Time to come clean. I have commitment issues. I over commit myself often, of course with good intentions. I have always felt that if someone else can do something, so can I! So, if I saw another mom able to run a successful household and be involved in church, community and school as well as workout often and maintain a great physique, I should be able to as well! Right there I set myself up for failure. I am not "that mom" therefore, I should not aspire to do a long list of things that maybe I'm just not made to do!
The last 3 (ok 5) years have been a total whirlwind for me! My last two children are just 16 months a part. Although that is not uncommon for many families, for me it has been crazy! Elijah marches to the beat of his own drum, didn't walk until 15 months (I was sure I'd be carrying him Elisabeth came along) and is very particular about...EVERYTHING. I won't call him difficult, but he was quite the fussy baby! Lucky for me, he has an amazing big brother who absolutely loves his little sibs :) Looking back, I'm not so sure it's the having them close in age that was the only factor in the whirlwind feeling, but as well as other issues we as a family were dealing with that all happened all at once! Here we are now though and everything is falling back in place and the "wind" isn't blowing quite so hard!
I had friends come and go in those years, some hard losses and some it was just time to move on; we had family issues that are now resolved; we had major changes in our church, all of which are resolved; and Alexis, my step-daughter, has become a teenager. That's a lot to deal with all at once! In that time, I know I often over-reacted to situations out of stress, yelled at my kids over something dumb, blew off friends, forgot dates, lost my mind! lol...for realz, I was overwhelmed!
What helps me is writing. Getting my thoughts out there. Who has time for that?! I am often told I should have a blog because I'm so darn witty ;) I didn't dare tell people I had a blog that was on my list of commitments I slack on! But, in honesty, I felt inadequate. There are so many "mom blogs" out there that I feel so inferior to. What could I possibly offer?
- I'm not a crafty person, and crafts are last on my budget list (ok, they aren't even on "the list"!) so I'm not "that mom"
-I'm not some major financial, budgeting expert to tell you how to save your family so much money that you can take 5 trips to Disney in one year so I can't be "that mom"
-I'm exhausted, will not blog daily, cranky when things don't go right, yell at my kids more out of stress and tiredness than for what they did, so I'm definitely not that positive, "Love and Logic" kind of mom
-I have little patience for couponing and will follow my two couponer blogs and get deals, but definitely not interested in taking the time to blog exclusive about coupons, sales and freebies.
-I don't homeschool. I don't cook amazing gluten/dairy/sugar free meals in my gourmet kitchen while smiling and having my children assist me. I don't read for an hour everyday with each child. I don't have advice on becoming a "better" mom.
Can you relate to this, or is it really just me? There are so many super moms (or at least facades of) that I felt like I was just inadequate in every aspect of motherhood! I have spent the last few years on "survival mode" that I would get so upset at myself for not doing more/being more/seeing more. Well, finally it dawned on me. Those markets are over saturated anyway. I read many of them on the rare occasions I get a chance, because I scour for ideas that I never actually follow and crafts I never make. But, I need a little motivation in my life, so I decided to blog my thoughts.
So here's the deal. I'll blog when I feel like it. It may or not be good. Maybe it'll be life-changing. Maybe it'll be the worst read of your life and you have to go read a coupon blog or do a craft to get over the pain you feel from my blog, while making your quinoa salad and drink kale juice.
Here's what I do have to offer:
-I make mistakes as a mom, wife, friend, dog owner and all the other hats I wear. I can admit it.
-I make attempts at changing my families eating habits, even with two very picky eaters.
-I grew up in church and have many great memories and a few bad ones.
-I was miraculous healed from childhood leukemia, which stories of that time will definitely come out, as well as the meaning behind the name of the blog.
-I am a step-mom with a great "bonus" daughter. FYI- even with a great stepchild, step-parenting is more often a thankless, stressful, sometimes hurtful job. You have all the work of the parent, and get little to no credit. In some situations, you may help raise a child that is being trained, brainwashed and manipulated into hating you and thinking you are evil, though you do absolutely nothing to deserve that. You will be overlooked by family, and friends may tell you that you try too hard because after all, the step child isn't your kid. But, when you married, you chose to love unconditionally, so through hell or high water, you will do so.
