of your spirit with God's spirit. Keep in close communion with God's spirit day by day.

Prayer For The Day
I pray that I may learn to live the abundant life.  I pray that I may enjoy a close contact with God this day and be glad in it.

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What a timely reminder that sometimes an abundant life is a busy life!  There is joy in busyness as long as there remains time to keep connected with the Spirit - as long as I take time to fix my eyes on the giver of this busy, abundant life.  Today, take a moment during your busyness to stop, breathe, and celebrate the abundance in your life.  It may not look like you expected.  It may not be all that you want.  Abundance can show itself in the most unlikely places - bulbs sprouting up from the cold earth after an especially long winter; the laughter of a child you love (yes, even while you are longing for your own); the warm nuzzle of a faithful furry companion; the filtered sunlight in the room where you find yourself contemplating this now; the knowledge that you have everything you need because Jesus is the lover of your soul.  My life is busy and it is abundant.  Gratitude helps turn the stress of a busy life into abundance.  Thank you, Lord for my busy life.  Help me make the most of every moment.  Praying this for you too.  Practice self-care for your spirit today.  Be healthy!

Heaven Won't Look Like My Little Baptist Congregation

This morning over my coffee, I was reading a story about a worldwide movement to end modern day slavery - to expose sex trafficking and rescue children and young people who had been captured and forced into servitude.  It's a travesty and it makes me angry to know that there are adults who prey on innocence.  As a mother, it makes me hold my baby closer and others at more of a distance.  The depravity of man (and woman) knows no bounds.

In the midst of this pondering, I look for ways to help.  What can I do?  I'm one person.  Not a politician, a leader, famous.  Here are some organizations that are helping and I can help them.  So can you:

• Not For Sale
• Street Grace
• Polaris Project
• The 21 Campaign

There are others.  I'm sure there are many - and there's probably one in your town.  Don't ignore this problem.  Teach your children about the danger and the opportunities to rescue others.  Pray for the children and adults in slavery being exploited and those recovering from the effects of sex trafficking.  Pray that the people involved would be convicted in their hearts (and in courts) about the wrong they are doing.

The global scale of this issue also leads me to a meditation about heaven. Many years ago, God blessed me with the opportunity to go to Burkina Faso to tell others about Him.  I was a young believer and it was really the only time I'd been to a third-world country.  My eyes were opened and my world was forever changed.  Before this trip, church for me was a stoic stand up, sit down, clap your hands a little and sing along with everyone else, while the BK believers danced wildly, sang loudly, shook tambourines and cried out in their faith!  It was frightening and exciting and connected me to a place of release and freedom for my faith.  I realized in full - for the first time - that heaven won't look like my little Baptist congregation (not that there's anything wrong with a little Baptist confeegation, per se).  It will be filled with people from all over the world - white, black, brown, yellow and every hue in between.  Languages will be strange, but we will understand each other.  The celebration will go on forever and the singing will never end. 

2Let Israel be glad in his Maker; Let the sons of Zion rejoice in their King. 3Let them praise His name with dancing; Let them sing praises to Him with timbrel and lyre. ~Psalm 149:2-3

Praise Him today and pray for those who are lost.  The children and young people involved in sex trafficking may not look like you (although they might).  They may not be in your backyard (although if you are in Atlanta, they might be).  Yet, they are like you - wonderfully created and worthy of our prayers, intervention and love.  Be faithful.  Be healthy!

Do you have what it takes?

When I was pregnant, we decided to wait to find out if our child was a boy or girl until his birthday.  I love surprises and can hardly think of a more exciting surprise!  Most people were surprised to hear that we were waiting and often friends and strangers exclaimed, "I couldn't wait!"  Occasionally, we met another couple who had waited and they confirmed that it would add another level of anticipation to the baby's delivery.  At a baby shower, friends and family guessed the day they though the baby might come and gender. It was a lot of fun for me to dream about being mother to a baby boy or baby girl.  Most people were so kind and encouraging throughout my pregnancy. 

