I try to keep my blogs positive for the most part but I'm running low on Celexa and I won't get in to see my new doctor until November. So if I don't get this out I'm gonna go nuts! If I can see it in print, I might can formulate a plan of action inside my brain. That's the way my mind works...
Number one: I want a new job! There. I said it. I LOVE what I do. I LOVE these kids. Most of the time. No, really, all of the time. Sometimes the little buggers can try my patience but I DO love them. Dearly. And I show them, even when I have to get onto them. And for a few of them, that's a lot! But there are so many other things that just frustrate me to no end. I'm not going to sit here and list them. I don't want to bash anyone or bite off the hand that feeds me. Especially right now. For the most part, it's just the nature of the beast and I get it. But I still get tired of it. As much as I hate to admit it, I think it may be time for a change. But what?
Number two: I'm tired of being broke all the time!! I'm not extravagant in my spending. I'm not lazy. I work hard. I get side gigs and I've applied for a second job...we'll see. But it seems no matter what I do, I cannot make my paychecks last and I keep getting further and further in the hole and I don't like it.
Number three: I'm becoming completely obsessed with a new apartment. This one will always hold a special place in my heart as it was the first place I ever got truly on my own. And I like where it is, I love my neighbors. But it needs some work and I am not optimistic that the landlord is going to want to do anything to it. It needs updating in several areas--the plumbing, the wiring, the carpet, tile, cabinets, counter tops. And the fence is about to fall completely over. I've found a place right around the corner that is MUCH nicer and actually $45 less per month than what I already pay. But they don't allow pets. And I won't give up Mady. Plus I know it's really not a good time to think about moving especially given my money situation. Even if I found a cheaper place, I'd have to pay to transfer everything. And its getting too close to Christmas. Ugh!
Number four: I'm getting so tired of douchebag men!!! I'm a big girl. If you're not interested in me, just tell me. It's fine, I can handle it. But don't leave me hanging--I have plenty of other options, trust me! But man up and say so! Sheesh!
So there. That's what I want. A new job, a new apartment and a new relationship without drama and games. Is that really that much to ask?
No, I didn't think so either!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Race for the Cure
Saturday was my second time doing the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure! And it was my second time to have a complete blast doing it!!!
Last year, Kayti did it with me. This year for personal reasons she didn't want to but Brooke wanted to and her friend, Tori wound up going with us and doing it too!
I don't know why I get so emotional about it. I have never had breast cancer and no one in my family has either. In fact, that's probably the ONLY cancer that doesn't run in our family!!!
But of course I do know people who have it or have had it. My friend from college, Peggy, is a 19 year survivor and I run on her team! It's a good excuse for us to see each other.
Maybe I'm so emotional about it because I breastfed my babies and I know how important breasts are! Or maybe it's because it's always been one of my best features, physically. I don't know.
But I just love being part of that event! I don't do it because I am a competitive runner--I so am not! Although I DID finish in 47 minutes and for a fat girl with two bad knees and just started back running, that's not too bad!
I love the atmosphere! It's truly a unique mix of honor, mourning and celebration. I also LOVE LOVE LOVE all the men and boys that participate! They have been raised right and aren't ashamed to acknowledge that breasts are important!
I also love looking at all the different team t-shirts! I think my favorite this year was "titty titty bang bang"! Hillarious!
My sister and her baby Chloe were there also! They did the 1 mile with some friends. Also saw some other people I knew and the costumes were funny!
I hate that it's over already but looking forward to next year's race and maybe one day I can be more involved in the Komen Foundation.
our team Tshirt
me after the race! Feelin' good!
me, the team mascot and my friend, Peggy!
Tori and Brooke
Brooke, Mia, me and Chloe
Brooke and Chloe
Baby Chloe!
Monday, October 15, 2012
Shrimp Festival!
It wasn't the best of vacations but I will take a bad day at the beach over a good day anywhere else anytime. And it wasn't BAD bad. Just didn't exactly go as planned...maybe I should change my name to Clark W. Griswold!
