How is it in life it is so easy to complain yet hard to admit all of the amazing things that we experience?!
Do we live in a pessimistic society? Always looking for the "next thing" that will make us "happy" but it is fleeting...just a moment.
What if we were to focus on the blessings we have been given? To be grateful....
In this season I am grateful for:
-Friends: not just a friend but true lasting relationships that stand the test of time. A person that you can call at anytime about anything and you know that they will not only answer, but will listen and give you sound advice and direction...never to feel as though you were an inconvenience. Sometimes hard to find yet POSSIBLE!
-Quality friends of the OPPOSITE sex: The age-old question- is it even possible? Yes! I do believe it is. Sometimes those relationships are a mere foundation for something more- perhaps to discover a soul mate yet quality friends are a tremendous blessing as well.
- Losing relationships as well: Each season bring new relationships yet allow for others to fade away and all is a balance. Each relationship will bring new challenges yet love and joy as well. I have learned so much from each relationship that I have been blessed with. It has provided growth, strength, and maturity.
- Family: Always a blessing yet sometimes a pain, huh?! HA =) My family is crazy yet amazing. Through tremendous tragedy, we have a unbreakable bond with one another. The loss of my loved ones makes me appreciate and cherish those that remain even more.
- Job: In a time of job loss, I was able to find a job in the field I love only 1 month after graduating from school. I was told "In-home Therapy is a very tough place to work". Tough: maybe. With the Lord- all is possible. I am absolutely in love with my job. Each of my little clients has a special place in my heart.
Most of all, I am where I should be. Life will always contain mountains and valleys but the Lord gives me strength to get through anything that I may encounter. In this season of "being thankful", for the first time I don't have to try too hard to search for what that may be because its everything. I can see the Lord's hand prints on every single area of my life. I have a sense of calmness and peace that only the Lord can provide.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
I HATE YOU!!!
Today one of my client, who has had a rough week so far, did not like his counselor asking him to "talk" and he blurted out "I HATE YOU!" It is times like this that really has me reflect.
As a Christian, we are to be joyful despite circumstance, as we having the joy of the Lord living in us. I understand and even agree with this, yet in the moments of my young clients stating "I hate you" I feel so inadequate and useless. It is moments like this that completely ruin my day.
My dad gave me a "pep-talk" this week about "we cant fix everyone; each person has a choice of how to live their life". In his talk, he stated that "we just have to rely on the skills that we know". At that point, it occurred to me- I feel as though I have NO skills! I have been in school for 7 years for this profession yet I still feel unequipped.
Lord, equip me with the tools and qualities that each child needs.
It is in these moments that I feel like a complete failure that I pray and read scripture. One morning when I was doubting myself, I came across this devotional that gave me just enough confidence to get through the difficult situations that I encountered. Here it is:
October 15
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (Psalm 51:17)
Those people God uses most to bring glory to Himself are those who are completely broken, for the sacrifice He accepts is a "broken and contrite heart." It was not until Jacob's natural strength was broken, when "his hip was wrenched" (Genesis 32:25) at Peniel, that he came to the point where God could clothe him with spiritual power. And it was not until Moses struck the rock at Horeb, breaking its surface, that cool "water (came) out of it for the people to drink" (Ex. 17:6).
It was not until Gideon's three hundred specially chosen soldiers "broke the jars that were in their hands" (Judg. 7:19), which symbolized brokenness in their lives, that the hidden light of the torches shone forth, bringing terror to their enemies. It was once the poor widow broke the seal on her only remaining jar of oil and began to pour it that God miraculously multiplied it to pay her debts and thereby supplied her means of support (See 2 Kings 4:1-7).
It was not until Esther risked her life and broke through the strict laws of a heathen king's court that she obtained favor to rescue her people from death. (See Est. 4:16).