But someone along the way said to me, "You can't be a mother to a boy."  Has anyone ever said something to you that just got in your head and stuck there?  Maybe someone planted a seed of doubt about your ability to excel at school, or to be beautiful, or to overcome some disability.  Perhaps you had a goal to meet and someone told you that you'd never be able to do it.

I don't know why she said that to me.  In fact, I can't even remember who said it to me.  Thankfully, God has gifted me with a wonderfully forgetful mind.  It keeps me from holding grudges, but it doesn't keep me from remembering all ugly comments.  Maybe she thought she was being funny.   But then my son was born and her words haunted me a bit.  I began to wonder if she was right.  Of course, that's ridiculous.  I can absolutely be the mother to a boy.  I AM the mother to a boy!  A beautiful, smart, curious, growing, enthusiastic baby boy.

Seriously, I wondered, do I have what it takes to help my son be all that God has made him to be?  Can I teach him what he needs to know to navigate this world, full of evil?  How will I protect him, while allowing him to experience the right kind of learning through disappointments and mistakes?  And there are so many decisions to make about his health, schooling, who will care for him when I'm not around... It can seem overwhelming when I think of the awesome responsibility.

The kind of overwhelming that drives me to my knees proclaiming that I don't have what it takes.  On my own, I am incapable of being the mother my son needs.  But with God, all things are possible.  As I think of the things ahead - temptations, dangers, evil, bullies - I am reminded of what the Scriptures say in Exodus 14:14...

The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. (NIV)

What is my job according to this scripture? To be still.  While I "be still" God will do what needs to be done.  He will fight the battle.  He will make a way.  I may not have what it takes, but He does.  As I place my trust in Him, He gives me peace and makes it possible to be still.  And suddenly, I do have what it takes to "mother a boy."  Where do you need God to fight for you?  Have faith.  Be healthy!

Snowpacolypse 2014

Here in Atlanta we've been having lots of fun...perhaps you've read about our Snowpacolypse.  Unfortunately, due to a myriad of decisions, circumstances and a monster snow storm (for us) thousands of people were stuck on the roadways for hours on end.  Many, many were involved in accidents and were stranded from their friends and loved ones.  Cold, wet and tired, many sought refuge with strangers.   The storm brought out the best in many people too - those who braved the cold to delivery food, water, and blankets to others; started Facebook pages devoted to connecting the hurting with the helpers; and prayer warriors who asked for divine intervention on behalf of neighbors and friends. 

Psalm 34 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Today, the snow is melting and things are moving back to normal.  There's still ice out there.  My house is still surrounded by snow, but I can see things melting away, like water receding from the shore.  And tomorrow it will be nearly 60 degrees.  Thank God for the mercy of safe travels for most, the kindness of strangers, and the opportunity to wonder in His creation.  Hope you're warm where you are.  Back to regularly scheduled programing soon.  Hibernating for now.  Be healthy!

It's Monday...Be Encouraged

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Whatever's going on in your life, do not despair.  Don't give up.  Put your faith in Jesus.  He's got a plan for your life.  Hold on.  He knows what He's doing.  Trust Him.  Be healthy!

Compared to...

Do you find yourself comparing to see how you rank against the people around you?  Are you constantly trying to be more like him or her?  Have you spent an inappropriate amount of time and energy - maybe money too - to keep up with the "Joness"? 

When it comes to weight and fitness, this happens all the time, right?  But it also happens at work, in the neighborhood, within families, among friends.  It happens between new mothers, newlyweds, and new college students.  Everyone trying to fit in, but also to measure up. 

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The truth is that you are great.  And there will always be someone who is richer, skinnier, more beautiful, smarter, better at _____.  And it doesn't matter.  Your race doesn't need to be against someone else.  Whatever your battle, calling, purpose...your in a one woman, one man race against yourself.  Your job is to be the best you that you can be...To use the gifts, talents, and treasures that God has entrusted to your care to the best of your ability to serve him and bless others.  