Early in the week, I made a reservation at the Gulf State Park campgrounds and canceled our reservation at the hotel because:
1) I didn't have the money for the hotel room
2) I LOVE LOVE LOVE camping and we normally go Halloween weekend to Tannehill but we can't this year because of Soccer, ACT's and an 8k I'm considering...
So I thought a genius plan would be to camp at the beach. After all, it's not that hot, it's MUCH cheaper and we get to kill two birds with one stone, camping and a beach trip!
The campgrounds were nice! Our spot was right on the water, lakeside and close to the bathrooms. We had lake, pool and beach access. There was a grill and a picnic table on site. We quickly pitched our tent and set up camp, no problem.
The restrooms and bathhouses located in the primitive campgrounds left a LOT to be desired! Ugh...in fact the bathhouses were infested with....
.....wait for it
.....wait for it
FROGS!!!!!
Yes, it was like something out of the Old Testament!!!! For the most part, they were VERY still but still VERY gross!
We later discovered that the bathhouses on the beach were MUCH cleaner, MUCH newer and had ZERO frogs so we decided to shower there instead! The website says the primitive campgrounds are closing today for construction and I can only pray the bathhouse is on the agenda!
Not to be deterred by a few million frogs, we showered and went to the festival Saturday morning. I'd forgotten about the parking and funds being limited, I chose to park a ways away so I wouldn't have to spend so much on parking. We walked around and looked at some nice arts and crafts and though the weather was very nice, it quickly got hot. So we sat down to rest and just enjoy the breeze.
We did NOT eat any of the food--very, very pricey! I was disappointed because that's exactly what I went for! I LOVE shrimp but man have I been spoiled by Logan's Happy Hour specials! lol
We decided to just go back and enjoy the beach until time for the Alabama game. It was really nice. There is no place on earth better to me than Gulf Shores. Panama City, Fort Walton/Destin, Miami, even Cozumel Mexico--none can hold a candle! So clean, so nice. And for me, it's very spiritual. I almost feel like I can hear God whispering in the breeze and the warmth of my skin feels like His arms around me!
When it got close to time for the game, we went and showered and drove over to Live Bait. We watched the Tide roll over Mizzou (I still dont get that...are they uncapable of pronouncing the name of their own state?) no problems.
Funds being low and stresses high (girls kept arguing and complaining) we decided to just head on back. I hated to leave a day early but still thankful for the quick trip and I know next time exactly what to expect and how to plan for the trip and will probably NOT take the girls! lol
Early in the week, I made a reservation at the Gulf State Park campgrounds and canceled our reservation at the hotel because:
1) I didn't have the money for the hotel room
2) I LOVE LOVE LOVE camping and we normally go Halloween weekend to Tannehill but we can't this year because of Soccer, ACT's and an 8k I'm considering...
So I thought a genius plan would be to camp at the beach. After all, it's not that hot, it's MUCH cheaper and we get to kill two birds with one stone, camping and a beach trip!
The campgrounds were nice! Our spot was right on the water, lakeside and close to the bathrooms. We had lake, pool and beach access. There was a grill and a picnic table on site. We quickly pitched our tent and set up camp, no problem.
The restrooms and bathhouses located in the primitive campgrounds left a LOT to be desired! Ugh...in fact the bathhouses were infested with....
.....wait for it
.....wait for it
FROGS!!!!!
Yes, it was like something out of the Old Testament!!!! For the most part, they were VERY still but still VERY gross!
We later discovered that the bathhouses on the beach were MUCH cleaner, MUCH newer and had ZERO frogs so we decided to shower there instead! The website says the primitive campgrounds are closing today for construction and I can only pray the bathhouse is on the agenda!