It was once Jesus took "the fives loaves...and broke them" (Luke 9:16) that the bread was multiplied to feed the five thousand. Through the very process of the loaves being broken, the miracle occurred. It was when Mary broke her beautiful "alabaster jar of very expensive perfume" (Matt. 26:7), destroying its future usefulness and value, that the wonderful fragrance filled the house. And it was when Jesus allowed His precious body to be broken by thorns, nails, and a spear that His inner life was poured out like an ocean if crystal-clear water, for thirsty sinners to drink and then live.
It is not until a beautiful kernel of corn is buried and broken in the earth by DEATH that its inner heart sprouts, producing hundreds of other seeds or kernels. And so it has always been, down through the history of plants, people, and all of spiritual life- God uses BROKEN THINGS.
Those who have been gripped by the power of the Holy Spirit and are used for God's glory are those who have been broken in their finances, broken in their self-will, broken in their ambitions, broken in their lofty ideals, broken in their worldly reputation, broken in their desires, and often broken in their health. Yes, He uses those who are despised by the world and who seem totally hopeless and helpless, just as Isaiah said: "The lame will carry off plunder" (Isa. 33:23).
Oh, break my heart; but break it as a field
Is plowed and broken for the seeds of corn;
Oh, break it as the buds, by green leaf sealed,
Are, to unloose the golden blossom, torn;
Love would I offer unto Love's great Master,
Set free the fragrance, break the alabaster.
Oh, break my heart; break it, victorious God,
That Life's eternal well may flow abroad;
Oh, let it break as when the captive trees,
Breaking cold bonds, regain their liberties;
And as thought's sacred grove to life is springing,
be joys, like birds, their hope, Your victory singing.
-Thomas Toke Bunch
As a Christian, we are to be joyful despite circumstance, as we having the joy of the Lord living in us. I understand and even agree with this, yet in the moments of my young clients stating "I hate you" I feel so inadequate and useless. It is moments like this that completely ruin my day.
My dad gave me a "pep-talk" this week about "we cant fix everyone; each person has a choice of how to live their life". In his talk, he stated that "we just have to rely on the skills that we know". At that point, it occurred to me- I feel as though I have NO skills! I have been in school for 7 years for this profession yet I still feel unequipped.
Lord, equip me with the tools and qualities that each child needs.
It is in these moments that I feel like a complete failure that I pray and read scripture. One morning when I was doubting myself, I came across this devotional that gave me just enough confidence to get through the difficult situations that I encountered. Here it is:
October 15
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. (Psalm 51:17)
Those people God uses most to bring glory to Himself are those who are completely broken, for the sacrifice He accepts is a "broken and contrite heart." It was not until Jacob's natural strength was broken, when "his hip was wrenched" (Genesis 32:25) at Peniel, that he came to the point where God could clothe him with spiritual power. And it was not until Moses struck the rock at Horeb, breaking its surface, that cool "water (came) out of it for the people to drink" (Ex. 17:6).
It was not until Gideon's three hundred specially chosen soldiers "broke the jars that were in their hands" (Judg. 7:19), which symbolized brokenness in their lives, that the hidden light of the torches shone forth, bringing terror to their enemies. It was once the poor widow broke the seal on her only remaining jar of oil and began to pour it that God miraculously multiplied it to pay her debts and thereby supplied her means of support (See 2 Kings 4:1-7).
It was not until Esther risked her life and broke through the strict laws of a heathen king's court that she obtained favor to rescue her people from death. (See Est. 4:16).
It was once Jesus took "the fives loaves...and broke them" (Luke 9:16) that the bread was multiplied to feed the five thousand. Through the very process of the loaves being broken, the miracle occurred. It was when Mary broke her beautiful "alabaster jar of very expensive perfume" (Matt. 26:7), destroying its future usefulness and value, that the wonderful fragrance filled the house. And it was when Jesus allowed His precious body to be broken by thorns, nails, and a spear that His inner life was poured out like an ocean if crystal-clear water, for thirsty sinners to drink and then live.