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If you're struggling with comparison, Northpoint Community Church's The Comparison Trap is a great resource for you.  Take time to consider how wonderfully made you are and let go of the expectation that you will be like someone else.  You are good enough.  Be patient with yourself.  Be healthy!

Today Started Yesterday

If you've read much of anything or know me in person, you know that I talk a lot about living one day at a time.  I really believe that and have been working for years to learn to be present in today, not losing time lamenting about the past or over-anticipating tomorrow.  So, what's up with today's post?   Well, in a very real way, today started yesterday.  You see, how you ended yesterday has a huge impact on how you started today.  Good habits at the end of each day will help set you up for success the following day.

As a sleep deprived mom of an infant, I'm a work in progress, but these are habits I incorporated before becoming a mom.  I don't do these things every day, but many days I do - and when I do, my morning goes much smoother, setting the tone for the day.  Here are some of the things I try to do at the end of each day to help tomorrow be better:

• Select and lay out clothes and shoes for the next day. This is a simple one, but it keeps me from wasting time staring at the closet half asleep trying to decide what to wear.
• Prepare and pack breakfast, snacks, and lunch for myself and my sweetheart.  If I'm sending my hubs to work with leftovers, I go ahead and pack them in separate containers for him when I'm putting away dinner and put out his lunchbox so I remember to fill it up before he heads out.  I sometimes make overnight oats or boil eggs for early morning eats.
• Use the delay settings for coffee, so it's ready when I am.  Even if you don't have an automatic setting, go ahead and do everything except hit brew and you're ahead of the game.
• Get ready for my workout.  I put shoes, workout clothes and my gear out and ready for me.  You might put them in your bag in the car, beside the bed, etc. so you remove one barrier/excuse (I forgot my shoes/shorts/yoga mat) by making it easy for yourself.
• Write and/or review my to-do list for the next day.   I keep a running to do list on my smart phone so that I can just refer to it as needed.  (See this post about the app I use for this.)  Before turning in, I take a moment to review what's coming up the next day.  I have less surprises, forget fewer important things, and feel better prepared to take on whatever it is when I do this.
• Practice active gratitude.  I take time to think about and thank God for the gifts of the day.  When I'm off - not quite myself emotionally and spiritually - I write them down to remind myself of how blessed my life is, but usually I just mentally review the list of amazing blessings in my life.  This brings a calm sense of peace to the end of my day.

All of these are small things and they only take 15 minutes or so to do the night before when I've got plenty of time and am in no hurry.  Fifteen minutes leisurely spent preparing for the next day is easy the night before.  Fifteen minutes in the morning is sometimes hard to come by.  Plus, I hate to start my day feeling like I'm running behind - I never quite feel like I've caught up.

The last thing I try to do is go to bed early enough.  Getting the right quantity and quality of sleep is essential to good health.  Being sleep deprived has been linked to overweight and obesity, heart disease, depression, and a variety of other health conditions.  Give yourself the gift of a better start tomorrow by starting tonight.  Prepare for tomorrow and sleep well tonight.  Be healthy!

Weekend Meditation

Are you starting to thaw out?  It's been a cold, blustery 10 days or so here in Atlanta and I'm ready for winter to be over.  I told someone recently that I'm a hot-house flower and not inclined to cold weather at all.  I know you folks in the -50 region think we're wimps, but I don't care.  Remember, you don't see many people move north to retire.  The south is supposed to be warm and humid - just how I like it.  But we have a little more winter still to get through.  Might as well make good use of the time indoors.  A simple meditation can do wonders. 

For me that means breathing deeply.  Did you know research has shown that when you practice deep breathing you can actually reduce your heart rate, blood pressure and stress level?  Your body responds beautiful to being filled with oxygen and your muscles relax.  Give it a try.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ~Romans 15:13

Sit in a comfortable position in a quiet place.  I like to sit cross legged on the floor, but you might want to sit in a comfortable chair.  Just be sure your sitting upright with good posture.