Not to be deterred by a few million frogs, we showered and went to the festival Saturday morning. I'd forgotten about the parking and funds being limited, I chose to park a ways away so I wouldn't have to spend so much on parking. We walked around and looked at some nice arts and crafts and though the weather was very nice, it quickly got hot. So we sat down to rest and just enjoy the breeze.
We did NOT eat any of the food--very, very pricey! I was disappointed because that's exactly what I went for! I LOVE shrimp but man have I been spoiled by Logan's Happy Hour specials! lol
We decided to just go back and enjoy the beach until time for the Alabama game. It was really nice. There is no place on earth better to me than Gulf Shores. Panama City, Fort Walton/Destin, Miami, even Cozumel Mexico--none can hold a candle! So clean, so nice. And for me, it's very spiritual. I almost feel like I can hear God whispering in the breeze and the warmth of my skin feels like His arms around me!
When it got close to time for the game, we went and showered and drove over to Live Bait. We watched the Tide roll over Mizzou (I still dont get that...are they uncapable of pronouncing the name of their own state?) no problems.
Funds being low and stresses high (girls kept arguing and complaining) we decided to just head on back. I hated to leave a day early but still thankful for the quick trip and I know next time exactly what to expect and how to plan for the trip and will probably NOT take the girls! lol
Friday, October 5, 2012
Friday Gripefest
Okay, I'm sitting here with a splitting headache and can't get it to go away. I've taken 4 aleve and 2 advil in the last 15 hours. I've tried to nap. I've drank caffeine (usually helps) and NOTHING is touching this CRAP!!!
So the plans I had to actually DO SOMETHING tonight are out the window as I'm about to take a klonopin and knock myself out!
And I'm super pissed off about that! EVERY time I get a chance to do something fun or just for me, SOMETHING happens. Either I feel icky or I'm broke or whatever!
Actually I'm not too far from broke again and I just got paid so there's another reason for my frustration! I work HARD! I make a decent wage. I don't waste money, in fact I'm VERY frugal...why is it NEVER enough? I don't get it... I'm sick of it! I don't ask for much. I should be able to do something now and then for me or my kids and not have to decide between that and food. Ridiculous.
And yes, I work VERY hard and today was NO EXCEPTION. I had to fly solo today because my partner bought a house and was closing, packing, moving, etc. I am very happy for her and usually when it's just one of us, the kids act better. Ha! Not today...
Two of them talked nonstop from the time they came in and they were still talking when I left! One even talked through nap! And I love that kid, I do! He's super adorable! But man, can the constant chatter really get to me sometimes! lol and the "why" to EVERYTHING!!!
The playground seems to be the worst. It's the worst playground ever to begin with. The ants, bugs and things are awful. The mulch is disgusting, the sandbox a HUGE safety hazard and there's just not that much for them to play on. We've complained a million times, it does no good. I don't know if there's just no money, they just don't care or what the excuse is but it's a big part of the problem because when they have nothing but dangerous things to do, you really have to watch them because telling them NOT to do something is like putting bells and whistles on it--they're gonna go straight to it. And not only that, they don't seem to understand the word no! I'll get to that rant in a minute...but they also like to run and play games like children do but the games they usually play are Power Rangers and Ninja Turtles--lots of chasing and punching!
Enevitably, someone gets hurt or even if they don't, we have one big tattletale in the room that is CONSTANTLY whining and tattling about anything and everything. Nothing works.
For the most part, these children have wonderful parents. They are friendly enough when they come in, it's obvious the kids are well loved and cared for but I really think they've bought into this new age form of parenting WAY too much.
My boss pushes the "love and logic" theory. And that's all fine and good except that a small child's brain isn't developed enough to get "logic" most of the time. It's okay to offer choices whenever possible but for the most part, the experts overwhelmingly agree, what's best for children are limits and boundaries and consequences to actions. I'm not saying they need to be spanked. I don't really take a position on that. In my 30 plus years of childcare and I learned from the best--my mom, I have come to the conclusion that spanking vs. non-spanking isn't really the issue. Consistency is. In other words, if you don't want to spank your child, fine. But don't threaten it. I'm guilty of it sometimes because I have a warped sense of humor and a habit of making a lot of comments in jest "if you dont behave, I'm gonna whip you with a wet noodle!" It usually serves two purposes: it allows me to vent some frustration without harming anyone and the kids think it's funny so it changes their mood/perspective as well. But I've gotten off on a rabbit trail again.