It is not until a beautiful kernel of corn is buried and broken in the earth by DEATH that its inner heart sprouts, producing hundreds of other seeds or kernels. And so it has always been, down through the history of plants, people, and all of spiritual life- God uses BROKEN THINGS.
Those who have been gripped by the power of the Holy Spirit and are used for God's glory are those who have been broken in their finances, broken in their self-will, broken in their ambitions, broken in their lofty ideals, broken in their worldly reputation, broken in their desires, and often broken in their health. Yes, He uses those who are despised by the world and who seem totally hopeless and helpless, just as Isaiah said: "The lame will carry off plunder" (Isa. 33:23).
Oh, break my heart; but break it as a field
Is plowed and broken for the seeds of corn;
Oh, break it as the buds, by green leaf sealed,
Are, to unloose the golden blossom, torn;
Love would I offer unto Love's great Master,
Set free the fragrance, break the alabaster.
Oh, break my heart; break it, victorious God,
That Life's eternal well may flow abroad;
Oh, let it break as when the captive trees,
Breaking cold bonds, regain their liberties;
And as thought's sacred grove to life is springing,
be joys, like birds, their hope, Your victory singing.
-Thomas Toke Bunch
Monday, October 11, 2010
Graduating...
It has been a three year process to get to this day- graduation! I should be oh-so-happy to reach this day but instead it is bittersweet. I struggle to deal with the parts of me that are missing- my family and friends. This day serves as a reminder of a "great accomplishment" but I caught myself tearing up today. More than a degree, I wish my brother, grandma, and aunt were here to celebrate this day with me. Would they be proud? As a Christian, that is so silly. There opinions arent what matter right?! Yet, they matter. They matter to me and for that my heart breaks.
Life has changed so much in my 25 years on this planet. I have loved without an inhibitions or limits and have lost as well. As most people experience- gone are the days of innocense, boys have cooties, and taking a job because its "fun". Today is the day Schyler Bryanne! Today is the day to GO! The light at the end of the tunnel is TODAY! AHHHH! But Lord, I am not ready. I want to be a child again. I want to live in my complete child-like ignorance when loving you was oh-so-easy. For so long I desired to "be a real adult" and now.... I am not so sure.
I was told today "You are so amazing; I could never do your job with counseling children". I am not amazing; I am obedient. Or at least I desire to be. I can think of no other way to spend my life. Serving others is who I am. My heart breaks for the broken: the widows, orphans, diseased, grieving, lost. Yet, I look at my life and each day as I leave for work with my new job I think, "Is this enough? I should be doing more." Hmmm....
The idea of living on my own, dating, marriage, children is all too much. I am not ready, Lord. This day has brought confusion instead of clarity and direction. It was in my ignorance that I believed this day would make all things perfect.
I find rest and peace in your arms, Lord.
Life has changed so much in my 25 years on this planet. I have loved without an inhibitions or limits and have lost as well. As most people experience- gone are the days of innocense, boys have cooties, and taking a job because its "fun". Today is the day Schyler Bryanne! Today is the day to GO! The light at the end of the tunnel is TODAY! AHHHH! But Lord, I am not ready. I want to be a child again. I want to live in my complete child-like ignorance when loving you was oh-so-easy. For so long I desired to "be a real adult" and now.... I am not so sure.
I was told today "You are so amazing; I could never do your job with counseling children". I am not amazing; I am obedient. Or at least I desire to be. I can think of no other way to spend my life. Serving others is who I am. My heart breaks for the broken: the widows, orphans, diseased, grieving, lost. Yet, I look at my life and each day as I leave for work with my new job I think, "Is this enough? I should be doing more." Hmmm....
The idea of living on my own, dating, marriage, children is all too much. I am not ready, Lord. This day has brought confusion instead of clarity and direction. It was in my ignorance that I believed this day would make all things perfect.
I find rest and peace in your arms, Lord.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Being Thankful...
Today is a great day to remind each of us what we are truly thankful for. Sometimes it is so hard to really know all the blessings that we have in life until they are in jeopardy or are completely taken away. This is something that I am constantly humbled by.