Close your eyes.

Take a deep breath.  Allow the oxygen to fill your lungs completely.  Imagine it going all the way down to the bottom of your lungs, deep in your abdomen.  Hold it for a couple of seconds.

Breathe out slowly.

Breathe in again.  Continue to breathe like this, slowly, deeply.  Make your in and out breaths the same length.

With your eyes closed, imagine a happy place.  Here are my happy places - on a hammock on a screened porch over a babbling brook in the mountains; lying on the sand in the sun with the surf coming in and out; sunning myself on a quilt in a grassy field.  I love the outdoors and generally find that to be my happy place, but you should think about being wherever your happy place is.

Think a happy thought.  I like to think about love and light.  I like to think about Jesus and His Word. Feel gratitude for my life and His blessings.

I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways.~Psalm 119:15

Imagine the breathe that you are breathing in is filling your body - going in through your nose and flowing down through your fingertips and toes.  Start at the top of your head and consciously relax.  Relax your scalp, your forehead, eyes, cheeks, jaw and neck.  Relax your shoulders, your arms, your hands.  Relax your back from top to bottom.  Relax your hips, your upper, then lower legs.  Relax your feet - they carry you all day; they need relaxing.

This should take you about 5 minutes.  Go slow.  Take your time.  Don't rush.  It's just a few minutes out of your day, but it will do wonders.

Allow your breath to become natural again.  Less focused.  Open your eyes.  Smile.  Give yourself a hug and show yourself some love. 

May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord. ~Psalm 104:34

You can do this short meditation anytime.  When you notice your shoulders up under your ears or feel the tension in your back, stop and breathe. 

First Things First

As it is the 2nd (3rd when you read this), my mind is still on the beginning of a new year.  Things I want to accomplish professionally and personally, anticipation for wonderful milestones with my baby boy, and hopes for expanding our family.  I'll get back to all of that on the next post.  Today is about priorities.

As I was working through my day - feed the baby, play, rock the baby to sleep, write/email/laundry, repeat - I read a post on Facebook that a friend's son is being moved to hospice following a battle with cancer.  The post stopped me in my tracks.  My friend is the same age as me, we went to high-school together.  She started her family earlier, so her son is nearly grown.  Still, my heart knows that he remains her baby boy and it breaks with hers at the thought of what she's facing.  I can hardly force myself to think about it.  As a new mom, my heart is too tender still, hormones too ripe - no, that wouldn't matter.  Mothers aren't supposed to bury their children.  I prayed for her right away.  I've prayed for her over and over today.

After reading her post, my perspective shifted.  My priorities got right.  I cried for her.  I found myself on my hands and knees scrubbing the shower praying for her.  Crying for her and at the same time thanking God that my greatest inconvenience of the day is fighting the mold in my shower grout.  Grateful that I have the opportunity to be exhausted from lack of sleep and days that run into each other as I change diapers, wake up at night to calm tears, feed and rock my son, clean our house (even the floors and the bathrooms), and work for my clients, without the heartbreak my friend suffers.  But for the grace of God...

Yet I know the grace of God is with her too.  It is with her son.  Though they may not always know, His grace is with all those who suffer loss, injustice, the unfairness of cancer, "random" accidents, heartbreaks that we cannot, do not understand.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. ~Psalm 34:18

I do not understand why.  I won't pretend to understand.  I have borne witness to the losses of friends and loved ones - holding the hands and sharing my heart with others as they've lost in ways I do not fully understand.  Felt completely helpless, useless, because I didn't understand why then either.  In the midst of loss, I have known what I know still.  God does not leave us alone in our pain.  We may not always feel His presence or hear his voice, but He does not leave us.  Whatever comes, my deepest desire is that my heart be tethered to Him, to the One who knows, who sees all of history past and future together and knows the whole story. And to be able to share that with others in their suffering - and in their joy.