Children NEED limits. They CRAVE boundaries. It makes them feel secure. And yes they are going to test the limits because they desperately need to know they are there and it's not going to change. It gives them security in their little worlds. When parents give in, especially repeatedly for whatever reason (usually too busy or don't want to listen to the whining or fit that is sure to follow),
it just sets up in a child's mind that they don't have to be accountable for their behavior, their actions don't have consequences, that mommy and daddy will always be able to and willing to bail them out of trouble (huge huge problem because when they do eventually grow up and are out in the real world, the police officer isn't going to care what the excuse is! And if the child doesn't get used to some boundaries early on, it just gets harder as they grow older. It also sends a message to the child that their parents can't be counted on for security and dependability.
I definitely see some problems with several of the kids in that area. Also have a few who are NEVER made to do ANYTHING for themselves like throw their plate of food in the trash or even pull up their own pants! And NONE of them are made to clean up their play area or know anything about being orderly.
Yes, I realize they are only three. But teachers like myself are finding that we have to do more and more of the life skills teaching that should be done at home and less of the academic, creative and social skills that we are supposed to be teaching and ultimately, they fall behind. Not all, but many. And my heart grieves. These children deserve so much better than what they are currently getting but most of the time we feel powerless to do anything about it because there's always a feeling that we are butting our heads against a wall! We don't get much parental support and when we take a problem to administration it's usually glossed over or pushed aside and there's no where to go because of church politics. And I know public school is even worse. So I digress...and contemplate...career change?
I tossed around that idea earlier this year but I really do feel in my heart that this is what I am called to do. I have a degree in Business/Finance. It would be difficult transitioning back after so many years but I could always do that. Physical Therapy...I nixed that idea when I couldn't overcome my foot phobia! lol Childcare Director? I've done it before and it is indeed a headache also but a different kind and at least I would be able to make some decisions and have more influence over the direction the childcare "industry" (for lack of better word) is taking. Not much, but some.
I just don't know what to do and so I continue to ask God. I get nothing. I know He will answer. I just wish He wouldn't take so long sometimes. All I can do right now is speak words of praise and victory over my life and thank God for what He's going to do!
So the plans I had to actually DO SOMETHING tonight are out the window as I'm about to take a klonopin and knock myself out!
And I'm super pissed off about that! EVERY time I get a chance to do something fun or just for me, SOMETHING happens. Either I feel icky or I'm broke or whatever!
Actually I'm not too far from broke again and I just got paid so there's another reason for my frustration! I work HARD! I make a decent wage. I don't waste money, in fact I'm VERY frugal...why is it NEVER enough? I don't get it... I'm sick of it! I don't ask for much. I should be able to do something now and then for me or my kids and not have to decide between that and food. Ridiculous.
And yes, I work VERY hard and today was NO EXCEPTION. I had to fly solo today because my partner bought a house and was closing, packing, moving, etc. I am very happy for her and usually when it's just one of us, the kids act better. Ha! Not today...
Two of them talked nonstop from the time they came in and they were still talking when I left! One even talked through nap! And I love that kid, I do! He's super adorable! But man, can the constant chatter really get to me sometimes! lol and the "why" to EVERYTHING!!!
The playground seems to be the worst. It's the worst playground ever to begin with. The ants, bugs and things are awful. The mulch is disgusting, the sandbox a HUGE safety hazard and there's just not that much for them to play on. We've complained a million times, it does no good. I don't know if there's just no money, they just don't care or what the excuse is but it's a big part of the problem because when they have nothing but dangerous things to do, you really have to watch them because telling them NOT to do something is like putting bells and whistles on it--they're gonna go straight to it. And not only that, they don't seem to understand the word no! I'll get to that rant in a minute...but they also like to run and play games like children do but the games they usually play are Power Rangers and Ninja Turtles--lots of chasing and punching!