-I'm slowing becoming more of someone who enjoys doing things alone rather than with others and I feel awkward in social situations that I use to love being a part of. I think it's part of getting older, or maybe I really am losing it!
-I'm obsessed with great worship music. I love to break down the lyrics and apply them to life. Or attempt to. Or just write it out and slack on the follow through. I feel I was supposed to be a worship leader, but somewhere down the line I missed out on the ability to sing in public.
This blog is too long, so I will end it because my brain never shuts down. Ask my friend, Amy. Thoughts are always running through my head. I'm pretty sure I have ADD. No offense to anyone who does. I've always been accused of being airheaded and not focused, and looking back, it ALL. MAKES. SENSE.
See ya when I see ya. Hopefully I come up with something good ;)
Monday, September 9, 2013
Friday, February 15, 2013
Moving on...
It's true. We are no longer attending the church that I have attended for a decade. Let me keep this short and sweet and to the point. I am addressing this because there seems to be confusion as to why we left!
First of all, we were not offended by someone or something. We did not leave to be with friends (could've, would've done that 2 years ago!). When the church went through the changes it did, we felt a very definite voice telling us to stay. So, stay we did...for two years. It was a great two years. The church is thriving and people are growing. The body is united.
For over a year, every time I drove past (on a daily basis), our new church, I felt a tug in my heart. My response to the tugging was to pray for them. Friends of ours attended there, so I figured that was why I felt connected. When Marty felt we should visit, we both knew BEFORE we even visited, that we would be committing to the church. Two services later, we discussed it and the Lord confirmed it. My emotions ran the gamut of sad to excited to anxious, but when the Lord says "go", you GO!
As Christians, we are all called to go. When we think of sending people out, we think of missionaries and foreign countries. Some may also think of church planting hundreds of miles away, or the other side of the country. But, sometimes we get called to go just down the street.
We absolutely love our church family at Faith. We plan to attend special events, and hope to stay connected to the family. We love our new family at New Heights as well. Though we are still new and haven't gotten to know many people, we feel so welcomed. The children have adapted well, also. We know we are here at this place at this timing for a reason.....it's amazing how you wait and wait on the Lord for something and feel like, "sheesh, when is this going to happen?" Then one day you realize, "AHHH, THIS is why we went through all those trials, and this is why the Lord wait until this point in time!"
If anyone has questions, feel free to message me!
Love, Sarah
PS- yes, I used to blog for a while. I did the E-votionals for our women's group, and prior to that I was just trying to keep up on my writing...though, I wasn't very good and couldn't find any inspiration!
First of all, we were not offended by someone or something. We did not leave to be with friends (could've, would've done that 2 years ago!). When the church went through the changes it did, we felt a very definite voice telling us to stay. So, stay we did...for two years. It was a great two years. The church is thriving and people are growing. The body is united.
For over a year, every time I drove past (on a daily basis), our new church, I felt a tug in my heart. My response to the tugging was to pray for them. Friends of ours attended there, so I figured that was why I felt connected. When Marty felt we should visit, we both knew BEFORE we even visited, that we would be committing to the church. Two services later, we discussed it and the Lord confirmed it. My emotions ran the gamut of sad to excited to anxious, but when the Lord says "go", you GO!
As Christians, we are all called to go. When we think of sending people out, we think of missionaries and foreign countries. Some may also think of church planting hundreds of miles away, or the other side of the country. But, sometimes we get called to go just down the street.
We absolutely love our church family at Faith. We plan to attend special events, and hope to stay connected to the family. We love our new family at New Heights as well. Though we are still new and haven't gotten to know many people, we feel so welcomed. The children have adapted well, also. We know we are here at this place at this timing for a reason.....it's amazing how you wait and wait on the Lord for something and feel like, "sheesh, when is this going to happen?" Then one day you realize, "AHHH, THIS is why we went through all those trials, and this is why the Lord wait until this point in time!"
If anyone has questions, feel free to message me!