Abide in me and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in me. ~John 15:4

I want to abide in Jesus.  [Verb: Abide - live; dwell.]  I want to live, to dwell with Jesus. To find rest in Jesus. How do I do that in a crazy world? with so many competing "priorities"? with pain and suffering and sorrow?  The simple phrase "keep first things first" fits.  If Jesus is to be first, it must be how I start each day.  Scripture.  Prayer.  To prioritize means to make first, more important than other things.  First thing each day I need to seek His face, His will, His word.  First thing when worry, fear, calamity strike.  First thing when I see needs, feel the heartache of someone else.  To paraphrase Ann Graham Lotz...Jesus.  Just give me Jesus.  Not Jesus and ___.  Jesus is enough.  He is first.  Abide in Him today.

Ten Days to Go - How is your heart?

Well, here we are...10 days until Christmas. I've been swamped with no time to focus on writing here (I write a lot for paid work and that gets my time first!).  How about you?  Are you ready?  Are you stressed?  Do you remember the reason for the celebration?  How is your heart?

I'm as guilty as anyone about getting caught up in the rush to the "finish line" and forgetting to keep things in perspective...forgetting about the importance of the anticipation of Jesus.  That's what these 10 days should be about.  In ten days, we celebrate the fact that heaven opened up and sent THE Savior of the world.  God looked down on all that he'd created and realized we needed help.  In his incredible mercy, he took pity on the human race and delivered unto us a child.  But not just any child.  His child.

As a new mother, I cannot imagine sending my child out into this cruel world...to die a horrible death...to suffer at the hands of others...to save selfish, ungrateful, unkind...me.  Yet, I am immeasurably humbled at the thought that while I was still an enemy of God, he chose to redeem me with his own son and he chose a young, inexperienced, unassuming, but sold-out girl to do it.  Of course, Mary did not know at first what would be asked of her child, how her mommy heart would be broken.  What a gift that the Lord did not reveal to her the fullness of His plan, because she might not have been able to handle it.  I don't think I could have.  Thank you, Lord for loving me.  For demonstrating your love and compassion by walking alongside those who are willing to walk in your way - even when it doesn't make sense to them, You steady their path and give light to the next step leading them to Your will.  Thank you most of all for Jesus.

Luke 1: 30-38
30But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 

34“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

35The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37For no word from God will ever fail.”

38“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

 

Honestly...Sometimes I don't want to be nice

Recently, I was having a "moment" and broadcasted it on Facebook.  It went like this, "Can I be honest?  Sometimes I don't want to be nice."  I was surprised by the response from my friends and connections.  Dozens of people 'liked' my status and it drew lots of comments.  I generally stick to positive messaging and am honestly an optimist anyway so it's usually easy.  However, everyone can resonate with the fact that sometimes we just don't want to be nice.  Whether we're having a bad day, someone's pushing our buttons, or we're faced with someone who is genuinely not nice to us, we all have moments when we don't want to be nice.

Then comes the choice.  I don't have to be nice.  There's no one holding my feet to the fire and making me be nice.  Being nice is a choice.  Most of the time, I make that choice.  Sometimes I fail and I'm a total jerk.  As good as I am at being nice, I'm equally good at being sarcastic and harsh (sometimes better).  While I can choose not to be nice, most of the time that choice hurts me more than anyone else.  Guilty conscience, hurt feelings and damaged relationships aren't worth the choice to act out when I don't feel like being nice.

 He who guards his mouth and his tongue, guards his soul from troubles. Proverbs 21:23

I have to remember that I get to choose my feelings.  I believe that part of being mature is making the choice to be nice, regardless of how I feel.  Children are slaves to their emotions until they learn that tantrums are inappropriate.  We teach them not to hit others, scream or use inappropriate language, and flail around uncontrolled.  Shouldn't I expect more of myself?

He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Self-Control#sthash.031X1BnT.dpuf

I don't have to be friends with the person on the receiving end. Yet, Jesus calls me to display his love regardless of how I feel and if they become my friend, all the better.  It doesn't mean that I don't get to have a bad day or that I won't sometimes be ugly (southerinsm for being a jerk), but it isn't what I'm called to.