Enevitably, someone gets hurt or even if they don't, we have one big tattletale in the room that is CONSTANTLY whining and tattling about anything and everything. Nothing works.
For the most part, these children have wonderful parents. They are friendly enough when they come in, it's obvious the kids are well loved and cared for but I really think they've bought into this new age form of parenting WAY too much.
My boss pushes the "love and logic" theory. And that's all fine and good except that a small child's brain isn't developed enough to get "logic" most of the time. It's okay to offer choices whenever possible but for the most part, the experts overwhelmingly agree, what's best for children are limits and boundaries and consequences to actions. I'm not saying they need to be spanked. I don't really take a position on that. In my 30 plus years of childcare and I learned from the best--my mom, I have come to the conclusion that spanking vs. non-spanking isn't really the issue. Consistency is. In other words, if you don't want to spank your child, fine. But don't threaten it. I'm guilty of it sometimes because I have a warped sense of humor and a habit of making a lot of comments in jest "if you dont behave, I'm gonna whip you with a wet noodle!" It usually serves two purposes: it allows me to vent some frustration without harming anyone and the kids think it's funny so it changes their mood/perspective as well. But I've gotten off on a rabbit trail again.
Children NEED limits. They CRAVE boundaries. It makes them feel secure. And yes they are going to test the limits because they desperately need to know they are there and it's not going to change. It gives them security in their little worlds. When parents give in, especially repeatedly for whatever reason (usually too busy or don't want to listen to the whining or fit that is sure to follow),
it just sets up in a child's mind that they don't have to be accountable for their behavior, their actions don't have consequences, that mommy and daddy will always be able to and willing to bail them out of trouble (huge huge problem because when they do eventually grow up and are out in the real world, the police officer isn't going to care what the excuse is! And if the child doesn't get used to some boundaries early on, it just gets harder as they grow older. It also sends a message to the child that their parents can't be counted on for security and dependability.
I definitely see some problems with several of the kids in that area. Also have a few who are NEVER made to do ANYTHING for themselves like throw their plate of food in the trash or even pull up their own pants! And NONE of them are made to clean up their play area or know anything about being orderly.
Yes, I realize they are only three. But teachers like myself are finding that we have to do more and more of the life skills teaching that should be done at home and less of the academic, creative and social skills that we are supposed to be teaching and ultimately, they fall behind. Not all, but many. And my heart grieves. These children deserve so much better than what they are currently getting but most of the time we feel powerless to do anything about it because there's always a feeling that we are butting our heads against a wall! We don't get much parental support and when we take a problem to administration it's usually glossed over or pushed aside and there's no where to go because of church politics. And I know public school is even worse. So I digress...and contemplate...career change?
I tossed around that idea earlier this year but I really do feel in my heart that this is what I am called to do. I have a degree in Business/Finance. It would be difficult transitioning back after so many years but I could always do that. Physical Therapy...I nixed that idea when I couldn't overcome my foot phobia! lol Childcare Director? I've done it before and it is indeed a headache also but a different kind and at least I would be able to make some decisions and have more influence over the direction the childcare "industry" (for lack of better word) is taking. Not much, but some.
I just don't know what to do and so I continue to ask God. I get nothing. I know He will answer. I just wish He wouldn't take so long sometimes. All I can do right now is speak words of praise and victory over my life and thank God for what He's going to do!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Quick update and a few thoughts
Look back to Wordless Wednesday and you will see a picture of the latest teenager/offspring of mine to be licensed and behind the wheel of a car! Yep! Kayti took her road test and passed! She was so excited and I am so proud of her!