Love, Sarah
PS- yes, I used to blog for a while. I did the E-votionals for our women's group, and prior to that I was just trying to keep up on my writing...though, I wasn't very good and couldn't find any inspiration!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Rising Up- M&M E-votional
What a refreshing weekend I had at Eagle's Wings! I know many of you didn't go, and I strongly encourage that you make plans to attend next year. It will change your walk with the Lord for the better. Consider it a "strength-training" weekend! Not only will you build stronger relationships with your girlfriends in Christ, and build new ones, but the very atmosphere at Clear Lake Ranch is breathtaking. How can you NOT see God there?
In case you don't know me, I am HUGE into worship music. I love to soak in it, focus on the words and really personalize each song. When I hear new ones that really speak to me, I HAVE to share it! So with you, I want to share a great Rita Springer song we sang:
I am blessed among the people,
I am blessed among the Nations,
I am blessed because I am loved by You
I am loved and highly favored
Saved by the grace of a Mighty Savior
I am blessed because I am loved by You
Bridge:
No weapon formed against me will prosper
No curse can ever take His promises from me
When hope is gone and the darkness has fallen
I will still believe, I will still believe
Chorus:
I will rise up
I will rise up
I will rise up and call myself BLESSED!!!
Ok, so I put the emphasis on that last "blessed"...you are a Child of GOD! You also are blessed and highly favored! It sometimes amazes me how many women feel they are not worthy to inherit the promises God has for us. The words of this song spoke to me so deeply. I have had the enemy attack me in so many ways personally and spiritually as far as depression, anxiety, fear, relationships, finances, family, self-confidence, etc. Having grown up in church, I know to be strong, I know what advice a Christian would give me and amazingly that makes it worse because then I feel guilty for worrying, being depressed, having problems I can't fix. HELLO! None of us can fix our problems! Not without God!
This week has been yet another trial for me. One thing after another, I've been blindsided by attacks from the enemy. Praise God I was able to make it to my "strength-training" weekend or I would not have had the ability to get through the last few days. This song was on constant repeat in my head all week, even during the most painful moments. I AM blessed and HIGHLY FAVORED! I AM saved by the grace of a MIGHTY savior! No weapon formed against me will prosper, no one can take HIS PROMISE from me! It is when all hope is gone and darkness is fallen that we MUST still believe! I encourage you to personalize this song in your life. What is trying to keep you from the promises of God? A relationship or lack thereof? Money issues? Depression? Feelings of unworthiness? You name it and declare to yourself and that situation this song! I WILL rise up! I WILL call myself BLESSED!!!! No weapon formed against me will prosper! As a mentor/mentee team, I encourage you to discuss what this means in your life and how these very words can give you the strength to overcome even the darkest areas of your life.
Verses: Isaiah 54:17; Numbers 10:35; Dueteronomy 28:7; Luke 1:45; Dueteronomy 7:14
In case you don't know me, I am HUGE into worship music. I love to soak in it, focus on the words and really personalize each song. When I hear new ones that really speak to me, I HAVE to share it! So with you, I want to share a great Rita Springer song we sang:
I am blessed among the people,
I am blessed among the Nations,
I am blessed because I am loved by You
I am loved and highly favored
Saved by the grace of a Mighty Savior
I am blessed because I am loved by You
Bridge:
No weapon formed against me will prosper
No curse can ever take His promises from me
When hope is gone and the darkness has fallen
I will still believe, I will still believe
Chorus:
I will rise up
I will rise up
I will rise up and call myself BLESSED!!!
Ok, so I put the emphasis on that last "blessed"...you are a Child of GOD! You also are blessed and highly favored! It sometimes amazes me how many women feel they are not worthy to inherit the promises God has for us. The words of this song spoke to me so deeply. I have had the enemy attack me in so many ways personally and spiritually as far as depression, anxiety, fear, relationships, finances, family, self-confidence, etc. Having grown up in church, I know to be strong, I know what advice a Christian would give me and amazingly that makes it worse because then I feel guilty for worrying, being depressed, having problems I can't fix. HELLO! None of us can fix our problems! Not without God!