 But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. "Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either." Luke 6:27-29

"But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. "Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Self-Control#sthash.031X1BnT.dpuf

I'm called to show people with my actions and attitude that they are important - important enough for God to send his son Jesus Christ for them.  There's no exception to this admonition.  But it's not just about the other person.  The truth is that when I do this, in spite of my feelings, my feelings change.  I change.  Emotionally and spiritually, I become "weller" and get to enjoy a day without less regret.  Along the journey to optimal health, every choice in the right direction is a good one.  Even when I don't want to.  Be healthy!

Beginning...Again

My friend Karen used to say, Sherry, you can start your day over anytime you like.  It's advice I've taken time and again in my life.  Whether to restart a day, a week, month, career...whatever.  Now I'm applying it to my blogging.  I'm beginning again.  New address (URL), same me.  My friend also used to say, no matter where you go there you are.  Ha!  Translation: you can move, but not away from yourself. More than anything, my friend helped me learn that everything we do is done one step, one decision, one day at a time.

I would like to source this, but I have no idea where I got it.  Sorry!

As I begin (this blog) again, my life is different and I have so much to share!  In August, my Sweetheart and I welcomed a new little one into our lives with the birth of our first child, baby G.  He's the joy of my days and a happy, healthy, bouncing baby boy.  Growing like crazy and we're learning as we go.  Some of my posts will be about him.

They say a baby changes everything and boy is it true!  My life is very different than it ever has been before.  My schedule is...well, unpredictable. I'm in new territory, learning to care for every need of another person.  My body is different after growing a little human being and then birthing him into the world.  I'm emotionally more raw and sensitive than I can ever remember. (New mommas, can I get an Amen?!)  Even my thoughts and feelings on nutrition have changed a lot.  From the time I found out I was pregnant, I began to be even more careful and thoughtful about what I eat.  Some things that never bothered me before suddenly became unacceptable foods to eat.  I'll be sharing bunches of that here, I'm sure.

About 1/2 way, full term, and about 6 weeks post-baby!

Finally, I've got a new job.  Or rather...and old job.  Mommying is now my #1 job!  Now, I know my friends who work outside the home mommy their children as their most important job too, so don't get me wrong.  What I mean is that it's the job that takes my days and nights nearly 24/7.  I decided not to return to my (wonderful) job in marketing for a commodity board, but instead to cut back my hours and work contract so that I could work from home most of the time, devoting myself more fully to daily being a hands-on mom.  After all, at nearly 40, I waited a long time to get this job - I want to enjoy every moment.  Balancing being Mommy with being Dietitian Sherry will be an important topic.

Serious multitasking happening here.

Let's review...what can you expect from this blog?

• Posts about all things baby - breastfeeding, sleeping (or not), scheduling, introducing solids (coming soon!), cloth diapering, skincare, getting your body back, etc. etc.  Want to know a secret?  Sometimes I feel clueless too, but I'll share what I'm learning.
• What to eat - and NOT eat - and how to select, prepare, and get your family to eat nutritious and delicious foods.  This is no tease, I'm serious.  My green-vegetable-averse husband eats nearly everything I prepare for him.  I'll share my secrets!
• Balance - how the heck do I do it all?  I don't, but together we'll talk about how to do what we can and do it well.  This includes faith, basic husband care, balancing baby, home and career.  Confession? I don't have this all figured out either, but I'm learning to give myself grace, pray for guidance and lean into the supports God has placed around me.
• Random nutrition stuff - I love nutrition (and food).  My areas of special interest include food allergies, digestive health, vegetarianism (or flexitarianism), the microbiome/probiotics, and really delicious, healthy cooking. Tune in for regular doses of nutrition randomness.

So that's it. My weekly, semi-daily, regular dietary confessions.  Hope you will make this blog a regular part of your day as I regularly share my heart and whatever wisdom I've been given.  Be healthy!