Our joy was a little short-lived as she experienced her first teenage heartbreak. :( I have tried to keep my opinions about this boyfriend of hers in check. After everything I've been through, the LAST thing I would ever want to do is judge someone else for making the same mistakes. He was a nice boy, polite enough and for the most part, a typical 19 year old. Except for the fact that he was DATING MY BABY!!!!
No mother EVER thinks anyone is good enough for her child but I really knew this wasn't a match made in Heaven and didn't like his influence over my very smart but highly vulnerable and impressionable daughter. I never prayed for them to break up, but I DID pray for God to watch over the situation and act accordingly. I am happy with how He handled it even though my sweet baby girl is heartbroken.
I tell you one thing is for sure, I do not miss being a teenager. I wouldn't do it nowadays if you paid me! It was hard enough the first time and I think it's harder in today's world. Cell phones, social media...I think it makes things like this MUCH worse. So we had a bit of drama with that over the weekend. But I think it's settled down now and I am proud of the way she's handling herself except for a few things. She will learn. She knows deep down in her heart that she is destined for great things and that, even though she won't acknowledge that God has a plan right now, all things work together for her good!
So back to the driving, no, I have no yet turned her loose with the car but I have let her take a few small trips alone or with Brooke in tow. She has to get her confidence up about driving alone. And yet I still hold my breath whenever she leaves the house!
In other things...I did get back on Facebook. :( I know, I'm disappointed in me, too. But hey, I made it 12 days this time! Progress! lol I needed to get in touch with a friend and for some reason, the contact info didn't transfer in the export. I will have to figure out what I did wrong before I make another attempted at getting off again. And yes, I did miss it...somewhat. But I discovered Twitter and am slowly learning to navigate that.
I have made some progress on some projects and the To Do list, boring to you but thrilling to me. Love when I can scratch something off the list! I'm getting excited about the Shrimp Festival and other events coming up this month. I'm not sure if we will get to go camping Halloween weekend but I REALLY want to!
I also got started on another HUGE project that a friend and I are collaborating on and I pray that we see it through to fruition.
Gonna share a few of my notes from reCreate...I'm still reeling at how AWESOME a conference it was!
1) John 10:10 says "The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance."
Key in on the word ABUNDANCE. Jesus not only came to give us life here on Earth and eternal life but to make sure our life here was AWESOME. He cares about every detail. If it's important to us, it's important to Him--just like with our own children. As long as it's not harmful to them, if it's a true desire of their hearts, we want to do everything to see them get it. Don't be satisfied with mediocrity. Pray to God and then PRAISE HIM for bringing it about! Speak words of praise and victory over your life!
2) Ask God how you can be a light in WHATEVER situation you're in. God goes to great extremes sometimes to orchestrate putting you in a particular place in a particular time. Don't take it for granted. You never know how He will use you. But remember, our light is to be a GUIDE, not a BLINDER! In other words, don't focus on how someone is sinning differently than you! Don't shove your Bible in their face but definitely open it for them.
3) Don't EVER let anyone tell you that God can't use you! Regardless of what things you've done in the past, God doesn't call us for our past but for HIS purpose! Your experiences can be used to help others in their struggles. I struggle with this one. I WANT to share my testimony and help others who are struggling with the same issues I had not quite two years ago. But it's a delicate topic. When the typical "christian" discovers what my testimony is mostly about, they get scared and want to silence me and sometimes, I regretfully let them. But I promise I DO NOT want to see any woman go down the road I did. It may look like it's turned out well and I DO focus on the positive and count my blessings but I paid dearly, continue to pay dearly and probably will for a long time if not the rest of my life. It's definitely not an even trade. And I hope that people see that in my message.
And yes, that is just a SAMPLING of my notes from things I got out of this conference! Can you just imagine if YOU had been there? Well you can--next year! October 3-4 & 5-6. They have already lined up Priscilla Shirer and Lisa Bevere and you can register now at churchofthehighlands.com
Be blessed!