This week has been yet another trial for me. One thing after another, I've been blindsided by attacks from the enemy. Praise God I was able to make it to my "strength-training" weekend or I would not have had the ability to get through the last few days. This song was on constant repeat in my head all week, even during the most painful moments. I AM blessed and HIGHLY FAVORED! I AM saved by the grace of a MIGHTY savior! No weapon formed against me will prosper, no one can take HIS PROMISE from me! It is when all hope is gone and darkness is fallen that we MUST still believe! I encourage you to personalize this song in your life. What is trying to keep you from the promises of God? A relationship or lack thereof? Money issues? Depression? Feelings of unworthiness? You name it and declare to yourself and that situation this song! I WILL rise up! I WILL call myself BLESSED!!!! No weapon formed against me will prosper! As a mentor/mentee team, I encourage you to discuss what this means in your life and how these very words can give you the strength to overcome even the darkest areas of your life.
Verses: Isaiah 54:17; Numbers 10:35; Dueteronomy 28:7; Luke 1:45; Dueteronomy 7:14
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Where do I go from here? M&M e-votional
So you got saved. Maybe it was 20+ years ago, maybe it was a few weeks ago. Common still is the question, "What should I be doing?" Well, part of that answer is simple. The Great Commission. Go into all the earth and preach the gospel. It doesn't mean you have to hop the next plane to Pakistan with Ray and John. It doesn't mean you have to sell all your belongings and go live in a hut in some jungle. Your mission might be right inside the walls of our church.
Whether you are mentor or mentee, you have both made a big step in your walk with the Lord. He gave us the gift of salvation, and you are showing your gratitude by wanting to go deeper. Don't think mentors don't grow from this relationship! You can never be too "saved" to grow deeper.
But what's next? I've been saved my whole life, and I still asked that question. I still get in ruts. I often feel inadequate, unworthy, and often question: "Is this it? Is this all I'm going to do with my life?" I want to do more. We also have a time and place in our lives for everything; we Christians refer to them as "seasons"! I have many ideas and things I'd like to do, but I'm also popping out a baby in February and have a 3-year old son. Now is not the time for me to hit the road with my ministry!
What are you called to do? If you don't know, answer this: What do you have a passion for? What do you like to do? God knows our strengths and weaknesses. He isn't going to call you to something you hate! Maybe you love children. Maybe you like praying with people and giving encouragement. Praying for the needs of the body of Christ might be what you enjoy. Or, maybe you just want to keep learning, and you have a thirst for knowledge. Maybe you have a strong desire to teach those thirsting for knowledge the way you once did earlier in your Christian walk. Maybe you like to make coffee. Guess what? We have a place for you in ministry at Faith!
What I don't understand is why we have 500 people on a Sunday morning and so many claiming they want to go deeper, do more, live out the Great Commission....but a couple dozen people show up Sunday nights, even less sign up for Bible Studies. Granted, in this society we are too busy. You may be thinking, "I'd love to get more involved, but I'm already committed to so many other things outside of church." Well, let me ask you this, is there anything you can scale back on to make more room for God in your life? This makes me think of the movie Sister Act. By the way, you totally get to experience the Sarah Mouser randomness right now. Remember in Sister Act they remade secular songs? Well the one song was, "What has he done for me lately?" But, on Sister Act they rewrote the lyrics to say, "What have YOU done for HIM lately?" I'm not kidding, that song does pop in my head from time to time and I feel the conviction! You don't have to lead a ministry to give back to God, you can SUPPORT His ministries by being involved, making them successful by your participation. Trust me. The blessings you will receive are immeasureable.
I don't want to live a mediocre life. This is what has been on my mind the last several weeks as I've been preparing myself for Eagle's Wings. I'm not called to mediocracy. I want to go beyond that. I want to be more than Marty's wife and a mom to his kids. I want to be Sarah Mouser: A Great Asset in the Kingdom of God. Someone the devil fears. I have much deeper to grow before I get to where I am going, but at least I'm stepping up.