I am so thankful for the family that I have. I never realized how vital those people are in my life and happiness until I began losing those closest to me. Today I am so grateful that I was able to spend the day with those that I love yet it is also a reminder that there are still those that I love that I can't see or talk to-ever. That is a harsh reality especially on days like today when you want to be with those people. However, it has caused me to really evaluate what and who I value and cherish in my life.
Life is worth so much more than how you look, where you go, or what you can buy. I find joy in days like today where you can just be. Be with those that you love. It is not as if you have to do, say, or go anywhere particular it is just enough to be with each other. Oh, how I love that.
Today was a wonderful day and tomorrow is a day that will contain little sleep, lots of food, shopping, and a great time with some girls celebrating a friend getting married! Life is grand and full of so many blessings.
I am so thankful for the family that I have. I never realized how vital those people are in my life and happiness until I began losing those closest to me. Today I am so grateful that I was able to spend the day with those that I love yet it is also a reminder that there are still those that I love that I can't see or talk to-ever. That is a harsh reality especially on days like today when you want to be with those people. However, it has caused me to really evaluate what and who I value and cherish in my life.
Life is worth so much more than how you look, where you go, or what you can buy. I find joy in days like today where you can just be. Be with those that you love. It is not as if you have to do, say, or go anywhere particular it is just enough to be with each other. Oh, how I love that.
Today was a wonderful day and tomorrow is a day that will contain little sleep, lots of food, shopping, and a great time with some girls celebrating a friend getting married! Life is grand and full of so many blessings.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Working for ???
" Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men." Colossians 3:23
This is something that I have read so many times and have even quoted to other people yet something that, I too, often lose sight of in my daily life. I remember a couple months ago nannying and really hating my job. I kept thinking it really doesn't matter what attitude I have because its just a job not like a "real" job or "career". I was so wrong. My mother definitely saw my bad attitude and one day explained that I was missing IT. No matter what kind of job, what it may entail, how much I get paid, job or career...I was wrong. I should be working as if I was working for God. Oh, how I did indeed miss IT. I had failed in that aspect. Even as a Christian, I always strive to show the love, compassion, and the Lord's light in all that I say and do yet I failed to do that with my job as well.
It was only once that I truly grasped that concept that I really saw a change. I changed. My job began to change. I started to really excel in being a nanny and started to find something that I loved about my job each day. I began to enjoy my life for the season that the Lord had me in instead of wanting more, more, more or looking for the something else's in life. If I am always looking for more when will I truly be satisfied; when will it be enough?? I made a decision- I didn't want to be that girl. I was an ungrateful brat.
I discovered that what I wanted was to be happy and content with all the blessings that God had given me. He is more than enough for me. The Lord sustained me through a difficult time, allowed me a couple months off to get situated with my new internship and then once again was faithful.
I now have a job working at a tea shop, Teavana, with is perfect for me and my love for tea. It is something that I also am very good at. It is perfect for me, as a person, my schedule, and my co-workers are truly amazing as well. The career too will come but I am content for the current season that God has me in. I am learning so much.
This is something that I have read so many times and have even quoted to other people yet something that, I too, often lose sight of in my daily life. I remember a couple months ago nannying and really hating my job. I kept thinking it really doesn't matter what attitude I have because its just a job not like a "real" job or "career". I was so wrong. My mother definitely saw my bad attitude and one day explained that I was missing IT. No matter what kind of job, what it may entail, how much I get paid, job or career...I was wrong. I should be working as if I was working for God. Oh, how I did indeed miss IT. I had failed in that aspect. Even as a Christian, I always strive to show the love, compassion, and the Lord's light in all that I say and do yet I failed to do that with my job as well.
It was only once that I truly grasped that concept that I really saw a change. I changed. My job began to change. I started to really excel in being a nanny and started to find something that I loved about my job each day. I began to enjoy my life for the season that the Lord had me in instead of wanting more, more, more or looking for the something else's in life. If I am always looking for more when will I truly be satisfied; when will it be enough?? I made a decision- I didn't want to be that girl. I was an ungrateful brat.