Our joy was a little short-lived as she experienced her first teenage heartbreak. :( I have tried to keep my opinions about this boyfriend of hers in check. After everything I've been through, the LAST thing I would ever want to do is judge someone else for making the same mistakes. He was a nice boy, polite enough and for the most part, a typical 19 year old. Except for the fact that he was DATING MY BABY!!!!
No mother EVER thinks anyone is good enough for her child but I really knew this wasn't a match made in Heaven and didn't like his influence over my very smart but highly vulnerable and impressionable daughter. I never prayed for them to break up, but I DID pray for God to watch over the situation and act accordingly. I am happy with how He handled it even though my sweet baby girl is heartbroken.
I tell you one thing is for sure, I do not miss being a teenager. I wouldn't do it nowadays if you paid me! It was hard enough the first time and I think it's harder in today's world. Cell phones, social media...I think it makes things like this MUCH worse. So we had a bit of drama with that over the weekend. But I think it's settled down now and I am proud of the way she's handling herself except for a few things. She will learn. She knows deep down in her heart that she is destined for great things and that, even though she won't acknowledge that God has a plan right now, all things work together for her good!
So back to the driving, no, I have no yet turned her loose with the car but I have let her take a few small trips alone or with Brooke in tow. She has to get her confidence up about driving alone. And yet I still hold my breath whenever she leaves the house!
In other things...I did get back on Facebook. :( I know, I'm disappointed in me, too. But hey, I made it 12 days this time! Progress! lol I needed to get in touch with a friend and for some reason, the contact info didn't transfer in the export. I will have to figure out what I did wrong before I make another attempted at getting off again. And yes, I did miss it...somewhat. But I discovered Twitter and am slowly learning to navigate that.
I have made some progress on some projects and the To Do list, boring to you but thrilling to me. Love when I can scratch something off the list! I'm getting excited about the Shrimp Festival and other events coming up this month. I'm not sure if we will get to go camping Halloween weekend but I REALLY want to!
I also got started on another HUGE project that a friend and I are collaborating on and I pray that we see it through to fruition.
Gonna share a few of my notes from reCreate...I'm still reeling at how AWESOME a conference it was!
1) John 10:10 says "The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance."
Key in on the word ABUNDANCE. Jesus not only came to give us life here on Earth and eternal life but to make sure our life here was AWESOME. He cares about every detail. If it's important to us, it's important to Him--just like with our own children. As long as it's not harmful to them, if it's a true desire of their hearts, we want to do everything to see them get it. Don't be satisfied with mediocrity. Pray to God and then PRAISE HIM for bringing it about! Speak words of praise and victory over your life!
2) Ask God how you can be a light in WHATEVER situation you're in. God goes to great extremes sometimes to orchestrate putting you in a particular place in a particular time. Don't take it for granted. You never know how He will use you. But remember, our light is to be a GUIDE, not a BLINDER! In other words, don't focus on how someone is sinning differently than you! Don't shove your Bible in their face but definitely open it for them.
3) Don't EVER let anyone tell you that God can't use you! Regardless of what things you've done in the past, God doesn't call us for our past but for HIS purpose! Your experiences can be used to help others in their struggles. I struggle with this one. I WANT to share my testimony and help others who are struggling with the same issues I had not quite two years ago. But it's a delicate topic. When the typical "christian" discovers what my testimony is mostly about, they get scared and want to silence me and sometimes, I regretfully let them. But I promise I DO NOT want to see any woman go down the road I did. It may look like it's turned out well and I DO focus on the positive and count my blessings but I paid dearly, continue to pay dearly and probably will for a long time if not the rest of my life. It's definitely not an even trade. And I hope that people see that in my message.
And yes, that is just a SAMPLING of my notes from things I got out of this conference! Can you just imagine if YOU had been there? Well you can--next year! October 3-4 & 5-6. They have already lined up Priscilla Shirer and Lisa Bevere and you can register now at churchofthehighlands.com
Be blessed!
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