Verses: Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 6:13; Psalms 144:1; Hebrews 6:1
Whether you are mentor or mentee, you have both made a big step in your walk with the Lord. He gave us the gift of salvation, and you are showing your gratitude by wanting to go deeper. Don't think mentors don't grow from this relationship! You can never be too "saved" to grow deeper.
But what's next? I've been saved my whole life, and I still asked that question. I still get in ruts. I often feel inadequate, unworthy, and often question: "Is this it? Is this all I'm going to do with my life?" I want to do more. We also have a time and place in our lives for everything; we Christians refer to them as "seasons"! I have many ideas and things I'd like to do, but I'm also popping out a baby in February and have a 3-year old son. Now is not the time for me to hit the road with my ministry!
What are you called to do? If you don't know, answer this: What do you have a passion for? What do you like to do? God knows our strengths and weaknesses. He isn't going to call you to something you hate! Maybe you love children. Maybe you like praying with people and giving encouragement. Praying for the needs of the body of Christ might be what you enjoy. Or, maybe you just want to keep learning, and you have a thirst for knowledge. Maybe you have a strong desire to teach those thirsting for knowledge the way you once did earlier in your Christian walk. Maybe you like to make coffee. Guess what? We have a place for you in ministry at Faith!
What I don't understand is why we have 500 people on a Sunday morning and so many claiming they want to go deeper, do more, live out the Great Commission....but a couple dozen people show up Sunday nights, even less sign up for Bible Studies. Granted, in this society we are too busy. You may be thinking, "I'd love to get more involved, but I'm already committed to so many other things outside of church." Well, let me ask you this, is there anything you can scale back on to make more room for God in your life? This makes me think of the movie Sister Act. By the way, you totally get to experience the Sarah Mouser randomness right now. Remember in Sister Act they remade secular songs? Well the one song was, "What has he done for me lately?" But, on Sister Act they rewrote the lyrics to say, "What have YOU done for HIM lately?" I'm not kidding, that song does pop in my head from time to time and I feel the conviction! You don't have to lead a ministry to give back to God, you can SUPPORT His ministries by being involved, making them successful by your participation. Trust me. The blessings you will receive are immeasureable.
I don't want to live a mediocre life. This is what has been on my mind the last several weeks as I've been preparing myself for Eagle's Wings. I'm not called to mediocracy. I want to go beyond that. I want to be more than Marty's wife and a mom to his kids. I want to be Sarah Mouser: A Great Asset in the Kingdom of God. Someone the devil fears. I have much deeper to grow before I get to where I am going, but at least I'm stepping up.
Verses: Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 6:13; Psalms 144:1; Hebrews 6:1
Friday, September 25, 2009
Staying in Step with the Spirit/M&M week 3
When I was in 9th grade, I was in marching band. I played the flute. I was totally self-conscious and so afraid I would play the wrong note, I would just fake it that I was playing and hope my band teacher didn't notice. It was too hard to concentrate on marching in beat with everyone else AND play at the same time! That's like chewing gum and walking! The girl behind me however was always a 1/2 step a head of the beat. Every few turns, she would stomp on my foot and I would stumble, and the band teacher would glare at me, thinking I was the one off beat! It was so frustrating! The teacher would always tell us that if you rush and make the wrong step, you mess up the whole plan, and it is difficult to get back to where we need to be.
I think keeping in step with the Spirit is like that. We have to find the right beat, or timing and stay in sync with God's plan for our lives. This requires of us discipline and admitting we do not have perfect timing. If we step out of line to do our own thing, it will only be that much harder to find our way back to where He wants us to be.
We aren't perfect. We want things when we want them. We want our prayers answered immediately, our families saved, the perfect job, the perfect spouse, a big house, our children to follow God always, etc. When our prayers aren't being answered in OUR timing, it is easy to step out of line and try to make something happen before God's timing. How many know that forcing something to happen in our timing rather than God's always seems to have a consequence? Often times it means more heartache, frustration, grief and anxiety. We even lose focus and faith.