I discovered that what I wanted was to be happy and content with all the blessings that God had given me. He is more than enough for me. The Lord sustained me through a difficult time, allowed me a couple months off to get situated with my new internship and then once again was faithful.
I now have a job working at a tea shop, Teavana, with is perfect for me and my love for tea. It is something that I also am very good at. It is perfect for me, as a person, my schedule, and my co-workers are truly amazing as well. The career too will come but I am content for the current season that God has me in. I am learning so much.
Monday, November 2, 2009
"Opting out"
I recently had someone say that they were "opting out". This completely blew my mind. I began to ponder this idea and began to see this idea everywhere. Each of us can be seen as guilty of this. Opting out of a friendship with a male or female. Dating relationship. Committed relationship. Engagement. Marriage. Children. Families. Time commitments. Hobbies. Jobs. Careers. School. Internships. Church. Anything and everything in life has somehow become a choice.
We stop loving.
Leave.
Act out of anger.
Hurt.
Abuse.
Switch.
Change.
Distort.
Yet Blame others.
Our love and compassion for others has merely disappeared within our society that is instant gratification based and simply pleasing ones self.
Caring for another...who cares?!
Where does it get ME?
How does it benefit ME?
What will you do for ME?
Our love which was once unconditional (Agape- Christ-centered love)and offered to everyone is now conditionally-based on how do I benefit and what I get....
An eye-opening reality...
Now I see, now I change. How to learn, move, grow...still unsure how or what it will look like yet I move forward. An honest effort to go against the grain and be different yet real. What a challenge I face.
We stop loving.
Leave.
Act out of anger.
Hurt.
Abuse.
Switch.
Change.
Distort.
Yet Blame others.
Our love and compassion for others has merely disappeared within our society that is instant gratification based and simply pleasing ones self.
Caring for another...who cares?!
Where does it get ME?
How does it benefit ME?
What will you do for ME?
Our love which was once unconditional (Agape- Christ-centered love)and offered to everyone is now conditionally-based on how do I benefit and what I get....
An eye-opening reality...
Now I see, now I change. How to learn, move, grow...still unsure how or what it will look like yet I move forward. An honest effort to go against the grain and be different yet real. What a challenge I face.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Self Image
This was a devotional that I received today that provided great food for thought for me:
Psalm 129: 2 "Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.
Saundra was handicapped. Her hands were twisted beyond usefulness and she had lived with them since birth. They caused her not only physical pain, but emotional anguish as well. Throughout her childhood, cruel children had mocked her. The damage done to her self esteem was immense, and for a long period she believed that she could never do anything. In college she met a friend that led her to Christ. In Christ she found a new desire to succeed and beat her affliction. She received a Master's Degree in Therapy and Handicapped Services and became national spokeswoman for the handicap-awareness campaign. Though her detractors always had something to say, Saudra prevailed and rose above her handicap.
This is a true story. It gives me hope and courage that I too, can rise above anything that comes my way. The Lord is my source of peace, strength, and comfort. He is faithful!
Psalm 129: 2 "Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth: yet they have not prevailed against me.
Saundra was handicapped. Her hands were twisted beyond usefulness and she had lived with them since birth. They caused her not only physical pain, but emotional anguish as well. Throughout her childhood, cruel children had mocked her. The damage done to her self esteem was immense, and for a long period she believed that she could never do anything. In college she met a friend that led her to Christ. In Christ she found a new desire to succeed and beat her affliction. She received a Master's Degree in Therapy and Handicapped Services and became national spokeswoman for the handicap-awareness campaign. Though her detractors always had something to say, Saudra prevailed and rose above her handicap.
This is a true story. It gives me hope and courage that I too, can rise above anything that comes my way. The Lord is my source of peace, strength, and comfort. He is faithful!
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