Also as easy as rushing ahead is lagging behind, the not knowing what God wants of us. What do many people do when they don't know what God wants us to do? Nothing. They wait for what they believe God is going to do for them. When nothing happens, they lose faith and question God's plan. If God's plan for you is not clear, one thing is: trust Him. Be consistent in prayer and your devotion, talk to your mentor or an accountability partner. Have prayer partners. God NEVER lets us down, but we can let ourselves down. Through trust and prayer, we are sure to continue to march in step.
Verses: Galations 5:25; Micah 6:8;
I think keeping in step with the Spirit is like that. We have to find the right beat, or timing and stay in sync with God's plan for our lives. This requires of us discipline and admitting we do not have perfect timing. If we step out of line to do our own thing, it will only be that much harder to find our way back to where He wants us to be.
We aren't perfect. We want things when we want them. We want our prayers answered immediately, our families saved, the perfect job, the perfect spouse, a big house, our children to follow God always, etc. When our prayers aren't being answered in OUR timing, it is easy to step out of line and try to make something happen before God's timing. How many know that forcing something to happen in our timing rather than God's always seems to have a consequence? Often times it means more heartache, frustration, grief and anxiety. We even lose focus and faith.
Also as easy as rushing ahead is lagging behind, the not knowing what God wants of us. What do many people do when they don't know what God wants us to do? Nothing. They wait for what they believe God is going to do for them. When nothing happens, they lose faith and question God's plan. If God's plan for you is not clear, one thing is: trust Him. Be consistent in prayer and your devotion, talk to your mentor or an accountability partner. Have prayer partners. God NEVER lets us down, but we can let ourselves down. Through trust and prayer, we are sure to continue to march in step.
Verses: Galations 5:25; Micah 6:8;
Friday, September 11, 2009
M&M E-Votional Week 1--Lies the Devil Tells Us
What a busy week it has been for me! Strange, because I work very part-time and my son was visiting his grandparents all week! Still, the week seemed to fly by! As I prayed and read and tried to think of what to write about for our e-votional, negative thoughts floated my way.
Who are you to write this E-votional? You have no skill! No wisdom!
No one will like what you write.
No one even knows who you are, and they don't care.
I've also been dealing with some issues lately that I thought would have been taken care of by now through much prayer, and haven't. Again, negative thoughts.
Why would God answer your prayer? You're not important.
You wasted your time and energy praying for something that isn't going to happen.
A man gave you a word, and he's just man. He lied just to get your hopes up for nothing. He doesn't really have the prophetic gift.
Your husband obviously doesn't care about the situation because he isn't showing he cares.
God doesn't care that you are hurt, he is the one that let you get hurt.
I even got depressed and felt worthless.
Why are you having another baby? You can't take care of the one you have.
You don't deserve to have kids.
You aren't going to be able to afford all the things you need, you don't even have room in your house, stupid.
You should be working full-time. You can't afford to be home.
Of course, the thoughts when I was working were: You are a loser for working full-time. You aren't even raising your own child. You obviously don't care about your family's needs if you are working full-time.
How crazy am I?! And how crazy are you?! Do you allow the father of lies to speak negative thoughts into your life?
You're fat. You shouldn't even go to church. It's embarrassing.
No one likes you, you have a boring personality.
Your hair looks so bad, don't go out in public.
You have no nice clothes, definitely don't go out witnessing.
Ew, what's up with your skin? You're going to scare people away.
Don't host anything at your house. People will see how messy or unstylish you are.
You don't deserve happiness. That's why God lets you be miserable.
Don't believe those things! Those are all LIES! God created us and LOVES us. When we are sad or upset about something, He wants to comfort us, sing over us, be there for us in our time of need! But, too often we get so caught up in these negative thoughts, we can't even see that it is the devil putting them into our head to keep us from doing what God has planned for us! John 8:44 even says "...he was a murder from the beginning, speaking no truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is the father of lies." Many times we miss out on blessings God has for us because we are so consumed with thinking about the negative things! God doesn't speak negative, He only speak positive.
I love you! You are my beloved!
I created you because I WANTED YOU.
You are a beautiful creation and you are blessed.
Be with me! Come dine with me! Be in my presence!
I will take care of your needs! Cast your burdens on me, don't carry them!
The great thing about M&M is you now have a mentor that can support you and help to guide you in being more positive and casting out those negative lies! I promise you, your mentor has also had a problem with it at some point in their lives! Mentors, you are a mentor because God wants you to be one! You are good enough! You do have something positive to pour into another woman's life! You do have wisdom!
This week I have set a goal. When the negative thoughts creep in, I will stop what I'm doing and rebuke it. I will remind myself of what positive things God is doing in my life and lives around me. I'm not saying it'll be easy, but I know God is there to catch us when we fall.
Verses: Psalm 36:7; Zeph 3:17; 1 John 3:1; Psalm 121:1-2
Who are you to write this E-votional? You have no skill! No wisdom!
No one will like what you write.
No one even knows who you are, and they don't care.
I've also been dealing with some issues lately that I thought would have been taken care of by now through much prayer, and haven't. Again, negative thoughts.
Why would God answer your prayer? You're not important.
You wasted your time and energy praying for something that isn't going to happen.
A man gave you a word, and he's just man. He lied just to get your hopes up for nothing. He doesn't really have the prophetic gift.
Your husband obviously doesn't care about the situation because he isn't showing he cares.
God doesn't care that you are hurt, he is the one that let you get hurt.
I even got depressed and felt worthless.
Why are you having another baby? You can't take care of the one you have.
You don't deserve to have kids.
You aren't going to be able to afford all the things you need, you don't even have room in your house, stupid.
You should be working full-time. You can't afford to be home.
Of course, the thoughts when I was working were: You are a loser for working full-time. You aren't even raising your own child. You obviously don't care about your family's needs if you are working full-time.
How crazy am I?! And how crazy are you?! Do you allow the father of lies to speak negative thoughts into your life?
You're fat. You shouldn't even go to church. It's embarrassing.
No one likes you, you have a boring personality.
Your hair looks so bad, don't go out in public.
You have no nice clothes, definitely don't go out witnessing.
Ew, what's up with your skin? You're going to scare people away.
Don't host anything at your house. People will see how messy or unstylish you are.
You don't deserve happiness. That's why God lets you be miserable.
Don't believe those things! Those are all LIES! God created us and LOVES us. When we are sad or upset about something, He wants to comfort us, sing over us, be there for us in our time of need! But, too often we get so caught up in these negative thoughts, we can't even see that it is the devil putting them into our head to keep us from doing what God has planned for us! John 8:44 even says "...he was a murder from the beginning, speaking no truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is the father of lies." Many times we miss out on blessings God has for us because we are so consumed with thinking about the negative things! God doesn't speak negative, He only speak positive.
I love you! You are my beloved!
I created you because I WANTED YOU.
You are a beautiful creation and you are blessed.
Be with me! Come dine with me! Be in my presence!
I will take care of your needs! Cast your burdens on me, don't carry them!
The great thing about M&M is you now have a mentor that can support you and help to guide you in being more positive and casting out those negative lies! I promise you, your mentor has also had a problem with it at some point in their lives! Mentors, you are a mentor because God wants you to be one! You are good enough! You do have something positive to pour into another woman's life! You do have wisdom!
This week I have set a goal. When the negative thoughts creep in, I will stop what I'm doing and rebuke it. I will remind myself of what positive things God is doing in my life and lives around me. I'm not saying it'll be easy, but I know God is there to catch us when we fall.
Verses: Psalm 36:7; Zeph 3:17; 1 John 3:1; Psalm 121:1-2
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
M&M E-Votional week 4 - April 8th, 2009
Today is one of those days I sit and think, "Wow, where did the year go? It's Easter already?" As a kid, I LOVED Easter. It meant new white sandals, a pretty dress, maybe a new white purse and lacy, turncuff socks. We'd wake up on Easter morning to find our clever (brown paper bag) Easter baskets, decorated with verses and stickers, filled with chocolate, Peeps, fake grass, and a softball or baseball. Yes, every year we got a new ball each. Oh, and I'd usually get sidewalk chalk or a jumprope and my brother would get baseball cards or a GI Joe. Ahhhh, every kid's dream.
Then I got older. I always knew the story of Easter, but as a kid, it seems like just another Bible story about people who were alive way before me and the stories really didn't seem all that different than hearing a story from my books. But, around 9 or 10, I had a revelation! WHAT?! He really died on a cross like that? It's not just an actor on a cross with gross, fake blood? For me? WHY ON EARTH would He do that? I've done nothing to deserve it! After that revelation, no Easter was the same. Sure, I still enjoyed my baskets and egg hunts, but maybe with a little twinge of guilt as I ate my chocolate wondering why I am enjoying a heavenly snack that has nothing to do with Jesus dying on the cross.
My personal decision with Easter is that we do give the kids Easter baskets. I'm taking Sammy to an Easter egg hunt. This year we may even dye eggs! I bought the kit and I even found a "religious" themed kit with stickers and the sinner's prayer! But, I put my Christian spin on it. Family Christian is a great place for clever items like the Jelly Bean Prayer and toys with the message of Easter on them. It is important for me that my kids understand Christians can have fun too, but we need to know the real truth behind the fun and games. Sammy is only 2 so it is hard for him to understand, but Alexis gets it. In fact, if her basket is filled with more socks and candy than items with the message of Easter, she makes sure to point it out! She always wants me to send extra stuff for her to share with her brother in Kentucky, and she even shares the story of Easter with her brother and friends, as she wants to make sure everyone she is close to understands the meaning of Easter is NOT egg hunts, bunnies and chocolate.
This isn't the most spiritualized, profound devotional, I know! But, it was what was in my mind and on my heart as I'm sitting down for the first time today thinking, "What, it's Wednesday? What happened to Monday?" Sometime in the process of rushing around this week trying to plan the perfect Easter baskets, buying the right dress and finding the perfect ham, stop and remember what it is we are really celebrating this weekend. It's not just the season, it's what I think is one of the most important, if not most important, day in Christianity!
Verses to Read: Romans 5:10; John 11:25; Luke chapters 23 and 24
Then I got older. I always knew the story of Easter, but as a kid, it seems like just another Bible story about people who were alive way before me and the stories really didn't seem all that different than hearing a story from my books. But, around 9 or 10, I had a revelation! WHAT?! He really died on a cross like that? It's not just an actor on a cross with gross, fake blood? For me? WHY ON EARTH would He do that? I've done nothing to deserve it! After that revelation, no Easter was the same. Sure, I still enjoyed my baskets and egg hunts, but maybe with a little twinge of guilt as I ate my chocolate wondering why I am enjoying a heavenly snack that has nothing to do with Jesus dying on the cross.
My personal decision with Easter is that we do give the kids Easter baskets. I'm taking Sammy to an Easter egg hunt. This year we may even dye eggs! I bought the kit and I even found a "religious" themed kit with stickers and the sinner's prayer! But, I put my Christian spin on it. Family Christian is a great place for clever items like the Jelly Bean Prayer and toys with the message of Easter on them. It is important for me that my kids understand Christians can have fun too, but we need to know the real truth behind the fun and games. Sammy is only 2 so it is hard for him to understand, but Alexis gets it. In fact, if her basket is filled with more socks and candy than items with the message of Easter, she makes sure to point it out! She always wants me to send extra stuff for her to share with her brother in Kentucky, and she even shares the story of Easter with her brother and friends, as she wants to make sure everyone she is close to understands the meaning of Easter is NOT egg hunts, bunnies and chocolate.
This isn't the most spiritualized, profound devotional, I know! But, it was what was in my mind and on my heart as I'm sitting down for the first time today thinking, "What, it's Wednesday? What happened to Monday?" Sometime in the process of rushing around this week trying to plan the perfect Easter baskets, buying the right dress and finding the perfect ham, stop and remember what it is we are really celebrating this weekend. It's not just the season, it's what I think is one of the most important, if not most important, day in Christianity!
Verses to Read: Romans 5:10; John 11:25; Luke chapters 23 and 24
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